Goldman Sachs: Google CFO Ruth Porat Didn't Disappoint

In a report published Friday, Goldman Sachs analyst Heather Bellini maintained a Neutral rating on Google Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL), while raising the price target from $580 to $660. The analyst believes that CFO Ruth Porat did not disappoint on her very first earnings report.

"She (Ruth Porat) focused on the matters that the market cares about the most, namely the ability to invest with discipline and what appears to be a more pragmatic outlook on its balance sheet," Bellini stated.

Google's 2Q15 gross revenue came in more or less in-line with the consensus and above the 1Q15 levels, with non-GAAP EPS and Non-GAAP operating margin ahead of the Street forecasts.

According to the Goldman Sachs report, "This was the second consecutive quarter where Google's operating margin exceeded consensus after coming in below for each quarter in 2014."

The quarter also marked a reversal from the last four quarters, with higher than consensus paid clicks growth. Cost-per-click (CPC) was, however, below the consensus.

"Management once again emphasized strength in mobile in its prepared remarks and focused on strong growth at YouTube which continue to be a big driver of both aggregate and Site CPC trends," Bellini added.