WallStSmart

CDW Corp (CDW)vsGDS Holdings Ltd (GDS)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CDW Corp generates 92% more annual revenue ($23.50B vs $12.26B). GDS leads profitability with a 30.5% profit margin vs 4.6%. GDS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. GDS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

CDW

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.5Value: 6.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.84

GDS

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 8.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.65
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CDWUndervalued (+4.6%)

Margin of Safety

+4.6%

Fair Value

$141.44

Current Price

$165.20

$23.76 discount

UndervaluedFair: $141.44Overvalued
GDSUndervalued (+15.6%)

Margin of Safety

+15.6%

Fair Value

$55.06

Current Price

$23.16

$31.90 discount

UndervaluedFair: $55.06Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CDW1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
44.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit

GDS5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
30.5%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
207.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 207.0% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

CDW4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
Price/BookValuation
8.5x4/10

Trading at 8.5x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.844/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Profit MarginProfitability
4.6%3/10

4.6% margin — thin

GDS2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.463/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.652/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CDW

The strongest argument for CDW centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : GDS

The strongest argument for GDS centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.5% and operating margin at 14.2%. PEG of 0.53 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CDW

The primary concerns for CDW are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.44 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 4.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : GDS

The primary concerns for GDS are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CDW profiles as a value stock while GDS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CDW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.

CDW is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

GDS generates stronger free cash flow (162M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

GDS scores higher overall (77/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 30.5% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.

CDW Corp

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

CDW Corporation, headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, is a provider of technology products and services for business, government and education.

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GDS Holdings Ltd

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · China

GDS Holdings Limited, develops and operates data centers in the People's Republic of China. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

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