While Alphabet has had a strong 2023, Loop Capital thinks the proliferation of artificial intelligence could hinder the stock going forward. Loop downgraded Alphabet to hold from buy. The firm reiterated its $125 per share price target, which is 6.4% above Friday's close. Shares dipped 0.7% in the premarket. "We think concern over whether the company can maintain its dominant position through this massive technology transformation will hold back valuation.
We disagree however with management's characterization that AI proliferation is similar [to] the transition to mobile. This is much more than a platform transition," said Sanderson. The analyst thinks Alphabet may have "a more meaningful opportunity" to lower costs, similar to Meta's significant cost reduction measures, albeit on a lower scale. "We expect a better job of expense reduction," Sanderson said.