Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA)
A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Alibaba Group Holding Limited across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: AAPL is classified in Technology; BABA is classified in Consumer Cyclical. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
AAPL
Apple Inc.
$332.27TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
BABA
Alibaba Group Holding Limited
$109.30Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:01 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs BABA
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAAPL +1218.0% (+29.4%/yr)BABA +12.7% (+1.2%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AAPL BABA
AAPL vs BABA: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $261.98B market cap).
- •BABA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.88 vs 38.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.62% vs 7.02% net margin).
- •AAPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.10% vs 5.11% CAGR).
- •BABA pays the higher dividend yield (0.97% vs 0.32%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | BABA |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.06 | 25.88 |
| Forward P/E | 37.62 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 10.45 | 1.74 |
| P/B ratio | 45.39 | 1.70 |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.32 | 31.14 |
| FCF yield | 2.80% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | BABA |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 48.65% | 38.12% |
| Operating margin | 33.17% | 4.23% |
| Net margin | 27.62% | 7.02% |
| ROE | 119.91% | 6.83% |
| ROIC | 51.87% | 1.99% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | BABA |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.32% | 0.97% |
| Payout ratio | 12.14% | 24.87% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | BABA |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.10% | 5.11% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | -4.87% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.60% | -62.38% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 17.58% | -7.24% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or BABA?
- BABA has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and BABA at 25.88. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AAPL or BABA?
- Over the past five years, AAPL grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus BABA at 5.11%.
- Does AAPL or BABA pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.32% and BABA yields 0.97% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or BABA more profitable?
- AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus BABA at 7.02%.
- How have AAPL and BABA total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and BABA delivered 1.49% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Apple P/E ratioAlibaba Group P/E ratioApple dividend yieldAlibaba Group dividend yieldApple ROEAlibaba Group ROEApple operating marginAlibaba Group operating marginApple revenue growthAlibaba Group revenue growthApple free cash flowAlibaba Group free cash flow
Apple & Alibaba Group appear in these rankings
Highest ROE StocksHighest ROIC StocksHighest Operating Margin StocksHighest 10-Year Total Return Stocks
Related comparisons
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 10, 2026.