Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL)

A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and PayPal Holdings, 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; PYPL is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnAAPL vs PYPL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 11y
AAPL +1091.5%PYPL +53.9%AAPL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020172019202120232025$1,191$154
AAPL PYPL

AAPL vs PYPL: by the numbers

  • AAPL is the larger company ($4.99T vs $51.44B market cap).
  • PYPL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.52 vs 40.74 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.15% vs 14.36% net margin).
  • PYPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.43% vs 6.76% CAGR).
  • PYPL pays the higher dividend yield (0.75% vs 0.31%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAPLPYPL
P/E ratio40.7410.52
Forward P/E38.4610.56
P/S ratio11.021.53
P/B ratio46.722.58
PEG ratio1.510.30
EV / EBITDA31.40N/A
FCF yield2.60%N/A

Profitability

MetricAAPLPYPL
Gross margin47.86%45.75%
Operating margin32.64%18.78%
Net margin27.15%14.36%
ROE115.10%24.73%
ROIC51.97%14.95%

Dividends

MetricAAPLPYPL
Dividend yield0.31%0.75%
Payout ratio14.02%7.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAPLPYPL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.76%7.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.73%8.81%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.38%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.69%-27.93%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or PYPL?
PYPL has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 40.74 and PYPL at 10.52. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AAPL or PYPL?
Over the past five years, PYPL grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.76% CAGR versus PYPL at 7.43%.
Does AAPL or PYPL pay a bigger dividend?
AAPL yields 0.31% and PYPL yields 0.75% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AAPL or PYPL more profitable?
AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.15% versus PYPL at 14.36%.
How have AAPL and PYPL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 30.55% and PYPL delivered 4.66% 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.