What is Bonus Stock? A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition

Definition & Meaning

Bonus stock refers to additional shares issued by a corporation to its existing shareholders without any payment required. This practice is often used as an incentive to encourage investment in the company's bonds or other stock offerings. Bonus stocks are also known as bonus shares and are classified as a form of watered stock, which means they may dilute the value of existing shares.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, a corporation may decide to issue one bonus share for every ten shares held by existing shareholders. This action can encourage more investment in the company's bonds, as shareholders see increased value in their holdings. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Difference
Bonus Stock Additional shares issued to existing shareholders without payment. Issued as an incentive to encourage investment.
Stock Split Division of existing shares into multiple new shares. Increases the number of shares but does not change overall value.
Dividend Distribution of a portion of a company's earnings to shareholders. Paid in cash or additional shares, not necessarily tied to stock issuance.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a shareholder and receive bonus stocks, review your investment strategy to understand how this affects your holdings. You may want to explore US Legal Forms for templates related to stock transactions or consult with a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

Quick facts

  • Bonus stocks are issued without additional payment.
  • They can dilute existing shares' value.
  • Commonly used as an incentive for investment.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Bonus stocks are extra shares given to shareholders without any payment required.