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 July 28, 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.
$340.08TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
BABA
Alibaba Group Holding Limited
$115.19Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:02 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs BABA
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 12yAAPL +1414.0%BABA +29.2%AAPL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AAPL BABA
AAPL vs BABA: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.99T vs $276.10B market cap).
- •BABA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.57 vs 40.74 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.15% vs 10.09% net margin).
- •AAPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.76% vs 6.31% CAGR).
- •BABA pays the higher dividend yield (0.91% vs 0.31%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | BABA |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 40.74 | 18.57 |
| Forward P/E | 38.46 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 11.02 | 1.90 |
| P/B ratio | 46.72 | 1.81 |
| PEG ratio | 1.51 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.40 | 31.68 |
| FCF yield | 2.60% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | BABA |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 47.86% | 39.77% |
| Operating margin | 32.64% | 5.78% |
| Net margin | 27.15% | 10.09% |
| ROE | 115.10% | 9.58% |
| ROIC | 51.97% | 3.17% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | BABA |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 0.91% |
| Payout ratio | 14.02% | 15.89% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | BABA |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.76% | 6.31% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | -4.87% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.38% | -62.38% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.69% | -8.99% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or BABA?
- BABA has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 40.74 and BABA at 18.57. 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 6.76% CAGR versus BABA at 6.31%.
- Does AAPL or BABA pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.31% and BABA yields 0.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or BABA more profitable?
- AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.15% versus BABA at 10.09%.
- How have AAPL and BABA total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.55% and BABA delivered 3.94% 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
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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 July 28, 2026.