Hot news! imminent GoDaddy IPO...

[brian1234]

News just as the title suggests, read about it
here: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12911653

 

[Rubber Duck]

Yes, but any fool can generate unprofitable turnover. If has the lions share of the market and still isn't making a profit, one has to ask what the problem is?
I shall not be subscribing. I think there are much better registrars out there and probably much better hosting services as well.

 

[kiviniar]

Godaddy making losses....now thats news to me

 

[jdk]

Probably why they are charging for invalid whois details and such now

 

[VioxxLawyers]

I have quit Godaddy for Namecheap.

 

[touchring]

The question is, if Godaddy isn't making money with it's domain parking, expired name auction, and hosting services, which domain company in this game is??

 

[Rubber Duck]

The question is, if Godaddy isn't making money with it's domain parking, expired name auction, and hosting services, which domain company in this game is??

Well, Network Solutions is because they are still charging an King's Ransom and still have quite a considerable Client base.

 

[touchring]

Well, Network Solutions is because they are still charging an King's Ransom and still have quite a considerable Client base.

Well, many big corporations or even small companies wouldn't be bothered to move just to save $30 a year. Unless it's for new names. And moving names is a dangerous affair, i started receiving strange "move authorization" emails from unknown registrars after i unlocked my names to move.

 

[Rubber Duck]

Well, many big corporations or even small companies wouldn't be bothered to move just to save $30 a year. Unless it's for new names.

Yes, I think Godaddy have corner the flaky end of the market!

 

[brian1234]

Yes, but any fool can generate unprofitable turnover. If has the lions share of the market and still isn't making a profit, one has to ask what the problem is?

Yes, I must admit I was a little surprised that
they are not yet turning a profit. They do have
a reputation for being inexpensive 'though and,
doubtless, they've been playing a 'numbers game'
whilst trying to figure out how that elusive 'profit'
thingy can be obtained!

 

[Rubber Duck]

Yes, but for an IPO they will not only have to have a game plan, they will need to be able to communicate it effectively. Lets face it, would you sooner invest in a risky portfolio or Godaddy? I think they have everything to prove.

 

[brian1234]

Yes, you are right and, as one of the
leading registrars, they really do have
everything to prove.

It's also worth mentioning that it is an
interesting time for a registrar to be doing
an IPO; they must feel that institutional
investors AND the public will be actively
interested in this offering and that the
market is strong.

In any event, the IPO is probably a healthy
sign for the internet generally (and, to a
lesser degree, the domain 'industry') and I
hope they do well...

I won't be subscribing 'though!

 

[Rubber Duck]

An IPO generally means that the existing owners/founders want some money out. If they have not been making a profit, then an IPO may be the only way they can achieve that. Doesn't necessarily mean though that it is an opportune time to take a slice of the action. Quite the opposite may be true.

 

[brian1234]

Doesn't necessarily mean though that it is an opportune time to take a slice of the action. Quite the opposite may be true.

That's right. Registrars, I understand, also work on
very low margins and I am sure that is particularly
true in GD's case. I think it may also be true that
GD doesn't have as much non-core (potentially
higher margin) business as some of the other well
-known registrars, e.g. Moniker.

Nevertheless, if it does well then it could well mean
one or two other registrars following suit before year
end...

 

[Rubber Duck]

Actually, I think that Registrars on a hiding to nothing with new entrants like Microsoft, Google and Yahoo to compete with. I think domains will be increasing sold as lost leaders as part of a vertically integrated, one stop shop online market place.

Get small businesses into your system and sell them advertising, but not until you have them fully integrated into your empie. Let Microsoft or Google handle or your online marketing needs, I think that is where we are going. Domain Names, Webhosting, Site Design, Seo and Advertising. These boys won't worry if there is no money in domains, they will do it just to lock in clients.

 

[brian1234]

Yes, you could be right. Whether existing
registrars lose market share to such players
naturally, or they get bought out, remains to
be seen. In practice, it will probably be a bit
of both.

In truth, any company who's selling 'internet
services' that are not highly specialised (i.e.
DN services) are on a sticky wicket...

I predict there will probably be a 'roll up' re:
several internet service types within the
next couple of years. That will be good news
for some, and very bad news for others.

 

[scrsteven]

I would not invest in GoDaddy's stock at all...

 

[Jonathan]

Man, I would love to see the company go under, although I know it is just wishful thinking.

 

[mrgtbike]

why go nasdaq, why not nyse? just a thought..nasdaq is not as big of a mover as nyse...

 

[austinandrew]

The question is, if Godaddy isn't making money with it's domain parking, expired name auction, and hosting services, which domain company in this game is??

If you get rid of some of their hefty advertising budget and trim the fat elsewhere they are making money.

You can read a complete analysis of their S-1 filing here.