Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsMSC Industrial Direct Company Inc (MSM)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$265.67
-1.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.36B
MSM
MSC Industrial Direct Company Inc
$100.75
-2.08%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $5.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 319% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $3.83B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 5.4%. MSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.40. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
MSM
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Margin of Safety
+20.6%
Fair Value
$119.60
Current Price
$100.75
$18.85 discount
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%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 23.8x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
2.9% revenue growth
5.4% margin — thin
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 : MSM
The strongest argument for MSM centers on Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MSM
The primary concerns for MSM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
ITW is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.
ITW generates stronger free cash flow (858M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. MSM offers better value entry with a 20.6% 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.
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.
MSC Industrial Direct Company Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., distributes metalworking and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Melville, New York.
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