WW Grainger Inc (GWW)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)
GWW
WW Grainger Inc
$1,161.35
+1.44%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $54.97B
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$258.01
-2.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WW Grainger Inc generates 12% more annual revenue ($17.94B vs $16.04B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 9.5%. GWW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.95. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
GWW
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-82.5%
Fair Value
$658.96
Current Price
$1161.35
$502.39 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 46 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 94 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 14.7x book value
4.5% revenue growth
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 23.1x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : GWW
The strongest argument for GWW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap.
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%.
Bear Case : GWW
The primary concerns for GWW are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
GWW is growing revenue faster at 4.5% — sustainability is the question.
ITW generates stronger free cash flow (858M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 50/100), 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.
WW Grainger Inc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
W. W. Grainger, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 industrial supply company founded in 1927 in Chicago by William W. (Bill) Grainger.
Visit Website →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.
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