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Market capitalization Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Market Capitalization: Concepts, Categories, and Trends

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Market Capitalization: Concepts, Categories, and Trends Study Guide

Market Capitalization Fundamentals

Market capitalization is a metric that exclusively represents the total value of a company's outstanding debt.

Answer: False

Explanation: Market capitalization exclusively measures the equity component of a company's capital structure. It does not account for or reflect the amount of debt or leverage a company uses to finance its operations, providing only a partial view of its overall financial standing.

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The calculation of market capitalization involves multiplying the market price per common share by the total number of common shares outstanding.

Answer: True

Explanation: Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the market price per common share by the total number of common shares that are outstanding. This provides a monetary value for the company's equity in the public market.

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In the market capitalization formula MC = N * P, the variable 'P' signifies the company's total profit for the fiscal year.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the market capitalization formula MC = N * P, 'P' represents the market price per common share, not the company's total profit.

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Market capitalization serves as a primary indicator for ranking the size and market value of companies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Market capitalization is primarily used to rank the size of companies. It helps investors categorize companies, compare their relative market values, and understand their position within the broader stock market.

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Market capitalization provides a complete view of a company's financial structure, including its leverage and debt.

Answer: False

Explanation: Market capitalization exclusively measures the equity component of a company's capital structure. It does not account for or reflect the amount of debt or leverage a company uses to finance its operations, providing only a partial view of its overall financial standing.

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Market capitalization takes into account a company's use of debt or leverage in its financing structure.

Answer: False

Explanation: Market capitalization only reflects the equity component of a company's capital structure and does not include or account for the amount of debt or leverage used to finance the firm.

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If a company has 4 million shares outstanding and its share price increases from $20 to $21, its market capitalization decreases.

Answer: False

Explanation: If a company has 4 million shares outstanding and the price per share increases from $20 to $21, its market capitalization would increase from $80 million (4 million shares * $20) to $84 million (4 million shares * $21).

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Market capitalization is determined by the current market price of outstanding shares, distinct from mercantile pricing which may include transaction costs.

Answer: True

Explanation: Market capitalization is determined by the current market price of outstanding shares, whereas mercantile pricing might involve different purchase, average, or sale prices that can be influenced by transaction costs, making it distinct from the straightforward calculation of market cap.

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What does market capitalization represent for a publicly traded company?

Answer: The total value of its outstanding common shares held by stockholders.

Explanation: Market capitalization, often shortened to market cap, is the total value of a publicly traded company's outstanding common shares held by stockholders. It serves as a primary indicator of a company's size and market value, helping investors gauge its significance in the stock market.

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How is market capitalization calculated according to its fundamental formula?

Answer: By multiplying the market price per common share by the total number of common shares outstanding.

Explanation: Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the market price per common share by the total number of common shares that are outstanding. This provides a monetary value for the company's equity in the public market.

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In the market capitalization formula MC = N * P, what does the variable 'N' signify?

Answer: Number of common shares outstanding

Explanation: In the market capitalization formula MC = N * P, 'N' signifies the number of common shares outstanding.

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What is the primary use of market capitalization in the financial world?

Answer: To rank the size of companies and compare their relative market values.

Explanation: Market capitalization is primarily used to rank the size of companies. It helps investors categorize companies, compare their relative market values, and understand their position within the broader stock market.

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Which crucial aspect of a company's financial structure is *not* reflected by its market capitalization?

Answer: The amount of debt or leverage used to finance operations.

Explanation: Market capitalization exclusively measures the equity component of a company's capital structure. It does not account for or reflect the amount of debt or leverage a company uses to finance its operations, providing only a partial view of its overall financial standing.

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If a company has 4 million common shares outstanding and its stock price increases from $20 per share to $21 per share, how does its market capitalization change?

Answer: It increases from $80 million to $84 million.

Explanation: If a company has 4 million shares outstanding and the price per share increases from $20 to $21, its market capitalization would increase from $80 million (4 million shares * $20) to $84 million (4 million shares * $21).

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Market Capitalization Categories and Benchmarks

Traditionally, companies were categorized into four main groups based on market capitalization: mega-cap, large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditionally, companies were categorized into three main groups: large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap. Mega-cap, micro-cap, and nano-cap are more recent or less traditional classifications.

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Large-cap companies, due to their established nature, generally exhibit slower growth rates compared to small-cap companies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Large-cap companies, due to their established nature and size, generally exhibit slower growth rates compared to small-cap companies, which often have greater potential for rapid expansion.

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There is a universally standardized definition and consensus on the exact cutoff values for market capitalization categories like large-cap.

Answer: False

Explanation: No, there is no official definition or full consensus agreement on the exact cutoff values for market capitalization categories. Different indexes and financial institutions may use varying definitions, and these cutoffs can be based on percentiles rather than fixed nominal dollar amounts.

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Inflation is a factor that influences the need to adjust nominal dollar definitions of market capitalization categories over time.

Answer: True

Explanation: The definitions of market capitalization categories, especially when expressed in nominal dollars, need to be adjusted over time due to factors such as inflation, which erodes purchasing power. This ensures that the categories remain relevant in real economic terms.

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According to FINRA's typical categorization as of 2022, a mega-cap stock has a market capitalization of $100 billion or more.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to FINRA's typical categorization as of 2022, a mega-cap stock is defined as having a market capitalization of $200 billion or more.

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As typically categorized by FINRA in 2022, a small-cap stock falls within a market capitalization range of $0.25 billion to $2 billion.

Answer: True

Explanation: As typically categorized by FINRA in 2022, a small-cap stock falls within a market capitalization range of $0.25 billion to $2 billion.

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According to FINRA's typical categorization in 2022, a micro-cap stock is defined as having a market capitalization of $0.25 billion or more.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to FINRA's typical categorization in 2022, a micro-cap stock is defined as having a market capitalization of less than $0.25 billion.

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) noted around 2013 that nano-cap stocks typically have a market capitalization less than $50 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) noted around 2013 that nano-cap stocks are typically defined as those with a market capitalization less than $50 million.

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FINRA's typical market capitalization categories in 2022 include Mega-cap (>= $200B), Large-cap ($10B-$200B), Mid-cap ($2B-$10B), Small-cap ($0.25B-$2B), and Micro-cap (< $0.25B).

Answer: True

Explanation: As of 2022, FINRA's typical market capitalization categories in billions of US dollars are: Mega-cap (>= $200), Large-cap ($10 - $200), Mid-cap ($2 - $10), Small-cap ($0.25 - $2), and Micro-cap (< $0.25).

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Which of the following is NOT a traditional category used to classify companies based on their market capitalization?

Answer: Micro-cap

Explanation: Traditionally, companies were categorized into three main groups: large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap. Micro-cap is a more recent or less traditional classification.

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According to FINRA's typical categorization in 2022, what is the market capitalization threshold for a company to be considered mega-cap?

Answer: $200 billion or more

Explanation: According to FINRA's typical categorization as of 2022, a mega-cap stock is defined as having a market capitalization of $200 billion or more.

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What is the market capitalization range for a small-cap stock, as typically categorized by FINRA in 2022?

Answer: $0.25 billion to $2 billion

Explanation: As typically categorized by FINRA in 2022, a small-cap stock falls within a market capitalization range of $0.25 billion to $2 billion.

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As noted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) around 2013, what typically defines a nano-cap stock?

Answer: Market capitalization less than $50 million.

Explanation: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) noted around 2013 that nano-cap stocks are typically defined as those with a market capitalization less than $50 million.

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What is the general growth rate comparison between large-cap and small-cap companies?

Answer: Small-caps generally have higher growth potential due to their smaller size.

Explanation: Large-cap companies, due to their established nature and size, generally exhibit slower growth rates compared to small-cap companies, which often have greater potential for rapid expansion.

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Are the definitions and cutoff values for market capitalization categories like large-cap universally standardized and agreed upon?

Answer: No, different indexes and financial institutions may use varying definitions.

Explanation: No, there is no official definition or full consensus agreement on the exact cutoff values for market capitalization categories. Different indexes and financial institutions may use varying definitions, and these cutoffs can be based on percentiles rather than fixed nominal dollar amounts.

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How does inflation influence the nominal dollar definitions of market capitalization categories over time?

Answer: It erodes purchasing power, necessitating adjustments to maintain consistent category sizes.

Explanation: The definitions of market capitalization categories, especially when expressed in nominal dollars, need to be adjusted over time due to factors such as inflation, which erodes purchasing power. This ensures that the categories remain relevant in real economic terms.

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Which of the following statements about market capitalization categories is accurate?

Answer: The S&P 600 index requires market cap between $1 billion and $7.4 billion.

Explanation: To be eligible for inclusion in the S&P 600 index, a company's stock must have a market capitalization ranging from US$1 billion to US$7.4 billion, according to the criteria as of 2025. FINRA's small-cap definition is $0.25B-$2B, SEC's nano-cap is <$50M, and FINRA's mega-cap is >=$200B.

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Advanced Valuation Metrics

Enterprise Value (EV) is considered a less comprehensive measure of a firm's total value compared to market capitalization.

Answer: False

Explanation: Enterprise Value (EV) is generally considered a more comprehensive measure of a firm's total value than market capitalization because it includes debt, preferred stock, and other factors, providing a fuller picture of a company's worth.

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The 'float' of a company's shares includes all shares that are restricted from trading, such as those held by insiders.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'float' refers to the number of shares that are actually trading on the open market. It excludes shares that are restricted from trading, such as those held by insiders or subject to lock-up periods.

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Free-float market capitalization calculation uses only the floating number of shares, generally resulting in a smaller market capitalization figure.

Answer: True

Explanation: Free-float market capitalization uses only the floating number of shares in its calculation, excluding shares that are restricted from trading. This generally results in a smaller market capitalization figure compared to the standard calculation that uses all outstanding shares.

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Embedded value (EV) is a valuation measure specifically used for insurance firms.

Answer: True

Explanation: Embedded value (EV) is a valuation measure used specifically for insurance firms. It represents a value that takes into account factors beyond just the equity and debt, relevant to the unique business model of insurance companies.

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How does Enterprise Value (EV) offer a more comprehensive measure of a firm's size compared to market capitalization?

Answer: EV accounts for outstanding debt, preferred stock, and other factors, providing a fuller picture of a company's worth.

Explanation: Enterprise value (EV) is a more comprehensive measure of a firm's total value than market capitalization. It accounts for outstanding debt, preferred stock, and other factors, providing a fuller picture of a company's worth, especially when considering potential acquisitions or buyouts.

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What does the 'float' refer to in the context of a company's shares?

Answer: The number of shares that are actually trading on the open market.

Explanation: The 'float' refers to the number of shares that are actually trading on the open market, which is equal to or less than the total number of common shares outstanding (N). This is because N includes shares that are restricted from trading, such as those held by insiders or subject to lock-up periods.

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How does the calculation of free-float market capitalization generally differ from standard market capitalization?

Answer: It uses only floating shares, typically resulting in a smaller market capitalization figure.

Explanation: Free-float market capitalization uses only the floating number of shares in its calculation, excluding shares that are restricted from trading. This generally results in a smaller market capitalization figure compared to the standard calculation that uses all outstanding shares.

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What is Enterprise Value (EV) a more comprehensive measure of compared to market capitalization?

Answer: A firm's total value, including debt and preferred stock.

Explanation: Enterprise value (EV) is a more comprehensive measure of a firm's total value than market capitalization. It accounts for outstanding debt, preferred stock, and other factors, providing a fuller picture of a company's worth.

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Embedded value (EV) is a valuation measure typically used for which specific type of firms?

Answer: Insurance firms

Explanation: Embedded value (EV) is a valuation measure used specifically for insurance firms. It represents a value that takes into account factors beyond just the equity and debt, relevant to the unique business model of insurance companies.

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What does the term 'float' exclude when calculating free-float market capitalization?

Answer: Shares that are restricted from trading.

Explanation: The 'float' refers to the number of shares that are actually trading on the open market. It excludes shares that are restricted from trading, such as those held by insiders or subject to lock-up periods.

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Market Capitalization in Indices and Exchanges

Market capitalization is used to compare the overall economic scale of different stock exchanges by summing the market caps of listed companies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Market capitalization is used to rank stock exchanges by summing the market capitalizations of all the companies listed on each exchange. This provides a standardized metric for comparing the overall economic scale of global stock markets.

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For inclusion in the S&P 500 index, a stock's market capitalization must be at least US$7.4 billion, according to 2025 guidelines.

Answer: False

Explanation: For inclusion in the S&P 500 index, a stock's market capitalization must be at least US$20.5 billion, according to the market cap requirements for addition as of 2025.

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The market capitalization range for potential inclusion in the S&P 400 index is between US$7.4 billion and US$20.5 billion, based on 2025 guidelines.

Answer: True

Explanation: Stocks qualifying for potential inclusion in the S&P 400 index must have a market capitalization between US$7.4 billion and US$20.5 billion, based on the guidelines as of 2025.

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To be eligible for the S&P 600 index, a company's stock must have a market capitalization between US$1 billion and US$7.4 billion, according to 2025 criteria.

Answer: True

Explanation: To be eligible for inclusion in the S&P 600 index, a company's stock must have a market capitalization ranging from US$1 billion to US$7.4 billion, according to the criteria as of 2025.

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Once a company is a constituent of an S&P index, its shares are automatically removed if they no longer meet the addition criteria.

Answer: False

Explanation: S&P index constituents are not automatically removed if they fall below the addition criteria. They are only removed if ongoing conditions warrant an index change, meaning the criteria are primarily for initial addition, not necessarily for continued membership.

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The market capitalization eligibility criteria for S&P indices are primarily for initial addition and do not mandate automatic removal if criteria are no longer met.

Answer: True

Explanation: The market capitalization eligibility criteria for S&P indices are primarily for the initial addition of a stock to an index. Continued membership is not automatically revoked if a constituent falls below these criteria, unless ongoing conditions necessitate an index change.

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What is the minimum market capitalization required for a stock to be considered for inclusion in the S&P 500 index, according to 2025 guidelines?

Answer: US$20.5 billion

Explanation: For inclusion in the S&P 500 index, a stock's market capitalization must be at least US$20.5 billion, according to the market cap requirements for addition as of 2025.

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Which S&P index has a required market capitalization range from US$1 billion to US$7.4 billion, based on 2025 criteria?

Answer: S&P 600

Explanation: To be eligible for inclusion in the S&P 600 index, a company's stock must have a market capitalization ranging from US$1 billion to US$7.4 billion, according to the criteria as of 2025.

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If a company's stock no longer meets the addition criteria for an S&P index, is it automatically removed?

Answer: No, removal depends on ongoing conditions warranting an index change.

Explanation: S&P index constituents are not automatically removed if they fall below the addition criteria. They are only removed if ongoing conditions warrant an index change, meaning the criteria are primarily for initial addition, not necessarily for continued membership.

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The New York Stock Exchange was identified as the world's largest stock exchange based on what metric as of 2010?

Answer: Total market capitalization of its listed companies

Explanation: The New York Stock Exchange was identified as the world's largest stock exchange based on the total market capitalization of its listed companies as of 2010.

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