360 Degrees of Google

At this point, click fraud appears to be a tiny, tiny fraction of ad hits, probably less than a couple percent of all clicks.

But even if the problem were to escalate to a higher fraction of all clicks, Google would simply factor that higher rate into its models and work with the customers to maintain a high ROI.

Where the issue could become problematic would be if it becomes such a large fraction of clicks that the ad network ROI becomes unattractive to Google's customers.

Is that the case right now? Before answering, I'd suggest a look at the remarkable growth that Google is enjoying.

This company is one of the fastest growing companies in the history of the planet, and companies simply don't grow like this if they're selling a bad product. Google's customers are obviously generating high ROI from Google's ad network or they'd stop using it.

The click-fraud issue exists, to be sure, but Google and its customers are plenty aware of it and already factor it in. Let's move on, shall we?

Click here to read the rest of RealMoney.com contributor Cody Willard's take on Google.

At the time of publication, the firm in which Willard is a partner was long Google, although positions can change at any time and without notice.

Cody Willard is a partner in a buy-side firm and a contributor to TheStreet.com's RealMoney. He also produces a premium product for TheStreet.com called The Telecom Connection and is the founder of Teleconomics.com.

Technician's Take: Google Is Tracking Toward Trouble by Dan Fitzpatrick

This is an excerpt from a column originally published on RealMoney on Jan. 23.

If Google is going to remain in this uptrend, the selloff needs to be contained by the support line above. My note says "potential" trend line because it takes at least three distinct points to form a valid trend line. So far, there are only two. So if the bears take it below this line, my bet is that $300 is in play. The next catalyst for Google will be on Jan. 31, when Google announces earnings.

"Sell on the rumor, buy on the news, anyone?"

RealMoney.com contributor Dan Fitzpatrick is a freelance writer and trading consultant who trades for his own account. At time of publication, Fitzpatrick held no position in Google, though positions may change at any time.

Street Take: Google Fans Circle Wagons by Jonathan Berr

This is an excerpt from a column originally published on TheStreet.com on Jan. 23.

Google shares bounced back Monday after Wall Street analysts rushed to defend the No. 1 search engine company.

Analysts from Bear Stearns, JP Morgan, CIBC World Markets and WR Hambrecht argued that Friday's 8.5% selloff was unwarranted. They shrugged off concerns that Google will make like Yahoo!(YHOO) and post a disappointing quarter.

Click here to read senior writer Jonathan Berr's full story.

In keeping with TSC's editorial policy, Berr doesn't own or short individual stocks. He also doesn't invest in hedge funds or other private investment partnerships.

What's the next stock to get the "360 Degrees" examination? You decide. Select from these choices and look for the column next Thursday.
	Apple ConocoPhillips Johnson & Johnson Newmont Mining

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