Chris_R - 3:26 am on Jul 27, 2004 (gmt 0)

$1 investment in Google 6 years ago became a trillion dollars today, or something like that, leading people to think that similar feat will be duplicated again. Fat chance, in my view.

Very True. The average cost per share to google was 35 cents. According to Google's estimates - people will put up 95% of the money to own 5% of google (less if you count voting rights). Of course this is the way it should be - but keep it in mind when shelling out the dough.

Also - I think some of the headlines are confusing. Keep in mind google is only putting up

"Google says IPO would be worth $US3.3 bn - Sydney Morning Herald"

vs

"As It Goes Public, Google Says It Is Worth Up to $36 Billion - New York Times"

Keep in mind that google is only putting up ~9% of it shares. That is the amount that google itself (plus some of its investors) will get back in cash. This is the figure the Sydney Morning Herald is talking about.

Now if everyone sold their shares (including the 91% which is left with google insiders) at the price that google thinks they can get for them - that is the price the New York Times is talking about.

Just thought I would point that out if anyone was confused by it.