Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$254.76
-0.30%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $73.64B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$207.88
+5.78%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $159.39B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 64% more annual revenue ($16.22B vs $9.89B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.3% profit margin vs 13.0%. ITW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.58. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
ITW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
PANW
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Margin of Safety
+56.7%
Fair Value
$454.04
Current Price
$207.88
$246.16 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 97 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
4.6% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 22.8x book value
Trading at 15.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 19.3% and operating margin at 25.4%.
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 Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 109.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 19.3% margins. PANW offers better value entry with a 56.7% 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.
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.
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