Alphabet (GOOGL, Financial) is the world’s dominant search engine. In our view, Alphabet also happens to be one of the most innovative companies on Earth, with a vast array of initiatives and businesses ranging from YouTube to Calico (its foray into longevity). The company’s core business is a powerful platform that benefits from the network effect, economies of scale, and formidable barriers to entry. Most advertisers want to work with Alphabet. Data is becoming increasingly important, and Alphabet owns the most data of any company we know. We believe the value of that data and its monetization opportunities will become more apparent over time. The company is the Fund’s second largest holding, and the value of our investment has doubled in the time we have owned it. As big as it has become, we think Alphabet has a long and robust growth trajectory ahead.
From Baron Funds' Summer 2016 Newsletter.
