Indian companies raised close to Rs 27,000 crore, a record, through initial public offerings in the first half of this financial year and an impressive pipeline is already in place for the coming months.
Besides, over a dozen firms, including New India Assurance Company Ltd., Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management Ltd. and HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Ltd., have lined up their IPOs to raise funds totalling Rs 35,000 crore in coming months.Dinesh Rohira, Founder and CEO, 5nance.com
Adding to the depth of the IPO market, companies from diverse sectors like insurance, healthcare, education, bank, cable TV and shipping have made their way to the IPO space during the period under review.
According to the latest data compiled from stock exchanges, 19 companies garnered over Rs 26,720 crore IPOs between April and September, up from Rs 16,535 crore raised by 15 firms in the year-ago period. The previous record was Rs 21,244 crore in the first half of 2007-08.
Also Read | Layoffs Are Rising In Tech, But These Skills Are Helping People Unlock Better Pay
"One of the big reasons why we are seeing so many IPOs hitting stock markets is the uplift in investor sentiment, which is also reflected in the returns that the Nifty gave in the first half of the year," said Dinesh Rohira, founder and CEO of 5nance.com.
Market regulator's “proactive” regulations and the government's pro-business policies have helped companies and investors shrug off fears and lap up opportunities to become part of the India growth story, said Rohira.
Rahul Parikh, chief executive officer of Bajaj Capital Ltd., said the underlying bullish sentiment and high demand from domestic investors mean that companies can get a good price for their issues. “Also, there is a need to deleverage balance sheets."
Time is also ripe for institutional investors like private equity to exit at a good price as prevailing valuations in secondary markets are high. Market watchdog SEBI has taken numerous steps that have encouraged companies to sell shares. One key enabler is making ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) mandatory for all investors, including retail. Also, SEBI's proactive approach to the market has calmed investors' nerves on frauds.Rahul Parikh, CEO, Bajaj Capital
The IPO route helps companies achieve benefits of listing as well as enhance their brand name and provide liquidity to the existing shareholders.
IPOs like Avenue Supermarts Ltd. (which runs retail chain D-mart) and Central Depository Services Ltd. have clocked more than 200 percent returns since listing.
The IPO chart in the first half was led by SBI Life Insurance Ltd. (Rs 8,400 crore), followed by ICICI Lombard General Insurance Ltd. (5,700 crore), AU Small Finance Bank Ltd. (Rs 1,912 crore), Eris Lifesciences Ltd. (Rs 1,741 crore), Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (Rs 1,468 crore) and Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (Rs 1,224 crore).
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
