Tech Hardware

PCs, print, EMS, handset RF, US thin-film solar, and the IT channel that are not AI chips or data-center interconnect. Apple, Dell, HPE, Western Digital, and Seagate are dual-homed. Ciena, Corning, Amphenol, and NetApp stay on Data Centers. Skyworks is handset RF, not an accelerator.

Data updated 2026-08-26
Tech Hardware

The Tech Hardware sector on Sterling tracks 14 companies.

Who is on Tech Hardware (14 companies)

Latest completed fiscal-year net sales. Apple is an order of magnitude larger than the next name. Dual-home Dell, HPE, Western Digital, and Seagate also sit on Data Centers. Skyworks is handset RF.

Four verticals, one leftover S&P 500 page

Client hardware is the stack once Apple Services is removed. Enterprise hardware is the dual-home ISG, HPE, and HDD book. EMS, the IT channel, and components-plus-solar are much smaller in dollars and different in economics.

The PC cycle turned up in 2025

Gartner counted 270 million traditional PCs in 2025, up 9.1 percent. IDC's 2024 print was 17 million units above Gartner's original 2024 figure. The houses disagree on the level. They agree 2025 was the refresh year.

Margin is the tell for what kind of hardware this is

Verisign's registry, Apple's platform, First Solar's US module book, and Garmin print 25 to 68 percent GAAP operating margins. PC OEMs and EMS assemblers print 4 to 7 percent. Same sector page. Not the same business.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tech Hardware sector?

PCs, print, EMS, handset RF, US thin-film solar, and the IT channel that are not AI chips or data-center interconnect. Apple, Dell, HPE, Western Digital, and Seagate are dual-homed. Ciena, Corning, Amphenol, and NetApp stay on Data Centers. Skyworks is handset RF, not an accelerator.

Which companies lead the Tech Hardware sector?

Sterling tracks 14 companies in Tech Hardware, led by Flex Ltd. (FLEX), Jabil (JBL), Gartner (IT), Verisign (VRSN), First Solar (FSLR) and Skyworks Solutions (SWKS).

How can I invest in the Tech Hardware sector?

Publicly traded names in Tech Hardware include Flex Ltd. (FLEX), Jabil (JBL), Gartner (IT), Verisign (VRSN) and First Solar (FSLR). Compare them side by side on Sterling.

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