Things to know before Investing in any IPO

5.0

30 Jun, 2021

9 min read

2881 Views

icon
IPOs are exciting to stock market investors in the same way that a big-ticket film release is exciting to the general population.

Introduction: The popularity of IPO investment stems from the popular logic that when one buys the stock of a company during its Initial Public Offering, one is getting the stock at the lowest possible price. The general understanding – or the general expectation, to be more precise – is that the price of the stock will only increase from here onward. For the most part, this is indeed the case. However, it need not always be the case. Investors need to play their cards right.

So what does “playing one’s cards right” look like in the context of an IPO? Well, the process spans careful selection, impeccable paperwork and punctuality – here are 7 considerations that any investor needs to pay heed to before investing in an IPO:

1. The company’s historic performance

You might not have historical stock pricing to go by unless the IPO is an Offer for Sale, where the initial stakeholders sell off their stake in the company on the stock market. They often do so once they have made their targets.  Alternatively, companies might hold an OFS in order to comply with minimum public shareholding norms for large companies as stipulated by the government. If the company is already publicly listed and simply carrying out an OFS, you will have historical stock pricing to help you evaluate the stock’s potential. What has its growth trajectory been over the last few years? Does the growth rate match your earnings targets and your investment horizon?

Alternatively, if the company is raising capital and only now becoming public – via the IPO – you have no historical stock pricing to go by. But you can go through balance sheets, P&L statements, cash flow records, annual and quarterly reports, and any other financial data that you can get your hands upon. Go through the news about the company and be sure that you know about all the big headlines it has made in the last couple of years.

2. The sector that the company operates in

Once you know the company inside-out (and we’re not exaggerating) it is time to widen the scope of your research and delve into the sector’s health and opportunities.

Comp set: You want to now observe the company’s performance against its peers and competitors. You might be excited about Company A’s 20% profit during 2020 and willing to park your capital with them by investing in their IPO. But is that 20% profit actually commendable if its competitors, Company B and Company C, clocked profits of 27% and 29% respectively?

Taxation and policy: Imagine this hypothetical situation. Jatin is about to invest in the top-selling tobacco company in a given geography. However, what Jatin has not noticed is that there have been articles in the news every two to three months in the last year, about the government potentially adding a new tax for the sector. Jatin needs to factor in the fact that the profitability of the tobacco companies will be affected by the new tax.

3. The company’s future plans and outlook

When a company intends to go public, it has to file a draft herring prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Bureau of India (SEBI). You must get your hands on this document and check the following in addition to what we have listed above:

  • Use of IPO proceeds

The Draft Herring Prospectus has to mention what the company intends to spend the investor capital on. Is the company unable to manage its debt and therefore going public? Or are the funds being used for expansion? You ideally want to invest in companies that are about to grow on account of expansion rather than a company looking for a lifeboat.

  • Legal situation

Companies with a lot of legal stalemates in their closets could mean trouble for investors down the line. You never know when their business might get stalled or when they might have to pay hefty penalties.

  • Management

A company’s future is determined by the people at the wheel, running things on a daily basis. You want to ensure that the members of the management team have a clean track record.

 

4. Make some quick calculations and comparisons

 Now you have all the information required to check the following :

  • How do the company’s earnings compare with the share price they are asking for?
  • How does the historical stock price (in case of an OFS) growth compare with your earnings targets?
  • What is the price difference between the initial share price being quoted by this company and the stock price that any of its competitors might have gone public at? Inflation accounted for, how do they compare?
  • What do your potential earnings here look like as compared to another stock within the same sector or any other impending IPOs?

5. Quick portfolio re-look, general comparison and market pulse-check

Now it is time to check whether the proposed IPO investment sits well within your portfolio. Ideally, you’re looking to not have too many companies within the same sector.

You’re also looking to invest across asset classes. Evaluate whether you would rather park the capital you are intending for this IPO, in another asset class that you’ve been meaning to invest in. Portfolio diversification is essential for risk minimization.

You should also check the overall market situation when you are about to invest. A market that is at an all-time high is usually progressing towards a correction, although one might not be able to tell how far down the road the price drop is.

6. Check the IPO dates

If you’ve gone through all of the prior steps and have ascertained that this IPO is indeed for you, be sure to check the IPO allotment dates in order to submit your application in time. Steer clear of last-minute subscription to avoid disappointment.

7. Apply correctly smartly

Fill your IPO application correctly and thoroughly. When applying online – like when you use the Angel Broking app - you may go ahead and apply via UPI which certainly beats the whole DD process and hassle of applying physically.

Opt for minimum bid amounts, apply using different application numbers (so multiple applications but from multiple Demat accounts of friends and family) and select a higher price band or a higher cut-off price – but ensure it is in line with your investment goals.

Closing thoughts: An IPO can be an amazing investment proposition if the company is headed for high earnings in the future and if the socio-political environment is conducive. However, before investing in an IPO must always get his hands dirty digging up all the company’s secrets before investing.

Anyone can invest, irrespective of age, occupation or gender. However, you must always evaluate the risk and reward relationship in any investment and understand how these tie in with your investment goals and your risk appetite. Most of all, you should always take time out to understand how a given investment or asset class works – good job on getting a head start by reading this blog. Keep it up. When you’re ready, you can download the Angel Broking app free of cost and start your investment journey with Angel Broking.

How would you rate this blog?

Comments (0)

Add Comment

Related Blogs

  • icon

    OYO Success Story:...

    22 Jul, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Upcoming Healthcare...

    28 Jun, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    LIC Seeks to Appoint CFO

    13 Oct, 2021

    6 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Success story – Anil Ambani

    23 Sep, 2021

    6 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    The Success Story of Pharmeasy

    08 Jul, 2021

    10 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Success Story of Elon...

    28 Jul, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    What is CMP in the Stock Market?

    20 Jul, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    What EV stocks are...

    13 May, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    What is Momentum in Stock Trading?

    26 Jul, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Success Story of Paytm -...

    02 Aug, 2021

    10 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Simple trading strategies...

    06 Jul, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Asian Paints: 7000%...

    21 May, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Success Story of Jeff...

    27 Jul, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Introduction of Artificial...

    10 Jul, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Top 10 Cryptocurrency to...

    12 Jul, 2021

    10 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    All About Commodity Market In India

    25 Jul, 2021

    12 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    The buy-and-never-sell...

    27 Jun, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Warren Buffett's Portfolio...

    26 Jun, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Stock Picks Based on Q4 Results

    11 Jun, 2021

    7 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Twitter as a market...

    27 Mar, 2021

    7 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    A throwback to the biggest...

    31 May, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Ixigo IPO: Ixigo Plans a...

    07 Jul, 2021

    10 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Should you invest in the Paytm IPO?

    31 Jul, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Trading Strategy for...

    24 Jul, 2021

    11 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    All you need to know about...

    15 Jun, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    The Future of Trading

    12 Jun, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    The Best Penny Stocks in India

    15 May, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Tax Exemptions in India: Simplified

    10 Jun, 2021

    10 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Why companies are choosing...

    01 Aug, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Pair Trading Logic

    26 Aug, 2021

    6 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    How do IPOs help economic recovery?

    10 May, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Is it Possible to Identify...

    16 May, 2021

    7 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    What is Capital Gain Tax...

    30 Jul, 2021

    11 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    A sneak peek at Zomato's IPO plans

    15 Jun, 2021

    10 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    All you need to know about...

    16 Jun, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Exploring the Telecom...

    14 May, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    What are ELSS Funds?

    20 Aug, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Income Tax in India -...

    02 Oct, 2021

    7 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Laurus Labs Share: More...

    23 Jul, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Muted Tata Communications...

    01 Jun, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    How to make money in the...

    29 Jun, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Soaring commodity prices....

    13 Jun, 2021

    7 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    The LIC IPO Game Plan

    05 Mar, 2021

    7 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Crypto, The Volatility...

    02 Jun, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    All you need to know about SIP

    14 Jun, 2021

    8 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Forex Trading: A Beginner's Guide

    27 Aug, 2021

    6 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Taxation on Mutual Funds

    04 Oct, 2021

    6 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Go Air IPO: Go Air looks...

    11 Jul, 2021

    11 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    Hotel Stocks on the Rise...

    03 Jun, 2021

    6 min read

    READ MORE
  • icon

    IPO Alert! Devyani...

    09 Jul, 2021

    9 min read

    READ MORE

Translate the power of knowledge into action. Open Free* Demat Account

* T&C Apply

Latest Blog

Ready To Trade? Start with

angleone_itrade_img angleone_itrade_img

Subscribe to #SmartSauda Newsletter

Open an account