Alphabet vs Meta (GOOGL vs META)
Alphabet (GOOGL) vs Meta (META) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Alphabet (GOOGL) and Meta (META) compete in internet, media and entertainment. Here are Alphabet and Meta side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Alphabet or Meta.
Alphabet vs Meta: the figures
| Figure | Alphabet | Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $288.93 (November 4, 2026) | $630.00 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $3.55 trillion | $1.61 trillion |
| P/E (TTM) | 15.1x | 21.5x |
| Forward P/E | 18.6x | 17.7x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +24.7% | +26.1% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 50.0% | 31.1% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | Net cash | 0.3x |
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 0.34% |
| Beta | 1.23 | 1.28 |
Alphabet and Meta figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Alphabet or Meta figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Alphabet and Meta
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Alphabet keeps 50.0 as net profit and Meta keeps 31.1.
- Valuation: Meta trades at 21.5x its annual earnings and Alphabet at 15.1x; the market pays more for each dollar of Meta profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Debt: Meta owes 0.3x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Alphabet holds more cash than debt.
Alphabet or Meta: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Meta is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Meta pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Alphabet has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Alphabet trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Alphabet nor Meta wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Alphabet and Meta make money
Alphabet (GOOGL)
Alphabet, Google's parent, makes most of its money from ads on Google Search, YouTube and partner sites, reported within Google Services, which also includes Google Play, subscriptions and Pixel devices. Google Cloud sells cloud infrastructure, Workspace and AI services, while Other Bets houses ventures such as Waymo. Full Alphabet analysis.
Meta (META)
Meta Platforms makes nearly all of its money from advertising in its Family of Apps segment, which includes Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp and Threads. The Reality Labs segment sells Quest virtual reality headsets and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and develops augmented reality technology. Full Meta analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Alphabet vs Meta
Is Alphabet or Meta the better stock?
Choosing between Alphabet and Meta depends on what you are looking for. Meta is growing faster right now, and Alphabet trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Alphabet or Meta: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Alphabet or Meta?
As of November 4, 2026, Meta yields 0.34% and Alphabet yields 0.31%. Also check how much of their profit Alphabet and Meta pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Alphabet or Meta?
On P/E, Meta (21.5x) is more expensive than Alphabet (15.1x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Alphabet and Meta?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Alphabet and Meta, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Alphabet or Meta.
More comparisons with Alphabet or Meta
More companies like Alphabet and Meta: internet, media and entertainment stocks. Educational content about Alphabet and Meta, not investment advice.