Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Dollar General Corporation (DG)

A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Dollar General 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.

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Different business models: AAPL is classified in Technology; DG is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnAAPL vs DG

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AAPL +1218.0% (+29.4%/yr)DG +93.7% (+6.8%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,318$194
AAPL DG

AAPL vs DG: by the numbers

  • AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $27.48B market cap).
  • DG trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.20 vs 38.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.62% vs 3.90% net margin).
  • AAPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.10% vs 5.32% CAGR).
  • DG pays the higher dividend yield (1.92% vs 0.32%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAPLDG
P/E ratio38.0616.20
Forward P/E37.6215.81
P/S ratio10.450.63
P/B ratio45.392.96
EV / EBITDA29.3211.77
FCF yield2.80%9.83%

Profitability

MetricAAPLDG
Gross margin48.65%31.16%
Operating margin33.17%5.59%
Net margin27.62%3.90%
ROE119.91%18.34%
ROIC51.87%7.47%

Dividends

MetricAAPLDG
Dividend yield0.32%1.92%
Payout ratio12.14%30.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAPLDG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.10%5.32%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.73%-8.48%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.60%18.33%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.58%-9.30%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or DG?
DG has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and DG at 16.20. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AAPL or DG?
Over the past five years, AAPL grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus DG at 5.32%.
Does AAPL or DG pay a bigger dividend?
AAPL yields 0.32% and DG yields 1.92% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AAPL or DG more profitable?
AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus DG at 3.90%.
How have AAPL and DG total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and DG delivered 7.16% 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.