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GitLab (GTLB) Analysts Say Fears of AI Replacing Developers Are Overblown
Yahoo Financeยท 2025-09-17 15:26
Core Viewpoint - GitLab Inc. is highlighted as a significant AI stock to monitor, with Guggenheim initiating coverage with a Buy rating and a price target of $70, indicating a potential upside of 43% [1][3] Company Overview - GitLab is recognized as a leading enterprise-focused DevSecOps platform, boasting a gross retention rate exceeding 95% [1][3] - The company has nearly 2 million paid users, which is a small fraction of the global developer headcount, suggesting substantial growth potential [3] Market Dynamics - Concerns regarding AI coding assistants replacing developers and threatening GitLab's seat-based model are deemed overblown [2][3] - The paid user base has been growing at a double-digit rate over the past year, primarily driven by the Duo AI suite and the Ultimate tier [2][3] Financial Performance - GitLab reported a 29% revenue growth in F2Q26, with significant acceleration in Total New Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) [3] - The company is projected to grow 27% in FY26, surpassing consensus estimates of 24%, and 26% in FY27, which is 8% above the consensus of 20% [3] Strategic Positioning - GitLab's Duo AI suite is noted for offering more comprehensive features compared to standalone AI tools, contributing to user growth and enterprise expansion [3] - There is potential for price increases, including usage-based pricing for the Duo suite, which is currently in development [3] Profitability Outlook - GitLab maintains a peer-high gross margin of 90%, indicating room for significant free cash flow margin expansion, projected to be higher than the estimated 21% in FY26 [3]