12.1 Introduction

Introduction

So far in this course, we have covered the many different types of financial securities and the roles that the various financial intermediaries and markets play. You also learned about a corporation’s structure and financial statements.

In this chapter, you will learn how a company has its securities listed on a stock exchange so that investors can trade them. The process of listing stocks is complex and requires compliance with a variety of regulatory requirements and significant financial expenses to be met by the listing companies. This established and rigorous process has been refined over the years to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the capital markets.

New and exciting issues that become available when a private company goes public are often discussed in the financial media. However, before a new issue reaches that stage, the issuing company faces many challenges.

Financial institutions have specific departments to handle securities offerings and ensure that the company issues securities that investors will be interested in buying.

In this chapter, we discuss the various requirements that governments and corporations must adhere to during the complex process of raising capital by listing securities in the various markets.

Key Concepts and Terms

Financial Securities

Financial securities are financial instruments that represent some type of financial value. They can be broadly categorized as equity securities (like stocks) and debt securities (like bonds).

Stock Exchange

A stock exchange is a marketplace where securities, such as stocks and bonds, are bought and sold. Examples include the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Financial Intermediaries

Financial intermediaries are institutions that help channel funds from surplus units (savers) to deficit units (borrowers). Examples include banks, investment funds, and insurance companies.

Regulatory Requirements

Regulatory requirements are rules and regulations that authorities, such as securities commissions and stock exchanges, impose on companies during the listing process to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in the capital markets.

Initial Public Offering (IPO)

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the process by which a private company offers shares to the public for the first time and becomes a publicly traded company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the steps involved in a company listing its securities on a stock exchange?

1. Preparation: Assessing whether the company is ready to meet investor and regulatory expectations.
2. Due Diligence: Legal, financial, and business due diligence by underwriters and auditors.
3. Regulatory Filings: Preparing and submitting required documents to regulatory authorities and stock exchanges.
4. Underwriting: Selection of investment banks to underwrite the new issue.
5. Marketing: Roadshows and presentations to potential investors.
6. Pricing: Setting the offer price for the shares.
7. Listing: Final approval from the stock exchange and successful listing.

Why is the listing process considered rigorous?

The listing process is considered rigorous because it involves numerous compliance checks, significant financial disclosures, underwriter due diligence, and regulatory filings. These steps are designed to ensure the reliability and transparency of the information available to investors, thereby protecting them and maintaining market integrity.

What are the benefits of a company being listed on a stock exchange?

• Access to Capital: Easier access to capital for business growth and expansion.
• Liquidity: Shares become more liquid, allowing easier purchase and sale by investors.
• Visibility: Enhanced corporate image and public presence.
• Valuation: Provides a market valuation of the company’s worth.
• Employee Incentives: Ability to offer stock-based compensation to employees.

Key Takeaways

• Listing securities on a stock exchange is a complex process involving regulatory compliance and substantial financial resources.
• Financial institutions play a crucial role in handling securities offerings and ensuring that issued securities attract investor interest.
• The integrity of financial markets is maintained through rigorous processes and regulatory requirements.

Glossary

Financial Securities: Instruments representing financial value, like stocks and bonds. Stock Exchange: A marketplace for buying and selling securities. Financial Intermediaries: Institutions like banks that channel funds from savers to borrowers. Regulatory Requirements: Rules and regulations imposed on companies during the listing process. Initial Public Offering (IPO): The first public sale of a company’s shares.

Diagrams and Charts

Below is a flowchart depicting the IPO process:

    graph TB
	
	  A[Preparation] --> B[Due Diligence]
	  B --> C[Regulatory Filings]
	  C --> D[Underwriting]
	  D --> E[Marketing]
	  E --> F[Pricing]
	  F --> G[Listing]