Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Salesforce, Inc. (CRM)

A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Salesforce, Inc. 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.

Compare

Total returnAAPL vs CRM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AAPL +1218.0% (+29.4%/yr)CRM +238.5% (+13.0%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,318$338
AAPL CRM

AAPL vs CRM: by the numbers

  • AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $202.88B market cap).
  • CRM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.60 vs 38.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.62% vs 21.99% net margin).
  • CRM grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.30% vs 6.10% CAGR).
  • CRM pays the higher dividend yield (0.70% vs 0.32%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAPLCRM
P/E ratio38.0622.60
Forward P/E37.6214.88
P/S ratio10.454.62
P/B ratio45.395.29
EV / EBITDA29.3217.74
FCF yield2.80%7.47%

Profitability

MetricAAPLCRM
Gross margin48.65%77.28%
Operating margin33.17%21.39%
Net margin27.62%21.99%
ROE119.91%25.18%
ROIC51.87%8.78%

Dividends

MetricAAPLCRM
Dividend yield0.32%0.70%
Payout ratio12.14%15.62%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAPLCRM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.10%13.30%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.73%11.87%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.60%22.61%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.58%-0.78%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or CRM?
CRM has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and CRM at 22.60. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AAPL or CRM?
Over the past five years, CRM grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus CRM at 13.30%.
Does AAPL or CRM pay a bigger dividend?
AAPL yields 0.32% and CRM yields 0.70% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AAPL or CRM more profitable?
AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus CRM at 21.99%.
How have AAPL and CRM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and CRM delivered 12.79% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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.