Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$254.76
-0.30%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $73.64B
LOW
Lowe's Companies Inc
$229.20
-0.73%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $129.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lowe's Companies Inc generates 432% more annual revenue ($86.29B vs $16.22B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.3% profit margin vs 7.7%. LOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.40. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
ITW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
LOW
Hold44
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Margin of Safety
-37.5%
Fair Value
$167.88
Current Price
$229.20
$61.32 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 97 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
4.6% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 22.8x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
7.7% margin — thin
Earnings declined 11.0%
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 19.3% and operating margin at 25.4%.
Bull Case : LOW
The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : LOW
The primary concerns for LOW are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.
LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.9% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (60/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 19.3% margins. 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.
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.
Lowe's Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?