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Learn about the process of issuing a stock.
As we’ve stated before, firms will issue stock to raise capital for a variety of business decisions. It is important to note that a firm might also choose to issue bonds, or other sources of financing. This section will focus on the processes a firm undertakes when they decide to issue stock as a source of capital.
Firms can raise capital in several different ways. The most common ways are discussed below: [1]
Private placement: These are usually done through an investment bank or a stockbroker, and typically the purchaser will be high-net-worth individuals / institutional investors. These methods are typically used by unlisted companies (those not on the stock exchange).
Rights issue: These are shares that are offered to existing shareholders. They will usually be made on favourable terms to the existing shareholders, such as a discount to the current share price.
Stock exchange listings: Businesses can offer capital through issuing shares of the stock exchange if they are listed, known as ‘new stock issues’. Listed stocks can be purchased through a broker by any member of the public.
- If the company is unlisted, it can offer shares through an initial public offering (IPO):
- Typically, an investment bank or stockbroker will be appointed to assist in the process – they will determine the market demand that is out there, assist in preparing the company financials, and assist in the prospectus preparation.
- Steps usually involve:
- analysis of the funding needs
- appointment of an underwriter and timetable
- due diligence by a financial adviser
- determining the offer structure and pricing
- developing a marketing strategy
- preparation and marketing of prospectus
- receipt of funds
- approval by stock exchange
- listing of stock.
Read pages 19–23 of the Maddocks guide on how to prepare for an IPO.
Read: A guide to listing & the IPO process in Australia [2]
Below provides some insight into the timelines of an IPO listing on the Australian Stock Exchange.
References
1. How businesses raise financial capital [Internet]. BC Open Textbooks. Available from: https://opentextbc.ca/principlesofeconomics/chapter/17-1-how-businesses-raise-financial-capital/
2. A guide to listing & the IPO process in Australia [PDF]. Australian Stock Exchange; 2018 Sep. Available from: https://www.asx.com.au/documents/resources/A-Guide-to-Listing-SEP-18-Maddocks.pdf
This article is from the online course:
Financial Analysis for Business Decisions: Cash Flow Management
This article is from the free online
Financial Analysis for Business Decisions: Cash Flow Management
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