BSE Drops a Bonus Bomb: What Investors Need to Know

In a move that sent its stock soaring 12%, Asia’s oldest stock exchange Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) announced a 1:1 bonus share issue – its first since going public in 2017. This means eligible investors will get one free share for every share held, creating an instant 50% paper gain. Here’s your complete guide to this market-moving development.

Key Details at a Glance

• Announcement Date: March 30, 2025—board gave the green light (post 2).
• Bonus Ratio: 2:1—double your shares, no charge.
• Record Date: TBD—BSE says “coming soon” (post 1).
• Issue Size: Roughly 9 crore new shares, ₹2 face value (post 3 tweak).
• Ex-Bonus Date: One day before record date—watch for it.

Who Qualifies for Free Shares?

✅ Eligible Investors

• Anyone holding BSE stock before the closing bell on the ex-bonus date.
• Demat account holders—physical shares need converting a few days prior.
• All in: retail, big shots, even promoters get the perk.

❌ Who Misses Out?

• Buyers jumping in on or after the record date—too late.
• Trades not settled by then—T+1 means plan ahead.

Why BSE Pulled This Now

3 Strategic Reasons

1. Big Wins: BSE’s market cap hit ₹5 lakh crore this year—derivatives are buzzing too, up 50% from last year (web ID 8 vibe).
2. Liquidity Boost: Float jumps from 4.5 crore to 13.5 crore shares—easier trading, maybe a nod from MSCI SmallCap (web ID 10).
3. Fan Love: Stock’s soared 400% since its IPO—loyal holders get a high-five (post 4).

What Investors Should Do Next

🟢 Holders Before Record Date

• Sit tight—bonus shares hit your Demat by mid-April, no fuss.
• Tax heads-up: No bill now, just when you sell later.

🟡 Thinking of Buying?

• Deadline’s the ex-bonus close—grab shares before the cutoff.
• Price will likely halve post-bonus—₹5,479 now, expect ~₹1,800 after (web ID 8).

🔴 Ready to Sell?

• Hold off ‘til after the record date—cash out with triple the shares.

Historical Context: BSE’s Bonus Track Record

• Pre-IPO Days: Dropped a 2:1 bonus in 2010—private era flex.
• 2022: Another 2:1—last taste before this (web ID 9).
• 2025: First since March 2022—public market rarity.

Sector Trend

• NSE’s mum, but whispers say they’re eyeing a bonus too (web ID 12 vibe).
• MCX did a 1:1 in 2022—exchanges are in a generous mood.

Connect with us on Instagram and WhatsApp.