WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 1013% more annual revenue ($16.47B vs $1.48B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs 15.0%. MWA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.96. MWA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

ITW

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 9.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.71

MWA

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 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
110.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 110 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$76.37B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
26.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.9%

MWA4 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.968/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
16.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
23.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.3% YoY

Areas to Watch

ITW4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.464/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
26.5x2/10

Trading at 26.5x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
3.351/10

Elevated debt levels

MWA1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

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 19.4% and operating margin at 26.9%.

Bull Case : MWA

The strongest argument for MWA centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. PEG of 0.96 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ITW

The primary concerns for ITW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 3.35 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MWA

The primary concerns for MWA are Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ITW profiles as a mature stock while MWA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

MWA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.01 — expect wider price swings.

ITW is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.

ITW generates stronger free cash flow (631M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MWA scores higher overall (72/100 vs 62/100). 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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