Alphabet Beats Forecasts as Google Ads Surge

The transcript discusses Alphabet's impressive growth, highlighting a nearly 50% increase in core search clicks despite competition from Facebook and Amazon. However, the cost per click has decreased, affecting profitability. Traffic acquisition costs, which are rising, are a concern for investors. Despite these challenges, Alphabet has achieved a 20% top-line growth, aided by a disciplined cost structure under CFO Ruth Porat, leading to a strong profit story.

What factors contribute to the extraordinary growth rate of Alphabet?

In what ways is the search function described as robust despite competition from other platforms?

How does the increase in clicks relate to the pricing on a per click basis?

What concerns do investors have regarding traffic acquisition costs?

What impact does Ruth Porat's cost structure have on Alphabet's profit story?