• Life Insurance Companies in Nepal Compete to Increase Premium Collections

    Life Insurance Companies in Nepal Compete to Increase Premium Collections


    Insurance companies in Nepal are competing to increase their premium collections, the amount of money they receive from policyholders. During the first ten months of the fiscal year 2079/80, life insurance companies collected a total of Rs. 1.14 Kharba in premiums from their 1.38 crore active insurance policies.

    A report from the Nepal Insurance Authority revealed that Nepal Life Insurance Company Limited collected the highest premium amount of Rs. 29.65 Arba. They had 1,035,214 active insurance policies as of Baisakh 2080.

    On the other hand, Himalayan Life Insurance Limited collected the lowest premium amount of Rs. 15.11 Crores due to having only 595 active insurance policies. Himalayan Life Insurance was formed after merging Prime Life Insurance, Gurans Life Insurance, and Union Life Insurance, which is the largest merger in Nepal’s insurance sector.

    In another development, Sanima Life Insurance Company Limited and Reliance Life Insurance Company Limited completed their merger process with a swap ratio of 1:1. They have now combined to form ‘Sanima Reliance Life Insurance Company Limited’ since Chaitra 09.

    Among the insurance companies, Reliable Nepal Life Insurance Co. Ltd. has the highest number of active insurance policies, with 34,77,018 clients as of Baisakh 79/80. However, their premium collection amounted to only Rs. 3 Arba.

  • Rawa Energy Development Limited Launches IPO Offering 643,667 Unit Shares for Public Subscription

    Rawa Energy Development Limited Launches IPO Offering 643,667 Unit Shares for Public Subscription


    Rawa Energy Development Limited has initiated the issuance of 643,667 unit IPO shares, with a face value of Rs 100 per share, starting from today, the 18th of Jestha, 2080. The IPO is set to conclude on the 22nd of Jestha, and if the subscription falls short, the deadline may be extended until the 32nd of Jestha.

    In the past, the company allocated shares worth Rs. 2.8 crores to project-affected locals in the Khotang District. However, only 31.2% of the shares, amounting to 87,370 units, were allotted to eligible applicants. Consequently, the remaining 192,330 units of unsubscribed shares from the project-affected locals are now combined with 560,000 units, which represents 20% of the issued capital and is reserved for the general public. This brings the total number of shares available for the general public to 752,330 units.

    Out of the total shares, 56,000 units have already been issued and allocated to Nepalese citizens working abroad, while 37,616 units have been set aside for mutual funds, and 15,047 units are reserved for the company’s employees. The remaining 643,667 units are now made available for the general public to participate in the IPO.

    The company aims to raise a total of Rs 6.43 crore from this IPO. Prabhu Capital Limited has been appointed as the issue manager to oversee the IPO process. Interested investors can apply for a minimum of 10 units and a maximum of 10,000 units.

    CARE Ratings Nepal Limited (CRNL) has assigned an issuer rating of ‘CARE-NP BB (Is)’ to Rawa Energy Development Limited, indicating a moderate risk of default in terms of fulfilling financial obligations in Nepal.

    Rawa Energy Development Ltd is a public limited company that was initially incorporated as a private limited company on August 16, 2009, and subsequently converted to a public limited company on June 28, 2019. The company is promoted by experienced individuals with a strong background in the hydropower sector and other industries. Their focus is on establishing Hydroelectric Projects (HEP) in Nepal. The company currently operates the Upper Rawa Khola Small Hydropower Project (URKHP) with a capacity of 3 MW in the Khotang District. The project has been in commercial operation since September 20, 2020, and was constructed under the BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer) mechanism.

  • Sunrise Bank Limited Promoters Auction 122,045 Units of Shares to Public and Institutions

    Sunrise Bank Limited Promoters Auction 122,045 Units of Shares to Public and Institutions


    Sunrise Bank Limited (SRBL) has announced that the existing promoters of the bank will be auctioning 122,045 units of shares to the general public and institutions starting from today, which is the 18th of Jestha, 2080. Initially, the founder shareholders had issued a notice on the 7th of Baisakh, informing about the auction of these 122,045 units of promoter shares. However, since no applications were received during that period, the shareholders have decided to re-publish the notice and open the auction to the general public once again.

    Interested individuals, companies, and institutions are eligible to participate in the auction, and they have a period of 7 days from the date of this notice’s publication, which is the 18th of Jestha, to submit their bids. The minimum bid rate set for the auction is Rs. 125. Shareholders who wish to participate must submit their bids at the central office of the bank, located in Gairidhara, Kathmandu.

  • 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.