Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vs3M Company (MMM)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$266.45
+0.53%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $76.38B
MMM
3M Company
$148.05
+0.94%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $77.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
3M Company generates 55% more annual revenue ($24.95B vs $16.04B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 13.0%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
MMM
Buy54
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
-323.6%
Fair Value
$40.80
Current Price
$148.05
$107.25 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%
Every $100 of equity generates 76 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 16.7x book value
2.0% revenue growth
Earnings declined 19.9%
Elevated debt levels
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 : MMM
The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MMM
The primary concerns for MMM are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MMM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.13 — expect wider price swings.
ITW is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.
MMM generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 54/100), 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.
3M Company
INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA
The 3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, US health care, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical and electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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