What commonly motivates companies to issue new shares?

Issuing new shares is often motivated by the need to raise capital for various initiatives, including funding new projects. Companies might see an opportunity to expand their operations, invest in research and development, or engage in strategic acquisitions. By increasing liquidity through the issuance of new shares, they can generate the necessary funds to pursue these growth strategies without incurring additional debt, which could strain their financial resources. This approach allows firms to align their capital structure with their long-term growth goals, making it a common motivation for issuing new shares.

While other options like reducing operational costs or enhancing stock price stability may be important for a company's overall strategy, they do not directly relate to the act of issuing new shares as a primary motivation. Additionally, maximizing dividends for existing shareholders is generally a consideration for mature companies rather than a reason to issue new shares since issuing shares dilutes existing ownership.