Google (GOOG, GOOGL) is expected to report first quarter earnings after the market close on Wednesday, April 16 with a conference call scheduled for 4:30 pm ET. Google is a global technology company that focuses on Internet search, cloud computing, and advertising technologies.
Analysts are looking for earnings per share of $6.39 on revenue of $15.52B. The consensus range is $5.83-$6.96 for EPS, and $14.94B-$16.12B for revenue, according to First Call.
Google reported Q4 EPS $12.01 against estimates of $12.26 on revenue of $16.86B against estimates of $16.75B. Google reported Q4 paid clicks up 31% and average cost-per-click decreased approximately 11%. The company also reported Q4 Sites revenue $10.55B and Q4 Network revenue $3.52B. NEWS: Google effectively split its stock with a dividend distribution of Class C shares, which began trading in early April. In the past quarter, the company reached a deal with a European Union after sending an improved commitments proposal in context of the ongoing antitrust investigation on online search and search advertising. Google also announced that it resolved the copyright litigation with Viacom (VIA, VIAB). The company announced partnerships and agreements with VMware (VMW), Cisco (CSCO), and OmniVision (OVTI) as well as acquisitions of SlickLogin, Titan Aerospace and parts of Green Throttle Games.
Cantor said Google is being boosted by product listing ads, which are expected to increase the company’s 2014 ad revenue by $1B. Atlantic Equities and Bernstein said Google’s weakness provides a buying opportunity, citing strong year-over-year revenue growth at “core Google.” Bernstein added predictions that Google Play, Computer and App Engine, and Apps for Enterprise and government will become multi-billion dollar businesses. Ahead of the Q1 earnings, Susquehanna said the results should beat expectations due to continued website growth, PLAs, and early benefits from Enhanced Campaigns and YouTube.
Google shares have dropped over 8% since the first day of trading following the company’s Q4 report. In Tuesday midday trading ahead of Q1 report, Google shares are down a little over 2%.
Analysts have a consensus price target of $675 on Google, Inc.(NASDAQ:GOOGL) which indicates a 24.85% upside. The consensus rating of the stock is a BUY with a score of 2.75. There are currently 1 Hold Rating and 3 Buy ratings on the stock.
The most recent analyst action consisted of upgrading the stock from Underperform to Neutral on March 11th, 2014.
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