Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$254.76
-0.30%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $73.64B
TGT
Target Corporation
$125.25
-0.50%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $56.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 546% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $16.22B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.3% profit margin vs 3.5%. TGT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.44. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
ITW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
TGT
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Margin of Safety
+33.2%
Fair Value
$171.51
Current Price
$125.25
$46.26 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 97 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
4.6% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 22.8x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Revenue declined 1.5%
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 19.3% and operating margin at 25.4%.
Bull Case : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : TGT
The primary concerns for TGT are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.
ITW is growing revenue faster at 4.6% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (60/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 19.3% margins. TGT offers better value entry with a 33.2% margin of safety. 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.
Target Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Target Corporation is an American retail corporation. Their retail formats include the discount store Target, the hypermarket SuperTarget, and small-format stores previously named CityTarget and TargetExpress before being consolidated under the Target branding.
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