Get instant access to this case solution for only $15

Hotmail Corporation Case Solution

Solution Id Length Case Author Case Publisher
771 1208 Words (4 Pages) Chuck Holloway, Pratap Mukherjee Stanford Graduate School of Business : E64
This solution includes: A Word File A Word File

The primary problem that Sabeer Bhatia faces is to choose between several potential solutions available to him in order to raise capital and finance the operations of the company. The company has shown remarkable growth since its inception but has failed to maximize earnings. The corporation is running out of money and he needs to make a quick decision by accepting one of the options available. The decision process has been made difficult due to the presence of two powerful venture capitals that hold shares of the company. Both venture capitals support different proposals, thus making it very difficult for Sabeer to make a decision. The offer from Microsoft is a very promising one but Sabeer does not want to incur loss by selling off the company at a cheap price as he realizes that there is huge growth potential in this business venture. The investors are protecting their interests and the bridge loan offered is one such indication. It is important that this round of raising capital be closed as soon as possible because the company desperately needs money to continue operations. The venture despite of its huge growth potential has failed to generate substantial revenues for the company, this is one good reason for Sabeer to review the offer put forth by Microsoft Corporation.

Following questions are answered in this case study solution:

  1. Primary Problem

  2. Major Factors

    • Conflict of Interest.

    • High potential for Growth and possible returns of Going Public

    • Urgent Requirement of Finance

  3. Approach

  4. Solution / Recommendation

Hotmail Corporation Case Analysis

2. Major Factors

There are some key factors affecting the problem Sabeer faces:

i. Conflict of Interest

It is important to realize that Hotmail Corporation is not a new venture; it is an established project that has proven its worth to all sections of the market. It has been an initiator of personal Internet usage and has been an industry leader since its inception. Thus, It has high potential for growth and promising returns to investment for all that hold a stake in its ownership. This has led to the conflict of interest problem within the Board of Directors. There are primarily four parties that are evaluating every possible business venture taken upon by the Hotmail Corporation: the Founders, DFJ, Menlo Venture and the employees. While the founders were considering the Microsoft’s offer against the potential for going public, DFJ wanted to accept this offer. On the other hand DFJ had there own reservations and proposals. The employees who had been loyal for the company through thick and thin wanted the founders to accept Microsoft’s offer as they thought it would not only increase the net worth of the company hut it would also result in higher salaries and other benefits fir them.

ii. High potential for Growth and possible returns of Going Public

Despite of the fact that Hotmail Corporation failed to achieve exponential growth rate for revenue generation as compared to that of their user base, the company nevertheless dominated the industry for personal Internet usage and transfer of information. It had achieved the highest growth rate for user base and had introduced many different innovative products along with its main offering. The shortage of money to finance the operation of the company point at the extent to which the operation shave expanded; indirectly pointing out the growth perspective and the future returns. This scenario points out to the possible worth of Internet companies in the stock markets. If the same level of public interest is replicated in the stock market, then it would be a huge success for the founders and all the share holders.

iii. Urgent Requirement of Finance

An important factor that affected this decision was the urgent requirement of cash as the company did not have sufficient amount to remain operational in case the negotiation lasted for a long time. Therefore, the decision had to make in the shortest possible time and favor of the offer that provided cash at the earliest. Thus, the optimum decision considered cash as an important factor.

3. Approach

The optimum approach to this problem should focus on addressing all the different aspects of the situation individually and then combining the results and comparing it with the most suitable option. It is important to analyze the past performance of the company in terms of revenue as well as user base. This would give fair idea of future trend of revenues and the opportunity cost of accepting Microsoft’s offer. The founder must value the company and the post money valuation should then be compared with that being considered by outside investors like GE.

Get instant access to this case solution for only $15

Get Instant Access to This Case Solution for Only $15

Standard Price

$25

Save $10 on your purchase

-$10

Amount to Pay

$15

Different Requirements? Order a Custom Solution

Calculate the Price

Approximately ~ 1 page(s)

Total Price

$0

Get More Out of This

Our essay writing services are the best in the world. If you are in search of a professional essay writer, place your order on our website.

Essay Writing Service
whatsapp chat icon

Hi there !

We are here to help. Chat with us on WhatsApp for any queries.

close icon