Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Caterpillar Inc. (CAT)
A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Caterpillar Inc. 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; CAT is classified in Industrials. 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
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
$840.85IndustrialsDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs CAT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yAAPL +202236.7%CAT +10980.7%AAPL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AAPL CAT
AAPL vs CAT: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.99T vs $387.33B market cap).
- •AAPL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (40.74 vs 43.45 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.15% vs 13.31% net margin).
- •CAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.47% vs 6.76% CAGR).
- •CAT pays the higher dividend yield (0.69% vs 0.31%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 40.74 | 43.45 |
| Forward P/E | 38.46 | 35.24 |
| P/S ratio | 11.02 | 5.75 |
| P/B ratio | 46.72 | 21.80 |
| PEG ratio | 1.51 | 1.55 |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.40 | 31.77 |
| FCF yield | 2.60% | 2.81% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 47.86% | 32.52% |
| Operating margin | 32.64% | 16.56% |
| Net margin | 27.15% | 13.31% |
| ROE | 115.10% | 50.48% |
| ROIC | 51.97% | 11.42% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 0.69% |
| Payout ratio | 14.02% | 31.96% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.76% | 10.47% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | 27.96% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.38% | 17.77% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.69% | 35.31% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or CAT?
- AAPL has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 40.74 and CAT at 43.45. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AAPL or CAT?
- Over the past five years, CAT grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.76% CAGR versus CAT at 10.47%.
- Does AAPL or CAT pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.31% and CAT yields 0.69% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or CAT more profitable?
- AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.15% versus CAT at 13.31%.
- How have AAPL and CAT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.55% and CAT delivered 29.17% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Apple P/E ratioCaterpillar P/E ratioApple dividend yieldCaterpillar dividend yieldApple ROECaterpillar ROEApple operating marginCaterpillar operating marginApple revenue growthCaterpillar revenue growthApple free cash flowCaterpillar free cash flow
Apple & Caterpillar 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.