Issue Price

The issue price, also known as the offering price, is the price at which a new issue of shares is sold to the public. The market price of the securities may vary post-issuance, trading at a premium or a discount to the issue price.

Definition of Issue Price

The issue price, or offering price, is the price at which a new issue of shares is sold to the public during its initial offering. Once the securities are issued, they begin trading in the secondary market, where their price may differ from the initial issue price, depending on demand and supply dynamics.

Few Examples

Example 1: Initial Public Offering (IPO)

In an IPO, a company wanting to go public might set an issue price of $20 per share based on the advice of its stockbrokers and bankers considering factors such as market conditions, investor interest, and financial health of the company. When trading begins, the shares might open at $25, indicating a market price at a premium to the issue price.

Example 2: Issue by Tender

A company may choose to issue shares by tender, wherein investors submit bids specifying the price they are willing to pay. The issue price is then established at the highest price that allows the entire issue to be sold. For instance, bids ranging from $15 to $20 per share are received, and the issue price is set at $18 per share.

Example 3: Placing Shares

In a private placing, shares might be issued to select investors at an issue price negotiated by the issuing house or broker. For example, a company and its broker might agree on an issue price of $10 per share for strategic investors willing to support long-term growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What factors influence the issue price of shares?

The issue price can be influenced by multiple factors including the company’s financial health, market conditions, investor demand, past performance, industry trends, and the advice from stockbrokers and bankers.

How is the issue price determined in an IPO?

In an IPO, the issue price is typically established through collaboration between the company, its underwriters, stockbrokers, and bankers. They analyze market conditions, demand forecasts, and valuations to set an appropriate price.

Can the market price of a share differ from its issue price?

Yes, the market price of a share often differs from its issue price. It can trade at a premium (above the issue price) or at a discount (below the issue price) based on investor demand, market sentiment, and overall economic factors.

What is the difference between an issue price and a market price?

The issue price is the initial price at which new shares are offered to the public, while the market price is the ongoing price at which shares trade in the secondary market. Market prices fluctuate due to buying and selling activities.

What is an ‘issue by tender’?

In an issue by tender, prospective investors submit bids for the shares, indicating the quantity they wish to purchase and the price they are willing to pay. The highest price that sells the entire issue becomes the issue price.

Initial Public Offering (IPO)

An IPO is the process through which a private company offers shares to the public for the first time.

Public Issue

A public issue is a method through which securities are offered and sold to the general public.

Offer for Sale

An offer for sale involves existing shareholders selling their shares to the public, usually to invite broader ownership.

Placing

Placing involves selling securities directly to pre-selected investors rather than the general public.

Tender Offer

A tender offer is a proposal by an investor to purchase some or all of shareholders’ shares in a company at a specified price.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  • “Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers & Acquisitions” by Joshua Rosenbaum and Joshua Pearl
  • “IPO Banking: The New Regulatory Order” by Georgina Murray and Michael Beeson
  • “Public Financial Management”, written by Howard Frank
  • “Modelling IPO Methods” by Marc Goergen

Accounting Basics: “Issue Price” Fundamentals Quiz

### What does the term 'issue price' refer to? - [x] The price at which a new issue of shares is sold to the public. - [ ] The highest price shares have traded at. - [ ] The price at which shares trade in the secondary market. - [ ] None of these. > **Explanation:** Issue price is the initial price at which new shares are offered to the public before they start trading on the secondary market. ### What often influences the initial issue price of a share? - [x] Market conditions and investor demand. - [ ] The previous day's closing price. - [ ] Number of existing shareholders. - [ ] Volume of shares traded in the last month. > **Explanation:** Market conditions, investor demand, company's financial health, and advice from stockbrokers and bankers often establish the initial issue price. ### Can the market price differ from the issue price after listing? - [x] Yes, it can be at a premium or a discount to the issue price. - [ ] No, it always remains the same as the issue price. - [ ] Only if regulated by the market. - [ ] None of these. > **Explanation:** The market price can differ and often trades either at a premium (above) or a discount (below) to the issue price based on supply and demand. ### What determines the final price in an 'issue by tender'? - [x] The highest price that sells the entire issue. - [ ] The average bid price. - [ ] The lowest bid received. - [ ] A fixed price decided by the company. > **Explanation:** In an issue by tender, the highest price that allows the sale of the entire issue determines the final issue price. ### Who typically advises the company on setting the issue price in an IPO? - [x] Stockbrokers and bankers. - [ ] Government regulators. - [ ] Existing shareholders. - [ ] Competitors. > **Explanation:** Stockbrokers and bankers analyze various factors and advise the company on an appropriate issue price for an IPO. ### In a placing, who negotiates the issue price? - [ ] General public. - [ ] Government agencies. - [x] Issuing house or broker. - [ ] Company employees. > **Explanation:** The issue price in a placing is usually negotiated by the issuing house or broker involved in the process. ### What is a potential risk if the issue price is set too high? - [x] Insufficient investor demand might lead to unsold shares. - [ ] Oversubscription. - [ ] Dilution of company ownership. - [ ] Lack of regulatory approval. > **Explanation:** If set too high, it can deter potential investors resulting in fewer or unsold shares, impacting the success of the issue. ### When does an initial public offering (IPO) occur? - [x] When a company offers shares to the public for the first time. - [ ] When a company issues bonds. - [ ] When existing shareholders sell their shares. - [ ] When a company merges with another company. > **Explanation:** An IPO occurs when a company offers its shares to the public for the first time. ### What happens during a 'Public Issue'? - [ ] Existing shares are redistributed among company employees. - [x] New or existing shares are sold to the general public. - [ ] Company merges with a private entity. - [ ] Regulatory bodies acquire shares. > **Explanation:** A public issue involves offering and selling new or existing securities to the general public. ### What is an 'offer for sale' in terms of securities? - [ ] The process of company buyback. - [ ] Government-offered subsidies on shares. - [x] Existing shareholders sell their shares to the public. - [ ] New shares are offered at a discount. > **Explanation:** An offer for sale involves existing shareholders selling their shares to the public to invite broader ownership without necessarily issuing new shares.

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Tuesday, August 6, 2024

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