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
Everything you need for legal paperwork
Access 85,000+ trusted legal forms and simple tools to fill, manage, and organize your documents.
Bonus stocks are relevant in corporate finance and securities law. They are typically issued during corporate actions such as stock splits or as a reward for shareholders. Understanding bonus stocks is important for investors and companies alike, as they can impact shareholder equity and the overall valuation of a company. Users can manage related forms, such as stock purchase agreements, using templates from US Legal Forms.
Key Legal Elements
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.
Common Misunderstandings
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
FAQs
Bonus stocks are extra shares given to shareholders without any payment required.
They can increase the number of shares you own, but may dilute the overall value of existing shares.
No, bonus stocks increase your share count, while dividends provide a cash payout or additional shares without changing ownership percentage.