Google Stares Down Largest Tech Antitrust Ruling In 2 Decades — Is AT&T-Style Breakup Next?
Portfolio Pulse from Natan Ponieman
The antitrust trial against Alphabet Inc (GOOG/GOOGL) has concluded, with a decision expected by year-end. The case, initiated by the Justice Department and 11 states in 2020, accuses Google of anti-competitive practices to maintain its search engine dominance, notably through payments to companies like Apple (AAPL) for default search engine status. The outcome could influence broader antitrust actions against big tech, including Amazon (AMZN) and Meta Platforms (META). Possible penalties for Google could range from breaking up the company to ending exclusivity agreements.

May 09, 2024 | 6:21 pm
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NEUTRAL IMPACT
Amazon's ongoing antitrust probe by the FTC could be influenced by the outcome of Google's antitrust trial.
While not directly involved, the outcome of Google's trial could set precedents affecting the regulatory landscape and Amazon's ongoing antitrust investigations.
CONFIDENCE 70
IMPORTANCE 50
RELEVANCE 50
NEUTRAL IMPACT
Meta Platforms could face similar regulatory scrutiny as Google, with the trial's outcome potentially affecting its antitrust probe.
The Google antitrust trial's outcome may influence the broader regulatory approach to big tech, potentially affecting Meta Platforms' ongoing antitrust probe.
CONFIDENCE 70
IMPORTANCE 50
RELEVANCE 50
NEGATIVE IMPACT
Apple's revenue from Google for default search engine status could be at risk if Google is forced to end exclusivity agreements.
Apple receives significant payments from Google to maintain Google as the default search engine on its devices. Any changes to these agreements could impact Apple's revenue from these deals.
CONFIDENCE 80
IMPORTANCE 60
RELEVANCE 75
NEGATIVE IMPACT
Google faces potential significant changes depending on the antitrust trial outcome, including possible breakup or restrictions on its business practices.
Given the trial's focus on Google's search engine dominance and its exclusivity agreements, a ruling against Google could lead to substantial operational and structural changes, negatively impacting its stock in the short term.
CONFIDENCE 90
IMPORTANCE 100
RELEVANCE 100
NEGATIVE IMPACT
Alphabet Inc, Google's parent company, could see its operations and market position significantly impacted by the antitrust trial's outcome.
Alphabet Inc faces similar risks as Google, given it's the parent company. Any operational or structural changes mandated by the court could negatively affect its stock price in the short term.
CONFIDENCE 90
IMPORTANCE 100
RELEVANCE 100