Mahaney: Bet on Google, Not Facebook
Online Producer
Google stock is newly poised for robust growth, while Facebook stands to remain below its IPO price this year, RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Mahaney said Monday on CNBC.
Most importantly, Google is watching roadblocks start to dissipate, he said on "Fast Money."
"We're starting to see CPC trends and traffic acquisition cost trends both work positively for Google," Mahaney said, adding that mobile appears to be positive for the company.
Google, along with such names as Amazon.com, eBay and Facebook, has benefited from action in Apple stock.
"I think those kind of flows have happened across a good number of high-growth tech stocks," he said. "They've all benefited from those Apple flows. I think the Google story stands on its own."
Mahaney also cited Google's growth potential from YouTube, which it owns, and its success within an "explosive growth market."
"We think Google's going to be one of these winners, he said.
Mahaney's top picks within the tech sector include Google, Amazon.com and Priceline.com.
Meanwhile, he also said he didn't expect Facebook stock to return to its IPO price this year.
"I think it's highly unlikely that Facebook gets back to $38," he said. "I don't see a valuation case for $38 in the next 12 months."
Trader disclosure: On Feb. 4, 2013, the following stocks and commodities mentioned or intended to be mentioned on CNBC's "Fast Money" were owned by the "Fast Money" traders: Joe Terranova is long VRTS; Joe Terranova is long AAPL; Joe Terranova is long GS; Joe Terranova is long SWN; Joe Terranova is long XOM; Steve Weiss is long BBRY; Steve Weiss is long RIMM; Steve Weiss is long BAC; Steve Weiss is long TBF; Steve Weiss is long C; Stephanie Link is long GS; Stephanie Link is long WFC; Stephanie Link is long CSCO; Stephanie Link is long SBUX; Stephanie Link is long CVX; Simon Baker is long AAPL; Simon Baker is long C; Simon Baker is long WFC; Simon Baker is long GOOG.
