A POCKET GUIDE TO ALL-TIME GLOBAL IPOS 

An initial public offering (IPO) is the first time a company offers its stock to the public. It is a significant event for any company, as it marks the transition from being privately owned to becoming a publicly traded entity. The process of going public can be complex, and it is important to understand the key aspects of IPOs before investing. In this article, we will provide a pocket guide to some of the most notable IPOs in history and what you need to know about them.

One of the most well-known IPOs in history is that of the East India Company in 1602. The East India Company was established as a joint-stock company, which meant that investors could purchase shares in the company and share in its profits. This was a new concept at the time, and the East India Company’s IPO was considered a major event in the history of finance. The company’s shares were initially offered for £316, and by the time of its peak in 1720, the share price had risen to £1,050. The East India Company was eventually dissolved in 1874, but it remains an important example of the potential of IPOs to create wealth for investors.

In the modern era, one of the most notable IPOs was that of Facebook in 2012. Facebook’s IPO raised $16 billion, making it the largest technology IPO in history. The company’s shares were initially offered for $38 per share, and they ended their first day of trading at $38.23. Despite some initial struggles, Facebook’s shares have performed well over time, and the company has become one of the most valuable in the world.

In 2019, the largest IPO in history was that of Saudi Arabian Oil Co, also known as Aramco. The company raised $29.4 billion in its IPO, valuing the company at $1.7 trillion. The shares were initially offered at a price of SAR32 ($8.53) per share and ended their first day of trading at SAR35.2 ($9.39). Aramco is the world’s largest oil company, and it remains one of the most valuable companies in the world.

In conclusion, IPOs have played an important role in the history of finance and have been a major source of capital for companies, both in the past and present. From the East India Company in 1602 to Facebook in 2012, and from Alibaba in 2014 to DoorDash in 2020, new IPO listings have been a way for companies to raise capital and for investors to share in the potential growth and success of a business. However, it is important to remember that investing in an IPO can be risky, as the stock price of a newly public company can be highly volatile. Before investing in an IPO, it is important to do your research and understand the company’s financials, management team, and industry trends. It is also important to consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. With this information in mind, investors can make informed decisions and potentially benefit from the opportunities that IPOs can provide.