Archives

Energy or Royalty Trust

Investment vehicles that may engage in the development, acquisition, and/or production of oil and gas reserves. The trust receives royalty income from producing properties (essentially, net cash flow) and then sells interests in the trust (called trust units) to investors. Conventional oil and gas royalty trusts are actively managed portfolios holding assets of mature producing properties. Substantially all of the cash flow generated by the oil and gas assets, net of certain deductions, such as administrative expenses and management fees, is passed on to the unit holders as royalty income. Capital expenses may also be deducted, but are usually subject to restrictions on the amount. The distributions are highly dependent upon the cash flow generated by the trust. In general, the largest variable in determining the level of cash flow is the price of crude oil and natural gas. Royalty trusts provide an alternative (from owning the shares of individual companies) for investors to participate in the oil and gas sector.

Equities

Common and preferred stocks, which represent a share in the ownership of a company.

Equity Financing

The dollar value of securities issued in accordance with a TSX or TSX Venture Exchange approved transaction. The value equals the number of securities multiplied by the offering price. The various forms of financial instruments may have an effect on determining the price or the number of securities.

Equity Option

An option contract that grants the holder the right to buy or sell a specific number of shares of stock at a specified price during a specific period of time.

Discount

The difference between a bond’s face value and its current market price. 

Discount Broker

A stockbroker charging lower commissions than full-service brokers. Discount brokers do not give investment advice.

Dividend

The portion of the issuer’s equity paid directly to shareholders. It is generally paid on common or preferred shares. The issuer or its representative provides the amount, frequency (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually), payable date, and record date. The exchange that the issue is listed on sets the ex-dividend/distribution (ex-d) date for entitlement. An issuer is under no legal obligation to pay either preferred or common dividends.