What is the primary purpose of a prospectus?

The primary purpose of a prospectus is to provide details of the company and its securities offering. A prospectus serves as a formal legal document that companies use to outline essential information about their business, the specific securities being offered, the purpose of the offering, potential risks involved, and the financial status of the company. This comprehensive disclosure is designed to inform potential investors, helping them make informed decisions before investing.

Prospectuses are particularly important in the context of initial public offerings (IPOs) and other securities offerings, as they ensure transparency and help uphold investor protection regulations. By detailing both the potential rewards and risks associated with the investment, the prospectus plays a crucial role in the capital markets, fostering trust and honesty between issuers and investors.