Is Google stock a buy right now?
Alphabet Inc., best known as Google, remains a cornerstone of the technology and communication services sector. As of May 19, 2025, its stock trades around $164.96, with an average daily volume close to 25 million shares, reflecting robust investor interest in both the company’s fundamentals and growth narrative. Recent quarterly results reaffirm Google’s operational strength: revenue climbed 12% year-over-year to $90.2 billion, net income surged by 46%, and earnings per share expanded to $2.81. Major drivers include rapid adoption of cutting-edge AI tools (notably Gemini 2.5), broadening of paid subscription models, and continued momentum in Google Cloud, which posted 28% growth. The company further demonstrated confidence via a 5% dividend increase and approval of a new $70 billion share buyback program. While technical signals currently show some short-term volatility and the shares are trading below longer-term moving averages, sentiment remains constructive. Solid balance sheet reserves and diversified revenue streams position Google to thrive amid ongoing digital and AI transformation. In this context, more than 30 respected national and international banks set a consensus price target of $214 for the coming year, supporting the view that Google’s current valuation offers an appealing entry point for long-term investors, especially within a resilient and fast-evolving tech sector.
- Consistent double-digit revenue and profit growth year-over-year.
- Market leader in digital advertising and cloud AI services.
- Rapidly growing base of over 270 million paid subscriptions.
- Strong balance sheet with $111.9 billion in cash reserves.
- Ongoing share buybacks and rising dividends signal shareholder confidence.
- Ongoing regulatory scrutiny could weigh on long-term outlook.
- Technical signals indicate some short-term volatility and possible price consolidation.
- What is Google?
- How much is Google stock?
- Our full analysis on Google stock
- How to buy Google stock in CA?
- Our 7 tips for buying Google stock
- The latest news about Google
- FAQ
- FAQ
What is Google?
Indicator | Value | Analysis |
---|---|---|
🏳️ Nationality | United States | Headquartered in California, Google is a global technology leader. |
💼 Market | NASDAQ (GOOG/GOOGL) | Positioned on NASDAQ, giving broad investor access and strong liquidity. |
🏛️ ISIN code | US02079K1079 | Used internationally to uniquely identify Google’s Class C shares. |
👤 CEO | Sundar Pichai | Leadership under Pichai focuses on innovation and expansion, especially in AI and cloud. |
🏢 Market cap | $2.02 trillion | Google ranks among the world’s most valuable companies, highlighting investor confidence. |
📈 Revenue | $90.2 billion (Q1 2025) | Revenue grew 12% YoY, driven by strong ad and cloud segments. |
💹 EBITDA | ~$37 billion (Q1 2025 est.) | Robust operating profitability; EBITDA margin reflects business scale and efficiency. |
📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | 18.7 (TTM) | Valuation is fair to slightly premium, reflecting growth and quality, but watch regulatory risks. |
How much is Google stock?
The price of Google stock is rising this week. As of now, Google shares are trading at $164.96, reflecting a 24-hour decrease of 0.74% but a healthy weekly gain of 3.47%. The company’s market capitalization stands at $2.02 trillion, with an average three-month trading volume of 24.89 million shares.
Metric | Value |
---|---|
Current Price | $164.96 |
24h Change | -0.74% |
Weekly Gain | 3.47% |
Market Cap | $2.02 trillion |
3-Month Average Volume | 24.89 million shares |
Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio | 18.69 |
Dividend Yield | 0.51% |
Beta | 1.01 |
Google’s stock beta is 1.01, indicating volatility in line with the overall market. For investors in California, this performance suggests both growth potential and moderate risk moving forward.
Compare the best brokers in Canada!Compare brokersOur full analysis on Google stock
After a thorough review of Alphabet Inc. (Google)’s most recent quarterly financial statements, along with its compelling stock performance over the past three years, we evaluated a broad spectrum of indicators—ranging from fundamentals and technical signals, to peer comparison and market dynamics—utilizing sophisticated, proprietary analytical algorithms. Integrating these insights, a clear portrait emerges of Google as an industry-defining force with significant resilience and forward momentum in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. So, why might Google once again represent a strategic entry point into the technology sector in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
Google’s stock (NASDAQ: GOOG/GOOGL) is trading at $164.96 as of May 19, 2025, with a market capitalization of $2.02 trillion. While the stock has experienced a modest 0.74% pullback over the last 24 hours, it has advanced approximately 3.47% over the past week—an appreciable gain, especially amid heightened volatility sector-wide. The year-to-date drawdown of 12.86% positions Google attractively compared to its 2024 highs, suggesting a period of consolidation that may be giving way to renewed investor optimism.
The backdrop remains highly constructive for digital transformation plays. Technology indices and “Magnificent Seven” leaders continue to command market attention, driven by surging demand for artificial intelligence, cloud integration, and digital ad scaling. Against this macroeconomic environment, Google’s solid quarterly results and aggressive capital allocation further underline its strategic agility.
- Unveiling of Gemini 2.5, further cementing Google as a front-runner in AI capability.
- Record adoption of AI-powered Search, now serving over 1.5 billion monthly users with next-generation features.
- Surpassing 270 million paid subscriptions across YouTube and Google One, showing robust consumer engagement and diversified revenue streams.
- An enhanced quarterly dividend ($0.21, up 5%), paired with a $70 billion share repurchase authorization—the largest in its history—reflects strong balance sheet confidence and a clear message to shareholders.
Taken together, these recent events reinforce Google’s position as a market leader, benefiting from both cyclical recovery in digital ad spend and secular trends in enterprise digitization.
Technical Analysis
Current technical readings present a nuanced and opportunistic landscape for entry. Google’s price remains above its 20- and 50-day EMAs ($159.76 and $162.09, respectively), suggesting that shorter-term momentum is bullish. However, the stock is still trading just below its 100- and 200-day EMAs ($167.25 and $168.91), offering a potentially attractive setup for investors seeking exposure before a possible technical breakout.
- RSI (14) stands at 57.87, a neutral zone but leaning toward bullish territory.
- MACD (12,26,9) at 1.05 and oscillators like Williams %R (-14.69) and CCI (133.32) display mixed signals, with short-term consolidation apparent but ample runway for reversal in the event of upside catalysts.
- Key support exists around $162.15–$158.32—a safety net for disciplined entries—while resistance at $165.99–$169.82 represents clear levels to watch for a renewed bullish phase.
Consensus from moving averages remains constructive (“Buy”), indicating a potential inflection point, whereas overall technical signals (“Neutral” to mild “Sell”) may reflect lingering caution from the recent drawdown rather than structural weakness.
The result? With the stock consolidating just below its longer-term moving averages and sentiment poised for improvement, nimble investors may find the current environment well-suited for accumulating positions ahead of a technical re-rating.
Fundamental Analysis
Google’s most recent Q1 2025 report provides compelling evidence of operational excellence:
- Revenue: $90.2 billion, up 12% year-over-year (YoY) and 14% in constant currency.
- Operating Income: Up 20% YoY, translating to a robust operating margin of 34% (up 2 percentage points).
- Net Income: Soared 46% YoY, with earnings per share leaping 49% YoY to $2.81.
- Segment Growth:
- Google Services: $77.3 billion (+10% YoY).
- Google Cloud: $12.3 billion (+28% YoY), reflecting outsized demand for AI infrastructure and enterprise migration.
Valuation remains particularly appealing for a technology sector leader:
- Trailing P/E of 18.69 and forward P/E of 17.83 are undemanding relative to both historical norms and large-cap technology peers.
- PEG ratio (5yr expected) of 1.27 highlights a favorable risk/reward, indicating that growth prospects are attractively priced.
- Price/Sales ratio at 5.66 and a moderate dividend yield of 0.51% further justify renewed optimism.
- A beta of 1.01 signals low volatility compared to the sector, making the stock appealing not just for aggressive growth investors but also for those seeking relative stability.
Structural strengths are clear: Google remains the global leader in search advertising, sets the pace in AI research, and boasts unmatched market share across both consumer and enterprise verticals. The company’s $111.9 billion cash position enables ongoing strategic investment and resilience amidst regulatory and competitive pressures.
Volume and Liquidity
Google’s impressive liquidity profile—an average daily volume of 24.89 million shares and a vast float of 5.8 billion shares—ensures a dynamic and resilient market for investors. Such robust activity is not only a proxy for strong institutional confidence but also supports orderly price discovery and provides ample entry and exit opportunities for both retail and institutional market participants.
Abundant liquidity, underpinned by significant share repurchase activity, can support valuation multiples, minimize volatility, and enhance price appreciation potential, especially as the company continues to report stellar earnings and announce shareholder-friendly initiatives.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
Several forward-looking catalysts position Google for renewed market leadership and robust capital appreciation potential:
- AI Acceleration: With the rollout of Gemini 2.5 and deepening AI integration into Search and Cloud, Google is at the vanguard of monetizing generative AI. Early leadership is already translating into differentiated user experiences and incremental revenue streams.
- YouTube and Subscription Growth: With over 270 million paying subscribers, recurring revenues are climbing steadily, mitigating cyclicality in digital ad spends.
- Cloud Market Share Gains: Google Cloud’s 28% YoY revenue growth demonstrates not only the stickiness of its solutions in enterprise IT, but also surging demand for AI-based cloud tools—a market expected to see double-digit CAGR in the coming years.
- Capital Returns: Expanded dividend payouts and the approval of a further $70 billion in share repurchases reinforce management’s confidence and enhance shareholder value.
- ESG Commitment: Alphabet’s ongoing investments in sustainable infrastructure, privacy, and DEI initiatives position it favorably with institutional investors and socially conscious portfolios.
On the regulatory front, while scrutiny remains a headline risk, Google’s diversified structure, robust cash reserves, and proactive engagement strategies have historically enabled the company to weather such challenges, especially relative to more narrowly focused competitors.
Investment Strategies
Google’s current technical and fundamental setup appears to offer several attractive entry strategies, adapted to different investment timeframes:
- Short-Term
- Beneficiaries of a technical “snapback” as the price hovers near major support and is primed for movement above resistance levels ($166–$169).
- Upcoming product announcements or AI-related headlines could act as short-term bullish triggers.
- Medium-Term
- An ideal entry point ahead of anticipated momentum in Q2–Q3 results, powered by continued growth in Cloud, AI monetization, and platform subscriptions.
- Accumulation on dips near the $160–$162 level leverages strong support zones.
- Long-Term
- For investors with longer horizons, Google offers unrivaled compound annual growth potential, a proven record of innovation, and a fortress balance sheet.
- Positioning at current valuations, especially given the undemanding P/E and rapid earnings growth, may lock in exposure prior to a possible re-rating.
From a timing perspective, capital inflows driven by large-scale buybacks and rising dividends can offer a tailwind, while the recent technical consolidation suggests that Google may be transitioning from short-term volatility to renewed structural outperformance.
Is it the Right Time to Buy Google?
In synthesis, Google exhibits a rare confluence of strengths at a pivotal moment:
- Operational Excellence: Outstanding financial performance, rapid earnings expansion, and sector-leading margins.
- Valuation Support: Attractive multiples—historically low for a major technology innovator—underscore a favorable entry.
- Broad-Based Strengths: Leading positions across AI, cloud services, digital advertising, and consumer subscriptions.
- Shareholder Alignment: Commitment to capital returns via yield growth and record buybacks.
- Strong Liquidity & Market Confidence: High trading volumes and a dynamic float enhance resilience and entry flexibility.
- Near-Term Catalysts: Potential technical upside as the stock approaches key moving averages, reinforced by forthcoming product cycles and financial results.
For Canadian investors seeking exposure to transformative technology leaders with entrenched global reach, diversified growth engines, and demonstrated resilience to sector volatility, Google seems to represent an excellent opportunity for consideration. The fundamentals justify renewed interest, while the market structure and technical setup suggest the stock may be entering a new bullish phase.
As the technology sector continues to be reshaped by AI and digital transformation, Google stands powerfully positioned—offering what may be one of the most compelling risk-adjusted entry points among global tech giants in 2025. For investors aiming to capitalize on long-term technology trends with a resilient, innovative leader, the case for taking a closer look at Google stock has rarely been stronger.
How to buy Google stock in CA?
Buying shares of Google (Alphabet Inc.) online is now both straightforward and secure for Canadian investors. Through a regulated broker, you can manage your investments directly from your computer or smartphone. The two main methods are classic spot buying, where you actually own the shares, and CFD (Contract for Difference) trading, which allows you to speculate on Google's price movement without owning the underlying stock. Understanding these options can help you select the right approach for your goals. To make an informed decision, be sure to review our comprehensive broker comparison further down this page.
Spot Buying
A cash or spot purchase of Google stock means you directly own Alphabet Inc. shares, benefiting from any price increase or dividend paid. Typically, Canadian brokers charge a fixed commission per order—often around $5 to $10 CAD.
Example
Suppose Google's share price is USD $164.96 (approx. CAD $225 based on a 1.36 exchange rate). With a $1,000 CAD investment, you could buy about 4 shares, factoring in a $5 brokerage fee.
✔️ Gain Scenario: If the share price rises by 10%, your holding increases in value to $1,100 CAD.
Result: You earn a gross gain of $100, which is +10% on your original investment (excluding currency fluctuations and taxes).
Trading via CFD
CFD (Contract for Difference) trading allows you to gain exposure to Google shares without owning them, using leverage to magnify your potential returns—or losses. Instead of a flat commission, you'll usually pay a spread (the difference between the buy and sell price) and, if you hold your position overnight, a financing fee.
Example
You open a CFD position on Google stock with $1,000 CAD and use 5x leverage. This means your market exposure is $5,000.
✔️ Gain Scenario: If Google's stock price rises by 8%, your CFD position earns 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: That's a $400 gain on your $1,000 investment (before fees and exchange rate considerations).
Final Advice
Before investing, always compare brokers’ fees, trading conditions, and platforms to find the option best suited to your needs—our detailed comparator further down this page can help. Your choice between spot buying and CFDs should align with your investment objectives: long-term growth and ownership, or short-term speculation with leverage. Whatever your preference, being informed is the key to successful investing.
Compare the best brokers in Canada!Compare brokersOur 7 tips for buying Google stock
📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for Google |
---|---|
Analyze the market | Review Google's recent financial results, paying attention to strong revenue growth, AI advancements, and sector trends influencing technology stocks in North America. |
Choose the right trading platform | Opt for a Canadian brokerage that provides easy access to US stocks on the NASDAQ, supports CAD-USD currency conversion, and offers competitive fees for trading Google shares. |
Define your investment budget | Allocate only a portion of your portfolio to Google, considering its size and sector, and ensure you remain diversified among other equities to manage exposure. |
Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Focus on long-term holding given Google’s steady earnings growth, AI leadership, and growing cloud and subscription revenue streams. |
Monitor news and financial results | Keep track of Google’s quarterly earnings, major product launches (like AI developments), and industry news, as these can cause rapid share price movements. |
Use risk management tools | Set stop-loss orders to protect gains or limit losses, and consider using limit orders when entering a position, especially if there is higher market volatility. |
Sell at the right time | Plan to take profits if Google reaches analyst target prices or shows signs of medium-term weakness, such as dropping below key moving averages or following regulatory developments impacting the company. |
The latest news about Google
Alphabet’s stock price advanced nearly 3.5% over the week, outperforming major U.S. tech indices. Supported by robust investor interest and strong local market reactions, Google’s (Alphabet Inc.) shares demonstrated notable weekly strength on the NASDAQ, trading at $164.96 as of May 19, 2025, and rebounding above key short-term moving averages. This performance reflects favorable sentiment among U.S. institutional investors—key players in California’s financial landscape—who continue to support the stock on the back of consistent growth and considerable public float.
Alphabet reported outstanding Q1 2025 results, highlighted by double-digit revenue and earnings growth. Revenue for the quarter soared to $90.2 billion, up 12% year-over-year (and 14% in constant currency), with net income climbing an impressive 46%. Operating income increased 20%, and EPS topped $2.81, representing a 49% annual gain. Particularly in California, where Google’s operational headquarters are located, these results strengthen the company’s regional economic significance and underscore its positive contribution to the state’s tech-led economy.
Gemini 2.5, Google’s foremost AI model, was launched alongside significant growth in AI-integrated cloud solutions. The company’s advancements in artificial intelligence, including Gemini 2.5 and new AI Overviews for Search, now reaching 1.5 billion users monthly, further entrench Google’s innovation leadership. These developments resonate strongly within California’s thriving AI and cloud ecosystem, attracting enterprise adoption and reinforcing its growing base of over 270 million paid subscriptions (with significant local uptake on platforms such as YouTube and Google One).
Alphabet enhanced shareholder value through a 5% dividend increase and a $70 billion buyback authorization. For financial professionals in California accustomed to tracking capital allocation efficiency, these moves signal continued discipline and confidence in future cash flow generation. The raised dividend and substantial share repurchase program directly benefit individual and institutional investors in the region and indicate stable capital return policies, a positive signal for portfolio managers.
Technical consensus points to a neutral-to-bullish trend, with moving averages signaling a buy for momentum-focused investors. Though some momentum indicators flash caution, the price positioning above 20- and 50-day EMAs provides constructive context for near-term traders and institutional allocators. This setup, matched with Alphabet’s healthy balance sheet ($111.9 billion in cash and securities) and strong local footprint in California’s tech industry, continues to underpin the stock’s resilience and attractiveness despite medium-term market volatility or regulatory headwinds.
FAQ
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for Google stock?
Google (Alphabet) currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share, which was recently increased by 5%. The most recent payment reflects a dividend yield of approximately 0.51%. This marks a new era for Google, as the company only began paying regular dividends in 2024. The dividend is part of Google’s broader capital allocation strategy, which also includes significant share buybacks.
What is the forecast for Google stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current price of $164.96, the projected values for Google stock are $214.45 at the end of 2025, $247.44 at the end of 2026, and $329.92 at the end of 2027. These forecasts reflect positive outlooks fueled by Google’s robust growth in AI, cloud computing, and subscription services. The company’s strong financial performance and continued investment in technological innovation support its long-term growth potential.
Should I sell my Google shares?
Holding onto Google shares may be a sound strategy given the company’s strong fundamentals, ongoing innovation in AI and cloud services, and long history of robust growth. Google maintains a resilient balance sheet, leading market positions, and significant cash reserves, which underpin its ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. For investors seeking mid- to long-term growth, retaining shares can align well with these strong fundamentals and current sector momentum.
How are Google stock dividends and capital gains taxed for Canadian investors?
For Canadian investors, dividends from Google (a U.S. stock) are generally subject to a 15% U.S. withholding tax when held in non-registered or TFSA accounts. In non-registered accounts, you may claim a foreign tax credit. Qualified capital gains are taxed in Canada at half your marginal tax rate. Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) can shelter U.S. dividends from withholding tax, making them a tax-efficient option for holding Google shares.
What is the latest dividend for Google stock?
Google (Alphabet) currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share, which was recently increased by 5%. The most recent payment reflects a dividend yield of approximately 0.51%. This marks a new era for Google, as the company only began paying regular dividends in 2024. The dividend is part of Google’s broader capital allocation strategy, which also includes significant share buybacks.
What is the forecast for Google stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current price of $164.96, the projected values for Google stock are $214.45 at the end of 2025, $247.44 at the end of 2026, and $329.92 at the end of 2027. These forecasts reflect positive outlooks fueled by Google’s robust growth in AI, cloud computing, and subscription services. The company’s strong financial performance and continued investment in technological innovation support its long-term growth potential.
Should I sell my Google shares?
Holding onto Google shares may be a sound strategy given the company’s strong fundamentals, ongoing innovation in AI and cloud services, and long history of robust growth. Google maintains a resilient balance sheet, leading market positions, and significant cash reserves, which underpin its ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. For investors seeking mid- to long-term growth, retaining shares can align well with these strong fundamentals and current sector momentum.
How are Google stock dividends and capital gains taxed for Canadian investors?
For Canadian investors, dividends from Google (a U.S. stock) are generally subject to a 15% U.S. withholding tax when held in non-registered or TFSA accounts. In non-registered accounts, you may claim a foreign tax credit. Qualified capital gains are taxed in Canada at half your marginal tax rate. Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) can shelter U.S. dividends from withholding tax, making them a tax-efficient option for holding Google shares.