Angie’s List’s Steady Revenue Growth

Following the jobs report, Friday’s bull market propelled Angie’s List (ANGI) up nearly a full point to close just over $13. The stock has remained volatile and down overall from their IPO in November of last year, even as their revenue has slowly but surely increased by >10% each quarter.

As an emerging web-based company, the revenue growth is encouraging, but nowhere near the revenue growth of many other hot tech IPOs like Linkedin (LNKD) or Groupon (GRPN). Angie’s List offers access to verified reviews of local services like roofers, dentists, and child-care. The memberships options aren’t as cookie-cutter as one would expect, since the number and depth of reviews varies by region. If you work and live in two different cities for example, you may need to purchase additional access. The two founders, CEO Bill Oesterle and Angie Hicks, have both remained with the company since its inception in 1995, which can only be interpreted as a good sign. The duo has seen their service expand nationwide in the United States and Canada.

Expect Angie’s List to continue putting big money into marketing – currently 46% of their operating expenses – to continue their growth. That said, Angie’s List has still yet to turn a profit, but if the company can maintain their current growth, the current stock price could easily be a bargain. Until I see their margins move in a positive direction toward making a profit, taking a wait-and-see approach on this stock looks to be the best option. Waiting for their third quarter earnings will bring the company full-circle since their IPO, and should tell investors quite a bit about the outlook on this stock.

Full disclosure: I have pondered joining Angie’s List when I’ve needed to compare local businesses for odd-jobs, and I have no intention to take any position on ANGI in the next 72 hours.