BIIB vs GOOGL: Biogen Inc. vs Alphabet Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This BIIB vs GOOGL comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Biogen Inc. and Alphabet Inc. side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.

Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Biogen Inc. and Alphabet Inc. have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1991 to 2025 (35 years)

Head-to-Head Record

7
BIIB Wins
0
Ties
15
GOOGL Wins

Over the 22-year comparison period, Biogen Inc. outperformed Alphabet Inc. in 7 years, while Alphabet Inc. outperformed Biogen Inc. in 15 years.

BIIB - Biogen Inc.

Average Annual Return:+37.40%
Best Year:+721.05% (1995)
Worst Year:-62.22% (1994)
Win Rate:57.1% (20/35 years)
Total Value:$526,688.26
Total Gain:+$516,688.26 (+5166.88%)

GOOGL - Alphabet Inc.

Average Annual Return:+30.42%
Best Year:+104.66% (2005)
Worst Year:-55.10% (2008)
Win Rate:77.3% (17/22 years)
Total Value:$978,141.75
Total Gain:+$968,141.75 (+9681.42%)

Overall Winner: BIIB with an average annual return of 37.40% (vs 30.42% for GOOGL)

Understanding BIIB vs GOOGL Performance

When comparing Biogen Inc. and Alphabet Inc., investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.

Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.

Cumulative Growth Comparison

A $10,000 investment in Biogen Inc. grew to $526,688, compared to $978,142 for Alphabet Inc. over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearBIIB ReturnBIIB CumulativeGOOGL ReturnGOOGL CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1991 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1992-30.67%$6,933.33---Tie
1993-31.37%$4,758.17---Tie
1994-36.11%$3,039.94---Tie
1995-62.22%$1,148.42---Tie
1996+721.05%$9,429.17---Tie
1997+24.18%$11,709.42---Tie
1998+52.78%$17,889.40---Tie
1999+38.75%$24,820.71---Tie
2000+320.32%$104,326.62---Tie
2001+103.28%$212,079.53---Tie
2002+16.34%$246,728.14---Tie
2003-51.33%$120,087.63---Tie
2004+6.87%$128,340.59---Tie
2005+80.32%$231,423.05+92.14%$19,213.68-11.82% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2006-31.69%$158,075.65+104.66%$39,322.12-136.35% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2007+5.24%$166,361.59+5.80%$41,603.40-0.56% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2008+15.39%$191,958.27+47.88%$61,523.82-32.50% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2009-14.75%$163,647.26-55.10%$27,624.17+40.35% (BIIB)BIIB
2010+10.33%$180,555.34+92.95%$53,300.22-82.62% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2011+25.00%$225,694.18-5.23%$50,512.54+30.23% (BIIB)BIIB
2012+63.76%$369,607.84+6.88%$53,985.36+56.89% (BIIB)BIIB
2013+28.96%$476,647.55+6.31%$57,390.43+22.65% (BIIB)BIIB
2014+86.38%$888,375.74+54.95%$88,929.18+31.43% (BIIB)BIIB
2015+21.09%$1,075,729.21-4.75%$84,705.99+25.84% (BIIB)BIIB
2016-10.43%$963,567.26+46.92%$124,449.25-57.35% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2017-3.75%$927,460.44+4.35%$129,858.61-8.09% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2018+9.21%$1,012,858.97+30.37%$169,296.24-21.16% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2019-9.95%$912,079.25-2.63%$164,839.88-7.32% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2020-2.61%$888,251.28+26.99%$209,338.25-29.61% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2021-16.78%$739,183.04+28.05%$268,064.52-44.84% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2022-1.25%$729,964.17+67.83%$449,904.47-69.08% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2023+13.43%$827,974.47-39.15%$273,775.22+52.57% (BIIB)BIIB
2024-5.08%$785,881.75+56.74%$429,125.42-61.83% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2025-42.88%$448,907.55+37.50%$590,055.18-80.38% (GOOGL)GOOGL
2026+17.33%$526,688.26+65.77%$978,141.75-48.44% (GOOGL)GOOGL

Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means BIIB outperformed GOOGL that year.

Company Profiles

1

Biogen Inc.

BIIB

Biogen Inc. is an American multinational biotechnology company specializing in the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative therapies for people living with serious neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. The company focuses on conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered the use of recombinant DNA technology in the biotechnology industry.
  • Developed Spinraza, the first approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Business Segments

  • Multiple Sclerosis
    Develops and commercializes therapies for multiple sclerosis.
  • Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
    Focuses on research and development of treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
    Develops and commercializes therapies for spinal muscular atrophy.
2

Alphabet Inc.

GOOGL

Alphabet Inc. is a global technology conglomerate that serves as the parent company of Google and several other 'Other Bets' ventures. As of 2026, Alphabet is a vertically integrated AI powerhouse, leveraging its proprietary Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and Gemini 3 foundational models to dominate digital advertising, cloud infrastructure, and autonomous systems. Its ecosystem revolves around the 'Google Services' segment, which includes the world's most popular search engine, YouTube, and the Android operating system. The company is currently navigating a 'dual-track' reality: unprecedented growth in its AI-native cloud division and the commercial scaling of Waymo, balanced against significant regulatory shifts following U.S. antitrust mandates regarding search data sharing and default agreements.

Key Innovations

  • PageRank Algorithm (The foundation of modern search)
  • Tensor Processing Units (TPU v6) - Proprietary AI-accelerated silicon
  • Gemini 3 - Multi-modal, frontier-scale generative AI model
  • Waymo Driver - Level 4 fully autonomous driving technology
  • Transformer Architecture - The research breakthrough that enabled the modern LLM era
  • AlphaFold - AI-driven protein structure prediction for drug discovery
  • Project Suncatcher - Orbital data center technology testing

Business Segments

  • Google Services
    The largest revenue segment, encompassing Google Search, YouTube advertising and subscriptions (YouTube Premium/TV), the Android ecosystem, Chrome, Google Maps, and Google Play. This segment also includes hardware sales for the Pixel smartphone line and Nest smart home devices. In 2026, this division is characterized by the integration of 'Agentic AI' assistants that perform tasks on behalf of users.
  • Google Cloud
    Provides enterprise-grade cloud infrastructure (Google Cloud Platform) and productivity tools (Google Workspace). This segment is Alphabet's fastest-growing unit, offering specialized AI training clusters powered by TPU v6 and Axion processors. It serves as a critical partner for major enterprises and AI startups needing scalable compute and sovereignty-focused data residency.
  • Other Bets
    A collection of high-growth, early-stage businesses. This includes Waymo (autonomous ride-hailing), Verily and Calico (health and life sciences), X (the 'moonshot' factory), and Wing (drone delivery). By 2026, Waymo has emerged as a significant top-line contributor following its expansion into dozens of major global metropolitan areas.

How This Comparison Works

Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:

  • Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
  • Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
  • Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
  • Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates

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Important Disclaimer

This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.