Bull vs. Bear: How Should Investors Play GOOG Stock Now? (2024)

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Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) has soared amid a massive tech recovery, digital advertising rebound, and AI adoption. Its 52% surge outpaced S&P 500 gains. This has been led by improved financials fuel investor confidence in sustained ad market growth, driving GOOG stock to more reasonable levels based on a historical valuation basis.

Recently, Alphabet’s shares faced resistance, oscillating between $140 and $150 per share. Much of this sideways trading pattern appears to be influenced by market dynamics and Google/YouTube factors. Concerns have arisen regarding generative AI’s impact on future growth and profitability. However, premature conclusions are cautioned amidst setbacks and competition.

So, with that said, is a pullback imminent, or is it time to buy GOOG stock? Let’s dive in.

Bull Case

Despite the 2022 downturn, Google’s dominant market share in the company’s core search business drives Alphabet’s revenue from digital advertising. With an expected spike in digital ad spending in 2024, Alphabet’s position remains strong. The company’s fourth-quarter revenue surge hints at a recovering advertising market, potentially boosting Alphabet’s stock further.

AI stocks, including GOOG stock, may stall amidst waning enthusiasm. The market appears to be questioning the tech giants’ pace in AI commercialization amid negative headlines. However, beyond advertising, cloud migration offers growth potential. Google Cloud ranks third globally, with innovative services like Vertex AI and Gemini.

If Alphabet is able to continuing seeing cloud growth accelerate due to the company’s AI endeavors and integrations, there could be a lot to like about this stock. Currently trading around 23-times earnings, GOOG stock remains among the most attractively-priced mega cap tech stocks in the market. Thus, there’s a simple valuation-based thesis for owning this stock here.

Bear Case

Google, as the foremost name in traditional search, faces significant threats from emerging trends. Notably, the rise of gen AI chatbots poses a considerable challenge. Moreover, recent reports, such as one by Gartner, suggest a potential 25% decline in traditional search engine volumes by 2026 due to this development.

Google ceased allowing users to generate human images using its chatbot technology due to incidents involving the portrayal of various key historical figures as people of color. This followed attempts to train the AI for diversity in responses. CEO Sundar Puchai addressed the comments about the chatbot being biased to racial responses absurd and unacceptable.

Since 2014, Alphabet has always had a section in its earnings report named “Other Bets” in which it still shows a whopping $37.3 billion operating losses til this day. However, financials improved in 2023, with Other Bets reporting a $4.1 billion operating loss on $1.5 billion revenue.This will remain a key focus for some investors, who want to see more capital discipline from these major players, or at least a return on these investments at some point.

Alphabet is exploring external investments for ventures like Google Fiber, possibly leading to spin-offs. Yet, assessing the valuations of projects like Waymo and Verily poses significant challenges.

GOOG Stock Remains a Buy

Despite potential threats, Alphabet’s competitive position remains robust. Though some investors may look to exit their Alphabet positions amid AI setbacks, I’d caution against premature conclusions. Alphabet is swiftly addressing Gemini issues, ensuring continued AI integration and enhancing monetization across segments.

Despite recent setbacks, holding onto GOOG stock remains a prudent move. Potential positive surprises later may refute claims that gen AI harms Alphabet. Revenue from Gemini subscriptions and AI-driven ad improvements could impact quarterly results positively. Competitors’ efforts to challenge Google’s search dominance, like OpenAI’s, may face hurdles.

Alphabet is poised to meet or exceed earnings growth forecasts, aiming for double-digit annualized growth until 2026. While patience is advised amid near-term challenges, GOOG’s potential for significant growth remains.

On the date of publication, Chris MacDonald did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.comPublishing Guidelines.

Chris MacDonald’s love for investing led him to pursue an MBA in Finance and take on a number of management roles in corporate finance and venture capital over the past 15 years. His experience as a financial analyst in the past, coupled with his fervor for finding undervalued growth opportunities, contribute to his conservative, long-term investing perspective.

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Bull vs. Bear: How Should Investors Play GOOG Stock Now? (2024)

FAQs

Bull vs. Bear: How Should Investors Play GOOG Stock Now? ›

GOOG Stock Remains a Buy

Is Google a good buy right now? ›

GOOGL Analyst Recommendation Trends

In the current month, GOOGL has received 27 Buy Ratings, 11 Hold Ratings, and 0 Sell Ratings. GOOGL average Analyst price target in the past 3 months is $167.51.

Will 2024 be a bull or bear market? ›

Economic growth actually accelerated above its 10-year average in 2023. That resilience, coupled with a fascination about artificial intelligence (AI), changed investors' collective mood. The S&P 500 soared throughout the year and finally reached a new high in January 2024, making the new bull market official.

How long will the bull market last? ›

“This new bull market can last for another seven to nine years, as AI is expected to drive significant productivity gains for companies across the board, which will strengthen corporate earnings.”

Is Google stock undervalued? ›

Summary. Alphabet stock is undervalued compared to its peers and presents an opportunity for investors. The company has strong financials with a large cash position and steady growth in margins and profitability.

Is Google stock expected to go up? ›

Stock Price Forecast

The 37 analysts with 12-month price forecasts for Alphabet stock have an average target of 158.95, with a low estimate of 121 and a high estimate of 190. The average target predicts an increase of 0.44% from the current stock price of 158.26.

Should I buy GOOG or GOOGL? ›

GOOGL: Which Is a Better Investment? Because GOOGL shares come with voting rights, they may be considered more valuable. Shareholders with this type of stock can have a say in Google's corporate policy, vote for the board of directors, and approve or disapprove of any major decisions.

Will 2024 be a good year for the stock market? ›

Positive returns -- but smaller than in 2023

I think that the overall stock market will deliver positive returns in 2024. However, I expect those returns to be somewhat smaller than they were last year.

How long will stocks stay in a bear market? ›

The duration of bear markets can vary, but on average, they last approximately 289 days, equivalent to around nine and a half months. It's important to note that there's no way to predict the timing of a bear market with complete certainty, and history shows that the average bear market length can vary significantly.

How long this bear market will last? ›

Bear markets occur when prices in a market decline by more than 20%, often accompanied by negative investor sentiment and a weakening economy. Bear markets can be cyclical or longer-term. The former lasts for several weeks or a couple of months and the latter can last for several years or even decades.

At what age should you get out of the stock market? ›

There are no set ages to get into or to get out of the stock market. While older clients may want to reduce their investing risk as they age, this doesn't necessarily mean they should be totally out of the stock market.

Should I pull my money out of the stock market? ›

Key Takeaways. While holding or moving to cash might feel good mentally and help avoid short-term stock market volatility, it is unlikely to be wise over the long term. Once you cash out a stock that's dropped in price, you move from a paper loss to an actual loss.

What is the stock market outlook for 2024? ›

The US stock market enjoyed a strong first quarter in 2024, advancing 10%. But inflation was stickier than some expected. In fact, the March CPI number that came out this morning was hotter than expected, too. And that's leading many to question when the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates.

Is Google stock going to bounce back? ›

After sliding following its latest earnings release, Google parent Alphabet (GOOG,GOOGL) has rapidly been bouncing back. Clearly, the market is catching onto the promising GOOG stock forecast. While for now selling at a discount to its “Magnificent Seven” peers, GOOG could bridge this gap before year's end.

Is Google a safe long-term stock? ›

The company has generated cash flow growth of 15.1%, and is expected to report cash flow expansion of 16.7% in 2024. Investors should take the time to consider GOOGL for their portfolios due to its solid Zacks Rank rating, notable growth metrics, and impressive Growth and VGM Style Scores.

What is the fair price of GOOG stock? ›

GOOG stock price is 159.97 USD. The Intrinsic Value of GOOG stock (124.58 USD) is 22% less than its price (159.97 USD). The DCF Value of GOOG stock (114.19 USD) is 29% less than its price (159.97 USD). The Relative Value of GOOG stock (134.96 USD) is 16% less than its price (159.97 USD).

Is Google a good stock to buy long-term? ›

GOOGL also holds an average earnings surprise of 7.2%. With strong valuation and earnings metrics, a good Zacks Rank, and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, investors should strongly think about adding GOOGL to their portfolios.

Is Google a good buy for long-term? ›

The company has generated cash flow growth of 15.1%, and is expected to report cash flow expansion of 16.7% in 2024. Investors should take the time to consider GOOGL for their portfolios due to its solid Zacks Rank rating, notable growth metrics, and impressive Growth and VGM Style Scores.

Is Google a good buy and hold? ›

GOOG Signals & Forecast

The Google stock holds a sell signal from the short-term Moving Average; at the same time, however, there is a buy signal from the long-term average. Since the short-term average is above the long-term average there is a general buy signal in the stock giving a positive forecast for the stock.

What will Google stock be worth in 5 years? ›

Google stock price stood at $155.72

According to the latest long-term forecast, Google price will hit $200 by the middle of 2026 and then $250 by the middle of 2027. Google will rise to $300 within the year of 2028, $350 in 2029, $400 in 2032 and $450 in 2034.

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