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How Sharesight automatically handles corporate actions

How Sharesight automatically handles corporate actions

Sharesight automatically processes several common corporate actions for supported markets — you don't need to add any trades manually. This article explains which actions are automated, what to verify after they're applied, and what to do when automation doesn't cover your market.


Which actions are handled automatically?

Corporate actionMarkets
Share splitAll supported markets
Consolidation (reverse split)All supported markets
Bonus sharesAll supported markets
Special dividendAll supported markets
Return of capitalASX & NZX only
Name changeASX & NZX only

Share splits

When a company splits its shares, Sharesight automatically adjusts the number of shares and the price per share in your holding. Your total portfolio value remains the same.

Find out more about splits →


Consolidations (reverse splits)

A consolidation reduces the number of shares you hold while increasing the price per share proportionally. Sharesight automatically records the consolidation trade.

Find out more about consolidations →


Bonus shares

When a company issues bonus shares (also called scrip dividends or capitalisation issues), Sharesight automatically adds the new shares to your holding.

Whether bonus shares affect your cost base depends on the company's announcement. In some cases, the bonus shares are treated as a return of capital and do reduce the cost base per share. Review your company's announcement or confirm with your accountant if you are unsure.


Special dividends

Special dividends are one-off distributions paid outside the company's regular dividend schedule. Sharesight automatically records special dividends for all supported markets — they appear in your dividend history just like a regular dividend and do not affect your cost base.

No action is required from you.


Return of capital

A return of capital is a payment from a company that reduces the cost base of your holding rather than being treated as income.

ASX & NZX: Sharesight automatically handles return of capital events. All other markets: You need to record this manually.

  1. Open the affected holding.
  2. Go to Trades & income > Add trade or adjustment
  3. Transaction type: Return of capital
  4. Date of trade: when it happened
  5. Paid date: payment date
  6. Capital return value: Total amount received
  7. Click Add
Note: Return of capital reduces your cost base per share, which increases your capital gain when you eventually sell. If you are unsure how to calculate the impact, consult your accountant.

Name changes

When a listed company changes its name (and ticker code), Sharesight automatically updates the holding for ASX and NZX securities.

For all other markets, Sharesight does not handle name changes automatically. You will need to merge the old holding into the new one manually.

  1. Open the holding under the old ticker code.
  2. Go to Edit holding > Merge this holding.
  3. Date of merger: the date the name change took place
  4. New holding: The new ticker code
  5. Quantity: Full quantity on hand

Disclaimer

The guide above is a suggestion on how to handle corporate actions in Sharesight and is not financial or tax advice. We advise you to consult your financial advisor or accountant. We also encourage you to review the official company announcements for full details.

Last updated 1st April 2026