WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsTrex Company Inc (TREX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 1266% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $1.17B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 16.2%. TREX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

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

TREX

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 4.24
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.

TREXUndervalued (+56.5%)

Margin of Safety

+56.5%

Fair Value

$101.25

Current Price

$39.63

$61.62 discount

UndervaluedFair: $101.25Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ITW4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
93.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 94 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$74.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
26.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%

TREX2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.2410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

ITW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
23.1x2/10

Trading at 23.1x book value

TREX4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.9%2/10

Revenue declined 3.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-89.4%2/10

Earnings declined 89.4%

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 19.1% and operating margin at 26.8%.

Bull Case : TREX

The strongest argument for TREX centers on Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.2% and operating margin at 2.2%. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ITW

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

Bear Case : TREX

The primary concerns for TREX are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ITW profiles as a value stock while TREX is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

TREX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.61 — expect wider price swings.

ITW is growing revenue faster at 4.1% — sustainability is the question.

ITW generates stronger free cash flow (858M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. TREX offers better value entry with a 56.5% margin of safety. 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.

Trex Company Inc

INDUSTRIALS · BUILDING PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT · USA

Trex Company, Inc. manufactures and distributes wood-plastic composite products and related accessories primarily for residential deck and railing applications in the United States. The company is headquartered in Winchester, Virginia.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?