Xero’s Drury says too early for listing in US
"We have been advised it would not make sense to consider a listing in the US until we can see at least $US100 million of revenue." Shares dip.
Hot Topic
Budget 25
Xero, the cloud-based computing company whose shares have more than tripled in the past 12 months, is not yet large enough to consider a US listing, founder and chief executive Rod Drury says.
The shares [NZX:XRO] have dipped from Friday's record high. In midday trading they were down 2.80%.
"A US listing is certainly something a business with global aspirations would consider," Mr Drury says in a statement.
"We have been advised it would not make sense to consider a listing in the US until we can see at least $US100 million of revenue," Mr Dury said, reiterating his comment to NBR last week, "So the focus for now remains on growing the team, customers and revenue while building systems and processes for efficiency."
He reiterated that Xero is on track to double revenue in the year ending on March 31, which would put annual sales at about $38.8 million ($US32 million).
Shares of Xero, which is yet to make a profit, fell 4.2 percent to $10.25 on the NZX today.
Mr Drury's statement attempts to explain the meteoric rise in the company's stock, which now has a market value of $1.21 billion – more than retailer Warehouse Group and global transport firm Mainfreight on about $1.2 billion.
He says the share price gain coincides with increased overseas investor appetite for exposure to Software as a Service technology, which is seen as a fast-growing segment over the next five years.
Xero's own profile has been lifted offshore by the appointment this month of Stuart McLean, a Google executive in Australia, to the new role of chief revenue officer, media interest in the US and roadshows for accountants in Australia.
The company will provide an operating update in early April, he says.
(BusinessDesk)
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Xero’s Drury says too early for listing in US
28065