Apple (AAPL) vs International Business Machines (IBM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Apple (AAPL) has outperformed International Business Machines (IBM) over the past year, gaining 31.3% versus a loss of 25.0%. Over five years, AAPL leads with a +132.4% price change compared with +59.5% for IBM. Apple is the larger company by market cap ($4.91 trillion vs $207.75 billion), about 23.7 times the size, while International Business Machines is growing revenue faster (+7.6% vs +6.4%).
On valuation, International Business Machines trades at a lower forward P/E (16.8x vs 35.1x for Apple). International Business Machines offers the higher dividend yield (3.05% vs 0.31%). Apple converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 26.9% versus 15.7%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AAPL | IBM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $336.67 | $220.51 |
| Market cap | $4.91T | $207.75B |
| 1-day change | +0.91% | -0.35% |
| YTD return | +23.84% | -25.56% |
| 1-year return | +31.27% | -24.96% |
| 5-year return | +132.44% | +59.50% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 38.26 | 19.67 |
| Forward P/E | 35.13 | 16.77 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.80 | $11.21 |
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 3.05% |
| Annual dividend | $1.05 | $6.73 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $416.16B | $67.53B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.43% | +7.62% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $112.01B | $10.59B |
| Gross margin | 46.91% | 58.19% |
| Operating margin | 31.97% | — |
| Net margin | 26.92% | 15.69% |
| 52-week high | $345.34 | $332.46 |
| 52-week low | $243.42 | $199.19 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -2.51% | -33.67% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | -2.55% | +9.11% |
| Average volume | 45.52M | 8.19M |
| Shares outstanding | 14.59B | 942.13M |
| Employees | 150,000 | 264,300 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Computer Manufacturing | Computer Manufacturing |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Apple is about 23.7 times larger than International Business Machines by market value ($4.91T vs $207.75B).
- AAPL has outperformed IBM by 56.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Apple trades at a higher earnings multiple (38.3x vs 19.7x trailing P/E).
- International Business Machines offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.05% vs 0.31%).
- Apple is more profitable, keeping 26.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 15.7 cents for International Business Machines.
About Apple
AAPL stock →Apple Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories worldwide.
Technology · Computer Manufacturing · 150,000 employees
About International Business Machines
IBM stock →International Business Machines Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated solutions and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing segments.
Technology · Computer Manufacturing · 264,300 employees
AAPL vs IBM FAQ
Which is bigger, Apple or International Business Machines?
Apple (AAPL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.91T compared with $207.75B for International Business Machines (IBM).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AAPL or IBM?
AAPL returned +31.27% over the past 12 months, compared with -24.96% for IBM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AAPL or IBM?
IBM has the lower trailing P/E at 19.7, versus 38.3 for AAPL. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Apple or International Business Machines?
International Business Machines has the higher yield at 3.05%, compared with 0.31% for Apple.
Are Apple and International Business Machines in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Computer Manufacturing industry within the Technology sector.