WallStSmart

Huron Consulting Group Inc (HURN)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 865% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $1.66B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 6.3%. HURN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

HURN

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.73

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

HURNUndervalued (+46.6%)

Margin of Safety

+46.6%

Fair Value

$245.76

Current Price

$130.66

$115.09 discount

UndervaluedFair: $245.76Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HURN0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

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

HURN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.524/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
6.3%3/10

6.3% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.303/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : HURN

Revenue growth of 11.3% 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 19.1% and operating margin at 26.8%.

Bear Case : HURN

The primary concerns for HURN are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity.

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.

HURN is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor CONSULTING SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. HURN offers better value entry with a 46.6% margin of safety. 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.

Huron Consulting Group Inc

INDUSTRIALS · CONSULTING SERVICES · USA

Huron Consulting Group Inc., a professional services firm, provides consulting services in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

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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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