In the ever-changing and fiercely competitive business landscape, conducting thorough company analysis is crucial 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 makes up a majority of the firm sales, and Apple's other products like 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, like streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors while working with subcontractors like Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with a majority of sales 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 35.25 40.15 9.57 30.39% $39.32 $54.78 16.6%
SanDisk Corp 67.67 21.28 22.79 30.14% $4.15 $4.66 251.03%
Seagate Technology Holdings PLC 88.33 192.37 19.05 96.27% $1.0 $1.45 44.07%
Western Digital Corp 33.69 20.04 17.98 37.73% $3.49 $1.68 45.47%
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co 45.02 2.52 1.67 1.71% $1.46 $3.34 18.42%
NetApp Inc 25.45 23.44 4.69 32.2% $0.59 $1.36 12.47%
Everpure Inc 109.56 16.67 6.38 1.67% $0.07 $0.72 35.25%
IonQ Inc 148.33 4.34 97.68 17.93% $-0.23 $0.02 754.72%
Super Micro Computer Inc 16.03 2.42 0.60 6.64% $0.7 $1.02 122.68%
Logitech International SA 23.09 7.19 3.39 6.31% $0.16 $0.48 7.44%
Diebold Nixdorf Inc 28.18 2.77 0.78 0.47% $0.07 $0.21 6.03%
Corsair Gaming Inc 93.56 1.39 0.62 1.85% $0.03 $0.12 -4.12%
Turtle Beach Corp 665 2.36 0.90 -12.65% $-0.01 $0.01 -34.0%
Average 111.99 24.73 14.71 18.36% $0.96 $1.26 104.96%

When analyzing Apple, the following trends become evident:

  • With a Price to Earnings ratio of 35.25, which is 0.31x less than the industry average, the stock shows potential for growth at a reasonable price, making it an interesting consideration for market participants.

  • It could be trading at a premium in relation to its book value, as indicated by its Price to Book ratio of 40.15 which exceeds the industry average by 1.62x.

  • With a relatively low Price to Sales ratio of 9.57, which is 0.65x the industry average, the stock might be considered undervalued based on sales performance.

  • With a Return on Equity (ROE) of 30.39% that is 12.03% above the industry average, it appears that the company exhibits efficient use of equity to generate profits.

  • The company exhibits higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $39.32 Billion, which is 40.96x above the industry average, implying stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.

  • With higher gross profit of $54.78 Billion, which indicates 43.48x above the industry average, the company demonstrates stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.

  • The company is witnessing a substantial decline in revenue growth, with a rate of 16.6% compared to the industry average of 104.96%, which indicates a challenging sales environment.

Debt To Equity Ratio

debt to equity

The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio provides insights into the proportion of debt a company has in relation to its equity and asset value.

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.

By considering the Debt-to-Equity ratio, Apple can be compared to its top 4 peers, leading to the following observations:

  • Compared to its top 4 peers, Apple has a stronger financial position indicated by its lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.8.

  • This suggests that the company relies less on debt financing and has a more favorable balance between debt and equity, which can be seen as a positive attribute 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 high PB ratio suggests the market values Apple's assets highly. A low PS ratio implies that investors are paying less for each dollar of Apple's sales. Apple's high ROE, EBITDA, and gross profit reflect strong profitability and operational efficiency. However, the low revenue growth may raise concerns about future performance compared to industry peers.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.