Why LinkedIn's Shares Jumped

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of business-focused social network LinkedIn (NAS: LNKD) had their rocket thrusters on today, gaining as much as 10% in intraday trading after the company reported first-quarter results.

So what: As you might expect from the stock action, LinkedIn's first-quarter numbers were much better than expected. Revenue for the quarter more than doubled from a year ago to $189 million. On the bottom line, non-GAAP earnings per share were up a cool 150% to $0.15. Wall Street was looking for EPS of $0.09 on sales of $179 million.

Now what: But wait -- it gets better! The company also boosted its full-year outlook, taking its expected revenue range from a midpoint of $850 million up to $890 million. Management's EBITDA outlook -- at the midpoint -- improved 8% to $173 million. The revenue outlook was better than the $877 million that analysts had expected.

In a nod toward non-organic growth, LinkedIn also announced that it's spending nearly $120 million in cash and stock to buy SlideShare, described as "a leading professional content sharing community."

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At the time thisarticle was published The Motley Fool owns shares of LinkedIn. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of LinkedIn. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.Fool contributorMatt Koppenhefferhas no financial interest in any of the companies mentioned. You can check out what Matt is keeping an eye on by visiting hisCAPS portfolio, or you can follow Matt on Twitter,@KoppTheFool, or onFacebook. The Fool'sdisclosure policyprefers dividends over a sharp stick in the eye.

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