Web search leader Google has posted quarterly earnings that exceeded expectations on the back of strong advertising, driving its share price up almost 10 per cent to a record high.
The earnings were seven times higher than a year earlier on revenue that doubled to more than $1 billion.
The news also lifted shares of rival Internet companies Yahoo and Ask Jeeves, setting the tone for a possible tech rally today.
"Our international businesses are essentially on fire," said Google Chief Executive Mr Eric Schmidt, who added that Ireland and Scandinavia were big contributors.
Advertising revenues also expanded in the United States but they grew even faster offshore.
Google reported net income of $204.1 million, or 71 cents per share, in the fourth quarter, compared with $27.3 million, or 10 cents per share, a year earlier.
Revenue soared to $1.03 billion from $512.2 million, beating analysts' average estimate of $962.4 million, according to Reuters Estimates.
On average, analysts had forecast net income of 57 cents a share. Excluding items, such as stock-based compensation, analysts expected 77 cents per share versus the 88 cents delivered by Google on that basis.