WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsSaia Inc (SAIA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 399% more annual revenue ($16.22B vs $3.25B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.3% profit margin vs 7.8%. ITW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.43. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).

ITW

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

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

SAIA

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 3.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.95

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%

SAIA2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0610/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.9510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

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

SAIA4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.4%4/10

2.4% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
7.8%3/10

7.8% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
2.652/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : SAIA

The strongest argument for SAIA centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

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 : SAIA

The primary concerns for SAIA are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. A P/E of 50.8x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SAIA carries more volatility with a beta of 2.12 — expect wider price swings.

ITW is growing revenue faster at 4.6% — 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

ITW scores higher overall (60/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 19.3% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Saia Inc

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

Saia, Inc., is a transportation company in North America. The company is headquartered in Johns Creek, Georgia.

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