Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$257.68
-1.13%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.26B
STX
Seagate Technology PLC
$411.23
-5.38%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $97.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 60% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $10.06B). STX leads profitability with a 19.6% profit margin vs 19.1%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.67. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
STX
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-53.8%
Fair Value
$193.86
Current Price
$257.68
$63.82 premium
Margin of Safety
+1.9%
Fair Value
$415.12
Current Price
$411.23
$3.89 discount
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%
Earnings expanding 67.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 23.0x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 195.8x book value
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 : STX
The strongest argument for STX centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.6% and operating margin at 29.9%. Revenue growth of 21.5% 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 49.0x 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 1.65 — expect wider price swings.
STX is growing revenue faster at 21.5% — sustainability is the question.
ITW generates stronger free cash flow (858M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STX scores higher overall (72/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 19.6% margins and 21.5% 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.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?