Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc (BW)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)
BW
Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc
$7.94
+10.74%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.18B
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$268.16
+1.12%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $76.37B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 1874% more annual revenue ($16.47B vs $834.35M). ITW leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs -2.2%. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
BW
Avoid35
out of 100
Grade: F
ITW
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Revenue surging 130.3% year-over-year
Every $100 of equity generates 110 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 26.9%
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Operating margin of 4.0%
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 20.4x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 26.4x book value
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BW
The strongest argument for BW centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 130.3% 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 19.4% and operating margin at 26.9%.
Bear Case : BW
The primary concerns for BW are Market Cap, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 5.31 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 3.35 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BW profiles as a hypergrowth stock while ITW is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
BW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
BW is growing revenue faster at 130.3% — sustainability is the question.
ITW generates stronger free cash flow (631M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (62/100 vs 35/100), backed by strong 19.4% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA
Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc., provides energy and environmental technologies and services for the energy and industrial markets globally. The company is headquartered in Akron, Ohio.
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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