Evaluating Apple Against Peers In Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals Industry - Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Core Insights - The article provides a comprehensive analysis of Apple and its competitors in the Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals industry, focusing on financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects [1] Company Overview - Apple is one of the largest companies globally, with a diverse range of hardware and software products aimed at both consumers and businesses [2] - The iPhone constitutes the majority of Apple's sales, with other products like Mac, iPad, and Watch designed to complement the iPhone within a broader software ecosystem [2] - Nearly half of Apple's sales are generated through its flagship stores, while the majority comes from partnerships and distribution channels [2] Financial Metrics Comparison - Apple's Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio is 36.59, which is lower than the industry average by 0.68x, indicating potential value [6] - The Price to Book (P/B) ratio of 54.70 is significantly higher than the industry average by 5.68x, suggesting possible overvaluation based on book value [6] - The Price to Sales (P/S) ratio of 9.84 exceeds the industry average by 2.86x, which may also indicate overvaluation in terms of sales performance [6] - Apple's Return on Equity (ROE) stands at 39.36%, which is 30.38% above the industry average, reflecting efficient equity utilization for profit generation [6] - The Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $35.55 billion is 68.37 times the industry average, indicating strong profitability and cash flow [6] - With a gross profit of $48.34 billion, Apple demonstrates profitability that is 49.33 times above the industry average [6] - The company is experiencing a revenue growth rate of 7.94%, outperforming the industry average of 7.5% [6] Debt to Equity Ratio - Apple's debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is 1.34, indicating a moderate level of debt relative to its equity, suggesting a balanced financial structure [11] - The D/E ratio allows for a concise evaluation of Apple's financial health and risk profile in comparison to its peers [9]