Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., reported its fourth straight quarter of declining profits.
It made $76 billion in sales over the past three months, but it wasn’t enough to meet Wall Street’s expectations.
Google’s revenue was down 9% compared to last year, and its biggest business, Google Search, saw a 1% drop in revenue. Even YouTube’s advertising sales fell by nearly 8%.
Alphabet has decided to cut its workforce by 12,000 and expects to spend between $1.9 billion and $2.3 billion on employee severance costs.
This latest earnings report shows tech giants like Google are facing challenges in the current digital advertising landscape.
But Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, believes that the company’s long-term investments in AI will be a key factor in its future success.
In a press release, Pichai says he expects major AI advancements to be soon revealed in Google search and other areas:
“Our long-term investments in deep computer science make us extremely well-positioned as AI reaches an inflection point, and I’m excited by the AI-driven leaps we’re about to unveil in Search and beyond. There’s also great momentum in Cloud, YouTube subscriptions, and our Pixel devices. We’re on an important journey to re-engineer our cost structure in a durable way and to build financially sustainable, vibrant, growing businesses across Alphabet.”
Alphabet’s CFO, Ruth Porat, reported that their Q4 consolidated revenues were $76 billion, a 1% increase from the previous year. The full year 2022 saw revenues of $283 billion, a 10% increase.
Going forward, Alphabet is changing how it reports on its AI activities.
DeepMind, which used to be reported under “Other Bets,” will now be reported as part of Alphabet’s corporate costs to reflect its increasing integration with Google Services and Google Cloud.
What Does This Mean For Marketing Professionals?
It’s important to stay updated on the latest developments in the tech industry and how they may affect advertising strategies.
Google’s declining profits and decreased revenue in their search and YouTube platforms are reminders that the digital advertising landscape is constantly evolving, and companies must adapt to keep up.
Marketers should consider diversifying their advertising efforts across multiple platforms to minimize the impact of market swings.
Additionally, Google’s focus on AI and its integration with Google Services and Cloud is something to keep an eye on.
As AI advances, it may offer new opportunities for marketers to target and engage with their audience effectively.
By staying informed on the latest tech advancements, marketers can stay ahead of the curve and make the most of these opportunities.
Despite Google’s recent financial setbacks, the tech giant is still a major player in the digital advertising landscape, and its investments in AI show its commitment to continued growth and innovation.
Featured Image: Sergio Photone/Shutterstock
Source: Alphabet
