ARM vs. GDS: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at ARM and GDS, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
Both ARM and GDS are American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). This provides U.S. investors with straightforward access to investing in these foreign-listed companies.
| Symbol | ARM | GDS |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Arm Holdings plc | GDS Holdings Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom | China |
| GICS Sector | Information Technology | Information Technology |
| GICS Industry | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | IT Services |
| Market Capitalization | 138.93 billion USD | 6.76 billion USD |
| Exchange | NasdaqGS | NasdaqGM |
| Listing Date | September 14, 2023 | November 2, 2016 |
| Security Type | ADR | ADR |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of ARM and GDS by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.
Historical Performance at a Glance
| Symbol | ARM | GDS |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | -5.36% | -4.28% |
| 13-Week Price Return | -1.43% | 11.79% |
| 26-Week Price Return | -13.77% | -4.13% |
| 52-Week Price Return | 2.85% | -19.97% |
| Month-to-Date Return | -5.21% | -11.83% |
| Year-to-Date Return | 8.63% | 37.28% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 4.00M | 10.23M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 5.00M | 8.68M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 46.58% | 62.39% |
| Beta | 2.73 | 1.54 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
ARM
10.64%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 52.74%
- Q3
- 23.49%
- Median
- 11.60%
- Q1
- 3.23%
- Min
- -20.69%
ARM’s Return on Equity of 10.64% is on par with the norm for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.
GDS
19.12%
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 29.51%
- Q3
- 16.98%
- Median
- 13.47%
- Q1
- 7.93%
- Min
- -3.97%
In the upper quartile for the IT Services industry, GDS’s Return on Equity of 19.12% signals a highly effective use of shareholder capital to drive profitability compared to most of its peers.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
ARM
16.96%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 44.17%
- Q3
- 22.38%
- Median
- 11.95%
- Q1
- 3.21%
- Min
- -25.16%
ARM’s Net Profit Margin of 16.96% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
GDS
41.75%
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 19.82%
- Q3
- 11.49%
- Median
- 6.67%
- Q1
- 3.61%
- Min
- -4.62%
GDS’s Net Profit Margin of 41.75% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the IT Services industry. This demonstrates outstanding operational efficiency and a strong competitive advantage in converting revenue into profit.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
ARM
18.51%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 58.03%
- Q3
- 27.84%
- Median
- 12.45%
- Q1
- 5.15%
- Min
- -28.61%
ARM’s Operating Profit Margin of 18.51% is around the midpoint for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
GDS
21.69%
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 21.69%
- Q3
- 14.50%
- Median
- 10.06%
- Q1
- 6.98%
- Min
- 0.06%
An Operating Profit Margin of 21.69% places GDS in the upper quartile for the IT Services industry. This signals a strong ability to translate revenue into operating profit, outperforming most of its competitors in core business efficiency.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | ARM | GDS |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 10.64% | 19.12% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 8.01% | 5.88% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 16.96% | 41.75% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 18.51% | 21.69% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 97.14% | 21.12% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
ARM
4.99
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 8.42
- Q3
- 4.70
- Median
- 2.75
- Q1
- 2.07
- Min
- 1.04
ARM’s Current Ratio of 4.99 is in the upper quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This signifies a strong liquidity position, suggesting the company is well-equipped to cover its immediate liabilities compared to its peers.
GDS
1.47
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 2.42
- Q3
- 1.81
- Median
- 1.47
- Q1
- 1.09
- Min
- 0.44
GDS’s Current Ratio of 1.47 aligns with the median group of the IT Services industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
ARM
0.00
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 1.09
- Q3
- 0.45
- Median
- 0.22
- Q1
- 0.01
- Min
- 0.00
Falling into the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, ARM’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.00 points to a conservative financing strategy. This results in lower financial risk but potentially limits strategic investments compared to more leveraged competitors.
GDS
1.75
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 2.33
- Q3
- 1.17
- Median
- 0.54
- Q1
- 0.15
- Min
- 0.00
GDS’s leverage is in the upper quartile of the IT Services industry, with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 1.75. While this approach can boost equity growth, it also exposes the company to greater financial vulnerability.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
ARM
6.95
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 174.00
- Q3
- 81.10
- Median
- 27.22
- Q1
- 7.28
- Min
- -4.26
In the lower quartile for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, ARM’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 6.95 indicates a tighter cushion for servicing debt, suggesting less financial flexibility than many of its competitors.
GDS
0.66
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 144.50
- Q3
- 84.49
- Median
- 13.76
- Q1
- 2.59
- Min
- -28.13
GDS’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 0.66 is a critical concern. A value below 1.0 means operating earnings are insufficient to cover interest expenses, indicating severe financial strain and high default risk.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | ARM | GDS |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 4.99 | 1.47 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 4.77 | 1.29 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 0.00 | 1.75 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 6.95 | 0.66 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
ARM
0.00%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 4.16%
- Q3
- 1.78%
- Median
- 0.74%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
ARM currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.
GDS
0.00%
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 2.80%
- Q3
- 1.74%
- Median
- 0.62%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
GDS currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)
ARM
0.00%
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 196.12%
- Q3
- 87.72%
- Median
- 26.57%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
ARM has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.
GDS
0.00%
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 147.75%
- Q3
- 63.58%
- Median
- 24.63%
- Q1
- 0.00%
- Min
- 0.00%
GDS has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.
Dividend at a Glance
| Symbol | ARM | GDS |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
ARM
203.03
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 109.37
- Q3
- 57.11
- Median
- 28.95
- Q1
- 22.13
- Min
- 11.14
At 203.03, ARM’s P/E Ratio is exceptionally high, exceeding the typical maximum for the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This suggests the stock may be significantly overvalued compared to its peers and implies high market expectations that could be difficult to meet.
GDS
10.47
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 41.55
- Q3
- 31.54
- Median
- 23.25
- Q1
- 18.12
- Min
- 6.57
In the lower quartile for the IT Services industry, GDS’s P/E Ratio of 10.47 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
ARM
34.44
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 16.09
- Q3
- 10.10
- Median
- 4.82
- Q1
- 2.60
- Min
- 0.93
With a P/S Ratio of 34.44, ARM trades at a valuation that eclipses even the highest in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This implies the market has priced in exceptionally optimistic scenarios for future revenue growth, posing considerable valuation risk.
GDS
4.37
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 6.61
- Q3
- 4.37
- Median
- 2.02
- Q1
- 1.20
- Min
- 0.19
GDS’s P/S Ratio of 4.37 is in the upper echelon for the IT Services industry. This means the company is valued richly on its revenue stream compared to its peers, suggesting the stock is priced for a high level of future performance.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
ARM
24.45
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment Industry
- Max
- 13.56
- Q3
- 6.75
- Median
- 3.68
- Q1
- 1.89
- Min
- 0.60
At 24.45, ARM’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.
GDS
1.41
IT Services Industry
- Max
- 11.19
- Q3
- 6.38
- Median
- 3.47
- Q1
- 2.31
- Min
- 0.96
GDS’s P/B Ratio of 1.41 is in the lower quartile for the IT Services industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | ARM | GDS |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 203.03 | 10.47 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 34.44 | 4.37 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 24.45 | 1.41 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 199.60 | -- |