Company / R&D Expense
Alphabet Inc. R&D Expense History
FY2016-FY2025 · Annual data · Source: SEC filings
At a glance
Latest annual filing availableLatest R&D Expense
$61.1B
FY2025
5-year range
$31.6B / $61.1B
FY2021-FY2025
Trend
+23.8%
vs FY2024
Sector context
#1 of 28
Communication Services
What the data says
Among 28 Communication Services companies, Alphabet Inc. is in the top 4% for r&d expense. R&D Expense has increased for 9 consecutive years, from $13.9B in FY2016 to $61.1B in FY2025.
Based on SEC 10-K filings.
$61.1B in FY2025 with a 5-year CAGR of +17.2%. Ranks 1st among 28 companies in Communication Services.
Improved from $45.4B to $61.1B over the past 2 years.
Communication Services sector context is included.
R&D Expense over time
Growth rates
- 3-Year CAGR
- +15.6%
- 5-Year CAGR
- +17.2%
- 10-Year CAGR
- -
Sector benchmark
+1254.5% above sector average
Key checks
Key Insights
- Alphabet Inc.'s r&d expense has grown for 9 consecutive years.
- 5-year CAGR of +17.2%, indicating consistent growth.
- In FY2025, r&d expense increased 23.8% year-over-year.
- Ranks #1 out of 28 companies in the Communication Services sector.
Company context
Key Data Points
- Strong profit margin: 32.2%
- High earnings quality (cash-backed earnings)
- Strong return on equity: 38.2%
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR filings. Not investment advice.
Annual data
| Year | R&D ExpenseValue | YoY GrowthYoY |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | $61.1B | +23.8% |
| FY2024 | $49.3B | +8.6% |
| FY2023 | $45.4B | +15.0% |
| FY2022 | $39.5B | +25.2% |
| FY2021 | $31.6B | +14.5% |
| FY2020 | $27.6B | +6.0% |
| FY2019 | $26.0B | +21.5% |
| FY2018 | $21.4B | +28.8% |
| FY2017 | $16.6B | +19.2% |
| FY2016 | $13.9B | +13.6% |
As of FY2025 · SEC 10-K Annual Filings · Updated Feb 28, 2026