Google increases revenue and profits in the fourth quarter of 2014 but disappoints analysts' expectations. The Mountain View company, in the fourth quarter, recorded a turnover of 18,1 billion dollars, up 15%, and earnings of $4,76 billion, up 40%. Numbers that are not enough for analysts since they had forecast a turnover of around 18,45 billion. Earnings per share were $6,88 versus $7,12 expected. As a logical consequence, Google's stock lost about 3% after the market.
The negative impact of the currency tensions has been estimated at 541 million. But one of the main reasons for the decline in earnings compared to expectations comes from the front of paid 'click', that is, on the sponsored links that appear when you search. Links went up 14% but revenue per click went down 3%. Among the reasons is the growing origin of clicks from smartphones, which are paid less. Google ramped up investments to seek new growth: operating expenses were $6,78 billion or 37% of revenue in the quarter, up from $5,03 billion or 32% a year ago. R&D investment rose 46% to $2,81 billion.
