Five companies completed their initial public offerings last week, raising about $1.7 billion, while 17 special purpose acquisition companies also entered public trading, raising $3.8 billion. While new filing activity has slowed as the U.S. presidential election looms in the near-term, the IPO market is still remaining healthy.
Last week's debuts were lead by McAfee Corp's (MCFE ) return to public markets, with the company raising $740 million from pricing shares below its midpoint at $20 each. McAfee is a leading provider of antivirus and security software, with over 600 million devices using its integrated software. While posting strong margins at the moment, the company's enterprise revenue is experiencing a long-term decline. McAfee also operates in a highly competitive market against other security software companies like NortanLifeLock (NLOK ). Investors traded accordingly, with the stock finishing its first week down 6%.
Datto Holding Corp (MSP ) follow, raising $594 million by pricing its shares at the high end of $27 each. The information technology infrastructure platform provider has over 17,000 customers, offering integrated tools for MSPs for security and continuity needs. While Datto has demonstrated high profitability, declining device revenue has impacted the company's growth. Investors however saw potential in the stock, with Datto ending the week up 7%.
Abcam PLC (ABCM ) priced its shares below its estimates at $17.50 to raise nearly $157 million in its debut. The life science research tools provider operates across 15 global locations, demonstrating profitability despite slow growth. Investors were impressed with the stock's numbers, with Abcam ending the week up 13%.
Foghorn Therapeutics Inc. (FHTX ) raised $120 million by pricing its shares at the mid-range of $16 each. The biotech plans to submit investigative new drug forms to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its two lead candidates in the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first half of 2021, respectively. Preforming typically like biotech IPOs do, Foghorn finished its first week up 13%.
Guild Holdings Co. (GHLD ) priced its shares below its range at $15 each to raise about $98 million. The mortgage lender had generated over $27.8 billion in mortgages in 2019, and showed strong performance amid the pandemic-induced housing boom. However, pandemic-related mortgage forbearances are affecting Guild's cash flow. Investors were indifferent towards the stock, with Guild closing out its first week down 1%.