Washington Authorization to Purchase Corporation's Outstanding Common Stock In Washington, the Authorization to Purchase Corporation's Outstanding Common Stock is a legal process that enables a corporation to buy back its own shares from existing shareholders. This act is typically carried out to reduce the number of outstanding shares, increase the company's ownership stake, or signal confidence in the company's future prospects. This detailed description will explain the various types of authorizations related to purchasing a corporation's outstanding common stock in the state of Washington. 1. Share Repurchase Plan: This type of authorization involves the corporation implementing a structured plan to buy back its shares over a specified period. The plan may be open-market purchases or privately negotiated transactions with existing shareholders. It provides flexibility in executing the repurchase and allows the corporation to determine the timing and quantity of shares to be bought back. 2. Tender Offer: In a tender offer, the corporation makes a public invitation to its shareholders to submit their shares for purchase at a specified price within a certain timeframe. This type of authorization is used when the corporation wants to buy many shares from multiple shareholders. 3. Dutch Auction: A Dutch Auction is a variation of the tender offer where the corporation allows shareholders to indicate the number of shares they would like to sell and the price at which they are willing to sell. The corporation collects all the submitted responses and determines the lowest price at which it can buy the desired number of shares. All shareholders who submitted bids at or below this price receive the same per-share price. 4. Rule 10b-18 Safe Harbor: This is a specific provision created by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that allows corporations to repurchase their shares without accidentally manipulating the market price. By complying with the guidelines outlined in Rule 10b-18, the corporation can enjoy certain legal protections while carrying out the share buyback. 5. Open-Market Purchases: Under this type of authorization, the corporation buys its outstanding common stock through broker-dealers in the open market. This method provides the corporation with flexibility as purchases can occur at different times and prices. However, it does not guarantee the desired quantity of shares will be acquired or the stock's market price. To obtain the Authorization to Purchase Corporation's Outstanding Common Stock in Washington, a corporation must comply with the state's laws and regulations. These may include providing notifications to shareholders, filing appropriate documents with the Secretary of State, and following disclosure requirements to ensure transparency. It is advisable for corporations in Washington to consult with legal advisors or experts experienced in securities regulations to properly execute the authorization process. This helps the corporation navigate the legal complexities involved and ensures compliance with both state and federal laws governing stock buybacks. In summary, the Washington Authorization to Purchase Corporation's Outstanding Common Stock encompasses various types of authorizations such as share repurchase plans, tender offers, Dutch auctions, and open-market purchases. These authorizations enable corporations to strategically repurchase their outstanding common stock while adhering to legal guidelines and regulations.