Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Microsoft 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.
AAPL
Apple Inc.
$332.27TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$495.63TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AAPL vs MSFT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAAPL +1157.2% (+28.8%/yr)MSFT +874.1% (+25.6%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
AAPL MSFT
AAPL vs MSFT: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.88T vs $3.68T market cap).
- •MSFT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (27.61 vs 38.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MSFT converts more revenue to profit (40.31% vs 27.62% net margin).
- •MSFT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.57% vs 6.10% CAGR).
- •MSFT pays the higher dividend yield (0.74% vs 0.32%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.06 | 27.61 |
| Forward P/E | 37.62 | 25.13 |
| P/S ratio | 10.45 | 11.09 |
| P/B ratio | 45.39 | 8.32 |
| EV / EBITDA | 29.32 | 19.55 |
| FCF yield | 2.80% | 1.82% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 48.65% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | 33.17% | 46.78% |
| Net margin | 27.62% | 40.31% |
| ROE | 119.91% | 30.23% |
| ROIC | 51.87% | 20.90% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.32% | 0.74% |
| Payout ratio | 12.14% | 20.28% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.10% | 14.57% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | 17.26% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.60% | 3.60% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 17.58% | 11.66% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or MSFT?
- MSFT has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 38.06 and MSFT at 27.61. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AAPL or MSFT?
- Over the past five years, MSFT grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus MSFT at 14.57%.
- Does AAPL or MSFT pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.32% and MSFT yields 0.74% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or MSFT more profitable?
- MSFT runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus MSFT at 40.31%.
- How have AAPL and MSFT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.06% and MSFT delivered 25.72% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Apple P/E ratioMicrosoft P/E ratioApple dividend yieldMicrosoft dividend yieldApple ROEMicrosoft ROEApple operating marginMicrosoft operating marginApple revenue growthMicrosoft revenue growthApple free cash flowMicrosoft free cash flow
Apple & Microsoft appear in these rankings
Highest ROE StocksHighest ROIC StocksHighest Operating Margin StocksHighest 10-Year Total Return Stocks
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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.