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 July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
AAPL
Apple Inc.
$340.08TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$393.35TechnologyAt close: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — AAPL vs MSFT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yAAPL +202236.7%MSFT +7623.5%AAPL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
AAPL MSFT
AAPL vs MSFT: by the numbers
- •AAPL is the larger company ($4.99T vs $2.92T market cap).
- •MSFT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.41 vs 40.74 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MSFT converts more revenue to profit (39.34% vs 27.15% net margin).
- •MSFT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.75% vs 6.76% CAGR).
- •MSFT pays the higher dividend yield (0.91% vs 0.31%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AAPL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 40.74 | 23.41 |
| Forward P/E | 38.46 | 23.13 |
| P/S ratio | 11.02 | 9.20 |
| P/B ratio | 46.72 | 7.07 |
| PEG ratio | 1.51 | 2.34 |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.40 | 15.69 |
| FCF yield | 2.60% | 2.49% |
Profitability
| Metric | AAPL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 47.86% | 68.31% |
| Operating margin | 32.64% | 46.80% |
| Net margin | 27.15% | 39.34% |
| ROE | 115.10% | 30.22% |
| ROIC | 51.97% | 21.63% |
Dividends
| Metric | AAPL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 0.91% |
| Payout ratio | 14.02% | 25.99% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AAPL | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.76% | 14.75% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.73% | 18.68% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 7.38% | 6.27% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.69% | 7.45% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or MSFT?
- MSFT has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 40.74 and MSFT at 23.41. 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 6.76% CAGR versus MSFT at 14.75%.
- Does AAPL or MSFT pay a bigger dividend?
- AAPL yields 0.31% and MSFT yields 0.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AAPL or MSFT more profitable?
- MSFT runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.15% versus MSFT at 39.34%.
- How have AAPL and MSFT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.55% and MSFT delivered 22.99% 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 July 28, 2026.