Technology Distributors
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NSIT vs CDW vs PC
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Information Technology Services
Restaurants
NSIT vs CDW vs PC — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Technology Distributors | Information Technology Services | Restaurants |
| Market Cap | $2.14B | $14.06B | $188M |
| Revenue (TTM) | $8.25B | $22.90B | $5M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $157M | $1.08B | $-1M |
| Gross Margin | 21.4% | 21.6% | 16.1% |
| Operating Margin | 4.7% | 7.3% | -28.8% |
| Forward P/E | 6.5x | 10.4x | — |
| Total Debt | $1.59B | $6.33B | $5M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $358M | $619M | $34K |
NSIT vs CDW vs PC — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | Sep 24 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insight Enterprises… (NSIT) | 100 | 32.0 | -68.0% |
| CDW Corporation (CDW) | 100 | 48.2 | -51.8% |
| Premium Catering (H… (PC) | 100 | 22.0 | -78.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: NSIT vs CDW vs PC
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
NSIT is the clearest fit if your priority is sleep-well-at-night.
- Lower volatility, beta 1.32, Low D/E 96.2%, current ratio 1.25x
- Better valuation composite
CDW carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 12 yrs, beta 1.15, yield 2.3%
- Rev growth 6.8%, EPS growth 1.4%, 3Y rev CAGR -1.9%
- 210.0% 10Y total return vs NSIT's 186.0%
PC is the clearest fit if your priority is defensive.
- Beta 0.09, current ratio 0.28x
- Beta 0.09 vs NSIT's 1.32
- +20.1% vs NSIT's -47.6%
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 6.8% revenue growth vs NSIT's -5.2% | |
| Value | Better valuation composite | |
| Quality / Margins | 4.7% margin vs PC's -28.4% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 0.09 vs NSIT's 1.32 | |
| Dividends | 2.3% yield; 12-year raise streak; the other 2 pay no meaningful dividend | |
| Momentum (1Y) | +20.1% vs NSIT's -47.6% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 6.8% ROA vs PC's -20.4%, ROIC 15.4% vs -22.3% |
NSIT vs CDW vs PC — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
NSIT vs CDW vs PC — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 3 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CDW leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CDW is the larger business by revenue, generating $22.9B annually — 4435.6x PC's $5M. CDW is the more profitable business, keeping 4.7% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to PC's -28.4%. On growth, CDW holds the edge at +9.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $8.2B | $22.9B | $5M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $491M | $1.9B | — |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $157M | $1.1B | — |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $279M | $1.1B | — |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +21.4% | +21.6% | +16.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +4.7% | +7.3% | -28.8% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +1.9% | +4.7% | -28.4% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +3.4% | +4.7% | +11.5% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -1.2% | +9.2% | — |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +68.7% | +7.7% | — |
Valuation Metrics
NSIT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 13.5x trailing earnings, CDW trades at a 5% valuation discount to NSIT's 14.2x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, NSIT's 7.0x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than CDW's 10.1x.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $2.1B | $14.1B | $188M |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $3.4B | $19.8B | $192M |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 14.20x | 13.49x | -19.60x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 6.48x | 10.36x | — |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 1.65x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 6.99x | 10.13x | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.26x | 0.63x | 46.31x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.35x | 5.53x | — |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 7.66x | 12.92x | 402.13x |
Profitability & Efficiency
CDW leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CDW delivers a 42.4% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $42 in annual profit, vs $10 for NSIT. NSIT carries lower financial leverage with a 0.96x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CDW's 2.43x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), NSIT scores 6/9 vs PC's 5/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +9.5% | +42.4% | — |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +1.7% | +6.8% | -20.4% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +10.3% | +15.4% | -22.3% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +10.3% | +18.4% | -47.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.96x | 2.43x | — |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $1.2B | $5.7B | $5M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $358M | $619M | $34,237 |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $1.6B | $6.3B | $5M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 3.66x | 11.25x | -9.00x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
CDW leads this category, winning 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in NSIT five years ago would be worth $7,219 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $2,808 for PC. Over the past 12 months, PC leads with a +20.1% total return vs NSIT's -47.6%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CDW at -11.2% vs PC's -34.5% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -17.8% | -17.7% | 0.0% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -47.6% | -32.0% | +20.1% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -44.4% | -29.9% | -71.9% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -27.8% | -30.2% | -71.9% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +186.0% | +210.0% | -71.9% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -17.8% | -11.2% | -34.5% |
Risk & Volatility
PC leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
PC is the less volatile stock with a 0.09 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than NSIT's 1.32 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. PC currently trades 67.1% from its 52-week high vs NSIT's 46.4% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.32x | 1.15x | 0.09x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $148.58 | $192.30 | $14.00 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $63.62 | $106.00 | $5.11 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +46.4% | +56.7% | +67.1% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 43.2 | 60.4 | 52.3 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 424K | 1.6M | 392K |
Analyst Outlook
CDW leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: NSIT as "Buy", CDW as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 49.0% upside for CDW (target: $162) vs 30.4% for NSIT (target: $90). CDW is the only dividend payer here at 2.28% yield — a key consideration for income-focused portfolios.
| Metric | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy | — |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $90.00 | $162.40 | — |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 7 | 18 | — |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | +2.3% | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | 12 | 1 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | $2.49 | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +7.1% | +4.6% | 0.0% |
CDW leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). NSIT leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics).
NSIT vs CDW vs PC: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is NSIT or CDW or PC a better buy right now?
For growth investors, CDW Corporation (CDW) is the stronger pick with 6.
8% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -5. 2% for Insight Enterprises, Inc. (NSIT). CDW Corporation (CDW) offers the better valuation at 13. 5x trailing P/E (10. 4x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Insight Enterprises, Inc. (NSIT) a "Buy" — based on 7 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — NSIT or CDW or PC?
On trailing P/E, CDW Corporation (CDW) is the cheapest at 13.
5x versus Insight Enterprises, Inc. at 14. 2x. On forward P/E, Insight Enterprises, Inc. is actually cheaper at 6. 5x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — NSIT or CDW or PC?
Over the past 5 years, Insight Enterprises, Inc.
(NSIT) delivered a total return of -27. 8%, compared to -71. 9% for Premium Catering (Holdings) Limited (PC). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: CDW returned +210. 0% versus PC's -71. 9%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — NSIT or CDW or PC?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Premium Catering (Holdings) Limited (PC) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
09β versus Insight Enterprises, Inc. 's 1. 32β — meaning NSIT is approximately 1337% more volatile than PC relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Insight Enterprises, Inc. (NSIT) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 96% versus 2% for CDW Corporation — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — NSIT or CDW or PC?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), CDW Corporation (CDW) is pulling ahead at 6.
8% versus -5. 2% for Insight Enterprises, Inc. (NSIT). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: CDW Corporation grew EPS 1. 4% year-over-year, compared to -21. 1% for Premium Catering (Holdings) Limited. Over a 3-year CAGR, CDW leads at -1. 9% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — NSIT or CDW or PC?
CDW Corporation (CDW) is the more profitable company, earning 4.
8% net margin versus -28. 4% for Premium Catering (Holdings) Limited — meaning it keeps 4. 8% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: CDW leads at 7. 4% versus -28. 8% for PC. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — CDW leads at 21. 7%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is NSIT or CDW or PC more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Insight Enterprises, Inc.
(NSIT) trades at 6. 5x forward P/E versus 10. 4x for CDW Corporation — 3. 9x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for CDW: 49. 0% to $162. 40.
08Which pays a better dividend — NSIT or CDW or PC?
In this comparison, CDW (2.
3% yield) pays a dividend. NSIT, PC do not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is NSIT or CDW or PC better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Premium Catering (Holdings) Limited (PC) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
09)). Both have compounded well over 10 years (PC: -71. 9%, NSIT: +186. 0%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between NSIT and CDW and PC?
These companies operate in different sectors (NSIT (Technology) and CDW (Technology) and PC (Consumer Cyclical)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: NSIT is a small-cap deep-value stock; CDW is a mid-cap deep-value stock; PC is a small-cap quality compounder stock. CDW pays a dividend while NSIT, PC do not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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