What is a "preliminary prospectus" often referred to as?

A "preliminary prospectus" is commonly referred to as a red herring. This term describes a document that is issued by a company planning to go public, providing potential investors with essential information about the investment opportunity. The preliminary prospectus is considered "red herring" because it often includes details about the company, such as its business model, financial projections, and risk factors, but does not contain the final offering price or the number of shares available for sale.

The purpose of the red herring is to gauge investor interest and to inform them about the impending offering, even though it has not yet received regulatory approval for the final prospectus. The document will include a disclaimer indicating that the offering has not yet been approved by the relevant authorities, which is vital for investor awareness. This name originates from the colored paper used for these prospectuses, intended to signify that the information contained is preliminary and subject to change.

Understanding this concept is crucial for recognizing how companies communicate with potential investors during the initial stages of an offering and the regulatory processes involved in securities.