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The Global Insight

Can you own stock for the company you work for?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on March 13, 2026

Understanding Insider Trading Insiders are legally permitted to buy and sell shares of the firm and any subsidiaries that employ them. Legal insider trading happens often, such as when a CEO buys back shares of their company, or when other employees purchase stock in the company in which they work.

What happens when a company introduces new shares?

When companies issue additional shares, it increases the number of common stock being traded in the stock market. For existing investors, too many shares being issued can lead to share dilution. Share dilution occurs because the additional shares reduce the value of the existing shares for investors.

How do shares work in a startup?

A company’s stock can be divided into a potentially limitless number of shares, each worth exactly the same value. In a priced equity round, shares in the startup have a fixed price, and investors can purchase equity in the company by buying shares at the price during that round.

Can a company increase the number of shares?

The number of authorized shares per company is assessed at the company’s creation and can only be increased or decreased through a vote by the shareholders.

How many shares should my company start with?

Many experts suggest starting with 10,000, but companies can authorize as little as one share. While 10,000 may seem conservative, owners can file for more authorized stocks at a later time. Typically, business owners should choose a number that includes the stocks being issued and some for reservation.

What happens to the shares of a company that has been the?

Dividends are typically cash payments made to shareholders by the company. Special dividends are one-time payouts to shareholders. Dividend hikes are bullish catalysts, making the stock more attractive, especially in low-rate environments. Share buybacks create a steady bid for the stocks and reduce the supply of stock.

How to value the shares that I own in a private company?

If you are able to find a company or group of companies of relatively the same size and similar business operations, then you can take the valuation multiples such as the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and apply it to the private company. For example, say your private company makes widgets and a similar-sized public company also makes widgets.

How to find out how many shares you have in company?

So, when you’re told the number of shares or options you’re being offered, also ask about the total shares outstanding. The number of shares or options you own divided by the total shares outstanding is the percent of the company you own.

How does an employee stock ownership plan ( ESOP ) work?

Uses for ESOPs. The company then makes tax-deductible contributions to the ESOP to repay the loan, meaning both principal and interest are deductible. To create an additional employee benefit: A company can simply issue new or treasury shares to an ESOP, deducting their value (for up to 25% of covered pay) from taxable income.