WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 49% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $10.73B). WDC leads profitability with a 35.6% profit margin vs 19.1%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.71

WDC

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ITWSignificantly Overvalued (-53.8%)

Margin of Safety

-53.8%

Fair Value

$193.86

Current Price

$257.68

$63.82 premium

UndervaluedFair: $193.86Overvalued
WDCSignificantly Overvalued (-311.2%)

Margin of Safety

-311.2%

Fair Value

$66.57

Current Price

$293.10

$226.53 premium

UndervaluedFair: $66.57Overvalued

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
$74.26B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
26.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%

WDC4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
41.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Market CapQuality
$100.21B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.698/10

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
2.612/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
23.0x2/10

Trading at 23.0x book value

WDC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
14.0x4/10

Trading at 14.0x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-41.0%2/10

Revenue declined 41.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-95.9%2/10

Earnings declined 95.9%

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 : WDC

The strongest argument for WDC centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.6% and operating margin at 15.4%. PEG of 0.69 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 : WDC

The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — 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 55/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. 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.

Western Digital Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.

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