What do existing shareholders have the option to do regarding shares?

Existing shareholders have the option to buy additional shares, typically through a process called a rights offering or through the general market. When a company decides to issue new shares, existing shareholders often receive the right to purchase additional shares, usually at a price that is set below the current market price. This option helps protect their ownership percentage and voting rights in the company against dilution that could occur from new share issuance.

Purchasing additional shares can be beneficial for shareholders as it allows them to increase their stake in the company at potentially favorable terms. This is an important mechanism, especially for companies looking to raise capital while showing commitment to existing investors.

The other options do not reflect the typical rights or actions available to existing shareholders in the context of shares specifically. For instance, while transferring shares to new investors is a common practice, it does not directly represent an "option" that shareholders can exercise regarding new share issuance or retention. Similarly, selling shares back to the company is not a standard right exercised by existing shareholders; it would depend on the company's policies or specific buyback programs. Lastly, purchasing bonds is a different financial instrument and does not pertain to the rights concerning shares that shareholders hold.