Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)
HTLD
Heartland Express Inc
$13.38
+0.98%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.03B
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 2004% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $762.54M). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs -5.7%. HTLD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
HTLD
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+43.0%
Fair Value
$20.74
Current Price
$13.38
$7.36 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -5.6% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 19.7%
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 : HTLD
The strongest argument for HTLD centers on Price/Book.
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 : HTLD
The primary concerns for HTLD are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HTLD 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 36/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. HTLD offers better value entry with a 43.0% 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.
Heartland Express Inc
INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA
Heartland Express, Inc., is a short- to medium-haul truck freight carrier in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in North Liberty, Iowa.
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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