Bernstein Initiates Coupang (CPNG) Coverage with Underperform Rating, $17 PT

Coupang Inc. (NYSE:CPNG) is one of the best IPO stocks to buy right now. On February 5, Bernstein initiated coverage of Coupang with an Underperform rating and a $17 price target. This announcement was made as part of the firm’s broader review of the South Korean internet sector.

The firm favors companies with high growth potential linked to online penetration and leadership in AI, expecting the shift toward online channels to continue, specifically within South Korea’s digital advertising market. However, Bernstein contends that the e-commerce and food delivery sectors currently offer limited opportunities for growth.

Earlier on January 12, Nomura downgraded Coupang to Neutral from Buy and reduced its price target to $22 from $30. While the firm initially viewed the November 30 data breach as a temporary issue, it now highlights increased regulatory risk as the South Korean FTC has indicated plans for rigorous administrative measures. As a result, Nomura cut its 2026 EPS forecast by 95% to $0.03, accounting for the costs of a consumer compensation package and a potential $900 million fine.

Bernstein Initiates Coupang (CPNG) Coverage with Underperform Rating, $17 PT

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Coupang Inc. (NYSE:CPNG), together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a retail business through its mobile applications and internet websites in South Korea and internationally.

While we acknowledge the potential of CPNG to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CPNG and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.