Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsSterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$265.67
-1.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.36B
STRL
Sterling Construction Company Inc
$515.62
+9.76%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $14.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 544% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $2.49B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 11.7%. STRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.36. STRL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
STRL
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 94 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Revenue surging 51.5% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 23.8x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 14.3x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 22.6%
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 19.1% and operating margin at 26.8%.
Bull Case : STRL
The strongest argument for STRL centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 51.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : STRL
The primary concerns for STRL are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 50.0x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW profiles as a value stock while STRL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
STRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.51 — expect wider price swings.
STRL is growing revenue faster at 51.5% — sustainability is the question.
ITW generates stronger free cash flow (858M), providing more financial flexibility.
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.
Sterling Construction Company Inc
INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA
Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a construction company, engages in residential construction, specialty services, and heavy civil activities primarily in the southern United States, the Rocky Mountain states, California, and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.
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