WallStSmart

Ferguson Plc (FERG)vsWatsco Inc (WSO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ferguson Plc generates 330% more annual revenue ($31.16B vs $7.24B). WSO leads profitability with a 6.9% profit margin vs 6.3%. WSO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.48. FERG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

FERG

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.34

WSO

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.34
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FERGUndervalued (+39.9%)

Margin of Safety

+39.9%

Fair Value

$445.00

Current Price

$228.84

$216.16 discount

UndervaluedFair: $445.00Overvalued
WSOSignificantly Overvalued (-413.3%)

Margin of Safety

-413.3%

Fair Value

$83.30

Current Price

$367.15

$283.85 premium

UndervaluedFair: $83.30Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FERG4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.3410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$50.46B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.9% YoY

WSO1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.3410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

FERG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
25.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Profit MarginProfitability
6.3%3/10

6.3% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-552.13M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

WSO4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Profit MarginProfitability
6.9%3/10

6.9% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-10.0%2/10

Revenue declined 10.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FERG

The strongest argument for FERG centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.

Bull Case : WSO

The strongest argument for WSO centers on Altman Z-Score. PEG of 1.48 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : FERG

The primary concerns for FERG are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : WSO

The primary concerns for WSO are P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.

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.

WSO generates stronger free cash flow (389M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

FERG scores higher overall (61/100 vs 45/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Watsco Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Watsco, Inc. distributes air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment; and related parts and supplies in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

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