10 Biggest Companies That Had Their IPO in 2012

The most prominent technology and social media firms went public in 2012, affecting corporate histories and the global economy. This article will explore the story behind iconic companies and their journeys to the public markets. Numerous significant firms went public in 2012, looking at the elements that led to their success, the amount they were able to raise, how they utilized the funds, and the hurdles they faced.

1. Facebook Inc.

Facebook went public on May 18, 2012, marking a significant milestone in its development. The company raised $16 billion on the NASDAQ with the ticker symbol "FB." The money helped support Facebook's growth and expansion strategy. With consistent revenue growth and exceptional profitability, the company has maintained its dominance in the social media sector.

2. Phillips 66 Partners LP

Phillips 66 is one of the world's biggest independent downstream energy firms. The company raised $377.8 Million from 16.4 million shares o23 in its 1 May 2012 IPO on the New York Stock Exchange under the "PSX." symbol. The fund financed new projects, developed refining and chemical activities, and enhanced innovation and growth.

3. Direct Line Group

Direct Line Group, one of the UK's foremost insurance and financial services providers, went public in October 2012. The stock was listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "DLG," with a market capitalization of £787 million. 

The money enabled the company to support the company's growth and expansion goals, pay down debt, invest in new product development, and pursue strategic acquisitions. With solid financial performance, continuous revenue growth, and outstanding profitability, the company is today a trusted provider of high-quality insurance products and financial services.

4. Workday Inc.

Workday, a leading provider of cloud-based enterprise software for finance, human resources, and planning, went public in October 2012—the New York Stock Exchange stock listing under the "WDAY" ticker. After offering class A 22.75 million shares at $28 per share, the company raised $637 million. 

The money facilitated the company to engage in R&D, grow its sales and marketing capabilities, and pursue new market prospects, allowing it to position itself as a leader in the highly competitive enterprise software industry.

5. Splunk

Splunk, a significant software solution provider that assists organizations in collecting, analyzing, and acting on data, went public in 2012. The company raised $125 million by listing its stock on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "SPLK." 

The funds aided the company's growth and expansion initiatives, R&D, sales and marketing, and exploration of new market opportunities, allowing it to stay ahead of the curve and continue producing value.

6. Palo Alto Networks

In 2012, Palo Alto Networks, a renowned provider of cybersecurity solutions for businesses of all kinds, went public. The company offered shares between $34-$37 and raised $260 million by listing its stock on the NYSE "PANW." 

The money enabled the company to grow its sales and marketing capabilities, invest in R&D, and pursue new market prospects, establishing it as a global leader in the highly competitive cybersecurity field.

7. ServiceNow

ServiceNow, a prominent cloud-based software solution provider, assists businesses in automating and streamlining their IT operations and workflow. The company's first public offering (IPO) raised $209.7 million in shares from 11.65, selling between $15-$17 on July 20, 2012, listing on NYSE as "NOW." 

By becoming a partner for enterprises wishing to modernize their IT operations and increase workflow efficiency, the company has positioned itself as a leader in the highly competitive IT services industry.

8. Yelp

Yelp, a well-known online platform that connects customers with local businesses, allows them to exchange and discover reviews, ratings, and other important information. In its first public offering on the New York Stock Exchange on May 2, 2012, the company raised $107.25 million under the "YELP."

The funds utilized the investment in product development, increased sales and marketing skills, and pursued new market opportunities for the company. In the highly competitive online review and local search sector, Yelp has continued to innovate and develop.

9. Merrimack Pharmaceuticals

Merrimack Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical firm specializing in developing novel cancer medicines. For $ 7.00 per share in its 28 March 2012 IPO shares listing on the NASDAQ under the ticker code "MACK." it raised $ 172.5 million.

The funds helped to improve the company's pipeline of novel cancer medicines, allowing it to uncover viable new targets for therapy by using its extensive expertise in cancer biology and drug discovery. In addition, the company has continued to spend in R&D, extending its capabilities in areas such as immunotherapy and precision medicine.

10. Kayak

Kayak is a travel search engine that helps users find incredible bargains on flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel-related services. The company's initial public offering (IPO) occurred on 20 July 2012, with shares trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker "KYAK."

Kayak used the $91 million raised in the IPO to fund its expansion plans, such as creating new products and services and acquiring smaller travel companies and its innovative platform. Its user-friendly design propelled it to the forefront of the online travel market, attracting millions of customers and driving significant revenue growth.

The company has introduced new features, such as purchasing holiday packages, investing in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and harnessing these technologies to improve the trip booking experience and provide even more value to its users.

Conclusion

In 2012, several high-profile initial public offerings (IPOs) across various industries, ranging from technology to finance to biopharmaceuticals. Companies like Facebook, Yelp, and Splunk made news with their initial public offerings (IPOs), raising vast amounts of capital and piquing investor interest in their markets. 

For example, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals and Phillips 66 Partnership used their IPO revenues to fund expansion projects and pursue new investment possibilities. These companies are among the most innovative and dynamic participants in the global economy, driving growth and innovation in various industries.