WallStSmart

Hayward Holdings Inc (HAYW)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 1297% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $1.15B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 14.0%. HAYW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. HAYW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

HAYW

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 4.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.69

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

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

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HAYWSignificantly Overvalued (-30.7%)

Margin of Safety

-30.7%

Fair Value

$12.93

Current Price

$14.90

$1.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $12.93Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HAYW2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
79.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 79.1% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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%

Areas to Watch

HAYW3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.694/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-35.84M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HAYW

The strongest argument for HAYW centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 11.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : HAYW

The primary concerns for HAYW are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : ITW

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

HAYW is growing revenue faster at 11.5% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HAYW scores higher overall (67/100 vs 58/100) and 11.5% 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.

Hayward Holdings Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS · USA

Hayward Holdings, Inc. is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of various pool equipment and associated automation systems. The company is headquartered in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.

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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