LinkedIn stocks to launch at $45 per share

On Wednesday, LinkedIn announced that its stock will debut at $45 per share in a move that valued the career-focused social networking firm at more than US$4-billion.

The first major US social networking firm to go public, LinkedIn jacked up its initial public offering (IPO) share price for 7.84 million shares to US$45 just a week after it first set a target of US$32-35 per share.

The sale could bring in more than US$354-million and see the shares trading on the New York Stock Exchange as early as Thursday.

In case of high investor demand, the company has set aside an additional 1.18-million shares for offering that could raise the take to US$406-million.

LinkedIn, whose members cultivate and manage their careers and business networks online, initially set a target of US$175-million when it registered for its IPO with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in January.

The California startup launched in 2003 said its wants the money to fuel expansion.

Its debut will be closely watched by investors. This is ahead of an expected listing public by year end of Groupon, and the much rumoured and anticipated listing in 2012 of social networking titan Facebook, which has more than 500-million members around the world.

LinkedIn has more than 100-million members in over 200 countries and territories. Forty-four million live in the United States and 56-million outside of the country.

Membership grew by 428 percent in Brazil last year, 178 percent in Mexico, 76 percent in India and 72 percent in France.

The company more than doubled its revenue last year to US$243-million, according to its SEC filing.

It reported a net profit of US$3.42-million in 2010 after suffering a loss in 2009.

But it does not expect to be profitable this year as it steps up investment aimed at generating further growth.

Revenue comes from advertising, subscriptions for premium services, and “hiring solutions” that connect recruiters with candidates.

LinkedIn’s biggest shareholder is its founder and chairman, Reid Hoffman, who owns more than 21 percent of the company.

Whilst much excitement is being experienced on Wall Street as investors are finally being able to get into what looks to be a booming social-media market, others including mega-star investment guru, Warren Buffet are more circumspect; worrying of a “social media bubble”. — AFP