WallStSmart

Insteel Industries Inc (IIIN)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 2251% more annual revenue ($16.22B vs $689.91M). ITW leads profitability with a 19.3% profit margin vs 6.2%. IIIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).

IIIN

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 6.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 5.53

ITW

Buy

60

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

IIINUndervalued (+14.4%)

Margin of Safety

+14.4%

Fair Value

$43.39

Current Price

$27.00

$16.39 discount

UndervaluedFair: $43.39Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

IIIN4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.5310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

ITW4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
96.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 97 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$73.64B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
25.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%

Areas to Watch

IIIN4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$524.12M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
6.2%3/10

6.2% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.9%3/10

Operating margin of 3.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-48.5%2/10

Earnings declined 48.5%

ITW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.582/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
22.5x2/10

Trading at 22.5x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : IIIN

The strongest argument for IIIN centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 1.27 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 19.3% and operating margin at 25.4%.

Bear Case : IIIN

The primary concerns for IIIN are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin.

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 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

IIIN is growing revenue faster at 7.5% — sustainability is the question.

ITW generates stronger free cash flow (528M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor METAL FABRICATION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ITW scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 19.3% 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.

Insteel Industries Inc

INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA

Insteel Industries, Inc., manufactures and markets steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction applications. The company is headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Visit Website →

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?