Google faces loss of Chrome as Perplexity bid adds drama to looming breakup decision

Core Viewpoint - Perplexity AI's bid to acquire Google's Chrome browser for $34.5 billion signifies a pivotal moment for Google, especially as it approaches the 20th anniversary of its IPO, amidst ongoing antitrust scrutiny and potential divestiture requirements [1][2]. Group 1: Antitrust Context - The bid by Perplexity AI is the first public attempt to acquire a significant part of Google, coinciding with a judge's decision on whether Google must undertake major divestiture due to its monopoly in the search market [2][3]. - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicated a potential breakup of Google as a remedy for antitrust violations, specifically calling for the divestiture of Chrome to foster competition [3][4]. Group 2: Financial Implications - Investors are closely monitoring the situation as the remedies decision is expected soon, with Alphabet investing heavily in AI infrastructure while facing challenges from AI alternatives to traditional search [5]. - Analysts have begun to estimate the values of Alphabet's various businesses in light of potential drastic measures, with some suggesting a breakup could benefit shareholders [9]. Group 3: Valuation of Key Assets - Analysts value Chrome at approximately $50 billion, based on its user base and revenue share agreements, despite Perplexity's offer being lower than this estimate [12][13]. - Google's cloud business, a key growth area, is valued between $549 billion and $682 billion, with significant profitability achieved in 2023 and a backlog of $106 billion in future committed revenue [18][20]. - YouTube's valuation ranges from $271 billion to $550 billion, with ad revenue increasing by 13% to $9.8 billion in Q2, contributing significantly to Google's overall ad sales [22][23][25]. - Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving car unit, has a valuation estimated between $45 billion and $300 billion, with significant growth potential in the autonomous ride-hailing market [30][31].