By Alexis Adam
An IPO, or initial public offering, is when a company first offers its shares to the public. IPOs can be an excellent opportunity for investors to get in on the ground floor of a promising company, but they come with some risks.
Here are some things you need to know about IPOs before investing:
What is an IPO?
An IPO is an initial public offering. This is when a company first sells shares to the public. The purpose of an IPO is to raise money for the company so it can grow and expand.
How do IPOs work?
The process of an IPO begins when a company files paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This filing includes information about the company, its financials, and the details of the offering. Once the paperwork is filed, the SEC will examine it and decide if the IPO can go ahead.
If the SEC agrees with the IPO, the company will work with an investment bank to set a price for the shares. The investment bank will also help to market the IPO to potential investors.
What are the risks of investing in an IPO?
There are some risks associated with investing in an IPO. One risk is that you may need more time to sell your shares. This is because there is typically a “lockup period” of 90 days after an IPO where insiders (such as employees and early investors) are not allowed to sell their shares. This lockup period is in place to prevent insiders from selling all of their shares at once and crashing the price.
Another risk is that you may need help to get your hands on shares. This is because IPOs are often “oversubscribed,” meaning there are more people interested in buying shares than actual shares available. In this case, you may not get any shares, or you may only get a partial allocation.
How can I invest in an IPO?
If you’re interested in investing in an IPO, you’ll need to open up a brokerage account with a firm that offers IPO access. Not all brokerages offer this, so you’ll need to check first. Once you have an account, you can place an order for IPO shares like any other.
What are some recent IPOs?
Some recent IPOs include Snap Inc. (SNAP), Blue Apron Holdings (APRN), and Yext (YEXT).
What are some well-known companies that went public?
Some well-known companies that had an IPO include Facebook (FB), Google (GOOGL), and Amazon (AMZN).
How much money do I need to invest in an IPO?
The money you need to invest in an IPO will depend on the price and how many shares you want to buy. For example, if a company’s shares are priced at $10 each, and you want to buy 100 shares, you’ll need $1,000.
What happens after a company goes public?
After a company goes public, its shares will start trading on a stock exchange. The shares will fluctuate throughout the day as people buy and sell them. As a shareholder, you’ll be able to sell your shares anytime.
What is a “quiet period”?
A “quiet period” is when a company files its IPO paperwork with the SEC and when the IPO happens. During this time, the company and its underwriters cannot promote or market the IPO.
What is an “IPO roadshow”?
An “IPO roadshow” is a series of meetings a company will have with potential investors in the weeks leading up to its IPO. During these meetings, the company will present information about itself and try to drum up interest in the offering.
What is an “offer price”?
The “offer price” is the price at which a company’s shares will be sold in its IPO. The company and its underwriters set this price.
What is an “IPO lockup period”?
An “IPO lockup period” (usually 90 days) is the period after a company goes public when its insiders are not allowed to sell their shares. This lockup period is in place to prevent insiders from selling all of their shares at once and crashing the price.
The bottom line
Investing in an IPO can be risky but can also lead to large opportunities. So, if you are considering investing in a Hong Kong IPO, make sure to research and understand the risks involved before committing.
