WallStSmart

GDS Holdings Ltd (GDS)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Microsoft Corporation generates 2536% more annual revenue ($318.27B vs $12.08B). MSFT leads profitability with a 39.3% profit margin vs 23.5%. GDS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. GDS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).

GDS

Exceptional Buy

83

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.65

MSFT

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.5Value: 5.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.51
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

GDSUndervalued (+18.1%)

Margin of Safety

+18.1%

Fair Value

$56.72

Current Price

$34.00

$22.72 discount

UndervaluedFair: $56.72Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MSFT.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GDS5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
207.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 207.0% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
23.5%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.6%8/10

Revenue surging 23.6% year-over-year

MSFT6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$3.28T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$15.80B10/10

Generating 15.8B in free cash flow

Debt/EquityHealth
0.149/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

GDS3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.503/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-320.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.652/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MSFT1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : GDS

The strongest argument for GDS centers on EPS Growth, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.5% and operating margin at 27.0%. Revenue growth of 23.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MSFT

The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.3% and operating margin at 46.3%. Revenue growth of 18.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : GDS

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

Bear Case : MSFT

The primary concerns for MSFT are P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MSFT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

GDS is growing revenue faster at 23.6% — sustainability is the question.

MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (15.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

GDS scores higher overall (83/100 vs 72/100), backed by strong 23.5% margins and 23.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong 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.

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.

Microsoft Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.

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