Reality Check for Unlisted Share Market as Major IPOs Price Below Grey Market Levels
Major companies are announcing IPO price bands significantly below their grey market trading levels, causing a ripple effect in the unlisted share market. Tata Capital set its IPO price band at ₹310-326, a 56% discount to its unlisted market price. HDB Financial Services and NSDL followed with similar conservative pricing. This trend has led to reduced demand for unlisted shares and price declines in popular unlisted companies. Analysts suggest this will result in less speculation, more realistic pricing, and questions about the sustainability of high premiums in the grey market.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
The unlisted share market is facing a significant reality check as several major companies announce Initial Public Offering (IPO) price bands substantially below their grey market trading levels. This trend is causing a ripple effect across the unlisted market, dampening investor sentiment and reducing demand for unlisted shares.
Tata Capital's IPO Pricing Shocks Market
Tata Capital has set its IPO price band at ₹310-326 per share, a move that has sent shockwaves through the unlisted share market. This pricing represents a staggering 56% discount to its unlisted market price of ₹735, forcing investors to reassess their expectations.
HDB Financial Services and NSDL Follow Suit
Following Tata Capital's lead, other major players are also pricing their IPOs conservatively:
- HDB Financial Services has priced its IPO at ₹700-740 per share, approximately 40% below its unlisted market price of ₹1,225.
- National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) set its IPO band at ₹760-800, representing a 22% discount to its unlisted price of ₹1,025.
Impact on Unlisted Share Market
This pricing strategy has had a significant impact on the unlisted share market:
- Reduced Demand: The conservative pricing has led to a decrease in demand for unlisted shares.
- Price Declines: Popular unlisted companies have experienced price drops:
- National Stock Exchange (NSE) down 5% in the past month
- SBI Mutual Fund down 2%
- Groww falling 12% in just two days following Tata Capital's announcement
Market Analysis
Analysts suggest that this trend will have several implications for the unlisted share market:
- Less Speculation: Investors are likely to become less speculative in the unlisted market.
- Realistic Pricing: The market may move towards more realistic pricing of unlisted shares.
- Sustainability Questions: The sustainability of high premiums in the grey market is being called into question.
Outlook
The current pricing trend in IPOs is forcing a reevaluation of the unlisted share market. As companies continue to price their offerings conservatively, investors and market participants will need to adjust their strategies and expectations in this evolving landscape.
Company | IPO Price Band (₹) | Unlisted Market Price (₹) | Discount |
---|---|---|---|
Tata Capital | 310-326 | 735 | 56% |
HDB Financial Services | 700-740 | 1,225 | 40% |
NSDL | 760-800 | 1,025 | 22% |
This reality check in the unlisted share market underscores the importance of cautious investing and thorough due diligence, especially in pre-IPO scenarios.