LinkedIn 2012 Outlook: EBITDA vs. EPS (LNKD)

LinkedIn Corporation (NYSE: LNKD) is out with its year-end and fourth quarter earnings report.  The company earned $6.9 million or $0.12 per share on non-GAAP on sales of $167.7 million.  Thomson Reuters had non-GAAP estimates of $0.07 EPS and $159.72 million in sales. 

Hiring solutions sales were up 136% to $84.9 million, marketing solutions rose 77% to $49.5 million, and premium subscriptions were up 87% to $33.3 million of the total sales. U.S. revenue was $112 million, or about 67% of total revenues.

The company is putting its first quarter of 2012 sales at $170 to $175 million against estimates of $170.79 million.

For 2012, the social network for professionals is projecting $840 million to $860 million versus about $828.2 million expected.  It also sees full 2012 adjusted EBITDA of $155 million to $165 million (versus $98.7 million for 2011).

The headlines appear to have caused a head-fake.  The stock initially fell on the $0.06 EPS headline, but the shares are up over 4% at $79.87 currently in the after-hours.  Until we see more report data, we will hold off on casting a final verdict.

Since the IPO last summer it has traded in a range of $55.98 to $122.70.  It also claims more than 150 million users now.

JON C. OGG