In the dynamic and fiercely competitive business environment, conducting a thorough analysis of companies is crucial for investors and industry enthusiasts. In this article, we will perform an extensive industry comparison, evaluating Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) in relation to its major competitors in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. By closely examining crucial financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, we aim to offer 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 | 36.16 | 42.80 | 9.98 | 27.84% | $39.02 | $54.77 | 16.36% |
| SanDisk Corp | 23.92 | 16.42 | 13.50 | 46.78% | $7.89 | $7.58 | 371.59% |
| Seagate Technology Holdings PLC | 63.73 | 92.96 | 16.64 | 79.34% | $1.64 | $1.9 | 48.49% |
| Western Digital Corp | 17.92 | 19.62 | 14.30 | 34.3% | $3.36 | $2.03 | 43.84% |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co | 30.36 | 2.95 | 1.99 | 5.83% | $2.33 | $4.9 | 33.68% |
| NetApp Inc | 26.09 | 24.27 | 5.01 | 26.35% | $0.55 | $1.42 | 29.89% |
| Everpure Inc | 132.96 | 20.99 | 7.90 | 4.97% | $0.11 | $0.81 | 37.73% |
| Super Micro Computer Inc | 11.94 | 2.49 | 0.69 | 12.83% | $1.57 | $1.94 | 93.16% |
| Logitech International SA | 18.11 | 6.01 | 2.95 | 10.33% | $0.28 | $0.61 | 6.93% |
| Diebold Nixdorf Inc | 22.01 | 2.33 | 0.62 | 1.56% | $0.09 | $0.24 | 1.7% |
| Corsair Gaming Inc | 39.77 | 2.01 | 0.91 | 1.04% | $0.02 | $0.1 | -1.8% |
| Immersion Corp | 53.14 | 0.83 | 0.14 | 1.26% | $0.02 | $1.36 | -5.22% |
| Average | 40.0 | 17.35 | 5.88 | 20.42% | $1.62 | $2.08 | 60.0% |
Upon analyzing Apple, the following trends can be observed:
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The stock's Price to Earnings ratio of 36.16 is lower than the industry average by 0.9x, suggesting potential value in the eyes of market participants.
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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 42.8 which exceeds the industry average by 2.47x.
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With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 9.98, which is 1.7x the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
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The Return on Equity (ROE) of 27.84% is 7.42% above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.
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The Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $39.02 Billion is 24.09x above the industry average, highlighting stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
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The gross profit of $54.77 Billion is 26.33x above that of its industry, highlighting 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 60.0%, which indicates a challenging sales environment.
Debt To Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is a measure that indicates the level of debt a company has taken on relative to the value of its assets net of liabilities.
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 assessing Apple against its top 4 peers using the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following comparisons can be made:
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In terms of the debt-to-equity ratio, Apple has a lower level of debt compared to its top 4 peers, indicating a stronger financial position.
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This implies that the company relies less on debt financing and has a more favorable balance between debt and equity with a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78.
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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