What is the purpose of a prospectus?

A prospectus serves as a formal document issued by companies that are planning to offer securities for sale. Its primary purpose is to encourage potential investors to subscribe to the issue by providing essential information about the investment opportunity. This includes details about the company, the specifics of the securities being offered, risks associated with the investment, and how the funds raised will be used, enabling investors to make informed decisions.

By detailing the intentions of the company and the potential benefits of the investment, the prospectus plays a crucial role in attracting subscribers and creating transparency in the investment process. This contrasts with the other choices; for instance, informing shareholders about dividend payments pertains to ongoing shareholder relations, while outlining historical performance or providing marketing plans does not fulfill the primary objective of persuading and informing investors regarding the new securities offering.