Burak Salman: "The Next 10 Years Will Be the Golden Age of Public Listings"

Burak Salman, General Manager of Bulls Investment Securities, highlighted the pivotal role of IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) in driving the growth and institutionalization of companies. He projected that in the next decade, publicly listed firms would dominate, especially with the benefits provided by Borsa Istanbul. Salman emphasized that in today's economic climate, IPOs serve as a crucial financial necessity for businesses.


The Importance and Future of IPOs


Investors are keenly observing the performance of Borsa Istanbul. Despite recent market volatility and an uptick following a peak on July 18, small investors are returning to the stock market. Burak Salman shared his perspectives on recent market fluctuations and the prospective path for IPOs.


Increase in IPOs


Financing Opportunities: Salman expects a significant increase in publicly listed companies, underscoring that IPOs provide essential financing mechanisms. He noted that family-owned businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the need for institutionalization and are utilizing IPOs for expansion.



Investor Attraction: Salman emphasized the strategic selection of companies for IPOs, predicting immense growth and substantial corporate financing. He cited the successful launch of Cem Zeytin, which garnered significant investor interest and demonstrated a strong demand process.



Attracting Investor Attention


The primary objective remains uniting investors with high-quality IPOs, a cornerstone of Bulls Investment's strategy.


Selecting Good Companies


Quality Selections: Salman stressed that the companies selected for IPOs are positioned for growth and financial success. He assured investors of their corporate finance team's expertise, noting Cem Zeytin's exemplary performance.



Sustained Interest: Despite a recent dip in investor numbers, Salman mentioned the persistent strong interest in high-quality IPOs. He advised investors to choose companies with robust financials, which tend to perform well in the IPO process.



Interest Rate Cuts and Economic Expectations


Salman delved into the significance of the anticipated interest rate cuts by the Central Bank by year-end. He highlighted that policies of the Federal Reserve and other global central banks would play a crucial role. According to Salman, decreasing interest rates soon will significantly contribute to economic growth.


Bulls Investment's Growth Strategy


Bulls Investment’s Growth Success


Impressive Growth: Established in November 2023 by acquiring Sanko Securities, Bulls Investment swiftly expanded, increasing its assets by 2.7 times to TL 1.3 billion within six months. Salman highlighted substantial investments in branch expansion and digitalization, projecting further growth in this direction.



Stock Market Projections: With Borsa Istanbul increasing in value by roughly 35% since the beginning of the year, mainly due to the banking sector, Salman anticipates that various sectors will gain prominence following interest rate cuts. He set a medium-term target for the stock market at around 13,000 points.



Fitch's Positive Outlook on Turkey


Turkish Economy


Salman underscored the significance of Fitch's credit rating upgrade for Turkey:


Credit Rating: Fitch's upgrade of Turkey’s credit rating to BB- will have a positive impact on economic growth and reserve targets. Salman also mentioned Fitch's favorable outlook on Turkey and the expected interest rate cuts by the Central Bank by 2025.


Frequently Asked Questions About IPOs


What is an IPO and How Does It Work?


IPO Process: An Initial Public Offering involves selling a company’s shares to the public, providing essential funding for growth and institutionalization. It usually takes place on a stock exchange, granting the firm public company status. Investors can then trade shares, thereby improving the company's capital structure and transparency.


What Are the Advantages of Publicly Listed Companies?


Financial and Strategic Benefits: Publicly listed companies can more easily obtain financing, as an IPO raises considerable capital. These firms gain increased visibility and reputation, securing a stronger market position. Enhanced transparency post-IPO also fortifies corporate governance.


Why Are IPOs Important for Investors?


Investment Opportunities: IPOs offer new investment opportunities, especially in high-growth potential companies, enabling significant returns. They allow investors to diversify their portfolios across different sectors, mitigating risk. Detailed prospectuses and disclosures during IPOs provide investors with information to make informed decisions.


Most Curious About IPOs


What are the Primary Steps Involved in an IPO Process?


The IPO process typically begins with the company hiring investment banks to underwrite the offering. This is followed by the preparation of a registration statement filed with the securities regulator, like the SEC in the United States. The company then undergoes a "roadshow," during which it pitches its business to prospective investors. After the roadshow, the company finalizes its price and issues its shares on a public exchange. This entire process enhances the company’s capital structure and transparency and often results in increased visibility and reputation for the company.


What Makes Publicly Listed Companies More Attractive to Investors?


Publicly listed companies generally have larger pools of capital available, which they can use for growth and expansion. The increased transparency and regulatory oversight mandated for public companies inspire greater investor confidence. These companies also gain visibility and reputation, which can attract more investment. Additionally, the liquidity of public shares allows investors to buy and sell shares more easily, providing flexibility and dynamic investment opportunities. All these factors combined make publicly listed companies compelling investment choices for both individual and institutional investors looking for reliable growth prospects.


How Does an Interest Rate Cut Impact the Stock Market?


Interest rate cuts by central banks generally lower the cost of borrowing, which can spur economic growth by encouraging businesses to invest and consumers to spend. This increased economic activity often leads to higher corporate earnings, which can boost stock market performance. For instance, with Borsa Istanbul expecting to benefit from anticipated interest rate cuts, various sectors may see enhanced growth. Additionally, lower interest rates make bonds and other fixed-income investments less attractive, driving more investors toward the stock market, thereby pushing up share prices and further benefiting publicly listed companies.


About Bulls Investment


Bulls Investment Securities Inc. operates under the Capital Markets Law, providing a variety of investment services. Licensed since 2015, Bulls Investment offers transaction brokerage, portfolio management, investment advisory, and public offering brokerage, among other services. Their additional services include capital markets consulting, financial planning, and wealth management.