By Arasu Kannagi Basil and Prakhar Srivastava
April 13 (Reuters) - A slew of companies across sectors, from biotech to real estate investment trust, launched IPO roadshows on Monday, as issuers prepare to go ahead with their listing plans amid the Middle East conflict.
Analysts say the stage is set for a gradual pickup in activity in the coming months if volatility subsides.
Convenience store owner Yesway nL4N40W0YD, proteomics company Alamar Biosciences, obesity drug developer Kailera Therapeutics
nL4N40W0NV and REIT National Healthcare Properties nL4N40W0QQ unveiled the terms for their respective offerings on Monday.
"It speaks to the volume of pre-IPO companies waiting on the sidelines. A number of issuers just need to see some sign of stability and they'll launch their offerings," said Matt Kennedy, senior strategist at Renaissance Capital, a provider of IPO-focused research and ETFs.
The VIX Volatility Index, Wall Street's fear gauge, fell below 20 last week for the first time in over a month.
A reading below 20 can signal increased stability in markets.
IPO REBOUND HOPES INTACT
The IPO market struggled for momentum in February and March as episodes of market volatility linked to AI-disruption fears and the Middle East conflict sidelined issuers.
But "2026 is still on track to be the best year for IPOs since the post-pandemic drought, and it may even get there without the mega listings," said IPOX Research Associate Lukas Muehlbauer.
"Disciplined pricing and attractive valuations make this a 'buyer's market', giving those deals a stronger chance of trading well after listing."
From defense nL4N40T0XH to REIT nL4N40T1JE sectors, six companies made their IPO filings public on Friday, bolstering the near-term pipeline.
But some uncertainty persists after weekend talks nL6N40V09S between the U.S. and Iran failed to deliver a deal to end the war.
Bill Ackman's Pershing Square also kicked off a roadshow nL4N40W0RT for the U.S. initial public offerings of the billionaire investor's management company and a new fund.
(Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil and Prakhar Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
