Apple Inc. (AAPL) vs Meta Platforms, Inc. (META): Stock Comparison 2026

Quick verdict: AAPL vs META in 2026

Meta Platforms (META) currently holds a significant edge over Apple (AAPL) across several key financial metrics as of April 30, 2026. META stands out as the clear growth leader with substantially higher revenue growth and superior profitability margins, while also presenting a more attractive valuation for investors. Analysts show a stronger preference for META, projecting greater potential upside compared to AAPL. Not investment advice.

AAPL vs META: key metrics side by side

Full side-by-side comparison of AAPL and META across valuation, profitability, growth and analyst sentiment. Data updated 2026-04-30.

AAPL vs META valuation comparison

The AAPL vs META valuation comparison reveals distinct profiles. Meta Platforms (META) appears to trade at a more favorable valuation multiple with a P/E ratio of 24.02x, significantly lower than Apple’s (AAPL) P/E of 33.83x. This suggests that investors are paying less for each dollar of META’s earnings compared to Apple. Furthermore, META’s P/B ratio of 6.96x is substantially more attractive when stacked against AAPL’s elevated 45.18x, indicating a much lower premium relative to book value for Meta.

Despite META’s lower multiples, a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests both companies may be currently overvalued according to the provided data, with META showing a DCF upside of -59.7% and AAPL at -42.3%. While both indicate a potential downside based on this model, Apple’s DCF suggests less overvaluation compared to Meta. However, considering the P/E and P/B ratios, Meta generally presents itself as the cheaper stock on a relative valuation basis in the current market, making it potentially more appealing for value-conscious investors looking at traditional metrics.

AAPL vs META growth comparison

When evaluating AAPL vs META growth prospects, Meta Platforms (META) clearly demonstrates stronger momentum. META reported an impressive year-over-year revenue growth of 22.2%, showcasing robust expansion in its operations. In contrast, Apple (AAPL) posted a more modest revenue growth of 6.4% over the same period, indicating a slower pace of expansion for the tech giant, despite its much larger trailing twelve-month revenue base of $416.16 billion compared to META’s $200.97 billion.

This significant disparity in revenue growth suggests that Meta is currently in a more aggressive growth phase, fueled by its evolving advertising ecosystem and investments in future technologies. While Apple continues to generate substantial revenue, its mature market position leads to more moderate growth rates. Investors prioritizing companies with high growth trajectories would likely find Meta’s recent performance more compelling, indicating stronger forward momentum compared to Apple’s more stable, but slower, growth profile.

AAPL vs META profitability

Analyzing AAPL vs META profitability, Meta Platforms (META) exhibits superior margins. META boasts a net margin of 32.84%, outperforming Apple’s (AAPL) 27.04%. This indicates that Meta is more efficient at converting its revenue into net income. Furthermore, META’s EBITDA margin of 52.77% significantly surpasses Apple’s 35.12%, highlighting Meta’s stronger operational efficiency before accounting for depreciation and amortization.

In terms of cash generation, Apple holds a slight edge with a Free Cash Flow (FCF) yield of 3.11% compared to Meta’s 2.85%. This indicates that Apple generates a slightly higher percentage of its market capitalization in free cash flow. Both companies report N/A% for Return on Equity (ROE), preventing a direct comparison on that specific metric. However, considering the net and EBITDA margins, Meta generally demonstrates greater overall profitability and operational efficiency, indicating it generates more profit from its sales despite Apple’s slightly higher FCF yield.

Analyst ratings: AAPL vs META

The analyst community shows a strong preference for Meta Platforms (META) when considering AAPL vs META analyst ratings. Out of 60 analysts covering META, an impressive 83.3% have issued a “Buy” rating, reflecting high confidence in the company’s future prospects. The consensus price target for META is $827.33, suggesting a substantial upside of +23.6% from its current price of $669.12.

For Apple (AAPL), while still receiving a “Buy” consensus, the sentiment is less fervent. Among 110 analysts, 63.6% recommend a “Buy,” which is respectable but noticeably lower than Meta’s percentage. The average price target for AAPL is $313.95, implying a +16.2% upside from its current price of $270.17. Clearly, analysts collectively project greater upside potential and express stronger conviction in Meta Platforms, making META the preferred choice from an analyst sentiment perspective.

Should I buy AAPL or META stock in 2026?

For investors prioritizing strong top-line expansion and market momentum, Meta Platforms (META) appears to be the more compelling choice in 2026. With a robust year-over-year revenue growth of 22.2%, significantly outpacing Apple’s (AAPL) 6.4%, META is clearly in a more dynamic growth phase. Its higher net and EBITDA margins also suggest superior operational efficiency in capturing this growth. If your investment strategy is centered on companies demonstrating aggressive expansion and future potential in evolving technological landscapes, META offers a more attractive proposition.

When considering which stock presents a better “value” proposition, Meta Platforms (META) generally offers more favorable traditional valuation metrics. Its P/E ratio of 24.02x is notably lower than Apple’s (AAPL) 33.83x, and its P/B ratio of 6.96x is vastly more appealing compared to Apple’s 45.18x. While both stocks indicate a significant DCF downside (AAPL -42.3%, META -59.7%), the relative P/E and P/B suggest that investors are paying less for Meta’s earnings and assets. Value investors, therefore, might find META a relatively cheaper entry point into the large-cap tech space.

For investors seeking income through dividends, neither Apple (AAPL) nor Meta Platforms (META) currently serves as a suitable option. Both companies maintain a dividend yield of 0.0%, indicating they do not distribute profits to shareholders through regular dividends. Their strategies appear focused on reinvesting earnings for growth or share buybacks rather than dividend payouts. Therefore, those looking for passive income from their stock holdings will need to look elsewhere. This is not investment advice; please conduct your own thorough research.

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