Amidst the fast-paced and highly competitive business environment of today, conducting comprehensive company analysis is essential for investors and industry enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into an extensive industry comparison, evaluating Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) in comparison to its major competitors within the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. By analyzing critical financial metrics, market position, and growth potential, our objective is to provide valuable insights for investors and offer a deeper understanding of 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 | 34.66 | 41.03 | 9.57 | 27.84% | $39.02 | $54.77 | 16.36% |
| Seagate Technology Holdings PLC | 63.18 | 91.85 | 16.49 | 79.34% | $1.64 | $1.9 | 48.49% |
| Western Digital Corp | 18.71 | 17.66 | 13.46 | 34.46% | $3.49 | $1.68 | 12.29% |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co | 54.94 | 3.08 | 2.03 | 2.38% | $1.7 | $3.9 | 40.0% |
| NetApp Inc | 31.82 | 29.35 | 5.86 | 32.2% | $0.59 | $1.36 | 12.47% |
| Everpure Inc | 168.79 | 25.68 | 9.82 | 1.67% | $0.07 | $0.72 | 35.25% |
| Super Micro Computer Inc | 19.79 | 3.21 | 0.74 | 6.64% | $0.7 | $1.02 | 122.68% |
| Logitech International SA | 18.95 | 6.29 | 3.09 | 10.33% | $0.28 | $0.61 | 6.93% |
| Diebold Nixdorf Inc | 23.77 | 2.51 | 0.67 | 1.56% | $0.09 | $0.24 | 1.7% |
| Corsair Gaming Inc | 41.68 | 2.10 | 0.96 | 1.04% | $0.02 | $0.1 | -1.8% |
| Immersion Corp | 53.07 | 0.83 | 0.14 | 1.26% | $0.02 | $1.36 | -5.22% |
| Average | 49.47 | 18.26 | 5.33 | 17.09% | $0.86 | $1.29 | 27.28% |
By closely examining Apple, we can identify the following trends:
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At 34.66, the stock's Price to Earnings ratio is 0.7x less than the industry average, suggesting favorable growth potential.
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It could be trading at a premium in relation to its book value, as indicated by its Price to Book ratio of 41.03 which exceeds the industry average by 2.25x.
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The stock's relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 9.57, surpassing the industry average by 1.8x, may indicate an aspect of overvaluation in terms of sales performance.
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The company has a higher Return on Equity (ROE) of 27.84%, which is 10.75% above the industry average. This suggests efficient use of equity to generate profits and demonstrates profitability and growth potential.
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With higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $39.02 Billion, which is 45.37x above the industry average, the company demonstrates stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
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Compared to its industry, the company has higher gross profit of $54.77 Billion, which indicates 42.46x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
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The company is witnessing a substantial decline in revenue growth, with a rate of 16.36% compared to the industry average of 27.28%, which indicates a challenging sales environment.
Debt To Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is an important measure to assess the financial structure and risk profile of a company.
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.
By analyzing Apple in relation to its top 4 peers based on the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following insights can be derived:
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Apple demonstrates a stronger financial position compared to its top 4 peers in the sector.
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With a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, the company relies less on debt financing and maintains a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
Key Takeaways
For Apple in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, the PE, PB, and PS ratios indicate that the stock is relatively undervalued compared to its peers. However, the high ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and low revenue growth suggest that Apple is performing well financially but may face challenges in revenue expansion. Overall, Apple's strong profitability metrics outweigh the lower revenue growth, positioning it favorably within the industry sector.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.
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