Giving bonus shares can have a significant impact on a company's stock price. This is because bonus shares increase the total number of outstanding shares, which can lead to a decrease in the stock's value per share.
However, the effect on stock price is not always immediate or drastic. In fact, research has shown that the stock price of companies that issue bonus shares tends to remain relatively stable in the short term.
One key factor to consider is the ratio of bonus shares to existing shares. If the ratio is too high, it can lead to a significant dilution of the stock's value. On the other hand, if the ratio is too low, it may not have a significant impact on the stock price.
In the long term, the effect of bonus shares on stock price can be influenced by various factors, including the company's financial performance and industry trends.
Why Shares are Issued
Companies issue bonus shares to reward their shareholders, giving them extra shares without requiring any additional payment. This action increases the number of shares held by each shareholder.
Bonus shares are issued out of the company's reserves, and the shareholders receive these free shares against the shares they currently hold. The allotments typically come in a fixed ratio, such as 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1.
The number of outstanding shares increases when bonus shares are issued, but the share price is slashed. For example, if a company issues a 2:1 bonus ratio, the existing shareholders get two additional shares for every share they hold at no additional cost.
Companies issue bonus shares to encourage retail participation, especially when the company's price per share is very high. This is because a high share price can make it difficult for new investors to buy shares.
To illustrate this, let's consider the following example:
As you can see, in a bonus issue, only the number of shares increases, and the investment value remains the same before and after the bonus issue.
Impact on Stock Price
Bonus shares don't directly impact the stock price, but the share price usually adjusts downward in line with new shares being issued.
The company's market capitalization stays the same, as the share price decrease is proportional to the new shares issued.
The decrease in share price makes the shares more affordable, which can boost market liquidity.
This is a key difference between bonus shares and stock splits, which also aim to boost market liquidity but give neutral signals to the market.
Bonus shares, on the other hand, signal profitability and reinforce investor loyalty, which is generally seen positively by the market.
Shares Distribution Mechanisms
Bonus shares are given to shareholders without needing more money from them, it's a corporate benefit that increases the number of shares held. This is often linked with a company's wish to rearrange its capital reserves without disturbing liquidity.
To issue bonus shares, a company needs to check if it has enough money saved up as profits or share premium in its financial reserves. This money is then transferred into share capital.
The board of directors suggests the issuance and chooses the ratio of bonus shares to be given, and then it's presented for approval by shareholders at a general meeting. Shareholders get new shares as per their ownership records on a particular date.
The bonus issue gets registered with governing bodies and there's no effect on cash movement from this bookkeeping alteration. This process is to ensure shares are divided fairly and shows the company's dedication to treating shareholders equally.
This distribution method aids in keeping market trust by improving the ease with which shares can be turned into cash, without depleting the firm's monetary resources.
Corporate Actions
Corporate actions are financial initiatives undertaken by a company that results in a change to its stock price. These actions are initiated by the board of directors and approved by the company's shareholders.
A good understanding of corporate actions gives a clear picture of a company's financial health, which can help determine whether to buy or sell a particular stock. This is because corporate actions can have a significant impact on a company's stock price.
Corporate actions can include initiatives such as bonus shares, stock splits, mergers, and acquisitions. These actions can be complex and have varying effects on a company's financial health and stock price.
A company's board of directors has the authority to initiate corporate actions, which are then approved by the company's shareholders. This process ensures that corporate actions are carried out with the best interests of the company and its shareholders in mind.
Key Considerations
Bonus shares can be a great way for companies to reward their shareholders, but it's essential to understand how they affect the stock price. A bonus issue is a stock dividend allotted by the company to reward the shareholders, where stocks are paid out instead of cash.
The number of outstanding shares increases by issuing bonus shares, but the share price is slashed. This is because the same amount of money is now spread over more shares, making each share worth less.
Companies issue bonus shares to encourage retail participation, especially when the company's price per share is very high. A retail investor may struggle to buy a share if the price is bloated, so a bonus issue can help make the stock more accessible.
The bonus announcement date, ex-bonus date, and record date are similar to the dividend issue. The bonus shares are issued out of the reserves of the company, and the shareholders receive these free shares against shares they currently hold.
The bonus issue ratio, for example 1:2, is suggested by the board of directors. This means that each shareholder gets one extra share for every two shares they already have in possession.
Here are some key points to consider when bonus shares are given:
- The number of outstanding shares increases, but the share price is slashed.
- Companies issue bonus shares to encourage retail participation.
- The bonus announcement date, ex-bonus date, and record date are similar to the dividend issue.
- The bonus issue ratio is suggested by the board of directors.
- The bonus shares are issued out of the reserves of the company.
The total holding after the bonus issue will become more shares, but an investment's overall value will remain the same. This is because the same amount of money is now spread over more shares, making each share worth less.
Sources
- https://thetradinganalyst.com/bonus-issue-of-shares/
- https://zerodha.com/varsity/chapter/five-corporate-actions-and-its-impact-on-stock-prices/
- https://managedpay.com/company-issuing-stock-as-part-of-a-bonus/
- https://www.oanda.com/bvi-en/cfds/share-cfds/corporate-actions/
- https://www.shareindia.com/knowledge-center/share-market/understanding-corporate-actions-and-its-impact-on-stock-prices
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