Nvidia vs. Alphabet: Which Is the Better AI Growth Stock for 2026?

Core Viewpoint - Both Nvidia and Alphabet are positioned well in the AI sector, but Alphabet is suggested to offer a better risk-reward balance at current valuations [1][3][15]. Nvidia - Nvidia reported a revenue of $57.0 billion for Q3 of fiscal 2026, marking a 62% year-over-year increase, with data center revenue reaching $51.2 billion, up 66% [4]. - The company's gross margin was 73.4% on a GAAP basis, and earnings per share rose 67% year-over-year to $1.30 [4]. - Nvidia's current price-to-earnings ratio stands at 46, reflecting its rapid growth but also raising concerns about sustainability due to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry [16]. Alphabet - Alphabet's Q3 revenue increased by 16% year-over-year to $102.3 billion, with earnings per share rising 35% to $2.87 [8]. - Google Cloud revenue grew 34% year-over-year to $15.2 billion, with operating income increasing 85% to $3.6 billion and an operating margin of 23.7% [9]. - The backlog for Google Cloud surged 46% sequentially and 82% year-over-year to $155 billion, indicating strong future growth potential [10]. - Alphabet's price-to-earnings ratio is approximately 30, suggesting a more favorable valuation compared to Nvidia [16]. Strategic Partnerships - Alphabet has entered a multi-year collaboration with Apple to integrate Google's Gemini models into Apple's Foundation Models, enhancing AI features like Siri on Apple devices [12][13]. - This partnership is significant as it positions Alphabet centrally in AI interactions across a vast user base of over 2.2 billion active Apple devices [13]. Investment Considerations - While Nvidia is experiencing rapid growth, Alphabet's diversified business model and less cyclical nature make it a more stable investment option [16]. - Despite Alphabet's potential, its current valuation is considered somewhat risky, particularly due to its reliance on advertising and the macroeconomic environment [17][18].