# Dell Falls on Barclays Downgrade While ServiceNow and Alphabet See Target Hikes

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/dell-falls-on-barclays-downgrade-while-servicenow-and-alphabet-see-target-hikes-18f6cb
- Published: 2026-10-14T10:30:25Z
- Category: analyst_ratings; sentiment: bearish; impact: medium
- Symbols: [NYSE:DELL](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NYSE-DELL), [NYSE:NOW](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NYSE-NOW), [NASDAQ:GOOG](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-GOOG)
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Dell Technologies (DELL) shares slid in premarket trading after Barclays downgraded the hardware maker to Equal Weight from Overweight and lowered its price target to $574 from $603. The analyst firm expressed caution regarding tech hardware companies exposed to enterprise IT spending, pointing to elevated stock valuations and a lack of clear acceleration in enterprise artificial intelligence demand.

In contrast, ServiceNow (NOW) moved higher earlier following a price target increase to $170 from $154 by Citi, which maintained a Buy rating ahead of the software company's third-quarter earnings report. Citi pointed to improved market sentiment surrounding new AI software products and federal contracts, while ServiceNow also denied reports that it intended to acquire startup Decagon. Meanwhile, Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) edged up after UBS bumped its target price to $380 from $379 while keeping a Neutral stance, stating that market concerns over AI search competition had moderated.

Investors will be watching ServiceNow's upcoming quarterly financial results for validation of strength in enterprise software spending and AI tool adoption. Markets will also keep an eye on enterprise hardware spending trends to see if AI-driven revenue gains begin to materialize for Dell in coming quarters.

## Key points

- Barclays downgraded Dell Technologies (DELL) to Equal Weight with a $574 price target, citing valuation and slow AI demand growth.
- Citi raised its price target on ServiceNow (NOW) to $170, citing improving channel sentiment around AI products and federal business.
- UBS slightly increased its price target on Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) to $380, noting easing concerns over Search disruption.
- Separately, an investment fund tied to Michael Dell agreed to buy a 1.34% stake in SK Group's holding company for $406 million.

## Questions and answers

### Why did Dell stock fall in premarket trading?

Dell stock dropped after Barclays downgraded the company from Overweight to Equal Weight and trimmed its price target to $574, citing high valuations and a lack of significant acceleration in AI demand.

### What is the updated price target for ServiceNow?

Citi raised its price target on ServiceNow to $170 from $154 and maintained a Buy rating, citing confidence ahead of third-quarter earnings.

### Why did UBS update its target for Alphabet?

UBS raised its target on Alphabet to $380 from $379, maintaining a Neutral rating while noting that concerns over ChatGPT competition with Google Search have eased.

