Web giant has special appeal

Article Excerpt

Google’s shares have soared over 500% since it became a public company in 2004. Even so, we feel it still has plenty of growth ahead. The company is using its strong earnings from its world-leading Internet search business to invest in a variety of promising projects. Some, such as driverless cars and eyeglasses with embedded computer displays, have limited commercial appeal. However, other recent projects like its Android software for mobile devices have become important contributors to Google’s growth. Even after its big jump in the past few years, the stock remains attractive in relation to its earnings. GOOGLE INC. $677 (Nasdaq symbol GOOG; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 327.0 million; Market cap: $221.4 billion; Priceto- sales ratio: 5.1; No dividends paid; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.google.com) is the world’s top Internet search engine, with about two-thirds of this market. The company has held on to its lead because its well-developed search technology gives it a big advantage over…