Q. What is the main reason companies issue sweat equity shares?
Answer: To retain and attract top talent via ownership stakes
Notes: Sweat equity shares are offered to employees or directors for their work or know-how, as per Section 54 of the Companies Act, 2013. Such shares are issued to retain and attract skilled personnel by granting ownership stakes without immediate cash outflow. SEBI regulates sweat equity issuance for listed companies. Companies often use sweat equity during initial stages to incentivize and retain employees without cash expenditure.