Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Maintains "Buy" Rating Amid Antitrust Scrutiny

  • Goldman Sachs reaffirms a "Buy" rating for Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), highlighting the potential of Google AI and YouTube.
  • Google faces significant antitrust scrutiny, with debates on the potential benefits of a breakup for innovation and customer value.
  • A $500 million investment is planned for Google's compliance overhaul as part of a settlement to resolve shareholder litigation over antitrust violations.

Alphabet Inc., trading as NASDAQ:GOOG, is a leading technology company known for its search engine, Google, and other services like YouTube and Android. On June 2, 2025, Goldman Sachs maintained a "Buy" rating for GOOG, with the stock priced at $169.71. This decision underscores the potential gains from Google AI innovation and the underappreciated value of YouTube, as highlighted by Benzinga.

Despite the positive outlook, Google faces significant antitrust scrutiny. As reported by NYTimes, there is ongoing debate about a potential breakup of Google. Prosecutors advocate for a smaller Google, while some critics believe this could benefit investors and customers by fostering innovation. This scrutiny has led to a $500 million investment over the next decade to revamp Google's compliance structure.

The compliance overhaul is part of a settlement to resolve shareholder litigation accusing Google of antitrust violations. The lawsuit, led by Michigan pension funds, alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by executives, including CEO Sundar Pichai. The settlement, pending approval, includes establishing a standalone board committee for risk and compliance oversight.

GOOG's current stock price on NASDAQ is $169.63, reflecting a 1.86% decrease. The stock has traded between $168.65 and $171.06 today, with a 52-week high of $208.70 and a low of $142.66. Alphabet's market capitalization is approximately $2.05 trillion, with a trading volume of 13.6 million shares.

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Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) Surpasses Revenue Expectations in Q3 2025

  • Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) reported earnings per share of $2.87, beating estimates.
  • The company achieved a revenue of approximately $102.3 billion, marking its first time surpassing $100 billion in a quarter.
  • Alphabet's profit surged by 33%, with significant growth in its advertising and cloud computing units.

Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, is a major player in the technology sector, known for its dominance in online advertising and cloud computing. Trading under the symbol GOOG on the NASDAQ, the company has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance. Alphabet's competitors include other tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, particularly in the cloud computing space.

On October 29, 2025, GOOG reported earnings per share of $2.87, surpassing the estimated $2.30. The company achieved a revenue of approximately $102.3 billion, exceeding the estimated $99.9 billion. This marks a significant milestone for Alphabet, as it surpassed $100 billion in revenue for the first time in its third-quarter results, as highlighted by NYTimes.

Alphabet's impressive performance was driven by consistent growth in its core advertising business and its cloud computing unit. The company reported a 16% increase in revenue, with robust sales in its cloud division. This growth highlights Alphabet's ability to capitalize on the increasing demand for cloud services and its continued dominance in the advertising sector.

The company's profit for the quarter surged by 33%, reaching just under $35 billion. This financial performance underscores Alphabet's strong position in the technology sector, particularly in cloud computing. Google's financial metrics further reflect its robust standing, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 28.86 and a price-to-sales ratio of about 8.96.

Google maintains a conservative use of debt, with a debt-to-equity ratio of about 0.10. The company's current ratio is approximately 1.90, indicating a strong ability to cover short-term liabilities with short-term assets. Additionally, Google's enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is around 25, and its earnings yield is approximately 3.46%, showcasing its financial health and operational efficiency.

Google's Upcoming Earnings Report: A Deep Dive into NASDAQ:GOOG's Performance

  • Analysts predict an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.30 and revenue of around $99.93 billion for Google in the upcoming quarterly earnings.
  • Google Cloud is expected to achieve a 29% revenue growth, reaching $14.65 billion, with a buy-side "bogey" number set at 35%.
  • Alphabet's robust technology infrastructure and strong presence in search advertising, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence provide a competitive edge.

Google, listed as NASDAQ:GOOG, is preparing to release its quarterly earnings on October 29, 2025. Analysts predict an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.30 and revenue of around $99.93 billion. Google's parent company, Alphabet, is a major player in the tech industry, with a strong presence in search advertising, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.

The performance of Google Cloud is a focal point for investors, as its growth could significantly impact Alphabet's stock price. Analysts expect Google Cloud to achieve a 29% revenue growth, reaching $14.65 billion. However, the buy-side "bogey" number, a key metric for institutional investors, is set at 35%, as highlighted by UBS analyst Karl Keirstead. This is compared to Microsoft's Azure, which is expected to grow by 39%, and Amazon Web Services by 18%.

Alphabet's robust technology infrastructure, including advanced AI models and custom AI chips, provides a competitive edge. Despite the rise of AI competitors like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Alphabet's ecosystem, which includes Google Search, YouTube, and Gmail, remains strong, serving over 2 billion users daily. Advertising, particularly search advertising, continues to be a major revenue stream, accounting for 74% of Alphabet's income.

In the previous quarter, Google reported a revenue of approximately $96.4 billion, with a net income of around $28.2 billion. The company's gross profit was about $57.4 billion, and operating income stood at approximately $31.3 billion. The earnings per share were reported at $2.33, slightly above the current quarter's estimate. These figures highlight Google's financial strength and its ability to deliver returns to investors.

As Alphabet prepares to release its third-quarter earnings, the focus remains on its cloud computing and AI capabilities. The company's substantial investments in technology infrastructure are expected to help maintain its market position. With the demand for core cloud infrastructure services strengthening, Alphabet's performance in this area will be closely watched by investors.

Scotiabank Sets New Price Target for Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)

On October 16, 2025, Nat Schindler from Scotiabank set a price target of $310 for Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG). At the time, GOOG was priced at $255.54, suggesting a potential increase of about 21.31%. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is a major player in the tech industry, competing with giants like Amazon and Microsoft.

Scotiabank's decision to raise its price target for Alphabet by $70 reflects a positive outlook on the company's future. This adjustment indicates confidence in Alphabet's strategic direction and growth potential. As highlighted by The Fly, the full article provides more insights into this decision.

Currently, GOOG is trading at $255.74 on the NASDAQ, marking a 1.60% increase or $4.03. The stock has seen a daily range between $252.30 and $257.58, with the latter being its highest price over the past year. The lowest price for the year was $142.66.

Alphabet's market capitalization stands at approximately $3.09 trillion, showcasing its significant presence in the market. The trading volume for GOOG is 7,126,721 shares, indicating active investor interest. This substantial market cap and trading volume highlight the company's strong position in the tech sector.

Insights into Alphabet Inc.'s Recent Financial and Strategic Moves

  • Alphabet's cloud segment reports a 32% year-over-year revenue increase, highlighting its growing dominance in the cloud computing sector.
  • The company's strategic capital allocation, including stock buybacks and a planned $85 billion capital expenditure on AI infrastructure, underscores its commitment to maintaining leadership in AI.
  • Alphabet's CapitalG fund adjusts its investment portfolio, reflecting a strategic shift in its approach towards AI and other technological investments.

On August 8, 2025, Adam Smith engaged in a full sale transaction of Alphabet Inc. - Class C Capital Stock (NASDAQ:GOOG), valued between $1,001 and $15,000. This transaction was disclosed as being made by his spouse. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is a tech giant known for its dominance in search and advertising, as well as its ventures into cloud computing, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

Alphabet's search business remains strong, even with competition from generative AI. The company's cloud segment is thriving, with a 32% year-over-year revenue increase. This growth is expected to boost long-term margins and profitability. Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous vehicle unit, adds further momentum to the company's growth prospects.

Alphabet's robust balance sheet and strategic capital allocation, including stock buybacks, provide downside protection and investment flexibility. The company plans to increase its capital expenditures to $85 billion this year, with a significant portion dedicated to AI infrastructure. This move underscores Alphabet's commitment to maintaining its leadership in AI.

Alphabet's CapitalG fund manages $7 billion in assets and has been an early investor in several successful companies. Recently, CapitalG reduced its portfolio from 40 to 36 publicly traded stocks, divesting from a major AI stock initially invested in during its Series C funding round in 2015. This reflects Alphabet's strategic shift in its investment approach.

Alphabet's stock (GOOG) is currently priced at $201.14 on the NASDAQ, down 0.47% today. The stock has ranged from $199.80 to $201.88 during the trading day. Over the past year, it reached a high of $208.70 and a low of $142.66. Alphabet's market capitalization is approximately $2.43 trillion, with a trading volume of 5,012,451 shares.

Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) Stock Analysis and Insights

On July 22, 2025, Josh Beck from Raymond James set a price target of $185 for Alphabet Inc.'s stock, traded on NASDAQ as GOOG. At that time, the stock was trading at $192.11, which is about 3.70% higher than the target. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is a major player in the tech industry, competing with other giants like Amazon and Microsoft.

Alphabet's subsidiary, DeepMind, has made significant strides in artificial intelligence. It recently outperformed many high school students in the International Mathematical Olympiad by solving complex math problems. This achievement underscores the potential of AI to handle tasks that were once thought to require human intelligence, as highlighted by Jenny Horne.

Doug Clinton from Intelligent Alpha has expressed optimism about Google and Tesla, suggesting they are valuable investments as they approach their earnings reports. In a discussion on 'Closing Bell', Clinton emphasized the strategic importance of holding shares in these tech giants, especially during the earnings season, which could influence investor decisions.

Jessica Inskip has pointed out that advertising spend is a key area of growth in artificial intelligence, which could benefit Alphabet's Google and YouTube platforms. This focus on advertising could positively impact Alphabet's financial performance, especially with the upcoming earnings announcement.

Currently, GOOG is trading at $192.11, with a slight increase of $0.96 or 0.50%. The stock has seen fluctuations today, ranging from $188.50 to $192.53. Over the past year, it has reached a high of $208.70 and a low of $142.66. Alphabet's market capitalization is approximately $2.32 trillion, with a trading volume of 24.86 million shares.

UBS Changes Alphabet Inc.'s Stock Grade to Negative

  • UBS downgraded NASDAQ:GOOG despite calling it an upgrade, with a current stock price of $192.11.
  • Alphabet's DeepMind showcases the potential of AI by outperforming high school students in the International Mathematical Olympiad.
  • Google Cloud's performance is a key focus for Alphabet's financial health and growth strategy as it approaches earnings season.

On July 22, 2025, UBS changed the grade of Alphabet Inc.'s stock, listed as NASDAQ:GOOG, to Negative, despite calling it an upgrade. At that time, the stock price was $192.11. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is a major player in the tech industry, competing with giants like Amazon and Microsoft.

Alphabet's subsidiary, DeepMind, has made significant strides in artificial intelligence. It recently outperformed many high school students in the International Mathematical Olympiad, solving most of the top-level math questions. This achievement underscores the potential of AI to address complex problems, as highlighted by Jenny Horne.

As Alphabet approaches its earnings season, Gil Luria from DA Davidson is closely watching the performance of Google Cloud. This segment is crucial for Alphabet's financial health and growth strategy. The focus on Google Cloud indicates its importance in the company's overall business model.

Doug Clinton from Intelligent Alpha has expressed optimism about Google and Tesla, suggesting they are worth owning as they near their earnings reports. In a discussion on 'Closing Bell', Clinton explored the upcoming big tech earnings and how investors might interpret recent data from Google.

Currently, GOOG is trading at $192.11, with a slight increase of $0.96 or 0.50%. The stock has seen fluctuations today, ranging from $188.50 to $192.53. Over the past year, it has reached a high of $208.70 and a low of $142.66. Alphabet's market capitalization is approximately $2.32 trillion, with a trading volume of 24.86 million shares.

Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Faces Competition but Maintains Strong Market Position

  • Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) retains a "Buy" rating from Cowen & Co. despite challenges, including potential antitrust fines and competition.
  • The partnership with Samsung and the launch of AI features demonstrate Alphabet's commitment to innovation in the tech industry.
  • Despite increased competition from Nvidia-backed Perplexity AI, Alphabet's stock shows resilience with a 1.95% increase, highlighting its strong market position.

Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is a leading technology company known for its search engine, Google. It operates in various sectors, including digital advertising, cloud computing, and consumer electronics. Alphabet faces competition from companies like Microsoft and Amazon. On July 9, 2025, Cowen & Co. reiterated its "Buy" rating for GOOG, with the stock priced at $178.68.

Despite the "Buy" rating, Cowen & Co. suggests a "hold" action, indicating that investors should maintain their current positions. This comes as Alphabet faces challenges, such as unresolved disagreements with hotels and airlines over search result presentations. This issue could lead to a significant antitrust fine from the European Union.

Alphabet's collaboration with Samsung showcases its commitment to innovation. Samsung's new AI features, powered by Google's Gemini, highlight the integration of advanced AI into Samsung's products. This partnership emphasizes Google's role in enhancing AI-driven functionalities in the tech industry.

Meanwhile, Nvidia-backed Perplexity AI has launched Comet, an AI-powered web browser, to challenge Google Chrome's market dominance. This move signifies increasing competition in the browser market, potentially impacting Alphabet's market share. Despite these challenges, GOOG's stock price has increased by 1.95%, trading at $178.58.

GOOG's stock has shown resilience, trading between $175.65 and $180.27 today. Over the past year, it reached a high of $208.7 and a low of $142.66. With a market capitalization of approximately $2.16 trillion and a trading volume of 16,068,307 shares, Alphabet remains a significant player in the tech industry.