Casella Waste Systems Inc (CWST)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)
CWST
Casella Waste Systems Inc
$78.11
+0.46%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $4.97B
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$258.01
-2.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 773% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $1.84B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 0.4%. ITW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.69. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
CWST
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 60.2% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 94 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.5% — below average capital efficiency
0.4% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.4%
Weak financial health signals
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 23.1x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CWST
The strongest argument for CWST centers on EPS Growth.
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 : CWST
The primary concerns for CWST are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 650.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
CWST is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
ITW generates stronger free cash flow (858M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor WASTE MANAGEMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Casella Waste Systems Inc
INDUSTRIALS · WASTE MANAGEMENT · USA
Casella Waste Systems, Inc., is a vertically integrated solid waste service company in the northeastern United States. The company is headquartered in Rutland, Vermont.
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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