Initial Public offering Vonage

Initial Public Offering

FIN 325: Financial Analysis for Managers II

(FAC)

September 11, 2005

Initial Public Offering

Introduction

Vonage the worlds leading provider of Voice Over Internet Protocol telephone services began in 2001, by 2002 they had their first residential customer. Vonage’s decision to expand and acquire a larger customer base led to their IPO in May 24th, 2003. The difficulties faced by Vonage are no exception, many companies struggle with the decision of going public and timing. The loss of some control and the requirements can deter some companies from taking that leap, as is illustrated each step in establishing an IPO below.

Registration, Disclosure, and Compliance

In accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, Vonage could not make any offers to the public prior to a registration statement being filed with the SEC. The offer is not limited to actually offering the sale of stock, but includes any communication to the public that could alert the stock market or prematurely getting attention from the public. If for some reason, any information is leaked prior to the registration with the SEC, Vonage’s IPO could be delayed until the SEC decides the market excitement has subsided, which could lead to lost opportunities for both the company and investors.

As part of the registration process, Vonage as well as any other company filing with the SEC is required to comply in several areas including description of the company’s properties and business profile i.e. any changes in financial position, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources, seasonality, etc., a description of the security to be offered for sale, including the risks that could apply to the success of the security being offered. Additionally, the Vonage provided information