Understanding Lot Size in an IPO
In simple terms, the lot size in an IPO refers to the minimum number of shares you need to purchase when applying for that IPO. Companies don't usually sell shares one at a time during their IPOs; instead, they bundle them into lots. For example, if a company sets a lot size of 50, it means you can only apply for shares in multiples of 50—like 50, 100, 150, and so on. Why Does Lot Size Matter? The lot size is crucial for several reasons: Accessibility : Lot sizes determine how much money you’ll need to invest in an IPO. If a lot size is large, say 100 shares, and each share costs ₹500, you'll need ₹50,000 to apply for just one lot. Smaller lot sizes make IPOs more accessible to retail investors who may not have large sums of money. Retail Investor Allocation : In many IPOs, a portion of the shares is reserved specifically for retail investors. The lot size helps manage this allocation by ensuring that shares are distributed evenly among many investors, rather than just a few bu...