When Chinese social network operator Renren
Today, Renren shares are worth less than half of the first trading day's closing price, not to mention the overheated intraday highs of $24 that some unlucky market gambler got stuck with. And last night's debut performance on the earnings stage only cemented what we knew: This company ain't worth $5 billion or more, as early investors thought it might.
Sure, it's a heady growth story: Renren added about 10 million active users year over year, to land at 33 million. It drove revenue 47% higher to $20.6 million. I find it slightly unsettling that most of the growth came from higher advertising revenue, while the more sustainable subscription services lagged far behind. But hey, fair enough -- as a Google
But the purported "Facebook of China" is losing money amid ballooning operating expenses, as Renren steps up its marketing efforts along with more R&D. That is, of course, the right thing to do, as competition in Renren's space heats up: SINA
If that comes to pass, the formidable duo will surely pick most of Renren's low-hanging fruit. That'd be the end of the high-growth salad days and the still-generous valuations they allow.
Paired with the lack of enthusiasm for stateside Internet IPOs LinkedIn
At some point, Renren and friends will get cheap enough to merit serious investors' attention. That day is not today. Just add Renren to My Watchlist to keep an eye on what develops, and you'll be ready to make a move when the time is right.
