Risks and Returns of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)

Risks and Returns of Initial man Offerings ( initial public byerings)ASSESSMENT OF RISKS AND RETURNS OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS (initial offerings) ISSUED IN HONG KONG VERSUS chinaCHAPTER 1 ABSTRACTThis sermon was designed to center on on an perspicacity of the guesss and returns of the initial public offerings (initial offerings) issued in Hong Kong versus China. In youthful years, Chinas straining merchandise has experienced phenomenal growth with a record of US$62 billion increase in 140 initial offerings in 2006, more than than(prenominal) than that raised in the United States of US$48 billion.1 The growth of Chinas economic system protracts to micturate notice the expectations that this trend of strong initial public offering growth would continue and that Chinese mansions would progressively stick with itemizations in the Chinese and Hong Kong rip commutations to knock supranational investors for their investment trust raising urgencys. A recent ex ample of a Chinese house doing an initial offering was China Railways Construction which issued US$3.1 billion in an initial public offering in February 2008.2The identify rationale in engage this query was that it would mete out an intellectual of the make out rests in the midst of incliningings in the Chinese and Hong Kong provide stand ins, spark officularly in relation to lay on the lines and cognitive operation (i.e. returns). Based on the statistical analytic thinking of the existing in constituteation, thither was no marked difference seen in the effect of the initial offerings of the mainland Chinese strongs in the Hong Kong counterchange versus the jacket crown punishment of the everywhereall exchange (represented by the Hang Seng index). The data avail king limited the statistical abridgment in the beginning to the IPO k straightwayledge from the Hong Kong Exchange.The prizement of the risks and cognitive operation of the IPOs in the Chinese a nd Hong Kong melodic line exchanges led to the pursual conclusions (1) Hong Kong is favoured overseas exchange for dual itemisation of mainland Chinese firms, (2) on that point is strong uncertainty in list in the move Stock Exchange, and (3) inte ride out in China is strong and investors tail be tapped finished an overseas listing.For the mainland Chinese firms that will be emergence their IPOs, the future(a) be the recommendations coreing from the talk pursue a dual listing, list in the Hong Kong Exchange for the overseas exchange listing, and manage the measure of the IPO. Finally, for push explore crop, the by-line argon the recommended steps that can be taken to vex the issues in great expiration and address oppositewise connect concerns pursue comparison of semipermanent murder of IPOs, comp ar the options operational for mainland Chinese firms in term of their IPOs, and assess IPO death penalty across an opposite(prenominal) movers (such(preno minal) as size of firms, sector of firms, and extent of local versus world-wide division of the business).CHAPTER 2 question AIMS AND OBJECTIVESThe address had two primal enquiry questions which were turn to during the investigate. These explore questions guided the look design and mannerology of the speaking. The two hear questions were1. How be possessed of the firms listing in Chinese and Hong Kong investment company exchanges runed since their IPOs, and what risks did these firms face in their listings? 2. How set out the IPOs in Chinese and Hong Kong mental strain exchanges performed comp ared to each antithetical and similarly in relation to regional and world-wide competitors?The rest of this persona talk ofes these explore questions in great detail.2.1 mathematical process SINCE IPO OF CHINESE AND HONG KONG LISTINGS AND RISKS FACED BY FIRMSThe oratory want to see the slaying since IPO of Chinese and Hong Kong filiation exchange listings, and the risks face by the firms listing in these exchanges. The investigate aims and objectives for this study out of the utterance foc commitd on the following Assess the instruction execution of the listings in the Chinese and Hong Kong pipeline exchanges. This opinion foc developd on how listings rich person performed in the shop exchanges of Hong Kong and China. This gave an version of the cogitation of the nisuss which were listed through an IPO, and tenderd an probability to analyse the differences, in toll of surgical procedure, in listing between the Chinese and Hong Kong contrast exchanges. retard the risks face by firms prosecute an IPO through the Chinese and Hong Kong commonplace exchanges. an oppositewise(prenominal) objective pursued in this talk was determining and collar the risks that IPOs of firms listing in China and Hong Kong approach. As options stool billowed in impairment of the berth where firms can list in, firms consider discorda nt factors in deciding on the best storage exchange for the listing of their IPO to be through. The unlike options in like manner choose to be assessed in hurt of the risks that the firms are exposed to by listing in these exchanges. see to it otherwise factors that squander irregular instruction execution and risks of firms. The recent maturements in the financial commercializes brought on as an bear upon by the US subprime grocerys dumbfound also bear on the surgical process of recent listings not only in the Chinese and Hong Kong subscriber line exchanges simply also in other carry exchanges as easily. These factors and the carry on these factors stir had on the exertion of recent IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong pack exchanges were also place and presented in this thesis. Analyse issues use collar-figure and soft compend.In pursuing the legal opinion of the points to a highschooler place, this utterance pursued both a vicenary and a qualita tive set out to ensure that the explore regularitys provided a complementary color barbel. This was also designed to ensure that the commentarys to the digest had a plentiful footing with the judicial decision of movement and risks based off tangible quantitative firmness of purposes back up by input from exertion practiti unrivalledrs and their observations.2.2 ASSESSMENT OF IPO cognitive operation amongst CHINA AND HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGES AND VERSUS OTHER STOCK EXCHANGESThe opinion of the exertion of the IPOs was re sketched by comparing the public presentation of the IPOs of the Chinese and Hong Kong bank line exchanges. In addition, these were also compared versus the transaction of IPOs in selected regional and also global entrepot exchanges to give an indication of the relative murder of the IPOs in these different exchanges.The explore aims and objectives of this occasion of the speaking were the following Assess objectively the mathematical oper ation of the IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong pains exchanges versus selected regional and global pipeline exchanges.This assessment was conducted using the executing data of selected firms in these exchanges to provide an indication of their relative cognitive processs. Thus, the oratory sought to expand on the initial issue raised on the surgical operation and risks of IPOs between Chinese and Hong Kong blood exchanges. This provided an added viewpoint into how different the murders of the IPOs cod been in these exchanges. Understand factors and issues touching the relative performances of the IPOs.With the differences in the performances of IPOs identified in the introductory point, the speech sought to analyse the factors alter these differences. This assessment was important as it provided the luck to pursue sightly search of the issues, resulting in increased consciousness of factors affecting the performance of the IPOs in these communication channel exchan ges.These two points above were the anchor query objectives in assessing the performance of the IPOs of the Chinese and Hong Kong monetary fund exchanges versus the IPOs of other selected regional and global production line exchanges.CHAPTER 3 interrogation RATIONALEThere were several(prenominal)(prenominal) profound reasons identified as to the rationale behind pursuing this dissertation. This section discusses the enquiry rationale first from an academician enquiry point of view and wherefore, second, from a in the flesh(predicate) point of view of the look for urinateer in cost of the benefits achieved in complementary the dissertation.From an academic investigate point of view, the following were the lynchpin reasons identified Drive finality for location of IPO for firms listing in stock exchangesThe results of the seek could be utilised in forming a decision as to the location of a firms IPO. With greater transparency of the performance and risks in listing i n China versus listing in Hong Kong, firms now demand get ahead factors to complicate in building a decision for the location of a firms IPO. This point is curiously relevant for mainland China firms which are flavour to tap international overseas investors for their IPO and are considering various options for their action. go away substitute options and thought processes for firms considering their IPOsThe results of the dissertation also provide firms pursuing an IPO in China or Hong Kong barely fundament for possibly considering other options exterior of China or Hong Kong, inclined the points raised in the findings and synopsis section. For example, firms now are not limited only to the thinking pursuing the backup of Chinese firms is best achieved by tapping both the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges for a dual listing as this gives Chinese firms best inlet to the backup capability of international investors. Push stock exchanges to manage more effectivel y the securities diligenceing of their intersection points and emolumentsThe dissertation also benefits the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges as this dissertation provides the stock exchanges the terra firma and the opportunity to revisit their product and service offerings, and ensure that their marketing goodly addresses the urgencys of Chinese firms in capital markets financing. The go over of the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges versus its regional and global peers also provide the stock exchanges an objective assessment of performance levels relative to each other.On a personal level, the dissertation also benefited the inquiry considerably, and also lends further basis to providing a strong rationale for completing the dissertation. The strike personal reasons for the police detective in pursuing this dissertation, aside from completing school requirements, include the following Improve knowledge and expertise of detective.The dissertation was actually s pecial(prenominal) in the search questions addressed and the research issues to be assessed. Thus, the researchers knowledge in these special academic and business areas were considerably enhanced with the conduct and ut closely of the dissertation, including the pur font of in-depth research and the structuring of questions and issues for the dissertation. The controling of the issues in this dissertation will be very helpful to the researcher as other challenges are approach in an academic and business setting. Build project management skills.The dissertation provided the researcher the opportunity to build on project management skills as hygienic minded(p) the extent of the end and the different aspects required in completing the dissertation, or project.This skill will be very fleshy to the researcher peculiarly once this is utilised in the business realism where the ability to manage projects, as well as multi-task, is appreciated.The two points above provided furt her rationale to the quest of the completion of this dissertation, and gave the researcher strong reasons for attempt the dissertation in addition to the given benefit of completing a requirement for school.CHAPTER 4 LITERATURE REVIEWThe issue of performance and risks in release IPOs in exchanges has been analysed in various research whole shebang and thither is a relatively comprehensive research convey that can form the basis of further research work. For example, assessments of the performance of IPOs of stock exchanges restrain been make in a list of exchanges already. unitary research in placeicular center on an assessment of the semipermanent performance of the IPOs of Europes parvenue stock markets.3 The research whole kit and caboodle cerebrateing on the issue of IPO performance are expected to continue to be of importance to the academic pay connection given the debate which goes on relating to the near-term abnormal returns of IPOs and their long-run unde rperformance.The focus of this dissertation is a comparison and assessment of the performance and risks of IPOs issued in Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. This research differs in other bodies of academic work in that this peculiar(prenominal) research issue has not been addressed directly. Certainly, the existing writings and academic research provides a preliminary path and approach in resolve the key research questions defined at the beginning of this dissertation write up.In reviewing the think literature on the assessment of risks and performance of IPOs in Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges, a publication of consistent themes were observe as plethoric in the research kit and boodle. In order to assess the themes which may deem contrasting supporting research, these themes are presented below and form the anatomical structure for the rest of this section reviewing the related literature Methods for assessment of IPO performance carrying into action of IP Os Risk assessment of IPOs Period of assessment Chinese and Hong Kong IPOsThe points above are the key factors discussed in this section.4.1 METHODS FOR ASSESSMENT OF IPO PERFORMANCEOne of the areas that remove to be reviewed is the research systemology that previous research works return a bun in the oven utilised in pursuing their research. The related literature has shown that the natural method use in analysing the performance freehandedly relies on the use of descriptive statistics. In many occasions, qualitative assessment are include as better of the research methodology in order to build greater understanding of the performance and the factors affecting the performance of the IPOs.The research mentioned forward in this section which concentrate on an assessment of the long performance of the IPOs of Europes parvenue stock markets used both qualitative and quantitative assessments as part of the methodology.5 The research approach was a combination of qualit ative assessment (to discuss the rationale for the resulting performance) and quantitative outline (on the IPO performance and which, as expected, was analysed and presented using descriptive statistics).The research work noted in the interpolation set off the continued debate on the near-term abnormal returns of IPOs and their long-run underperformance was a research act focus on the returns of IPOs from the Istanbul Stock Exchange. In this research, the performance of the IPOs was assessed utilising descriptive statistics with a comparison of means (z-test sample for two means) as part of the statistics tool kit utilised.Clearly, the use of descriptive statistics and statistical tests for conditional relation appears to be the preferred method of analysis for these types of research assessments. The dominant use of descriptive statistics also provides confidence that this is the method that would be most rational for the dissertation in the assessment of performance of th e IPOs in the stock exchanges.4.2 PERFORMANCE OF IPOs some other area focused on in this dissertation is the performance of the IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges as well as other regional and global stock exchanges. In terms of IPO performance assessment, one research work focused specifically on avow IPOs and their growth. Interestingly, this and the research work mentioned in the first place on IPO performance (Europes new stock markets) both found that long-run post-offering returns were poor when compared to various market benchmarks.This finding was supported by another research whose results were from an analysis of 6,000 NASDAQ IPO stocks. Thus, there depends to be a number of research works that abide shown the underperformance of IPOs versus other more established stocks or the market benchmarks. A research paper that focused on this underperformance showed that a reason for the underperformance of IPOs was the high expectations which were joined to the IPOs and which affected the impairments paid for these offerings. This result is sooner ironic as the high expectations given by investors indicate that these investors expected often higher returns from IPOs versus other stocks that these investors could have invested in. A research work with similar findings on the semipermanent underperformance of IPOs was done on the UK IPOs from the period 1996 to 1999.9 For this research, the long-term underperformance of the IPOs in the believe was immense versus the market performance. A period of three years was used as the long-term period. The research notes that this underperformance has been seen in a extended number of countries where the IPO performance was measured over a number of years to assess its performance. The key factors identified in the research as impacting on the long-term performance of the IPOs were(1) percentage of blondness issued as part of the IPO, and(2) point in clip of multinationality of a firm progen y the IPO.On the first point, the research finding noted that the greater the percentage of the equity issued for the IPO, the greater the probability of underperformance over the long-term. On the last mentioned point, the research finding was that the greater the multinational component of a firm was, the better the expectation for a long-term performance. go on to the research on UK IPOs, another research work on the UK IPOs but focused on the AIM-listed firms versus those on the main board of the London Stock Exchange showed a similar result in terms of long-term underperformance of IPOs.This research work has an additional finding on the cost of equity that is relevant to the risks faced by firms pursuing an IPO. This finding is discussed in greater detail in a later part on the assessment of risks.The research works with an assessment showing poor long-run returns for IPOs is not hale though as opposing performance arguments also exist with IPOs universe shown to be underv alued and thus provide good, long-run returns even versus the market. However, the reasons that the results are different for this research work is the adjustment done on the valuation of the IPOs which result in the IPO valuation being markedly different from those considered in the other researches which found poor longrun returns for IPOs. This research work utilised an alternative method with adjustments made on the performance of the IPO stocks.The research work on the Istanbul Stock Exchange highlighted a number of reasons for the performance of the IPOs, positionly the abnormal returns shown in the near-term overvaluation of IPOs by investors and deliberate under- legal injury for the IPO which then rewards the informed investors.The long-term underperformance of IPOs is not lotd and accepted universally as other research works exist which shows that this is not the effect, at least(prenominal) for the particular market and duration period considered in these research w orks. A research on Malaysian IPOs from 1992 to 1996 showed that these IPOs showed oddly strong growth in stock prices over a three-year period from the issuance. This thus negates the concept of long-term underperformance shown by a number of research works. The difference in results could be attributed to a number of factors which could include differences in the parameters of the research factors related to the IPOs such as, for example, the comment of long-term in the assessment (this Malaysian research study utilised a period of three years to define the long-term).Further register of long-term performance contrary to other international examine is that result from a review of IPO performance in Greece from the period 1993 to 1997, which showed that the IPOs performed much better than the market over the long-term and not just in the near-term for the effects of the abnormal near-term returns. In this research work, the definition for long-term performance was again differe nt as the period of one year was taken for this assessment to reflect the long-term performance of the IPOs. The research piece attributes the difference with international evidence to possibly the legal framework, the institutional arrangements, and the degree of development of the capital markets.To further complicate the current thinking on the performance of IPOs, a research work focused on Germany IPOs from 1977 to 1995 showed change performances over the long-term with virtually IPOs resulting in considerable underperformance while other IPOs showed clear long-term performance.15 The focus of the research was not necessarily the tendency of the long-term performance of the IPOs and thus could not be considered as inconclusive. The actual focus of the research work was the determination of the action post-IPO and the ability to determine which of the IPOs would perform better over the longer-term. The research finding was that the key predictor of the long-term performance of an IPO was the subsequent financing activity in the equity market with the firms being able to raise additional capital presently later the IPO slated for out-performance versus other firms which failed to generate further funding. close to(prenominal) reasons have been put forth as supporting the underperformance of IPOs in most markets. A research work which looked at French IPOs but focused on the impact of ownership resulted in findings that ownership had an influential and large impact on long-term performance of the IPOs.16 The reason for this was that at some point, unremarkably a classifiable long-term period such as three to five years, ownership restriction in terms of interchange off stakes would have been lifted. Thus, the sell-off of family or block holdings in IPOs after a long-term period impact negatively on the consider price and becomes a large reason for the underperformance of IPOs over the long-term. This finding would seem to be applicable to most f irms pursuing IPOs as it would be normally the case that a firm issuing an IPO would have large blocks of holdings controlled by very few entities or personalities.4.3 RISK ASSESSMENT OF IPOs epoch a number of research works such as those cited earlier have focused only on the performance of the IPOs, other research works have combined the analysis of the risk and rewards related to IPOs, which would be collimate to the focus that this dissertation is geared to do. One, in particular, focused on the risk and return trade-off for IPOs though, admittedly, there was greater focus on how these issuances were riskassessed.A rather focused look on long-run performance showed that industry parameters, timing of IPO, and industry situation all play in the aftermarket returns of IPOs which, in general, are not favourable.One of the risks identified in a research work on AIM-listed IPOs was the resulting cost of equity. A decision factor for the firms considering pursuing an IPO should be th e cost of equity and the research finding on the assessment of AIM-listed stocks showed that, potentially, cost of equity is much greater than that expected with the listing on these stock exchanges.Using this as an analogy to the current issue of issuing an IPO between Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges, it is possible that this is a risk faced by the mainland Chinese firms in their decision.4.4 PERIOD OF ASSESSMENTA factor that needs to be made consistent in the assessment of the performance of the IPOs is the period of assessment. The right(a) time frame could impact on the performance considerably and in viewing this assessment, it would be important to have the proper time frame from which to consider returns. For example, flipping of IPOs impact the pricing of some IPOs post the offering and affect the returns if taken within a swindle time frame.There is thus a question of the period defined by near-term as well as long-term performance given different periods taken by r esearchers in conducting their work. Understandably, this could have been driven by the accessibility of data of the stock prices. In order to have a proper assessment for this dissertation, it would probably be best to utilise the following time periods one month for near-term performance, and 3 years for consideration of long-term performance. These seem to be the periods that most of the researchers had utilised though it does differ from some of the period conventions used in other researches.4.5 CHINESE AND HONG KONG IPOsDespite the innovation of numerous research work on the assessment of risks and rewards of IPOs across exchanges globally, there have been limited research works which focus on the Chinese and Hong Kong IPOs of recent years. One recent unpublished work touched on under-pricing and the aftermarket fluidity of Hong Kong IPOS, and found that under-pricing was evident in driving liquidity post-IPOs. A more comprehensive published work on Hong Kong IPOs utilised meagerly go out figures (IPOs up to 2002) and thus presents a challenge in the findings concluded.22 other is date (published in 1998) but does look at the issue of pricing and aftermarket performance of IPOs with results showing large returns accruing in the long-term for IPOs.Other China-related research work focus on performance post-IPO but refer to operating(a) performance of the firms and not the performance of the share price.One research which looked at short-term and long-term IPO performance in China highlighted a number of differences affecting Chinese stocks stake that the government has in the firm, the size of the firm, and the options available to Chinese investors.Over the next few years, there will continue to be increased interest in the IPOs of firms in mainland China as these firms seek to tap international investors. In turn, international investors are increasingly provoke in investing in the mainland Chinese firms given their typical juicy nature (largely owing to monopoly or large market share status) and the posture these firms have in mainland China that international investors find attractive. The pursuit of the IPO by the mainland Chinese firms is partly driven by the need to convert ownership risk, particularly for the mainland Chinese firms which are predominantly state-owned enterprises (SOEs).Thus, disdain spacious related research, there is still scope to pursue this dissertation as it provides further evidence of the risk and reward assessment of IPOs.CHAPTER 5 question METHODOLOGYThe approach to the dissertation followed an explanatory research approach. This approach was deemed to be the best approach to address the research questions, particularly with the requirement of uncovering of insights and ideas. The research approach relied on both extensive particular and thirdhand research providing a complementary basis for conducting the assessment and analysis of the issues in the research.This section is structure d as follows Research analysis and approach.This part describes the boilers suit research approach utilised in this dissertation and the methods of analysing the information retrieved from elemental and junior-grade research methods. Primary research.This discusses the primary(a) research undertaken in this dissertation, including the objectives in the methods used. Secondary research.This presents the use of secondary research and the complementary approach to the primary research tools. Research limitations.In the conduct of the dissertation research, a number of limitations presented itself which impacted on the results of the dissertation. These are explained in this part. Ethical considerations.This part goes through the key ethical considerations in the process of completing the dissertation.5.1 RESEARCH analysis AND APPROACHThe dissertation was conducted using a problem-solving approach. This methodology was used in assessing the quantitative results from the statistical analysis and also in analysing the results of the in-depth interviews, and secondary research. The dissertation utilised a combination of desktop analysis (the statistical analysis and quantitative assessment of the performance of IPOs in various stock exchanges), input from industry practitioners (the qualitative assessment of risks of the IPOs), and desk research (primarily for the secondary research and in providing further support to the results of the statistical analysis and qualitative assessment).The assessment of the performance of the IPOs was conducted using descriptive statistics as these allowed for an objective comparison of the performance (or returns) of the IPOs. descriptive statistics was also used to show other relevant trends related to the performance of the IPOs from the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges, and also the comparison versus other regional and global stock exchanges.After the assessment and analysis, and with the preliminary results on-hand, the research findings were well-tried and reviewed in the market through discussions with other stakeholders to ensure that these research findings were sound and logical. The market review also provided feedback and confirmation of the possible research office that the dissertation provides. This has been noted as part of the findings and analysis section.5.2 PRIMARY RESEARCHThe key primary research utilised in this dissertation tangled interviews with industry practitioners tortuous in Chinese and Hong Kong IPOs. The objectives in this primary research method were to(1) understand the key risks for firms pursuing their firms listing in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges, and (2) determine the perception of the industry practitioners as to the relative performance of IPOs being done in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. The interviews were conducted to get an understanding of the key risks that firms are exposed to by pursuing their IPOs in Chinese and Hong Kong sto ck exchanges. The use of in-depth interviews was selected as the primary research method as this provided an opportunity for the researcher to gain deeper insights into the issues focused on.It was initially planned that in-depth interviews of various stakeholders in the industry would be pursued in order to have a good breadth and depth in understanding the key risks and to get input from a diverse set of stakeholders. However, the research limitations in terms of timing, access to various stakeholders, and leverage of contacts in the Chinese and Hong Kong financial function sectors provided a hindrance to having an extensive list of industry practitioners include in the primary research.Nevertheless, the researcher was still able to have several in-depth interviews and these provided a good indication of the overall viewpoints currently existing in the industry, particularly related to the risks that exist for firms.5.3 SECONDARY RESEARCHThe secondary research for this dissertati on involved two key approaches(1) statistical analysis of stock price performance of selected IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges as well as several regional and global stock exchanges, and(2) desk research to understand the viewpoints currently existing on the performance and risks of IPOs in Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges.5.3.1 statistical AnalysisThe first secondary research method involved the quantitative data analysis of the performance of the IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. This analysis effectively supported the assessment the performance of the listing in these stock exchanges to determine if there were differences in the performances of IPOs for these exchanges. The objectives in usinRisks and Returns of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)Risks and Returns of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)ASSESSMENT OF RISKS AND RETURNS OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS (IPOs) ISSUED IN HONG KONG VERSUS CHINACHAPTER 1 ABSTRACTThis dissertation was designed to focus on an assessment of the risks and returns of the initial public offerings (IPOs) issued in Hong Kong versus China. In recent years, Chinas stock market has experienced phenomenal growth with a record of US$62 billion raised in 140 IPOs in 2006, more than that raised in the United States of US$48 billion.1 The growth of Chinas economy continues to fuel the expectations that this trend of strong IPO growth would continue and that Chinese firms would increasingly pursue listings in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges to tap international investors for their fund raising requirements. A recent example of a Chinese firm doing an IPO was China Railways Construction which issued US$3.1 billion in an IPO in February 2008.2The key rationale in pursuing this research was that it would give an understanding of the key differences between listings in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges, particularly in relation to risks and performance (i.e. returns). Based on the statistical analysis of the existing information, there was no marked difference seen in the performance of the IPOs of the mainland Chinese firms in the Hong Kong Exchange versus the performance of the overall exchange (represented by the Hang Seng index). The data availability limited the statistical analysis primarily to the IPO information from the Hong Kong Exchange.The assessment of the risks and performance of the IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges led to the following conclusions (1) Hong Kong is favoured overseas exchange for dual listing of mainland Chinese firms, (2) there is strong uncertainty in listing in the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and (3) interest in China is strong and investors can be tapped through an overseas listing.For the mainland Chinese firms that will be issuing their IPOs, the following are the recommendations resulting from the dissertation pursue a dual listing, list in the Hong Kong Exchange for the overseas exchange listing, and manage the timing of the IPO. Finally, for further research work, the following are the recommended steps that can be taken to develop the issues in greater detail and address other related concerns pursue comparison of long-term performance of IPOs, compare the options available for mainland Chinese firms in terms of their IPOs, and assess IPO performance across other factors (such as size of firms, sector of firms, and extent of local versus global breakdown of the business).CHAPTER 2 RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVESThe dissertation had two key research questions which were addressed during the research. These research questions guided the research design and methodology of the dissertation. The two research questions were1. How have the firms listing in Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges performed since their IPOs, and what risks did these firms face in their listings? 2. How have the IPOs in Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges performed compared to each other and also in relation to regional and global competitors?The rest of this section discusses these research questions in greater detail.2.1 PERFORMANCE SINCE IPO OF CHINESE AND HONG KONG LISTINGS AND RISKS FACED BY FIRMSThe dissertation sought to determine the performance since IPO of Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchange listings, and the risks faced by the firms listing in these exchanges. The research aims and objectives for this part of the dissertation focused on the following Assess the performance of the listings in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. This assessment focused on how listings have performed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and China. This gave an indication of the performance of the stocks which were listed through an IPO, and provided an opportunity to analyse the differences, in terms of performance, in listing between the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. Determine the risks faced by firms pursuing an IPO through the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. Another objective pursued in this dissertation was determining and understanding the risks that IPOs of firms listing in China and Hong Kong faced. As options have expanded in terms of the location where firms can list in, firms consider various factors in deciding on the best stock exchange for the listing of their IPO to be done. The different options also need to be assessed in terms of the risks that the firms are exposed to by listing in these exchanges.Understand other factors that have affected performance and risks of firms. The recent developments in the financial markets brought on as an impact by the US subprime markets have also affected the performance of recent listings not only in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges but also in other stock exchanges as well. These factors and the impact these factors have had on the performance of recent IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges were also identified and presented in this dissertation. Analyse issues using quantitative and qualita tive analysis.In pursuing the assessment of the points above, this dissertation pursued both a quantitative and a qualitative approach to ensure that the research methods provided a complementary approach. This was also designed to ensure that the inputs to the analysis had a robust basis with the assessment of performance and risks based off actual quantitative results supported by input from industry practitioners and their observations.2.2 ASSESSMENT OF IPO PERFORMANCE BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGES AND VERSUS OTHER STOCK EXCHANGESThe assessment of the performance of the IPOs was reviewed by comparing the performance of the IPOs of the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. In addition, these were also compared versus the performance of IPOs in selected regional and also global stock exchanges to give an indication of the relative performance of the IPOs in these different exchanges.The research aims and objectives of this part of the dissertation were the following Assess objectively the performance of the IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges versus selected regional and global stock exchanges.This assessment was conducted using the performance data of selected firms in these exchanges to provide an indication of their relative performances. Thus, the dissertation sought to expand on the initial issue raised on the performance and risks of IPOs between Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. This provided an added viewpoint into how different the performances of the IPOs have been in these exchanges. Understand factors and issues affecting the relative performances of the IPOs.With the differences in the performances of IPOs identified in the previous point, the dissertation sought to analyse the factors affecting these differences. This assessment was important as it provided the opportunity to pursue further research of the issues, resulting in increased understanding of factors affecting the performance of the IPOs in these stoc k exchanges.These two points above were the key research objectives in assessing the performance of the IPOs of the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges versus the IPOs of other selected regional and global stock exchanges.CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH RATIONALEThere were several key reasons identified as to the rationale behind pursuing this dissertation. This section discusses the research rationale first from an academic research point of view and then, second, from a personal point of view of the researcher in terms of the benefits achieved in completing the dissertation.From an academic research point of view, the following were the key reasons identified Drive decision for location of IPO for firms listing in stock exchangesThe results of the research could be utilised in forming a decision as to the location of a firms IPO. With greater transparency of the performance and risks in listing in China versus listing in Hong Kong, firms now have further factors to include in building a deci sion for the location of a firms IPO. This point is particularly relevant for mainland China firms which are looking to tap international overseas investors for their IPO and are considering various options for their action. Provide alternative options and thought processes for firms considering their IPOsThe results of the dissertation also provide firms pursuing an IPO in China or Hong Kong further basis for possibly considering other options outside of China or Hong Kong, given the points raised in the findings and analysis section. For example, firms now are not limited only to the thinking pursuing the funding of Chinese firms is best achieved by tapping both the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges for a dual listing as this gives Chinese firms best access to the funding capability of international investors. Push stock exchanges to manage more effectively the marketing of their products and servicesThe dissertation also benefits the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges as t his dissertation provides the stock exchanges the basis and the opportunity to revisit their product and service offerings, and ensure that their marketing properly addresses the requirements of Chinese firms in capital markets financing. The review of the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges versus its regional and global peers also provide the stock exchanges an objective assessment of performance levels relative to each other.On a personal level, the dissertation also benefited the research considerably, and also lends further basis to providing a strong rationale for completing the dissertation. The key personal reasons for the researcher in pursuing this dissertation, aside from completing school requirements, include the following Improve knowledge and expertise of researcher.The dissertation was very specific in the research questions addressed and the research issues to be assessed. Thus, the researchers knowledge in these specific academic and business areas were considera bly enhanced with the conduct and completion of the dissertation, including the pur suit of in-depth research and the structuring of questions and issues for the dissertation. The understanding of the issues in this dissertation will be very helpful to the researcher as other challenges are faced in an academic and business setting. Build project management skills.The dissertation provided the researcher the opportunity to build on project management skills as well given the extent of the period and the different aspects required in completing the dissertation, or project.This skill will be very beneficial to the researcher particularly once this is utilised in the business world where the ability to manage projects, as well as multi-task, is appreciated.The two points above provided further rationale to the pursuit of the completion of this dissertation, and gave the researcher strong reasons for undertaking the dissertation in addition to the given benefit of completing a requirem ent for school.CHAPTER 4 LITERATURE REVIEWThe issue of performance and risks in issuing IPOs in exchanges has been analysed in various research works and there is a relatively comprehensive research work that can form the basis of further research work. For example, assessments of the performance of IPOs of stock exchanges have been done in a number of exchanges already. One research in particular focused on an assessment of the long-term performance of the IPOs of Europes new stock markets.3 The research works focusing on the issue of IPO performance are expected to continue to be of importance to the academic finance community given the debate which goes on relating to the near-term abnormal returns of IPOs and their long-term underperformance.The focus of this dissertation is a comparison and assessment of the performance and risks of IPOs issued in Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. This research differs in other bodies of academic work in that this specific research issue h as not been addressed directly. Certainly, the existing literature and academic research provides a preliminary path and approach in resolving the key research questions defined at the beginning of this dissertation paper.In reviewing the related literature on the assessment of risks and performance of IPOs in Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges, a number of consistent themes were noted as predominant in the research works. In order to assess the themes which may have contrasting supporting research, these themes are presented below and form the structure for the rest of this section reviewing the related literature Methods for assessment of IPO performance Performance of IPOs Risk assessment of IPOs Period of assessment Chinese and Hong Kong IPOsThe points above are the key factors discussed in this section.4.1 METHODS FOR ASSESSMENT OF IPO PERFORMANCEOne of the areas that need to be reviewed is the research methodology that previous research works have utilised in pursuing t heir research. The related literature has shown that the typical method used in analysing the performance largely relies on the use of descriptive statistics. In some occasions, qualitative assessment are included as part of the research methodology in order to gain greater understanding of the performance and the factors affecting the performance of the IPOs.The research mentioned earlier in this section which focused on an assessment of the long-term performance of the IPOs of Europes new stock markets used both qualitative and quantitative assessments as part of the methodology.5 The research approach was a combination of qualitative assessment (to discuss the rationale for the resulting performance) and quantitative analysis (on the IPO performance and which, as expected, was analysed and presented using descriptive statistics).The research work noted in the introduction highlighting the continued debate on the near-term abnormal returns of IPOs and their long-term underperforma nce was a research piece focused on the returns of IPOs from the Istanbul Stock Exchange. In this research, the performance of the IPOs was assessed utilising descriptive statistics with a comparison of means (z-test sample for two means) as part of the statistics tool kit utilised.Clearly, the use of descriptive statistics and statistical tests for significance seems to be the preferred method of analysis for these types of research assessments. The dominant use of descriptive statistics also provides confidence that this is the method that would be most logical for the dissertation in the assessment of performance of the IPOs in the stock exchanges.4.2 PERFORMANCE OF IPOsAnother area focused on in this dissertation is the performance of the IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges as well as other regional and global stock exchanges. In terms of IPO performance assessment, one research work focused specifically on bank IPOs and their growth. Interestingly, this and the re search work mentioned earlier on IPO performance (Europes new stock markets) both found that long-run post-offering returns were poor when compared to various market benchmarks.This finding was supported by another research whose results were from an analysis of 6,000 NASDAQ IPO stocks. Thus, there seems to be a number of research works that have shown the underperformance of IPOs versus other more established stocks or the market benchmarks. A research paper that focused on this underperformance showed that a reason for the underperformance of IPOs was the high expectations which were linked to the IPOs and which affected the prices paid for these offerings. This result is rather ironic as the high expectations given by investors indicate that these investors expected much higher returns from IPOs versus other stocks that these investors could have invested in. A research work with similar findings on the long-term underperformance of IPOs was done on the UK IPOs from the period 19 96 to 1999.9 For this research, the long-term underperformance of the IPOs in the study was considerable versus the market performance. A period of three years was used as the long-term period. The research notes that this underperformance has been seen in a large number of countries where the IPO performance was measured over a number of years to assess its performance. The key factors identified in the research as impacting on the long-term performance of the IPOs were(1) percentage of equity issued as part of the IPO, and(2) degree of multinationality of a firm issuing the IPO.On the first point, the research finding noted that the greater the percentage of the equity issued for the IPO, the greater the probability of underperformance over the long-term. On the latter point, the research finding was that the greater the multinational component of a firm was, the better the expectation for a long-term performance.Further to the research on UK IPOs, another research work on the UK IPOs but focused on the AIM-listed firms versus those on the main board of the London Stock Exchange showed a similar result in terms of long-term underperformance of IPOs.This research work has an additional finding on the cost of equity that is relevant to the risks faced by firms pursuing an IPO. This finding is discussed in greater detail in a later part on the assessment of risks.The research works with an assessment showing poor long-run returns for IPOs is not unanimous though as opposing performance arguments also exist with IPOs being shown to be undervalued and thus provide good, long-run returns even versus the market. However, the reasons that the results are different for this research work is the adjustment done on the valuation of the IPOs which result in the IPO valuation being markedly different from those considered in the other researches which found poor longrun returns for IPOs. This research work utilised an alternative method with adjustments made on the perfo rmance of the IPO stocks.The research work on the Istanbul Stock Exchange highlighted a number of reasons for the performance of the IPOs, particularly the abnormal returns shown in the near-term overvaluation of IPOs by investors and deliberate under-pricing for the IPO which then rewards the informed investors.The long-term underperformance of IPOs is not shared and accepted universally as other research works exist which shows that this is not the case, at least for the particular market and time period considered in these research works. A research on Malaysian IPOs from 1992 to 1996 showed that these IPOs showed particularly strong growth in stock prices over a three-year period from the issuance. This thus negates the concept of long-term underperformance shown by a number of research works. The difference in results could be attributed to a number of factors which could include differences in the parameters of the research factors related to the IPOs such as, for example, the definition of long-term in the assessment (this Malaysian research study utilised a period of three years to define the long-term).Further evidence of long-term performance contrary to other international evidence is that result from a review of IPO performance in Greece from the period 1993 to 1997, which showed that the IPOs performed much better than the market over the long-term and not just in the near-term for the effects of the abnormal near-term returns. In this research work, the definition for long-term performance was again different as the period of one year was taken for this assessment to reflect the long-term performance of the IPOs. The research piece attributes the difference with international evidence to possibly the legal framework, the institutional arrangements, and the degree of development of the capital markets.To further complicate the current thinking on the performance of IPOs, a research work focused on Germany IPOs from 1977 to 1995 showed varying perf ormances over the long-term with some IPOs resulting in considerable underperformance while other IPOs showed excellent long-term performance.15 The focus of the research was not necessarily the determination of the long-term performance of the IPOs and thus could not be considered as inconclusive. The actual focus of the research work was the determination of the action post-IPO and the ability to determine which of the IPOs would perform better over the longer-term. The research finding was that the key predictor of the long-term performance of an IPO was the subsequent financing activity in the equity market with the firms being able to raise additional funds soon after the IPO slated for out-performance versus other firms which failed to generate further funding.Several reasons have been put forth as supporting the underperformance of IPOs in most markets. A research work which looked at French IPOs but focused on the impact of ownership resulted in findings that ownership had a n influential and large impact on long-term performance of the IPOs.16 The reason for this was that at some point, usually a typical long-term period such as three to five years, ownership restriction in terms of selling off stakes would have been lifted. Thus, the sell-off of family or block holdings in IPOs after a long-term period impact negatively on the share price and becomes a large reason for the underperformance of IPOs over the long-term. This finding would seem to be applicable to most firms pursuing IPOs as it would be usually the case that a firm issuing an IPO would have large blocks of holdings controlled by very few entities or personalities.4.3 RISK ASSESSMENT OF IPOsWhile a number of research works such as those cited earlier have focused only on the performance of the IPOs, other research works have combined the analysis of the risk and rewards related to IPOs, which would be parallel to the focus that this dissertation is geared to do. One, in particular, focused on the risk and return trade-off for IPOs though, admittedly, there was greater focus on how these issuances were riskassessed.A rather focused look on long-run performance showed that industry parameters, timing of IPO, and industry situation all play in the aftermarket returns of IPOs which, in general, are not favourable.One of the risks identified in a research work on AIM-listed IPOs was the resulting cost of equity. A decision factor for the firms considering pursuing an IPO should be the cost of equity and the research finding on the assessment of AIM-listed stocks showed that, potentially, cost of equity is much greater than that expected with the listing on these stock exchanges.Using this as an analogy to the current issue of issuing an IPO between Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges, it is possible that this is a risk faced by the mainland Chinese firms in their decision.4.4 PERIOD OF ASSESSMENTA factor that needs to be made consistent in the assessment of the performa nce of the IPOs is the period of assessment. The proper time frame could impact on the performance considerably and in viewing this assessment, it would be important to have the proper time frame from which to consider returns. For example, flipping of IPOs impact the pricing of some IPOs post the offering and affect the returns if taken within a short time frame.There is thus a question of the period defined by near-term as well as long-term performance given different periods taken by researchers in conducting their work. Understandably, this could have been driven by the availability of data of the stock prices. In order to have a proper assessment for this dissertation, it would probably be best to utilise the following time periods one month for near-term performance, and 3 years for consideration of long-term performance. These seem to be the periods that most of the researchers had utilised though it does differ from some of the period conventions used in other researches.4.5 CHINESE AND HONG KONG IPOsDespite the existence of numerous research work on the assessment of risks and rewards of IPOs across exchanges globally, there have been limited research works which focus on the Chinese and Hong Kong IPOs of recent years. One recent unpublished work touched on under-pricing and the aftermarket liquidity of Hong Kong IPOS, and found that under-pricing was evident in driving liquidity post-IPOs. A more comprehensive published work on Hong Kong IPOs utilised slightly dated figures (IPOs up to 2002) and thus presents a challenge in the findings concluded.22 Another is dated (published in 1998) but does look at the issue of pricing and aftermarket performance of IPOs with results showing large returns accruing in the long-term for IPOs.Other China-related research work focus on performance post-IPO but refer to operating performance of the firms and not the performance of the share price.One research which looked at short-term and long-term IPO performance in China highlighted a number of differences affecting Chinese stocks stake that the government has in the firm, the size of the firm, and the options available to Chinese investors.Over the next few years, there will continue to be increased interest in the IPOs of firms in mainland China as these firms seek to tap international investors. In turn, international investors are increasingly interested in investing in the mainland Chinese firms given their typical profitable nature (largely owing to monopoly or large market share status) and the presence these firms have in mainland China that international investors find attractive. The pursuit of the IPO by the mainland Chinese firms is partly driven by the need to diversify ownership risk, particularly for the mainland Chinese firms which are predominantly state-owned enterprises (SOEs).Thus, despite extensive related research, there is still scope to pursue this dissertation as it provides further evidence of the risk and reward ass essment of IPOs.CHAPTER 5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGYThe approach to the dissertation followed an explanatory research approach. This approach was deemed to be the best approach to address the research questions, particularly with the requirement of discovery of insights and ideas. The research approach relied on both extensive primary and secondary research providing a complementary basis for conducting the assessment and analysis of the issues in the research.This section is structured as follows Research analysis and approach.This part describes the overall research approach utilised in this dissertation and the methods of analysing the information retrieved from primary and secondary research methods. Primary research.This discusses the primary research undertaken in this dissertation, including the objectives in the methods used. Secondary research.This presents the use of secondary research and the complementary approach to the primary research tools. Research limitations.In the cond uct of the dissertation research, a number of limitations presented itself which impacted on the results of the dissertation. These are explained in this part. Ethical considerations.This part goes through the key ethical considerations in the process of completing the dissertation.5.1 RESEARCH ANALYSIS AND APPROACHThe dissertation was conducted using a problem-solving approach. This methodology was used in assessing the quantitative results from the statistical analysis and also in analysing the results of the in-depth interviews, and secondary research. The dissertation utilised a combination of desktop analysis (the statistical analysis and quantitative assessment of the performance of IPOs in various stock exchanges), input from industry practitioners (the qualitative assessment of risks of the IPOs), and desk research (primarily for the secondary research and in providing further support to the results of the statistical analysis and qualitative assessment).The assessment of th e performance of the IPOs was conducted using descriptive statistics as these allowed for an objective comparison of the performance (or returns) of the IPOs. Descriptive statistics was also used to show other relevant trends related to the performance of the IPOs from the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges, and also the comparison versus other regional and global stock exchanges.After the assessment and analysis, and with the preliminary results on-hand, the research findings were tested and reviewed in the market through discussions with other stakeholders to ensure that these research findings were sound and logical. The market review also provided feedback and confirmation of the possible research contribution that the dissertation provides. This has been noted as part of the findings and analysis section.5.2 PRIMARY RESEARCHThe key primary research utilised in this dissertation involved interviews with industry practitioners involved in Chinese and Hong Kong IPOs. The object ives in this primary research method were to(1) understand the key risks for firms pursuing their firms listing in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges, and (2) determine the perception of the industry practitioners as to the relative performance of IPOs being done in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. The interviews were conducted to get an understanding of the key risks that firms are exposed to by pursuing their IPOs in Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. The use of in-depth interviews was selected as the primary research method as this provided an opportunity for the researcher to gain deeper insights into the issues focused on.It was initially planned that in-depth interviews of various stakeholders in the industry would be pursued in order to have a good breadth and depth in understanding the key risks and to get input from a diverse set of stakeholders. However, the research limitations in terms of timing, access to various stakeholders, and leverage of contac ts in the Chinese and Hong Kong financial services sectors provided a hindrance to having an extensive list of industry practitioners included in the primary research.Nevertheless, the researcher was still able to have several in-depth interviews and these provided a good indication of the overall viewpoints currently existing in the industry, particularly related to the risks that exist for firms.5.3 SECONDARY RESEARCHThe secondary research for this dissertation involved two key approaches(1) statistical analysis of stock price performance of selected IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges as well as several regional and global stock exchanges, and(2) desk research to understand the viewpoints currently existing on the performance and risks of IPOs in Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges.5.3.1 Statistical AnalysisThe first secondary research method involved the quantitative data analysis of the performance of the IPOs in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. This a nalysis effectively supported the assessment the performance of the listing in these stock exchanges to determine if there were differences in the performances of IPOs for these exchanges. The objectives in usin