AAPL vs LKQ: Apple Inc. vs LKQ Corporation Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This AAPL vs LKQ comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Apple Inc. and LKQ 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 LKQ Corporation have historically performed against each other.

Compare Stock Performance

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)

Head-to-Head Record

15
AAPL Wins
0
Ties
8
LKQ Wins

Over the 23-year comparison period, Apple Inc. outperformed LKQ Corporation in 15 years, while LKQ Corporation 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%)

LKQ - LKQ Corporation

Average Annual Return:+18.02%
Best Year:+87.34% (2007)
Worst Year:-44.50% (2008)
Win Rate:65.2% (15/23 years)
Total Value:$149,918.71
Total Gain:+$139,918.71 (+1399.19%)

Overall Winner: AAPL with an average annual return of 35.74% (vs 18.02% for LKQ)

Understanding AAPL vs LKQ Performance

When comparing Apple Inc. and LKQ 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 $149,919 for LKQ Corporation over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearAAPL ReturnAAPL CumulativeLKQ ReturnLKQ 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+13.68%$11,367.95+30.71% (AAPL)AAPL
2005+202.63%$70,584.32+13.26%$12,875.55+189.37% (AAPL)AAPL
2006+127.18%$160,350.86+74.85%$22,512.72+52.33% (AAPL)AAPL
2007+13.50%$181,995.49+21.35%$27,319.46-7.85% (LKQ)LKQ
2008+136.37%$430,186.98+87.34%$51,181.37+49.03% (AAPL)AAPL
2009-56.19%$188,444.11-44.50%$28,404.32-11.69% (LKQ)LKQ
2010+132.21%$437,584.92+58.37%$44,983.06+73.84% (AAPL)AAPL
2011+50.72%$659,536.54+15.39%$51,905.27+35.33% (AAPL)AAPL
2012+22.89%$810,487.20+30.05%$67,501.53-7.16% (LKQ)LKQ
2013+30.56%$1,058,160.68+37.10%$92,545.97-6.54% (LKQ)LKQ
2014+4.75%$1,108,432.39+47.87%$136,843.24-43.11% (LKQ)LKQ
2015+42.63%$1,580,939.63-13.21%$118,766.43+55.84% (AAPL)AAPL
2016-2.08%$1,548,019.71+6.66%$126,675.63-8.74% (LKQ)LKQ
2017+12.38%$1,739,731.34+6.28%$134,625.80+6.11% (AAPL)AAPL
2018+48.04%$2,575,541.24+31.07%$176,449.59+16.98% (AAPL)AAPL
2019-7.05%$2,393,854.67-42.61%$101,261.12+35.56% (AAPL)AAPL
2020+88.74%$4,518,219.43+50.63%$152,532.52+38.11% (AAPL)AAPL
2021+78.24%$8,053,270.76-1.56%$150,146.58+79.80% (AAPL)AAPL
2022+38.06%$11,118,421.47+73.65%$260,732.59-35.59% (LKQ)LKQ
2023-28.20%$7,983,081.40-7.04%$242,371.30-21.16% (LKQ)LKQ
2024+54.80%$12,357,668.83-9.32%$219,771.79+64.12% (AAPL)AAPL
2025+35.56%$16,751,606.23-20.06%$175,680.46+55.62% (AAPL)AAPL
2026+11.88%$18,742,087.73-14.66%$149,918.71+26.55% (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 LKQ 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

LKQ Corporation

LKQ

LKQ Corporation is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles.

Key Innovations

  • Consolidation of the fragmented salvage yard industry
  • Aftermarket parts certification and quality assurance

Business Segments

  • North America
    Wholesale operations and self-service yards in North America.
  • Europe
    Distribution of automotive parts across Europe.
  • Specialty
    Specialty vehicle aftermarket equipment and accessories.

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.