What do we call the initial issue of a security offered on a public exchange?

The correct term for the initial issuance of a security offered on a public exchange is "Initial public offering" (IPO). An IPO is the process through which a privately held company offers shares to the public for the first time, allowing it to raise capital from a wide range of investors. This event marks the transition of the company from a private to a public entity. By conducting an IPO, the company not only generates funds for its growth and operational needs but also expands its public presence and reputation.

Initial public offerings are critical financial events that provide the company with access to public equity markets, allowing it to attract investment from both institutional and individual investors. The securities become available for trading on a stock exchange following the IPO, thus creating liquidity for these shares.

Other terms like secondary offering, private placement, and debt issuance refer to different financial activities. A secondary offering occurs when a company issues additional shares after the initial public offering. Private placement involves the sale of securities to a select group of investors rather than to the public at large. Debt issuance refers to the process of raising funds through the sale of bonds or other debt instruments, not equity.