The number of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the region diminished by half in the second quarter (Q2) of the year compared to the same period in 2015 as uncertainty and volatile market conditions weighed on investors and issuers, said industry experts.

The total proceeds raised in Q2 2016 were approximately four times less as compared to Q2 2015, according to PwC, a global provider of assurance, tax and advisory services.

The first regional offerings in Q2 2016 was by Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co. that owns and operates steel plant factories, who offered 15.24 million shares to the public (amounting to 30 per cent of the company’s share capital) and raised proceeds of $147 million.

The second offering was by L’azurde Company for Jewellery which designs, manufactures and distributes precious metals in the Mena region, which offered 12.9 million shares to the public (amounting to 30 per cent of the company’s share capital) and raised proceeds of $127 million. Both companies are listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange, Tadawul.

In terms of IPO performance compared to the previous quarter of this year, although the number of IPO’s in Q2 2016 doubled, the total money raised of $274 million from the two offerings fell by 42 per cent compared to Q1 2016.

Furthermore, IPO activity in the first half (H1) of 2016 decreased compared to H1 2015, with total proceeds raised of $745 million via three deals, compared to $1.3 billion via five deals. The Tadawul has been the only active market in H1 2016, albeit with relatively low volumes.

Steve Drake, head of PwC’s Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services team in PwC Middle East, said: “Whilst uncertainties with oil prices remain and regional geopolitics continue to play out, we would expect to see continued volatility in regional equity markets. Valuations tend to fluctuate significantly in times of uncertainty and investors tend to stay out of equities. Any significant IPO activity we see in the short to medium term is therefore likely to be government sponsored.”

Global IPOs

Global IPO issuance experienced a slowdown in H1 2016, compared to H1 2015. Nonetheless, activity in the second quarter was higher than in the first quarter of 2016. Easing measures from the ECB and Bank of Japan remain in place, while the Fed is now expected to raise interest rates at a slower pace. Together with a recovery of oil prices, a decrease in volatility and improving economic indicators, investors were notably more upbeat than in the first quarter.

The amount of financing raised through global IPOs fell by 49 per cent in Q2 2016 compared to Q2 2015. Nonetheless, compared to the first quarter proceeds increased by 136 per cent. Global IPO money raised stood at $34.5 billion via 241 deals in Q2 2016, compared to $67.3 billion via 416 deals in Q2 2015 and $77.0 billion via 325 deals in Q2 2014.

Financial services issuers were again the most active in Q2 2016, raising $11.9 billion from 51 IPOs, representing 38 per cent of proceeds on year to date basis.

Despite the selloff occurring post-Brexit on equity markets, the median performance of IPOs remains strong at the end of the second quarter. With a median return of 13 per cent for 2016 IPOs, and 12 per cent for 2015 IPOs, these outperform numerous other investment alternatives.

Bond and sukuk markets

The GCC bond and Sukuk market demonstrated improved activity in Q2 2016 especially on the sovereign front as the market witnessed prominent issuances from regional governments demonstrating appetite for debt in the region still exists. However, the lower oil prices, which has contributed to increased budget deficits and slower growth, has led to same credit deterioration such as the recent downgrade by rating agencies of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain.

Bond Issuances

Q2 2016 marked one of the largest bond issuances in the region by the Government of Qatar amounting to $9 billion, followed by the Government of Abu Dhabi amounting to $5 billion, its first in 7 years.

The Government of Qatar’s $9 billion bond was a $3.5 billion issuance with an issue price of 98.924 per cent of the principal amount, a $3.5 billion issuance with an issue price of 98.963 per cent of the amount, and $2 billion issuance with an issue price of 97.606 per cent of the principal amount.

The Government of Abu Dhabi issued $5 billion of bonds with a $2.5 billion issuance with an issue price of 99.753 per cent of the aggregate nominal amount and a $2.5 billion with an issue price of 99.562 per cent of the aggregate nominal amount.

In corporate bonds issuances, Gulf International Bank BSC-Riyadh issued its $533 million 5 year bond with a coupon rate of 3.4 per cent, while Abu Dhabi National Energy Co PJSC (TAQA) issued a $1 billion bond, spread into two senior notes tranches of $500 million each, due in 5 and 10 years respectively.

Sukuk issuances

Bank Al-Jazira successfully issued a $533 million 10 year Sukuk, with an option for the lender to redeem the Sukuk after five years.

On the sovereign front, the Central Bank of Bahrain was an active contributor in the region issuing three Sukuk Al Salam each worth $114 million (BD 43 million) and three short term leasing type Sukuk each worth $69 million (BD 26 million).

“Bond and Sukuk activity improved compared to the previous quarter of this year, with notable issuances from regional governments such as of Qatar and Abu Dhabi and this is expected to pick up further in the next quarter as the Kingdom prepares its first ever proposed $10 billion bond issuance,” said Drake.

“However, challenging market conditions and uncertainty amongst investors and issuers may impact activity for the remainder of 2016 and a surge in borrowing cost could weigh on market appetite.” – TradeArabia News Service