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 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - When Google Inc. commanded $85 per share in its August 2004 initial public offering, the prospect of the stock quadrupling in less than 15 months ago seemed inconceivable. It doesn't appear far-fetched now. The Internet search juggernaut provided another boost to its high-flying stock Thursday by announcing third-quarter financial figures that astounded even the most bullish analysts, as well as it own management team.
"We surprised ourselves this quarter," Google CEO Eric Schmidt said during a Thursday interview. "Business was much stronger than I expected."
Google earned $381.2 million, or $1.32 per share, a more than sevenfold increase from net income of $52 million, or 19 cents per share, a year ago. Last year's results included a $201 million charge to account for a legal settlement with rival Yahoo Inc.
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