Performance of Malaysian IPOs: Underwriters reputation and management earnings forecasts

This paper examines the financial performance of Malaysian initial public offerings (IPOs) during the period 1980-1995. The major focus of the study is on the role of management earnings forecasts and underwriters in the valuation of IPOs. The results suggest extremely high and statistically significant initial premiums and positive and statistically significant long-term returns up to 3 years after listing. The findings for long-term returns contradict the consensus of the IPO literature that documents a significant negative long-term performance. Our results indicate a negative association of upward bias in management earnings forecasts with IPOs' performance during the first 12 months after the IPOs. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V.