5 Notable Disclosures in Groupon’s Financial Statements and What They Mean.

Since Groupon first submitted its S-1 filing in June, 2011, there has been a wave of negative sentiment around Groupon’s  upcoming IPO.  Many analysts believe that not only is Groupon not a good investment at the approximate $20 Billion + that its IPO’s initial share price will value it at, but  is in fact on the brink of insolvency.  They are also some that do not believe that, in the long run, Groupon’s business model is profitable . 

In an effort to determine whether Groupon is in fact  a raging buy or, as alternatively presented, on the verge of insolvency, I have undertaken an analysis of their latest S-1 , which was filed with the SEC on August 10, 2011.  The document, which is required by all companies who want to file an initial public offering, comprehensively reviews its operations, long term viability, business risks (which are numerous) and its financial condition.  Some of the more interesting discoveries, as they relate to the 6 months ending June 30, 2011, are presented below: