Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)

A side-by-side comparison of Alphabet Inc. and Mastercard Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: GOOGL is classified in Communication Services; MA is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnGOOGL vs MA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
GOOGL +751.8% (+23.9%/yr)MA +498.8% (+19.6%/yr)GOOGL compounded faster over this window
2004006008001kStart $10020182020202220242026$852$599
GOOGL MA

GOOGL vs MA: by the numbers

  • GOOGL is the larger company ($4.10T vs $499.20B market cap).
  • GOOGL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.00 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • GOOGL converts more revenue to profit (54.77% vs 46.34% net margin).
  • MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs 15.15% CAGR).
  • MA pays the higher dividend yield (0.60% vs 0.26%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGOOGLMA
P/E ratio17.0031.31
Forward P/E16.4628.52
P/S ratio9.1914.23
P/B ratio6.4088.97
EV / EBITDA24.03N/A
FCF yield1.30%N/A

Profitability

MetricGOOGLMA
Gross margin60.90%100.00%
Operating margin33.11%59.84%
Net margin54.77%46.34%
ROE38.13%289.73%
ROIC15.14%N/A

Dividends

MetricGOOGLMA
Dividend yield0.26%0.60%
Payout ratio4.27%18.54%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGOOGLMA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.15%16.09%
EPS CAGR (5Y)29.81%20.93%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.33%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.97%10.88%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, GOOGL or MA?
GOOGL has the lower trailing P/E: GOOGL trades at 17.00 and MA at 31.31. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, GOOGL or MA?
Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — GOOGL at a 15.15% CAGR versus MA at 16.09%.
Does GOOGL or MA pay a bigger dividend?
GOOGL yields 0.26% and MA yields 0.60% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GOOGL or MA more profitable?
GOOGL runs the higher net margin — GOOGL at 54.77% versus MA at 46.34%.
How have GOOGL and MA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, GOOGL delivered 23.89% and MA delivered 19.83% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 September 10, 2026.