Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)

AAPL and VZ are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.

A side-by-side comparison of Apple Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — AAPL vs VZ

growth of $100 · last 30y
AAPL +132310.1%VZ +70.2%AAPL compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10k100k1MStart $100200120062011201620212026$132,410$170
AAPL VZ

AAPL vs VZ: by the numbers

  • AAPL is the larger company ($4.28T vs $200.89B market cap).
  • VZ trades at the lower earnings multiple (11.73 vs 35.20 P/E).
  • AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.15% vs 12.46% net margin).
  • AAPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.76% vs 1.44% CAGR).
  • VZ pays the higher dividend yield (5.75% vs 0.36%).

Which is better, AAPL or VZ?

Metric tally: AAPL 8 · VZ 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueVZ(lower P/E)
GrowthAAPL(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeVZ(higher dividend yield)
QualityAAPL(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricAAPLVZ
P/E ratio35.2011.73
Forward P/E30.229.17
P/S ratio9.521.46
P/B ratio40.371.96
PEG ratio1.51
EV / EBITDA27.128.02
FCF yield3.00%9.90%

Profitability

MetricAAPLVZ
Gross margin47.86%58.85%
Operating margin32.64%21.22%
Net margin27.15%12.46%
ROE115.10%16.78%
ROIC51.97%6.22%

Dividends

MetricAAPLVZ
Dividend yield0.36%5.75%
Payout ratio14.02%68.10%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAPLVZ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.76%1.44%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.73%-1.14%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.38%-1.27%
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.58%2.76%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AAPL or VZ?
It depends on your goal. value: VZ (lower P/E); growth: AAPL (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: VZ (higher dividend yield); quality: AAPL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is AAPL or VZ cheaper?
On trailing earnings, VZ is cheaper: AAPL trades at a 35.20 P/E and VZ at 11.73.
Which has grown faster, AAPL or VZ?
Over the past five years, AAPL grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.76% CAGR versus VZ at 1.44%.
Does AAPL or VZ pay a bigger dividend?
AAPL yields 0.36% and VZ yields 5.75% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AAPL or VZ more profitable?
AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.15% versus VZ at 12.46%.
Which has been the better investment, AAPL or VZ?
Over the past 10-year, AAPL delivered the higher annualized total return — AAPL at 29.17% versus VZ at 4.53%. 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 June 13, 2026.