A new issue is essentially a type of security, or often stocks or bonds, that is being made public for the very first time. An Initial Public Offering or IPO is one of the most well-known types of new issues and is a security that is made public when a company sells shares for the first time.
The main purpose of companies issuing new stocks or bonds is to help raise funds for their growth and expansion. This can be done in two specific ways: one, through debt securities like bonds, which involves borrowing money and the second through equity like issuing stocks, which involves selling ownership stakes. When companies mix these two methods, they can achieve a balance between managing their capital well while keeping the company’s WACC or Weighted Average Cost of Capital in check.
A new issue is usually sold in the main market, as this is where companies can directly raise money from investors. The primary (or main) market differs from the secondary market as the latter is where investors trade stocks and bonds between each other. When the initial offering period is over in the primary market, the securities make their way to the secondary market to be bought and sold freely between traders.
Types of New Issues
When a company raises capital through the stock market, it does so by issuing new securities. These securities can be offered to the public, institutional investors, or existing shareholders in different ways.
Initial Public Offering (IPO) – A company sells shares to the public for the first time to raise funds for expansion or debt repayment.
Follow-on Public Offering (FPO) – An already listed company issues additional shares to raise capital.
Rights Issue – Existing shareholders can buy additional shares at a discounted price, maintaining their stake.
Bonus Issue – Free shares are issued to shareholders from company reserves, increasing shareholding without extra investment.
Private Placement – Shares are sold to select investors, such as institutions, venture capitalists, or banks.
Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOPs) – Employees receive discounted shares as incentives.
Each type of new issue serves a different purpose, helping companies raise capital and providing investment opportunities. Understanding these options enables investors to make informed decisions.
Process of Issuing New Securities
The issuing of new securities takes place in the primary market. In other words, this is where new securities make their debut. From bonds and stocks, the primary market is where companies sell directly to investors for the very first time. The entirety of the financial market is divided into two: the Primary Market, where new securities are issued and the Secondary Market, where investors buy and sell those securities with each other.
One of the main reasons companies launch new securities in the primary market is to raise funds for long-term growth. This process is called the New Issue Market or NIM and helps companies offer securities directly to the public for investment. This is usually done through either the launch of Initial Public Offerings or IPOs or through Further Public Offerings. FPOs are done by companies that are already listed on the stock exchange, but this method allows them to issue additional shares to raise more funds.
So, basically, the primary market helps companies secure fresh capital and provides investors with opportunities to buy into businesses through new issues.
Benefits and Risks of Investing in New Issues
Since new issues are done through two different types of securities, i.e. bonds and stocks, here is a look at the benefits and risks of investing in both of them.
New Bond Issues
One of the ways a company can raise funds to help it develop is by selling bonds in the public market. Bond issuing involves the borrowing of money from investors in exchange for periodic interest payments.
Advantages
Interest payments that a company gives to the investors are tax-deductible, which leads to lowering a company’s overall tax bill.
Since bonds can be issued by companies whenever they need funds, it is usually a preferred option over stocks as it does not end up diluting ownership.
Disadvantages
New Stock Issues
The second method through which companies can raise capital is by selling stocks. When shares of a company are bought by investors, they are essentially buying into the company or buying part ownership of the company.
Advantages
One of the biggest advantages of new stock issues is that there is no pressure of debt for a company. Instead, this method lets investors become part-owners of the company and makes them a part of the profit-sharing and decision-making areas of the company.
Stocks make a great option for startups and companies with little or no credit history. This is because such companies can find it difficult to secure loans. By issuing stocks, however, they can attract investors who can participate in their future growth.
Disadvantages
Examples of Recent New Issues
In the Indian share market, new issues refer to fresh securities offered by companies to raise capital. These include Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Follow-on Public Offerings (FPOs), Rights Issues, and Bonds. Here are some recent examples:
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) – Companies like Tata Technologies, EMS Limited, and IREDA recently launched IPOs, allowing investors to participate in their growth.
Follow-on Public Offerings (FPOs) – Companies such as Adani Enterprises and Patanjali Foods have raised additional funds through FPOs.
Rights Issues – Firms like Ultracab (India) and Reliance Industries have offered rights issues to existing shareholders, enabling them to buy more shares at a discounted rate.
Bonds & NCDs – The government and corporations regularly issue Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), Tax-Free Bonds, and Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) to attract fixed-income investors.
How to Invest in New Issues?
Investors can invest in new issues through multiple channels in the Indian share market:
For IPOs and FPOs – Investors can apply via stockbrokers, banking apps, or UPI-based platforms like ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount).
For Rights Issues – Existing shareholders receive entitlements via Demat accounts and can subscribe through online banking or trading portals.
For Bonds and NCDs – Investors can buy them through primary bond markets, NSE/BSE platforms, or registered brokers. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are available via banks, post offices, and brokerage firms.
Before investing, always check the company’s financials, sector outlook, and subscription demand to make informed decisions!