Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)
A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Mastercard Incorporated 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; MA is classified in Financial Services. 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
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$569.19Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs MA
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAAPL +1218.0% (+29.4%/yr)MA +498.8% (+19.6%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
AAPL MA
AAPL vs MA: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $499.20B market cap).
- •MA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (31.31 vs 38.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 27.62% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs 6.10% CAGR).
- •MA pays the higher dividend yield (0.60% vs 0.32%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.06 | 31.31 |
| Forward P/E | 37.62 | 28.52 |
| P/S ratio | 10.45 | 14.23 |
| P/B ratio | 45.39 | 88.97 |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.32 | N/A |
| FCF yield | 2.80% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 48.65% | 100.00% |
| Operating margin | 33.17% | 59.84% |
| Net margin | 27.62% | 46.34% |
| ROE | 119.91% | 289.73% |
| ROIC | 51.87% | N/A |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.32% | 0.60% |
| Payout ratio | 12.14% | 18.54% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.10% | 16.09% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | 20.93% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.60% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 17.58% | 10.88% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or MA?
- MA has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and MA at 31.31. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AAPL or MA?
- Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus MA at 16.09%.
- Does AAPL or MA pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.32% and MA yields 0.60% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or MA more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus MA at 46.34%.
- How have AAPL and MA total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and MA delivered 19.83% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Apple P/E ratioMastercard P/E ratioApple dividend yieldMastercard dividend yieldApple ROEMastercard ROEApple operating marginMastercard operating marginApple revenue growthMastercard revenue growthApple free cash flow
Apple & Mastercard appear in these rankings
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.