In today's fast-paced and competitive business landscape, it is essential for investors and industry enthusiasts to thoroughly analyze companies before making investment decisions. In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) against its key competitors in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. By examining key financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, we aim to provide valuable insights for investors and shed light on company's performance within 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 | 36.26 | 42.92 | 10.01 | 27.84% | $39.02 | $54.77 | 16.36% |
| SanDisk Corp | 23.56 | 16.17 | 13.30 | 46.78% | $7.89 | $7.58 | 371.59% |
| Seagate Technology Holdings PLC | 65.06 | 94.59 | 16.98 | 79.34% | $1.64 | $1.9 | 48.49% |
| Western Digital Corp | 17.73 | 19.41 | 14.15 | 34.3% | $3.36 | $2.03 | 43.84% |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co | 28.88 | 2.81 | 1.89 | 5.83% | $2.33 | $4.9 | 33.68% |
| NetApp Inc | 26.71 | 24.85 | 5.12 | 26.35% | $0.55 | $1.42 | 29.89% |
| Everpure Inc | 138.55 | 21.87 | 8.23 | 4.97% | $0.11 | $0.81 | 37.73% |
| Super Micro Computer Inc | 12.35 | 2.58 | 0.72 | 12.83% | $1.57 | $1.94 | 93.16% |
| Logitech International SA | 18.07 | 6 | 2.95 | 10.33% | $0.28 | $0.61 | 6.93% |
| Diebold Nixdorf Inc | 22.21 | 2.35 | 0.63 | 1.56% | $0.09 | $0.24 | 1.7% |
| Corsair Gaming Inc | 39.55 | 1.99 | 0.91 | 1.04% | $0.02 | $0.1 | -1.8% |
| Immersion Corp | 54.57 | 0.85 | 0.15 | 1.26% | $0.02 | $1.36 | -5.22% |
| Average | 40.66 | 17.59 | 5.91 | 20.42% | $1.62 | $2.08 | 60.0% |
By thoroughly analyzing Apple, we can discern the following trends:
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A Price to Earnings ratio of 36.26 significantly below the industry average by 0.89x suggests undervaluation. This can make the stock appealing for those seeking growth.
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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 42.92 which exceeds the industry average by 2.44x.
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The stock's relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 10.01, surpassing the industry average by 1.69x, may indicate an aspect of overvaluation in terms of sales performance.
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With a Return on Equity (ROE) of 27.84% that is 7.42% above the industry average, it appears that the company exhibits efficient use of equity to generate profits.
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With higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $39.02 Billion, which is 24.09x above the industry average, the company demonstrates stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
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With higher gross profit of $54.77 Billion, which indicates 26.33x above the industry average, the company demonstrates stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
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The company's revenue growth of 16.36% is significantly below the industry average of 60.0%. This suggests a potential struggle in generating increased sales volume.
Debt To Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio helps evaluate the capital structure and financial leverage 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.
In terms of the Debt-to-Equity ratio, Apple can be assessed by comparing it to its top 4 peers, resulting in the following observations:
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Among its top 4 peers, Apple has a stronger financial position with a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78.
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This indicates that the company relies less on debt financing and maintains a more favorable 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 ratio is low compared to peers, indicating potential undervaluation. The PB and PS ratios are high, suggesting overvaluation relative to industry standards. In terms of ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth, Apple demonstrates strong performance compared to its industry peers, reflecting favorable financial health and operational efficiency.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.
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