Methods of Buyback: Through Open Market, Importance, Components, Process, Entries
by Buy-back through the open market is a method where a company repurchases its own shares directly from the stock exchange at prevailing market prices, without a fixed offer to specific shareholders. It can be executed through the stock exchange mechanism or the book-building process, subject to SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018. This method offers greater flexibility in timing and pricing compared to the tender offer route but is subject to daily volume and price limits to prevent market manipulation. Companies must ensure at least 50% of the buy-back amount is utilized under this route where applicable, promoting fair and transparent execution.
Importance of Methods of Buyback Through Open Market:
1. Flexibility in Share Purchase
Open market buyback provides the company with greater flexibility in purchasing its own shares. Unlike a tender offer, the company does not necessarily need to purchase a predetermined quantity from shareholders at one time. Shares can be purchased through the stock exchange during the permitted period, subject to applicable regulations. This allows the company to adjust the pace and quantity of purchases according to market conditions, availability of shares, and available funds. Such flexibility helps management implement its capital restructuring strategy efficiently while complying with the prescribed legal and regulatory requirements.
2. Efficient Utilisation of Surplus Funds
Open market buyback enables a company to use its surplus cash and financial resources productively. When the company has excess funds and limited immediate investment opportunities, it can purchase its own shares through the market. This allows the company to return excess capital to shareholders while maintaining appropriate financial resources for business operations. Efficient utilisation of surplus funds can also improve the company’s capital structure. However, management must carefully assess liquidity requirements, future investment plans, and financial obligations before committing funds to an open market buyback.
3. Support to Market Price
Open market buyback may help support the market price of the company’s shares. When the company purchases its shares from the stock exchange, it creates additional demand for those shares. This demand may provide support to the share price, particularly when the management believes that the shares are undervalued. A buyback can also communicate management’s confidence in the company’s financial position and future prospects. However, the market price is influenced by several external factors, so buyback does not guarantee a permanent increase in the share price.
4. Reduction in Outstanding Shares
A major importance of open market buyback is the reduction in the number of outstanding shares after the purchased shares are cancelled or extinguished as required. With fewer shares in circulation, the company’s earnings and other financial measures may be distributed over a smaller number of shares. This may improve Earnings Per Share (EPS) if profitability remains stable. The reduction in outstanding shares can also alter the ownership structure of the company. Therefore, open market buyback can be an effective method of managing the company’s share capital.
5. Improvement in Financial Ratios
Open market buyback may contribute to the improvement of certain financial ratios. When shares are repurchased and cancelled, the equity base and number of outstanding shares may decrease. If profits remain unchanged, EPS may increase. Similarly, Return on Equity (ROE) may improve because the shareholders’ equity base becomes smaller. Other capital structure ratios may also change following the buyback. Improved ratios can influence investors’ assessment of the company’s financial performance. However, management and investors should consider the underlying business performance rather than judging the company’s financial strength only through post buyback ratios.
6. Market Based Pricing
In an open market buyback, shares are purchased through the stock exchange at prevailing market prices, subject to applicable regulations. This provides a market based mechanism for determining the purchase price rather than requiring the company to offer a fixed price to all shareholders. The company can make purchases when suitable market prices are available. This may help management control the average acquisition cost of the shares. Market based pricing also reflects prevailing investor demand and supply conditions, making the method different from a fixed price tender offer.
7. Opportunity for Shareholders
Open market buyback creates an indirect opportunity for shareholders to sell their shares in the stock market during the buyback period. Shareholders who wish to exit or reduce their investment can sell their shares at the prevailing market price, subject to market conditions. At the same time, shareholders who prefer to continue their investment can retain their shares. Therefore, the method provides greater flexibility to individual investors compared with a compulsory sale. The decision to sell remains with shareholders according to their investment objectives and assessment of the company’s future prospects.
8. Capital Structure Management
Open market buyback is an important tool for managing the company’s capital structure. By reducing equity capital and deploying surplus funds, the company can adjust the proportion of equity and debt according to its financial strategy. This may help the company achieve a more suitable capital structure and improve the efficiency of its capital utilisation. Buyback decisions can also be linked with the company’s long term financing requirements and investment plans. However, the company must ensure that the buyback does not weaken its liquidity or adversely affect its ability to meet future financial obligations.
Components of Methods of Buyback Through Open Market:
1. Purchase Through Stock Exchange
The primary component of an open market buyback is the purchase of shares through a recognised stock exchange. Under this method, the company purchases its own shares from sellers in the normal market mechanism. The transactions are carried out at the prevailing market price, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The company does not directly approach every shareholder with a fixed offer. Instead, shareholders willing to sell their shares place orders through the stock exchange. This method provides flexibility to the company and allows shareholders to decide whether they want to participate by selling their shares.
2. Board Approval
Board approval is an important component of an open market buyback. The Board of Directors examines the company’s financial position, available reserves, cash flows, capital requirements, and proposed buyback size before approving the transaction. Where the buyback falls within the prescribed statutory limit, the Board may approve it through a Board resolution, subject to the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013. The approval provides formal authority for initiating the buyback process. It also ensures that directors consider the interests of shareholders, creditors, and the overall financial position of the company.
3. Source of Funds
The company must identify the source of funds for financing the open market buyback. Under Section 68 of the Companies Act, 2013, permitted sources include free reserves, securities premium account, or proceeds of an earlier issue of shares or specified securities, subject to statutory restrictions. Proper identification of funds is essential because the company cannot finance buyback through prohibited sources. Management must also ensure that sufficient funds remain available for working capital, business operations, debt repayment, and future investment requirements. This component ensures that the buyback is financially sustainable.
4. Buyback Price
The buyback price is an important component because shares are purchased at prices available in the stock market, subject to applicable regulatory conditions. Unlike a tender offer, there is generally no single fixed purchase price applicable to all purchases. The company may acquire shares at different market prices during the buyback period. Management must consider the company’s financial position, market valuation, share price, and available funds while implementing the buyback. The average price paid for the shares ultimately affects the total cost of buyback and the financial impact on the company.
5. Buyback Period
An open market buyback operates within a specified period during which the company can purchase its shares. Under Section 68 of the Companies Act, 2013, the buyback must be completed within the prescribed statutory time limit. The company announces the relevant period and undertakes purchases according to the applicable rules and regulations. The time period gives the company flexibility to make purchases according to market conditions while preventing an indefinite buyback programme. Proper monitoring of the period is therefore necessary to ensure that all purchases are completed within the legally permitted timeframe.
6. Maximum Quantity of Shares
The maximum quantity of shares that can be bought back is determined according to the limits prescribed under Section 68. Generally, the buyback cannot exceed 25% of the aggregate of paid up capital and free reserves, subject to the specific statutory conditions. For equity shares, additional requirements relating to the 25% limit apply. The company must calculate the permissible quantity before commencing the buyback. This component prevents excessive reduction of share capital and ensures that adequate financial resources remain within the company for protecting creditors and continuing business operations.
7. Extinguishment of Shares
After the company purchases its shares through the open market, the bought back shares must be extinguished and physically destroyed within the prescribed period as required under Section 68. Extinguishment means that the repurchased shares cease to exist as outstanding securities of the company. Consequently, the number of shares available in the market is reduced. This is an essential component because the company cannot ordinarily retain the purchased shares as treasury stock. Proper extinguishment also ensures that the company’s share capital and financial records accurately reflect the completed buyback transaction.
8. Capital Redemption Reserve
Capital Redemption Reserve (CRR) is an important accounting component of buyback. Under Section 69, where shares are bought back out of free reserves or securities premium account, an amount equal to the nominal value of shares bought back is transferred to the CRR. This transfer ensures that the reduction in share capital is appropriately compensated through a reserve. The CRR is treated as part of the company’s capital and can be utilised only for purposes permitted under the Companies Act, 2013. It therefore provides additional protection to creditors following the reduction of share capital.
9. Compliance and Disclosure
Open market buyback requires proper legal compliance, reporting, and disclosure. The company must comply with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, applicable rules, and, in the case of listed companies, relevant SEBI regulations. It must maintain prescribed records, make required disclosures, and file necessary returns with the appropriate authorities. Proper disclosure ensures transparency regarding the number of shares purchased, purchase price, funds used, and completion of the buyback. This component protects investors and enables regulatory authorities to monitor whether the company has conducted the buyback according to law.
Process of Methods of Buyback Through Open Market:
1. Evaluation of Buyback Proposal
The process begins with the evaluation of the buyback proposal by the Board of Directors. Management examines the company’s financial position, profitability, cash availability, capital structure, market price of shares, and future investment requirements. The company determines whether surplus funds are available for purchasing its own shares without affecting normal business operations. The proposed quantity, maximum price, source of funds, and expected financial impact are also considered. This evaluation helps the Board determine whether an open market buyback is financially suitable and beneficial to the company and its shareholders.
2. Approval by Board of Directors
After evaluating the proposal, the Board of Directors approves the buyback, where permitted under Section 68 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Board determines important details such as the number of shares proposed to be purchased, maximum buyback amount, source of funds, and other prescribed particulars. Where shareholder approval is required under the Act, the company must obtain a special resolution before proceeding. The approval establishes the company’s formal authority to initiate the buyback and ensures that the decision is properly documented and compliant with applicable legal requirements.
3. Declaration of Solvency
Before proceeding with the buyback, the company is required to comply with the declaration of solvency requirements under Section 68(6). The directors must make the necessary declaration in the prescribed form after conducting a full inquiry into the company’s affairs. They must be satisfied that the company can meet its existing liabilities and will not become insolvent within the prescribed period. This declaration is an important safeguard for creditors. It ensures that the company does not distribute substantial funds through buyback when its financial position is inadequate to meet its obligations.
4. Making Required Disclosures
The company must make the required disclosures and public announcements before commencing an open market buyback, particularly where the company is listed. Details relating to the proposed buyback, including the maximum number of securities, maximum price, period, purpose, and other prescribed information, are communicated in accordance with applicable regulations. Listed companies must comply with the relevant SEBI requirements. Proper disclosure ensures transparency and allows investors to understand the company’s buyback plan. It also enables regulatory authorities and stock exchanges to monitor the transaction effectively.
5. Commencement of Buyback
After completing the required approvals and compliance procedures, the company commences the open market buyback through the recognised stock exchange in accordance with the applicable framework. The company purchases its own shares from shareholders who are willing to sell them in the market. Purchases are made at prevailing market prices and within the approved limits. The company may make purchases at different prices during the buyback period. This process provides flexibility because the company can acquire shares according to market conditions, available funds, and the approved buyback programme.
6. Purchase of Shares Through Stock Exchange
During the buyback period, the company purchases shares through the stock exchange using the prescribed mechanism. Shareholders who wish to sell their shares place sell orders in the market, and the company acquires eligible shares according to the applicable rules. The company must ensure that purchases remain within the approved quantity and financial limits. Details of purchases are recorded and monitored regularly. Since the shares are acquired through market transactions, the actual purchase price may differ from one transaction to another depending on the prevailing market price and market conditions.
7. Payment for Purchased Shares
After the company’s purchase orders are executed, payment is made for the shares purchased through the market according to the applicable settlement mechanism. The company uses the funds specifically allocated for the buyback. Proper accounting records are maintained for the amount paid, number of shares acquired, and related transaction costs. The total cost of the buyback depends on the number of shares purchased and the prices at which they are acquired. The company must ensure that payments and settlements are completed properly and that adequate records are maintained for audit and regulatory purposes.
8. Extinguishment of Shares
After purchasing the shares, the company must extinguish and physically destroy the bought back shares within the prescribed period under Section 68. Extinguishment removes the purchased shares from the company’s outstanding share capital. As a result, the number of shares available in the market decreases. The company must maintain appropriate records of the securities extinguished and complete the required corporate and regulatory procedures. This step is essential because it ensures that the shares purchased through the buyback do not remain available for further circulation and that the company’s capital records are updated correctly.
9. Transfer to Capital Redemption Reserve
Where applicable, the company must transfer an amount equal to the nominal value of shares bought back to the Capital Redemption Reserve (CRR) under Section 69. This requirement applies when shares are bought back out of free reserves or the securities premium account, subject to the statutory provisions. The transfer protects the company’s capital position after the reduction caused by the buyback. The CRR becomes part of the company’s reserves and can be utilised only for purposes permitted under the Companies Act, 2013. Proper accounting entries must be passed for this transfer.
10. Completion and Filing of Returns
After completing the buyback, the company must complete the prescribed statutory filings and returns. Under Section 68, the company is required to maintain a register containing particulars of securities bought back and file the prescribed return with the appropriate authorities. Listed companies must also comply with applicable SEBI and stock exchange requirements. The company should ensure that all shares purchased have been properly extinguished and that the financial records accurately reflect the transaction. Completion of these formalities marks the conclusion of the open market buyback process and ensures regulatory compliance.
Price Determination and Maximum Buyback Price in Open Market:
1. Price Determination in Open Market Buy-Back
Under the open market route, the buy-back price is not fixed in advance but is determined by prevailing market prices on the stock exchange during the buy-back period, subject to regulatory ceilings. Companies place orders through stock brokers at rates within permissible limits, ensuring purchases reflect genuine market conditions rather than artificially inflated values. SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018 require companies to disclose the maximum price in the public announcement, while actual purchase prices may vary daily based on market movement, liquidity, and trading volumes, ensuring transparency and preventing price manipulation during the buy-back window.
2. Maximum Buyback Price in Open Market
The maximum buy-back price is the upper price limit disclosed by the company in its public announcement and offer letter, beyond which shares cannot be purchased during the buy-back period. This ceiling is determined by the Board of Directors based on factors like book value, market price trends, and financial health, ensuring shareholder protection against overpayment. Under SEBI Regulations, 2018, companies cannot purchase shares above this disclosed price even if market rates rise, safeguarding against excessive cash outflow. This cap also prevents misuse of buy-back for artificially propping up share prices beyond justified valuation levels.
Journal Entries of Methods of Buyback Through Open Market:
The following are the main journal entries used for accounting for buyback of shares through the open market:
| Particulars | Journal Entry | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Purchase of shares from open market | Equity Shares Buyback A/c Dr. To Bank A/c |
Records the amount paid for purchasing the company’s own shares through the stock exchange, including the purchase price. |
| 2. Cancellation of bought back shares | Equity Share Capital A/c Dr. Securities Premium / Free Reserves A/c Dr. To Equity Shares Buyback A/c |
Equity Share Capital is debited with the nominal value of shares bought back. Any premium paid is adjusted against Securities Premium or eligible free reserves. |
| 3. Transfer to Capital Redemption Reserve | General Reserve / Free Reserves A/c Dr. To Capital Redemption Reserve A/c |
Under Section 69, an amount equal to the nominal value of shares bought back out of free reserves or securities premium is transferred to CRR. |
| 4. Buyback expenses paid | Buyback Expenses A/c Dr. To Bank A/c |
Records expenses such as brokerage, legal fees, professional charges and other costs related to the buyback. |
| 5. Adjustment of buyback expenses | Securities Premium / Free Reserves A/c Dr. To Buyback Expenses A/c |
Records the adjustment of eligible buyback expenses against Securities Premium or applicable reserves. |
| 6. Closure of Buyback Account | Equity Share Capital A/c Dr. Premium on Buyback A/c Dr. To Equity Shares Buyback A/c |
Used to transfer the nominal value and premium relating to shares bought back, as applicable under the accounting treatment followed. |
Example
A company buys back 5,000 equity shares of ₹10 each at ₹14 per share through the open market.
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Nominal value | ₹50,000 |
| Premium on buyback | ₹20,000 |
| Total amount paid | ₹70,000 |
| Transfer to CRR | ₹50,000 |
Entry 1: Purchase of shares
Equity Shares Buyback A/c Dr. ₹70,000
To Bank A/c ₹70,000
Entry 2: Cancellation of shares
Equity Share Capital A/c Dr. ₹50,000
Securities Premium / Free Reserves A/c Dr. ₹20,000
To Equity Shares Buyback A/c ₹70,000
Entry 3: Transfer to CRR
General Reserve / Free Reserves A/c Dr. ₹50,000
To Capital Redemption Reserve A/c ₹50,000