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Difference Between an IPO, an FPO, and an OFS

Synopsis:

IPO and FPO are both methods companies use to raise capital.

An IPO occurs when a company offers its shares to the public for the first time to get listed on the stock exchange. Read more..

An IPO occurs when a company offers its shares to the public for the first time to get listed on the stock exchange.

OFS, unlike IPO and FPO, does not raise capital for the company but allows existing shareholders to sell their stakes to the public. Read less

There are different ways for businesses to get money from the stock market when they need to grow.  IPOs, FPOs, and OFS are often talked about together, but they're not the same thing.  Each one does a different job.

When a business sells its first shares to the public, this is called an IPO.  Later, when a public company wants to raise money, it offers more shares. 

This is called an FPO.  This is not how OFS works. In this case, current shareholders sell their shares straight to the public, and the company does not raise any new money.

What is IPO (Initial Public Offering)?

When a private company finally goes public, regular people can start investing in IPO. For the company, it's about getting more money and being open, since companies that are on the stock market are always being watched by the market.

The first step is to send SEBI a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP). This paper goes over the company's finances, its business model, its plans for the future, and the specifics of the share sale. If you are an investor, reading a DRHP can be like reading through a company's journal before you decide to join its trip.

The subscription period starts as soon as SEBI accepts the DRHP. Bids are made by investors within a set price limit. In this case, the allotment and final price are based on desire.

Putting it on the exchange is the last step. Now, shares of the company can be bought and sold without any problems. For the company, this means that it will no longer be privately owned and will be constantly watched by the market.

What is FPO (Follow-On Public Offering)?

After the company has already been mentioned, there is an FPO. It's not about entering the market for the first time; it's about generating more revenue by selling more shares.

FPO also helps to repay loans, fund growth, or cover purchases. Investors already know how the company has done in the past, which makes it easy to judge. This is different from an IPO.

A lot of the steps are the same as those in an IPO.  The business sends SEBI a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) that explains why it needs to raise money, what the risks are, and how much the shares will cost.

After being accepted, the window for subscribing opens. The final share price is set after investors bid and demand is watched. Investors in an IPO are taking a chance on a new company. An FPO, on the other hand, feels more like helping a well-known company take the next step.

What is OFS (Offer for Sale)?

An OFS is not the same as an IPO or an FPO. This is not a deal to raise money.  People who already own shares in a company—usually promoters or big investors—sell some of their shares to the public through the stock exchange.

It's less about getting new money and more about changing who owns what. The company's funds stay the same, but more shares are bought by the public. This gives owners a way to slowly lower their stake.

This method works better and faster. Most OFSs happen in just one business day.  Investors put in bids after the sellers say how many shares they want to sell. 

OFS can be an opportunity for buyers to invest in established companies.  Shares are sometimes sold at a slight discount, but the main draw is the opportunity to invest in businesses that are already listed on the market and have a proven track record of success.

Additional Read: IPO Allotment Status

Key Differences Between IPO, FPO, and OFS

When I first tried to compare IPOs, FPOs, and OFS, I thought they were all the same thing with different names.  But what makes them different is whether the money goes to the company or to owners who already own shares.

Feature

IPO

FPO

OFS

Purpose

Raise new funds for growth, debt repayment, or expansion

Raise additional funds after IPO

Existing shareholders sell shares; company does not raise funds

Timing

First time a company enters the market

After IPO, when the company already has a market history

Any time existing shareholders want to sell

Money Raised

New capital goes to the company

New capital goes to the company

Proceeds go to existing shareholders

Investors

Evaluate the company for the first time

Evaluate the company based on performance history

Buy shares from existing owners, not the company

Risk

Higher, as there is no prior market performance

Medium, company has performance track record

Lower for company, but market risk exists for buyers

Regulatory Requirement

Must comply with SEBI and listing regulations

Must comply with SEBI regulations for listed companies

Must follow SEBI guidelines for share sale

Pricing

Determined via book-building or fixed price

Determined based on market performance and demand

Determined by market price, often via bidding

Share Allotment

New shares allotted to investors

New shares allotted to investors

Shares transferred from existing owners to buyers

Impact on Company

Raises capital for operations or expansion

Raises additional capital for funding needs

No impact on company’s capital

So, an IPO brings in new money, an FPO adds to it, and an OFS just changes who owns the company.  This information helps you choose whether to fund the growth of the company or just buy shares from people who are leaving.

Comparing IPO, FPO, and OFS for Companies

Comparing IPO vs OFS and OFS vs FPO is essential for companies to decide on the most prudent and investor-friendly way to raise funds in the stock market:

  • IPO: Suitable for companies seeking to raise significant capital for initial growth and expansion.

  • FPO: Ideal for companies already listed on the exchange that require additional capital for specific purposes.

  • OFS: Useful for existing shareholders looking to offload a portion of their holdings or promoters looking for a partial exit.

How to Invest in IPO, FPO, and OFS?

Research the Company

Regardless of the method (IPO vs FPO vs OFS), you must thoroughly research the company's financials, future plans, and management.

Understand the Offering Details

You should carefully analyze the prospectus or offer document to understand the number of shares offered, price range, and purpose of the offering.

Choose a Broker

You should select a reputable broker who provides access to the specific IPO investment, FPO, or OFS you're interested in.

Submit Your Bid

During the subscription period, you should submit your bid for the desired number of shares according to the process outlined by your broker.

Conclusion

IPO, FPO, and OFS are more than just words for buyers.  They show how clients and businesses use the market in different ways.

An IPO is the first big step forward for a company, an FPO helps it make even more progress, and an OFS changes ownership without changing the cash of the company.

As an investment, consider whether you are putting your money into new growth, supporting ongoing expansion, or purchasing from someone who is selling.

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The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes. The securities are quoted as an example and not as a recommendation. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

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