Here's What Google Metrics You Should Be Watching For

Perennially one of the most anticipated earnings of the year, Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL is set to report Q1 results after hours today. We often focus on the top and bottom line numbers (revenue and EPS), but while these are extremely useful figures to compare to estimates, what are the other key metrics sell-side analysts are looking at after the close today?

Benzinga spoke with multiple analysts to get their opinion on other earnings items to watch for.

Axiom's Victor Anthony:

• Google segment revenue growth
• Google segment operating margin expansion
• Cost per click growth
• Paid clicks growth

Related Link: Google Alert: Search Engine Marketing Checks Point To Surprise Q1 Upside

MKM's Rob Sanderson:

• Website revenue growth
• Expenses

Mizuho's Neil Doshi:

• Margin on core business
• Margin on 'Other Bets' business
• Paid clicks growth
• Cost per click growth

With additional color to his expenses mention, Sanderson said to look for CFO Ruth Porat's Q1 expense numbers under the new FY16 budgeting process and adds that the Street will "cue up off that." Doshi agreed, saying it would be interesting to see what Ruth envision for the year and how it may set the tone (for the rest of the year).

As for traditional estimates with revenue and EPS, the Street sees Q1 EPS of $7.97 and revenue of $20.37 billion.