Apple vs Dell (AAPL vs DELL)

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

Apple (AAPL) and Dell (DELL) compete in hardware and devices. Here are Apple and Dell 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 Dell.

Apple vs Dell: the figures

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

3 key differences between Apple and Dell

1. Growth: Dell grew sales +57.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against +11.7% for Apple.
2. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Apple keeps 27.6 as net profit and Dell keeps 7.5.
3. Valuation: Apple trades at 38.9x its annual earnings and Dell at 21.6x; the market pays more for each dollar of Apple profit, usually because it expects more growth.

Apple or Dell: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Dell 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): Dell pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Apple has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Dell 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 Dell 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 Dell 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.

Dell (DELL)

Dell Technologies reports two main segments. Infrastructure Solutions Group sells servers, including AI servers, plus storage and networking, while Client Solutions Group sells laptops, desktops and monitors to businesses and consumers. Customers range from large companies and governments to individuals worldwide, with the Americas as its largest region. Full Dell analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Apple vs Dell

Is Apple or Dell the better stock?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, Apple or Dell?

As of November 4, 2026, Dell yields 0.62% and Apple yields 0.33%. Also check how much of their profit Apple and Dell pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Apple or Dell?

On P/E, Apple (38.9x) is more expensive than Dell (21.6x) 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 Dell?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Apple and Dell, 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 Dell.

More comparisons with Apple or Dell

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

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