Uncertainty stifles listing activity
There was a marked deterioration in the initial public offering (IPO) market in 2023, with just 32 listings for the whole year. This was the lowest number of annual listings measured by HLB Mann Judd, since it started the IPO Watch Australia Report in 2004. The slowdown of listings started in the second half of 2022 and continued throughout 2023. The macroeconomic and geopolitical environment both globally and in Australia, including high inflation and rising capital costs, presented significant challenges for most companies seeking to list.
Report summary
- Just 32 new listings on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in 2023, compared to 87 listings in 2023 and 191 IPOs in 2021.
- The total funds raised for the year were $847 million, reflecting a 21% fall compared to 2022 when the total funds raised were $1.07 billion.
- 2023 was the the first time since 2012 where the total amounts raised in ASX listings did not exceed $1 billion.
- The resources sector (representing both the Energy and Materials sectors) dominated the IPO market. The Materials sector contributed 23 listings, accounting for 72% of all new listings in the year.
- Continuing the trend of the past few years, Western Australia recorded the highest number of listings (15 listings), of which all were from the Materials sector.
- On a positive note, 29 of the 32 listings were able to raise their subscription target amount. This represented 91% of all listings and an increase from 70% in 2022.
The 2024 IPO Watch Australia Report includes commentary and data analysis on share price performance, sector analysis, IPO subscription rates, a review of activity by quarter and the market outlook for the remainder of the year.
* Large cap companies are defined as those with a market capitalisation in excess of $100 million. Small cap, companies are defined as those with a market capitalisation of $100 million or less. All data excludes property trusts.
Subdued IPO pipeline in 2024 following tough 2023
By mid-January 2024, there were five upcoming listings registered with the ASX, half the number as at the same time last year. The proposed new entrants are seeking to raise $35 million compared to $118.5 million at the same time last year.
Companies looking to list in 2024 will hope that the improved market sentiment reflected in the ASX All Ordinaries Index, which rose 8% in 2023, will contribute to a more conducive environment for new listings during the year.
There have already been two new market entrants in 2024, both of which are in mining and exploration. In addition, mining and exploration accounts for four of the five upcoming listings. Climate change targets, the shift toward green energy and electric vehicle batteries are key drivers and those proceeding with listings this year are largely focused on exploring resources like lithium and rare earths.
"The challenging conditions, combined with poor investor sentiment throughout 2023, meant that an IPO listing was not an attractive or viable option for many companies during the year."
Corporate & Audit Services Partner
Key findings
About IPO Watch Australia
First published in 2004, IPO Watch Australia is a benchmarking-based report. The research analyses Australian listing activity. The primary report is released in January, and it explores IPO activity over the previous 12-month period. The Mid-Year Report is a short-form report published in July and it focuses on market activity for the first six months of the year. The reports are authored by Marcus Ohm, a corporate & audit services partner from HLB Mann Judd Perth.
About HLB Mann Judd
We are an association of award-winning accounting and advisory firms in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Our firms currently audit over 6% of all ASX-listed companies and 10% of all ASX-listed resources companies in Australia. In addition to audit-related services, HLB Mann Judd provides a broad range of advisory and tax services. We can assist with the preparation for an IPO and in evaluating the benefits of an IPO against alternative strategic options.