WallStSmart

Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT)vsFerguson Plc (FERG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ferguson Plc generates 533% more annual revenue ($31.45B vs $4.97B). AIT leads profitability with a 8.3% profit margin vs 6.3%. FERG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. FERG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

AIT

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 6/9

FERG

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 4/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AIT.

FERGSignificantly Overvalued (-79.0%)

Margin of Safety

-79.0%

Fair Value

$149.39

Current Price

$221.17

$71.78 premium

UndervaluedFair: $149.39Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AIT2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
22.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

FERG1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
32.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Areas to Watch

AIT2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

PEG RatioValuation
2.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

FERG4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
6.3%3/10

6.3% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-199.04M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AIT

The strongest argument for AIT centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : FERG

The strongest argument for FERG centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.33 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AIT

The primary concerns for AIT are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : FERG

The primary concerns for FERG are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FERG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.

AIT is growing revenue faster at 10.4% — sustainability is the question.

AIT generates stronger free cash flow (160M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

FERG scores higher overall (59/100 vs 57/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Applied Industrial Technologies

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. distributes industrial products in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Ferguson Plc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Central Europe. The company is headquartered in Wokingham, the United Kingdom.

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