As many as 22 Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have tapped the IPO route and raised a mere Rs 160 crore this year, despite bullish sentiments prevailing in the capital markets.
As per data compiled by capital market regulator Sebi, together these SMEs have mopped-up Rs 160 crore in the first eight months of this year, as compared to Rs 367 crore garnered in the entire 2013,
In all, 22 SMEs raked in funds through initial public offerings (IPOs) during the January-August period as against 34 firms in 2013.
This is despite a positive sentiment prevailing in the capital markets during most part of 2014.
However, market analysts believe that the current market scenario could be the right time for companies looking to mop-up funds via IPO.
"Benchmark indices, the S&P BSE Sensex and the CNX Nifty, have been making new highs, confidence among institutional investors is back," Amrapali Aadya Trading & Investment Equity Research Analyst Ujjal Jana said.
"This is the right time for not only SMEs but big companies as well, which are looking to tap the IPO market," Aadya said, adding the "valuations should be attractive."
Among the SMEs that hit the market included Bansal Roofing Products, Oasis Tradelink, Tarini International, Dhanuka Commercial, Gcm Capital Advisors and SPS Finquest.
BSE and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) had launched the SME platforms in March 2012. They are the only two bourses offering such a segment in the country.
