Google shares suspended after profit results error

Trading in Google shares was suspended for two-and-a-half hours after the internet giant released its third-quarter results early by mistake.

Its quarterly profits fell 20% from a year earlier to $2.18bn (£1.35bn) – below analysts’ expectations.

Google blamed financial printing firm RR Donnelley for filing an early draft of the results, which had been expected after the closing bell.

Shares in Google were down 9% when trading in the stock was suspended.

When trading resumed, the shares recovered slightly to end the day 8% lower.

Google chief executive Larry Page apologised to analysts on a conference call after the market closed.

“I’m sorry for the scramble earlier today,” he said, adding that the company had had a strong quarter.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19995730