Shares of Google (GOOG) have been struggling lately as the broader market continues to slump off its peaks. But the company, which is always stealing headlines left and right, hasn’t slowed down in the news department.
From a new tablet reveal to a new test-stage feature, here are a few pieces of Google news that all investors should have on their radar.
The Biggest Bits of Google News
Google Nexus 9: In case there haven’t been enough gadget reveals for you lately, word on the street is that Google is about to unveil a spanking-new tablet. The blog Bright Side Of News reports that the new tablet will be unveiled tomorrow and hit stores on Nov. 3, and that it will be called the HTC Nexus 9 — although Microsoft (MSFT) taught us a lesson about making assumptions when it comes to new products and numbering.
Google stock investors should keep an eye out … especially considering that Apple (AAPL) is already expected to introduce the new iPad this Thursday.
Google Earnings: Also on the docket for Thursday? The third-quarter Google earnings report. Last quarter, the search giant beat estimates. To do so again, it must post an EPS of at least $6.33 per share. And on the top line, analysts are expecting a whopping $13.22 billion.
But as Jennifer Booton of MarketWatch pointed out, “While analysts are bullish on its ad growth, they are concerned that Google’s recent spending spree could have a long-term effect on margins.”
Dr. Google: Google stock investors probably also saw that the company is testing a search feature which offers video chats with doctors when you search for symptoms. This feature, coupled with others that play to the health mega-trend, could be a long-term opportunity for Google stock. That’s because, as James Temple at Re/Code pointed out:
“A truckload of venture capital has backed up into the telemedicine space in recent months, as a series of startups like American Well, Better, Doctor on Demand, HealthTap, Spruce and others explore new ways of allowing people to consult doctors via mobile apps. Some charge by the visit, others seek a monthly fee.”
Of course, telemedicine options like this new Google feature could also be good for … well, everyone, as we all know Googling your systems and making a self-diagnosis can be dangerous territory.
Google Warnings: While privacy concerns surrounding Google and other tech giants are hardly news anymore, a very specific Google warning did come from Mr. Edward Snowden himself last week. As TechCrunch reported, Snowden urged users to flat-out avoid sites like Google and Facebook (FB), calling them “dangerous services” despite small steps toward improved security.
Google by the Numbers: Last but not least, BGC Capital analyst Colin Gillis wrote a research note last weeks that said: “Google is positioned to be the first company on [a] US listed stock exchange to have a market capitalization exceed one trillion dollars.”
That’s not the best part, though. Gillis’ comments to The New York Post are the cherry on top. “If you look at the range of [projects] Google is attacking, it represents opportunities on a much more massive scale than Apple is addressing,” Gillis said. “What are we going to get from Apple — a thinner iPad?”
As of this writing, Robert Martin did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
