WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsZTO Express (Cayman) Inc (ZTO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc generates 206% more annual revenue ($49.10B vs $16.04B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 18.5%. ZTO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. ZTO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

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

ZTO

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 8.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.

ZTOUndervalued (+81.2%)

Margin of Safety

+81.2%

Fair Value

$132.23

Current Price

$25.37

$106.86 discount

UndervaluedFair: $132.23Overvalued

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%

ZTO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$11.97B10/10

Generating 12.0B in free cash flow

Debt/EquityHealth
0.199/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
15.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.3%

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
23.8x2/10

Trading at 23.8x book value

ZTO0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 : ZTO

The strongest argument for ZTO centers on Free Cash Flow, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.5% and operating margin at 22.3%. Revenue growth of 12.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ITW

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

Bear Case : ZTO

No major red flags identified for ZTO, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ITW profiles as a value stock while ZTO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.

ZTO is growing revenue faster at 12.3% — sustainability is the question.

ZTO generates stronger free cash flow (12.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ZTO scores higher overall (69/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 18.5% margins and 12.3% 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.

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INTEGRATED FREIGHT & LOGISTICS · China

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?