What's Next For Google, Post-Schmidt (GOOG, AAPL, VZ, T)

As Benzinga readers know, Larry Page, Google GOOG co-founder, will take the title of CEO from Eric Schmidt in April. Google has dominated the internet for 13 years as both a search engine and as an advertising machine. As newer sites like Facebook emerge and become popular, however, Google must find interesting ways to compete with these companies as they threaten to take traffic. The change in leadership signifies that it is time for Google to react to these competitors and to facilitate this endeavor, it was deemed necessary that a tech guy take the reins over a businessman. Google has evolved over the years to become much more than a search engine. Google seems to offer everything; a search engine, email, instant messaging, internet browser, and most recently the Android mobile phone operating system. The Android operating system is the only serious competitor to the Apple AAPL iPhone. Now that Verizon VZ will soon offer the iPhone to its customers, the Android will face even stiffer competition. Once an AT&T T exclusive product, a wider range of possible consumers can be reached. The future for Google is still very bright. Even if Facebook is the most highly trafficked website, Google commands the respect for its innovation and market power with the many diverse services it offers. Google is currently at $635.10 in pre-market trading, up about $8 from yesterday's close, in response to the leadership news. Google is in extraordinary financial position, with the amount of assets dwarfing its liabilities. However, Google is sitting on an enormous amount of cash: over $33 billion. Investors should start to question if Google is saving up for acquisitions, has some brilliant plan in the works, or is simply being extremely fiscally conservative. Neither Benzinga nor its staff recommends that you buy, sell, or hold any security. We do not offer investment advice, personalized or otherwise. Benzinga recommends that you conduct your own due diligence and consult a certified financial professional for personalized advice about your financial situation.