Alphabet (GOOG 1.13%) (GOOGL 1.27%), the parent company of Google, reported first-quarter earnings on Thursday, April 25, and the results surpassed analysts' expectations with notable earnings per share (EPS) and revenue beats.
An EPS of $1.89 came in far higher than analysts' predictions of $1.51. Revenue estimates of $78.7 billion were also topped, with actual figures reaching $80.5 billion. This quarter reflects Alphabet's ongoing strength in its market position and ability to exceed the market's predictions.
| Metrics | Q1 2024 | Estimates | Q1 2023 | Change (YOY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPS | $1.89 | $1.51 | $1.17 | 61.5% |
| Revenue | $80.5 billion | $78.7 billion | $69.8 billion | 15.4% |
| Net income | $23.7 billion | N/A | $15.1 billion | 57% |
| Operating income | $25.5 billion | N/A | $17.4 billion | 46% |
| Operating margin | 32% | N/A | 25% | 7 pps |
| Google Search & Other revenue | $46.2 billion | N/A | $40.4 billion | 14.4% |
| YouTube Ads revenue | $8.1 billion | N/A | $6.7 billion | 20.9% |
Analyst source: FactSet. YOY = Year over year. EPS = earnings per share. pps = percentage points.
Alphabet at a glance
Alphabet, known for its market-leading Google search engine as well as its YouTube and Google Cloud services, stands as a technology behemoth shaping the digital era. While maintaining supremacy in online advertising, it is also a major player in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and autonomous driving technologies.
At its core, Alphabet's businesses thrive on leveraging vast data pools to enhance user experiences and offer cutting-edge technological solutions. Recent efforts have concentrated on reinforcement and expansion in AI and cloud domains. The financial vigor from Google's advertising and services fuels these strategic ambitions, manifesting a future-oriented approach.
Quarter highlights
The quarter revealed substantial progress across Alphabet's portfolio. Notably, Google Services and Cloud segments generated strong revenue that grew by double-digit percentages year over year. Google Services' operating income soared to $27.9 billion, attributable to a synergistic blend of solid search engine usage, YouTube's popularity, and an improved digital ad market. Similarly, Google Cloud unveiled an operating income of $900 million, a testament to the growing reliance on cloud services globally.
Beyond financials, Alphabet has made strategic moves, particularly in AI, by consolidating AI model development teams. This initiative fast-tracks AI innovations, essential for maintaining competitive edges, such as the Gemini project.
Furthermore, Alphabet introduced its first-ever dividend for the company which will cost $10 billion and provide shareholders with $0.20 per share. It also announced a substantial new stock repurchase plan of $70 billion. Both actions highlight Alphabet's confidence in its financial health and a commitment to enhancing shareholder value.
Alphabet's prosperity also owes to its resilience amid challenges, including navigating the ever-complex regulatory landscape and intense market competition. Notwithstanding, its agility in addressing these hurdles, on the backing of a competent and diversified operational model, sets a strong precedence for sustaining growth.
Looking ahead
Looking forward, Alphabet remains focused on cementing its AI leadership and expanding its cloud infrastructure. Alphabet expects to make a capital investment of $50 billion on AI this year (up from $32 billion in 2023). The expected acceleration in AI capabilities, coupled with strategic investments in cloud and compute infrastructure, symbolizes a trajectory toward broader market penetration and newer revenue channels. Investors and stakeholders should keep a keen eye on the progression of Alphabet's AI initiatives and cloud growth metrics in upcoming quarters.
