Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) vs Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)
A side-by-side comparison of Caterpillar Inc. and Alphabet Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: CAT is classified in Industrials; GOOGL is classified in Communication Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
$840.85IndustrialsDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
GOOGL
Alphabet Inc.
$333.71Communication ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CAT vs GOOGL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 22yCAT +3997.2%GOOGL +13026.4%GOOGL compounded faster
CAT GOOGL
CAT vs GOOGL: by the numbers
- •GOOGL is the larger company ($4.04T vs $387.33B market cap).
- •GOOGL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.40 vs 43.45 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •GOOGL converts more revenue to profit (54.76% vs 13.31% net margin).
- •GOOGL grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.15% vs 10.47% CAGR).
- •CAT pays the higher dividend yield (0.69% vs 0.26%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CAT | GOOGL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 43.45 | 16.40 |
| Forward P/E | 35.24 | 16.71 |
| P/S ratio | 5.75 | 9.01 |
| P/B ratio | 21.80 | 6.28 |
| PEG ratio | 1.55 | 0.84 |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.77 | 23.57 |
| FCF yield | 2.81% | 1.05% |
Profitability
| Metric | CAT | GOOGL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 32.52% | 60.90% |
| Operating margin | 16.56% | 33.12% |
| Net margin | 13.31% | 54.76% |
| ROE | 50.48% | 38.13% |
| ROIC | 11.42% | 21.82% |
Dividends
| Metric | CAT | GOOGL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.69% | 0.26% |
| Payout ratio | 31.96% | 7.79% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CAT | GOOGL |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.47% | 15.15% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 27.96% | 29.81% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 17.77% | 11.33% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 35.31% | 20.10% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAT or GOOGL?
- GOOGL has the lower trailing P/E: CAT trades at 43.45 and GOOGL at 16.40. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CAT or GOOGL?
- Over the past five years, GOOGL grew revenue faster — CAT at a 10.47% CAGR versus GOOGL at 15.15%.
- Does CAT or GOOGL pay a bigger dividend?
- CAT yields 0.69% and GOOGL yields 0.26% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CAT or GOOGL more profitable?
- GOOGL runs the higher net margin — CAT at 13.31% versus GOOGL at 54.76%.
- How have CAT and GOOGL total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CAT delivered 29.17% and GOOGL delivered 24.08% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Caterpillar P/E ratioAlphabet P/E ratioCaterpillar dividend yieldAlphabet dividend yieldCaterpillar ROEAlphabet ROECaterpillar operating marginAlphabet operating marginCaterpillar revenue growthAlphabet revenue growthCaterpillar free cash flowAlphabet free cash flow
Caterpillar & Alphabet appear in these rankings
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Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.