Investing in the stock market with a long-term horizon has always proven to be a rewarding strategy. When an investor holds shares of a fundamentally strong company for decades, even a small initial investment can grow into a substantial corpus. State-owned Maharatna company Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has once again proved how patient investing can create massive wealth for common shareholders.
Recently, BPCL shares reached Rs 314.20 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Investors who parked their funds in this PSU decades ago and maintained their holdings are sitting on massive profits. The company's stellar history of corporate actions, especially bonus shares, has significantly boosted investor wealth over the years.
How 100 Shares Turned Into 2400 Shares Since 2000
The biggest catalyst in BPCL's wealth creation journey has been its generous bonus share history. The company has rewarded its shareholders with bonus shares 5 times since the year 2000. Due to these corporate actions, an investor holding just 100 shares of BPCL in 2000 now owns a whopping 2400 shares without making any additional financial investment.
This massive multiplication highlights why market gurus always emphasize staying invested in fundamentally robust companies for the long haul. Free bonus shares accumulate over time, expanding the investor's portfolio manifold.
Timeline of BPCL's Bonus Share Issues
BPCL declared its first bonus issue in December 2000 in the ratio of 1:1. Subsequently, the company rewarded shareholders with 1:1 bonus issues in July 2012 and July 2016. In July 2017, it announced a 1:2 bonus ratio, followed by another 1:1 bonus issue in June 2024. These timely rewards have completely transformed the portfolios of long-term investors.
Phenomenal 4087% Return Over 26 Years
Apart from bonus shares, price appreciation has played a major role. Over the past 26 years, BPCL shares have surged by an astounding 4087%. Trading around Rs 7.48 in September 2000, the stock has climbed significantly higher today, delivering massive multi-bagger returns to early investors.

