AAPL vs ALGN: Apple Inc. vs Align Technology, Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This AAPL vs ALGN comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Apple Inc. and Align Technology, Inc. side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Apple Inc. and Align Technology, Inc. have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 25-year comparison period, Apple Inc. outperformed Align Technology, Inc. in 15 years, while Align Technology, Inc. outperformed Apple Inc. in 10 years.
AAPL - Apple Inc.
ALGN - Align Technology, Inc.
Overall Winner: ALGN with an average annual return of 36.68% (vs 35.74% for AAPL)
Understanding AAPL vs ALGN Performance
When comparing Apple Inc. and Align Technology, Inc., investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in Apple Inc. grew to $18,742,088, compared to $103,483 for Align Technology, Inc. over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | AAPL Return | AAPL Cumulative | ALGN Return | ALGN Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1987 | +82.02% | $18,202.36 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1988 | +106.53% | $37,593.80 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1989 | -9.29% | $34,100.85 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1990 | -11.84% | $30,064.63 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1991 | +16.87% | $35,136.55 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1992 | +30.81% | $45,962.25 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1993 | +1.30% | $46,558.07 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1994 | -49.17% | $23,667.02 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1995 | +32.38% | $31,331.08 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1996 | -15.99% | $26,321.25 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1997 | -35.02% | $17,103.72 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1998 | -37.50% | $10,689.87 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1999 | +151.92% | $26,930.30 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2000 | +149.24% | $67,121.68 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2001 | -73.42% | $17,839.15 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2002 | +47.23% | $26,263.99 | -73.33% | $2,666.67 | +120.56% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2003 | -38.50% | $16,152.95 | -35.81% | $1,711.63 | -2.68% (ALGN) | ALGN |
| 2004 | +44.39% | $23,323.51 | +504.76% | $10,351.27 | -460.37% (ALGN) | ALGN |
| 2005 | +202.63% | $70,584.32 | -35.59% | $6,667.24 | +238.22% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2006 | +127.18% | $160,350.86 | -38.73% | $4,084.94 | +165.91% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2007 | +13.50% | $181,995.49 | +122.45% | $9,087.05 | -108.95% (ALGN) | ALGN |
| 2008 | +136.37% | $430,186.98 | +24.94% | $11,353.71 | +111.43% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2009 | -56.19% | $188,444.11 | -46.87% | $6,031.87 | -9.32% (ALGN) | ALGN |
| 2010 | +132.21% | $437,584.92 | +100.45% | $12,090.89 | +31.76% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2011 | +50.72% | $659,536.54 | +5.62% | $12,770.59 | +45.10% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2012 | +22.89% | $810,487.20 | +19.43% | $15,251.44 | +3.46% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2013 | +30.56% | $1,058,160.68 | +15.87% | $17,671.29 | +14.69% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2014 | +4.75% | $1,108,432.39 | +101.20% | $35,554.14 | -96.45% (ALGN) | ALGN |
| 2015 | +42.63% | $1,580,939.63 | -1.84% | $34,898.74 | +44.47% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2016 | -2.08% | $1,548,019.71 | +17.17% | $40,891.13 | -19.25% (ALGN) | ALGN |
| 2017 | +12.38% | $1,739,731.34 | +49.57% | $61,161.74 | -37.19% (ALGN) | ALGN |
| 2018 | +48.04% | $2,575,541.24 | +129.16% | $140,156.00 | -81.11% (ALGN) | ALGN |
| 2019 | -7.05% | $2,393,854.67 | -6.76% | $130,677.91 | -0.29% (ALGN) | ALGN |
| 2020 | +88.74% | $4,518,219.43 | +38.06% | $180,409.49 | +50.69% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2021 | +78.24% | $8,053,270.76 | +88.37% | $339,844.98 | -10.13% (ALGN) | ALGN |
| 2022 | +38.06% | $11,118,421.47 | +24.83% | $424,228.46 | +13.23% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2023 | -28.20% | $7,983,081.40 | -67.46% | $138,060.00 | +39.26% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2024 | +54.80% | $12,357,668.83 | +29.07% | $178,200.68 | +25.72% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2025 | +35.56% | $16,751,606.23 | -22.46% | $138,169.79 | +58.02% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2026 | +11.88% | $18,742,087.73 | -25.10% | $103,483.20 | +36.99% (AAPL) | AAPL |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means AAPL outperformed ALGN that year.
Company Profiles
Apple Inc.
AAPL
Apple Inc. is a global leader in consumer electronics, software, and online services. Founded in a garage by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, the company has evolved into one of the world's most valuable and influential brands. Apple designs, manufactures, and markets a broad range of high-end consumer technology products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. Beyond hardware, the company has built a massive digital ecosystem through its Services segment, which includes the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple Pay. In recent years, Apple has significantly vertically integrated its supply chain by developing its own custom silicon (M-series and A-series chips) and has expanded into spatial computing with the Vision Pro platform.
Key Innovations
- ✓Graphical User Interface (GUI) popularized by the Macintosh
- ✓Multi-touch technology and the modern smartphone interface
- ✓Apple Silicon (A-series and M-series SoC architecture)
- ✓FaceID and TouchID biometric security systems
- ✓Retina Display high-density screen technology
- ✓MagSafe charging and accessory ecosystem
- ✓Spatial Computing (VisionOS) for mixed-reality environments
Business Segments
- iPhoneThe company's primary hardware driver, consisting of its line of smartphones based on the iOS operating system.
- MacPersonal computers based on the macOS operating system, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio, now powered by Apple Silicon.
- iPadMulti-purpose tablets based on the iPadOS operating system, spanning from the iPad mini to the high-performance iPad Pro.
Align Technology, Inc.
ALGN
Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets the Invisalign system, the world's most advanced clear aligner system, and iTero intraoral scanners and services. The company's products help dental professionals achieve the clinical results they expect and deliver effective, cutting-edge dental options to their patients.
Key Innovations
- ✓The Invisalign system, which revolutionized the orthodontics market with a clear, removable alternative to traditional braces.
- ✓The iTero intraoral scanner, which creates fast, accurate 3D digital impressions of a patient's teeth.
Business Segments
- Clear AlignerConsists of the Invisalign system, which includes a series of clear, removable aligners that gently and gradually move teeth.
- Imaging Systems and CAD/CAM ServicesConsists of the iTero intraoral scanning systems and other services.
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
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Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.