Liquidity levels and the long-run performance of initial public offerings in South Africa

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of the levels of liquidity of Initial Public Offering (IPO) stocks on the long-run performance of IPOs over a five year period. In addition the study sought to investigate if the levels of liquidity of IPO stock were significantly higher than non-IPO stock. The methodology used was the calendar time portfolio approach based on the Fama-French regression equation. The study found that over a five year period IPOs did not underperform or over-perform the market. In addition the study found that the liquidity levels of IPOs were not significantly higher than non-IPOs. While the lower liquidity levels help explain the fact that the IPOs did not underperform the market, they do not indicate the existence of a liquidity risk premium on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).