As a person who knows nothing about quantum computing, I sincerely wonder how exactly Google justifies spending tons on fundamental physics research in this unp

As a person who knows nothing about quantum computing, I sincerely wonder how exactly Google justifies spending tons on fundamental physics research in this unproven technology, in a time where its stock is sinking like a stone and the company is having to lay people off. Moreover, if Google's track record is any indication, whatever advances they make in this realm will likely be copied in a much better form by competitors, so I seriously wonder about the judgement of their executives here.