Anthropic's Potential Mega-IPO Casts Shadow Over US Listing Calendar
Anthropic PBC is preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO) that could raise as much as $86.2 billion, matching or surpassing SpaceX’s record-breaking debut in size. The anticipated IPO has created scheduling challenges for other companies seeking to go public around the same time, particularly after Labor Day and before November's mid-term elections. Firms are racing to secure attention from investors amid a crowded market window. The rush is reminiscent of the period leading up to SpaceX’s listing when 14 large firms went public in one month but saw an average loss post-listing. Market participants, including bankers at Barclays and Morgan Stanley, note that non-AI-related IPOs are struggling for attention as capital flows toward AI infrastructure and aerospace themes. Smaller companies may find it harder to stand out against the backdrop of larger deals. Despite these challenges, several firms—including Nscale, Aggreko Plc, CoVolt Power Inc., SB Energy, Inspire Brands, and Switch—are either preparing or considering IPOs in late 2026.
Tickers: $BARC $INSP $MS $SPCX