Alphabet's AI growth is harder to turn into cash because capacity shortages require rented compute while TPU system sales tie up inventory before delivery. Cloud grew 103%, with system sales contributing meaningfully; management expects rented compute to pressure Q4 Cloud margins. Q3 free cash flow was -$9.1B, partly reflecting inventory build and a one-off EU fine, while AI Mode monetizes less effectively than traditional Search. The dip is probably a buy with a reasonable timeframe. x.com x.com
