Google's search for a quadrupled share price astounds the analysts

WHEN Google Inc commanded €71 ($85) per share in its August 2004 initial public offering, the prospect of the stock quadrupling in less than 15 months seemed inconceivable. It doesn't appear far-fetched now.

Google's shares soared $45.74, or 15%, to $348.20 in pre-market trading yesterday after the internet search juggernaut announced third-quarter financial figures that astounded even the most bullish analysts, as well as it own management team. Based on the after-hours and pre-market reaction, Google's shares could easily eclipse their all-time high of $321.28.

"We surprised ourselves this quarter," Google chief executive Eric Schmidt said. "Business was much stronger than I expected."