AAPL vs. NOW: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison

Updated on August 26, 2025

Here’s a clear look at AAPL and NOW, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.

Company Profile

Symbol	AAPL	NOW
Company Name	Apple Inc.	ServiceNow, Inc.
Country	United States	United States
GICS Sector	Information Technology	Information Technology
GICS Industry	Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals	Software
Market Capitalization	3,371.15 billion USD	182.60 billion USD
Exchange	NasdaqGS	NYSE
Listing Date	December 12, 1980	June 29, 2012
Security Type	Common Stock	Common Stock

Historical Performance

This chart compares the performance of AAPL and NOW by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.

AAPL vs. NOW: Growth of a $10,000 investment over the past one year.

Historical Performance at a Glance

Symbol	AAPL	NOW
5-Day Price Return	-1.47%	-0.77%
13-Week Price Return	12.81%	-13.37%
26-Week Price Return	-7.23%	-10.86%
52-Week Price Return	1.17%	7.19%
Month-to-Date Return	9.44%	-6.70%
Year-to-Date Return	-9.29%	-17.00%
10-Day Avg. Volume	45.67M	1.87M
3-Month Avg. Volume	54.54M	1.57M
3-Month Volatility	22.43%	26.85%
Beta	1.08	0.93

Profitability

Return on Equity (TTM)

AAPL

154.92%

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 47.24%
Q3: 29.40%
Median: 9.11%
Q1: 6.06%
Min: -0.79%

AAPL’s Return on Equity of 154.92% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This demonstrates a superior ability to generate profit from shareholder investments, though it could also be inflated by high financial leverage.

NOW

16.62%

Software Industry

Max: 59.01%
Q3: 21.98%
Median: 7.15%
Q1: -11.12%
Min: -51.24%

NOW’s Return on Equity of 16.62% is on par with the norm for the Software industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Return on Equity (TTM) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Net Profit Margin (TTM)

AAPL

24.30%

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 13.86%
Q3: 8.17%
Median: 4.62%
Q1: 3.65%
Min: -0.21%

AAPL’s Net Profit Margin of 24.30% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This demonstrates outstanding operational efficiency and a strong competitive advantage in converting revenue into profit.

NOW

13.78%

Software Industry

Max: 48.14%
Q3: 18.23%
Median: 5.60%
Q1: -9.22%
Min: -49.36%

NOW’s Net Profit Margin of 13.78% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Software industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Net Profit Margin (TTM) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Operating Profit Margin (TTM)

AAPL

31.87%

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 17.80%
Q3: 10.33%
Median: 6.31%
Q1: 4.86%
Min: 2.53%

AAPL’s Operating Profit Margin of 31.87% is exceptionally high, placing it well above the typical range for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This demonstrates outstanding efficiency in managing its core operations, which can be a result of strong pricing power or superior cost control.

NOW

13.28%

Software Industry

Max: 57.34%
Q3: 20.60%
Median: 7.84%
Q1: -8.72%
Min: -51.37%

NOW’s Operating Profit Margin of 13.28% is around the midpoint for the Software industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Operating Profit Margin (TTM) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Profitability at a Glance

Symbol	AAPL	NOW
Return on Equity (TTM)	154.92%	16.62%
Return on Assets (TTM)	28.95%	8.12%
Net Profit Margin (TTM)	24.30%	13.78%
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)	31.87%	13.28%
Gross Profit Margin (TTM)	46.68%	78.52%

Financial Strength

Current Ratio (MRQ)

AAPL

0.87

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 2.47
Q3: 1.98
Median: 1.40
Q1: 1.26
Min: 0.70

AAPL’s Current Ratio of 0.87 falls into the lower quartile for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.

NOW

1.09

Software Industry

Max: 3.83
Q3: 2.31
Median: 1.45
Q1: 1.03
Min: 0.24

NOW’s Current Ratio of 1.09 aligns with the median group of the Software industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Current Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)

AAPL

1.54

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 1.47
Q3: 0.93
Median: 0.32
Q1: 0.19
Min: 0.00

With a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 1.54, AAPL operates with exceptionally high leverage compared to the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry norm. This suggests an aggressive reliance on debt financing, which can magnify returns but also significantly elevates financial risk.

NOW

0.14

Software Industry

Max: 2.14
Q3: 0.90
Median: 0.29
Q1: 0.00
Min: 0.00

NOW’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.14 is typical for the Software industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)

AAPL

622.51

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 204.63
Q3: 90.22
Median: 21.70
Q1: 6.79
Min: -23.93

With an Interest Coverage Ratio of 622.51, AAPL demonstrates a superior capacity to service its debt, placing it well above the typical range for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This stems from either robust earnings or a conservative debt load.

NOW

32.13

Software Industry

Max: 67.02
Q3: 19.86
Median: 0.70
Q1: -12.50
Min: -53.00

NOW’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 32.13 is in the upper quartile for the Software industry, signifying a strong and healthy capacity to meet its interest payments from operating profits.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Financial Strength at a Glance

Symbol	AAPL	NOW
Current Ratio (MRQ)	0.87	1.09
Quick Ratio (MRQ)	0.83	0.99
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)	1.54	0.14
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)	622.51	32.13

Growth

Revenue Growth

AAPL vs. NOW: A side-by-side comparison of their Revenue Growth for the MRQ (YoY), TTM (YoY), 3-Year CAGR, and 5-Year CAGR periods.

EPS Growth

AAPL vs. NOW: A side-by-side comparison of their EPS Growth for the MRQ (YoY), TTM (YoY), 3-Year CAGR, and 5-Year CAGR periods.

Dividend

Dividend Yield (TTM)

AAPL

0.46%

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 4.50%
Q3: 3.66%
Median: 1.90%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

AAPL’s Dividend Yield of 0.46% is consistent with its peers in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.

NOW

0.00%

Software Industry

Max: 0.08%
Q3: 0.03%
Median: 0.00%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

NOW currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Dividend Yield (TTM) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)

AAPL

15.47%

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 142.87%
Q3: 66.07%
Median: 42.79%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

AAPL’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 15.47% is within the typical range for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.

NOW

0.00%

Software Industry

Max: 1.32%
Q3: 0.53%
Median: 0.00%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

NOW has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Dividend at a Glance

Symbol	AAPL	NOW
Dividend Yield (TTM)	0.46%	0.00%
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)	15.47%	0.00%

Valuation

Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)

AAPL

33.94

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 43.16
Q3: 27.56
Median: 17.85
Q1: 12.48
Min: 6.21

A P/E Ratio of 33.94 places AAPL in the upper quartile for the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This high valuation relative to peers suggests the market holds elevated expectations for the company’s future growth.

NOW

111.05

Software Industry

Max: 149.35
Q3: 100.21
Median: 47.97
Q1: 26.77
Min: 11.68

A P/E Ratio of 111.05 places NOW in the upper quartile for the Software industry. This high valuation relative to peers suggests the market holds elevated expectations for the company’s future growth.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)

AAPL

8.25

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 4.27
Q3: 1.99
Median: 0.93
Q1: 0.45
Min: 0.04

With a P/S Ratio of 8.25, AAPL trades at a valuation that eclipses even the highest in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This implies the market has priced in exceptionally optimistic scenarios for future revenue growth, posing considerable valuation risk.

NOW

15.30

Software Industry

Max: 25.24
Q3: 13.52
Median: 8.15
Q1: 4.87
Min: 0.98

NOW’s P/S Ratio of 15.30 is in the upper echelon for the Software industry. This means the company is valued richly on its revenue stream compared to its peers, suggesting the stock is priced for a high level of future performance.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)

AAPL

46.55

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Max: 12.51
Q3: 6.11
Median: 1.73
Q1: 1.01
Min: 0.31

At 46.55, AAPL’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.

NOW

19.48

Software Industry

Max: 30.95
Q3: 14.91
Median: 7.75
Q1: 3.60
Min: 0.38

NOW’s P/B Ratio of 19.48 is in the upper tier for the Software industry. This indicates that investors are paying a premium relative to the company’s net assets, a valuation that hinges on its ability to generate superior profits.

AAPL vs. NOW: A comparison of their Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals and Software industry benchmarks.

Valuation at a Glance

Symbol	AAPL	NOW
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)	33.94	111.05
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)	8.25	15.30
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)	46.55	19.48
Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM)	35.03	48.48