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US IPO Weekly Recap: 1 biotech prices ahead of the IPO market’s quarantine

March 13, 2020
Weekly Recap

As a rule, if March Madness gets canceled, then the IPO window is closed.

Remarkably, one biotech pulled off an IPO this week, along with a blank check company. Outside of a few more SPACs, the IPO market may essentially shut down for months, as coronavirus fears reshape the 2020 IPO timeline. Before issuance returns to normal, we’ll need to wait for:

  • The VIX to fall below 30,
  • The IPO ETF (NYSE: IPO) to climb off its lows, and
  • Bankers and investors to feel comfortable at roadshows with dozens of people.

  • Mirroring broader markets, IPOs over the past five years averaged a 23% loss since the sell-off began, though a handful of names have outperformed. Companies in those industries are likely IPO candidates when the market re-opens.

    Imara (IMRA), a Phase 2 biotech targeting sickle cell disease, priced an upsized IPO at the low end of the range raising $75 million at a market cap of $286 million. Backed by NEA and OrbiMed, Imara’s sole candidate is an oral, once-a-day therapy entering Phase 2b trials in the coming months. Imara fell 6.3% on its debut - not bad during the market’s worst day since 1987 - and closed back at its issuing price.

    Deerfield Management’s second healthcare SPAC, DFP Healthcare Acquisitions (DFPHU) raised $200 million offering shares with quarter-warrants. It finished the week up 0.1%. The SPAC is led by the former CEO of Universal American, Richard Barasch, and Deerfield partner Steven Hochberg. Their previous SPAC acquired medical equipment provider AdaptHealth (AHCO; 47% return from IPO) in July 2019.

    2 IPOs During the Week of March 9th, 2020
    Issuer
    Business
    Deal
    Size
    Market Cap
    at IPO
    Price vs.
    Midpoint
    First Day
    Return
    Return
    at 03/13
    Imara (IMRA) $75M $286M -6% -6% +0%
    Phase 2 biotech developing small molecule therapies for rare genetic disorders.
    DFP Healthcare Acq. (DFPHU) $200M $250M 0% +2% +0%
    Second healthcare-focused blank check company formed by Deerfield Management and Robert Barasch.

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    SPAC activity has been at record levels in 2020, and this trend doesn’t show signs of stopping despite some recently trading below their $10 issue price. Chardan Capital’s second eponymous healthcare SPAC, Chardan Healthcare Acquisition 2 (CHAQ.U), filed to raise $85 million and Brilliant Acquisition (BRLIU) filed to raise $40 million.

    2 Filings During the Week of March 9th, 2020
    Issuer
    Business
    Deal
    Size
    Sector Lead
    Underwriter
    Brilliant Acquisition (BRLIU) $40M SPAC EarlyBird
    Blank check company targeting an Asia Pacific business.
    Chardan Healthcare Acq 2 (CHAQ.U) $85M SPAC Chardan
    Second blank check company formed by Chardan Capital targeting the healthcare industry.

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    IPO Market Snapshot

    The Renaissance IPO Indices are market cap weighted baskets of newly public companies. As of 3/12/20, the Renaissance IPO Index was down 22.3% year-to-date, while the S&P 500 was down 23.2%. Renaissance Capital's IPO ETF (NYSE: IPO) tracks the index, and top ETF holdings include Uber (UBER) and Spotify (SPOT). The Renaissance International IPO Index was down 12.3% year-to-date, while the ACWX was down 27.6%. Renaissance Capital’s International IPO ETF (NYSE: IPOS) tracks the index, and top ETF holdings include SoftBank and Adyen.