Companies that had their IPO in 2013

2013 was an iconic year for initial public offerings (IPOs), characterized by a resurgence in activity and some major debuts that garnered significant attention. The U.S. stock markets, in particular, witnessed a robust increase in the number of companies going public, driven in part by a rallying equity market and an improved economic climate following the 2008 financial crisis. What happened the next year? For 2014 IPOs click here.

The tech sector was a standout, and among the high-profile IPOs, Twitter’s debut took center stage. The social media giant raised nearly $2 billion, making it one of the largest tech IPOs of the year. Its shares surged on the first day of trading, reflecting the immense investor appetite for tech offerings.

Not to be overshadowed, other sectors also had notable entrants. One of the most anticipated was Hilton Worldwide, the global hotel chain, which marked the largest ever hotel IPO at that time. SeaWorld Entertainment and Aramark were other significant names that debuted, showcasing the diversity of companies tapping into public markets.

In addition to these big names, there was an upsurge in the biotechnology sector with numerous firms making their market debuts. The enthusiasm for biotech IPOs was driven by investors seeking growth prospects, alongside advancements in the medical and research fields.

However, while many companies experienced successful launches, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some faced volatility post-IPO, and not every company met its expected valuation, reflecting the inherent risks of public market debuts.

Overall, 2013 was a year of reinvigoration for the IPO market, indicating growing confidence in the economy and setting the stage for subsequent years of active public market engagements.

Twitter IPO

Twitter’s IPO in 2013 was one of the most highly anticipated public market debuts of the year, drawing attention from investors, industry insiders, and the general public alike. As one of the leading social media platforms with a rapidly expanding user base and global reach, Twitter’s decision to go public stirred considerable excitement.

The company opted to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TWTR.” In its initial offering, Twitter set the price at $26 per share, aiming to raise roughly $1.8 billion. The valuation suggested by this price placed the company at around $14 billion, a reflection of its perceived potential for growth and profitability in the booming social media landscape.

On the day of its debut, Twitter’s stock soared, closing at $44.90, a jump of more than 70% from its IPO price. This enthusiastic reception highlighted the strong investor appetite for tech and social media stocks, especially for a platform as influential as Twitter. The company’s successful first trading day was seen by many as a sign of renewed confidence in the tech sector, particularly in contrast to the tumultuous Facebook IPO a year earlier.

However, the Twitter IPO wasn’t just about numbers and stock prices. It represented the maturation of a platform that had begun as a simple messaging service and had grown into a global communication tool, influencing everything from news dissemination to political movements. The IPO underscored Twitter’s transition from a startup to a major player in the digital age.

Despite the initial euphoria, Twitter faced challenges post-IPO, including concerns about its long-term profitability, user growth, and competition from other platforms. Nevertheless, the 2013 debut remains a significant milestone in the company’s journey and the broader tech industry narrative.

AbbVie IPO

AbbVie’s journey to its own IPO is a tale of strategic corporate decisions, a separation from a legacy pharmaceutical giant, and the birth of a new entity focused on innovative biopharmaceutical research. AbbVie was originally a part of Abbott Laboratories, a company with over a century of history in the healthcare sector. In 2011, Abbott Laboratories announced its decision to split into two separate companies. The rationale behind this move was to allow each entity to focus on its strengths and cater more effectively to their respective markets.

While Abbott remained focused on diversified medical products, including diagnostics, medical devices, and nutrition, AbbVie was carved out as an independent company concentrating on research-based pharmaceuticals. This strategic bifurcation aimed to unlock value for shareholders and enable more agility in addressing distinct market challenges and opportunities.

In January 2013, the official separation was completed, and AbbVie made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “ABBV.” The company’s public emergence was viewed positively by investors and stakeholders, as AbbVie possessed a strong portfolio of drugs, including the blockbuster Humira, which was one of the world’s best-selling drugs at that time.

Being an offspring of Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie started with a rich legacy of pharmaceutical expertise, yet it faced the challenge of proving itself as a standalone entity. The focus was on innovative research and development, aiming to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

Post-IPO, AbbVie continued to evolve, navigating the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry, patent cliffs, and the constant need for new drug development. Its entrance into the public market was not just a financial move but symbolized the advent of a dedicated biopharmaceutical entity with a commitment to pioneering advanced therapies.

Norwegian Cruise Line IPO

Norwegian Cruise Line’s path to its IPO intertwines with the evolving story of the modern cruise industry and the brand’s own dynamic approach to vacationing at sea. Founded in the 1960s, Norwegian Cruise Line (often simply called “Norwegian”) played a crucial role in transforming the cruise experience, pioneering the “Freestyle Cruising” concept which offered guests flexibility in dining, attire, and onboard activities, setting it apart from traditional cruise models.

As the cruise industry expanded and matured, Norwegian sought to capitalize on its growth and evolution. By the time the 2010s approached, Norwegian had established itself as one of the major players in the cruise world, operating alongside other giants like Carnival and Royal Caribbean. But to further fuel its ambitions and compete at the highest levels, the company eyed the possibility of tapping the public markets for capital.

In January 2013, Norwegian Cruise Line took the plunge and went public, listing its shares on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “NCLH.” The IPO was priced at $19 per share, aiming to raise close to $500 million. The offering was met with significant investor interest, signaling confidence in the brand and the broader cruise industry’s growth prospects. On its debut, the stock fared well, reflecting the company’s strong positioning and promising outlook in the booming travel and leisure sector.

The Norwegian IPO marked an important milestone for the company, providing not only financial resources but also enhancing its public profile. Post-IPO, Norwegian continued its mission to innovate within the cruise experience, introducing new ships and expanding its global reach.

However, as with all companies in the travel and tourism sector, Norwegian faced its share of challenges, including economic fluctuations and, more recently, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the company’s entrance into the public market stands as a testament to its aspirations to be a leader in the cruise industry and its commitment to offering unique sea-going experiences to its guests.

Acceleron Pharma IPO

Acceleron Pharma’s journey to its IPO is rooted in its commitment to harnessing the power of biology to develop innovative therapeutics for serious and rare diseases. Founded in 2003, Acceleron quickly distinguished itself within the biotech sector, primarily through its work on the TGF-beta protein superfamily, a group of proteins known to play significant roles in cellular growth and differentiation.

With its science-driven focus, the company zeroed in on a range of diseases, from hematologic disorders to neuromuscular diseases. A series of promising drug candidates emerged from Acceleron’s pipeline, drawing the attention of both industry peers and investors. Partnerships, notably with major pharmaceutical entities like Celgene, bolstered the company’s capabilities and resources.

Recognizing the potential for growth and the need for capital to drive its research further, Acceleron eyed the public markets. In 2013, the company took its significant leap forward by launching its initial public offering. Acceleron listed its shares on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “XLRN.” The IPO was set at a price of $15 per share, aiming to raise funds to propel its research and clinical trials.

The reception from the investor community was optimistic, signaling belief in the company’s innovative drug development approach and the potential of its therapeutic candidates. The funds raised from the IPO provided crucial capital for Acceleron to advance its most promising treatments through the demanding phases of clinical development.

Post-IPO, Acceleron continued its relentless pursuit of transformative therapies. The company faced the typical challenges of drug development, including rigorous regulatory standards and the intrinsic uncertainties of clinical trials. Nonetheless, its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs through innovative science remained unwavering.

In sum, Acceleron Pharma’s IPO in 2013 was not just a financial endeavor but a significant step in its mission to bring groundbreaking treatments to patients and solidify its standing in the competitive biotech landscape.

Zoetis IPO

Zoetis’ journey to its IPO is woven into the rich tapestry of the global animal health industry. Originating as a subsidiary of Pfizer, the world’s largest drugmaker, Zoetis specialized in developing and producing medicines and vaccines for pets and livestock. Its deep understanding of animal health, coupled with the backing of a pharmaceutical titan, positioned it as a leader in its field.

As the years progressed, the potential for Zoetis to grow and innovate as an independent entity became increasingly apparent. Recognizing the distinct market dynamics and the specialized nature of the animal health business, Pfizer decided to spin off Zoetis, allowing it to stand on its own feet and navigate its unique sector with greater agility.

In February 2013, Zoetis embarked on its new chapter with a highly anticipated initial public offering. The company chose to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “ZTS.” With an IPO price of $26 per share, Zoetis aimed to raise over $2 billion, making it one of the largest IPOs of that year and the biggest in the history of the animal health industry. The investor community welcomed the debut with enthusiasm, reflecting confidence in the company’s robust product portfolio and the growing global demand for animal health solutions.

The success of the IPO underscored the significance of the animal health market and highlighted Zoetis’ pivotal role within it. Post-IPO, Zoetis continued to flourish, focusing on R&D, expanding its product offerings, and strengthening its presence in global markets.

While challenges typical of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, such as regulatory hurdles and competition, were ever-present, Zoetis remained steadfast in its commitment to advancing animal health. Its transition to a public entity through the 2013 IPO was not merely a financial milestone but a testament to its dedication to serving veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners worldwide.

Chegg IPO

Chegg’s path to its IPO is a narrative of transformation and adaptability in the realm of education. Founded in 2005, Chegg initially began as a textbook rental service, offering college students a more affordable alternative to the often exorbitant costs of purchasing new textbooks. Over time, however, the company recognized the evolving needs of students and the vast potential of digital platforms, prompting it to expand its services.

Beyond just textbook rentals, Chegg started to encompass a wider range of academic services, from homework help to tutoring, scholarship searches, and even internship placements. This adaptability and keen understanding of the modern student’s needs made it a go-to platform for millions seeking academic support.

As the company continued to grow and diversify its offerings, it looked to the public markets to further its ambitions. In November 2013, Chegg took a significant step forward by launching its initial public offering. Opting to list on the New York Stock Exchange, it traded under the ticker symbol “CHGG.” The IPO was priced at $12.50 per share, aiming to raise capital to fuel its expansion and technology investments.

While the reception from the investor community was initially mixed, given concerns about the sustainability of the textbook rental model and the company’s profitability, Chegg’s strategic shift towards digital services began to pay dividends. The company’s emphasis on online tutoring, study tools, and other digital academic aids showcased its commitment to staying relevant and valuable to its user base.

Post-IPO, Chegg’s evolution didn’t halt. The company continued to pivot towards digital solutions, reducing its dependence on the physical textbook business. This adaptability, combined with its commitment to supporting students in their academic journeys, solidified its reputation as a leading education technology platform.

In essence, Chegg’s IPO in 2013 marked a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory, symbolizing its transition from a textbook rental startup to an expansive edtech enterprise keen on revolutionizing how students learn and succeed.

T-Mobile U.S. IPO

T-Mobile US’s journey to its current state is steeped in the ever-evolving telecommunications landscape of America. T-Mobile US, as we recognize it today, is a result of several mergers, acquisitions, and strategic shifts, with its roots tracing back to multiple entities, including the original T-Mobile and MetroPCS.

By the early 2010s, T-Mobile US was facing stiff competition from larger U.S. wireless carriers and was eager to transform its positioning in the market. A significant turn of events came in 2012 when T-Mobile’s parent company, Deutsche Telekom, agreed to merge T-Mobile USA with MetroPCS, a deal that aimed to boost the combined entity’s scale, resources, and spectrum holdings.

This merger was more than just an amalgamation of assets; it effectively led to MetroPCS being absorbed into T-Mobile USA and the combined company being renamed T-Mobile US. In 2013, following the completion of this merger, the newly minted T-Mobile US began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TMUS.”

The move to the public markets was not simply a routine financial exercise. It signified T-Mobile’s aggressive ambition to reshape its destiny in the U.S. telecom market. Backed by its “Un-carrier” strategy, T-Mobile US sought to disrupt traditional mobile carrier conventions by eliminating long-term contracts, introducing transparent pricing, and offering customer-centric initiatives.

The post-IPO years saw T-Mobile US not just surviving, but thriving. The company embarked on a series of bold moves, including further mergers, notably with Sprint in 2020, and rapid network expansions. This aggressive approach was geared toward challenging its larger rivals and capturing a more significant share of the American wireless market.

In a nutshell, T-Mobile US’s emergence in its current form, marked by its 2013 public market debut, narrates a tale of strategic mergers, market disruption, and a relentless drive to redefine the mobile experience for millions of American consumers.

RingCentral IPO

RingCentral’s trajectory to its IPO tells the tale of the rising prominence of cloud-based communication solutions in the modern business landscape. Founded in 1999 by Vlad Shmunis, RingCentral embarked on a mission to transform the way businesses communicate. Recognizing the limitations of traditional on-premises PBX systems, especially for smaller businesses, the company envisioned a cloud-based solution that could provide a more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective alternative.

As the 2000s progressed, RingCentral refined its platform to offer a suite of unified communications services, integrating voice, video, text, and fax. Their solution was designed to be both comprehensive and user-friendly, allowing businesses to centralize their communication channels without the need for hefty hardware investments or technical expertise.

With the growing acceptance of cloud solutions and the increasing demand for seamless communication tools, RingCentral saw an opportunity to scale and fortify its market position. To achieve this, the company looked towards the public markets for capital and enhanced visibility.

In 2013, RingCentral made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange with its initial public offering, trading under the ticker symbol “RNG.” Priced at $13 per share, the IPO aimed to raise funds to support the company’s expansion, R&D, and marketing efforts. The investor community responded positively, reflecting a belief in the potential of cloud-based communication solutions and RingCentral’s capability to lead in this space.

Post-IPO, RingCentral’s journey was characterized by continual innovation, strategic partnerships, and global expansion. The company strived to stay ahead of the curve, adapting to the ever-changing needs of businesses in a digital world. Whether it was enhancing its platform’s features or forging alliances with major tech entities, RingCentral showcased its commitment to redefining business communication.

In essence, RingCentral’s IPO in 2013 was not just a financial milestone but a significant marker in its quest to champion cloud communications, setting the stage for its role as a key player in the digital transformation of the business world.

AmBev IPO

AmBev, or Companhia de Bebidas das Américas, is emblematic of the rise and internationalization of the beer industry in Latin America. Tracing its origins to Brazil, AmBev was the outcome of the merger between two brewing giants in the region: Antarctica and Brahma. These breweries, both established in the 19th century, had a rich history and were staples in the Brazilian beverage landscape. Their merger in 1999 was a landmark event, forming what would become one of the world’s largest beverage firms.

The formation of AmBev wasn’t merely about dominating the Brazilian or South American markets; it had global aspirations. Given the consolidated nature of the global beer industry, scale mattered, and by pooling their resources, brands, and distribution networks, Antarctica and Brahma were looking beyond regional dominance.

To bolster its ambitions, tap into global capital, and position itself as an international player, AmBev decided to enter the public markets. While the company had a presence in the Brazilian stock exchange since the merger, its more prominent leap into the international limelight came in 2004. This was when AmBev engaged in a significant deal with Belgium’s Interbrew, leading to the creation of InBev. The transaction was transformative, establishing the combined entity as a global powerhouse in brewing.

In this broader context, while AmBev’s direct IPO was in the Brazilian market post its formation in 1999, its 2004 deal with Interbrew and the subsequent listing and activities of InBev (and later AB InBev after merging with Anheuser-Busch) can be viewed as its foray into the larger global financial scene.

The years following these corporate maneuvers witnessed AmBev, and its parent entities, engaging in a series of acquisitions, innovations, and market expansions. The strategic vision was clear: to be a leading global player in the beverage industry.

In summary, AmBev’s journey, from its origins in Brazil to its status as a cornerstone of one of the world’s largest beverage conglomerates, is a testament to strategic vision, the importance of scale in the brewing industry, and the opportunities of globalization.

Moleskin IPO

Moleskine’s story leading up to its IPO is a testament to the enduring allure of physical notebooks in a digital age. Rooted in a rich tradition, Moleskine notebooks draw inspiration from the iconic black notebooks used by artists, writers, and thinkers of the past two centuries, such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway. While the Moleskine brand as we know it today was only officially established in 1997 by an Italian publisher, Modo & Modo, its design and essence pay homage to this rich legacy.

The notebooks’ minimalist design, combined with their durable quality and storied heritage, made them a staple for creatives and professionals alike. Beyond mere stationary, they became symbols of creativity, journey, and personal identity. The brand smartly leveraged this narrative, expanding its offering beyond notebooks to diaries, journals, bags, and even writing tools, reaching customers in over 100 countries.

Recognizing the potential for further global growth and aiming to capitalize on its strong brand identity, Moleskine looked to the public markets. In 2013, the company made a decisive leap by launching its initial public offering on the Borsa Italiana, Italy’s main stock exchange. With its shares beginning to trade under the ticker symbol “MSK,” the IPO aimed to provide the capital needed for Moleskine to expand its international footprint, enhance its product range, and venture deeper into the digital realm.

The public reception was favorable, reflecting both an appreciation for Moleskine’s heritage and a belief in its future growth prospects. Investors saw value in the brand’s ability to straddle the worlds of analog and digital, traditional and modern.

Post-IPO, Moleskine’s journey was characterized by a continued focus on innovation. The company ventured into digital products, collaborating with tech companies to bridge the gap between handwriting and digital note-taking. Through all its endeavors, Moleskine maintained its core ethos: to be a platform for creativity and self-expression.

In sum, Moleskine’s 2013 IPO was more than a financial exercise. It was a declaration of the brand’s ambition to grow, adapt, and continue its legacy as a beloved companion for thinkers and creators worldwide.