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Treasury shares

Also called: treasury stock

In one line

Shares the company has issued and later bought back, held by the company itself rather than investors.

In plain English

When a company repurchases its own shares — say in a buyback or from a departing employee — they become treasury shares: issued but not outstanding, carrying no votes.

If you were explaining it to a 5-year-old

Toys the club made, gave out, then bought back. They sit in the club's own cupboard, not with any kid.

Why it matters when you sell

Buybacks that create treasury shares can slightly reduce the outstanding count, nudging up everyone else's percentage.

Related terms

Outstanding sharesIssued sharesRepurchase rightTender offer

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Sources

A general market-practice term. See how we define and source the glossary in our methodology. General information, not advice.

Educational information only — not financial, tax or legal advice, and not an offer to buy or sell any security. Definitions are general; your own documents and local law govern your situation. PrivateTechShares is independent and not a broker or marketplace.