Warrants Explained: An Investor's Perspective

What are Share Warrants : 

A Share warrant is a contractual document issued by a company which gives the warrant holder the right or option to purchase or sell the company's share at a predetermined price.

Image representing share warrants
Warrants

Why do Companies issue Warrants ?

  • Raise Capital: Warrants are often the preferred way to raise capital as it doesn't affect the share capital dilution immediately. 
  • Also, it gives an option for future source of funds as warrants can be converted into equities in the future.
  • Attractive financing: Issuing warrants alongside other securities, such as bonds can make those securities more appealing to investors.
Example: Black Box - Allotment of 6,45,179 Equity Shares pursuant to conversion of warrant

How does it benefit Investors:

  • Warrants can offer leverage, allowing investors to get the benefits of significant price increase in the underlying stock with a initial smaller investments.

Risks for Investors:

  • Though Investors get to benefit from the warrants as the share price increase, they equally carry risks for the investor. They can expire worthless if the stock price doesn't rise above the exercised price.
  • Dilution Risk: If the company issues a large number of warrants, it can potentially dilute the value of existing share.