Dilution

Key Highlights

• Dilution occurs when a company issues new shares, resulting in a decrease in the ownership percentage of existing shareholders.

• Types of dilution include equity, earnings per share (EPS) and control dilution.

What is Dilution?

Dilution occurs when a company issues new shares, resulting in a decrease in the ownership percentage of existing shareholders. This can happen for various reasons, including raising additional capital, exercising stock options, or converting convertible securities.

Example of Dilution

Imagine a company with 1,000 shares outstanding. If an investor owns 100 shares, they hold 10% of the company. If the company adds 500 new shares, the total number of shares outstanding increases to 1,500. The investor's 100 shares now represent only 6.67% of the company.

Types of Dilution

1. Equity Dilution: Occurs when new equity is issued, reducing the percentage ownership of existing shareholders.

2. Earnings Per Share (EPS) Dilution: Happens when the increase in the number of shares outstanding causes the company's earnings per share to decrease. This is a common concern for investors, as it can affect the valuation and attractiveness of the stock.

3. Control Dilution: When new shares are issued, the control of existing shareholders over company decisions may be reduced, especially if a large number of shares are issued to new investors.

Reasons for Dilution

1. Raising Capital: Companies often issue new shares to raise funds for expansion, paying off debt, or other financial needs.

2. Stock Options and Warrants: When employees or investors exercise their stock options or warrants, new shares are issued, causing dilution.

3. Convertible Securities: Convertible bonds or preferred shares can be converted into common shares, leading to dilution when this conversion occurs.

Impact on Shareholders

• Reduced Ownership Percentage: Existing shareholders have a smaller ownership stake in the company.

• Potential Drop in EPS: Earnings per share might decrease, affecting stock valuations.

• Influence and Control: Existing shareholders may have less influence over corporate decisions if new shares are issued to a significant number of new investors.

Mitigating Dilution

• Rights Issues: Companies may offer rights issues, giving existing shareholders the opportunity to buy additional shares at a discount before new shares are offered to the public.

• Buybacks: Some companies engage in share buybacks, purchasing their own shares from the market to reduce the number of shares outstanding, which can offset the effects of dilution.