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 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; 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 10y
AAPL +1218.0% (+29.4%/yr)META +406.4% (+17.6%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,318$506
AAPL META

AAPL vs META: by the numbers

  • AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $1.65T market cap).
  • META trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.42 vs 38.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • META converts more revenue to profit (29.84% vs 27.62% net margin).
  • META grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.85% vs 6.10% CAGR).
  • META pays the higher dividend yield (0.33% vs 0.32%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAPLMETA
P/E ratio38.0624.42
Forward P/E37.6220.64
P/S ratio10.457.23
P/B ratio45.396.32
EV / EBITDA29.3215.94
FCF yield2.80%2.48%

Profitability

MetricAAPLMETA
Gross margin48.65%81.75%
Operating margin33.17%38.08%
Net margin27.62%29.84%
ROE119.91%26.07%
ROIC51.87%17.18%

Dividends

MetricAAPLMETA
Dividend yield0.32%0.33%
Payout ratio12.14%7.91%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAPLMETA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.10%16.85%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.73%18.60%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.60%4.96%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.58%11.41%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or META?
META has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and META at 24.42. 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 6.10% CAGR versus META at 16.85%.
Does AAPL or META pay a bigger dividend?
AAPL yields 0.32% and META yields 0.33% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AAPL or META more profitable?
META runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus META at 29.84%.
How have AAPL and META total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and META delivered 17.72% 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.