Today marks the first time that Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) has touched upon the magical market capitalization figure of $200 billion. This is the company that will be the centerpiece of every MBA class 20 years from now, if not sooner. We have never seen anything like this before in the annals of the American stock market, nor anywhere else in the world. The stunning achievements of this 9-year-old company pale in comparison to where it is going to be in 3 years, 5 years and 10 years. Yes, the stock is still a buy -- actually a strong buy.

Traditional analysts and investors have attempted to put traditional barriers on Google when analyzing it. Can't do that, not going to work. Why? Because the world in which Google competes and dominates is so evergreen, that trying to put traditional growth numbers to the industry is nearly impossible. Google doesn't sell a physical hard product that requires delivery, set-up and training (although a Google phone is on the horizon). It operates in a virtual world -- and that's why many analysts and investors have tried to "temper" expectations. Temper is a fancy word for they haven't understood the story, have missed the story, and this is why it could become the first trillion dollar market-cap company.

Continue reading Game Changer: Google hits $200 billion market cap -- is $500 billion in sight?

Game Changer: Google hits $200 billion market cap -- is $500 billion in sight? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

US Steel (NYSE: X) volatility Up on unconfirmed chatter that Atticus is building stake. X is recently down $3.18 to $89.49. Unconfirmed chatter is circulating that Atticus Capital has acquired a 10% stake in X. X September option implied volatility of 45 is above its 26-week average of 38 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO) calls active as TIVO trades near 10-month high. TIVO, a digital video recorder provider, is recently up 64 cents to $7.01. TIVO has a market cap of $682 million. TIVO September 7.5 calls have traded 25 times on transaction volume of 1,300 contracts above its open interest of 435 contracts. TIVO September option implied volatility of 57 is near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional risk.

Brinker (NYSE: EAT) volatility up; EAT talking to investors about selling Macaroni Grill. EAT operates restaurant concepts including; Chili's, Macaroni Grill, Maggiono's & On the Border. Goldman Sachs says "EAT reported 4Q operating EPS of $0.57, ahead of our $0.47 estimate. The overage came largely from a lower tax rate, share count, and modest expense variance." Dow Jones reported EAT "is talking with a 'number of investors' about the possible sale of its Romano's Macaroni Grill chain." EAT September option implied volatility of 33 is above its 26-week average of 29 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

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

Option update: US Steel's (X) volatility up on Atticus Capital rumors originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Microsoft down 11%, should Wall Street analysts be fired? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 28 Apr 2006 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.