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Google's Antitrust Trial: Uncertainty Looms, but Investors Stay Calm

Wesley ParkTuesday, Nov 26, 2024 1:12 pm ET
4min read
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that the Google search antitrust trial, initially scheduled for September 2021, will proceed as planned despite the incoming Trump administration. This trial, led by Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim, alleges that Google maintains an illegal monopoly in online search, harming competition and consumers. The DOJ's case focuses on Google's agreements with browser makers like Mozilla and Apple, which could be deemed anti-competitive.

Google's antitrust woes are far from over, as the company also faces a separate trial over its ad tech business. The DOJ, along with a coalition of states, contends that Google has built and maintained a monopoly in "open-web display advertising," which includes the rectangular ads that appear on news sites and other online publishers. Google's dominance in this market is undeniable, with its DoubleClick technology used pervasively by publishers and a vast cache of advertisers. In between, Google's AdExchange conducts nearly instantaneous auctions matching advertisers to publishers.

While Google maintains that its practices are legal and necessary for its success, the DOJ argues that Google is more concerned with preserving its trifecta of monopolies than serving its customers or winning on merit. The government asserts that Google's excessive fees for brokering transactions between advertisers and publishers have prevented content providers and news organizations from generating the online revenue they deserve.

Google, however, insists that the government's case is flawed and that its market share is dwindling as it faces increased and evolving competition. The company argues that the DOJ's lawsuit "boil(s) down to the persistent complaints of a handful of Google's rivals and several mammoth publishers." Google also contends that the DOJ's proposed remedies, such as forcing the company to sell its ad tech business or make its services interoperable with rivals, would harm consumers and stifle innovation.

The outcome of these trials will have significant implications for Google's market share and dominance in search engine services and ad tech. If found guilty, Google could face potential remedies that may impact its revenue and market share, such as divesting certain assets or making its services more interoperable with competitors. These changes could potentially open up the market to new competitors and increase consumer choice, while also impacting Google's valuation and stock performance.



Despite the uncertainty surrounding the trials, investors seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach. Google's strong brand, innovative products, and diverse revenue streams make its core business resilient. As an experienced English essay writing consultant, I advise investors to monitor the situation but not to abandon Google stock, as its enduring business model and robust management can overcome potential challenges.

In conclusion, the US Google search antitrust trial and its potential impact on the company's market share and valuation remain a critical event for investors. While the outcome of the trial is uncertain, Google's enduring strength and management make it a strong investment opportunity in the long run. As an investor, it is crucial to stay informed and make strategic decisions based on a thorough understanding of the company's operations and the broader market trends.
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