AAPL vs IBM: Apple Inc. vs International Business Machines Corporation Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This AAPL vs IBM comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Apple Inc. and International Business Machines Corporation 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 International Business Machines Corporation 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 40-year comparison period, Apple Inc. outperformed International Business Machines Corporation in 25 years, while International Business Machines Corporation outperformed Apple Inc. in 15 years.
AAPL - Apple Inc.
IBM - International Business Machines Corporation
Overall Winner: AAPL with an average annual return of 35.74% (vs 10.53% for IBM)
Understanding AAPL vs IBM Performance
When comparing Apple Inc. and International Business Machines Corporation, 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 $170,718 for International Business Machines Corporation over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | AAPL Return | AAPL Cumulative | IBM Return | IBM Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1987 | +82.02% | $18,202.36 | -18.52% | $8,148.38 | +100.54% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 1988 | +106.53% | $37,593.80 | -2.36% | $7,955.87 | +108.90% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 1989 | -9.29% | $34,100.85 | +4.81% | $8,338.74 | -14.10% (IBM) | IBM |
| 1990 | -11.84% | $30,064.63 | -18.85% | $6,766.77 | +7.02% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 1991 | +16.87% | $35,136.55 | +20.73% | $8,169.76 | -3.86% (IBM) | IBM |
| 1992 | +30.81% | $45,962.25 | -16.91% | $6,788.42 | +47.72% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 1993 | +1.30% | $46,558.07 | -40.87% | $4,013.66 | +42.17% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 1994 | -49.17% | $23,667.02 | +16.41% | $4,672.19 | -65.57% (IBM) | IBM |
| 1995 | +32.38% | $31,331.08 | +29.63% | $6,056.75 | +2.75% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 1996 | -15.99% | $26,321.25 | +25.25% | $7,586.03 | -41.24% (IBM) | IBM |
| 1997 | -35.02% | $17,103.72 | +68.62% | $12,791.63 | -103.64% (IBM) | IBM |
| 1998 | -37.50% | $10,689.87 | +37.72% | $17,616.40 | -75.22% (IBM) | IBM |
| 1999 | +151.92% | $26,930.30 | +75.79% | $30,968.63 | +76.13% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2000 | +149.24% | $67,121.68 | +18.46% | $36,685.13 | +130.78% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2001 | -73.42% | $17,839.15 | -26.38% | $27,006.58 | -47.04% (IBM) | IBM |
| 2002 | +47.23% | $26,263.99 | +43.32% | $38,706.08 | +3.91% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2003 | -38.50% | $16,152.95 | -35.74% | $24,870.70 | -2.75% (IBM) | IBM |
| 2004 | +44.39% | $23,323.51 | +15.91% | $28,826.81 | +28.48% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2005 | +202.63% | $70,584.32 | +8.51% | $31,280.06 | +194.12% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2006 | +127.18% | $160,350.86 | -15.12% | $26,551.29 | +142.29% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2007 | +13.50% | $181,995.49 | +19.98% | $31,855.84 | -6.48% (IBM) | IBM |
| 2008 | +136.37% | $430,186.98 | +12.70% | $35,900.49 | +123.68% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2009 | -56.19% | $188,444.11 | -18.20% | $29,365.63 | -37.99% (IBM) | IBM |
| 2010 | +132.21% | $437,584.92 | +52.81% | $44,874.65 | +79.40% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2011 | +50.72% | $659,536.54 | +12.92% | $50,674.29 | +37.80% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2012 | +22.89% | $810,487.20 | +26.79% | $64,249.87 | -3.90% (IBM) | IBM |
| 2013 | +30.56% | $1,058,160.68 | +4.55% | $67,172.52 | +26.01% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2014 | +4.75% | $1,108,432.39 | -2.62% | $65,414.02 | +7.37% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2015 | +42.63% | $1,580,939.63 | -11.42% | $57,941.28 | +54.05% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2016 | -2.08% | $1,548,019.71 | -12.31% | $50,809.98 | +10.23% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2017 | +12.38% | $1,739,731.34 | +26.75% | $64,401.13 | -14.36% (IBM) | IBM |
| 2018 | +48.04% | $2,575,541.24 | -4.68% | $61,389.14 | +52.72% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2019 | -7.05% | $2,393,854.67 | -22.97% | $47,285.18 | +15.92% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2020 | +88.74% | $4,518,219.43 | +21.92% | $57,652.10 | +66.82% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2021 | +78.24% | $8,053,270.76 | -2.17% | $56,401.16 | +80.41% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2022 | +38.06% | $11,118,421.47 | +18.48% | $66,823.39 | +19.58% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2023 | -28.20% | $7,983,081.40 | +8.70% | $72,637.95 | -36.90% (IBM) | IBM |
| 2024 | +54.80% | $12,357,668.83 | +21.28% | $88,095.77 | +33.52% (AAPL) | AAPL |
| 2025 | +35.56% | $16,751,606.23 | +41.04% | $124,248.78 | -5.48% (IBM) | IBM |
| 2026 | +11.88% | $18,742,087.73 | +37.40% | $170,717.58 | -25.52% (IBM) | IBM |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means AAPL outperformed IBM 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.
International Business Machines Corporation
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a global technology and consulting company that provides integrated solutions and services. IBM offers a wide range of products, including cognitive solutions, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud, and quantum computing. The company serves clients across various industries, helping them to modernize their IT infrastructure, optimize their operations, and drive digital transformation.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered many foundational technologies in computing, from mainframes to relational databases and artificial intelligence (e.g., Watson).
- ✓Leading advancements in quantum computing and hybrid cloud technologies, positioning itself at the forefront of future technological shifts.
Business Segments
- SoftwareIncludes hybrid platform and solutions software (e.g., Red Hat, Automation, Data & AI, Security) and transaction processing software.
- ConsultingProvides business transformation, technology consulting, and application operations services.
- InfrastructureOffers infrastructure services (e.g., hybrid infrastructure, infrastructure support services) and infrastructure products (e.g., IBM Z, Power, Storage).
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.