AI Stocks Face Pressure Amid Market Weakness - Buy Opportunities

AI Stocks Face Pressure Amid Market Weakness. In 2025, investors are increasingly concerned about the drop in AI-related companies, seeing potential long-term buying opportunities in stocks like Alphabet and Applied Materials.

Date: 16-03-2025

AI Rating: 7

AI Stocks Decline
The report highlights a significant downturn in AI stocks, particularly for companies like Palantir Technologies and Tesla, which have seen declines of over 30% from their peaks. The changes in investor sentiment arise from fears concerning reduced spending amidst broader market weaknesses and economic uncertainties such as the threat of tariffs.

Alphabet's Financial Performance
Despite the negative sentiment surrounding AI competition, Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) shows strong financial health. The company's revenue growth was impressive at 15% year-over-year in 2024, bringing it to $350 billion, while its operating income grew by 33%, reaching $112.4 billion. These metrics suggest solid demand and operational performance, mitigating concerns that competition is negatively impacting the business.

Price-to-Earnings Ratio
Alphabet's current P/E ratio of 20, below the S&P 500 average of 28, indicates that the stock is cheaper than many of its peers. This disparity could drive investor interest as the stock is perceived as undervalued given its revenue and income growth.

Applied Materials' Growth Prospects
Applied Materials (NASDAQ: AMAT), which plays a crucial role in semiconductor manufacturing, is also highlighted for its potential. The report states that the company has grown its sales by nearly 200% over the last decade and forecasts continued growth driven by increasing AI-related spending. Its ongoing share buyback program also provides a return of capital to shareholders, displaying confidence in future cash flow.

Dividends and Buybacks
With plans to allocate at least 80% of free cash flow towards dividends and buybacks, Applied Materials demonstrates a commitment to returning value to shareholders. The approval of an additional $10 billion buyback illustrates its robust financial strategy.

Stocks: NASDAQ:GOOG NASDAQ:AMAT NASDAQ:TSLA NYSE:PLTR