Google Cloud +48% But CapEx Spikes! All-In AI Would Drag Stock Down Now?
Alphabet’s earnings sparked violent after-hours swings: shares first fell 7.5%, then rebounded over 4%, before turning lower again as investors digested the outlook. Alphabet reported 18% YoY revenue growth, with Search up 17% and Google Cloud revenue beating estimates by 9%. Even after a 42% jump in R&D and a $2.1B one-off Waymo charge, operating margins stayed above 30%. The sticking point: 2026 spending guidance of $180B, more than 50% above expectations, reigniting fears of AI overinvestment.