What is equity share capital in simple terms?
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This is the amount that a company issues shares for with the intention of transferring equity in that business to investors.
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In this blog, we will discuss Equity Share Capital. We will talk about its components and its features and its pros and cons as well. We will also touch upon how to calculate it.
When you buy a company’s shares you are essentially buying a part of its equity. Equity shares are distributed by a company to allow investors to have a share in the capital. Equity Share Capital needs to be specified as equity because there shares can also be preference shares, but we won’t get into that in this discussion. This is all about Equity Shares Capital.
Equity shares are shareholding in a company and are considered an important aspect of its capital structure. If an investor buys equity shares, then it means he or she owns a small fragment of the company. The ownership given by this share entitles that shareholder to voting rights, declaration of dividends, and at the time of liquidation, a share of company's assets.
Equity shares are long-term investments. The equity shares are obligations to share traded in the Indian stock market assuming liquidity and participation of investors in the growth of the company shares. They promise gigantic returns for risk exposures based on the movements of the market.
For instance, an investor can be exposed to the prosperity and growth trajectory of a leading Indian company through owning equity shares in firms like Reliance Industries or Tata Consultancy Services.
It refers to the sum of funds generated by an issuing firm in raising equity shares for investors. It appears part of shareholders' equity in a company's balance sheet as this fund is permanent capital as it is not repayable and, therefore, the firm enjoys flexibility in directing focus on growth and expansion rather than repaying its debt capital.
Further divided into units known as shares, each share having a face value, as for example, equity share capital of ₹ 10 lakhs issued by some company might have been issued in the form of 1,00,000 shares of ₹ 10 each.
Equity share capital can be divided into following heads on the basis of issuance as well as nature. The major types are:
1. Authorized Capital
This gives the maximum amount of capital the company can issue for raising its equity shares in its Memorandum of Association. Take an example that a company has authorized capital as ₹50 lakh and then can issue equity shares for this amount. Now, a company cannot raise shares with more value without making alterations in the MOA.
2. Capital issued
Issued capital is that portion of the authorized capital issued by the company to the investors. The authorized capital of the company is ₹50 lakh; if it issues shares of ₹30 lakh, then that ₹30 lakh is issued capital for that company.
3. Paid-Up Capital
This is the portion of issued capital that investors agreed to buy. Example: If the company issued shares worth ₹30 lakhs but investors subscribed shares worth ₹25 lakhs, then the subscribed capital is ₹25 lakhs.
4. Subscribed Capital
Subscribed capital means the amount for which the company has received money from the investors. That is, paid-up ₹25 lakh out of the subscribers' ₹25 lakh. In the above example, paid-up capital = ₹20 lakh.
5. Bonus Shares
Bonus shares are released to existing shareholders from the retained earnings of the company that provide them with more shares without any cost.
Now that we have covered the major components of Equity Share Capital, let’s move on to its features.
Equity share capital has several defining characteristics that set it apart from other forms of funding:
Permanent Source of Capital:
Equity share capital remains with the company until its liquidation, providing stability and continuity.
Voting Rights:
Equity shareholders have the right to vote on critical company decisions, such as the appointment of directors or major corporate changes.
Profit Sharing:
Shareholders receive dividends based on the company’s profitability and dividend policy.
Marketability:
Equity shares are easily transferable and traded on stock exchanges, ensuring liquidity for investors.
No Repayment Obligation:
Unlike loans, equity capital does not need to be repaid, reducing the company’s financial burden.
Let’s consider a hypothetical company, ABC Ltd., with an authorized capital of ₹1 crore. It issues 50,000 equity shares at ₹20 each, raising ₹10 lakh as equity share capital. If the company declares a dividend of ₹2 per share, each shareholder earns a return proportional to their shareholding.
This example illustrates how equity share capital is raised, distributed, and utilized in the corporate world.
Equities share capital is calculated by determining its constituents:
1. Authorized Capital: The number of shares a company is authorized to issue, as specified in its charter.
2. Capital issued: Real number of shares issued multiplied by the face value.
3. Paid-up Capital: That portion of the issued capital for which payment has already been received.
Example:
Authorized Capital: ₹50 lakh
Issued Capital: ₹30 lakh (3,00,000 shares at ₹10 each)
Paid-up Capital : ₹25 lakh (2,50,000 share fully paid).
Companies require equity share capital for the advancement of their financial growth and stability. Here's why companies issue equity shares:
1. To Raise Funds: Equity shares enable a company to raise funds for growth, acquisition, or operational purposes.
2. For Liquidity Improvement: A high shareholders' base improves the company's market visibility and liquidity.
3. Paying Off Debt: Issuing equity capital reduces reliance on loans, lowering financial risk.
No Repayment Obligation: Unlike debt capital, a company is not liable to pay back equity capital.
Distribution Ownership: Equity is raised without raising liabilities as equity raises funds by selling the stakeholders.
Profit Sharing Flexibility: The company has no fixed payout obligation since dividends can be declared on profits.
Improved Creditworthiness: A good equity base enhances the corporation's capacity to raise funds.
Dilation of control: Issuing more shares reduces existing shareholders’ ownership percentage.
Profit Sharing: A part of the profit needs to be distributed through dividends.
Market Dependence: Raising equity is market-driven and subject to the sentiment of the investors.
Regulatory Compliance: Companies face strict rules when issuing and managing equity shares.
Equity share capital plays a vital role in corporate financing. It provides companies with the ability to grow while allowing investors to benefit from their success. If one understands the types, features, and calculations of equity share capital, both businesses and investors can make better decisions to meet their financial goals. If you are interested in investing, you can get started right away by creating a trading account. It’s easier than ever now.
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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.
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This is the amount that a company issues shares for with the intention of transferring equity in that business to investors.
The equity share capital does not have to be repaid unlike debt capital, neither does it earn any interest, but ownership is diluted.
The types include authorized, issued, subscribed, paid-up capital, and bonus shares.
Issuing equity shares dilutes existing ownership, potentially reducing individual control over company decisions.
It provides a permanent source of funding, enhances creditworthiness, and supports long-term growth strategies.
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