Thursday, August 12, 2010

Skype files for IPO just one year after spin-off

Skype has officially filed the SEC documents that is the beginning of an original public offering. The Skype IPO has been long expected, though some surprising numbers were exposed within the filings. Users are hoping the newly-complicated structure behind Skype will not impact the service they love.

Financial health revealed in Skype IPO paperwork

There is an estimate that the Skype IPO will be worth $ 100 million or more. The revenue and income in the Skype SEC filings worry some analysts. Skype reports $ 406 million in revenue in just the last six months. Skype reported its net income at $ 13 million . A 3 percent net margin means that Skype is not growing easily, though it is growing. The nine percent of users that actually pay for the Skype service pay an average of $ 96 each year.

The structure behind Skype’s ownership

Following the Skype IPO, the ownership structure will be complex in comparison. The company is situated in Luxemborg, but they’re offering shares in the business in American stocks. Stock holders, employees, and private investors will all be considered business owners. These 3 groups will own stock in Skype S.A.,. These stocks will be a part of Skype Global Holdco and Skype Global. These two holding corporations could be split – into Skype, Inc. and Springboard Finance, L.L.C.. Springboard Finance, L.L.C., will own 13 operating subsidiaries, including Skype Limited, Skype Sweden and Skype Software.

Possible changes following the Skype IPO

Operating funds are the goal of the Skype IPO. Some corporations can be faced with fundamental changes after an IPO, though. Skype is already moving forward with the iPhone app and deals with wireless carriers. The IPO date is not yet for sure, so the service’s users may have to just wait and see what happens.



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