VMware Outpaces Google Since IPO on Program Prospects

VMware Inc.'s shares have tripled since the software maker's initial public offering two months ago. Google Inc.'s stock rose 75 percent at the same point.

VMware, whose programs save money by letting companies run more software on one computer, sells for more than 160 times earnings. Google, owner of the world's most popular search engine, has never traded at more than 100 times earnings.

Today, investors in Palo Alto, California-based VMware will get to make another comparison with Google, and may decide whether the run-up in the shares is justified. VMware reports earnings for the first time as a publicly owned company.