Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsMueller Industries Inc (MLI)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$258.01
-2.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.36B
MLI
Mueller Industries Inc
$132.87
-2.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $14.69B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 267% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $4.37B). MLI leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs 19.1%. ITW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.69. MLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
MLI
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Margin of Safety
-53.1%
Fair Value
$78.76
Current Price
$132.87
$54.11 premium
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%
Earnings expanding 55.4% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 23.0%
19.3% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 23.1x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : MLI
The strongest argument for MLI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.4% and operating margin at 23.0%. Revenue growth of 19.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MLI
The primary concerns for MLI are PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW profiles as a value stock while MLI is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
MLI is growing revenue faster at 19.3% — sustainability is the question.
ITW generates stronger free cash flow (858M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MLI scores higher overall (71/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 19.4% margins and 19.3% 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.
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.
Mueller Industries Inc
INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA
Mueller Industries, Inc. manufactures and sells copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, the Middle East, China, and Mexico. The company is headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee.
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