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 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 | 39.22 | 46.42 | 10.83 | 27.84% | $39.02 | $54.77 | 16.36% |
| SanDisk Corp | 18.91 | 12.81 | 10.68 | 46.78% | $7.89 | $7.58 | 371.59% |
| Seagate Technology Holdings PLC | 49.70 | 72.49 | 12.97 | 79.34% | $1.64 | $1.9 | 48.49% |
| Western Digital Corp | 13.24 | 15.05 | 10.57 | 34.3% | $3.36 | $2.03 | 43.84% |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co | 30.22 | 2.94 | 1.98 | 5.83% | $2.33 | $4.9 | 33.68% |
| Everpure Inc | 182.74 | 28.85 | 10.85 | 4.97% | $0.11 | $0.81 | 37.73% |
| NetApp Inc | 30.32 | 28.21 | 5.82 | 26.35% | $0.55 | $1.42 | 29.89% |
| Super Micro Computer Inc | 10.76 | 2.25 | 0.63 | 12.83% | $1.57 | $1.94 | 93.16% |
| Logitech International SA | 19.29 | 6.40 | 3.15 | 10.33% | $0.28 | $0.61 | 6.93% |
| Diebold Nixdorf Inc | 22.04 | 2.33 | 0.62 | 1.56% | $0.09 | $0.24 | 1.7% |
| Corsair Gaming Inc | 42.65 | 2.15 | 0.98 | 1.04% | $0.02 | $0.1 | -1.8% |
| Immersion Corp | 21 | 0.79 | 0.14 | 1.93% | $0.01 | $0.06 | 0.81% |
| Average | 40.08 | 15.84 | 5.31 | 20.48% | $1.62 | $1.96 | 60.55% |
After examining Apple, the following trends can be inferred:
A Price to Earnings ratio of 39.22 significantly below the industry average by 0.98x suggests undervaluation. This can make the stock appealing for those seeking growth.
With a Price to Book ratio of 46.42, which is 2.93x 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.
The Price to Sales ratio of 10.83, which is 2.04x the industry average, suggests the stock could potentially be overvalued in relation to its sales performance compared to its peers.
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.
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.
The company has higher gross profit of $54.77 Billion, which indicates 27.94x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
The company's revenue growth of 16.36% is significantly lower compared to the industry average of 60.55%. This indicates a potential fall in the company's sales performance.

The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is a key indicator of a company's financial health and its reliance on debt financing.
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:
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.
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.
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.