JD.com raises $3.9 billion in 2020’s second-biggest IPO so far

JD.com, the second-largest online retailer in China, has raised $3.9 billion during its secondary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The company is pricing its IPO at HK$226 per share, HK$10 below the top end of its indicated range. JD.com already trades on the Nasdaq.

Shares will start trading in Hong Kong on Thursday 18^th – the same day as the company holds its massive annual Anniversary Sale (known as 6.18). Last year JD.com reported sales of almost $30 billion – this week’s event will be a key test of demand as China continues to recover from lockdown and battles a fresh outbreak of Covid-19 cases.

The JD.com IPO follows a public offering by NetEase which raised $2.7 billion. Together the two tech giants have raised $6.6 billion – almost double what the rest of the Hong Kong IPOs have raised all year.

NetEase shares ended their first day of trading up 5.7%, closing HK$7 higher than its offer price of HK$123.

Hong Kong IPOs get a boost on US-China tensions

Increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing have helped stoke the Hong Kong IPO market recently. The US House of Representatives is considering a bill that would mandate US-listed Chinese companies to undergo financial audits, which could result in a number of companies being delisted.

This has prompted many companies whose shares are already traded in the US to seek a secondary listing in Hong Kong as a precaution.

NetEase acknowledged the impact that rising tensions could have in its IPO filings. Baidu founder and chairman, Robin Li, also acknowledged recently that his company could consider a secondary listing in Hong Kong if the US government tightens regulations surrounding Chinese firms.

More IPOs on the way

This could be the start of a reawakening for the IPO market in Hong Kong. China Bohai Bank Co is looking to raise over $2 billion, while both Smoore International Holdings and SK Biopharmaceuticals are expected to raise around $800 million.

Upcoming Hong Kong IPOs

• JD.com
• China Bohai Bank
• SK Biopharmaceuticals
• Hygeia Healthcare Holdings
• Kangji Medical Holdings
• Smore International Holdings
• Zhenro Services Group