Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Meta Platforms, Inc. (META)

A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Meta Platforms, Inc. 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.

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

Total returnAAPL vs META

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 14y
AAPL +1915.9%META +1470.4%AAPL compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $1002015201820212024$2,016$1,570
AAPL META

AAPL vs META: by the numbers

  • AAPL is the larger company ($4.99T vs $1.51T market cap).
  • META trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.60 vs 40.74 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • META converts more revenue to profit (32.84% vs 27.15% net margin).
  • META grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.89% vs 6.76% CAGR).
  • META pays the higher dividend yield (0.35% vs 0.31%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAPLMETA
P/E ratio40.7421.60
Forward P/E38.4618.03
P/S ratio11.027.08
P/B ratio46.726.25
PEG ratio1.511.16
EV / EBITDA31.4014.51
FCF yield2.60%3.17%

Profitability

MetricAAPLMETA
Gross margin47.86%81.94%
Operating margin32.64%41.21%
Net margin27.15%32.84%
ROE115.10%28.97%
ROIC51.97%17.95%

Dividends

MetricAAPLMETA
Dividend yield0.31%0.35%
Payout ratio14.02%8.76%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAPLMETA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.76%17.89%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.73%18.60%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.38%14.84%
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.69%10.03%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or META?
META has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 40.74 and META at 21.60. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AAPL or META?
Over the past five years, META grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.76% CAGR versus META at 17.89%.
Does AAPL or META pay a bigger dividend?
AAPL yields 0.31% and META yields 0.35% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AAPL or META more profitable?
META runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.15% versus META at 32.84%.
How have AAPL and META total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.55% and META delivered 17.02% 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 July 28, 2026.