WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsMueller Water Products (MWA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 1008% more annual revenue ($16.22B vs $1.46B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.3% profit margin vs 14.2%. MWA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.08. MWA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

ITW

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.71

MWA

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.28

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ITW4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
97.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 97 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$71.52B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
25.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%

MWA1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
22.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.1%

Areas to Watch

ITW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.434/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
22.6x2/10

Trading at 22.6x book value

MWA1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-27.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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 25.7%.

Bull Case : MWA

The strongest argument for MWA centers on Operating Margin. PEG of 1.08 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ITW

The primary concerns for ITW are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.83 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MWA

The primary concerns for MWA are Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

MWA is growing revenue faster at 5.5% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MWA scores higher overall (66/100 vs 60/100). Both earn "Strong 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.

Mueller Water Products

INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA

Mueller Water Products, Inc. manufactures and markets products and services for use in the transmission, distribution, and metering of water in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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