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DELL vs NTAP
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Dell Technologies (DELL) vs. NetApp (NTAP) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Dell Technologies (DELL) is a large-cap infrastructure and PC vendor whose AI-optimized server sales have surged, while NetApp (NTAP) is a storage and data-management specialist riding demand for all-flash and hybrid-cloud systems.
- Both stocks have delivered strong year-to-date gains, but recent weeks have seen sharper volatility in DELL as sentiment around enterprise AI timing cooled.
- NTAP trades on higher gross margins and a steadier, storage-focused model, whereas DELL offers faster top-line growth tied to hyperscaler and enterprise AI buildouts.
- Valuation and momentum differ meaningfully: NTAP has held closer to its 52-week highs, while DELL has pulled back from a September peak.
- The relative performance gap highlights a trade-off between high-growth AI exposure and a more consistent, margin-rich software-and-storage franchise.
Introduction
Investors comparing Dell Technologies and NetApp are weighing two different ways to gain exposure to enterprise data infrastructure and the artificial intelligence buildout. DELL is a diversified hardware leader spanning servers, storage, and PCs, while NTAP is a focused provider of hybrid-cloud and all-flash storage. This stock comparison is relevant for traders assessing relative performance and market positioning, as well as for longer-horizon investors evaluating business models, growth drivers, and risk profiles. Recent market activity has tested both names, making a head-to-head look at their momentum, fundamentals, and catalysts especially timely.
DELL Overview and Recent Performance
Dell Technologies operates two main segments: the Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG), which includes servers, networking, and storage, and the Client Solutions Group (CSG), which covers PCs and related devices. Its most recent fiscal results reflected rapid growth in AI-optimized servers, which more than tripled year over year in the latest reported quarter and helped drive total company revenue sharply higher. That momentum has positioned DELL among the strongest large-cap performers of the period.
In recent weeks, however, the stock has experienced a notable pullback from its September peak. Investor sentiment has shifted on concerns about the timing and pace of enterprise AI adoption, prompting at least one major sell-side firm to lower its rating from Overweight to Equal Weight. Despite the correction, DELL retains substantial year-to-date gains, reflecting both durable demand for data-center infrastructure and heightened sensitivity to shifts in the broader AI narrative.
NTAP Overview and Recent Performance
NetApp specializes in intelligent data infrastructure, offering all-flash arrays, hybrid-cloud storage, and storage-as-a-service through its Keystone platform. Its fiscal year ended in April with record revenue, gross profit, and operating income, supported by double-digit growth in all-flash array sales and its public cloud segment. The company has also announced a new $1 billion share repurchase program, underscoring confidence in its cash-generation profile.
NTAP has climbed sharply over the past year, and recent strategic partnerships with cloud and infrastructure providers have reinforced its AI data-management positioning. Recent market activity has seen the stock hold closer to its 52-week highs than some higher-beta AI hardware peers, with technical measures showing a constructive trend. NetApp's margin profile, which is significantly higher than typical hardware peers, remains a central element of its investment case.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies compete in adjacent markets but operate with very different profiles. DELL is a much larger, more diversified business with significant PC exposure and a fast-growing AI server franchise; its revenue growth is materially higher, but its gross margins are comparatively thin, and its model is more sensitive to component costs and hyperscaler demand cycles. NTAP is smaller and more specialized, with gross margins roughly three times those of Dell and a recurring-software and services element that supports a steadier earnings stream.
Growth drivers also differ. Dell's thesis leans heavily on AI server demand and a large order backlog, while NetApp's relies on all-flash adoption, hybrid-cloud expansion, and AI-adjacent data management. On risk, DELL carries higher volatility and greater exposure to sentiment swings around AI spending, whereas NTAP faces a more moderate growth ceiling but benefits from a stronger margin cushion. In terms of market sentiment, Dell has recently been under pressure despite its growth, while NetApp has maintained firmer technical positioning relative to its recent range.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely express a moderate preference for NTAP in the current environment. NetApp's steadier trend, higher margins, and closer proximity to its 52-week highs suggest more stable momentum, while DELL is currently working through a corrective phase tied to shifting sentiment on enterprise AI timing. That said, Dell's faster growth and larger AI backlog remain meaningful catalysts, meaning the comparison is closer than headline momentum suggests. The probabilistic view favors NetApp for trend quality and stability, while acknowledging Dell's potential to regain leadership if AI-infrastructure demand re-accelerates.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is DELL is a StrongBuy and NTAP is a Buy.
DELL's RSI Oscillator ascends from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for DELL moved out of oversold territory on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 25 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 24 of the 25 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 5 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +6.68% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where DELL advanced for three days, in 257 of 317 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
DELL may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on DELL as a result. In 49 of 88 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for DELL turned negative on September 24, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 52 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 34 of the 52 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 65%.
DELL moved below its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for DELL crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 12 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where DELL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
The Aroon Indicator for DELL entered a downward trend on October 23, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 2 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: DELL's P/B Ratio (-203.371) is very low in comparison to the industry average of (-7.861). P/E Ratio (26.262) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-3.305). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.638) is also within normal values, averaging (23.994). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.011) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.474) is also within normal values, averaging (51.774).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 23 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. DELL’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
NTAP sees its Stochastic Oscillator ascends from oversold territory
On October 23, 2026, the Stochastic Oscillator for NTAP moved out of oversold territory and this could be a bullish sign for the stock. Traders may want to buy the stock or buy call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 52 instances where the indicator left the oversold zone. In 36 of the 52 cases the stock moved higher in the following days. This puts the odds of a move higher at over 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +4.75% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NTAP advanced for three days, in 209 of 312 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 192 of 301 cases where NTAP Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 64%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for NTAP moved out of overbought territory on October 14, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 30 of the 50 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 60%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 16, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NTAP as a result. In 52 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NTAP turned negative on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 30 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 68%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NTAP declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
NTAP broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 01, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 3 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. NTAP’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 10 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 13 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 91, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 88 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (28.311) is normal, around the industry mean (16.613). P/E Ratio (30.095) is within average values for comparable stocks, (59.481). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.266) is also within normal values, averaging (3.696). Dividend Yield (0.010) settles around the average of (0.212) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.189) is also within normal values, averaging (104.492).
DELL | NTAP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 2 Undervalued | 88 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 9 | 15 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 17 | 13 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 35 | 3 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 23 | 10 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
DELL's Valuation (2) in the Computer Processing Hardware industry is significantly better than the same rating for NTAP (88) in the Computer Peripherals industry. This means that DELL’s stock grew significantly faster than NTAP’s over the last 12 months.
DELL's Profit vs Risk Rating (9) in the Computer Processing Hardware industry is in the same range as NTAP (15) in the Computer Peripherals industry. This means that DELL’s stock grew similarly to NTAP’s over the last 12 months.
NTAP's SMR Rating (13) in the Computer Peripherals industry is in the same range as DELL (17) in the Computer Processing Hardware industry. This means that NTAP’s stock grew similarly to DELL’s over the last 12 months.
NTAP's Price Growth Rating (3) in the Computer Peripherals industry is in the same range as DELL (35) in the Computer Processing Hardware industry. This means that NTAP’s stock grew similarly to DELL’s over the last 12 months.
NTAP's P/E Growth Rating (10) in the Computer Peripherals industry is in the same range as DELL (23) in the Computer Processing Hardware industry. This means that NTAP’s stock grew similarly to DELL’s over the last 12 months.
| DELL | NTAP | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 90% | 4 days ago 60% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 90% | 4 days ago 69% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 56% | 4 days ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 65% | 4 days ago 68% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 81% | 4 days ago 67% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 68% | 4 days ago 65% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 81% | 6 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 11 days ago 64% | 11 days ago 57% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 83% | 4 days ago 49% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 64% | 4 days ago 64% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
DELL’s FA Score shows that 4 FA rating(s) are green while NTAP’s FA Score has 4 green FA rating(s).
- DELL’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
- NTAP’s FA Score: 4 green, 1 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
DELL’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NTAP’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DELL’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- NTAP’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
DELL (@Computer Processing Hardware) experienced а +1.19% price change this week, while NTAP (@Computer Communications) price change was +5.73% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Computer Processing Hardware industry was -2.47%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -18.93%, and the average quarterly price growth was +1.12%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Computer Communications industry was +6.92%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.50%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.00%.
Reported Earning Dates
DELL is expected to report earnings on Nov 24, 2026.
NTAP is expected to report earnings on Nov 24, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Computer Processing Hardware (-2.47% weekly)Computer Processing Hardware industry produces central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage devices, and graphics card. Business activity and economic growth are potential drivers of this industry – if more businesses are growing or flourishing, so would their investments in computer equipment. Dell Technologies, Inc, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., NCR Corporation are key producers of computer processing hardware.
@Computer Communications (+6.92% weekly)Computer communications industry develops technology that allows computing devices to exchange data with each other using connections/data links between nodes. Common types of computer network include Cloud (IAN), Internet, Wide (WAN, Local (LAN)/Wireless(WLAN) etc. The industry is an ever-more important part of technology, and is set to become even bigger as the Internet of Things (IoT) rapidly forays into the various aspects of our lives. Cisco Systems, Inc., Palo Alto Networks, Inc. and Arista Networks, Inc., Fortinet, Inc. are some of the major computer communications companies.
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DELL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DELL has been loosely correlated with NTAP. These tickers have moved in lockstep 60% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if DELL jumps, then NTAP could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To DELL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DELL | 100% | +0.77% | ||
| NTAP - DELL | 60% Loosely correlated | +1.40% | ||
| SMCI - DELL | 49% Loosely correlated | -2.31% | ||
| LOGI - DELL | 46% Loosely correlated | -2.54% | ||
| P - DELL | 45% Loosely correlated | +1.76% | ||
| HPQ - DELL | 44% Loosely correlated | -0.36% | ||
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