Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB)
A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Kimberly-Clark 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; KMB 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
KMB
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
$98.15Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs KMB
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAAPL +1218.0% (+29.4%/yr)KMB +15.5% (+1.4%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AAPL KMB
AAPL vs KMB: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $32.58B market cap).
- •KMB trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.69 vs 38.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.62% vs 11.80% net margin).
- •AAPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.10% vs -2.69% CAGR).
- •KMB pays the higher dividend yield (5.18% vs 0.32%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | KMB |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.06 | 16.69 |
| Forward P/E | 37.62 | 13.18 |
| P/S ratio | 10.45 | 1.97 |
| P/B ratio | 45.39 | 18.62 |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.32 | 14.44 |
| FCF yield | 2.80% | 5.40% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | KMB |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 48.65% | 36.69% |
| Operating margin | 33.17% | 12.38% |
| Net margin | 27.62% | 11.80% |
| ROE | 119.91% | 111.71% |
| ROIC | 51.87% | 12.46% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | KMB |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.32% | 5.18% |
| Payout ratio | 12.14% | 86.73% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | KMB |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.10% | -2.69% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | -2.50% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.60% | -8.19% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 17.58% | -2.69% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or KMB?
- KMB has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and KMB at 16.69. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AAPL or KMB?
- Over the past five years, AAPL grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus KMB at -2.69%.
- Does AAPL or KMB pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.32% and KMB yields 5.18% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or KMB more profitable?
- AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus KMB at 11.80%.
- How have AAPL and KMB total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and KMB delivered 1.35% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Apple P/E ratioKimberly-Clark P/E ratioApple dividend yieldKimberly-Clark dividend yieldApple ROEKimberly-Clark ROEApple operating marginKimberly-Clark operating marginApple revenue growthKimberly-Clark revenue growthApple free cash flowKimberly-Clark free cash flow
Apple & Kimberly-Clark appear in these rankings
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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 September 10, 2026.