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 July 28, 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.
$340.08TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$562.75Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs MA
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 20yAAPL +17685.9%MA +12644.3%AAPL compounded faster
AAPL MA
AAPL vs MA: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.99T vs $497.23B market cap).
- •MA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (31.93 vs 40.74 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MA converts more revenue to profit (45.88% vs 27.15% net margin).
- •MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.05% vs 6.76% CAGR).
- •MA pays the higher dividend yield (0.59% vs 0.31%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 40.74 | 31.93 |
| Forward P/E | 38.46 | 28.09 |
| P/S ratio | 11.02 | 14.52 |
| P/B ratio | 46.72 | 73.29 |
| PEG ratio | 1.51 | 1.83 |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.40 | N/A |
| FCF yield | 2.60% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 47.86% | 82.96% |
| Operating margin | 32.64% | 59.40% |
| Net margin | 27.15% | 45.88% |
| ROE | 115.10% | 231.63% |
| ROIC | 51.97% | 48.63% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 0.59% |
| Payout ratio | 14.02% | 19.70% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.76% | 17.05% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | 20.93% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.38% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.69% | 8.55% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or MA?
- MA has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 40.74 and MA at 31.93. 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 6.76% CAGR versus MA at 17.05%.
- Does AAPL or MA pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.31% and MA yields 0.59% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or MA more profitable?
- MA runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.15% versus MA at 45.88%.
- How have AAPL and MA total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.55% and MA delivered 20.01% 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 flowMastercard free cash flow
Apple & Mastercard 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 July 28, 2026.