What's at Stake for Alphabet as DOJ Eyes Google's Chrome
Alphabet is higher Tuesday even as antitrust officials at the DOJ support forcing Google to sell its popular web browser. Here's what you need to know.


Shares of Google's parent company Alphabet (GOOGL) are higher Tuesday. The upside comes even as reports swirl that antitrust officials at the Department of Justice (DOJ) have asked a federal judge to force Google to sell its Chrome web browser.
According to Bloomberg Law, which cites people familiar with the plans, top regulators at the DOJ have asked federal Judge Amit Mehta to force Alphabet's Google to sell Chrome, the world's most popular web browser, because it "represents a key access point through which many people use its search engine."
The request comes just three months after Judge Mehta ruled that Google illegally monopolized the search market.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The antitrust officials and states that have joined the case will also recommend that the judge impose data licensing requirements, Bloomberg added.
"If Mehta accepts the proposals, they have the potential to reshape the online search market and the burgeoning AI industry," Bloomberg said. "It marks the most aggressive effort to rein in a technology company since Washington unsuccessfully sought to break up Microsoft Corp. two decades ago."
Google, unsurprisingly, is not happy with the news. "The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case," said Google VP of Regulatory Affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland in a statement, as reported by the BBC. "The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed," she added.
In the near term, this will be unlikely to have any major impact on Alphabet. And it's unknown how the incoming Trump administration would handle such a move under new DOJ leadership.
Is Alphabet stock a buy, sell or hold?
Alphabet's had a strong year on the price charts, up 27% since the start of January to slightly outpace the S&P 500 Index. And Wall Street sees even more upside for the Magnificent 7 stock.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for GOOGL stock is $209.70, representing implied upside of nearly 20% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is a Buy.
Financial services firm Argus Research is one of those with a Buy rating on the communication services stock, along with a $200 price target.
"We see Alphabet as one of the Tech industry's leaders, along with Meta Platforms (META), Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN) and Microsoft (MSFT)," wrote Argus Research analyst Joseph Bonner in an October 31 note. "These companies have come to dominate new developments in mobile, public cloud, and big data analytics, as well as emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented reality, and even quantum computing."
Bonner admits that "Alphabet has often been criticized as a Johnny-one-note for its dependence on digital advertising," but "the rapid growth of Google Cloud has begun to diversify the company's revenue."
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
Ten Cheapest Places to Live in Texas
Property Tax Looking for a cheap place to live in Texas? Look no further. These counties have the lowest property tax bills in the Lone Star State.
-
AI Is Missing the Wisdom of Older Adults: What It Means for You
AI will increasingly affect your healthcare and finances, but young workers are primarily designing the systems and getting most of the jobs.
-
The Three C's to Financial Success: A Financial Planner's Guide to Build Wealth
Consistency, commitment and confidence in your chosen strategy are more critical to your financial success than finding the 'perfect' financial plan.
-
A Financial Adviser's Guide to Solving Your Retirement Puzzle: Five Key Pieces
If retirement's a puzzle you're struggling with, try answering these five questions. The answers will guide you toward a solution.
-
You're Close to Retirement and Cashed Out: How Do You Get Back In?
If you've been scared into an all-cash position, it's wise to consider reinvesting your money in the markets. Here's how a financial planner recommends you can get back in the saddle.
-
After the Disaster: An Expert's Guide to Deciding Whether to Rebuild or Relocate
Homeowners hit by disaster must weigh the emotional desire to rebuild against the financial realities of insurance coverage, unexpected costs and future risk.
-
A Financial Expert's Tips for Lending Money to Family and Friends
What starts as a lifeline can turn into a minefield if the borrower ghosts the lender. Following these three steps can help you avoid family feuds over funds.
-
Stock Market Today: Good Feelings and Solid Data Lift Stocks
Resilience and de-escalation defined another generally positive day for financial markets.
-
What the HECM? Combine It With a QLAC and See What Happens
Combining a reverse mortgage known as a HECM with a QLAC (qualifying longevity annuity contract) can provide longevity protection, tax savings and liquidity for unplanned expenses.
-
721 UPREIT DSTs: Real Estate Investing Expert Explores the Hidden Risks
Potential investors need to understand the crucial distinction between a REIT's option to buy a Delaware statutory trust's property and its obligation.