Excellent Wires and Packaging made its stock market debut on 19th September with a 5.56% discount, listing at ₹85 per share on the NSE SME platform, compared to its initial public offering (IPO) price of ₹90. The lacklustre start was in line with expectations from the grey market, where shares were trading without a premium in the lead-up to the listing. The company had raised ₹12.60 crore from the public offer, which was a fresh issue of 14 lakh shares.
Investors who were looking to invest in IPOs had shown minimal interest, as the subscription numbers reflected a less-than-enthusiastic reception.
Performance in the grey market
The grey market, an unofficial space where shares trade before the official listing, had accurately predicted the lack of premium for Excellent Wires and Packaging. In this market, shares of the company had been trading at face value, which suggested the public debut might face a weak response. The grey market’s influence often reflects investor sentiment ahead of a company’s listing, and in this case, the pessimistic outlook prevailed.
Subdued investor interest in IPO subscription
During the three-day subscription period, the IPO of Excellent Wires and Packaging achieved a 20-times overall subscription. Retail investors, who are often more active in SME IPOs, subscribed to the issue 35 times, whereas non-institutional investors subscribed 8 times their reserved portion. However, there was no participation from qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), which contributed to the lukewarm performance.
Despite this, the relatively high interest from retail investors showcases a certain level of faith in the company’s offerings. Yet, the lack of QIB involvement signals that larger investors may have reservations about the company's future growth or profitability prospects.
Business overview and objectives of the IPO
Incorporated in 2021, Excellent Wires and Packaging is a growing player in the wire and packaging industry. The company specialises in the manufacture of various wire types, including Spring Steel Wire, High Carbon Wire, Galvanised Wire (GI Wire), and brass wire products. Its portfolio caters to a broad range of applications, and it has divided its offerings into three core segments: brass wires and products, steel wires and products, and packaging materials.
The funds raised through this IPO will be utilised for several critical purposes. These include acquiring land, constructing a new building, purchasing machinery, and addressing additional working capital needs. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be allocated to general corporate purposes, which are essential for maintaining smooth business operations and growth.
Future outlook for investors
The listing at a discount indicates that market participants may remain cautious about the company's short-term growth potential. Investors who chose to invest in IPO shares of Excellent Wires and Packaging may need to wait for further developments to assess the company’s future trajectory.
Nevertheless, the company’s strategic use of IPO proceeds towards expansion and infrastructure development could provide it with a strong foundation for future growth.
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