Learn English Practice Easy/Difficult Lesson #7

Easy Google made more money in the latest quarter than it did in last year's quarter. However, analysts were expecting more profit so the stock fell on Thursday. The company's sales increased 24% to $6.82 billion. Profit also increased 24% to $1.84 billion. Despite strong results, investors wanted more. The company was expected to do better, but higher costs for keeping its number one search spot reduced earnings. The company also hired nearly 2000 employees to help develop new products and grow the company. Google remains the world's most profitable Internet company, greater than Yahoo!, Facebook and Microsoft's online business. Difficult Google's profitability in the most recent quarter vaulted above prior year levels. However, analysts had lofty expectations, prompting the stock to dive on Thursday. Company revenue widened to $6.82 billion while profit swelled by 24% to reach $1.84 billion. Results were staunch; but investors wanted more. Blowout earnings were expected, but higher costs relating to market dominance ate into profits. The firm also took on nearly 2000 employees in the areas of product development and corporate growth. Google continues to hold the fort as most profitable Internet company; Yahoo!, Facebook and Microsoft still struggle to keep up. Questions 1) What are blowout earnings? Earnings much higher than expected 2) Who dominates the Internet as measured by profitability? Google 3) What prompted the stock to dive? Lofty expectation + Google missed results 4) Who is struggling in the Internet space? Yahoo Facebook and Microsoft are struggling.