WallStSmart

ATS Corporation (ATS)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 473% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $2.80B). ATS leads profitability with a 67.0% profit margin vs 19.1%. ITW trades at a lower P/E of 25.2x. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

ATS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 3.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.31

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.71
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ATSSignificantly Overvalued (-369.6%)

Margin of Safety

-369.6%

Fair Value

$6.55

Current Price

$30.39

$23.84 premium

UndervaluedFair: $6.55Overvalued
ITWSignificantly Overvalued (-53.6%)

Margin of Safety

-53.6%

Fair Value

$194.04

Current Price

$266.45

$72.41 premium

UndervaluedFair: $194.04Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ATS5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
108.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 108 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
67.0%10/10

Keeps 67 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
358.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 358.0% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.7%8/10

16.7% revenue growth

ITW4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
93.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 94 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$76.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
26.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%

Areas to Watch

ATS3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
217.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.312/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

ITW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.612/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ATS

The strongest argument for ATS centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 67.0% and operating margin at 8.3%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : ITW

The strongest argument for ITW centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.1% and operating margin at 26.8%.

Bear Case : ATS

The primary concerns for ATS are Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 217.1x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : ITW

The primary concerns for ITW are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ATS profiles as a growth stock while ITW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ATS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.

ATS is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.

ITW generates stronger free cash flow (858M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "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.

ATS Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA

ATS Corporation stands out as a leading provider of automated manufacturing solutions, specializing in systems integration and innovative automation technologies. Serving a variety of sectors—including automotive, medical devices, and electronics—the company designs and implements tailored manufacturing equipment that substantially boosts productivity and operational efficiency. With a solid global presence and an unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, ATS is well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of its clients and capitalize on expanding market opportunities. This emphasis on advanced manufacturing makes ATS an appealing investment for institutional investors looking to gain exposure to the rapidly growing automation industry.

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Illinois Tool Works Inc

INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA

Illinois Tool Works Inc. or ITW is an American company that produces engineered fasteners and components, equipment and consumable systems, and specialty products.

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