Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsKnight Transportation Inc (KNX)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$258.01
-2.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.36B
KNX
Knight Transportation Inc
$63.36
-3.31%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $10.29B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 114% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $7.50B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 0.5%. KNX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
KNX
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Margin of Safety
+60.6%
Fair Value
$152.91
Current Price
$63.36
$89.55 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 23.1x book value
1.4% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
ROE of 0.5% — below average capital efficiency
0.5% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : KNX
The strongest argument for KNX centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.58 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 : KNX
The primary concerns for KNX are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. A P/E of 301.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — 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.
Monitor SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. KNX offers better value entry with a 60.6% margin of safety. 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.
Knight Transportation Inc
INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc., provides truck cargo transportation services in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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