Despite initially riding momentum carried from Q4 2019, hopes for an IPO window of opportunity and rebound in the first half of 2020 were cut short by the global impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019). This led to 235 deals and US$28.5b in proceeds through the first three months of 2020. Despite the equity markets not being as bullish as expected, IPOs in Q1 2020 performed better than Q1 2019, seeing 11% and 89% increases in the number of deals and proceeds respectively, albeit from a relatively low base in 2019.
The quarter represented two extremes: an active January and February ending in a close-to-standstill March. Asia-Pacific (160 deals raising US$16.8b in proceeds) and the Americas (40 IPOs raising US$8.2b in proceeds) ended Q1 2020 ahead compared with Q1 2019 by both deal number and proceeds, while EMEIA (35 IPOs raising US$3.5b in proceeds) slowed by deal number. The industrials sector dominated in Q1 2020 with 45 IPOs raising US$6.3b. By deal numbers, technology (40 deals) and health care (30 deals) were also active YTD 2020. These and other findings were published today in the EY quarterly report, Global IPO trends: Q1 2020.
Paul Go, EY Global IPO Leader, says: “Riding the strong tailwinds from Q4 2019, the global IPO markets started off strongly in the first two months of 2020. However, the unexpected and novel events surrounding COVID-19 took a toll on the global health of equity markets and, together with other global market factors, have caused market turbulence last seen only during the global financial crisis of 2008. This extreme market volatility makes any ambitions to go public highly uncertain, both in terms of timing and valuation.”
Americas deal landscape shows continued IPO appetite
The Americas saw a 47% increase in proceeds (US$8.2b) and a 14% increase in deals (40 IPOs) compared with Q1 2019. US exchanges accounted for the majority of Americas IPO activity with 60% by deal numbers (24 IPOs) and 89% by proceeds (US$7.3b) in Q1 2020. There were seven cross-border IPOs in Q1 2020, where China was the top country of origin with six deals.
The Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange saw three IPOs raising US$7m in total proceeds. Meanwhile, Brazil’s B3 market saw four IPOs raising US$785m in proceeds.
Jackie Kelley, EY Americas IPO Leader, says: “IPO activity across the Americas saw a rise in Q1 2020 by volumes and proceeds compared with Q1 2019. While COVID-19 and oil tensions have largely dried up IPO activity for now, IPO preparation continues and the IPO pipeline is growing, as issuers look for opportunities to be prepared for calmer and more conducive markets.”
Asia-Pacific IPO markets maintain strong start
Asia-Pacific prevailed with 160 IPOs and US$16.8b in proceeds in Q1 2020, a 28% and 110% increase compared with Q1 2019, respectively, and these accounted for 68% of the global deal numbers and 59% by proceeds.
In Greater China, IPO activity in Hong Kong was more negatively impacted than within the Mainland China exchanges. Combined, Greater China deal numbers increased 34% (90 deals) while proceeds increased by 104% (US$13.2b) compared to Q1 2019.
Japanese exchanges also continued to flex throughout the quarter with 28 deals and US$592m in proceeds, representing a 22% increase in deals but a 21% fall in proceeds compared to Q1 2019.
Ringo Choi, EY Asia-Pacific IPO Leader, says: “Although COVID-19 has had some impact on IPO activity in the short term, with government policies and economic stimulus packages in place, IPO markets should see some improvement in the quarters to come.”
Despite EMEIA deal slowdown, the region delivers in proceeds raised
Through Q1 2019 EMEIA saw 35 IPOs and US$3.5b in proceeds. While deal numbers were down 31%, proceeds skyrocketed 133% YOY. This is partly explained by India’s Financials IPO, SBI Cards & Payments Services Ltd, which raised US$1.4b in proceeds. EMEIA continued to account for three of the top ten exchanges globally by proceeds in Q1 2020; the region accounted for one of the top 10 exchanges by deal number.
Dr. Martin Steinbach, EY EMEIA IPO Leader, says: “In a historically slow first quarter, COVID-19 has impacted capital markets sentiment, as EMEIA is more exposed to any impacts to cross-border supply chains. Combined with record levels of market volatility, IPOs were postponed which lowered IPO activity in Q1 2020. We see IPO candidates even more challenged to determine the right timing and pursue the right de-risking IPO strategies that provide access to funding for further growth. With central banks and governments in a ‘whatever-it-takes’ mode we expect IPO activity to pick up in H2 2020.”
2020 outlook: the chilling effect will impact markets for foreseeable future
Given the COVID-19 outbreak and its negative impact on global economic activities, IPO markets are not expected to quickly rebound in Q2 2020. However, while Q3 is typically a slower time of the year, there may be increased IPO activity as the market attempts a reset and the global pipeline looks for the next IPO window.
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