Everyone wants to invest in big companies to save their capital. Among the few most profitable companies, Google is one of the top. If you’re looking for a secure investment, consider investing in Google. However, you may wonder why you have two types of shares, GOOGL and GOOG.
Do you know the difference between GOOG and GOOGL? If you are not aware, you are not alone; many others are also unaware of this. To help you all, we are going to explore their difference. Let’s read our GOOGL VS GOOG comparison blog and make the right decision.
Understanding Alphabet’s Share Class Structure
Alphabet Inc. has a unique three-tiered stock classification system:
- GOOGL (Class A): Grants 1 vote per share
- GOOG (Class C): Grants 0 voting rights
- Class B: Not publicly traded; carries 10 votes per share.
1. GOOGL (Class A) – The Voting Stock
GOOGL shareholders can vote on critical decisions at shareholder meetings. These decisions include:
- Electing board members
- Approving mergers or acquisitions
- Executive compensation
When you own GOOGL stock, you get a small say in how Google runs. It gives regular investors a little power in company decisions. But most control still stays with the founders and insiders. They own special Class B shares that hold most of the voting rights.
2. GOOG (Class C) – The Non-Voting Stock
GOOG shares allow you to invest in Google without granting you voting power. Alphabet started these in 2014 to raise money while keeping control in the hands of insiders. If you care more about making money than voting on company matters, GOOG might be the right choice for you.
Voting Rights: Do They Matter for Individual Investors?
While it may seem empowering to have a vote, the reality is that Class B shares dominate Alphabet’s decisions. With 59.6% of voting power, insiders like Larry Page and Sergey Brin maintain complete control. GOOGL shareholders, who collectively own 40.4% of voting power, often have minimal influence unless they act in large groups.
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Still, some investors value the right to vote as a matter of principle or long-term influence. If corporate governance matters to you, GOOGL is the better option.
Price & Performance: GOOGL vs GOOG Stock
GOOG and GOOGL stocks usually have the same price and performance because they belong to the same company and share the same financial results. GOOGL may cost a little more since it includes voting rights, but this difference is slight and doesn’t matter much for short-term investors. Over the long term, both give the same returns and benefits. If you don’t care about voting power, GOOG can sometimes be a bit cheaper to buy, making it a good choice for many regular investors.
Which Stock Do Experts Prefer?
Many analysts don’t show a strong preference between GOOG and GOOGL – they view both as essentially the same investment, especially for small individual investors. That said, Gyula Lencsés, a CFA and market analyst, shared his experience as a GOOGL shareholder who enjoyed participating in shareholder voting. While he acknowledged his influence was minimal, the experience of being part of Alphabet’s governance added value for him.
Stock Availability in Pakistan and Global Markets
Both GOOGL and GOOG are available through international stock brokers. If you’re based in Pakistan or a similar market, some of the best global brokers to access these stocks include:
- Interactive Brokers – Score: 4.8/5
- CapTrader – Score: 4.5/5
- Alpaca Trading – Score: 4.2/5
- Zacks Trade – Score: 4.2/5
- XM – Score: 3.6/5
- EasyEquities – Score: 3.3/5
These platforms allow you to open accounts, deposit funds, and trade both GOOGL and GOOG from your home country.
Real-Life Voting Experience as a GOOGL Shareholder
On 2 June 2023, at Alphabet’s Annual Meeting, GOOGL shareholders were invited to vote on company matters online. Investors received a proxy statement via email, cast votes electronically, and could even interact with other shareholders and executives.
For investors like Gyula, even with limited voting power, participating in the process felt meaningful and offered a stronger connection with the company.
Comparison Table: Alphabet Share Classes
| Share Class | Ticker | Publicly Traded | Votes per Share | No. of Shares (in millions)* | Total Voting Power |
| Class A | GOOGL | Yes | 1 | 5,874 | 40.4% |
| Class B | – | No | 10 | 867 | 59.6% |
| Class C | GOOG | Yes | 0 | 5,617 | 0% |
FAQs
What is the difference between GOOG and GOOGL?
GOOGL shares offer voting rights, while GOOG shares do not. That’s the only real difference.
Why does Google have two stock tickers?
Google created GOOG and GOOGL to raise funds while maintaining control. This structure allows founders to keep voting power through Class B shares while offering two types of public shares.
Is GOOGL more expensive than GOOG?
Sometimes. GOOGL can trade at a slight premium because of its voting rights. But the difference is usually subtle.
Which should I buy – GOOG or GOOGL?
If voting matters to you, go for GOOGL. If you’re only interested in financial returns and want the best price, GOOG is just fine.
Conclusion
In the battle of GOOGL vs GOOG, the right choice depends on your investment values. GOOGL offers voting rights and a direct role in corporate governance, while GOOG provides the same financial benefits without that option. For most everyday investors, especially those with limited holdings, voting rights typically have a minimal practical impact.
However, if being part of the decision-making process excites you, GOOGL is the stock to consider. On the other hand, if your goal is simply to invest in one of the world’s most innovative tech giants without overpaying, GOOG may offer better value. Whichever you choose, both give you exposure to Alphabet’s growth and Google’s global dominance.
