While you are browsing through the pages of the newspaper, you see the announcement of an IPO offered by a company. If you are among those who are wondering what is an IPO or what is the meaning of an IPO? Here, we guide you through the basics of the word and the concepts surrounding it.


ipo, Invest In IPO, stock ipo
What Is IPO & How To Invest In IPO In India

IPO Definition


IPO means initial public offering. It is a process whereby a privately held company becomes a publicly-traded company by offering its shares to the public for the first time. A private company, which has a handful of shareholders, shares ownership by trading its shares. Through an IPO, the company gets its name listed on the stock exchange.

How does a company offer an IPO?

Before going public a company hires an investment bank to handle an IPO. Investment banks and the company act as the financial statements of the IPO in the underwriting agreement. Later, with the underwriting agreement, they file a registration statement with the SEC. The SEC investigates the disclosed information and, if found correct, allows a date to announce the IPO.

Why does a company offer an IPO?

The IPO offering is a money-making exercise. Every company needs money, it can be expanded, improve its business, improve infrastructure, repay debt, etc.
Trading stocks in the open market means increased liquidity. This opens the door for stock option and other compensation schemes such as employee stock ownership schemes, which attract talent in the cream layer
A company going public means the brand has had enough success to shine its name on the stock exchange. It is a matter of credibility and pride for any company
In a demanding market, a public company can always issue more stock. This will pave the way for acquisitions and mergers as shares can be issued as part of the deal

Should you invest in an IPO?

Deciding where to invest your money in a relatively new company's IPO is really difficult. Being a skeptic is a positive attitude in the stock market.

background checks

The company clearly does not have enough historical data to back your decision, as it is going public right now. The red herring is the data on the IPO details that have been provided in the prospectus, you need to examine it. Know the fund management team and their plans for the IPO using funds.

Who is underwriting

The underwriting process is increasing investment by issuing new securities. Be aware of the underwriting of small investment banks. They may be willing to downsize any company. Typically, an IPO with a potential for success is supported by large brokerages with the ability to support a new issue well.

Lockup period

Often an IPO takes a deep downtrend after an IPO is made public. The reason behind the decline in share price is the lockup period. The lockup period is a contractual warning not to sell its shares to company executives and investors.
rolling over

Those who buy shares of a company going public and sell in the secondary market to get quick money are called flippers. Flipping initiates the trading activity.

Things You Should Know Before Investing

If you have purchased an IPO for the company, then you are exposed to the fate of that company.
You make a direct impact on its success and loss
It is the asset of your portfolio that has the highest potential to reward returns.
On the other hand, it can sink your investment without any indication. Remember that stock markets are subject to volatility

You should know that a company that gives its shares to the public is not indebted to public investors for reimbursing capital You must weigh your potential risks and rewards before investing in an IPO.
If you are a novice, read an account from an expert or money management firm.

If still in doubt, talk to your personal financial advisor