In today's rapidly changing and fiercely competitive business landscape, it is essential for investors and industry enthusiasts to thoroughly analyze companies. 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 | 38.55 | 45.62 | 10.64 | 27.84% | $39.02 | $54.77 | 16.36% |
| SanDisk Corp | 24.29 | 16.67 | 13.72 | 46.78% | $7.89 | $7.58 | 371.59% |
| Seagate Technology Holdings PLC | 61.78 | 90.12 | 16.13 | 79.34% | $1.64 | $1.9 | 48.49% |
| Western Digital Corp | 16.40 | 17.95 | 13.08 | 34.3% | $3.36 | $2.03 | 43.84% |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co | 31.32 | 3.04 | 2.05 | 5.83% | $2.33 | $4.9 | 33.68% |
| NetApp Inc | 27.94 | 25.99 | 5.36 | 26.35% | $0.55 | $1.42 | 29.89% |
| Everpure Inc | 142.66 | 22.52 | 8.47 | 4.97% | $0.11 | $0.81 | 37.73% |
| Super Micro Computer Inc | 11.99 | 2.50 | 0.70 | 12.83% | $1.57 | $1.94 | 93.16% |
| Logitech International SA | 18.55 | 6.16 | 3.03 | 10.33% | $0.28 | $0.61 | 6.93% |
| Diebold Nixdorf Inc | 20.93 | 2.21 | 0.59 | 1.56% | $0.09 | $0.24 | 1.7% |
| Corsair Gaming Inc | 43.16 | 2.18 | 0.99 | 1.04% | $0.02 | $0.1 | -1.8% |
| Immersion Corp | 21.21 | 0.80 | 0.14 | 1.93% | $0.01 | $0.06 | 0.81% |
| Average | 38.2 | 17.29 | 5.84 | 20.48% | $1.62 | $1.96 | 60.55% |
Through a detailed examination of Apple, we can deduce the following trends:
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Notably, the current Price to Earnings ratio for this stock, 38.55, is 1.01x above the industry norm, reflecting a higher valuation relative to the industry.
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With a Price to Book ratio of 45.62, which is 2.64x the industry average, Apple might be considered overvalued in terms of its book value, as it is trading at a higher multiple compared to its industry peers.
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With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 10.64, which is 1.82x the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
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With a Return on Equity (ROE) of 27.84% that is 7.36% above the industry average, it appears that the company exhibits efficient use of equity to generate profits.
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The company exhibits higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $39.02 Billion, which is 24.09x above the industry average, implying stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
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The gross profit of $54.77 Billion is 27.94x above that of its industry, highlighting 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 60.55%. This suggests a potential struggle in generating increased sales volume.
Debt To Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio indicates the proportion of debt and equity used by a company to finance its assets and operations.
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 light of the Debt-to-Equity ratio, a comparison between Apple and its top 4 peers reveals the following information:
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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, the PE, PB, and PS ratios are all high compared to its peers in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, indicating potentially overvalued stock. On the other hand, Apple's high ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and low revenue growth suggest strong operational efficiency and profitability relative to its industry counterparts.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.
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