Google profits leap lifts shares - Business - Evening Standard
       

Google profits leap lifts shares

The plunging greenback has helped online search giant Google push up first quarter net profit by 30%, bringing new life to its share price.

For the first time most of its profits came from outside the US. Google stock slid 35% this year with fears that the economic slowdown in the US will take its toll on advertising revenue.

While the domestic ad take is down, international expansion and a lower dollar have taken up the slack.

Net profit was $1.31 billion (£658.5 million) on revenue of $3.70 billion, well ahead of consensus forecasts of $3.59 billion. Even without the forex effect, Google would have beaten forecasts. It says favourable exchange rates pushed revenue $202 million higher.

In terms of market share, Google is still well ahead of rivals. It captured 63% of internet queries worldwide in February, up from 62%in December, and accounted for 60% of US searches in March.

Google's cash pile was boosted by $1.78 billion last quarter to $12.1 billion.

The shares rose 18% in after-hours trading.

Comments

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity