BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Google down a boardmember, but up in earnings?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/12/google-down-a-boardmember-but-up-in-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/12/google-down-a-boardmember-but-up-in-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/12/google-down-a-boardmember-but-up-in-earnings/#commentsFiled under: ,

The news that Arthur Levinson, chairman of biotech giant Genentech, has resigned from Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG)'s board comes just days before search juggernaut is set to report earnings on Thursday, after the close of trading.

With Google shares trading at 12 month highs -- about $523 -- investors may not see much headroom left unless the search giant really blows out the quarter. Nevertheless, many Wall Street analysts are bullish on Google and are raising their price targets accordingly.

Continue reading Google down a boardmember, but up in earnings?

Google down a boardmember, but up in earnings? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthur levinsonArthurLevinsonben schachterBenSchachtereric schmidtEricSchmidtgenentechMon, 12 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's hungry, looking for a new company every month]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/24/google-s-hungry-looking-for-a-new-company-every-month/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/24/google-s-hungry-looking-for-a-new-company-every-month/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/24/google-s-hungry-looking-for-a-new-company-every-month/#commentsFiled under: ,

Some people join wine-of-the-month clubs. There are plenty of other programs out there, too, where your credit card is hit every month, and your purchase is sent to you directly. If only such programs were available for Google (NASDAQ: GOOG). . . .

The company's CEO, Eric Schmidt, said Wednesday that Google plans to pick up a small company a month as a way to get its acquisition head back in the game. With the worst of the recession behind us, Google believes, this is a great way to get moving.

Continue reading Google's hungry, looking for a new company every month

Google's hungry, looking for a new company every month originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionseric schmidtEricSchmidtgooggoogleinthenewsmergersmergers and acquisitionsMergersAndAcquisitionssearch enginesearch enginesSearchEngineSearchEnginesThu, 24 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's top execs keep $1 salaries, forgo bonuses]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/25/googles-top-execs-keep-1-salaries-forgo-bonuses/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/25/googles-top-execs-keep-1-salaries-forgo-bonuses/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/25/googles-top-execs-keep-1-salaries-forgo-bonuses/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) CEO Eric Schmidt and its thirty-something founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin will again toss themselves a $1 annual salary this year. Their salary compensation has been a single greenback ever since Google went public in 2004.

The three will also forgo the bonuses and stock awards that are given to many of the search giant's 20,000 employees. But the beggar bags should not go out just yet.

Continue reading Google's top execs keep $1 salaries, forgo bonuses

Google's top execs keep $1 salaries, forgo bonuses originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eric SchmidtEricSchmidtfeaturedGOOGGoogleinthenewsLarry PageLarryPageSergey BrinSergeyBrinWed, 25 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's CEO searches dire economy]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/google-s-ceo-searches-dire-economy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/google-s-ceo-searches-dire-economy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/google-s-ceo-searches-dire-economy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Every week, there seems to be a new book that extols the magic of Google (NASDAQ: GOOG). There is even a book called What Would Google Do?, which tries to apply Google principles to a range of businesses.

In fact, even with the plunge in the global economy, it seems that Google is impervious to the real world. Right?

Perhaps not. Interestingly enough, there was some negativity from Google's CEO, Eric Schmidt. This is according to a presentation he gave at the Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) tech conference.

Continue reading Google's CEO searches dire economy

Google's CEO searches dire economy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eric schmidtEricSchmidtGOOGinthenewsWed, 04 Mar 2009 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Google hunkers down in tough times, rearranges employee priorities]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/04/google-hunkers-down-in-tough-times-rearranges-employee-prioriti/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/04/google-hunkers-down-in-tough-times-rearranges-employee-prioriti/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/04/google-hunkers-down-in-tough-times-rearranges-employee-prioriti/#commentsFiled under: ,

Say it isn't so: Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) may be tightening its always-loose belt and reigning in costs as the economy tries to pick its way out of a recession. The company that prepares free gourmet lunches for employees and gives extraordinary time for employees to develop pet projects is pulling things into reality a bit.

Revenue growth at the search giant has slowed in the last year, as even internet advertising has slowed down in the face of a prolonged economic crunch that we're experiencing. Like many of us here at BloggingStocks have said for years, almost all of Google's revenue comes from online advertising. It was late to the game in trying to develop other revenue sources (yes, even a year makes a difference), and the incremental gains the company has seen in revenue still mostly revolve around some form of advertising. What happens when customers have no budget to advertise?

Google CEO Eric Schmidt told the Wall Street Journal that "We have to behave as though we don't know" (what's going to happen). Google will be cutting efforts to projects that have not caught on, aren't generating revenue and
also cutting back efforts on products that aren't exciting. Google's leader indicated that the company needs to "prioritize our resources and focus more on our core search, ads and apps business." That's great, except the "ads" part..

Google still has the model of envy when it comes to ad-based online revenue, but now it's having to stretch ads into more of its properties, like Google Finance and Google News. Can Google find more revenue engines than those small text ads that appear next to its search results? It has to -- it can't continue the same way of generating its cash flow and expect things to turn out alright in the future. Is Google a one-trick pony? Could be, although it's still too early to tell.

Google hunkers down in tough times, rearranges employee priorities originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eric SchmidtEricSchmidtGOOGGoogleGoogle 20 ruleGoogle revenueGoogle searchGoogle20RuleGoogleRevenueGoogleSearchInc.inthenewsThu, 04 Dec 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Google (GOOG) admits advertising slowdown, even as market share grows]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/22/google-goog-admits-advertising-slowdown-even-as-it-grows-mark/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/22/google-goog-admits-advertising-slowdown-even-as-it-grows-mark/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/22/google-goog-admits-advertising-slowdown-even-as-it-grows-mark/#commentsFiled under: ,

Even Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) is feeling the economic pinch. Actually, what started as a pinch has turned into a train wreck, and now even the world's largest web search provider will be slowing hiring and turning down the heat on possible acquisitions. Google CEO Eric Schmidt told Bloomberg Television that advertising budgets are "under stress." I'd say that's an understatement.

In all likelihood, this will be Google's toughest test in its 10-year history. Its entire business revolves around advertising income. Although the company does it better than anyone -- and new media advertising is finally becoming mainstream -- the company's exposure to an ongoing slowdown could be cause for concern. Although the company may "do no evil," it will certainly have some profit evil creeping up on its results in some form soon.

Schmidt added that, "All of us are vulnerable . . . it's a race between a contraction in advertising, which would affect everybody, and a very positive shift from offline to online.'' The question is this: can Google take more of the dollars that are shifting to online advertising faster than the overall contraction in advertising spending over the next year or so (or longer)? Given Google's history, it will almost certainly continue to be successful, but it's hard to see the company taking such huge chunks of market share that the advertising slowdown won't chip away at its results.

Google (GOOG) admits advertising slowdown, even as market share grows originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Economic slumpEconomicSlumpEric SchmidtEricSchmidtGOOGGoogleinthenewsrecessionWed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google this: CEO Eric Schmidt wants to join the Obama cabinet]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/20/google-this-ceo-eric-schmidt-wants-to-join-the-obama-cabinent/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/20/google-this-ceo-eric-schmidt-wants-to-join-the-obama-cabinent/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/20/google-this-ceo-eric-schmidt-wants-to-join-the-obama-cabinent/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) Chief Executive Eric Schmidt appears interested in joining Barack Obama's cabinet. He's not campaigning for the job, telling the Wall Street Journal that he was "too busy" running the world's largest search engine company.

Of course, anyone who wants a cabinet position never admits it. It's considered a faux pas. Schmidt, though, seems to be interested in making a difference beyond Google. He does not want to sit back on some deserted island counting his billions as he downs exotic frozen drinks.

The Journal, citing unnamed tech and media executives, speculated that Schmidt "might desire a role in an Obama administration, possibly the chief technology officer post Sen. Obama has said he would create." Exactly what that job would entail is not clear. It sounds like the type of job where Schmidt would sit in an office somewhere in the White House thinking grand thoughts and writing grand reports that would gather dust almost as soon as they were published.

Continue reading Google this: CEO Eric Schmidt wants to join the Obama cabinet

Google this: CEO Eric Schmidt wants to join the Obama cabinet originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BARack ObamaBarackObamaCSCOEBAYeric schmidtEricSchmidtfeaturedGoogHPQinthenewsJOhn MCCAinJohnMccainYHOOMon, 20 Oct 2008 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Google has a 22-year energy independence plan for the U.S.]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/03/google-has-a-22-year-energy-independence-plan-for-the-u-s/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/03/google-has-a-22-year-energy-independence-plan-for-the-u-s/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/03/google-has-a-22-year-energy-independence-plan-for-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) CEO Eric Schmidt has sung the praises of many things in the past: consumer experience, mobile product offerings and even Google's philanthropic efforts. At the same time, Schmidt has made sure Google has evolved into a ruthless competitor that has really blindsided the internet marketplace in so many ways so fast that it caught most of us off-guard.

But can Google seriously save the world? Although tech pundits sometimes state that in tongue-in-cheek fashion, Schmidt is dead serious about it. Google's massive global infrastructure requires a ton of energy to operate. As we all know, energy costs are not exactly low. Although newer Google data center sites are chosen partly for cheap energy proximity, that's not enough. The company wants to fix the energy problem in the U.S., and they have a plan.

Continue reading Google has a 22-year energy independence plan for the U.S.

Google has a 22-year energy independence plan for the U.S. originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Energy independenceEnergyIndependenceEric SchmidtEricSchmidtGOOGGoogle CEOGoogle energyGoogleCeoGoogleEnergyinthenewsFri, 03 Oct 2008 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Buffett to advise Barack Obama on the economy]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/28/warren-buffett-to-advise-barack-obama-on-the-economy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/28/warren-buffett-to-advise-barack-obama-on-the-economy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/28/warren-buffett-to-advise-barack-obama-on-the-economy/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Oracle of Omaha is shining a light on the presidential campaign of Barack Obama.

According to media reports, Warren Buffett is participating with Obama in a meeting about the economy along with Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) Chairman Eric Schmidt, former Treasury Secretaries Robert Rubin and Larry Summers and former Labor Secretary Bob Reich, according to CNBC. New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, a former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) co-chairman, and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker also will be at the meeting of the wisemen tomorrow. Buffett will be participating via telephone hook-up.

There is plenty to talk about given the current state of the economy and the housing market which the International Monetary Fund says shows no signs of recovery. Obama, the junior senator from Illinois, is clearly signaling not to expect much from the meeting.

``I expect some further fine-tuning of short-term policies based on what's happened over the last several months,'' Obama said in an interview with Bloomberg News.

What that means is not clear. It should surprise no one that Buffett is backing Obama. The investor has been critical of President Bush's economic policies including the repeal of the estate tax which he said would be a "terrible mistake." But that doesn't mean he agrees with all of Obama's policies either.

As CNBC notes, Buffett supported Hillary Clinton while she was running for president and disagrees with Obama's call to tax the windfall profits of oil companies and his decision to forgo public financing of his campaign. I guess the Omaha investor considers Obama to be a significant improvement over Republican John McCain.

Interesting how the greatest investor in history who Republicans tout as a champion of capitalism is as big of a Democrat as Barbra Streisand.


Warren Buffett to advise Barack Obama on the economy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack obamaBarackObamacampaign 2008Campaign2008eric schmidtEricSchmidtgooggsinthenewsjohn mccainJohnMccainjon corzineJonCorzinePaul Volckerpaul volkerPaulVolckerPaulVolkerpresidential electionPresidentialElectionwarren buffettWarrenBuffettMon, 28 Jul 2008 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Newspaper wrap-up: U.S. considering government takeover of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/newspaper-wrap-up-u-s-considering-government-takeover-of-fanni/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/newspaper-wrap-up-u-s-considering-government-takeover-of-fanni/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/newspaper-wrap-up-u-s-considering-government-takeover-of-fanni/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MAJOR PAPERS:
  • Rick Wagoner, the CEO of General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM), hit out against allegations that the auto maker may soon file for bankruptcy and said he believes the company's financial position will "remain robust" for the rest of the year. Wagoner also said, the Wall Street Journal reported, that the company has no plans to sell or reduce more of its brands.
  • An independent Yahoo! Inc (NASDAQ: YHOO) would be better for the world, Google Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG) CEO Eric Schmidt said and the Financial Times reported. Yahoo! will be able to create more competition in the search market and other advertising markets if it stays independent, Schmidt contended.
OTHER PAPERS:
  • According to people briefed on the plan, the New York Times reported that senior Bush administration officials are weighing a plan to have the government take over either Federal National Mortgage Association (NYSE: FNM), or Fannie Mae, or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (NYSE: FRE), or Freddie Mac -- or both -- and place them in a conservatorship if their problems continue or worsen.
  • The New York Times also reported that people briefed on the matter said Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc (NYSE: BUD) is in active talks to sell itself to InBev in a friendly deal, despite previous hostility to the idea. One person said InBev indicated it may be willing to pay more than the $65 per share originally offered.

Newspaper wrap-up: U.S. considering government takeover of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anheuseranheuser buschanheuser-buschAnheuserBuschEric SchmidtEricSchmidtFannie MaeFannieMaeFNMFREFreddie MacFreddieMacGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGOOGGoogleInBevRick WagonerRickWagonerYahooYHOOFri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google steps up hiring in 2008, but not in an organized way]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/01/google-steps-up-hiring-in-2008-but-not-in-an-organized-way/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/01/google-steps-up-hiring-in-2008-but-not-in-an-organized-way/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/01/google-steps-up-hiring-in-2008-but-not-in-an-organized-way/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) has been growing its employee count by leaps and bounds over the last few years, but has recently slowed that growth which, of course, sounded an investor alert. But, the world's largest internet search engine just can't keep track of the activities of all its new employees, according to CEO Eric Schmidt.

Google does not want new employees to get lost in the cracks, according to Schmidt. If this is true, then Google is growing too fast for its britches. "We have slowed our head count growth for a couple of reasons, but the biggest reason is it began to feel like we really didn't have a good sense of what people were doing ... the systems in the company, literally who's doing what, what are they doing, seemed to lag our ability to hire these great people," Schmidt told CNBC.

In the first quarter of 2008, Google upped its head count from 16,805 to 19,156. That's quite a bit in a single quarter. Even with all those new people, Google affords more luxuries on its employees than most other public companies in the world. Even with a recession in progress (if you agree with that), Google's business, so far, has been stellar. Schmidt indicated that "we have gross margins to afford it," in talking about the lavish treatment of Google employees and the benefits they receive. Will shareholders continue to like the way that money is being spent? So far, there have not been any complaints.

Google steps up hiring in 2008, but not in an organized way originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 01 May 2008 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eric schmidtEricSchmidtGOOGgoogleGoogle employeesGoogleEmployeesInc.inthenewsThu, 01 May 2008 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Quattrone jumps into the Yahoo-Microsoft fracas]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/10/quattrone-jumps-into-the-yahoo-microsoft-fracas/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/10/quattrone-jumps-into-the-yahoo-microsoft-fracas/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/10/quattrone-jumps-into-the-yahoo-microsoft-fracas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Frank Quattrone is a legend in tech dealmaking. He got his start in 1981 and has since worked for firms like Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse. Some of his deals include the public offerings of Netscape, Cisco Sytems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN).

Well, in March, he announced that he has put together a boutique investment bank, Qatalyst Group. His team has advised on more than 400 M&A deals and 350 financings.

Despite being out of the game for some time, Quattrone still has lots of brand power. Interestingly enough, he has already snagged a plum assignment. That is, he will represent Google's (NASDAQ: GOOG) CEO, Eric Schmidt, in the intricate battle between Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT). This is a according to a piece in the NYTimes.com.

OK, what will this mean for the fight? It's tough to tell. However, I'm sure Quattrone will devise something interesting. For example, there is already the beginnings of an advertising alliance between Google and Yahoo!

But whatever comes of things, I'm sure Quattrone will get a juicy fee -- and turbocharge his new firm.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He also operates MergerBook.com.

Quattrone jumps into the Yahoo-Microsoft fracas originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eric SchmidtEricSchmidtFrank QuattroneFrankQuattroneinthenewsThu, 10 Apr 2008 17:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Google to fire 300 at DoubleClick]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/03/google-to-fire-300-at-doubleclick/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/03/google-to-fire-300-at-doubleclick/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/03/google-to-fire-300-at-doubleclick/#commentsFiled under: ,

I guess things are tough all over -- even Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) is laying off people.

For the first time, the tech darling of the internet will be cutting a large number of jobs, with the reductions coming from the company's new DoubleClick workforce. Google completed its purchase DoubleClick on March 11, and it was widely expected that the Goog would fire some of DoubleClick's 1,500 employees. According to The New York Times, though, the 300 number is larger than expected.

Google is also planning on selling Performics Search Marketing, a unit of DoubleClick. Performics is a search engine marketing company that gets paid to place ads on search engines. This could interfere, or appear to interfere, with Google's objectivity when ranking -- and charging for -- page popularity. So bye bye Performics!

Google has about 17,000 employees worldwide, having added over 6,000 in 2007. CEO Eric Schmidt has promised to slow the pace of hiring in the coming months.

Google to fire 300 at DoubleClick originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doubleclickeric schmidtEricSchmidtgooggoogleinthenewsPerformicsThu, 03 Apr 2008 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Top five CEOs: Jobs (Apple), Schmidt (Google), Blankfein (Goldman), McNerney (Boeing), and Smith (FedEx)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/19/top-five-ceos-jobs-apple-schmidt-google-blankfein-goldma/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/19/top-five-ceos-jobs-apple-schmidt-google-blankfein-goldma/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/19/top-five-ceos-jobs-apple-schmidt-google-blankfein-goldma/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The New York Post reports on Corporate Leader magazine's poll of the top CEOs based on a survey of analysts and investors. Here's my assessment of the top five:

  • Steve Jobs, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL). With its stock up 94.4% in the last year -- though 13% below its 52-week high -- Apple's new products this year have been outstanding. But it's a pretty pricey stock; it trades at a Price/Earnings to Growth (PEG) ratio of 1.56 on a P/E ratio of 42.3 and Earnings Per Share (EPS) growth of 27.2% to $6.26 in fiscal 2009.
  • Eric Schmidt, Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG). With its stock up 27.8% in the last year -- though 15% below its 52-week high -- Google continues to take share from traditional advertisers while struggling somewhat to profit from all its innovations. But it's a somewhat pricey stock; it trades at a PEG ratio of 1.39 on a P/E ratio of 49.6 and EPS growth of 35.8% to $18.19 in 2008.

Continue reading Top five CEOs: Jobs (Apple), Schmidt (Google), Blankfein (Goldman), McNerney (Boeing), and Smith (FedEx)

Top five CEOs: Jobs (Apple), Schmidt (Google), Blankfein (Goldman), McNerney (Boeing), and Smith (FedEx) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLApple Inc.AppleInc.BABoeing Inc.BoeingInc.Eric SchmidtEricSchmidtFDXFedExFrederick SmithFrederickSmithGoldman Sachs GroupGoldmanSachsGroupGOOGGoogle Inc.GoogleInc.GSinthenewsJames McNerneyJamesMcnerneyLloyd BlankfeinLloydBlankfeinSteve JobsSteveJobsThe New York PostTheNewYorkPostMon, 19 Nov 2007 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Google (GOOG) trio scores another jet plus exclusive airport access]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/12/google-goog-trio-scores-another-jet-plus-exclusive-airport-acc/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/12/google-goog-trio-scores-another-jet-plus-exclusive-airport-acc/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/12/google-goog-trio-scores-another-jet-plus-exclusive-airport-acc/#commentsFiled under: ,

With Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) shares at an all-time high (giving the search leader a ridiculous $200 billion market cap), the triumvirate leadership of founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and CEO Eric Schmidt have set their collective eyes on yet another jumbo jet to cruise around the world in.

This situation sounds like 1999-era dot-com exuberance madness, but the market has pushed Google to insane levels and the company has billions of cash on hand for anything it needs, as in acquisitions, global computer server farms and huge jets.

In addition to the new jet purchased under the auspices of a company names H211, LLC, the three Google leader have scored an exclusive agreement for airport access at Moffett Field, including the rights for four planes in total. Moffett Field is very close to Google's Mountain View, California headquarters.

The current staple of planes owned and operated by Google's seemingly-eccentric leadership trio includes two Gulfstream Vs, a Boeing 767, and the new Boeing 757. Are other Silicon Valley CEOs jealous? Most likely, yes. But, at least the Google folks are buying 'green' credits to offset the jet fuel they'll be expunging. As a Google shareholder, do you think the company needs a small jet army like this?

Google (GOOG) trio scores another jet plus exclusive airport access originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boeingcorporate jetCorporateJetEric SchmidtEricSchmidtGOOGGoogleLarry PageLarryPageMoffett airportMoffettAirportSergey BrinSergeyBrinFri, 12 Oct 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Option update: GOOG straddle suggests risk into earnings per share as GOOG at record]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/08/option-update-10-8-07-goog-straddle-suggests-risk-into-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/08/option-update-10-8-07-goog-straddle-suggests-risk-into-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/08/option-update-10-8-07-goog-straddle-suggests-risk-into-earnings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) recently trading up $15.29 to $609.20.


GOOG is expected to report earnings per share (EPS) on October 18th. GOOG October at the money 580 straddle is priced at $32.10. GOOG October option implied volatility of 38 is above its 26-week average of 27 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

The Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) CEO Glenn Murphy hosted a meeting with analysts on October 5th.

Smith Barney says "Mr. Murphy is focused on making the company gets an adequate return on its investments. This includes a focus on the expense of the business. We suspect there will be continued focus on moderating the cost structure and assessing various cost components, including marketing. We think the real estate portfolio is under review." GPS over all option implied volatility of 31 is near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting flat price risk.


Daily options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Option update: GOOG straddle suggests risk into earnings per share as GOOG at record originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1600 amphitheatre parkway1600AmphitheatreParkway94053ads webAdsWebadwordsBanana RepublicBananaRepublicEPSEric schmidtEricSchmidtFisher familyFisherFamilyGapGap StoresGapStoresGlenn MurphyGlennMurphygoogle.comgPhoneinthenewsJobs at GoogleJobsAtGooglelarge moveLargeMoveLarry PageLarryPageLaszlo BrinkLaszloBrinkMountain view CAMountainViewCaOld NavyOldNavyonline advertisingOnlineAdvertisingoption implied volatilityPiperlimesearchSergey BrinSergeyBrinsilicon valleySiliconValleySmith BarneySmithBarneyVictoria SecretVictoriaSecretMon, 08 Oct 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Google to offer advice on ... life]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/24/google-to-offer-advice-on-life/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/24/google-to-offer-advice-on-life/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/24/google-to-offer-advice-on-life/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In one of the first public attempts by Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) to give customers incredibly customized information, the web search leader is poised to build the strongest database yet of detailed human behavior. How does it do this? By storing web searches (and for news, video, etc.) and preferences for its customers. Then, it will take that information to build a model of each Google customer and use that expansive material to give customers advice on making important decisions about their own lives.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt was heard saying, "The goal is to enable Google users to ask questions such as 'What shall I do tomorrow?' and 'What job shall I take?'" -- and that says it all. Google's aim is to be the first artificially intelligent and global network that "knows" about its customers from every angle and can suggest things to them on a personal and custom scale. Is Google becoming the Skynet of the Terminator films? Hardly, but the goal of the company is to enable the most relevant information and render it when needed. Right now, that realm sits squarely in web search, but is expanding rapidly.

Google has already showed (profitably, I might add) that if it can engage the customer in a non-intrusive way and suggest things (advertisements) that fit the customer, then the customer will respond ... and respond ... and respond. Will customers care that Google has so much personal information on their online habits? If it helps those customers be more productive and eases the load on life because of an "information-available-anywhere" type of approach, perhaps not.

Google to offer advice on ... life originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 May 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eric SchmidtEricSchmidtGOOGGoogleGoogle personal searchGoogle searchGooglePersonalSearchGoogleSearchonline habitsOnlineHabitsProject PanamaProjectPanamaSkynetTerminatorThu, 24 May 2007 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Google, Yahoo! click fraud range set at 10% to 15%]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/18/google-yahoo-click-fraud-range-set-at-10-to-15/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/18/google-yahoo-click-fraud-range-set-at-10-to-15/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/18/google-yahoo-click-fraud-range-set-at-10-to-15/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yahoo! (NASDAQ: YHOO) and Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) continue to turn up those collective noses every time the subject of "click fraud" comes up to bat. It's something all companies that bill ad partners for mouse clicks can't avoid, and the legions of unscrupulous hucksters who want to cost competitors marketing dollars for bogus clicks will not end any time soon. Google has made it a point of saying it has very sophisticated and proprietary systems to track the causes of click fraud and return ad spends to clients who believe they are victims.

Are paying customers satisfied with that promise? At an InterACT Conference today in San Francisco, a chief research scientist for Fair Isaac will say that 10% to 15% of clicks billed to Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertisers that use Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and other Internet portals are the result of fraudulent traffic. Now, this will be an interesting statement to forensically dissect, as in "how does he know that?"

Google will most definitely hear from ad partners who continue to maintain that they lose millions of dollars to worthless clicks (clicks that result in no actionable intention from the clicker). As such, Google's constant battle with the actual methodology and motives of those reporting significant levels of click fraud will again be front and center here. Is Fair Isaac inflating its estimates with an ulterior motive in tow? Google probably thinks that, as Fair Isaac sees a new "fraud prevention" business model ripe for exploit here. Or, does it?

Google, Yahoo! click fraud range set at 10% to 15% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 18 May 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eric SchmidtEricSchmidtGOOGGoogleLarry PageLarryPagemsftSerger BrinSergerBrinTerry SemelTerrySemelYahoo!YHOOFri, 18 May 2007 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Google thinking small on acquisitions]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/11/google-thinking-small-on-acquisitions/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/11/google-thinking-small-on-acquisitions/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/11/google-thinking-small-on-acquisitions/#commentsFiled under:

At the company's annual meeting, Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) CEO Eric Schmidt told reporters that while the company will certainly consider larger deals, its primary focus will be on building its portfolio through small acquisitions, and that it's focused on acquisitions as a way to build its own portfolio rather than a reaction to competitive pressures.

The company currently acquires about one start-up per week, and sees acquisitions as a way to add to its stable of engineers. It also ruled out entering the Dow Jones (NYSE: DJ) sweepstakes.

I like this strategy: Many a great company have been ruined by big acquisitions, and very few have been built that way. Of course there are exceptions, but a strong focus on core businesses and complementary acquisitions is probably the best way for Google to grow.

Google thinking small on acquisitions originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 May 2007 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionsDJDow JonesEric SchmidtEricSchmidtGOOGGoogleVenture CapitalVentureCapitalFri, 11 May 2007 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Highlights from Google's annual shareholders meeting]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/11/highlights-from-googles-annual-shareholders-meeting/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/11/highlights-from-googles-annual-shareholders-meeting/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/11/highlights-from-googles-annual-shareholders-meeting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) reiterated what it has said for quite some time at its annual shareholders meeting yesterday: it isn't nearly as interested in large acquisitions (too late) as some think it is and likes buying small startup companies.

Add to that the propensity of Google management to want to "partner" with content sites on the web (and other places) instead of buying content companies, you've got the thrust of the meeting.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt said that recent large acquisitions from Google weren't done as a response to some competitive threat, but more to fill holes in Google's product portfolio. I think it's both -- Google is trying to compete better in the segments where it operates while establishing new advertising beachheads ("filling in product holes").

And no -- Google won't be buying Dow Jones & Co. (NYSE: DJ) or any other content company, according to Schmidt. Google co-founder Larry Page added to the discussion as well, and the general feel from Google's meeting for shareholders is that the company wants to partner with anyone who creates good content and who has an audience or can build one.

What does partnering solve for Google? Well, it lets the company sell advertising across every partnership and become -- as I've said many times before -- the largest advertising network the world has ever seen. And, Google will get a cut of every ad viewed, listened to or clicked on.

Highlights from Google's annual shareholders meeting originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 May 2007 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>djEric SchmidtEricSchmidtGOOGGoogleGoogle shareholder meetingGoogleShareholderMeetingLarry PageLarryPageFri, 11 May 2007 10:23:00 EST