Alphabet vs Netflix (GOOGL vs NFLX)
Alphabet (GOOGL) vs Netflix (NFLX) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Alphabet (GOOGL) and Netflix (NFLX) compete in internet, media and entertainment. Here are Alphabet and Netflix 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 Netflix.
Alphabet vs Netflix: the figures
| Figure | Alphabet | Netflix |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $288.93 (November 4, 2026) | $66.39 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $3.55 trillion | $276.4 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 15.1x | 19.2x |
| Forward P/E | 18.6x | 17.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +24.7% | +11.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 50.0% | 29.7% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | Net cash | 0.6x |
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 1.23 | 1.61 |
Alphabet and Netflix figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Alphabet or Netflix figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Alphabet and Netflix
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Alphabet keeps 50.0 as net profit and Netflix keeps 29.7.
- Growth: Alphabet grew sales +24.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against +11.8% for Netflix.
- Size: Alphabet is worth $3.55 trillion on the stock market, about 12.8 times Netflix ($276.4 billion).
Alphabet or Netflix: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Alphabet 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): Alphabet 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 Netflix 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 Netflix 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.
Netflix (NFLX)
Netflix makes money from monthly subscriptions to its streaming service, offering series, films, games and live events, and increasingly from ads on its lower-priced plan. It reports by region: United States and Canada, its largest market, followed by Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. Full Netflix analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Alphabet vs Netflix
Is Alphabet or Netflix the better stock?
Choosing between Alphabet and Netflix depends on what you are looking for. Alphabet is growing faster right now, and Alphabet trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Alphabet or Netflix: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Alphabet or Netflix?
As of November 4, 2026, Alphabet yields 0.31% and Netflix pays none. Also check how much of their profit Alphabet and Netflix pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Alphabet or Netflix?
On P/E, Netflix (19.2x) 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 Netflix?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Alphabet and Netflix, 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 Netflix.
More comparisons with Alphabet or Netflix
More companies like Alphabet and Netflix: internet, media and entertainment stocks. Educational content about Alphabet and Netflix, not investment advice.