For the first 10.5 months of 2023, the initial public offering (IPO) capital markets in Southeast Asia saw a healthy count of 153 IPOs and IPO market capitalisation. However, despite the healthy number, the IPO amount raised was the lowest in eight years.
Data by Deloitte (as at 15 November 2023) showed that companies in Southeast Asia raised approximatelyUS$5.5 billion from this year’s IPO listings to-date, down from US$7.6 billion from 163 IPOs in the full year of 2022.
Southeast Asian companies are thriving and have the ability to go beyond their shores for cross border IPOs. This is driven by expectations of favourable valuations, enhanced liquidity, industry comparability, and investorfamiliarity with certain sectors. Correspondingly, stock exchanges across the globe are paying more attention to Southeast Asian companies and are establishing new initiatives or revamping existing ones to improve their appeal as gateways to attract these high growth businesses.
There is an observable trend of an increasing number of companies listing on the secondary boards of Southeast Asian bourses. Listing on the junior boards of the stock exchanges, which cater to high growth small and medium enterprises (SMEs), may be seen as a springboard to the Main Board for some IPO aspirants. The listed-company status may propel them towards business growth expansion and further fund raising.
There are many SMEs in Southeast Asia with good growth potential, and a good financial ecosystem can provide these companies with the right environment to thrive and maximise this potential.
This year, the Energy, Resources & Industrials and Consumer industries are two of the strongest in the market.
Energy, Resources & Industrials industry
As countries strive to meet their climate objectives and establish carbon-neutral economies, electric vehicle firms and renewable energy companies providing a range of clean energy solutions such as wind, solar, and geothermal, alongside those providing environmental solutions, are being embraced as a means to reduce carbon emissions. The push to pursue such green technologies has created favourable conditions for companies in the Energy, Resources & Industrials industry, which make up the top five listings in Southeast Asia in the first 10.5 months of 2023.
Consumer industry
Southeast Asia comprises a cluster of developing nations that are undergoing rapid expansion. The gross domestic product (GDP) growth of these developing countries consistently exceeds those of developed countries.
Income levels have increased in tandem with population growth, which is underpinned by the growing, young and dynamic middle-class. With this increasing affluence and spending power, it does not come as a surprise that the Consumer industry has consistently appeared among the top three industries in the past three years.
As urbanisation continues to shape consumer behaviour across Southeast Asia, there has been a shift in the characteristics of companies in the Consumer industry that are growing and seeking listings. Businesses have evolved from necessity-based ones such as manufacturers of instant noodles or other alternative meat products, to businesses that focus on brand experiences, entertainment,those that leverage technology,such as cinemaoperators, and even those selling pet products. This shift is reflective of the evolving demographics in the region as the young seek out experiences that go beyond their basic needs.
Deloitte Southeast Asia and Singapore Disruptive Events Advisory Leader Tay Hwee Ling said, “The challenge of sustaining a vibrant and attractive cash equities market is not unique to the Southeast Asian region. Globally, the number of IPOs and IPO proceeds raised has normalised to pre-COVID-19 levels. This is driven by the trend of companies staying private for longer, and more recently, against the backdrop of a challenging global macroeconomic and interest rate environment. Companies considering possible public listings have several commercial objectives in mind. While the regional bourses can think of innovative ways to attract listing candidates, there are limits to how their measures can directly influence listing decisions.
Investors will ultimately determine how to allocate their capital based on their strategies and how they view the market. Governments recognise the value of an attractive equities market as part of the overall financial services ecosystem and must constantly adapt to the shifts in global capital markets.”
Indonesia highlights
Indonesia’s IPO market continues to shine in Southeast Asia. It saw the highest amount of IPO funds raised among the Southeast Asian exchanges, with a total of US$3.6 billion raised by 77 IPOs. The country has managed to sustain its momentum, even in the face of pandemic-related challenges that began in 2020, after it bounced back in 2021.
This accomplishment underscores Indonesia’s lasting attractiveness to investors, backed by its dedication to maintaining political and macroeconomic stability. Notably, Indonesia has made significant contributions to the Southeast Asian IPOmarket, with six Indonesian companies featuring among the top 10 listings in Southeast Asia.
Imelda Orbito, Disruptive Events Advisory Leader, Deloitte Indonesia, said, “A new trend is on the horizon, marked by the global shift towards the renewable energy and electric vehicle battery sectors. Indonesia has set its sights on becoming a global hub in the electric vehicle supply chain, and the country is exceptionally well-positioned to attract both foreign and domestic investors alike. Notably, the substantial number of IPOs originating from the renewable energy and metals/minerals sector hint at the potential for 2023 to be a standout year for the Indonesian Stock Exchange.”
Thailand highlights
With US$1.06 billion raised through 37 IPOs thus far, Thailand is the runner-up in the region. The country’s Consumer industry continues to pave the way, making up approximately 40% of the regional funds raised and 38% of the number of listings originating from this sector.
However, the country did not observe any blockbuster listings which were presented in 2022. The interest rate environment and political stalemate has also resulted in the withdrawal of approximately US$4.8 billion from foreign investors in the first 10 months of 2023.
“We continue to observe several IPOs from a diverse pool of industries on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, including fast-moving consumer products, life sciences & healthcare, and industrial products. 2024 will be an exciting year as there are 38 companies in the listing pipeline. There is one company with an effective filing, and 12 companies have already obtained approval from the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission. The parliamentary endorsement of the new Prime Minister in August should bring stability and confidence to foreign investors after the resolution of the prolonged political stalemate” said Wilasinee Krishnamra, Disruptive Events Advisory Leader, Deloitte Thailand.
Malaysia highlights
The Malaysian bourses saw 28 IPOs raising US$715million in the first 10.5 months of this year (up to Nov 15, 2023). Bursa Malaysia performed reasonably well, considering its target of 31 listings for the whole of 2023. It is also notable that its IPO market capitalisation for 2023 to-date has already surpassed that of 2022.
Once more, the ACE Market dominated this year’s IPO with 21 listings, while the improvement in the performance of the Main Market was encouraging. On the other hand, there was a slight dip in listings on the LEAP market, likely because companies were assessing the LEAP Transfer Framework before deciding on their listing.
“Malaysia’s IPO market remains active, led by quality issuers that sustained or exceeded their market capitalisation upon listing, and supported by active investor participation.
The listing requirements for the ACE Market are more accommodating towards companies with good growth propositions, and the lower ticket size of IPO offer shares continues to attract a steady flow of investor participation.”
They observed that, generally, IPOs with reasonable valuations generated strong interest from the market and a good majority continue to demonstrate decent post-IPO share price performance.
The capital market initiatives that have been announced further have also boosted market vibrancy and enhanced investors’ access into the market. A formidable IPO pipeline is expected in 2024, buoyed by a healthy institutional and retail appetite, especially for consumer and tech or tech-related industries,” said Wong Kar Choon (pic), Disruptive Events Advisory Leader, Deloitte Malaysia.
Singapore highlights
Singapore saw five Catalist IPOs raising US$29 million in the first 10.5 months of this year. Singapore typically has some sizable Mainboard IPOs, REITs or SPACs bolstering its overall IPO performance, which were sorely missing this year. REITs and Business Trusts have historically been the stronghold of the Singapore IPO market. However, with the uncertainties surrounding interest rates, REIT aspirants may adopt a wait-and-see approach and postpone their listing plans.
Out of the three SPACs that were listed in early 2022, Temasek-backed Vertex Technology Acquisition Corporation (VTAC), may become the first SPAC to acquire a target firm. VTAC has inked a deal to buy Taiwanese live-streaming platform 17Live for over $900 million. The conditional sale and purchase agreement is subject to approval by VTAC’s shareholder and SGX. When that happens, we may see more SPACs coming on board.
“While the Singapore IPO market may appear subdued this year, it is important to note the wealth of high-calibre Singaporean companies ready to explore cross-borderlistings on global exchanges. They are also enjoying international recognition for their robust business fundamentals. The comprehensive economic infrastructure and initiatives by the Singapore government in conjunction with SGX provides an ideal platform for companies aspiring to go public. Singapore, with its political stability and strong regulatory environment, sets the stage for unprecedented capital inflows, acts as a strategic bridge between US and China, and is the regional headquarter of choice for numerous funds and family offices,” said Darren NG, Disruptive Events Advisory Deputy Leader, Deloitte Singapore.
Vietnam highlights
Vietnam saw only three IPO listings raising approximately US$7 million in the first 10.5 months of 2023.
The low number of IPOs was driven mainly by the tightened IPO and listing approval process, and higher net-withdrawal from foreign investors due to global and local factors affecting its market liquidity in 2023.
These unfavourable conditions, coupled with Vietnam’s falling VN-index performance since the first half of 2022, resulted in IPO aspirants delaying their IPO plans and waiting for the right moment to list.
“Although Vietnam’s stock indexes have recovered towards the end of 2023, it is still far from the 2021 and early 2022 peak.
Nevertheless, the Vietnam government has introduced several measures to stimulate the economy and initiatives to improve the ratings of the Vietnam stock market to bolster investors’ confidence going into 2024,” said Van Trinh BUI, Assurance Leader, Deloitte Vietnam.
Southeast Asia Outlook
On the outlook for the remaining year through to 2024, Hwee Ling added, “Amidst the more challenging macroeconomic environment, many stock exchanges are dealing with the trend of local Southeast Asian companies looking to list on large overseas markets to access a deep capital market
and investor base, or where they perceive they can secure the best valuations. For quite a few companies, listing in the United States is attractive due to the US’ deeper pool of investors and liquidity. Companies may choose to list in jurisdictions that give them better exposure to key target markets.”
