Alphabet Dominates with 76% Revenue from Advertising
Quick Look:
- Alphabet’s Q4 ad revenue surged 11%, comprising 76% of total revenue, signalling a market recovery
- dLocal’s revenue grew 59% YOY; its model efficiently navigates payments in emerging markets
- Procore’s digital construction management platform drove a 29% revenue increase, enhancing industry efficiency
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is frequently spotlighted for its substantial investments in artificial intelligence (AI), yet many overlook its core business—advertising. In the fourth quarter, advertising revenues accounted for a whopping 76% of Alphabet’s total revenue, underscoring its dominant role in the business. There was an 11% increase in ad revenue during this period, marking a significant acceleration from previous quarters, where growth was 9% and 3%, respectively. This uptick is a positive sign that the ad market is rebounding from last year’s downturn. For investors, this could be an opportune moment to consider Alphabet’s stock, particularly as it does not command the hefty premium associated with some of its tech peers. The company’s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio aligns with its five-year average, suggesting a balanced valuation in light of its recent performance.
dLocal: Navigating Emerging Markets with Innovative Fintech Solutions
dLocal stands out as a fintech entity that many investors might not be familiar with, but its business model and performance suggest they should be. Specializing in adapting payment systems for emerging markets with less developed financial infrastructures, such as India and Nigeria, dLocal facilitates international business operations without the need for companies to tailor individual systems for each market. This strategic advantage has garnered dLocal an impressive client list, including heavyweights like Amazon and Microsoft.
In the recent fiscal quarter, dLocal reported a 59% increase in revenue year-over-year, reaching $188 million, with total payment volume growing by 55% to $5.1 billion. The company is not only expanding rapidly but is also profitable, showcasing a robust 15% profit margin. Given its current earnings multiples and growth trajectory, dLocal presents an attractive investment opportunity, trading at just 32 times trailing earnings and 26 times forward earnings.
Procore: Revolutionizing Construction Management Through Digital Innovation
Procore Technologies is pioneering a transformation in the construction industry, which has traditionally lagged in adopting digital technologies. Moreover, the advent of improved internet infrastructure on construction sites has opened the door for software solutions. These solutions enhance efficiency and communication across project teams. Consequently, Procore’s platform serves as a central hub for project documentation and updates. This enables contractors to access the latest project drawings and reduces the risk of errors stemming from outdated information.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of Procore’s software is reflected in its financials. The company reported a 29% increase in revenue year-over-year to $260 million in the fourth quarter. Although not yet profitable in the traditional sense, Procore generated $41 million in free cash flow during the period. This indicates financial sustainability without the need for external capital. Additionally, with management projecting strong revenue growth of 20-24% in the upcoming year, Procore is poised to solidify its position as an essential tool in the construction industry.
These three companies—Alphabet, dLocal, and Procore—each demonstrate robust growth and strategic positioning in their respective fields. Therefore, they are compelling considerations for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with innovative and financially sound stocks.
