Alphabet Stock Drops as Its Free Cash Flow Dips, But GOOGL Could Be Cheap Here
February 3, 2024 by Market News Data
From Barchart:

Alphabet Inc.’s stock, GOOGL, took a hit after the company reported lackluster Q4 results. The free cash flow decreased due to a significant rise in capital expenditure. Despite the drop, some analysts believe GOOGL may still be undervalued at its current price.

Overall, Alphabet Inc. reported disappointing Q4 results, leading to a sharp decline in GOOGL stock. The company’s free cash flow was notably impacted by an increase in capital expenditure. Despite the setback, some experts see potential for GOOGL to be a bargain investment opportunity at its current valuation.

Some key points about advertising from Google Q4 earnings call
January 31, 2024 by Market News Data
“As you know, we have long led the way in using AI to improve many of our products from search to ads, to most of our consumer and enterprise products.”
“We are also seeing a lot of interest in our AI-powered solutions for advertisers.”
“In Google advertising, Search and other revenues grew 13% year-on-year, led again by solid growth in the retail vertical.”
“YouTube ads revenue were up 16% year-on-year, driven by growth in both direct response and brand.”
“Network revenues declined 2% year-on-year.”
“Our proven AI-powered ad solutions were also a win for retailers looking to accelerate omni growth and capture holiday demand.”
“We continue to grow watch time across YouTube with strong growth in Shorts and Connected TV. Shorts remains a top priority.”
“We’re investing to make this experience even better with interactive features tailored to TVs, plus the content people love: our creators, NFL Sunday Ticket and the range of live sports and studio content via YouTube TV and Primetime Channels.”
“Advertising generates the bulk of our revenue, and we continue to invest heavily here.”
“We’ve rolled out CTV-first formats like 30-second non-skippable ads and pause experiences as well as an industry-first send-to-phone experience that lets people use a second screen to engage with ads.”
“For Shorts, we’ve developed new formats that are less interruptive to viewers. It’s early. We’re learning but excited by the opportunities for ads this can unlock.”
“Our AI part video format from video reach and video view campaigns to demand gen and video action continue to make advertiser dollars go further and drive results across the funnel.”
“We’re also introducing new and existing advertisers to YouTube via sports content. 90-plus upfront and scatter advertisers, including Unilever, are partnering with YouTube in our first year across NFL Sunday Ticket in-game advertising opportunities.”
“We are pleased with operating performance in the year. Full year revenues of $33 billion were up 26% versus prior year, ending with strong Q4 performance.”
“Google Search and other advertising revenues of $48 billion in the quarter were up 13%, led again by growth in retail.”
“YouTube advertising revenues of $9.2 billion were up 16% driven by both direct response and brand advertising.”
“Network advertising revenues of $8.3 billion were down 2%.”
“As we enter 2024 with advertising revenues of more than $100 billion higher than 2019, we remain focused on sustaining
healthy growth on this larger base.”

Google lays off hundreds of employees in advertising team – Business Insider
January 16, 2024 by Market News Data
From Nasdaq Inc.:

Alphabet-owned Google is laying off hundreds of employees in its advertising sales team, as reported by Business Insider. This comes after the recent announcement of layoffs in its Voice Assistant units, hardware teams responsible for Pixel, Nest and Fitbit, as well as in its augmented reality team. Google has not yet responded to requests for comment. (Source: Reuters)