NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Is now the time to buy Dell?

The stock hit a four-year high this week and is up 11 percent year-to-date versus just 2 percent for the Nasdaq. Hewlett-Packard, Dell's main rival, has skidded 14 percent.

And while other techs have been bruised, if not outright beaten, by a prolonged tech spending slowdown, Dell's sales have remained strong. It reclaimed the No. 1 spot from HP in worldwide PC shipments in the first-quarter of this year and has since maintained its lead, according to industry research firm IDC.

Wall Street is looking for some favorable numbers from Dell when it releases its third-quarter results Thursday.

Revenue is expected to climb 18 percent year-over-year while earnings per share are expected to jump 27 percent, according to First Call.

Analysts are hoping Dell's growth can continue thanks to its push into overseas markets and expansion into printers, servers, and storage.

Unlike some of its products, however, the stock is rather pricey. But should you really wait for it to go on sale? Find out in our Stock Spotlight »»  

The author owns 10 shares of Dell in a retirement account.