Before readers point this out, yes, I know GOOGle stock has only been available for a little over a year, but I found it interesting comparing Apple, Microsoft, Yahoo and Google over a one and five year period.

I own stock in all of them except Microsoft and I’ve written about why I haven’t bought Microsoft stock yet — though I plan to do so in the future. I think Microsoft stock is going to turn around. They are preparing to ship many products that have been being baked (too long, IMO). If these products are as dazzling as time would suggest they should be then their stock could be on the upswing in 2006 and beyond. I don’t think the Xbox 360, though impressive, is going to do much to the stock value. But I reserve the right to change my mind on that once I get my hands on one later this month (hopefully).

First a one year comparison between the four companies:

One year, GOOGle has exploded, which has been well publicized but APPLe has done very well too. Yahoo and Microsoft haven’t changed much. Yahoo is kind of surprising considering how much activity they’ve had this past 12 months.

Now a five year comparison:

Applee had a significan dip during the last bubble, but they’ve come back swinging. Buying Apple after the bubble would have been a very good thing to do. GOOGle, as mentioned above, was a non-player and Microsoft might as well have been too.

As for Yahoo? Over the five year period analyzed their product/service/acquisition activity is helping. IMO, overall they have made some smart moves.

As a web business owner and netizen, this compeition is great for us and I hope it continues well into 2006.

Did this post make you go hmm?

 Loading ...

• I’m buying Apple instead of Microsoft stock
• Checking out the new Google goodies: Trends, Coop and more
• Couldn’t buy Xbox 360, could buy more GOOGle stock
• Apple stock takes bite out of $200 mark
• PC World calls Yahoo the most interesting company in search
• Wright: “Microsoft isn’t thrilling me anymore.”