Goldman Sachs(US:GS) Huan Qiu Wang·2025-07-18 02:52Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong IPO market is expected to experience explosive growth in 2025, driven by cornerstone investors, with international capital showing a significant rebound in demand for Chinese assets [1][2]. Group 1: IPO Market Performance - In the first half of 2025, the Hong Kong main board completed 42 IPOs, raising a total of HKD 106.7 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of over 220%, making it the largest globally [1]. - Approximately 85% of new stocks successfully attracted cornerstone investors before listing, with an average of 4.4 cornerstone investors per IPO, and over 40% of projects securing more than five cornerstone institutions [1]. Group 2: Investor Sentiment and Trends - International long-term funds, such as pension and sovereign wealth funds, have resumed investments in Hong Kong stocks after several years of adjustment, driven by the attractiveness of undervalued assets, policy support, and innovation in the technology sector [1][2]. - The demand-supply ratio for Hong Kong IPOs this year averages 9%, significantly lower than the past five years' average of 25%, indicating improved public risk appetite [3]. Group 3: Sectoral Insights - The recovery of the Hong Kong IPO market is supported by multiple favorable factors, including regulatory and institutional optimizations, with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange easing listing rules and promoting dual listings for A-share companies [2]. - High-demand sectors such as new energy, artificial intelligence, and biomedicine are accelerating IPO financing, with leading projects like CATL and BYD having a significant impact [2]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Goldman Sachs predicts that the Hong Kong IPO market will remain active in the second half of the year, with total fundraising expected to exceed HKD 150 billion [2]. - The report emphasizes a strong correlation between the proportion of cornerstone investors (30%-50%) and post-IPO market performance, with high-growth technology stocks and stable consumer stocks continuing to attract capital [2].