Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Alphabet Inc. (GOOG)

A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Alphabet 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.

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

Total returnAAPL vs GOOG

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AAPL +1157.2% (+28.8%/yr)GOOG +771.3% (+24.2%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
5001kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,257$871
AAPL GOOG

AAPL vs GOOG: by the numbers

  • AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $4.07T market cap).
  • GOOG trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.85 vs 38.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • GOOG converts more revenue to profit (54.77% vs 27.62% net margin).
  • GOOG grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.15% vs 6.10% CAGR).
  • AAPL pays the higher dividend yield (0.32% vs 0.26%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAPLGOOG
P/E ratio38.0616.85
Forward P/E37.6216.31
P/S ratio10.459.13
P/B ratio45.396.36
EV / EBITDA29.3223.88
FCF yield2.80%1.31%

Profitability

MetricAAPLGOOG
Gross margin48.65%60.90%
Operating margin33.17%33.11%
Net margin27.62%54.77%
ROE119.91%38.13%
ROIC51.87%15.14%

Dividends

MetricAAPLGOOG
Dividend yield0.32%0.26%
Payout ratio12.14%4.27%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAPLGOOG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.10%15.15%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.73%29.81%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.60%11.33%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.58%18.64%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or GOOG?
GOOG has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and GOOG at 16.85. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AAPL or GOOG?
Over the past five years, GOOG grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus GOOG at 15.15%.
Does AAPL or GOOG pay a bigger dividend?
AAPL yields 0.32% and GOOG yields 0.26% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AAPL or GOOG more profitable?
GOOG runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus GOOG at 54.77%.
How have AAPL and GOOG total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and GOOG delivered 24.26% 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.