Issuing stocks and bonds is one of the primary ways a business can raise capital. But run these transactions requires special expertise, pricing financial instruments in a way that will maximize revenue to navigate regulatory requirements. This is where an investment bank usually comes in.

Essentially, Investment banks constitute a bridge between large companies and the investor. Their main roles are to advise companies and governments on how to meet their financial challenges and to help them procure funding, whether it concerns stock offers, bond issues or derivative some products.

Role as advisor

Deciding how to raise capital is a major decision for any business or government. In most cases, they rely on an investment bank — either a large Wall Street company or a “shop”Banker — to guide you.

Given the current investment climate, the bank will recommend the best way to raise funds. This could involve selling a stake in the company through a stock offer or borrowing from the public through a bond issue. The investment firm can also help determine the price of these instruments by using financial models.

In the case of an offer of shares, its financial analysts will look at a variety of different factors, such as earning potential and the strength of the management team to estimate the value of a share of the business. If the customer offers bonds, the bank will examine the interest rate for companies of the same rating to determine how much they will have to compensate borrowers.

Investment banks also offer advice in a merger Where acquisition scenario. For example, if a company is looking to buy a competitor, the bank can advise its management team on the value of the company and how to structure the deal in a buyer-friendly way.

Subscription of shares and bonds

If an entity decides to raise funds through a capital or debt offering, one or more investment banks will also subscribe to the securities. This means that the institution buys a number of stocks or bonds at a predetermined price and resells them through a to exchange.

Suppose Acme Water Filter Company hopes to get $ 1 million in a initial public offering. Based on various factors, including the expected profits of the company over the next few years, Federici Investment bankers determines that investors will be prepared to pay $ 11 each for 100,000 shares of the company. As the only one subscriber From the issue, Federici buys all of the shares at $ 10 each in Acme. If it manages to sell the 100,000 at $ 11, the bank makes a handsome profit of $ 100,000 (100,000 shares x $ 1 spread).

However, depending on his arrangement with the transmitter, Federici may be on the hook if the public’s appetite is lower than expected. If he has to drop the price to an average of $ 9 a share for liquidate his holdings, he lost $ 100,000. Therefore, the pricing of securities can be tricky. Investment banks usually have to outbid other institutions that also wish to process the transaction on behalf of the issuer. But if their spread isn’t big enough, they won’t be able to get a good return from the sale.

In reality, the task of subscription securities often fall on more than one bank. If it is a larger offer, the managing underwriter will often form a union other banks that sell part of the shares. In this way, companies can market stocks and bonds to a larger segment of the public and reduce their risk. The manager realizes part of the profits, even if another union member sells the stock.

Investment banks also play a less prestigious role in equity offerings. It is their job to create the documentation that must go to the Security and Trade Commission before the company can sell stock. It means compile financial state, information on the management and current ownership of the business, and a statement of how the business plans to use the product.

Other activities

While advising companies and helping them raise funds is an important part of what investment banks do, most perform several other functions as well. Most of the big banks are very diverse in terms of the services they offer. Some of their others Income sources include:

• Research: Big investment banks have big teams that collect information about companies and offer recommendations on buying or selling their stocks. They can use these reports internally but can also generate income by selling them to hedge funds and mutual fund managers.
• Trading and sales: Most large companies have a sales department that can execute stock and bond transactions on behalf of their clients. In the past, some banks have also engaged in trading for own account, where they essentially play their own money on securities; however, a recent settlement known as Volcker rule cracked down on these activities.
• Asset Management: The tastes of JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs manage huge portfolios for pension funds, foundations and insurance companies through their asset Management department. Their experts help select the right combination of actions, debt instruments, real estate trusts and other investment vehicles to achieve the unique goals of their clients.
• Wealth management: Some of the same banks that perform investment banking functions for Fortune 500 companies also take care of individual investors. Through a team of financial advisors, they help individuals and families save for retirement and other long-term needs.
• Securitized products: Nowadays, companies often pool Financial assets– mortgages to credit card claims-and resell them to investors as fixed income products. An investment bank will recommend opportunities for “securitize”Income streams, assemble assets and market them institutional investors.

The term “investment bank” is somewhat misleading. In many cases, helping businesses raise capital is only part of a much larger operation.

The bottom line

While some of their more sophisticated products have given investment banks a bad name, these firms play an important role in helping businesses and government entities make informed financial decisions and raise the necessary capital.