WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 47% more annual revenue ($16.22B vs $11.01B). STX leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 19.3%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

ITW

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.71

STX

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ITW4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
96.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 97 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$73.63B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
25.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%

STX6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.5010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
35.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
44.1%10/10

Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
108.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY

Market CapQuality
$163.00B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.6%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

ITW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.552/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
22.5x2/10

Trading at 22.5x book value

STX2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
69.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
351.7x2/10

Trading at 351.7x book value

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 25.4%.

Bull Case : STX

The strongest argument for STX centers on PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.7%. Revenue growth of 44.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ITW

The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : STX

The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 69.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ITW profiles as a value stock while STX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

STX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.

Monitor SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

STX scores higher overall (76/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins and 44.1% revenue growth. 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.

Seagate Technology PLC

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.

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