MEANING OF AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITAL:
Authorized Share Capital, also known as Nominal Capital, refers to the maximum amount of share capital that a company is permitted to issue to its shareholders as per its Memorandum of Association (MOA).
It represents the upper limit within which a company can raise funds through the issue of shares.
If a company wishes to issue shares beyond the limit of its existing authorized capital, it must first increase its authorized share capital by following the procedure prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014.
NEED FOR INCREASING AUTHORIZED OR PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL
Companies usually opt to increase their share capital in the following cases:
- To raise additional funds for expansion or new projects.
- To issue shares to new investors or promoters.
- To meet eligibility criteria for government tenders, loans, or contracts.
- To regularize existing share allotments that exceed the current authorized limit.
MEANING OF PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL
Paid-Up Share Capital refers to the portion of the authorized share capital that has actually been issued to shareholders and for which payment has been received.
It represents the actual amount invested by the shareholders into the company.
In simple terms:
- Authorized Capital = Maximum limit a company can issue shares up to.
- Paid-Up Capital = Actual amount received from shareholders for shares issued.
A company may increase its paid-up capital by issuing new shares, rights issue, bonus issue, or private placement but only within the limit of its authorized capital.
