“Google Inc. blew past Wall Street expectations this quarter, posting revenue of $5.19-billion (U.S.), a 42 per cent jump over the same period in 2007 and 7 per cent higher than the previous quarter.

Net income – adjusted for generally accepted accounting practices – for the first quarter was $1.31-billion compared to $1.21 billion in the fourth quarter of 2007. Earnings per share amounted to $4.12 on 317 million diluted shares, compared to $3.79 for the fourth quarter of 2007.” Via [Globe & Mail]

I find this a bit curious. Very interesting.

Google’s bread and butter is advertising, it’s their only real source of revenue. They have made a killing doing the best job and using the brightest people. I think its great.

What’s curious and interesting is this unexpected increase. Usually in a economic downturn, marketing and advertising are the first costs to be cut. Firms would rather trim those budgets than fire workers. It’s much easier to later increase spending compared to training new staff.

So now in the midst of all this economic doom and gloom, here’s feisty Google posting up some big numbers. So is the doom and gloom over exaggerated? Or is Google just that good? Very interesting…..

• Hedge Fund managers always have something interesting to say. Check out this interview with Jim Rogers. [Via Investment U]
• For a glance at Europe’s inflation numbers, read up about it at the bonddad blog.
• If I had a Hedge fund manager’s pay, I wouldn’t have to write this blog… compensation in the BILLIONS. Anybody out there want to hire me to manage their fund?

• No surprise that inflation is up given all the record commodity prices.
• I always thought Crocs were the dumbest sandal fashion of the decade. It seems consumers are finally catching on. Via The Motley Fool.
• Visit the Canadian Capitalist for a great read on Efficient Market Theory (EMT).