WallStSmart

Heidrick & Struggles International (HSII)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 1237% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $1.20B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 3.1%. HSII appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.05. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

HSII

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.3Quality: 5.0

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

HSIIUndervalued (+15.0%)

Margin of Safety

+15.0%

Fair Value

$69.39

Current Price

$59.01

$10.38 discount

UndervaluedFair: $69.39Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSII2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.9%8/10

15.9% 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
$74.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
26.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%

Areas to Watch

HSII4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Market CapQuality
$1.23B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.5%3/10

ROE of 7.5% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.1%3/10

3.1% margin — thin

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
23.8x2/10

Trading at 23.8x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HSII

The strongest argument for HSII centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.05 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 : HSII

The primary concerns for HSII are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Thin 3.1% 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

HSII profiles as a growth 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.

HSII is growing revenue faster at 15.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 56/100), 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.

Heidrick & Struggles International

INDUSTRIALS · STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES · USA

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., provides executive search and consulting services to companies and business leaders worldwide. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

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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