Short delivery occurs when a seller fails to deliver the promised shares to the buyer within the stipulated time frame. This situation can arise for various reasons, such as the seller mistakenly selling shares they do not possess or due to the illiquidity of the stock.

Key Points:

1. Identification and Notification:
• On T+1 day (one day after the transaction), the exchange identifies short deliveries.
• Both buyers and sellers are notified about the short delivery.

Consequences of Short Delivery:

1. Auction Process:
• To resolve the short delivery, the exchange conducts an auction to purchase the missing shares.
• The shares are bought from the open market, and the defaulting seller is required to cover any price difference.
2. Auction Penalty:
• The defaulting seller may face a penalty for failing to deliver the shares. This penalty is usually a percentage of the shortfall value and is meant to compensate the buyer and the exchange for the inconvenience.
3. Delayed Settlement:
• The buyer receives the shares with a delay due to the time taken to complete the auction process.
• This delay can result in missed opportunities or potential losses if the stock price fluctuates unfavorably during the delay.
4. Financial Liability:
• The seller is financially liable for any difference in the price paid during the auction and the original sale price. If the auction price is higher than the original sale price, the seller must pay the difference.
• Additionally, the seller may incur other charges and penalties as determined by the exchange.
5. Reputation Damage:
• Frequent short deliveries can damage the seller's reputation with the brokerage and the exchange.
• It may lead to stricter trading conditions or increased scrutiny of the seller’s future transactions.

Example Scenario:

• If a seller promises to deliver 100 shares of Company XYZ but fails to do so, the exchange will identify this shortfall on T+1 day.
• An auction will be conducted to procure the 100 shares, possibly at a higher price.
• The seller will be penalized and required to cover any price difference, resulting in financial and reputational consequences.

Understanding short delivery and its consequences helps both buyers and sellers navigate the complexities of stock trading and avoid potential pitfalls.