Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corporation 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; COST is classified in Consumer Defensive. 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
COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation
$904.77Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs COST
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAAPL +1157.2% (+28.8%/yr)COST +544.2% (+20.5%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
AAPL COST
AAPL vs COST: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $401.25B market cap).
- •AAPL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (38.06 vs 45.51 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.62% vs 3.01% net margin).
- •COST grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.48% vs 6.10% CAGR).
- •COST pays the higher dividend yield (0.61% vs 0.32%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | COST |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.06 | 45.51 |
| Forward P/E | 37.62 | 39.92 |
| P/S ratio | 10.45 | 1.37 |
| P/B ratio | 45.39 | 11.97 |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.32 | 28.32 |
| FCF yield | 2.80% | 2.19% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 48.65% | 12.88% |
| Operating margin | 33.17% | 3.82% |
| Net margin | 27.62% | 3.01% |
| ROE | 119.91% | 26.38% |
| ROIC | 51.87% | 19.01% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.32% | 0.61% |
| Payout ratio | 12.14% | 27.87% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.10% | 9.48% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | 15.04% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.60% | 4.95% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 17.58% | 14.89% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or COST?
- AAPL has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and COST at 45.51. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AAPL or COST?
- Over the past five years, COST grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus COST at 9.48%.
- Does AAPL or COST pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.32% and COST yields 0.61% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or COST more profitable?
- AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus COST at 3.01%.
- How have AAPL and COST total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and COST delivered 20.56% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Apple P/E ratioCostco Wholesale P/E ratioApple dividend yieldCostco Wholesale dividend yieldApple ROECostco Wholesale ROEApple operating marginCostco Wholesale operating marginApple revenue growthCostco Wholesale revenue growthApple free cash flowCostco Wholesale free cash flow
Apple & Costco Wholesale 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.