Glossary
Uncalled capital
Total amount of capital that as yet has not been called up on the shares which are currently issued.
Unclaimed money
Unclaimed money arises because organisations are unable to locate the owner of funds such as dividends, sale of shares, superannuation, insurance policies, wages, rent, bonds, proceeds from home sales, bank accounts etc.
Uncommercial transaction
A transaction that was unreasonable for a company to have entered into. It may be set aside by the company's liquidator provided it occurred within two years prior to the winding up, and when the company was insolvent or if the company became insolvent by entering into the transaction
Underinsurance
When there is not enough insurance to cover the value of the insured property.
Underlying instrument underlying security
Asset that the holder of a derivative has the right to buy or sell, or against which a cash payment is made on exercise of an option or warrant. The underlying instrument may be a security (such as shares in a company), a share price index, a commodity or a currency.
Underwriting underwriter
Party that agrees, for a fee, to purchase any unsold shares in an issue of shares.
Unfair preference
A payment made or other benefit given to a creditor by an insolvent company that causes the creditor to be in a more favourable position than other unsecured creditors in a liquidation. The company's liquidator can seek to recover an unfair preference provided it occurred within six months prior to the liquidation, and when the company was insolvent or if the company became insolvent by making the payment or giving the benefit
Unhedged
An investment fund where no steps have been taken to limit the effect of currency fluctuations on overseas investment returns.
Unit nav
Unit NAV = fund net asset value/number of units on issue in the fund.
Unit price
The value of a company or investment expressed as a single unit. A unit is similar to a company share.
Unit trust
A legal structure that holds assets for the benefit of unit holders. A trustee administers the trust, makes decisions about trust assets and is responsible for distributing income and capital according to the number of units each investor holds. Any profits made by the trust must be distributed to unit holders at the end of the financial year.
Unlisted company
A company that is not listed. Securities issued by unlisted companies generally cannot be traded on ASX.
Unlisted mortgage scheme
A mortgage scheme that is not listed on a public market, such as the Australian Securities Exchange.
Unlisted property trust
A property trust that is not listed on a public market, such as the Australian Securities Exchange.
Unsecured creditor
Someone owed money and who does not hold a security interest over a company's property
Unsecured loan
A loan for which no asset has been used as security. The interest rate is usually higher than for a secured loan as there is a higher risk to the lender of not getting their money back.
Unsecured note
A type of fixed interest investment issued by a company whereby it promises to pay regular interest payments and return the capital at the end of the investment term. There is no security offered for the investment. Find out more about unsecured notes.
Unsecured notes
Loan made to a company for a fixed period of time at a fixed rate of interest. They are issued mainly, but not only, by finance companies for between three months and three years. They offer a higher rate of interest than a debenture of the same maturity, but do not have the same security as a debenture.
Unsolicited calls
An unexpected call or visit by an unknown person, trying to sell something.
USM
ATO term - Unclaimed super money - An accumulated super benefit transferred to the ATO from an inactive account, which is immediately payable. Can also apply to accounts for a former temporary resident and a small or insoluble lost member.