Google Q3 performance trumps expectations

Google's internet advertising business has helped push quarterly net profits up to more than $2bn (€1.42bn).

The figure exceeds Wall Street expectatons given the firm's rising expenses.

Net profit was up 32% to $2.17bn (€1.54bn) for the quarter ended September 30 while revenue climbed 23% to $7.29bn (€5.17bn).

The internet search giant said "paid clicks" had jumped by 16%, while ad revenue from mobile devices grew to $1bn (€710m).

"Google had an excellent quarter," said CEO Eric Schmidt.

"Our core business grew very well, and our newer businesses -- particularly display and mobile -- continued to show significant momentum. Going forward, we remain committed to aggressive investment in both our people and our products as we pursue an innovation agenda."

Google said it employed 23,331 full-time employees as of September 30, 2010, up from 21,805 full-time employees as of June 30, 2010.