WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsLincoln Electric Holdings Inc (LECO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 279% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $4.23B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 12.3%. LECO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

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

LECO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.10

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%

LECO2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
37.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.1010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

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
23.1x2/10

Trading at 23.1x book value

LECO4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.724/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
9.6x4/10

Trading at 9.6x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.3%2/10

Earnings declined 0.3%

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 : LECO

The strongest argument for LECO centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : ITW

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

Bear Case : LECO

The primary concerns for LECO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LECO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.

LECO is growing revenue faster at 5.5% — 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 56/100), 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.

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.

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc

INDUSTRIALS · TOOLS & ACCESSORIES · USA

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and sells welding, cutting and brazing products worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

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