2014 proved to be the year of initial public offerings (IPOs). In America alone, 275 companies issued common class stock, the most since 2000 (when over 400 companies engaged in IPOs). Led by Chinese E-Commerce giant Alibaba (BABA), U.S. IPOs in 2014 raised over $85 billion in capital, an increase of more than 40% Y/Y compared to 2013. Alibaba alone raised a record-breaking $22 billion, besting both Facebook’s (FB) 2012 IPO ($16 billion) and Visa’s (V) 2008 IPO ($17.8 billion).
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When Bubbles Don't Burst
On March 2, 2015 the Nasdaq Composite Index, more commonly referred to as the NASDAQ, closed above 5,000 points for the first time in fifteen years. As this occurred, Wall Street trading floors swelled with the collective anxiety of investors who had observed the same milestone during the Dot-Com era (in March 2000). Only two days after the NASDAQ eclipsed 5,000 on March 9th, the tech-oriented index began its dramatic collapse.
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Has Amazon Lost Its Swagger?
Amazon (AMZN) was once considered the top online retailer; however, since Alibaba's (BABA) recording breaking IPO, Amazon has been overshadowed by the Chinese e-commerce giant. With naturally higher profit margins, revenue growth, and earnings growth, it’s not hard to see why Alibaba is suddenly a Wall Street darling, and why Amazon has been neglected.
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Microsoft Office Arrives On iPhone
Ironically, at present, Apple’s (AAPL) main competitor, Microsoft (MSFT), owns the fastest rising application on Apple’s App Store. Just one day after Microsoft dropped its subscription requirement for Office 365, the new Microsoft Word application has shot up the charts and is now the front-runner in Apple's “Free” category. Microsoft's Office 365 now ranks ahead of other popular applications, such as: Facebook (FB) Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram.
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When Billionaires Clash
Ever since Alibaba (BABA) had its record-shattering U.S. IPO, it appears the Chinese e-commerce giant and its American competitor, Amazon (AMZN), are destined for a Wall Street showdown. In an unpredictable market, with many potential outcomes, I will focus on two questions: 1) can Amazon convert its R&D investments into positive quarterly reports and 2) will Alibaba continue to build upon its momentum and run Amazon out of American markets?
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Race To $1 Trillion
A recent report filed by Colin Gillis, an analyst for BGC Partners (BGCP), predicted Google (GOOG) would beat Apple (AAPL) to a $1 trillion market cap valuation. In the past decade, the two tech companies have overtaken all Silicon Valley competition, and solidified their top spots as industry leaders. Currently, Apple has a market cap of roughly $640 billion, while Google maintains a $370 billion valuation.
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Microsoft's Windows Watch
Wearable technology is quickly evolving into the next big consumer electronics market. Companies like Samsung, LG, Sony (SNE), Apple (AAPL), and Motorola (MSI) are racing to get their newest smart watches to the market, especially as the holiday season approaches. Samsung alone has released nearly 10 smart watch variants over the past year, and although the market is far from saturated, it is highly competitive.
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