Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)vs Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)

Quick verdict

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) and Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) appeal to different investors. On our six-factor framework, AMD scores 4 and GOOGL scores 2. AMD looks cheaper on the multiples that matter, while AMD grows faster and GOOGL earns higher returns on capital. Overall, AMD edges this comparison, but the right pick depends on whether you prioritise value, growth, income or balance-sheet safety.

2-year relative performance

At-a-glance comparison

Business model and revenue mix

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. operates in Semiconductors (Technology), while Alphabet Inc. sits in Internet Content & Information (Communication Services). The two operate in different sectors, so cyclicality and end-market exposure differ — factor that into any portfolio overlap. AMD carries a beta of 0.75 versus 1.81 for GOOGL, meaning GOOGL has historically been the more volatile of the two.

Valuation

On valuation, AMD is the cheaper stock. AMD trades on a forward P/E of 10.72 and EV/EBITDA of 11.56, against 12.86 and 31.48 for GOOGL. Price-to-sales is 18.95 vs 9.43, and free-cash-flow yield is 6.5% vs 1.5%. A higher multiple is only justified if the company can sustain faster growth or wider margins, which is exactly what the next sections test.

Growth profile

AMD is the faster grower. AMD has compounded revenue at 16.4% over three years with EPS growth of 10.3%, while GOOGL has delivered 12.4% revenue and 8.4% EPS growth. Growth like this is the single biggest driver of long-term returns, but it also tends to come with a richer valuation, so it must be weighed against the multiples above.

Profitability and quality

On profitability and quality, GOOGL is stronger. AMD posts a 28.6% operating margin, 11.8% return on equity and 34.5% return on invested capital. GOOGL posts 42.2%, 7.3% and 38.5% respectively. Return on invested capital above roughly 15% is a hallmark of a durable competitive advantage, so this metric deserves particular attention.

Balance-sheet risk

AMD has the safer balance sheet. AMD carries net-debt/EBITDA of 1.19x with a current ratio of 3.29, versus 2.61x and 2.92 for GOOGL. Lower leverage gives a company more room to invest through a downturn and reduces the risk of dilution or distress.

Price performance and shareholder returns

Over the past year AMD returned 8.3% against 28.9% for GOOGL; on a three-year annualised basis it is -2.0% vs -3.6%. AMD yields 3.5% and GOOGL yields 0.0%. Past performance never guarantees future results, but the multi-year track record shows how the market has rewarded each business so far.

Which stock fits which investor

For value-oriented investors, AMD is the better fit on today's multiples. Growth investors will likely prefer AMD, which is expanding faster. Income investors should lean toward AMD for its higher shareholder yield, while investors who prize quality-at-a-reasonable-price will favour GOOGL for its superior returns on capital. This is a comparison of facts, not a recommendation — your time horizon, risk tolerance and existing holdings should drive the final decision.

• Value: AMD
• Growth: AMD
• Income: AMD
• Quality: GOOGL

Frequently asked questions

Is AMD or GOOGL the better buy right now?

Neither is universally "better." AMD scores 4 and GOOGL scores 2 on our six-factor framework. AMD is cheaper, AMD grows faster, and GOOGL is higher quality — so the right pick depends on your objective.

Which stock is cheaper, AMD or GOOGL?

AMD is the cheaper stock across forward P/E (10.72 vs 12.86), EV/EBITDA (11.56 vs 31.48) and price-to-sales (18.95 vs 9.43).

Which has grown faster, AMD or GOOGL?

AMD has the stronger growth profile, with three-year revenue CAGR of 16.4% for AMD versus 12.4% for GOOGL.

Which stock pays a bigger dividend?

AMD yields 3.5% and GOOGL yields 0.0%, so AMD is the stronger income choice.

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