Google seeks to capture an even bigger share of Internet

Google seeks to capture an even bigger share of Internet GOOGLE INC. (Nasdaq symbol GOOG; www.google.com) is the world’s top Internet search engine, with about two-thirds of this market. The company makes money by selling advertising on its websites. Google gets 96% of its revenue from advertising. The company also offers a variety of free services such as Gmail (email), YouTube (videos) and Google+ (social networking). These services help draw more users to Google’s websites, which lets the company sell more ads and charge higher ad rates. Google has entered a new market and now sells Internet and TV services through its own fibreoptic networks in Kansas City, Missouri, Austin, Texas, and Provo, Utah. Download speeds on these systems are up to 100 times faster than other broadband networks. Google will probably bring this service to more cities in the next few years. The company is also working on new ways to expand Internet access in developing regions like Africa and Asia. It aims to team up with local telecom firms to build new high-speed wireless networks, possibly by using satellites or stationary balloons to transmit signals over long distances. [ofie_ad]

Tech stocks: New networks could lead to more premium TV shows, movies on YouTube

In addition, Google’s Motorola Mobility subsidiary is developing new low-cost mobile phones and tablet computers for emerging markets. The purpose behind these new initiatives is to drive more traffic to Google’s web sites. Building its own networks will also make it easier for Google to launch new services, such as selling premium TV shows and movies through its YouTube web site. The stock is up 48% since we first recommended it at $607 in our August 2011 issue. In the latest edition of Wall Street Stock Forecaster, we look at Google’s heavy reliance on online ads, and we examine whether the company’s new initiatives will succeed in pushing up advertising rates, and whether the stock can go still higher. We conclude with our clear buy-hold-sell advice on the stock. (Note: If you are a current subscriber to Wall Street Stock Forecaster, please click here to view Pat’s recommendation. Be sure to log in first.) COMMENTS PLEASE—Share your investment experience and opinions with fellow TSINetwork.ca members Do you see a potential for a slowdown in the growth of the Internet, social media, smartphones and tablets, or do you think more breakthroughs lie ahead? What do you think the next big development will be in communications technology? Let us know what you think.

A professional investment analyst for more than 30 years, Pat has developed a stock-selection technique that has proven reliable in both bull and bear markets. His proprietary ValuVesting System™ focuses on stocks that provide exceptional quality at relatively low prices. Many savvy investors and industry leaders consider it the most powerful stock-picking method ever created.