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

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 September 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare
Different business models: AAPL is classified in Technology; VZ is classified in Communication Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnAAPL vs VZ

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AAPL +1227.1% (+29.5%/yr)VZ +64.4% (+5.1%/yr)AAPL compounded faster over this window
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,327$164
AAPL VZ

AAPL vs VZ: by the numbers

  • AAPL is the larger company ($4.68T vs $208.86B market cap).
  • VZ trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (13.06 vs 36.65 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AAPL converts more revenue to profit (27.62% vs 11.64% net margin).
  • AAPL grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.10% vs 0.89% CAGR).
  • VZ pays the higher dividend yield (5.57% vs 0.33%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAAPLVZ
P/E ratio36.6513.06
Forward P/E36.2410.04
P/S ratio10.111.51
P/B ratio43.902.01
EV / EBITDA28.378.32
FCF yield2.90%10.25%

Profitability

MetricAAPLVZ
Gross margin48.65%45.64%
Operating margin33.17%20.54%
Net margin27.62%11.64%
ROE119.91%15.56%
ROIC51.87%5.84%

Dividends

MetricAAPLVZ
Dividend yield0.33%5.57%
Payout ratio12.14%72.79%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAAPLVZ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.10%0.89%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.73%-1.14%
FCF CAGR (5Y)7.60%-1.27%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.27%4.43%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AAPL or VZ?
VZ has the lower trailing P/E: AAPL trades at 36.65 and VZ at 13.06. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AAPL or VZ?
Over the past five years, AAPL grew revenue faster — AAPL at a 6.10% CAGR versus VZ at 0.89%.
Does AAPL or VZ pay a bigger dividend?
AAPL yields 0.33% and VZ yields 5.57% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AAPL or VZ more profitable?
AAPL runs the higher net margin — AAPL at 27.62% versus VZ at 11.64%.
How have AAPL and VZ total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AAPL delivered 29.22% and VZ delivered 4.99% 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 8, 2026.