AAPL vs IEX: Apple Inc. vs IEX Group, Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This AAPL vs IEX comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Apple Inc. and IEX Group, 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 IEX Group, 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

21
AAPL Wins
0
Ties
16
IEX Wins

Over the 37-year comparison period, Apple Inc. outperformed IEX Group, Inc. in 21 years, while IEX Group, Inc. outperformed Apple Inc. in 16 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%)

IEX - IEX Group, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+15.85%
Best Year:+57.65% (1991)
Worst Year:-37.50% (1990)
Win Rate:70.3% (26/37 years)
Total Value:$993,405.00
Total Gain:+$983,405.00 (+9834.05%)

Overall Winner: AAPL with an average annual return of 35.74% (vs 15.85% for IEX)

Understanding AAPL vs IEX Performance

When comparing Apple Inc. and IEX Group, 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 $993,405 for IEX Group, Inc. over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearAAPL ReturnAAPL CumulativeIEX ReturnIEX 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+15.38%$11,538.46-27.22% (IEX)IEX
1991+16.87%$35,136.55-37.50%$7,211.54+54.37% (AAPL)AAPL
1992+30.81%$45,962.25+57.65%$11,368.77-26.84% (IEX)IEX
1993+1.30%$46,558.07+40.74%$16,000.49-39.44% (IEX)IEX
1994-49.17%$23,667.02+54.59%$24,735.90-103.76% (IEX)IEX
1995+32.38%$31,331.08+17.77%$29,131.47+14.61% (AAPL)AAPL
1996-15.99%$26,321.25+46.94%$42,804.57-62.93% (IEX)IEX
1997-35.02%$17,103.72-0.48%$42,599.35-34.54% (IEX)IEX
1998-37.50%$10,689.87+35.04%$57,527.46-72.54% (IEX)IEX
1999+151.92%$26,930.30-30.52%$39,967.66+182.45% (AAPL)AAPL
2000+149.24%$67,121.68+25.40%$50,121.40+123.84% (AAPL)AAPL
2001-73.42%$17,839.15+11.85%$56,061.04-85.27% (IEX)IEX
2002+47.23%$26,263.99+11.55%$62,538.55+35.67% (AAPL)AAPL
2003-38.50%$16,152.95-2.56%$60,938.45-35.94% (IEX)IEX
2004+44.39%$23,323.51+25.26%$76,332.66+19.13% (AAPL)AAPL
2005+202.63%$70,584.32+48.83%$113,603.75+153.80% (AAPL)AAPL
2006+127.18%$160,350.86+5.66%$120,037.28+121.51% (AAPL)AAPL
2007+13.50%$181,995.49+15.91%$139,132.42-2.41% (IEX)IEX
2008+136.37%$430,186.98+15.93%$161,299.20+120.44% (AAPL)AAPL
2009-56.19%$188,444.11-31.03%$111,255.18-25.17% (IEX)IEX
2010+132.21%$437,584.92+22.22%$135,977.12+109.99% (AAPL)AAPL
2011+50.72%$659,536.54+25.78%$171,031.02+24.94% (AAPL)AAPL
2012+22.89%$810,487.20-5.02%$162,447.58+27.91% (AAPL)AAPL
2013+30.56%$1,058,160.68+27.22%$206,658.76+3.34% (AAPL)AAPL
2014+4.75%$1,108,432.39+56.60%$323,624.36-51.85% (IEX)IEX
2015+42.63%$1,580,939.63+8.78%$352,040.94+33.85% (AAPL)AAPL
2016-2.08%$1,548,019.71-0.01%$351,989.11-2.07% (IEX)IEX
2017+12.38%$1,739,731.34+20.87%$425,465.01-8.49% (IEX)IEX
2018+48.04%$2,575,541.24+46.64%$623,914.38+1.40% (AAPL)AAPL
2019-7.05%$2,393,854.67-2.95%$605,529.32-4.11% (IEX)IEX
2020+88.74%$4,518,219.43+39.28%$843,378.60+49.46% (AAPL)AAPL
2021+78.24%$8,053,270.76+16.34%$981,190.33+61.90% (AAPL)AAPL
2022+38.06%$11,118,421.47+22.20%$1,199,030.72+15.86% (AAPL)AAPL
2023-28.20%$7,983,081.40+0.16%$1,200,997.20-28.36% (IEX)IEX
2024+54.80%$12,357,668.83-4.28%$1,149,545.57+59.08% (AAPL)AAPL
2025+35.56%$16,751,606.23-1.42%$1,133,227.22+36.98% (AAPL)AAPL
2026+11.88%$18,742,087.73-12.34%$993,405.00+24.22% (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 IEX 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

IEX Group, Inc.

IEX

IEX Group, Inc. is a US-based financial technology company that operates a stock exchange. It was founded with the vision of creating a more transparent stock exchange that better protects investors, particularly from high-frequency trading. IEX is known for its innovative features like the 'speed bump' (a 350-microsecond delay) designed to mitigate the effects of high-frequency trading and the D-Limit order type. They also offer a cloud-based financial data platform called IEX Cloud.

Key Innovations

  • The 'speed bump' (350-microsecond delay) designed to neutralize predatory high-frequency trading strategies.
  • The D-Limit order type, offering enhanced protection for displayed liquidity.
  • IEX Cloud, a modern, developer-friendly financial data platform.

Business Segments

  • Stock Exchange Operations
    Operates a national securities exchange with innovative features to promote fair and transparent trading.
  • Financial Data Platform
    Provides a cloud-based financial data platform (IEX Cloud) offering market data and APIs.

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.