Open Your Free Demat Account
Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades
Bonus shares are free additional shares given by a company to existing shareholders in a fixed ratio. They are issued from retained earnings instead of cash dividends. While the number of shares increases, the overall investment value remains the same. Bonus shares improve stock liquidity, attract investor interest, and reflect a company’s strong financial position.
Bonus shares are additional shares that a company gives to its existing shareholders without charging any extra cost. They are issued in a fixed ratio, such as one bonus share for every two shares held.
The company uses its retained earnings or reserves to issue these shares instead of paying cash dividends. When bonus shares are issued, the total number of shares increases. However, the overall value of the investor’s holding remains the same because the share price adjusts accordingly.
This means shareholders do not gain immediate profit, but they own more shares. Bonus shares help improve stock liquidity in the market. They also signal that the company has strong reserves and stable financial health, which may increase investor confidence over time.
Bonus shares are additional shares that a company gives to its existing shareholders at no extra cost. These shares are issued from the company’s accumulated profits or reserves instead of paying cash dividends.
They are offered in a fixed ratio, such as one bonus share for every two shares held. This means the number of shares owned by investors increases after the issue.
Although shareholders receive more shares, the total value of their investment remains the same. The share price adjusts in proportion to the bonus ratio after the issue.
Companies usually issue bonus shares to reward loyal investors and improve stock liquidity. It also shows that the company has strong reserves and stable financial health.
Suppose a company announces a 1:1 bonus issue. This means a shareholder receives one additional share for every one share already owned.
If an investor holds 100 shares, they will receive 100 extra shares. After the issue, the total holding becomes 200 shares, but the market price adjusts accordingly.
The overall investment value remains unchanged because the share price reduces in line with the increased number of shares.
Fully Paid Bonus Shares – These shares are issued to existing shareholders without requiring any additional payment. They are credited directly to the shareholder’s account based on the declared bonus ratio.
Partly Paid Bonus Shares Converted to Fully Paid – In some cases, companies convert partly paid shares into fully paid shares using accumulated reserves. Shareholders do not need to pay the remaining balance.
Bonus Issue from Free Reserves – Companies may issue bonus shares from their free reserves, which are accumulated profits available for distribution. This is the most common type of bonus issue.
Bonus Issue from Securities Premium Account – A company can also issue bonus shares from its securities premium account, subject to regulatory rules and approval from shareholders.
Only Shareholders as of Record Date - Bonus shares are to be distributed to existing shareholders of the company (on record date defined by the company). Shareholders (new) who do not own shares before the record date are not eligible for bonus shares.
Must Hold Fully-Paid Shares - To be entitled to bonus shares, existing shareholders must have fully paid for their shares. Shareholders with partially paid shares may not be eligible for a bonus share unless the shares are fully paid before the record date.
Record Date Define Shareholders - Company sets a record date in order to identify holders of the company’s stock that are entitled to bonus shares. Any holder of the company’s stock listed in company records as of the record date will qualify for receipt of bonus shares.
Must Comply With Company Policy - Prior to issuing any bonus shares to any shareholder, the company must maintain sufficient reserves and comply with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Board Approval – The company’s board of directors first approves the bonus issue proposal. They decide the bonus ratio and confirm the availability of reserves.
Shareholder Approval – In many cases, shareholders must approve the proposal during a general meeting before the company proceeds with the bonus issue.
Fixing the Record Date – The company announces a record date to determine which shareholders are eligible to receive the bonus shares.
Credit of Shares – After approval and processing, the bonus shares are credited to the eligible shareholders’ demat accounts without any payment requirement.
Understand the Bonus Ratio – Companies announce a bonus ratio such as 1:1 or 2:1. A 1:1 ratio means one bonus share for every one share held. The ratio helps calculate the number of extra shares.
Check Your Existing Holding – Count the number of shares you own before the record date. Multiply your existing shares by the bonus ratio to find the number of additional shares.
Add Bonus Shares to Total Holding – After calculation, add the bonus shares to your current holding. This gives your new total number of shares after the bonus issue.
Adjust Share Price – After the bonus issue, the market price adjusts in proportion to the increased number of shares. The overall value of your investment remains the same.
Hold Shares Before Record Date – To receive bonus shares, you must buy and hold company shares before the announced record date. Only eligible shareholders receive the bonus.
Maintain Shares in Demat Account – Ensure your shares are held in a demat account. Bonus shares are credited automatically without any payment once issued by the company.
Decide Long Term Strategy – After receiving bonus shares, you can hold them for long term growth. Many investors keep them to benefit from future price appreciation.
Consider Selling if Needed – You may also sell bonus shares based on your financial goals. Market conditions and personal investment plans should guide your decision.
For Companies:
Enhanced Market Perception: Issuing bonus shares often boosts the company's image in the market. It suggests that the company is doing well and has the financial strength to reward shareholders.
Increased Liquidity: Bonus share issues can lead to a rise in the number of outstanding shares, potentially increasing liquidity in the market. More shares available for trading can attract a broader range of investors.
Retained Earnings Utilisation: Companies often issue bonus shares from their retained earnings, indicating efficient utilisation of profits. It's a way to distribute profits among shareholders without affecting the company's cash position.
For Investors:
No Cash Outflow: Investors receive additional shares without any cash outflow. This can be advantageous for those who prefer accumulating more shares without spending additional money.
Enhanced Ownership Stake: Bonus shares increase the total number of shares held by investors, proportionally increasing their ownership stake in the company. It reflects positively on their influence in shareholder decisions.
Potential for Capital Gains: While bonus shares don't impact the overall value of the investment at the time of issuance, they can lead to capital gains when the investor decides to sell these additional shares in the future.
Dividend Income Potential: With more shares, investors stand to receive higher dividend payouts if the company distributes dividends. This can be an attractive feature for income-oriented investors.
No Tax at Allotment – Receiving bonus shares does not attract tax at the time of issue. Shareholders are not required to pay tax when shares are credited.
Capital Gains on Sale – Tax is applied only when bonus shares are sold. The profit earned from selling is treated as capital gains under tax rules.
Cost of Acquisition – For tax purposes, the cost of acquisition of bonus shares is considered zero. This affects the calculation of capital gains at the time of sale.
Holding Period Matters – The tax rate depends on the holding period. Short term and long term capital gains are taxed differently based on how long the shares are held.
Disclaimer :
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes. The securities are quoted as an example and not as a recommendation. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.
Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.
BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.
Content Partner - Dalal Street Investment Journal Wealth Advisory Private Limited
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market investments are subject to risks. DSIJ Wealth Advisory Private Limited is a SEBI-registered Research Analyst (Reg. No: INH000006396) and Investment Adviser (Reg. No: INA000001142). Please consult your financial adviser before investing.
For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer
Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading