What are Bonus Shares : Understanding the benefits of bonus Share

What are Bonus Shares : Understanding the benefits of bonus Share

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When a company decides to reward its shareholders for their loyalty and investment, it may choose to issue bonus shares. The company's announcement of issuing bonus shares generates significant interest in the share market, attracting investors who anticipated the positive impact on the stock's value. Unlike regular dividends, which are paid in cash, bonus shares are additional shares distributed to existing shareholders at no cost. This means that shareholders receive extra shares without having to invest any additional funds.

This mechanism ensures that shareholders maintain their proportionate ownership in the company while increasing the overall share capital. Bonus shares offer several advantages to investors, including an increase in shareholding without additional investment, improved liquidity in the stock, enhanced dividend potential and a positive signal from the company to the market.

Why Do Companies Issue Bonus Share?

Issuing bonus shares is a way for companies to reward their existing shareholders. By providing additional shares at no cost, companies demonstrate their appreciation for shareholder loyalty and encourage long-term investment. Bonus shares allow companies to utilise their accumulated profits or retained earnings. Instead of distributing cash dividends, which may strain cash reserves, companies convert their profits into additional shares, thereby rewarding shareholders without depleting their financial resources. Click here to know When Bonus Shares are Credited in Demat Account?

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Table of Content

  1. Why Do Companies Issue Bonus Share?
  2. What are the Benefits of Bonus Share 
  3. Conclusion

What are the Benefits of Bonus Share 

Bonus shares, also known as scrip dividends or capitalization issues, offer several benefits to shareholders. These benefits can have a positive impact on their investment portfolios and overall returns. Let's explore some of the key advantages of bonus shares.

Increased Shareholding

One of the primary benefits of bonus shares is that they enable shareholders to increase their overall shareholding in a company without any additional investment. When bonus shares are issued, shareholders receive additional shares for free in proportion to their existing holdings. This increased ownership can be advantageous, especially if the company performs well in the long run, as shareholders will benefit from any capital appreciation.

Improved Liquidity

Bonus shares contribute to increased liquidity in an investor's portfolio. Since bonus shares are issued free of cost, they provide shareholders with an opportunity to convert their paper gains into cash by selling the bonus shares in the secondary market. This added liquidity can be beneficial for investors who may require funds for other investment opportunities or financial needs.

Enhanced Dividend Potential

As the number of shares held by shareholders increases due to the issuance of bonus shares, the potential for dividend earnings also grows. Assuming the company maintains or increases its dividend payout ratio, shareholders can expect higher dividend income as a result of their increased shareholding. Bonus shares effectively increase the dividend pie, allowing shareholders to potentially enjoy a larger share of the company's profits in the form of dividends.

Improved Marketability

Companies often choose to issue bonus shares to make their shares more attractive to investors. When bonus shares are issued, the total number of shares in circulation increases, leading to a decrease in the stock's price per share. This lower price per share can make the stock more affordable, thus potentially attracting a wider range of investors. The increased marketability of the stock can contribute to greater demand and liquidity in the secondary market.

Positive Signal to the Market

The announcement of a bonus share issue is generally perceived as a positive signal by the market. It reflects the company's confidence in its future prospects, financial health, and commitment to shareholder value. Such positive sentiment can attract new investors and contribute to an upward trajectory in the stock price. Additionally, a bonus share issue can enhance the company's reputation and goodwill among existing shareholders and the investment community.

Conclusion

Overall, bonus shares serve as a positive signal from the company to the market, reflecting confidence in the company's future prospects and commitment to shareholder value. This positive sentiment can attract new investors and contribute to the overall growth and success of the company.


Investors should be mindful of potential tax implications when dealing with bonus shares, as they may be subject to capital gains tax upon sale. Seeking advice from tax professionals or financial advisors is recommended to ensure a thorough understanding of the tax regulations specific to their jurisdiction. Now you can experience the future of trading with blinkX trading app - empowering you to seize market trends.

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What are Bonus Share FAQ

Bonus shares are additional shares issued by a company to existing shareholders at no cost.

Bonus shares are issued based on a predetermined ratio, such as 1:1 or 2:1, which determines the number of bonus shares shareholders will receive for each share they currently own.

Bonus shares offer several benefits to shareholders, including increased shareholding without additional investment, improved liquidity in the stock, enhanced potential for higher dividend income.

Increased shareholding through bonus shares allows shareholders to have a larger stake in the company. This can result in potential capital appreciation and stronger ownership rights, giving shareholders greater rights in company decisions.

Yes, bonus shares can be sold in the secondary market, providing an opportunity for shareholders to convert their paper gains into cash. This added liquidity allows investors to reallocate funds or meet financial needs.