Topic 6: the Equity Markets Flashcards
Why is equity different from debt?
Debt has a time frame, equity is perpetual.
Debt is a contractual claim over the borrower. Equity is a residual claim.
Debt holders have a fixed rate of interest, face less risk and lower return.
Equity faces greater risk, hence greater returns.
Describe the nature of the equity market?
Equity securities are organised on the ASX.
Both wholesale and retail.
Trades 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Who participates?
Brokers
Investors
ASX (stock exchange)
Corporations
Describe brokers?
Licensed parties who negotiate with clients
Paid on commission
Provide advice, research, cash management.
Describe shareholders?
Individuals
Insurance and superannuation companies (majority)
Trust companies.
Define a company?
Is a separate legal entity from owners (shareholders)
Owners so not participate with day to day business
Limited liabilities
How can liability be classified?
By shares (if company sued you'd be limited to the shares) By guarantee
Name 3 types of company’s?
Proprietary limited
Public company
Listed public company
Describe proprietary company?
Private 2 owners to sign the docs to create the company. Less than 50 shareholders. Small to medium sized business's. Shares privately traded and held.
Describe public company?
5 owners to sign documentation
Shareholders must be greater than 50
A prospectus is required to invite the public to buy shares
Describe listed public company?
If public company seeks to rise additional equity it must apply to the stock exchange and meet the requirements - a min of $1million in issued capital and a min of 500 shareholders.
(About 1.5 mill register but only 2,200 listed)
What are the rules for floating a company?
Floating means new shares are offered to the public via a prospectus.
IPO - initial public offer
Must apply to ASX for approval and conform to their rules and corporations law.
ADVANTAGES:
Liquidity and increased share price
Management and employee motivation
Enhanced image
Access to capital
Ancillary benefits ( provides support to primary activities of the organisation)
Describe the private placement of new shares in raising capital?
Least expensive
Usually involves one large investor to buy the shares (like a super fund)
No need for a prospectus
Save in admin expenses
Quick
HOWEVER
Price will be discounted
Restrictions on what can be sold on the open market (liquidity risk)
Existing shareholders portion will be diluted (therefore limited to 10% of capital issued in one year)
Describe public offer?
Involves inviting the public to buy shares
Either by floating or to raise additional shares after it has been floated.
Greater capital can be raised.
HOWEVER
Costly - prospectus expensive to make admin expenses
timely- some months to complete
Can dilute existing shareholders share, must be approved by shareholders before happening.
Explain Rights issue/ pro-rata issue?
Granting existing shareholders the right to buy new shares at a discounted price.
Pro rata means proportionate allocation, ie: May offer existing shareholders the right to buy 1 more share (discounted) for every 10 shares they own.
Therefore they will not be diluted.
Explain renounceable shares?
Can be taken up or sold on secondary market.