Yahoo Finance·2025-10-31 10:01Core Insights - Google Cloud has transformed from a struggling unit into one of Alphabet's fastest-growing businesses, driven by a cultural shift towards customer-centric sales and significant investments in AI and infrastructure [1][6][11] Group 1: Business Transformation - Under CEO Sundar Pichai, Google Cloud and YouTube were identified as key growth areas for Alphabet beyond search advertising [4][5] - Google Cloud's market share increased from 7% in 2018 to 13% in 2025, reflecting strategic leadership by Thomas Kurian [4] - Google Cloud's revenue reached over $15 billion in Q3, marking a 34% increase due to strong demand for AI services [6] Group 2: Competitive Positioning - Google Cloud aims to close the market share gap with Microsoft and Amazon, which hold 20% and 30% respectively [3] - The shift in strategy has allowed Google Cloud to engage with major AI labs, with nine of the top ten now as customers [8][11] - The competitive landscape has shifted, with analysts noting that Google Cloud is now on equal footing with its rivals [12] Group 3: Strategic Investments - Alphabet has increased capital spending to build infrastructure, with projections rising to between $91 billion and $93 billion for 2026 [18] - Investments in custom chips and datacenters have been crucial for Google Cloud's growth, with a focus on generative AI [6][11] - Google Cloud's decision to offer its TPUs to external customers has enhanced its competitive edge [13][14] Group 4: Internal Dynamics - Thomas Kurian's leadership has shifted the internal power dynamics at Alphabet, giving him a stronger voice in resource allocation discussions [17] - The cultural changes implemented by Kurian have emphasized financial discipline and a focus on revenue generation [9][10]