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Treasury Stock

3 min read

Quick Summary

Treasury Stock represents the company's own shares that have been reacquired but not cancelled.

Treasury Stock (also called Treasury Shares) refers to outstanding shares that a company has repurchased from shareholders and holds in its treasury. These shares are not considered outstanding and do not pay dividends or have voting rights.

How Treasury Stock Arises

  • Share buyback programs
  • Purchase from the open market
  • Shares surrendered in mergers
  • Shares acquired under employees' stock schemes

Accounting Treatment

  • Recorded at cost of acquisition
  • Shown as deduction from equity (not as asset)
  • Reduces total shareholders' equity
  • Can be reissued at different price

Uses of Treasury Stock

  • Reissue to employees under ESOP
  • Issue for acquisitions
  • Cancel to reduce share capital
  • Resell in open market

Impact on Financials

  • Reduces outstanding shares (increases EPS)
  • Improves financial ratios
  • Signals management confidence
  • Alternative to dividend payments

Regulatory Limits (India)

Under Companies Act and SEBI regulations:

  • Buyback not exceeding 25% of paid-up capital
  • Debt-equity ratio not to exceed 2:1 post buyback
  • 15% of buyback from public in open market

Key Points

  • Company's own repurchased shares
  • Not considered outstanding
  • No dividends or voting rights
  • Shown as equity reduction
  • Can be reissued or cancelled

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between treasury stock and cancelled shares?

Why do companies buy back shares instead of paying dividends?