In today's rapidly changing and highly competitive business world, it is imperative for investors and industry observers to carefully assess companies before making investment choices. In this article, we will undertake a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) vis-à-vis its key competitors in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. Through a detailed analysis of important financial indicators, market standing, and growth potential, our goal is to provide valuable insights and highlight company's performance in the industry.

Apple Background

Apple is among the largest companies in the world, with a broad portfolio of hardware and software products targeted at consumers and businesses. Apple's iPhone accounts for the majority of the firm's sales, and Apple's other products, such as the Mac, iPad, and Watch, are designed around the iPhone as the focal point of an expansive software ecosystem. Apple has progressively worked to add new applications, such as streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors and works with subcontractors such as Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with the majority coming indirectly through partnerships and distribution.

Company P/E P/B P/S ROE EBITDA (in billions) Gross Profit (in billions) Revenue Growth
Apple Inc 37.85 43.12 10.28 30.39% $39.32 $54.78 16.6%
SanDisk Corp 59.62 18.75 20.08 30.14% $4.15 $4.66 251.03%
Seagate Technology Holdings PLC 82.38 179.40 17.76 96.27% $1.0 $1.45 44.07%
Western Digital Corp 34.56 20.56 18.45 37.73% $3.49 $1.68 45.47%
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co 40.33 2.26 1.49 2.38% $1.7 $3.9 40.0%
NetApp Inc 25.76 23.72 4.75 32.2% $0.59 $1.36 12.47%
Everpure Inc 117.77 17.92 6.86 1.67% $0.07 $0.72 35.25%
Super Micro Computer Inc 14.31 2.32 0.54 6.64% $0.7 $1.02 122.68%
IonQ Inc 125.31 3.67 82.52 17.93% $-0.23 $0.02 754.72%
Logitech International SA 20.29 6.32 2.98 6.31% $0.16 $0.48 7.44%
Diebold Nixdorf Inc 29.02 2.85 0.80 0.47% $0.07 $0.21 6.03%
Corsair Gaming Inc 100.67 1.50 0.66 1.85% $0.03 $0.12 -4.12%
Turtle Beach Corp 619 2.20 0.84 -12.65% $-0.01 $0.01 -34.0%
Average 105.75 23.46 13.14 18.41% $0.98 $1.3 106.75%

Through a meticulous analysis of Apple, we can observe the following trends:

  • The stock's Price to Earnings ratio of 37.85 is lower than the industry average by 0.36x, suggesting potential value in the eyes of market participants.

  • The elevated Price to Book ratio of 43.12 relative to the industry average by 1.84x suggests company might be overvalued based on its book value.

  • Based on its sales performance, the stock could be deemed undervalued with a Price to Sales ratio of 10.28, which is 0.78x the industry average.

  • The Return on Equity (ROE) of 30.39% is 11.98% above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.

  • Compared to its industry, the company has higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $39.32 Billion, which is 40.12x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.

  • With higher gross profit of $54.78 Billion, which indicates 42.14x above the industry average, the company demonstrates stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.

  • With a revenue growth of 16.6%, which is much lower than the industry average of 106.75%, the company is experiencing a notable slowdown in sales expansion.

Debt To Equity Ratio

debt to equity

The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio assesses the extent to which a company relies on borrowed funds compared to its equity.

Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.

When examining Apple in comparison to its top 4 peers with respect to the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following information becomes apparent:

  • When considering the debt-to-equity ratio, Apple exhibits a stronger financial position compared to its top 4 peers.

  • This indicates that the company has a favorable balance between debt and equity, with a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.8, which can be perceived as a positive aspect by investors.

Key Takeaways

For Apple in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, the PE ratio is low compared to peers, indicating potential undervaluation. The high PB ratio suggests the market values Apple's assets highly. With a low PS ratio, Apple's sales are relatively inexpensive. Apple's high ROE, EBITDA, and gross profit reflect strong profitability. However, the low revenue growth may raise concerns about future performance compared to industry peers.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.