Ferguson Plc (FERG)vsWW Grainger Inc (GWW)
FERG
Ferguson Plc
$228.84
+1.29%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $50.46B
GWW
WW Grainger Inc
$1,075.87
+0.98%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $50.97B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ferguson Plc generates 74% more annual revenue ($31.16B vs $17.94B). GWW leads profitability with a 9.5% profit margin vs 6.3%. FERG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. FERG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
FERG
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
GWW
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+39.9%
Fair Value
$445.00
Current Price
$228.84
$216.16 discount
Margin of Safety
-399.9%
Fair Value
$240.52
Current Price
$1075.87
$835.35 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 23.9% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 46 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
6.3% margin — thin
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 13.7x book value
4.5% revenue growth
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FERG
The strongest argument for FERG centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.
Bull Case : GWW
The strongest argument for GWW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap.
Bear Case : FERG
The primary concerns for FERG are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : GWW
The primary concerns for GWW are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FERG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.14 — expect wider price swings.
FERG is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.
GWW generates stronger free cash flow (269M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
FERG scores higher overall (61/100 vs 50/100). 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.
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.
WW Grainger Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
W. W. Grainger, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 industrial supply company founded in 1927 in Chicago by William W. (Bill) Grainger.
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