Apple vs Arista Networks (AAPL vs ANET)

Apple (AAPL) vs Arista Networks (ANET) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Apple (AAPL) and Arista Networks (ANET) compete in hardware and devices. Here are Apple and Arista Networks side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Apple or Arista Networks.

Apple vs Arista Networks: the figures

Apple and Arista Networks figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Apple or Arista Networks figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Apple and Arista Networks

1. Growth: Arista Networks grew sales +37.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against +11.7% for Apple.
2. Debt: Apple owes 0.1x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Arista Networks holds more cash than debt.
3. Size: Apple is worth $5.08 trillion on the stock market, about 22.6 times Arista Networks ($225.1 billion).

Apple or Arista Networks: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Arista Networks is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Apple pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Arista Networks has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Apple trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Apple nor Arista Networks wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Apple and Arista Networks make money

Apple (AAPL)

Apple breaks out sales by product: iPhone, its largest source of revenue, plus Mac, iPad, Wearables such as Apple Watch and AirPods, and Services, which covers the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music and advertising. It sells worldwide, with the Americas, Europe and Greater China as its biggest regions. Full Apple analysis.

Arista Networks (ANET)

Arista Networks sells high-speed Ethernet switches and the EOS software that runs them, used inside cloud data centers and AI networks. Most revenue comes from products, with the rest from support services. Its biggest customers are cloud giants such as Microsoft and Meta, along with large enterprises and service providers. Full Arista Networks analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Apple vs Arista Networks

Is Apple or Arista Networks the better stock?

Choosing between Apple and Arista Networks depends on what you are looking for. Arista Networks is growing faster right now, and Apple trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Apple or Arista Networks: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Apple or Arista Networks?

As of November 4, 2026, Apple yields 0.33% and Arista Networks pays none. Also check how much of their profit Apple and Arista Networks pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Apple or Arista Networks?

On P/E, Arista Networks (47.8x) is more expensive than Apple (38.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Apple and Arista Networks?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Apple and Arista Networks, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Apple or Arista Networks.

More comparisons with Apple or Arista Networks

• Apple vs Cisco
• Apple vs Dell
• Apple vs Microsoft
• Arista Networks vs Cisco

More companies like Apple and Arista Networks: hardware and devices stocks. Educational content about Apple and Arista Networks, not investment advice.