Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$266.45
+0.53%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $76.38B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$492.34
+2.60%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $222.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 112% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $16.04B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 19.1%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-53.6%
Fair Value
$194.04
Current Price
$266.45
$72.41 premium
Margin of Safety
-396.3%
Fair Value
$99.21
Current Price
$492.34
$393.13 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 9.4%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : LIN
The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 28.2%.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW profiles as a value stock while LIN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.
LIN is growing revenue faster at 5.8% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), 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.
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.
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Linde plc is a multinational chemical company. It is the largest industrial gas company by market share and revenue. It serves customers in the healthcare, petroleum refining, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals, electronics and water treatment industries. The company's primary business is the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases, and process gases, including carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene.
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