Bank Of America Raises A Slug Of Money

Like it or not, the news that Bank of America (BAC) raised $13.5 billion in equity has to make you pause. It says a lot about investor interest in the bank and the banking sector and probably even more about the stock market. This isn’t a case of people trying to jump on the train as it leaves the station or rebalancing of portfolios.

From the WSJ:

The total issuance of 1.25 billion shares by BofA is part of a previously announced plan to create a $33.9 billion buffer to meet the U.S. government’s stress-test requirements and fortify the bank against future losses as its loans and other assets are hit by the recession.

Combined with the bank’s recent $7.3 billion sale of a stake in China Construction Bank, BofA has generated an infusion of $20.77 billion, putting it more than halfway to the U.S.-set goal and easing concerns that BofA would have to take more government capital or be nationalized.

The Charlotte, N.C., bank sold a block of 825 million shares for $10 apiece on Tuesday, according to people familiar with the situation. The price was below the stock’s closing price of $11.25 in New York Stock Exchange composite trading, which will likely put downward pressure on the stock in Wednesday’s trading.

BofA previously sold an additional 425 million shares. The sales began May 8, the day after federal officials disclosed stress-test results for the nation’s 19 largest banks, including BofA. The average price of all the BofA share sales was $10.77, according to people familiar with the situation. The amount raised was in line with expectations.

That’s a pretty big vote of confidence not just in BofA but also in the financial system and the economy.

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About Tom Lindmark 401 Articles

I’m not sure that credentials mean much when it comes to writing about things but people seem to want to see them, so briefly here are mine. I have an undergraduate degree in economics from an undistinguished Midwestern university and masters in international business from an equally undistinguished Southwestern University. I spent a number of years working for large banks lending to lots of different industries. For the past few years, I’ve been engaged in real estate finance – primarily for commercial projects. Like a lot of other finance guys, I’m looking for a job at this point in time.

Given all of that, I suggest that you take what I write with the appropriate grain of salt. I try and figure out what’s behind the news but suspect that I’m often delusional. Nevertheless, I keep throwing things out there and occasionally it sticks. I do read the comments that readers leave and to the extent I can reply to them. I also reply to all emails so feel free to contact me if you want to discuss something at more length. Oh, I also have a very thick skin, so if you disagree feel free to say so.

Enjoy what I write and let me know when I’m off base – I probably won’t agree with you but don’t be shy.

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