2017 global IPO outlook remains robust after promising Q1 results

- Soaring global equity markets make Q1 2017 highest first quarter since 2007 by global number of IPOs

- US IPO markets return to form hosting the first tech megadeal of the year

- Asia-Pacific maintains its position as the global epicenter of IPO activity

- EMEIA IPO activity increases despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty

LONDON, April 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global IPO activity got off to a brisk start in the first quarter of 2017, led by market gains in Asia-Pacific and the US hosting the first two megadeals of the year. In the first three months of 2017, some 369 IPOs raised US$33.7b, a 92% year-over-year increase in the global number of IPOs and a 146% increase in global proceeds. Moreover, Q1 2017 was the most active first quarter by global number of IPOs since Q1 2007 (with 399 IPOs raising US$47.5b). These and other findings were published today in the EY quarterly report, Global IPO Trends: Q1 2017.

Dr. Martin Steinbach, EY Global and EY EMEIA IPO Leader, says:

"This is a promising start to global IPO activity this year. In the face of sustained global economic uncertainty, the first quarter of this year has set the stage for accelerated growth in 2017. Economic fundamentals are improving in the major developed economies. Equity index performance and valuations are trending upward, with several major indices reaching all-time highs. Concurrently, volatility is low, underpinning positive IPO sentiment, which is also supported by the successful US listing of a large technology unicorn."

Asia-Pacific dominates global IPOs

Asia-Pacific, led by Greater China, once again dominated global IPO activity in Q1 2017, accounting for 70% of the global number of IPOs and 48% by global proceeds. Greater China exchanges were the busiest, hosting 182 IPOs, with the Shenzhen and Shanghai exchanges being most active and accounting for 20% (73 IPOs) and 19% (70) of the global number of IPOs respectively. However, activity was spread across the region with a healthy set of listings on public markets in Japan (27), Australia (23), Southeast Asia (14) and South Korea (12). In the short-term, Greater China, and by extension Asia-Pacific, is expected to continue its dominance of the global IPO market as the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) is anticipated to clear an extensive backlog of listings by increasing the pace of IPO approvals throughout this year.

Ringo Choi, EY Asia-Pacific IPO Leader, says:

"IPO activity in Asia-Pacific has been powering ahead due to the region's relative insulation from political uncertainty elsewhere in the world, ample liquidity in emerging markets and strengthening investor sentiment on the back of reduced volatility and steady stock market gains. While IPO activity is likely to increase on Mainland China and selected ASEAN exchanges during the second and third quarters, there may be a slowdown in new listings in other markets. Hence, this region may see a temporary drop in activity, but is expected to rebound in the final quarter of the year."

EMEIA IPO activity affected by geopolitical uncertainty

With growing geopolitical uncertainty, activity in the EMEIA region increased slightly by 8.5% YOY, ranking second behind Asia-Pacific by number of IPOs in Q1 2017, and accounting for 21% and 15% of global number of IPOs and proceeds respectively. Bolsa de Madrid, London Main and AIM, and Bombay Main Market and SME were the three most active markets by proceeds. India and the UK were the most active regional markets with 26 and 12 IPOs respectively, followed by Saudi Arabia, which listed seven deals on its new platform, "Nomu – Parallel Market," an alternative equity market with lighter listing requirements.

Steinbach says: "IPO activity in EMEIA was affected by heightened geopolitical uncertainty ahead of upcoming national elections and the build-up to the UK's declaration of Article 50, formalizing its intentions to exit the European Union. However, investor and business sentiment in EMEIA is rising as we continue to see regional equity indices at all-time highs, a growing IPO pipeline, a solid reporting season to date and strong economic fundamentals throughout the region. The key for companies looking to accelerate their growth this year while uncertainty stabilizes is to preserve optionality with a multitrack strategy approach."

US market returns to form

US IPO activity got off to a strong start in 2017, easily surpassing Q1 2016 levels in terms of both IPO numbers and proceeds. IPO proceeds for Q1 2017 are the highest since Q2 2015 (72 IPOs raising US$14.3b). The quarter saw a total of 24 IPOs raising US$10.8b, an increase of 1,380% in terms of proceeds and 200% by volume on Q1 2016. During Q1 2017, the US accounted for four of the top ten deals globally. The NYSE led IPO proceeds globally this quarter due its hosting of the only two US$1b plus megadeals.               

Jackie Kelley, EY Americas IPO Markets Leader, says:

"The first quarter of 2017 was one of the strongest for the US IPO market and established a solid runway for more deals for the remainder of the year. This positive performance should attract more tech and unicorns to the public markets and further open the door for other sectors such as retail, energy, and real estate. With the market currently  insulated from the political uncertainty, more companies are expected to enter the filing process."

2017 outlook is upbeat, despite mixed signals

The reaction to geopolitical events in the financial markets has been far more positive than many had predicted. Pent-up demand for public offerings suggests global IPOs will continue to rise in 2017, with pipelines full, particularly in Asia-Pacific. 

Steinbach concludes:

"Overall, global IPO markets had the best start with the highest first quarter by global number of IPOs since 2007. The upswing is buoyed by a strong desire for investors to generate returns and the positive momentum from a strong IPO activity in the fourth quarter 2016. However, ongoing uncertainty continues to define the global conversation, in spite of the market rallies seen in many main market indices after respective US presidential and Brexit votes."

Notes to editors

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

About the data

Analysis included on this press release includes all deals listed up to 24 March 2017 and EY's expectation of deals that will close in the rest of the month. Data is sourced from Dealogic as of 24 March 2017. January 2017 through March 2017 (i.e., 1Q17 YTD) IPO activity is based on priced IPOs as of 24 March 2017 and expected IPOs by the end of March 2017.

Appendix: Q1 2017 global IPOs by sector

About EY's Initial Public Offering Services

EY is a leader in helping companies go public worldwide. With decades of experience, our global network is dedicated to serving market leaders and helping businesses evaluate the pros and cons of an initial public offering (IPO). We demystify the process by offering IPO readiness assessments, IPO preparation, project management and execution services, all of which help prepare you for life in the public spotlight. Our Global IPO Center of Excellence is a virtual hub, which provides access to our IPO knowledge, tools, thought leadership and contacts from around the world in one easy-to-use source. ey.com/ipocenter 

Peter Kelley
EY Global Media Relations 
+1 424 376 722
peter.kelley1@ey.com        

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