AAPL vs TJX: Apple Inc. vs The TJX Companies, Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This AAPL vs TJX comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Apple Inc. and The TJX Companies, 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 The TJX Companies, 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
18
TJX Wins

Over the 39-year comparison period, Apple Inc. outperformed The TJX Companies, Inc. in 21 years, while The TJX Companies, Inc. outperformed Apple Inc. in 18 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%)

TJX - The TJX Companies, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+22.12%
Best Year:+153.55% (1996)
Worst Year:-42.67% (1994)
Win Rate:79.5% (31/39 years)
Total Value:$4,844,865.34
Total Gain:+$4,834,865.34 (+48348.65%)

Overall Winner: AAPL with an average annual return of 35.74% (vs 22.12% for TJX)

Understanding AAPL vs TJX Performance

When comparing Apple Inc. and The TJX Companies, 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 $4,844,865 for The TJX Companies, Inc. over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearAAPL ReturnAAPL CumulativeTJX ReturnTJX CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1986 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1987+82.02%$18,202.36---Tie
1988+106.53%$37,593.80-32.85%$6,714.80+139.38% (AAPL)AAPL
1989-9.29%$34,100.85+37.56%$9,236.90-46.85% (TJX)TJX
1990-11.84%$30,064.63-16.78%$7,686.52+4.95% (AAPL)AAPL
1991+16.87%$35,136.55-27.30%$5,587.80+44.17% (AAPL)AAPL
1992+30.81%$45,962.25+54.52%$8,634.24-23.71% (TJX)TJX
1993+1.30%$46,558.07+71.45%$14,803.67-70.16% (TJX)TJX
1994-49.17%$23,667.02+5.75%$15,654.26-54.91% (TJX)TJX
1995+32.38%$31,331.08-42.67%$8,974.73+75.05% (AAPL)AAPL
1996-15.99%$26,321.25+25.04%$11,221.91-41.03% (TJX)TJX
1997-35.02%$17,103.72+153.55%$28,453.58-188.57% (TJX)TJX
1998-37.50%$10,689.87+53.02%$43,540.94-90.52% (TJX)TJX
1999+151.92%$26,930.30+76.36%$76,787.91+75.57% (AAPL)AAPL
2000+149.24%$67,121.68-27.31%$55,814.20+176.56% (AAPL)AAPL
2001-73.42%$17,839.15+37.71%$76,862.34-111.13% (TJX)TJX
2002+47.23%$26,263.99+46.04%$112,250.16+1.19% (AAPL)AAPL
2003-38.50%$16,152.95-0.92%$111,222.28-37.58% (TJX)TJX
2004+44.39%$23,323.51+10.85%$123,290.41+33.54% (AAPL)AAPL
2005+202.63%$70,584.32+17.14%$144,424.91+185.49% (AAPL)AAPL
2006+127.18%$160,350.86-5.60%$136,331.38+132.78% (AAPL)AAPL
2007+13.50%$181,995.49+24.48%$169,703.87-10.98% (TJX)TJX
2008+136.37%$430,186.98+1.44%$172,139.61+134.94% (AAPL)AAPL
2009-56.19%$188,444.11-25.61%$128,048.33-30.58% (TJX)TJX
2010+132.21%$437,584.92+72.30%$220,629.75+59.91% (AAPL)AAPL
2011+50.72%$659,536.54+24.80%$275,343.98+25.92% (AAPL)AAPL
2012+22.89%$810,487.20+49.34%$411,203.32-26.45% (TJX)TJX
2013+30.56%$1,058,160.68+34.71%$553,939.34-4.15% (TJX)TJX
2014+4.75%$1,108,432.39+49.19%$826,411.04-44.44% (TJX)TJX
2015+42.63%$1,580,939.63+9.27%$902,981.91+33.36% (AAPL)AAPL
2016-2.08%$1,548,019.71+5.56%$953,193.10-7.64% (TJX)TJX
2017+12.38%$1,739,731.34+7.48%$1,024,479.28+4.91% (AAPL)AAPL
2018+48.04%$2,575,541.24+3.02%$1,055,449.01+45.02% (AAPL)AAPL
2019-7.05%$2,393,854.67+18.59%$1,251,611.45-25.64% (TJX)TJX
2020+88.74%$4,518,219.43+39.01%$1,739,805.08+49.74% (AAPL)AAPL
2021+78.24%$8,053,270.76+11.09%$1,932,745.52+67.15% (AAPL)AAPL
2022+38.06%$11,118,421.47+15.33%$2,228,959.85+22.73% (AAPL)AAPL
2023-28.20%$7,983,081.40+7.25%$2,390,652.25-35.45% (TJX)TJX
2024+54.80%$12,357,668.83+20.58%$2,882,734.03+34.21% (AAPL)AAPL
2025+35.56%$16,751,606.23+31.31%$3,785,187.96+4.25% (AAPL)AAPL
2026+11.88%$18,742,087.73+28.00%$4,844,865.34-16.11% (TJX)TJX

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

The TJX Companies, Inc.

TJX

The TJX Companies is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. It operates Marmaxx (T.J. Maxx and Marshalls), HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International.

Key Innovations

  • Off-price retail business model
  • Rapid inventory turnover strategy

Business Segments

  • Marmaxx
    T.J. Maxx and Marshalls in the US.
  • HomeGoods
    HomeGoods and Homesense in the US.
  • TJX Canada
    Winners, HomeSense, and Marshalls in Canada.

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.