Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsAT&T Inc (TBB)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$266.45
+0.53%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $76.38B
TBB
AT&T Inc
$21.58
-0.05%
· Cap: $132.50B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 0.0%. TBB trades at a lower P/E of 4.2x. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
TBB
Avoid25
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-53.6%
Fair Value
$194.04
Current Price
$266.45
$72.41 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for TBB.
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%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.0% revenue growth
0.0% earnings growth
0.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.0%
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 : TBB
The strongest argument for TBB centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : TBB
The primary concerns for TBB are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.57 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.
TBB generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 25/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.
AT&T Inc
· · USA
AT&T Inc. provides digital entertainment communications and services. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?