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Introduction to Bonus Shares

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Bonus shares are additional shares that a company offers to its existing shareholders free of cost, based on the number of shares they already hold. These shares are issued by companies from their accumulated profits or reserves and are a popular way to reward investors without paying cash dividends. A bonus issue of shares increases the total number of shares in the market, which can enhance the liquidity of the stock.

The issuance of bonus shares is usually seen as a sign of the company’s strong financial health. It reflects the management’s confidence in the company’s future growth. However, it does not change the company’s total equity value, as the bonus shares are offered in proportion to the existing holdings of the shareholders.

Investors benefit from bonus shares as they receive additional shares without having to invest more money. For instance, if a company declares a 1:1 bonus issue, shareholders will get one additional share for each share they own. This helps investors hold a greater number of shares, potentially boosting their returns if the stock price increases.

What Are Bonus Shares?

Bonus shares are issued by companies to reward their shareholders by distributing additional shares instead of paying dividends. Here are key points about what are bonus shares:

  • Issued free of cost to existing shareholders.
  • Issued from a company's reserves or retained earnings.
  • The ratio of bonus shares varies, such as 1:1 or 2:1.
  • Bonus shares increase the number of outstanding shares without diluting shareholder value.

Read Also: What are Shares?

Types of Bonus Shares?

Types of Bonus Shares

There are two main types of bonus shares that companies issue:

  • Fully Paid Bonus Shares: These are shares issued to shareholders fully paid by the company without requiring additional payments.
  • Partly Paid Bonus Shares: In this case, the company issues shares with the condition that shareholders need to pay a portion of the share value in the future.

The types of bonus shares are determined by the company’s financial position and how it chooses to distribute its accumulated profits among shareholders.

How Bonus Shares Work? 

Here’s how bonus shares work:

  • The company announces the bonus share ratio (e.g., 1:2).
  • Shareholders receive additional shares in proportion to their current holdings.
  • The stock price is adjusted post-bonus issue to reflect the increased number of shares.

Benefits of Bonus Shares

Benefit

Description

Increase in Shareholding

Shareholders receive more shares, enhancing their portfolio without investing more capital.

Boost in Liquidity

With more shares in the market, liquidity increases, making it easier to trade shares.

Investor Confidence

The bonus issue indicates the company's positive financial health, increasing investor confidence.

No Cash Outflow

Companies reward shareholders without affecting their cash reserves, keeping the company's finances stable.

How to Invest in Bonus Shares?

Investing in bonus shares is straightforward. When a company announces a bonus issue, shareholders who hold the stock on the record date are automatically eligible to receive the bonus shares. There is no need for any additional action from the investor’s side. The process is seamless, and the bonus shares are credited directly to the investor’s Demat account.

Investors should also monitor the ex-bonus date and the record date carefully to ensure eligibility. If you wish to invest in a company that frequently issues bonus shares, it’s advisable to research the company’s past bonus issue history and its financial health before making an investment decision. 

Tax Implications of Bonus Shares

Although bonus shares are issued free of cost, they are subject to capital gains tax upon sale. The cost of acquisition for bonus shares is considered zero, so when you sell the shares, the capital gain is calculated on the entire sale amount.

For tax purposes, the holding period of bonus shares is calculated from the date of issue. If sold within one year, short-term capital gains tax applies, while shares held for more than a year qualify for long-term capital gains tax. 

Bonus Shares vs Stock Splits

Aspect

Bonus Shares

Stock Splits

Issuance

Issued as additional shares to existing shareholders.

Involves dividing existing shares into smaller units.

Impact on Share Price

Reduces price per share due to an increase in share count.

Reduces price per share but increases the number of shares.

Effect on Shareholder Value

No change in overall shareholder value.

No change in overall shareholder value.

Purpose

Reward shareholders and increase liquidity.

Make shares more affordable to small investors.

Conclusion

Bonus shares offer a great way for companies to reward shareholders while boosting stock liquidity. While they do not impact a company’s overall value, they enhance investor confidence and provide long-term benefits. Investors should understand the tax implications and evaluate the company’s financial health before investing.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to calculate bonus shares received by a shareholder?

Answer Field

To calculate bonus shares, multiply the number of existing shares by the bonus ratio. For instance, in a 1:1 bonus issue, a shareholder with 100 shares will receive 100 additional shares.

What are the different types of bonus shares issued by companies?

Answer Field

The two main types of bonus shares are fully paid and partly paid. Fully paid shares are issued without further payment, while partly paid shares require additional payments.

Why do companies issue bonus shares instead of dividends?

Answer Field

Companies issue bonus shares to reward shareholders without affecting cash reserves. It also boosts investor confidence and stock liquidity.

How does a bonus issue of shares impact a companys stock price?

Answer Field

A bonus issue of shares typically reduces the stock price in proportion to the number of additional shares issued, while the overall value remains unchanged.

What are bonus shares, and how do they differ from stock splits?

Answer Field

Bonus shares are additional shares given to shareholders, while stock splits divide existing shares into smaller units, reducing the share price.

Can investors sell bonus shares immediately after the bonus issue?

Answer Field

Yes, investors can sell bonus shares after they are credited to their Demat account, usually a few days after the record date.

Are there any risks associated with receiving bonus shares?

Answer Field

While bonus shares increase the number of shares held, they do not guarantee future gains. The market price of shares may drop post-issue, affecting overall returns.

What happens to shareholding percentages after a bonus issue of shares?

Answer Field

Shareholding percentages remain the same after a bonus issue of shares, as the number of shares increases proportionally for all shareholders.

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