AAPL vs PEN: Apple Inc. vs Penumbra, Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

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

Compare Stock Performance

Select two stocks and an investment amount to see how they compare over time.

Compare any two stocks to see which performed better historically

Performance Summary

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

Head-to-Head Record

5
AAPL Wins
0
Ties
6
PEN Wins

Over the 11-year comparison period, Apple Inc. outperformed Penumbra, Inc. in 5 years, while Penumbra, Inc. outperformed Apple Inc. in 6 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%)

PEN - Penumbra, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+22.69%
Best Year:+63.62% (2021)
Worst Year:-21.66% (2022)
Win Rate:81.8% (9/11 years)
Total Value:$77,465.54
Total Gain:+$67,465.54 (+674.66%)

Overall Winner: AAPL with an average annual return of 35.74% (vs 22.69% for PEN)

Understanding AAPL vs PEN Performance

When comparing Apple Inc. and Penumbra, 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 $77,466 for Penumbra, Inc. over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearAAPL ReturnAAPL CumulativePEN ReturnPEN 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---Tie
2011+50.72%$659,536.54---Tie
2012+22.89%$810,487.20---Tie
2013+30.56%$1,058,160.68---Tie
2014+4.75%$1,108,432.39---Tie
2015+42.63%$1,580,939.63---Tie
2016-2.08%$1,548,019.71+30.29%$13,029.06-32.37% (PEN)PEN
2017+12.38%$1,739,731.34+14.52%$14,921.09-2.14% (PEN)PEN
2018+48.04%$2,575,541.24+46.92%$21,921.53+1.13% (AAPL)AAPL
2019-7.05%$2,393,854.67+35.25%$29,649.27-42.31% (PEN)PEN
2020+88.74%$4,518,219.43+33.48%$39,574.92+55.27% (AAPL)AAPL
2021+78.24%$8,053,270.76+6.84%$42,283.48+71.40% (AAPL)AAPL
2022+38.06%$11,118,421.47+63.62%$69,185.02-25.56% (PEN)PEN
2023-28.20%$7,983,081.40-21.66%$54,197.13-6.54% (PEN)PEN
2024+54.80%$12,357,668.83+13.72%$61,630.85+41.08% (AAPL)AAPL
2025+35.56%$16,751,606.23-2.98%$59,795.30+38.53% (AAPL)AAPL
2026+11.88%$18,742,087.73+29.55%$77,465.54-17.67% (PEN)PEN

Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means AAPL outperformed PEN 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

Penumbra, Inc.

PEN

Penumbra is a global healthcare company focused on innovative therapies. It designs, develops, manufactures and markets novel medical devices and has a broad portfolio of products that addresses challenging medical conditions in markets with significant unmet need.

Key Innovations

  • Aspiration thrombectomy systems (Penumbra System)
  • Indigo System for peripheral clots
  • REAL Immersive System (VR rehab)

Business Segments

  • Neuro
    Devices for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
  • Vascular
    Devices for peripheral vascular conditions (thrombectomy).

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.