Investors are looking for Google’s heavy AI spending to translate into business momentum, particularly with cloud customers and with search adversing. Photo by GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images/Postmedia files

Alphabet Inc. reported quarterly sales that beat analysts’ estimates, buoyed by the performance of its cloud unit , which is growing as artificial intelligence startups seek Google’s support and computing power.

Shares rose as much as 7.5 per cent in extended trading.

Third-quarter sales, excluding partner payouts, rose to US$87.5 billion, Alphabet said in a statement Wednesday. That topped the US$85.1 billion expected on average by analysts, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Net income was US$2.87 per share , compared with Wall Street’s estimate of US$2.26.

The c

See Full Page