Apple (AAPL) vs Microsoft (MSFT)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Apple (AAPL) has outperformed Microsoft (MSFT) over the past year, gaining 31.4% versus a gain of 1.5%. Over five years, AAPL leads with a +132.7% price change compared with +74.8% for MSFT. Apple is the larger company by market cap ($4.91 trillion vs $3.93 trillion), about 1.2 times the size, while Microsoft is growing revenue faster (+17.8% vs +6.4%).
On valuation, Microsoft trades at a lower forward P/E (22.4x vs 35.1x for Apple). Microsoft offers the higher dividend yield (0.69% vs 0.31%). Microsoft converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 40.3% versus 26.9%.
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 | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $336.67 | $529.76 |
| Market cap | $4.91T | $3.93T |
| 1-day change | +0.91% | +0.09% |
| YTD return | +23.98% | +9.94% |
| 1-year return | +31.41% | +1.47% |
| 5-year return | +132.71% | +74.78% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 38.61 | 29.51 |
| Forward P/E | 35.13 | 22.37 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.72 | $17.95 |
| Dividend yield | 0.31% | 0.69% |
| Annual dividend | $1.05 | $3.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $416.16B | $331.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.43% | +17.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $112.01B | $133.75B |
| Gross margin | 46.91% | 67.94% |
| Operating margin | 31.97% | 46.78% |
| Net margin | 26.92% | 40.31% |
| 52-week high | $345.34 | $553.72 |
| 52-week low | $243.42 | $349.20 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -2.51% | -4.33% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | -2.55% | +10.92% |
| Average volume | 45.52M | 28.00M |
| Shares outstanding | 14.59B | 7.43B |
| Employees | 150,000 | 223,000 |
| Sector | Technology | Technology |
| Industry | Consumer Electronics | Software - Infrastructure |
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
- AAPL has outperformed MSFT by 29.9 percentage points over the past year.
- Apple trades at a higher earnings multiple (38.6x vs 29.5x trailing P/E).
- Microsoft is more profitable, keeping 40.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 26.9 cents for Apple.
- Microsoft grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+17.79% vs +6.43%).
About Apple
AAPL stock →Apple Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories worldwide.
Technology · Consumer Electronics · 150,000 employees
About Microsoft
MSFT stock →Microsoft Corporation, a technology company, develops and supports a portfolio of technology solutions for individuals and businesses worldwide. Its products include operating systems, server applications, business solution applications, software development tools, desktop and server management tools, and video games; and devices, such as PCs, tablets, gaming and entertainment consoles, other intelligent devices, and related accessories.
Technology · Software - Infrastructure · 223,000 employees
AAPL vs MSFT FAQ
Which is bigger, Apple or Microsoft?
Apple (AAPL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.91T compared with $3.93T for Microsoft (MSFT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AAPL or MSFT?
AAPL returned +31.41% over the past 12 months, compared with +1.47% for MSFT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AAPL or MSFT?
MSFT has the lower trailing P/E at 29.5, versus 38.6 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 Microsoft?
Microsoft has the higher yield at 0.69%, compared with 0.31% for Apple.
Are Apple and Microsoft in the same industry?
Both are in the Technology sector, but in different industries: Consumer Electronics for Apple and Software - Infrastructure for Microsoft.