Tadawul Attracts Six New Listings in May

Trading screen in the Saudi financial market (Reuters)

The current month of May is witnessing momentum in new IPOs in the Saudi financial market, as two companies and a real estate fund were listed during the first two weeks, while three other companies are preparing to be listed in the main and parallel markets.
Since the beginning of 2024, the shares of three companies have been listed on the main market, and 10 on the parallel market (Nomu). The Capital Market Authority is also working to maintain the pace of IPOs by offering 24 new companies.
In the first week of May, shares of Yaqeen Capital were listed on the Nomu-Parallel Market, at SAR 40 per share. The shares offered for subscription represent 20 percent of the capital, which amounts to SAR 150 million divided into 15 million shares.
In parallel, subscription began to units of Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund. Qualified investors include institutional investors such as companies, investment funds and commercial entities, to whom 80% of the offered units will be allocated, while the second tranche includes retail investors, who will be entitled to a maximum of 20% of the offered units.
The minimum subscription amount is SAR 1,000 ($266.6), while the unit price upon offering is SAR 10 ($2.67).
Meanwhile, the subscription for Horizon Educational began on Sunday on the Nomu-Parallel Market at a price range of SAR 54 per share.
Shares offered for subscription represent 20 percent of the post-IPO capital and 25 percent of the company’s shares before the capital hike. The company intends to increase its capital from SAR 20 million to SAR 25 million through offering 500,000 shares.
Fitch Ratings Agency expects the momentum of IPOs in the Gulf countries to continue during the current year, supported by government pledges for privatization, including the sale of minority stakes by government-related entities and the establishment of public subscription funds, as well as reducing trading commissions to improve market liquidity and attract more local companies.