IBM vs Oracle (IBM vs ORCL)
IBM (IBM) vs Oracle (ORCL) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
IBM (IBM) and Oracle (ORCL) compete in software and cloud. Here are IBM and Oracle 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 IBM or Oracle.
IBM vs Oracle: the figures
| Figure | IBM | Oracle |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $254.32 (November 4, 2026) | $123.73 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $240.4 billion | $375.1 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 21.7x | 19.4x |
| Forward P/E | 19.2x | 11.2x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +4.7% | +29.6% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 16.0% | 26.4% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.4x | 3.8x |
| Dividend yield | 2.70% | 1.58% |
| Beta | 0.76 | 1.78 |
IBM and Oracle figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that IBM or Oracle figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between IBM and Oracle
- Growth: Oracle grew sales +29.6% year on year in its latest quarter, against +4.7% for IBM.
- Volatility: Oracle stock moves more (beta 1.78) than IBM (beta 0.76); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Oracle keeps 26.4 as net profit and IBM keeps 16.0.
IBM or Oracle: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Oracle 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): IBM pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: IBM has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Oracle trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither IBM nor Oracle 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 IBM and Oracle make money
IBM (IBM)
IBM reports Software, its largest segment, including Red Hat, automation, data and AI under watsonx, and transaction processing; Consulting, which provides business and technology services; Infrastructure, which sells IBM Z mainframes, Power servers and storage; and Financing, which funds client purchases. Its customers are mainly large enterprises and governments. Full IBM analysis.
Oracle (ORCL)
Oracle sells software and cloud services to businesses. Its largest revenue line is Cloud Services and License Support, covering Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, applications such as Fusion and NetSuite, and support for its database. It also earns money from new licenses, hardware and services. The Americas are its main region. Full Oracle analysis.
Frequently asked questions: IBM vs Oracle
Is IBM or Oracle the better stock?
Choosing between IBM and Oracle depends on what you are looking for. Oracle is growing faster right now, and Oracle trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy IBM or Oracle: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBM or Oracle?
As of November 4, 2026, IBM yields 2.70% and Oracle yields 1.58%. Also check how much of their profit IBM and Oracle pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, IBM or Oracle?
On P/E, IBM (21.7x) is more expensive than Oracle (19.4x) 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 IBM and Oracle?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as IBM and Oracle, 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 IBM or Oracle.
More comparisons with IBM or Oracle
More companies like IBM and Oracle: software and cloud stocks. Educational content about IBM and Oracle, not investment advice.