AAPL vs FTNT: Apple Inc. vs Fortinet Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This AAPL vs FTNT comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Apple Inc. and Fortinet 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 Fortinet 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

9
AAPL Wins
0
Ties
8
FTNT Wins

Over the 17-year comparison period, Apple Inc. outperformed Fortinet Inc. in 9 years, while Fortinet Inc. outperformed Apple Inc. in 8 years.

AAPL - Apple Inc.

Average Annual Return:+35.74%
Best Year:+202.63% (2004)
Worst Year:-73.42% (2000)
Win Rate:70.0% (28/40 years)
Total Value:$18,742,087.73
Total Gain:+$18,732,087.73 (+187320.88%)

FTNT - Fortinet Inc.

Average Annual Return:+32.44%
Best Year:+146.91% (2021)
Worst Year:-26.62% (2022)
Win Rate:76.5% (13/17 years)
Total Value:$532,482.99
Total Gain:+$522,482.99 (+5224.83%)

Overall Winner: AAPL with an average annual return of 35.74% (vs 32.44% for FTNT)

Understanding AAPL vs FTNT Performance

When comparing Apple Inc. and Fortinet 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 $532,483 for Fortinet Inc. over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearAAPL ReturnAAPL CumulativeFTNT ReturnFTNT CumulativeDifferenceWinner
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---Tie
2003-38.50%$16,152.95---Tie
2004+44.39%$23,323.51---Tie
2005+202.63%$70,584.32---Tie
2006+127.18%$160,350.86---Tie
2007+13.50%$181,995.49---Tie
2008+136.37%$430,186.98---Tie
2009-56.19%$188,444.11---Tie
2010+132.21%$437,584.92+5.72%$10,571.60+126.49% (AAPL)AAPL
2011+50.72%$659,536.54+79.72%$18,999.52-29.00% (FTNT)FTNT
2012+22.89%$810,487.20+31.78%$25,038.03-8.90% (FTNT)FTNT
2013+30.56%$1,058,160.68+1.20%$25,339.41+29.35% (AAPL)AAPL
2014+4.75%$1,108,432.39-9.72%$22,876.02+14.47% (AAPL)AAPL
2015+42.63%$1,580,939.63+61.20%$36,875.86-18.57% (FTNT)FTNT
2016-2.08%$1,548,019.71+1.23%$37,330.97-3.32% (FTNT)FTNT
2017+12.38%$1,739,731.34-0.36%$37,195.13+12.75% (AAPL)AAPL
2018+48.04%$2,575,541.24+45.05%$53,952.69+2.99% (AAPL)AAPL
2019-7.05%$2,393,854.67+58.80%$85,679.56-65.86% (FTNT)FTNT
2020+88.74%$4,518,219.43+53.21%$131,273.67+35.53% (AAPL)AAPL
2021+78.24%$8,053,270.76+35.42%$177,772.40+42.82% (AAPL)AAPL
2022+38.06%$11,118,421.47+146.91%$438,935.14-108.85% (FTNT)FTNT
2023-28.20%$7,983,081.40-26.62%$322,099.22-1.58% (FTNT)FTNT
2024+54.80%$12,357,668.83+20.63%$388,550.43+34.17% (AAPL)AAPL
2025+35.56%$16,751,606.23+63.52%$635,345.22-27.96% (FTNT)FTNT
2026+11.88%$18,742,087.73-16.19%$532,482.99+28.07% (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 FTNT that year.

Company Profiles

1

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

  • iPhone
    The company's primary hardware driver, consisting of its line of smartphones based on the iOS operating system.
  • Mac
    Personal computers based on the macOS operating system, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Studio, now powered by Apple Silicon.
  • iPad
    Multi-purpose tablets based on the iPadOS operating system, spanning from the iPad mini to the high-performance iPad Pro.
2

Fortinet Inc.

FTNT

Fortinet Inc. is a global leader in broad, integrated, and automated cybersecurity solutions. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio of security products and services, including firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, endpoint security, and security management solutions. Fortinet's security fabric approach enables organizations to achieve seamless protection across their entire digital attack surface, from the network core to the cloud and endpoints. It serves enterprises, service providers, and government organizations worldwide.

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered the concept of a Security Fabric, integrating various security technologies into a unified platform for comprehensive protection.
  • Continuously develops advanced threat intelligence and artificial intelligence capabilities to detect and mitigate evolving cyber threats in real-time.

Business Segments

  • Product
    Includes sales of network security appliances (FortiGate firewalls), access points, and other hardware products.
  • Service
    Comprises subscriptions for security services (threat intelligence, advanced malware protection), technical support, and professional 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.