An Initial Public Offering (IPO) marks a significant milestone in a company’s lifecycle, transitioning from private to public ownership. For unlisted shareholders—those holding shares before the IPO—this event can profoundly influence their investment’s value and liquidity. While IPOs often present lucrative opportunities, they also come with inherent risks that shareholders must carefully consider.
Potential Benefits for Unlisted Shareholders
1. Enhanced Liquidity
Pre-IPO shares are typically illiquid, making them challenging to sell. Post-IPO, these shares gain access to public markets, providing shareholders with the flexibility to sell their holdings more easily.
2. Valuation Uplift
IPOs can lead to a revaluation of the company’s worth, often resulting in a higher market valuation. Unlisted shareholders may see a substantial increase in the value of their holdings.
- Example: Early investors in companies like RBL Bank and BSE witnessed significant returns upon listing. RBL Bank’s pre-IPO price was ₹60, which escalated to a listing price of ₹301, offering an absolute return of 402%. Similarly, BSE’s pre-IPO price of ₹200 surged to ₹1,069 upon listing, yielding a 435% return.
3. Access to Capital Markets
Post-IPO, companies often have improved access to capital, which can fuel growth and expansion. This growth can enhance shareholder value over time.
Risks and Challenges
1. Valuation Discrepancies
The IPO process may reveal valuation differences between private and public markets. In some cases, the public market may value the company lower than expected, leading to potential losses for unlisted shareholders.
- Example: In 2023, Reliance Retail initiated a buyback of its unlisted shares at ₹1,362 per share. Many retail investors had purchased these shares at higher prices in the unlisted market, leading to significant losses upon the company’s buyback offer.
2. Regulatory and Tax Implications
The transition to a public company brings increased regulatory scrutiny. Unlisted shareholders must navigate complex tax implications, including capital gains taxes. In India, long-term capital gains from unlisted shares are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits, while short-term gains are taxed as per individual income tax slabs.
3. Market Volatility
Post-IPO, share prices are subject to market fluctuations. External factors, such as economic conditions or industry trends, can impact stock performance, potentially affecting the value of holdings.
Case Studies
SoftBank’s Investment in Swiggy
SoftBank Group’s investment in Swiggy exemplifies the potential gains from IPOs. Swiggy’s strong post-listing performance contributed significantly to SoftBank’s quarterly net profit of 234 billion yen ($1.54 billion) in early 2025.
Reliance Retail’s Buyback
In contrast, Reliance Retail’s buyback of its unlisted shares at ₹1,362 per share in 2023 led to substantial losses for retail investors who had purchased shares at higher prices in the unlisted market.
Conclusion
While IPOs can offer unlisted shareholders opportunities for liquidity and potential financial gains, they also present challenges, including valuation risks and regulatory complexities. Shareholders should conduct thorough due diligence, understand the specific terms of the IPO, and consult financial advisors to navigate the transition effectively. A balanced approach, weighing both potential rewards and inherent risks, is essential for making informed investment decisions in the context of IPOs.
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📌 Sources:
- Success Stories of Pre-IPO Investments
- The Risks Faced by Retail Shareholders in Unlisted Companies
- Tax on Unlisted Shares
- Japan’s SoftBank Group Seen Booking $1.5 Billion Quarterly Profit
