RECENT ASSIGNMENT

Assessment 1: Individual assignment - Written case study report
Case study: Google Inc. case study (Case study – google.pdf)
Type: Individual assignment
Total marks: 30 marks
Word limit: see individual questions
Case study questions:
1. Use the databases discussed in Tutorial 1 and locate the following information for Google Inc. (5*2 marks = 10 marks):
1.1. Number of outstanding shares for Google Inc. (current stock data):
1.2. List of stock exchanges that Google Inc.is listed at:
1.3. The list of top 3 shareholders of Google Inc.:
1.4. Net income for Google Inc. as at 31/12/2014 (US$):
1.5. Total assets for Google Inc. as at 31/12/2014 (US$):
Use the information provided in the case and answer the following questions:
2. Identify two key factors behind Google’s early success and provide explanation as to why you believe these factors are Google’s strategic advantages. (2*4 marks =8 marks; word limit: 300 words max)
3. By May 2003, Google was by far the most popular search engine, handling over 55% of all Internet searches through its own website and exceeding 80% of all searches through both Google and client websites. Its annual revenues grew from $86 million in 2001 to $1,466 million in 2003 ($1,352 million in the first six months of 2004 alone), net income of $106 million in 2003 ($326 million and $143 million respectively for the first six months of 2004). Founders’ Page and Brin attributed much of Google’s success to the long-term planning possible in the context of a privately held corporation, unaffected by the pressures and demands of a volatile stock market focused on short-term results. However, on August 19, 2004 Google’s initial public offering (IPO) took place.
Required
Use your knowledge of capital markets and discuss 3 benefits (advantages) and 3 costs (disadvantages) of Google IPO. (3*2 points + 3*2 points = 12 points; word limit: 400 words max)
Guidelines:
• Address each question and provide your responses in a Word document.
• In answering each question please address the question directly.
• The text of the question is not included in the word count.
• Please avoid excessive citations from the case study.
• Assessment will be based on the quality of the attempt at answering each prescribed question. The following aspects will be assessed:
? Content of the response
? Application of theory/Knowledge
? Logical argument