Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) vs PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL)

A side-by-side comparison of Alphabet Inc. and PayPal Holdings, 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.

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

Total returnGOOGL vs PYPL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 11y
GOOGL +1103.8%PYPL +53.9%GOOGL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020172019202120232025$1,204$154
GOOGL PYPL

GOOGL vs PYPL: by the numbers

  • GOOGL is the larger company ($4.04T vs $51.44B market cap).
  • PYPL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.52 vs 16.40 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • GOOGL converts more revenue to profit (54.76% vs 14.36% net margin).
  • GOOGL grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.15% vs 7.43% CAGR).
  • PYPL pays the higher dividend yield (0.75% vs 0.26%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGOOGLPYPL
P/E ratio16.4010.52
Forward P/E16.7110.56
P/S ratio9.011.53
P/B ratio6.282.58
PEG ratio0.840.30
EV / EBITDA23.57N/A
FCF yield1.05%N/A

Profitability

MetricGOOGLPYPL
Gross margin60.90%45.75%
Operating margin33.12%18.78%
Net margin54.76%14.36%
ROE38.13%24.73%
ROIC21.82%14.95%

Dividends

MetricGOOGLPYPL
Dividend yield0.26%0.75%
Payout ratio7.79%7.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGOOGLPYPL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.15%7.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)29.81%8.81%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.33%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)20.10%-27.93%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, GOOGL or PYPL?
PYPL has the lower trailing P/E: GOOGL trades at 16.40 and PYPL at 10.52. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, GOOGL or PYPL?
Over the past five years, GOOGL grew revenue faster — GOOGL at a 15.15% CAGR versus PYPL at 7.43%.
Does GOOGL or PYPL pay a bigger dividend?
GOOGL yields 0.26% and PYPL yields 0.75% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GOOGL or PYPL more profitable?
GOOGL runs the higher net margin — GOOGL at 54.76% versus PYPL at 14.36%.
How have GOOGL and PYPL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, GOOGL delivered 24.08% and PYPL delivered 4.66% 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 July 28, 2026.