1.Alphabet Inc. Set to Capitalize on AI and Advertising in 2024
Alphabet Inc. (GOOG – 1.59%) (GOOGL – 1.62%) is poised to benefit from two major growth drivers in 2024: the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and increased advertising revenue.
The primary revenue stream for Alphabet, which also owns YouTube and the Google search engine, is derived from ad sales. Due to economic uncertainties, companies held back on increasing their advertising budgets in 2022 and the first half of 2023. However, Alphabet’s advertising revenue saw a significant uptick of 9% in the third quarter, marking a notable improvement over previous quarters.
In addition, Alphabet introduced the latest version of their Gemini generative AI model, which has demonstrated exceptional performance in several tests. The advancements made in 2023 are expected to contribute to stock growth in 2024, although it may take some time for Alphabet to fully monetize these innovations.
2.Amazon’s Path to Profitability
Amazon, a formidable competitor to Alphabet, is rapidly closing the gap as its business undergoes significant expansion.
Under the leadership of CEO Andy Jassy, Amazon experienced a notable increase in profitability in 2023, owing to efficiency enhancements across the corporation.
With its margins approaching record highs, Amazon is poised for a remarkable 2024 provided it maintains this momentum throughout the year. Confidence in this outcome stems from Jassy’s strategic approach, which differs from the growth-centric tactics of Jeff Bezos. Notably, Amazon’s sales surged by 13% in the most recent quarter.
Despite challenges faced in the past year, the cloud computing sector, spearheaded by Amazon Web Services (AWS), exhibited growth. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, there is anticipated to be a surge in demand for this service, positioning Amazon for even greater margins and unprecedented success in 2024.
3.Sustained Growth and Strategic Investments Amid Economic Uncertainty
Despite facing challenges such as economic downturns and restrictions on short-term rentals, Airbnb (ABNB – 1.94%) has demonstrated resilience in 2023, with its operations continuing and yielding remarkable results.
In the third quarter, revenue increased by 18% to $3.4 billion, with more than 40% of this revenue converted into free cash flow. Consequently, Airbnb is poised to remain a lucrative investment opportunity in 2024, regardless of economic conditions. This enables the company to repurchase its currently undervalued stock and solidify its position in the market.
4.The Imperative Role of CrowdStrike in Today’s Cybersecurity Landscape
The imperative need for network protection continues to capture the attention of numerous enterprises. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, safeguarding organizational assets and sensitive customer data has never been more critical.
Enter Group Strike (CRWD 0.36%). Leveraging advanced AI methodologies, Group Strike’s endpoint security software distinguishes between routine operations and potential threats, ensuring the protection of network endpoints such as workstations and mobile devices. However, its capabilities extend far beyond this initial function. With a plethora of supplementary security options, 63% of users opt for a minimum of five Group Strike products.
Despite achieving an annual recurring revenue of $3.15 billion (a 35% year-over-year increase in Q3), Group Strike still holds significant room for expansion. With the cybersecurity industry currently valued at $100 billion, Group Strike stands poised for substantial growth within this critical sector. Thus, CrowdStrike emerges as a compelling stock selection for 2024 and beyond, given its potential for sustained growth and prominence in the cybersecurity landscape.
5.A Powerhouse in Latin American E-Commerce and Fintech
Few companies in the e-commerce sector have experienced the rapid expansion witnessed by MercadoLibre (MELI – 1.56%), headquartered in Latin America.
Operating on a two-pronged growth strategy encompassing both fintech and e-commerce, MercadoLibre has demonstrated exceptional performance. For instance, in Q3, its e-commerce revenue reached a record high, surging by a currency-neutral 76% to $2.13 billion, while its fintech segment contributed significantly with a 61% increase, reaching $1.63 billion.
Analysts on Wall Street anticipate MercadoLibre to sustain its growth momentum, projecting a 23% revenue increase by 2024. However, it’s worth noting that MercadoLibre has consistently surpassed these forecasts, indicating the potential for even faster growth.
With a dominant market presence in Latin America, MercadoLibre is poised for continued success in the coming years.
6.TSMC and Nvidia: Pioneering Growth in the Semiconductor and Processor Markets
“The semiconductor demand trajectory is poised for significant expansion, prompting Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC – 2.23%) to strategically fortify its areas of expertise. As outlined by TSMC’s leadership, this proactive approach aims to capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
Furthermore, Nvidia’s upcoming 3nm processor is nearing full-scale production, heralding a substantial revenue boost. With innovative technologies slated for integration into flagship products such as the iPhone and its GPUs, Nvidia is positioned for transformative growth. Given its projected earnings trajectory through 2024, the company represents a compelling investment opportunity.”
7.UiPath: Leading the Charge in Robotic Process Automation’s Explosive Growth
UiPath specializes in the provision of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software solutions, facilitating the automation of repetitive tasks for its clientele. While UiPath itself is not inherently an artificial intelligence technology, it integrates various AI technologies to enhance task automation capabilities.
Similar to CrowdStrike, UiPath operates within a dynamic and expansive market. Market analysis conducted by Grand View Research indicates significant growth projections for this industry, estimating an increase from $2.9 billion in 2022 to $30.9 billion by 2030. With recurring revenue totaling $1.38 billion, representing a notable 24% year-over-year increase in Q3, UiPath has strategically captured a substantial market share.
Should UiPath maintain its current leadership position within the industry, the company is poised for substantial growth over the coming decade, substantiating its valuation at a multiple of sales price.
8.PayPal’s Promising Outlook: A Look at Financial Performance, Valuation, and Future Growth
PayPal (PYPL – 3.04%), positioned as one of the most cost-effective businesses in its sector, demonstrates favorable financial performance.
In comparison, considering the S&P 500’s trading multiples of earnings and anticipated profits, it becomes evident how attractively priced PayPal’s stock is.
With the recent appointment of its new President, PayPal is poised for a resurgence in 2024, with industry analysts forecasting market-leading earnings growth.
9.Unlocking Global Markets: dLocal’s Innovative Payment Solutions
Despite its relatively low profile, dLocal (DLO – 2.65%) offers a sophisticated solution to its clientele. By leveraging its innovative software, customers can now access global markets that were previously deemed inaccessible due to high costs.
Rather than establishing intricate payment infrastructures in regions such as Peru, India, Bangladesh, or Nigeria, enterprises have the option to entrust dLocal with their financial transactions for a percentage of their revenue. Noteworthy corporations such as Spotify, Nike, Shopify, Amazon, and Nike count themselves among its esteemed clientele.
With a remarkable $164 million in revenue, marking a 47% growth in just one year, dLocal consistently maintains profitability. Notably, it achieved a commendable profit margin of 25% in the last quarter alone.
Despite its impressive performance, the company remains undervalued, trading at a modest multiple of just four times its projected 2024 earnings, presenting a compelling investment opportunity for the forthcoming year.
10.Strategic Growth Initiatives: Leveraging Wellbeing Shot for Revenue Growth and Value Optimization
“Our flagship product, Wellbeing Shot, is poised to become a significant revenue driver for SHOT in the coming quarters and years, with its proven ability to rapidly reduce blood alcohol levels within just 30 minutes.
At the core of our operations, Wellbeing Shot leverages our expertise in the development and distribution of both over-the-counter and prescription health and wellness products, facilitated through our Jupiter Health business segment infrastructure and continuous data-driven refinement.
In alignment with our commitment to shareholder value, our strategic roadmap includes the strategic reallocation of resources away from legacy assets within our Jupiter Health division, aimed at optimizing returns and fostering sustained growth.”