Bocom International to raise up to $304 million in Hong Kong IPO
The securities brokerage is selling 666.68 million shares, priced between HK$2.60 and HK$3.10 a piece
Bocom International will offer 666.68 million shares, where 10 per cent will be Hong Kong public shares and the remainder to be offered to international investors. Based on an offer price of HK$2.85 - the mid-point of the offer price range of HK$$2.60 to HK$3.10 - the net proceeds from the IPO will be about HK$1.794 billion, the company said.
It will use the proceeds of the IPO for expansion, including in the areas of margin financing business and in the asset management and advisory business.
Established in 1998, Bocom International recorded profits of HK$351.0 million in 2016, HK$350.8 million in 2015 and HK$23.7 million in 2014. Commission and fee income was HK$486.8 million in 2016, HK$690.7 million in 2015 and HK$343.5 million in 2014.
But the securities brokerage and margin financing businesses generally deliver thin margins due to stiff competition from online brokerages.
Its interest income from margin financing was HK$331.9 million in 2016, down from HK$393 million in 2015 because of the adjustments made to the company’s businesses after taking into account market conditions and reputation, Bocom International said, without providing further details.