AAPL vs MSFT: Cerne Score and key numbers side by side

Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) side by side, with the Cerne Score from 0 to 100 and the key numbers from the latest annual accounts.

Cerne score

Apple Inc.

AAPL · Technology

64Fair

  • Quality91
  • Growth78
  • Financial strength94
  • Valuation16
  • Dividends64
Microsoft Corporation

MSFT · Technology

85Excellent

  • Quality100
  • Growth85
  • Financial strength97
  • Valuation69
  • Dividends78

Key numbers side by side

MeasureAAPLMSFT
Market cap4,96 T US$3,95 T US$
P/E (price ÷ earnings)45,629,7
Dividend yield0,30%0,67%
Revenue growth7,6%14,7%
Profit margin26,9%40,3%
Quality checks6/86/8

What the numbers say

Microsoft Corporation has a Cerne Score of 85 and Apple Inc. has 64: a 21-point gap, on a 0–100 scale.

The biggest gap is in the valuation pillar: Apple Inc. has 16 and Microsoft Corporation has 69.

At today's price, Apple Inc. trades at 45,6 times annual earnings and Microsoft Corporation at 29,7 times. A lower P/E doesn't by itself mean a better company: it depends on growth and sector.

Apple Inc.'s dividend yields 0,30% a year at the current price and Microsoft Corporation's yields 0,67%.

Apple Inc.'s sales grew 7,6% a year and Microsoft Corporation's 14,7%; the profit margin is 26,9% (Apple Inc.) and 40,3% (Microsoft Corporation).

Educational information; the score describes the accounts and the price, it doesn't predict the future and isn't a recommendation to buy or sell.