Alphabet made no Class A or Class C share repurchases in the first quarter of 2026, leaving $69.5 billion under its buyback authorization unused as of March 31. The pause coincides with increased attention on restricted stock unit issuance, as the company granted 90 million RSUs during the quarter while 44 million vested. The shift raises questions about share dilution, since buybacks typically offset employee stock awards — without repurchases, a rising share count can reduce earnings per share even as net income grows. Alphabet's capital allocation now faces scrutiny as the company balances heavy spending on AI and infrastructure with shareholder concerns over dilution.
Alphabet Reports No Share Repurchases in Q1 2026
Alphabet confirmed it made no Class A or Class C share repurchases during the first quarter of 2026. The company still had $69.5 billion remaining under its buyback authorization as of March 31, but it did not use that program during the quarter.
The pause matters because buybacks often help offset RSU dilution. When employees receive shares and sell them into the market, the share count can rise unless the company repurchases enough stock to balance it. A higher share count can reduce earnings per share, even when net income grows.
Alphabet reported $109.9 billion in first-quarter revenue, up from $90.2 billion a year earlier. Google Services remained the main driver, while Google Cloud also continued to expand.
Stock-based compensation remains a large part of Alphabet's cost structure. In 2025, the company reported $27.1 billion in total stock-based compensation expense. Of that amount, $24.1 billion related to awards expected to settle in Alphabet stock.
Alphabet also had 534 million Class C shares reserved for future issuance under its 2021 stock plan at the end of 2025. In the first quarter of 2026, the company granted 90 million RSUs, while 44 million vested.
GOOG Chart Shows Pullback Toward $350 Support Zone
Alphabet shares fell near a key chart area after a sharp May rally lost momentum. GOOG traded near $365.49, down 2.91%, according to a daily chart shared by DadHustleHQ on X.
The chart marked a possible support zone near the mid-$350 range. The trader said it was "too early to jump into GOOG" and pointed to $350 as the area to watch.
The chart shows Alphabet climbing strongly from early April into May. GOOG moved from below $280 to around $400 before sellers stepped in. After that move, the stock started pulling back toward a white-box area between roughly $350 and $360.
That zone matters because the chart marks it as a possible gap area. Traders often watch gaps because prices can return to those levels before finding support. In this case, the $350 area may become the next test if selling continues.
The screenshot also shows GOOG trading below short-term moving averages after the recent drop. That shift signals weaker near-term momentum. However, the stock remains above longer-term support levels shown on the chart, including the 50-day moving average area and a lower trend line.
Volume also increased during the latest red candle. That suggests stronger selling activity during the pullback. Still, one heavy-volume session does not confirm a full trend change by itself.
FAQ
Why did Alphabet pause share buybacks in Q1 2026?
Alphabet did not disclose a specific reason for pausing buybacks in the first quarter of 2026. The company still had $69.5 billion remaining under its buyback authorization as of March 31, but it made no Class A or Class C share repurchases during the quarter.
What is the $350 support zone for GOOG?
The $350 to $360 range is marked on a daily chart as a possible gap area and support zone. GOOG climbed from below $280 in early April to around $400 in May before pulling back toward this zone. Traders often watch gaps because prices can return to those levels before finding support.
