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Should You Invest in Partly Paid Shares: Key Benefits & Considerations

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Nupur Wankhede

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Investing in shares doesn't always require paying the full amount upfront. Partly paid shares allow investors to acquire equity in a company by paying in instalments, with future calls for the balance. These shares are common in capital-raising strategies and present a flexible investment entry point. But before jumping in, it's important to understand how they work and the risks involved.

What Are Partly Paid Shares

Partly paid shares are equity shares for which investors have only paid a portion of the total face or issue value at the time of allotment. The remaining amount is collected in one or more calls by the company in the future.

Example: If a share is issued at ₹100, an investor might initially pay ₹25 and be required to pay the remaining ₹75 in future instalments, called “calls”.

How Do Partly Paid Shares Work

Partly paid shares are equity instruments where investors initially pay only a portion of the total share price, with the remaining amount called up by the company over time. The issuing company specifies the total issue price, the amount payable at the time of application, and the schedule for subsequent payments, also known as "calls."

These shares remain partly paid until all instalments have been completed. Once the investor fulfils all payment obligations, the shares convert into fully paid shares and carry the same rights as regular equity shares. Importantly, investors are contractually liable to pay all future call amounts within the stipulated deadlines. Failure to do so may result in penalties or even forfeiture of the partly paid shares.

Key Benefits for Investors

Lower entry cost

Investors can gain exposure to the equity market without having to commit large amounts of capital upfront. Partly paid shares can offer a lower capital outlay, which may appeal to investors looking for phased investment exposure.

Phased investment

The staggered payment structure allows investors to plan their finances more effectively. It offers the flexibility to spread investments over time instead of a lump-sum outlay.

Capital appreciation potential

Despite being only partially paid for, these shares are traded on stock exchanges. If the share price appreciates in the market, investors can benefit from capital gains even before completing all payment calls.

Considerations and Risks

Obligation to pay future calls

Investors must track and fulfil future payment obligations. Missing a call can lead to interest penalties and, in extreme cases, forfeiture of shares by the company.

Price volatility

Due to lower liquidity and speculative trading behaviour, partly paid shares can be more volatile compared to fully paid counterparts. This may result in sharp price movements and increased investment risk.

Dividend rights

Dividend entitlements may be limited or conditional for partly paid shares. Full participation in dividends is typically granted only after the shares become fully paid.

How to Invest in Partly Paid Shares

Partly paid shares are listed separately on stock exchanges and can be identified by a suffix such as “PP” (e.g., ABC Ltd-PP). Investors can purchase them through their brokerage accounts, similar to other listed securities. However, it is essential to remain updated about the company's call schedules, as non-payment can have financial and legal consequences. Prospective investors should evaluate their ability to meet future payment obligations before entering such investments.

Use in Capital Raising

Partly paid shares are commonly issued by companies during rights issues or public offerings, especially when they aim to raise funds in stages to match project or expansion needs.

Conclusion

Partly paid shares provide a convenient entry point into equity markets with phased capital commitments. However, investors must be financially prepared to meet future call obligations and accept the risk of share forfeiture. With clear understanding and risk awareness, partly paid shares can serve specific capital-raising and investment scenarios.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.

FAQs

What are partly paid shares?

Partly paid shares are equity instruments where investors pay only a portion of the share’s total issue price upfront. The remaining amount is collected later through scheduled calls made by the company.

Yes, these shares are listed separately on stock exchanges and often carry a suffix like “PP” in their trading symbol. This helps investors distinguish them from fully paid equity shares.

If you fail to pay a scheduled call amount, the company may levy penalties or even forfeit your shares. Forfeiture means you lose both your ownership and any amount already paid.

Dividend eligibility for partly paid shares depends on the company’s policy and the amount paid up. In many cases, dividends are restricted until the shares become fully paid.

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Hi! I’m Nupur Wankhede
BSE Insitute Alumni

With a Postgraduate degree in Global Financial Markets from the Bombay Stock Exchange Institute, Nupur has over 8 years of experience in the financial markets, specializing in investments, stock market operations, and project management. She has contributed to process improvements, cross-functional initiatives & content development across investment products. She bridges investment strategy with execution, blending content insight, operational efficiency, and collaborative execution to deliver impactful outcomes.

Academy by Bajaj Markets

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