How to buy Google stock
Google is one of the world’s leading technology companies, with a focus on providing internet-based services. In 2015 there was a company restructure, and Google became wholly owned by its now-parent company, Alphabet. When people say ‘buying Google shares’ these days, what this really means is buying shares in Alphabet. If you've made up your mind that buying Google stock is right for you, the next step is opening a brokerage account to buy Google stock.
How do you buy Google stock?
A brokerage account isn't like your 401(k) at work or an individual retirement account (IRA). These accounts are designed to let you trade stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and other investments. But instead of being tax-deferred, you pay capital gains tax on earnings as you realize them.
There are a number of companies that offer brokerage accounts online. If you don’t already have an investment account, you’ll need to open one at a brokerage. Several trading platforms and brokerage firms like SoFi Invest, Robinhood, or eToro are some of the most well-known platforms.
Now, search for GOOG or GOOGL in the search tab, which should be towards the top of the page in your broker’s user interface.
GOOG vs GOOGL: What’s the Difference?
Shares of Google—or rather its parent company, Alphabet, Inc.—comes in two main flavors: GOOGL and GOOG. The main difference between the GOOG and GOOGL stock ticker symbols is that GOOG shares have no voting rights while GOOGL shares do. The reason for the split between the two classes of shares was to preserve the control of founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. When companies go public, company visions can be compromised when founders lose control of their company because too many shares are issued. The stock split is one method that enables Brin and Page to take advantage of public-market liquidity while still retaining voting rights and not losing control of the company.
GOOGL shares are categorized as Class A shares, also known as common stock, which have the typical one-share-one-vote structure. If you feel that voting at the stockholders' meeting is important to you, aim for the A-shares.
GOOG shares are the company's Class C shares, meaning that these shareholders have no voting rights. These Class C shares should not be confused with the type of C-shares issued by some mutual funds.
Should you invest in Google?
The answer depends on your goals, portfolio and available funds. You can also consult financial advisors to buy Google stock.
As part of its parent company, Alphabet, Inc., Google has become one of the largest technology companies in the world. Its stock price has increased along with its rapid growth. From the beginning of January 2021 to the same time a year later, GOOGL’s stock price has increased by more than 50%, and in the third quarter of 2021, the company reported a 41% increase in revenue year over year.
One of Google's biggest competitors is Apple. The iOS operating system and Apple Pay are direct competitors to Android and Google Pay. Other competitors in the tech space include Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Yahoo, and AOL.
