WallStSmart

Harte Hanks Inc (HHS)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 9955% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $159.57M). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs -0.5%. HHS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.19. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

HHS

Hold

37

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.5Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 13.22

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.71
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HHSUndervalued (+70.7%)

Margin of Safety

+70.7%

Fair Value

$9.81

Current Price

$2.77

$7.04 discount

UndervaluedFair: $9.81Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HHS2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
13.2210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

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
$74.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
26.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%

Areas to Watch

HHS4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$20.54M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.093/10

Elevated debt levels

Return on EquityProfitability
-3.8%2/10

ROE of -3.8% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-15.4%2/10

Revenue declined 15.4%

ITW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
23.1x2/10

Trading at 23.1x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HHS

The strongest argument for HHS centers on Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 1.19 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its 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 : HHS

The primary concerns for HHS are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : ITW

The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HHS profiles as a turnaround stock while ITW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.

ITW is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 37/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. HHS offers better value entry with a 70.7% margin of safety. 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.

Harte Hanks Inc

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Harte Hanks, Inc. is a customer experience company in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

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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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