WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 62% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $9.89B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 13.0%. ITW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.61. PANW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.71

PANW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ITWSignificantly Overvalued (-53.6%)

Margin of Safety

-53.6%

Fair Value

$194.04

Current Price

$266.45

$72.41 premium

UndervaluedFair: $194.04Overvalued
PANWSignificantly Overvalued (-81.9%)

Margin of Safety

-81.9%

Fair Value

$84.24

Current Price

$153.22

$68.98 premium

UndervaluedFair: $84.24Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ITW4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
93.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 94 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$76.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
26.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%

PANW3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$128.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

ITW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.612/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
11.5x4/10

Trading at 11.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.962/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
87.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 19.1% and operating margin at 26.8%.

Bull Case : PANW

The strongest argument for PANW centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ITW

The primary concerns for ITW are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 87.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.

PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — 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 58/100), 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.

Palo Alto Networks Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity platform solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?