Google topped Wall Street’s expectations this afternoon, reporting $14.9 billion in revenue and earnings per share of $10.74 for the third quarter, overcoming continued losses in its Motorola smartphone unit with ongoing strength in its core online business, fueled by advertising.
Analysts had expected revenue of $14.8 billion and EPS of $10.35. The company’s shares are up nearly 6 percent on the news in after-hours trading.
Google continued to grow its workforce, with the headcount (excluding Motorola) rising 5 percent to 42,162 people.
Motorola revenues were $1.18 billion, down from $1.78 billion a year ago, with an operating loss of $248 million, compared with a loss of $192 million a year ago.
The company’s earnings conference call starts at 1:30 p.m. on this YouTube channel.
Update: On the conference call, Google CEO Larry Page continued to show signs of vocal cord nerve strain, and told analysts that he won’t be joining the conference call every quarter. “I know you would all love to have me on, but you’re also depending on me to … prioritize my time for the benefit of the business,” he said.
