This past week, Twitter went public, and stated that they are hope to raise one billion dollars in an initial public offering. For the first time in seven years, since the formation of this social media phenomenon, Twitter has exposed their user base numbers and their hopes to enter the stock market. At 218.3 million monthly active users, Twitter reached an increase of 44% in a year in June 2013. However, Twitter lacks two things: the user base of companies like Facebook, and the financial backing of the search engine Google. At the moment, the company has said, “If we fail to expand effectively in our international markets, our revenue and business will be harmed.” 87% of Twitter’s revenue is generated from advertising, amounting to approximately $495 000 a day. Despite the increasing revenue, the costs of running this social media tool has increased dramatically as well. In 2009, Twitter began generating revenue, but the company lost $69.3 million in the first half of 2013. In addition, the shut down of the US Government may prolong the process of the IPO, as IPO findings must be approved by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

#tweetaway #goingpublic
http://http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/oct/04/twitter-ipo-nine-facts
http://http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/inside-the-market/market-view-video/twitter-preps-for-ipo-but-are-investors-feeling-social/article14699492/