Finance

Why Some Listed IPOs Fail While Others Succeed

The success or failure of a Listed IPO depends on multiple factors, including business fundamentals, valuation, market conditions, and investor sentiment. Using a screener for Indian stocks can help track IPO performance and identify potential winners while avoiding weak investments. Conducting thorough research before investing in an IPO is crucial for long-term success.

Understanding the Basics of a Listed IPO

IPO stands for Initial Public Offering, the process through which a private company offers its shares to the public for the first time. Once the IPO is listed on an exchange like the National Stock Exchange (NSE) or Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the shares become available for public trading.

Key Factors Behind IPO Success

1. Strong Business Fundamentals

  • Companies with a proven revenue model, profitability, and growth potential tend to attract more investors.
  • A unique competitive advantage or market leadership increases confidence in long-term growth.

2. Fair Valuation & Pricing

  • IPOs priced too high may struggle post-listing, while fairly valued IPOs tend to perform better.
  • Comparing financial metrics like P/E ratio and book value with industry peers helps assess valuation.

3. High Investor Demand

  • Strong subscription from institutional and retail investors is a positive sign.
  • Oversubscription indicates high demand and potential for listing gains.

4. Sector Growth & Market Conditions

  • IPOs in high-growth sectors (e.g., technology, fintech, healthcare) tend to perform better.
  • Favorable market conditions, like a bullish stock market, improve post-listing performance.

5. Experienced Management Team

  • A strong leadership team with a history of successful execution boosts investor confidence.
  • Companies with transparent corporate governance perform better in the long run.

Why Some Listed IPOs Fail

1. Weak Business Model & Financials

  • Companies with inconsistent revenue, high debt, or poor profitability struggle after listing.
  • A lack of clear growth strategy leads to declining investor confidence.

2. Overvaluation & Expensive Pricing

  • IPOs priced too high relative to earnings often see sharp corrections post-listing.
  • If the valuation is not justified, investors may exit early, leading to price drops.

3. Poor Market Timing

  • If an IPO launches during a market downturn, it may fail to gain traction.
  • Negative economic conditions or sector slowdowns impact IPO performance.

4. Low Investor Interest & Weak Subscription

  • Poor demand from institutional and retail investors results in low listing gains.
  • If an IPO is under-subscribed, it indicates weak market confidence in the company.

5. Regulatory & Governance Issues

  • Companies with legal disputes, regulatory violations, or management controversies often struggle post-listing.
  • Lack of transparency in financial disclosures creates distrust among investors.

Using a Screener for Indian Stocks to Analyze IPOs

  • A screener for Indian stocks helps investors track post-listing performance.
  • Key indicators like stock price trends, trading volumes, and financial results provide insights into an IPO’s success or failure.
  • Comparing newly listed IPOs with industry benchmarks helps investors make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Investing in Listed IPOs can be rewarding, but not all IPOs perform well after listing. Some companies see strong growth, while others struggle to maintain investor confidence. Understanding why some IPOs succeed while others fail can help investors make better decisions.