In the dynamic and cutthroat world of business, conducting thorough company analysis is essential for investors and industry experts. In this article, we will undertake a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and its primary competitors in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. By closely examining key financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, our aim is 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 | 38.20 | 45.21 | 10.54 | 27.84% | $39.02 | $54.77 | 16.36% |
| SanDisk Corp | 21.04 | 14.44 | 11.88 | 46.78% | $7.89 | $7.58 | 371.59% |
| Seagate Technology Holdings PLC | 57.95 | 84.53 | 15.13 | 79.34% | $1.64 | $1.9 | 48.49% |
| Western Digital Corp | 15.86 | 17.37 | 12.66 | 34.3% | $3.36 | $2.03 | 43.84% |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co | 28.56 | 2.77 | 1.87 | 5.83% | $2.33 | $4.9 | 33.68% |
| NetApp Inc | 26.59 | 24.74 | 5.10 | 26.35% | $0.55 | $1.42 | 29.89% |
| Everpure Inc | 128.47 | 20.28 | 7.63 | 4.97% | $0.11 | $0.81 | 37.73% |
| Super Micro Computer Inc | 11.27 | 2.35 | 0.66 | 12.83% | $1.57 | $1.94 | 93.16% |
| Logitech International SA | 18.41 | 6.11 | 3 | 10.33% | $0.28 | $0.61 | 6.93% |
| Diebold Nixdorf Inc | 21.52 | 2.28 | 0.61 | 1.56% | $0.09 | $0.24 | 1.7% |
| Corsair Gaming Inc | 42.03 | 2.12 | 0.96 | 1.04% | $0.02 | $0.1 | -1.8% |
| Immersion Corp | 21.21 | 0.80 | 0.14 | 1.26% | $0.02 | $1.36 | -5.22% |
| Average | 35.72 | 16.16 | 5.42 | 20.42% | $1.62 | $2.08 | 60.0% |
When conducting a detailed analysis of Apple, the following trends become clear:
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The current Price to Earnings ratio of 38.2 is 1.07x higher than the industry average, indicating the stock is priced at a premium level according to the market sentiment.
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The elevated Price to Book ratio of 45.21 relative to the industry average by 2.8x suggests company might be overvalued based on its book value.
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The stock's relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 10.54, surpassing the industry average by 1.94x, 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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Compared to its industry, the company has higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $39.02 Billion, which is 24.09x above the industry average, indicating 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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With a revenue growth of 16.36%, which is much lower than the industry average of 60.0%, the company is experiencing a notable slowdown in sales expansion.
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.
When assessing Apple against its top 4 peers using the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following comparisons can be made:
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When considering the debt-to-equity ratio, Apple exhibits a stronger financial position compared to its top 4 peers.
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This indicates that the company has a favorable balance between debt and equity, with a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, which can be perceived as a positive aspect by investors.
Key Takeaways
For Apple in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, the PE, PB, and PS ratios are all high compared to peers, indicating a potentially overvalued stock. On the other hand, Apple's high ROE, EBITDA, and gross profit suggest strong profitability and operational efficiency. However, the low revenue growth rate may raise concerns about the company's future performance relative to industry peers.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.
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