Month: May 2023

  • 11% Bonus Shares of Support Laghubitta Listed in NEPSE

    11% Bonus Shares of Support Laghubitta Listed in NEPSE


    Support Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SMB) has successfully listed 94,380 unit bonus shares on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE). This development follows the company’s 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 4th Chaitra, where an 11.57894737% dividend for the fiscal year 2078/79 was endorsed. During the 189th board of directors meeting on Poush 29, it was decided to distribute the dividend on the paid-up capital of Rs. 8.58 crores. The proposal included 11% bonus shares valued at over Rs. 94.38 lakhs and a 0.57894737% cash dividend (including tax) worth over Rs. 4.96 lakhs.

    On the previous trading day, SMB closed at Rs. 940 per share.

  • Gold Prices Reach All-Time High with Rs. 1500 Single-Day Gain

    Gold Prices Reach All-Time High with Rs. 1500 Single-Day Gain


    Gold prices have once again grabbed attention as they reached a record high today. The surge in value amounts to a significant single-day gain of Rs. 1500 compared to yesterday’s price.

    According to the official website of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold is currently being traded at Rs. 112,000 per tola, whereas it was maintained at Rs. 110,500 per tola yesterday. Similarly, Tejabi gold is being traded at Rs. 111,450 today, whereas the rate was held at Rs. 109,950 per tola on the previous day.

    Within a span of two days, the price of gold has risen by Rs. 3900 per tola. The fluctuation in gold and silver prices is partly attributed to the absence of a clear response regarding customs rates related to these precious metals in the budget for 2080/081.

    Just recently, on May 4th, 2023, the price of gold hit an all-time high in the Nepalese market. Fine gold was traded at Rs. 111,800 per tola, while Tejabi gold reached Rs. 111,250 per tola on that day.

    In addition, silver has also experienced a gain of Rs. 20 per tola. The shiny white metal is currently being traded at Rs. 1,395 per tola in the local market, compared to the previous day’s closing rate of Rs. 1,375 per tola.

  • NEPSE Index Drops by 2.06% Amidst New Tax Reforms and Investor Concerns

    NEPSE Index Drops by 2.06% Amidst New Tax Reforms and Investor Concerns


    The NEPSE index experienced a decline today, closing at 1,849.79, which marked a decrease of 38.83 points compared to the previous trading day. This equated to a loss of 2.06% in the index value. Over the course of the week, the index has witnessed a decrease of approximately 109.37 points since Sunday.

    During the week, the Finance Minister, Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, presented the budget for the upcoming financial year, which included several new tax reforms. However, the introduction of these reforms caused some confusion and misinterpretation regarding the restructuring of the existing taxation system in the share market. As a result, panic selling occurred, leading to a decline in the market. Within just two days (Sunday and Tuesday), the market plummeted by 91.99 points.

    One of the concerns raised by investors pertained to the treatment of losses incurred during stock market transactions. In response, the Director General of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Dirgha Raj Mainali, addressed this issue by announcing a new provision. This provision allows investors to carry forward losses for up to seven years and offers additional tax rebates after adjusting profit or loss for taxpayers. This measure is seen as a positive step to alleviate market concerns and promote investor confidence.

    The new tax provisions announced by the Finance Minister include bringing FPO premiums and gains from mergers and acquisitions under the scope of taxation. However, certain sectors such as banking and financial institutions, hydro companies, and insurance companies have consistently maintained their position that such gains should be treated as investments rather than taxable profits.

    The market’s decline can be attributed to the uncertainties and apprehensions arising from the new tax reforms. It is important for investors to understand and interpret the provisions accurately to avoid any unnecessary panic selling or volatility in the market. The IRD’s efforts to address investor concerns and provide favorable provisions, such as carrying forward losses and tax rebates, aim to mitigate the impact of the reforms and maintain stability in the market.

  • Ankhukhola Hydropower Company (AKJCL) Changes Right Share Ratio from 200% to 150%

    Ankhukhola Hydropower Company (AKJCL) Changes Right Share Ratio from 200% to 150%


    Ankhukhola Hydropower Company Limited (AKJCL) has recently announced a change in its right share ratio from 200% to 150%. During a board of directors meeting held on Jestha 17, 2080, the decision was made to issue 150% right shares on the company’s paid-up capital of Rs. 80 Crores. This decision aligns with the instructions given by the regulatory body.

    In a previous board meeting that took place on Baishakh 15, 2079, AKJCL had proposed to issue right shares in a ratio of 1:2. This move was intended to allow the company to invest a significant portion, at least 60%, of its shares in the Ganesh Himal Hydropower’s 20 M.W- Ankhu Khola-2 Hydropower project. However, the decision required approval from the Electricity Regulatory Commission. As a result, the company has now revised its right shares issuance, opting for a ratio of 150% from the paid-up capital of Rs. 80 Crores. This means that the paid-up capital will reach Rs. 120 Crores after the issuance of the aforementioned right shares.

    It is important to note that the issuance of these right shares is subject to approval from the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and will also need to be endorsed during the company’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).

  • Ghorahi Cement Industry Concludes IPO for Project-Affected Locals, Generating Rs. 3.44 Arba

    Ghorahi Cement Industry Concludes IPO for Project-Affected Locals, Generating Rs. 3.44 Arba


    Ghorahi Cement Industry Limited is concluding the issuance of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) for project-affected locals today. The IPO, which opened on 18th Baisakh, aims to issue 79,43,801 unit shares to the public, including locals, Nepalese citizens working abroad, and the general public. Out of the total issued capital of Rs. 3.97 Arba, 1% or 397,190 unit shares have been allocated to project-affected locals of Dang District.

    The shares are being offered at a price of Rs. 400 per unit for locals and Rs. 435 per unit for Nepalese citizens working abroad, including a premium amount. The IPO will generate a total of Rs. 3.44 Arba for the company, with a significant portion being premium amounting to Rs. 2.645 Arba.

    Himalayan Capital Limited and Nabil Investment Banking Limited are the appointed issue managers for the IPO. After the IPO, the promoter-public share ratio will be 80:20. CARE Ratings Nepal Limited has assigned a rating of ‘CARE-NP BBB- (Is)’ to Ghorahi Cement Industry Limited, indicating a moderate degree of safety regarding the timely servicing of financial obligations.

    Ghorahi Cement Industry Limited, formerly known as Ghorahi Cement Industry Private Limited, was established in August 2007. It operates an integrated cement manufacturing plant in the Dang Valley of Western Nepal. The company has a clinker capacity of 1,900 MTPD and a grinding capacity of 2,200 MTPD, with plans for further expansion. Ghorahi Cement Industry sells its products under the brand name “Sagarmatha” across Nepal, with a focus on the western and far-western regions of the country. The company has a network of 21 distributors throughout Nepal.

  • Unique Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited Concludes FPO Issuance, Oversubscribed 39.4 Times

    Unique Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited Concludes FPO Issuance, Oversubscribed 39.4 Times


    Unique Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (UNLB) is concluding the issuance of its 379,425 unit FPO (Further Public Offering) shares to the general public. The issue, which began on 11th Jestha, 2080, will close today on 17th Jestha.

    Currently, the company has a paid-up capital of Rs. 11.06 crores, with 94.01% of shares (10,40,025 units) held by promoter shareholders and 5.99% (66,300 units) held by public shareholders. However, as per the requirements of the Banks and Financial Institutions Act of 2073 and the NRB (Nepal Rastra Bank), a minimum of 30% of the issued capital must be retained by public shareholders. Therefore, the company will issue 3,79,425 units of FPO shares to the general public. After the FPO, the promoter-to-public share structure will change from 94:6 to 70:30.

    It is important to note that Unique Nepal Laghubitta had initially planned to issue an IPO for 2.70 lakh shares. However, following a successful merger with Ghodighoda Laghubitta, the joint operation under the name of Unique Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited commenced on 30th Poush, 2078. As Ghodighoda Laghubitta was already a publicly listed company, the merged entity opted for an FPO to adjust the shareholding ratio.

    The company aims to raise Rs. 3.79 crore through this FPO. Muktinath Capital Limited has been appointed as the issue manager for the FPO. Investors can apply for a minimum of 10 units and a maximum of 1000 units. The paid-up capital of the company will increase to Rs. 14.85 crores after the issuance of the mentioned FPO shares.

    According to CDSC (Central Depository System and Clearing Limited), a total of 12,85,226 applications have been received, requesting a total of 14,961,420 units. As a result, the issue is already oversubscribed by 39.4 times.

  • Lumbini Bikas Bank Limited Opens 11% Debenture 2089 Issuance to General Public and Institutions

    Lumbini Bikas Bank Limited Opens 11% Debenture 2089 Issuance to General Public and Institutions


    Lumbini Bikas Bank Limited (LBBL) has commenced the issuance of “11% LBBL Debenture 2089” to the general public and institutions. The debenture, which has a maturity period of 10 years and offers a coupon rate of 11%, will be available for application starting from today until the 19th of Jestha, 2080. In the event that the issue is not fully subscribed, the deadline may be extended until Jestha 30, 2080.

    A total of 10,00,000 units of the debenture will be issued at a par value of Rs. 1000 per unit. Among the total units, 60% (6,00,000 units) will be subscribed through private placement, while the remaining 4,00,000 units worth Rs. 40 crores will be open for public issue. Additionally, 5% of the public issue is allocated for mutual funds. The issuance aims to raise a total of Rs. 1 Arba.

    Nabil Investment Banking Limited has been appointed as the issue manager for this process. Investors have the opportunity to apply for a minimum of 25 units and a maximum of 1,00,000 units.

  • Kumari Bank Limited Initiates Auction of Promoter Shares to General Public

    Kumari Bank Limited Initiates Auction of Promoter Shares to General Public


    The promoters of Kumari Bank Limited (KBL) have decided to sell 7,57,699 units of their shares through an auction. This auction is open to individual investors, companies, and institutions, and will take place from 16th Jestha to 22nd Jestha, 2080.

    Interested bidders can participate in the auction with a minimum bid rate of Rs. 121 per share. The minimum bid quantity for the promoter shares is set at 1000 units. Bidders can place bids for the entire share issue, but they must adhere to the Nepal Rastra Bank’s guidelines regarding the maximum quantity of shares that can be held by a single entity.

    NIBL Ace Capital Limited has been appointed as the auction manager for this process. Bids will be opened at the auction manager’s premises on 23rd Jestha, 2080.

    At present, the Last Traded Price (LTP) of KBL shares stands at Rs. 168.

  • Gold Price Surges Near All-Time High Record with Significant Gains

    Gold Price Surges Near All-Time High Record with Significant Gains


    The price of gold is reaching an all-time high record, and today it experienced significant gains. Fine gold rose by Rs. 2400 in a single day, while tejabi gold increased by Rs. 2350 compared to yesterday’s price.

    According to the official website of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold is currently being traded at Rs. 110,500 per tola, up from Rs. 108,100 per tola yesterday. Tejabi gold, on the other hand, is being traded at Rs. 109,950 today, compared to Rs. 107,600 per tola yesterday.

    Just recently, on April 5, 2023, the price of gold reached an all-time high in the Nepalese market. Fine gold was traded at Rs. 111,000 per tola, while tejabi gold reached Rs. 110,450 per tola on that day.

    In addition, silver has also seen a gain of Rs. 15 per tola. The shiny white metal is now being traded at Rs. 1,375 per tola in the local market, up from yesterday’s closing rate of Rs. 1,360 per tola.

    In the international market, the current price of gold stands at USD $1,948.10 per ounce, while silver is being traded at $23.18 per ounce.

  • NEPSE Index Plunges with Significant Losses, All Sector Indices Close in the Red

    NEPSE Index Plunges with Significant Losses, All Sector Indices Close in the Red


    Mithila Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (MLBBL) recently listed 2,55,655.77 unit bonus shares on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE). The company held its 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 17th of Falgun, during which it approved a dividend of 15.789% for the fiscal year 2078/79.

    In addition to the dividend, the board of directors, in its 231st meeting on Poush 28, decided to distribute 15% bonus shares valued at Rs. 2.55 crores and a cash dividend of 0.789473681%, amounting to Rs. 13.45 lakhs. These dividends were distributed from MLBBL’s paid-up capital of Rs. 17.04 crores. Now, these bonus shares have been officially listed on NEPSE.

    As of the time of writing, the Last Traded Price (LTP) of MLBBL’s shares on NEPSE stands at Rs. 750.

  • Nepal’s Budget 2023-24 (2080/81) : Key Highlights and Allocations

    Nepal’s Budget 2023-24 (2080/81) : Key Highlights and Allocations


    Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat has unveiled the budget estimates for Nepal’s fiscal year 2023-24, outlining significant allocations and priorities across sectors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the budget, highlighting key sectors such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, and social welfare. Read on to discover the key highlights of Nepal’s budget for the upcoming year.

    Agriculture and Livestock Development:

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has received a budget allocation of Rs58.98 billion, reflecting a notable increase of Rs3.01 billion compared to the previous fiscal year. Emphasizing the importance of local production, the government has allocated Rs30 billion for subsidizing chemical fertilizers to farmers.

    Information Technology and Foreign Investment:

    In a bid to attract foreign investment, the government has eliminated the limit on foreign investment in the information technology industry. Minister Mahat announced plans to create a favorable environment for foreign investment in this sector, fostering growth and innovation.

    Education and Infrastructure:

    The budget for the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has been increased to Rs197 billion, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing the education sector. Additionally, the government plans to construct one model residential community school in Dhankuta, Bardibas, Tansen, Surkhet, and Dadeldhura, adopting the successful operational modality of renowned schools in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

    Infrastructure Development and Sports:

    The Local Infrastructure Development Partnership Programme, also known as the Constituency Development Fund, has been allocated a budget of Rs8.25 billion. Moreover, the government has announced plans to develop the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground into an international-level cricket facility. Furthermore, four additional stadiums will be constructed in different regions of the country.

    Social Welfare and Health:

    The government intends to continue the midday meal program in public schools, ensuring nutritious meals for students while eliminating junk food options. The budget includes Rs8.45 billion for midday meals, benefiting approximately 3.2 million students. Additionally, Rs1.42 billion has been allocated for providing free sanitary pads to girl students.

    The Ministry of Health and Population has received a significant budget increase of Rs14 billion, with a total allocation of Rs83.99 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24. This increased funding aims to improve healthcare services and meet the growing demands of the population.

    Nepal’s budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 emphasizes key sectors such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, and social welfare. The government’s focus on promoting local production, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing educational opportunities showcases its commitment to overall development. With increased allocations in vital sectors, Nepal aims to address societal needs, drive economic growth, and uplift the quality of life for its citizens.

  • Kumari Bank Limited Promoters to Auction 14,83,378 Units of Shares to General Public

    Kumari Bank Limited Promoters to Auction 14,83,378 Units of Shares to General Public


    Kumari Bank Limited (KBL) has announced that its existing promoters will be selling 14,83,378 units of their shares through an auction open to the general public. The auction period will be from 12th Jestha to 19th Jestha, 2080. This presents an opportunity for individual investors, companies, and institutions to participate in the auction and potentially acquire shares of KBL.

    To participate in the auction, interested bidders need to place their bids with a minimum bid rate of Rs. 110. It’s important to note that the minimum bid quantity for the promoters’ shares is set at 1000 units. While bidders have the option to bid for the entire issue, they must comply with the regulations of the Nepal Rastra Bank, which specify the maximum quantity of shares that can be allocated to a single entity.

    The auction process will be managed by Sunrise Capital Limited, a renowned institution in the field. At the time of writing, the Last Traded Price (LTP) of KBL stands at Rs. 169.20. This information provides potential investors with a reference point to consider while placing their bids.

    Participating in this auction allows interested investors to potentially become shareholders of Kumari Bank Limited and be part of its future growth and profitability. It is advisable for prospective bidders to carefully assess their investment strategy and make informed decisions based on their own financial goals and risk appetite.