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IPO Full Form

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Initial Public Offering Primary markets have created a lucrative investment path for investors. As a result, the stock market is witnessing a rising number of retail participants in IPOs.

What is the full form of IPO?

The full form of IPO is Initial Public Offering. An IPO is a significant financial event that allows a company to sell its shares to the public for the first time, enabling it to raise capital from both institutional and retail investors. This process marks the transition from a privately-owned entity to a publicly traded company, providing access to broader funding sources.

 

So, what is the full form of IPO? Essentially, it is a method for companies to obtain the necessary funds for expansion, development, or debt reduction, often through an upcoming IPO. The process typically involves underwriters, usually investment banks, who assist in setting the initial share price, preparing regulatory documentation, and marketing the offering to potential investors.

 

After the shares are sold, they are listed on stock exchanges, allowing for public trading. This listing enhances the company's visibility in the market and provides liquidity for investors, making it easier to buy and sell shares.

 

An initial public offering can be a transformative moment for a company, presenting new opportunities for growth and investment. It also allows early investors to realise returns on their investments. The process of an IPO is intricate and requires careful planning, but the potential rewards can be significant, establishing a solid foundation for the company's future. In summary, the full form of IPO represents a crucial milestone in a company's journey, opening doors to new possibilities.

 

The IPO full form in the share market is Initial Public Offering. An IPO is the first issue of a company’s equity shares offered to the general public to raise funds. It simply means the company dilutes a part of its ownership to raise the required money. These raised funds are used for various purposes in the company, like growth prospects, debt repayment, etc.

Types of IPOs

Types of IPOs

In India, there are two main types of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs): Fixed-price IPOs and Book-building IPOs. Understanding these types is essential for investors looking to participate in the public market.

 

  1. Fixed-price offering

    In a fixed-price IPO, the price of each share is set in advance and disclosed to the public. This price is determined by the merchant banker hired by the issuing company. Investors know the exact price they will pay for each share, which can simplify the decision-making process. However, the downside is that it may not reflect the true market demand for the shares, potentially limiting the company’s ability to raise optimal capital.

  2. Book-building offering

    In contrast, a book-building IPO allows the issuing company to set a price band for the shares, which includes a floor price and a cap price. Investors place their bids within this range and the final price is determined based on the demand and the bids received. This method helps gauge investor interest and can lead to a more accurate reflection of market conditions. The flexibility of the book-building process often results in a more dynamic pricing structure, benefiting both the company and investors.

In summary, both types of initial public offerings have unique features. Understanding these can help investors make informed decisions. So, whether you are asking what is the full form of IPO or exploring investment options, knowing these types is crucial.

Yes, the IPO full form is the same - Initial Public Offering - in both cases. An investment bank provides underwriting services to the IPO issuing companies and is an intermediary between the company and IPO investors. It buys all or much of the IPO shares from the company and sells them in the market.

Examples of IPOs 

Understanding the primary and secondary markets is essential for grasping how IPOs function. Here's a comparative look at both markets:

Notable examples of IPOs

Here are some of the most significant Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in history, showcasing their impact across various industries.

  1. Alibaba

    Alibaba’s IPO on Sept. 18, 2014, raised an impressive $21.8 billion, making it a landmark event in the technology sector. This record-breaking offering highlighted the company's rapid growth and ambitions, as it aimed to expand beyond China into international markets.

  2. SoftBank

    SoftBank raised $21.3 billion through its IPO on Dec. 10, 2018. This offering marked a significant milestone for the Japanese telecommunications giant, reinforcing its position in the global communication services industry and showcasing investor confidence in its diverse business model.

  3. Saudi Aramco

    Saudi Aramco set a new benchmark with its IPO on Dec. 5, 2019, raising a staggering $25.6 billion. This offering not only made it the largest IPO in history but also solidified Aramco's status as the world’s leading oil company, attracting immense interest from both institutional and retail investors.

  4. Visa

    Visa’s IPO on March 18, 2008, raised $17.4 billion, even amidst a global financial crisis. This remarkable achievement underscored Visa's robust market position in the financial services sector, as it facilitated an extensive number of transactions worldwide.

  5. AIA Group

    AIA Group raised $17.8 billion in its IPO on Oct. 21, 2010. This offering positioned AIA as the largest independent pan-Asian life insurance company, reflecting strong investor confidence in its growth potential across the Asia-Pacific region.

  6. General Motors

    General Motors made a significant comeback with its IPO on Nov. 17, 2010, raising $15.8 billion after emerging from bankruptcy. This event marked a pivotal moment for the iconic American automotive company, demonstrating its recovery and resilience in the competitive market.

  7. NTT Mobile Communication Network

    NTT DoCoMo raised $18.1 billion during its IPO on Oct. 22, 1998. This offering was notable for occurring during a challenging economic period, yet it solidified NTT's leadership in Japan’s telecommunications sector.

  8. Meta (formerly Facebook)

    Meta’s IPO on May 17, 2012, raised $16 billion, but it faced significant trading difficulties shortly after launch. Despite the initial hype, the stock experienced a sharp decline, highlighting the challenges of entering the public market.

  9. Enel SpA

    Enel raised $16.4 billion in its IPO on Nov. 1, 1999. This offering established Enel as a key player in the European utilities market, as it expanded its reach across various countries and strengthened its market position.

  10. ICBC

    The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China raised $14 billion during its IPO on Oct. 20, 2006, later increasing this figure to $21.9 billion. This landmark event marked a significant moment in the financial services industry, highlighting the bank's extensive operations and growth potential.

These notable IPOs highlight the diverse industries involved and the substantial capital raised, underscoring their vital role in shaping the global financial landscape. In exploring the full form of IPO and understanding what is the full form of IPO, it is clear that these initial public offerings have made a significant impact worldwide.

Aspect

Primary Market

Secondary Market

Definition

Where new securities are issued and sold to investors.

Where existing securities are traded among investors.

Participants

Company, underwriters, and initial investors.

Individual and institutional investors.

Purpose

Raise capital for the company.

Provide liquidity and trading of shares.

Example

IPO, FPO (Follow-on Public Offer).

Stock exchanges like NSE and BSE.

Role of Company

Direct involvement in issuing shares.

No direct involvement post-issuance.

Pricing Mechanism

Determined by the company and underwriters.

Determined by market supply and demand.

The primary market is a platform used by organisations to issue their shares to the public through an IPO. It is the first time the shares of that company are issued to the public. When individuals invest in IPO shares, they purchase them directly from the company in the primary market and receive them in their demat account.

The secondary market is where those issued securities/shares are listed on stock exchanges. After completing the IPO process, the shares are traded among individuals on stock exchanges using their trading accounts.

Who is eligible to apply for an IPO?

There are defined categories for IPO investors:

  • Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB)
  • Non-Institutional Bidders (NII)
  • Retail Individual Investors (RII)
  • Anchor Investors

Eligibility Criteria for retail investors are as follows:

  • Retail investors must be 18+ years old to invest in IPOs.
  • A Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a must for stock investments.
  • You should have a demat account with a SEBI-registered stockbroker in India to apply online.
  • You should have a demat account linked with your bank account for seamless transfer and withdrawal of funds

Thus, these features of trading accounts enable traders to benefit from stock market trading.

Is a trading account required for IPO investing?

Yes, a trading account is required as you would want to sell the shares that were allotted to you during the IPO. Without a trading account you will not be able to sell and book profits. If investors want to hold the IPO shares for the long term, it is easy to hold them securely in their demat accounts. They can sell them using their trading accounts if they want to book listing gains.

Differentiate a Fixed Price and a Book Built IPO

Fixed Price IPO:

The share price is already determined before the company goes public and is mentioned in the offer documents submitted to the SEBI. Applicants pay the share price in full when submitting an IPO application.

Book Building IPO:

The company offers a bidding range to investors. Investors need to bid on the shares, and the company decides the final price later. These bids will be used to finalise the share price, and the price of an issue is discovered on the basis of demand in the market. The lowest price band is called the Floor Price of the IPO, and the upper price band is the Cap Price.

As an IPO investor, how do I choose a price to apply at?

If an IPO issue is expected to be oversubscribed with an overwhelming response and the company's valuations look decent, you can bid at the upper limit of the price range.

Who decides the IPO size and price range?

An investment bank helping the company in the IPO process drafts the company prospectus, including the issue size and price range. On the other hand, Registrars are the SEBI-registered entities to finalise the basis of allotment and carry out the allotment process following the company's Red Herring Prospectus.

Do the BRLM and Registrar have the same role in an IPO?

Book Running Lead Managers (BRLM), also called merchant bankers, are involved in the complete IPO process. They are a key member during the book-building process. They decide the IPO cut-off price based on the market response to the issue.

What is IPO Timeline?

Generally, an IPO issue is kept open for at least three working days and a maximum of ten working days. Individuals can bid for IPO shares within the decided price band during this subscription period.

Explain the process of closed IPO? 

After the IPO closes, the company needs to submit the final equity shares to be allotted to applicants and the final issue price. Then shares are allotted to IPO applicants based on the price quoted in their application forms.

On what basis are the shares allotted?

The IPO share allotment depends on the market response to it.

  • If the total number of bids is less than the total number of shares offered, it is an undersubscribed IPO. The applicants will receive the same number of shares they bid for.
  • If the total number of shares is more than the total number offered, it is an oversubscribed IPO. The applicants will receive less than they bid for. Following the Basis of Allotment, if the allotment ratio, suppose, is 1:3, then out of every three applicants, only one will receive one lot of shares based on the lottery system.

My funds will be locked in for a fixed period once I apply for the IPO - is it correct?

When you apply for an IPO, the amount you paid is blocked in your account till the IPO allotment is finalised by the company. If you do not get shares, the same amount will be unblocked, and you will also be notified of the same.

How do IPO shares get listed at a premium / discount to the issue price?

If a stock gets a good response from all four categories of the IPO investors, retail, institutional, QIB, and anchor, the IPO issue will be oversubscribed and get listed on premium. An under-subscribed IPO during unfavourable market conditions due to global and domestic triggers gets listed on a discount.

Conclusion

Understanding the IPO full form and its implications is crucial for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. The process of participating in an IPO can offer significant opportunities, but it also requires careful analysis and consideration of market dynamics. By staying informed and leveraging reliable platforms like Bajaj Broking, investors can make well-informed decisions and potentially benefit from the growth prospects of newly public companies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IPO full form in Market and IPO full form in Banking the same?

Answer Field

Yes, the full form of IPO (Initial Public Offering) in the Market and Banking sectors remains identical. Both refer to the process by which a private company offers shares publicly.

How many days does the IPO remain open for applications?

Answer Field

Typically, an IPO remains open for applications between three and five days. This window allows investors to apply for shares before the offering closes, depending on company policies and regulatory guidelines.

Is Investing in an IPO profitable?

Answer Field

Investing in an IPO can be profitable, but it also involves risks. While some IPOs have delivered impressive returns, others may not perform as expected. It's important to conduct thorough research and consider market conditions before investing in an IPO.

Who can invest in an IPO?

Answer Field

In India, individual retail investors, qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), and non-institutional investors (NIIs) can invest in an IPO. Retail investors must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the issuing company and regulatory bodies.

How to calculate the profit of an IPO?

Answer Field

To calculate the profit from an IPO, subtract the IPO purchase price from the current market price of the shares, then multiply by the number of shares allotted.

 

For example:

Profit = (Current Market Price − IPO Purchase Price) × Number of Shares

How to invest in an IPO at Bajaj Broking app?

Answer Field

To invest in an IPO via the Bajaj Broking app, follow these steps:

 

·       Log in to the Bajaj Broking app.

·       Go to the IPO section.

·       Select the desired IPO from the list of available IPOs.

·       Fill in the application form with required details.

·       Submit the application and ensure sufficient funds in your account for the application amount.

·       Confirm the application and await the allotment status.

How to know about the upcoming IPO?

Answer Field

Investors can stay informed about upcoming IPOs through financial news websites, stock exchange announcements (NSE and BSE), and brokerage platforms like Bajaj Broking. Subscribing to newsletters and financial alerts can also help keep track of new IPO listings.

How to Know about IPO allotment?

Answer Field

To know about IPO allotment, investors can check the status on the official registrar's website of the IPO or through the brokerage platform they used to apply. Additionally, updates are often sent via email or SMS notifications to the registered investors.

Is IPO profitable?

Answer Field

Investing in an IPO can be profitable, but it comes with risks. The profitability depends on various factors, including the company's performance, market conditions, and investor sentiment. Historically, some IPOs have provided substantial returns, while others have underperformed.

What is the IPO full form in the share market?

Answer Field

In the share market, IPO stands for Initial Public Offering. It is the process through which a private company offers its shares to the public for the first time, allowing investors to buy shares and thus become part-owners of the company.

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IPO Full Form

IPO full form is Initial Public Offering. It's when a company first sells its shares to the public, giving you an opportunity to invest early in new stock offerings.

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NFO (New Fund Offer) lets you invest in new mutual funds, while IPO (Initial Public Offering) involves buying company shares. Know the differences for smart investing.

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Explore IPOs: learn about going public, benefits, risks, and steps for investing. Understand pros, cons, and application process for insightful investment decisions.

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How to Invest in an IPO Online

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