2 Equities, property & alternative investments Flashcards
When shares are issued on the London Stock Exchange, they must either be admitted to:
- The official list/main market, or
- Alternative Investment Market (AIM)
Who regulates the process of floating companies?
The UK Listing Authority (UKLA), part of the FCA
Is AIM a primary or secondary market?
Both
What is the main difference between AIM and the main market?
AIM = easier & cheaper to get quoted
Why can’t AIM companies be described as ‘listed’?
They aren’t technically listed on a recognised stock exchange
What are the costs involved in buying & selling shares?
- Commission
- Stamp duty / SDRT
- PTM levy
What are the bid & offer price?
Bid = lower selling price
Offer = higher buying price
How does company size affect a share’s bid-offer spread?
Large company = shares more liquid = narrower spread
In share dealing, what is commission?
The stockbroker’s fee for executing the deal
What rules govern stockbroker commission?
None; it’s a commercial decision for the firm
Which carries greater commission, buying or selling shares?
They carry the same rate
What are the main ways to calculate commission?
- Flat
- Tiered
- %
Is commission typically lower or higher for online dealing?
Lower
How much stamp duty/SDRT applies to AIM stocks?
None
When is stamp duty applied?
When shares are bought using a stock transfer form
When is SDRT applied?
When shares are bought electronically using the CREST system
What is the CREST system?
A computerised register of shares/shareholders
What is the minimum value for SDRT to be applied?
None
What is the minimum value for stamp duty to be applied?
£1,000
What is the stamp duty/SDRT rate?
0.5% of purchase price
Who pays stamp duty/SDRT – the seller or the purchaser?
The purchaser
How is stamp duty rounded?
Up to the nearest £5
How is SDRT rounded?
To the nearest penny
What is the PTM levy?
A flat £1 charge on all trades over £10k
What does PTM stand for?
Panel on Takeovers & Mergers
What are the two main categories of shares?
- Ordinary shares
- Preference shares
How are preference shares similar to bonds?
They pay half-yearly fixed dividends
Do preference shares generally have voting rights?
No, unless the payment of dividends has fallen into arrears
Where do preference shares rank for payment of dividends?
- After interest payments on debt
- Before dividends on ordinary shares
Where do preference shares rank in a liquidation?
- After all creditors
- Before ordinary shares
How do preference shares differ from bonds?
Less secure = higher yield
By default are preference shares cumulative or non-cumulative?
Cumulative
What does it mean if a preference share is cumulative?
Any shortfall in dividends is carried forward indefinitely
What is a participating preference share?
Receives fixed dividend + % of ordinary dividend
What is a redeemable preference share?
The company can buy it back (undated or on a pre-set date)
What is a convertible preference share?
Holder can convert to ordinary share on a pre-set date
Typically, how much power do holders of ordinary shares have?
1 ordinary share = 1 vote
How do non-voting ordinary shares compare to voting ordinary shares?
Same dividend + no vote = lower market price
What is a deferred ordinary share?
Receives no dividend until dividend reaches certain level OR certain time has passed
What are the benefits of deferred ordinary shares?
Greater voting rights and/or greater dividend entitlement once deferral ends
What are alphabet shares?
Custom classes of ordinary shares with different voting/dividend/capital rights
True or false: dividends can only be paid out of profit
True
Who decides whether to pay dividends & how much?
Board of directors
What tax is applied to profit before dividends can be paid?
Corporation tax
What is the tax-free dividend amount per year?
£2,000
Who do private equity funds target?
Institutional investors e.g. pension funds & insurance companies
How long do private equity funds typically stay invested in a company?
3-7 years
What is one common structure for private equity funds?
Limited partnership with fixed life of 10 years
What is a listed private equity investment company?
A closed-ended company & type of investment trust
Are private equity investment companies eligible for stocks & shares ISAs?
Yes
How can retail investors access private equity funds?
Via private equity investment companies
How do private equity returns compare to quoted shares?
Around 2-4% higher
Why is EPS so widely quoted?
- All listed companies are required to publish it
- Shows profitability trends
What is the formula for EPS?
ordinary profit / # of ordinary shares