Competitor Analysis: Evaluating Apple And Competitors In Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry

Amidst today's fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, it is crucial for investors and industry enthusiasts to conduct comprehensive company evaluations. In this article, we will delve into an extensive industry comparison, evaluating **Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL)** in comparison to its major competitors within the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry. By analyzing critical financial metrics, market position, and growth potential, our objective is to provide valuable insights for investors and offer a deeper understanding of company's performance in 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 Inc37.6356.2510.1239.36%$35.55$48.347.94%Western Digital Corp22.689.355.7820.57%$1.48$1.2327.4%Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co26.941.240.921.14%$1.11$2.6718.5%Pure Storage Inc19016.917.104.03%$0.09$0.612.02%NetApp Inc20.2123.303.5731.11%$0.47$1.232.83%Super Micro Computer Inc26.953.131.032.62%$0.25$0.47-15.49%Logitech International SA27.078.403.817.99%$0.22$0.516.27%Diebold Nixdorf Inc47.932.100.663.73%$0.11$0.251.95%Turtle Beach Corp16.152.510.871.51%$0.01$0.03-14.74%**Average****47.24****8.37****2.97****9.09%****$0.47****$0.87****4.84%**

When closely examining Apple, the following trends emerge:

- A Price to Earnings ratio of **37.63** significantly below the industry average by **0.8x** suggests undervaluation. This can make the stock appealing for those seeking growth.

- The elevated Price to Book ratio of **56.25** relative to the industry average by **6.72x** suggests company might be overvalued based on its book value.

- The Price to Sales ratio of **10.12**, which is **3.41x** the industry average, suggests the stock could potentially be overvalued in relation to its sales performance compared to its peers.

- The Return on Equity (ROE) of **39.36%** is **30.27%** above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.

- The company exhibits higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of **$35.55 Billion**, which is **75.64x** above the industry average, implying stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.

- With higher gross profit of **$48.34 Billion**, which indicates **55.56x** above the industry average, the company demonstrates stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.

- The company is experiencing remarkable revenue growth, with a rate of **7.94%**, outperforming the industry average of **4.84%**.

### Debt To Equity Ratio

!debt to equity

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.

When examining Apple in comparison to its top 4 peers with respect to the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following information becomes apparent:

- Among its top 4 peers, Apple is placed in the middle with a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of **1.34**.

- This implies a balanced financial structure, with a reasonable proportion of debt and equity.

### Key Takeaways

For Apple in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, the PE, PB, and PS ratios indicate that the stock is relatively undervalued compared to its peers. However, the high ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth suggest that Apple is performing exceptionally well within the industry. These metrics highlight Apple's strong financial performance and growth potential in the market.

<p>Amidst today's fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, it is crucial for investors and industry enthusiasts to conduct comprehensive company evaluations. In this article, we will delve into an extensive industry comparison, evaluating <b>Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AAPL">AAPL</a>)</b> in comparison to its major competitors within the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry. By analyzing critical financial metrics, market position, and growth potential, our objective is to provide valuable insights for investors and offer a deeper understanding of company's performance in the industry.</p>
<h3>Apple Background</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;">
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Company</strong></th>
<th><strong>P/E</strong></th>
<th><strong>P/B</strong></th>
<th><strong>P/S</strong></th>
<th><strong>ROE</strong></th>
<th><strong>EBITDA (in billions)</strong></th>
<th><strong>Gross Profit (in billions)</strong></th>
<th><strong>Revenue Growth</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Apple Inc</td>
<td>37.63</td>
<td>56.25</td>
<td>10.12</td>
<td>39.36%</td>
<td>$35.55</td>
<td>$48.34</td>
<td>7.94%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Western Digital Corp</td>
<td>22.68</td>
<td>9.35</td>
<td>5.78</td>
<td>20.57%</td>
<td>$1.48</td>
<td>$1.23</td>
<td>27.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co</td>
<td>26.94</td>
<td>1.24</td>
<td>0.92</td>
<td>1.14%</td>
<td>$1.11</td>
<td>$2.67</td>
<td>18.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pure Storage Inc</td>
<td>190</td>
<td>16.91</td>
<td>7.10</td>
<td>4.03%</td>
<td>$0.09</td>
<td>$0.6</td>
<td>12.02%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NetApp Inc</td>
<td>20.21</td>
<td>23.30</td>
<td>3.57</td>
<td>31.11%</td>
<td>$0.47</td>
<td>$1.23</td>
<td>2.83%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Super Micro Computer Inc</td>
<td>26.95</td>
<td>3.13</td>
<td>1.03</td>
<td>2.62%</td>
<td>$0.25</td>
<td>$0.47</td>
<td>-15.49%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Logitech International SA</td>
<td>27.07</td>
<td>8.40</td>
<td>3.81</td>
<td>7.99%</td>
<td>$0.22</td>
<td>$0.51</td>
<td>6.27%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Diebold Nixdorf Inc</td>
<td>47.93</td>
<td>2.10</td>
<td>0.66</td>
<td>3.73%</td>
<td>$0.11</td>
<td>$0.25</td>
<td>1.95%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turtle Beach Corp</td>
<td>16.15</td>
<td>2.51</td>
<td>0.87</td>
<td>1.51%</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>-14.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Average</strong></td>
<td><strong>47.24</strong></td>
<td><strong>8.37</strong></td>
<td><strong>2.97</strong></td>
<td><strong>9.09%</strong></td>
<td><strong>$0.47</strong></td>
<td><strong>$0.87</strong></td>
<td><strong>4.84%</strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

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<p>When closely examining Apple, the following trends emerge: </p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>A Price to Earnings ratio of <b>37.63</b> significantly below the industry average by <b>0.8x</b> suggests undervaluation. This can make the stock appealing for those seeking growth.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The elevated Price to Book ratio of <b>56.25</b> relative to the industry average by <b>6.72x</b> suggests company might be overvalued based on its book value.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The Price to Sales ratio of <b>10.12</b>, which is <b>3.41x</b> the industry average, suggests the stock could potentially be overvalued in relation to its sales performance compared to its peers.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The Return on Equity (ROE) of <b>39.36%</b> is <b>30.27%</b> above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The company exhibits higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of <b>$35.55 Billion</b>, which is <b>75.64x</b> above the industry average, implying stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>With higher gross profit of <b>$48.34 Billion</b>, which indicates <b>55.56x</b> above the industry average, the company demonstrates stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>The company is experiencing remarkable revenue growth, with a rate of <b>7.94%</b>, outperforming the industry average of <b>4.84%</b>.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1764946846_0.png" alt="debt to equity" /></p>

<p>The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio indicates the proportion of debt and equity used by a company to finance its assets and operations.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>When examining Apple in comparison to its top 4 peers with respect to the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following information becomes apparent:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Among its top 4 peers, Apple is placed in the middle with a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of <b>1.34</b>.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>This implies a balanced financial structure, with a reasonable proportion of debt and equity.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
<p>For Apple in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry, the PE, PB, and PS ratios indicate that the stock is relatively undervalued compared to its peers. However, the high ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth suggest that Apple is performing exceptionally well within the industry. These metrics highlight Apple's strong financial performance and growth potential in the market.</p>
<p><em>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</em></p>