CDW vs. FLEX: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison
Updated onHere’s a clear look at CDW and FLEX, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.
Company Profile
| Symbol | CDW | FLEX |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | CDW Corporation | Flex Ltd. |
| Country | United States | United States |
| GICS Sector | Information Technology | Information Technology |
| GICS Industry | Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components |
| Market Capitalization | 20.87 billion USD | 20.99 billion USD |
| Exchange | NasdaqGS | NasdaqGS |
| Listing Date | June 27, 2013 | March 18, 1994 |
| Security Type | Common Stock | Common Stock |
Historical Performance
This chart compares the performance of CDW and FLEX 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 | CDW | FLEX |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Price Return | -1.84% | -2.47% |
| 13-Week Price Return | -12.55% | 8.59% |
| 26-Week Price Return | -0.62% | 69.68% |
| 52-Week Price Return | -27.39% | 71.81% |
| Month-to-Date Return | -0.01% | -3.17% |
| Year-to-Date Return | -8.49% | 46.21% |
| 10-Day Avg. Volume | 1.40M | 3.53M |
| 3-Month Avg. Volume | 1.21M | 4.11M |
| 3-Month Volatility | 26.25% | 30.43% |
| Beta | 1.06 | 1.26 |
Profitability
Return on Equity (TTM)
CDW
45.37%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 21.57%
- Q3
- 13.27%
- Median
- 8.55%
- Q1
- 4.42%
- Min
- -4.21%
CDW’s Return on Equity of 45.37% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry. This demonstrates a superior ability to generate profit from shareholder investments, though it could also be inflated by high financial leverage.
FLEX
16.77%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 21.57%
- Q3
- 13.27%
- Median
- 8.55%
- Q1
- 4.42%
- Min
- -4.21%
In the upper quartile for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, FLEX’s Return on Equity of 16.77% signals a highly effective use of shareholder capital to drive profitability compared to most of its peers.
Net Profit Margin (TTM)
CDW
4.92%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 17.31%
- Q3
- 10.85%
- Median
- 7.26%
- Q1
- 3.13%
- Min
- -3.00%
CDW’s Net Profit Margin of 4.92% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
FLEX
3.42%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 17.31%
- Q3
- 10.85%
- Median
- 7.26%
- Q1
- 3.13%
- Min
- -3.00%
FLEX’s Net Profit Margin of 3.42% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)
CDW
7.64%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 30.04%
- Q3
- 15.08%
- Median
- 9.55%
- Q1
- 4.27%
- Min
- -3.83%
CDW’s Operating Profit Margin of 7.64% is around the midpoint for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
FLEX
4.78%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 30.04%
- Q3
- 15.08%
- Median
- 9.55%
- Q1
- 4.27%
- Min
- -3.83%
FLEX’s Operating Profit Margin of 4.78% is around the midpoint for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.
Profitability at a Glance
| Symbol | CDW | FLEX |
|---|---|---|
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 45.37% | 16.77% |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 7.26% | 4.59% |
| Net Profit Margin (TTM) | 4.92% | 3.42% |
| Operating Profit Margin (TTM) | 7.64% | 4.78% |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 21.57% | 8.94% |
Financial Strength
Current Ratio (MRQ)
CDW
1.35
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 4.57
- Q3
- 2.85
- Median
- 2.03
- Q1
- 1.51
- Min
- 0.62
CDW’s Current Ratio of 1.35 falls into the lower quartile for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.
FLEX
1.30
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 4.57
- Q3
- 2.85
- Median
- 2.03
- Q1
- 1.51
- Min
- 0.62
FLEX’s Current Ratio of 1.30 falls into the lower quartile for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)
CDW
2.28
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 1.14
- Q3
- 0.54
- Median
- 0.30
- Q1
- 0.11
- Min
- 0.00
With a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 2.28, CDW operates with exceptionally high leverage compared to the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry norm. This suggests an aggressive reliance on debt financing, which can magnify returns but also significantly elevates financial risk.
FLEX
0.74
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 1.14
- Q3
- 0.54
- Median
- 0.30
- Q1
- 0.11
- Min
- 0.00
FLEX’s leverage is in the upper quartile of the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.74. While this approach can boost equity growth, it also exposes the company to greater financial vulnerability.
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)
CDW
7.69
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 79.05
- Q3
- 36.62
- Median
- 12.51
- Q1
- 3.72
- Min
- -18.73
CDW’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 7.69 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.
FLEX
7.39
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 79.05
- Q3
- 36.62
- Median
- 12.51
- Q1
- 3.72
- Min
- -18.73
FLEX’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 7.39 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.
Financial Strength at a Glance
| Symbol | CDW | FLEX |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio (MRQ) | 1.35 | 1.30 |
| Quick Ratio (MRQ) | 1.17 | 0.79 |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) | 2.28 | 0.74 |
| Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) | 7.69 | 7.39 |
Growth
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
Dividend
Dividend Yield (TTM)
CDW
1.58%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 5.36%
- Q3
- 2.53%
- Median
- 1.28%
- Q1
- 0.16%
- Min
- 0.00%
CDW’s Dividend Yield of 1.58% is consistent with its peers in the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.
FLEX
0.00%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 5.36%
- Q3
- 2.53%
- Median
- 1.28%
- Q1
- 0.16%
- Min
- 0.00%
FLEX 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)
CDW
30.73%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 218.94%
- Q3
- 90.25%
- Median
- 38.81%
- Q1
- 3.69%
- Min
- 0.00%
CDW’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 30.73% is within the typical range for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.
FLEX
0.00%
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 218.94%
- Q3
- 90.25%
- Median
- 38.81%
- Q1
- 3.69%
- Min
- 0.00%
FLEX 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 | CDW | FLEX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | 1.58% | 0.00% |
| Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) | 30.73% | 0.00% |
Valuation
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)
CDW
19.41
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 74.74
- Q3
- 42.40
- Median
- 26.55
- Q1
- 20.05
- Min
- 10.12
In the lower quartile for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, CDW’s P/E Ratio of 19.41 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.
FLEX
23.73
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 74.74
- Q3
- 42.40
- Median
- 26.55
- Q1
- 20.05
- Min
- 10.12
FLEX’s P/E Ratio of 23.73 is within the middle range for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry. This suggests its valuation is in line with the sector average, representing neither a significant premium nor a discount compared to its peers.
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)
CDW
0.96
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 6.79
- Q3
- 3.58
- Median
- 2.05
- Q1
- 1.29
- Min
- 0.20
In the lower quartile for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, CDW’s P/S Ratio of 0.96 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
FLEX
0.81
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 6.79
- Q3
- 3.58
- Median
- 2.05
- Q1
- 1.29
- Min
- 0.20
In the lower quartile for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry, FLEX’s P/S Ratio of 0.81 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)
CDW
9.53
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 6.92
- Q3
- 3.80
- Median
- 2.23
- Q1
- 1.42
- Min
- 0.44
At 9.53, CDW’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 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.
FLEX
2.53
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components Industry
- Max
- 6.92
- Q3
- 3.80
- Median
- 2.23
- Q1
- 1.42
- Min
- 0.44
FLEX’s P/B Ratio of 2.53 is within the conventional range for the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry. This shows a balanced market view, where the stock’s price is neither at a significant premium nor a discount to the book value of its peers.
Valuation at a Glance
| Symbol | CDW | FLEX |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) | 19.41 | 23.73 |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 0.96 | 0.81 |
| Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) | 9.53 | 2.53 |
| Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM) | 20.51 | 19.15 |