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10 Stocks to 'Like' When Facebook Goes Public

Written by: Chris Ciaccia 05/08/12 - 9:29 AM EDT
Tickers in this article: GS LNKD MSFT ZNGA FIO

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8. LinkedIn

LinkedIn(LNKD) was the first social networking site to go public, holding its IPO in May 2011 at $45 per share, reaching $122.70 at the high that day.

LinkedIn proved the demand for profitable social networks. As "Facebook fever" continues, it doesn't hurt that LinkedIn just reported strong first-quarter results. Mountain View, Calif.-based LinkedIn reported earnings of 15 cents per share on $188.50 million in revenue for the quarter that ended in March. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters were expecting earnings of 9 cents on $178.58 million in revenue.

LinkedIn doesn't compete directly with Facebook, but BranchOut, a Facebook app that launched in July 2010, has been gaining traction, with more than 25 million registered users, according to its website.

Shares of LinkedIn have gained 76.92% this year.