Google’s stock is a gusher, and even Exxon can’t cap it.
The fast-growing tech juggernaut briefly nudged past Big Oil’s biggest player on Friday to become the second-largest US company by market value.
Google shares have surged more than 50 percent in the past year as the company’s online ad growth continues to swell and steal business away from traditional media outlets.
In regular trading, Google shares rose above Exxon’s before settling back into the No. 3 slot with a market capitalization of $394.3 billion.
Exxon, whose stock lately has been in retreat amid tanking oil prices, clawed back to its No. 2 spot by the end of the day, finishing slightly higher at $395.7 billion.
For the past 18 months, Google, Exxon and No. 4 Microsoft have all lagged behind Apple, whose market value Friday stood at $463.6 billion.
Like Exxon’s, however, Apple’s shares lately have been hammered on worries about slowing growth and stiff competition from Google, especially in the smartphone business.
Despite the fact that Apple still has a sizable lead, some analysts expect Google could oust Apple from the top spot later this year.
Last week, Apple shares slumped 8 percent after the company revealed slower-than-expected iPhone sales in a lackluster Christmas season.
This week, CEO Tim Cook said Apple has bought back 14 million shares since its earnings miss last week — a move that had been loudly demanded by billionaire investor Carl Icahn.
Google, meanwhile, has seen its shares rise 3.5 percent since the year began.