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Google To Float
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Posted by: forwardone
I saw an item on today`s News that Google, the world`s most popular search engine, was going on the NYSE.
Some analysts suggest that the public auction of Google shares is likely to benefit the smaller investor who is likely to be more successful than buying new shares through the usual methods.
Those same analysts suggest though that would be investors don`t get too carried away, because it could mean people paying up to four times the proper market price for those shares.
I read sometime ago that the two creators of Google met at a university whilst studying, and although they didn`t exactly initially like one another, they realized that they shared a common goal. Hence, in time, the creation of Google.
It`s reckoned the share deal will make them billionaires. O
Geoff
Posted by: crocnot
For those interested in a small bet in the IPO of the year, my advice would be: Buy the shares at the launch day, get rid off them after 2, 3 weeks (maybe less).
Posted by: forwardone
I wonder whether the offering will just be for U.S. citizens, or for anyone (depending on certain countrie`s laws) outside of the U.S.
At one time I would have completely agreed with you, crocnot, but stock market uncertainties over the past couple of years mean that public offerings are no longer `guarantees` of making a profit, certainly short term.
And of course the Internet bubble burst long ago. Google could, though, be the exception to the rule as far as Cyberspace is concerned.
On balance, depending on the offer price, Google is such a successful company that it probably would make a useful addition to any portfolio. 
Any idea yet on the date the launch is going to happen?
Geoff
Posted by: crocnot
Hi Geoff,
I totally agree, the good old FLIPO's are history since the bubble bursted, but I think this once has the potential to be the exception, however, underwriters try to avoid coming to market at the end of August because many investors and underwriters are on vacation then.
The IPO date is still not determined. A few days ago, I heard it was postponed for a week.
The IPO is for anybody, as far as I'm aware, issued by Morgan Stanley & CSFB. The bid closes tomorrow.
I don't think it's a good idea to have this one in your portfolio for the long term. I could be wrong though...
According to my info, they will be listed on NASDAQ, not NYSE.
Posted by: awty
I would think that a short-term deal would likely be the most profitable, as well. And, fwiw, I think that a lot of the 'internet business' bubble was based on 'ideas', and websites, in many cases without a 'real world' product.
Personally, I think this is where Google is different, as it's a real, in demand, product, a 'known quantity', if you will, and it's not just a 'bet' that their ideas will pay off down the road, as I was seeing in the '90s.
Just my opinion,
Jeff
(I've never 'played' in stocks. Anybody here have some good/bad experiences they'd like to share? There's a whole 'trading' folder that we can fill....)
Posted by: crocnot
Initial shares of Google were priced late Wednesday at $85, the low end of a range revised downward. They haven't missed their start as expected, 100.98$ is the latest price and I believe 120 - 130$ within the next weeks is very likely.
Posted by: forwardone
A very tidy instant profit for some.
Geoff
Posted by: forwardone
Google investors have done very well by the end of 2004 with shares making a nice climb.
Geoff
Posted by: crocnot
I wouldn't advice to get in Google now. The opportunity is gone. For those who may have followed the advice back in August, my advice is "sell" and enjoy the profit.
It is now a way too high priced stock with much more downside risk. Additionally, the company is coming out with a lot of news lately about future plans and peptalk about their astronomic growth. It could continue to rise in the near term until the last @@@ker buys it.