Investment

Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) Falls More Steeply Than Broader Market: What Investors Need to Know

Published December 20, 2024

In the most recent trading session, Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) closed at $189.70, marking a -0.24% decline from the previous day's closure. This performance lagged behind the S&P 500, which recorded a daily loss of 0.09%. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a slight increase of 0.04%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped by 0.1%.

Throughout the last month, Alphabet's shares have risen 7.23%. Comparatively, the Computer and Technology sector has seen an increase of 3.04%, whereas the S&P 500 has experienced a slight dip of 0.29%.

Looking ahead, investors are keenly awaiting Alphabet Inc.'s earnings report. Analysts predict that the company will reveal earnings per share (EPS) of $2.12, representing a remarkable 29.27% increase from the same quarter last year. Furthermore, total revenue is estimated to hit $81.42 billion, reflecting a 12.58% rise year-over-year.

For the upcoming fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast an EPS of $8.02 per share, and an overall revenue of $294.83 billion. These projections indicate a potential growth of 38.28% in earnings and a 14.94% rise in revenue from the previous year.

Investors might also take note of the recent revisions made to analyst estimates for Alphabet Inc. These changes often signal evolving business conditions; when estimates rise, it typically denotes positive sentiment regarding the company's prospects and profitability.

Research indicates a direct link between these estimate shifts and near-term stock price movements. To better understand and capitalize on this dynamic, the Zacks Rank system has been devised. This ranking system evaluates changes in estimates and provides a ratings scale.

The Zacks Rank ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell) and boasts a strong historical performance, with #1 ranked stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there has been a 0.25% uptick in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate, positioning Alphabet Inc. at a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Another critical aspect for investors is Alphabet Inc.'s valuation metrics, including a Forward Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 23.71. This figure aligns with the average Forward P/E ratio for its industry, which also stands at 23.71.

In addition, GOOG has a PEG ratio of 1.33, contrasting with the industry average PEG ratio of 2.06. The PEG ratio is a useful tool in evaluating a company’s stock price while accounting for expected earnings growth.

Alphabet Inc. operates within the Internet - Services sector of the broader Computer and Technology category. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 30, placing it in the top 12% of over 250 industries, suggesting strong overall performance prospects.

Monitoring these stock-moving metrics is essential for investors who wish to stay informed in today's competitive market.

Alphabet, Stock, Market