Alphabet Inc. Class C (GOOG)

In the past six months, Alphabet surpassed a market valuation of $2 trillion for the first time. The company's stock saw a significant surge, up 25% for the year as of September 15, 2025. This followed the announcement of Alphabet's first-ever dividend payout and a $70 billion stock buyback program. Additionally, Alphabet's first-quarter 2025 earnings exceeded analyst expectations, further contributing to positive investor sentiment. Strong third-quarter 2025 earnings reports are anticipated, driven by the demand for AI technology and infrastructure.

Demand for Alphabet Inc.'s products and services, particularly its advertising revenue, exhibits seasonality. The year-end shopping season presents a significant opportunity for businesses to boost holiday sales, leading to increased advertising spending. Google AI is utilized to help businesses localize their e-commerce marketing strategies during this time. Google Trends indicate seasonal variations in demand for information and, consequently, for Google's search services.

Alphabet Inc. is a multinational technology conglomerate and the parent company of Google and other subsidiaries. Its core operations are centered around Google's internet products, including Google Search, Android, YouTube, and Google Cloud. Other ventures, known as "Other Bets," include Waymo, X Development, Calico, Verily, Fiber, CapitalG, and GV. The company generates most of its revenue from advertising, sales of apps, in-app purchases, digital content, and licensing and service fees from Google Cloud.

Alphabet Inc. has a significant global presence with operations and offices in nearly 60 countries. Its infrastructure includes data centers in various international locations, such as Northern Virginia, Hamina in Finland, and Quilicura in Chile. Waymo is expanding its global footprint with plans to launch in London in 2026 and ongoing testing in Tokyo.

In the past year, Alphabet's brand reputation has been influenced by ongoing legal challenges and internal discussions. The company has faced scrutiny over antitrust concerns, including a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit and rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union. Additionally, cultural issues within Alphabet, including complacency and a lack of flexibility in product development, have been highlighted.

Alphabet Inc. is primarily owned by institutional investors, who collectively hold over 60% of the company's shares. The largest institutional shareholders include The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street Corporation. Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin each control approximately 3% of all shares but, along with other insiders, control the majority of voting shares through Class B shares.