WallStSmart

ESCO Technologies Inc (ESE)vsFortive Corp (FTV)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Fortive Corp generates 255% more annual revenue ($4.16B vs $1.17B). ESE leads profitability with a 26.0% profit margin vs 13.9%. FTV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. FTV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).

ESE

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.64

FTV

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.00
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ESESignificantly Overvalued (-763.9%)

Margin of Safety

-763.9%

Fair Value

$32.78

Current Price

$288.77

$255.99 premium

UndervaluedFair: $32.78Overvalued
FTVSignificantly Overvalued (-443.1%)

Margin of Safety

-443.1%

Fair Value

$10.81

Current Price

$54.78

$43.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $10.81Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ESE2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
26.0%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.129/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

FTV2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
20.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.1%

Areas to Watch

ESE4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.674/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
57.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
-10.0%2/10

Earnings declined 10.0%

FTV4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
6.4%3/10

ROE of 6.4% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.6%2/10

Earnings declined 2.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ESE

The strongest argument for ESE centers on Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.0% and operating margin at 8.8%.

Bull Case : FTV

The strongest argument for FTV centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ESE

The primary concerns for ESE are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 57.4x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : FTV

The primary concerns for FTV are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ESE profiles as a mature stock while FTV is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ESE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.

ESE is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.

FTV generates stronger free cash flow (336M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FTV scores higher overall (54/100 vs 48/100). 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.

ESCO Technologies Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA

ESCO Technologies Inc. produces and supplies products and systems designed for the industrial and commercial markets worldwide. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Fortive Corp

TECHNOLOGY · SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL INSTRUMENTS · USA

Fortive is an American diversified industrial technology conglomerate company headquartered in Everett, Washington.

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