WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsMSA Safety (MSA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 756% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $1.87B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 14.9%. MSA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.99. MSA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

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

MSA

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.23

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%

MSA4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.2310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
22.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.998/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
24.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.1%

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

MSA2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.4%2/10

Earnings declined 0.4%

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 : MSA

The strongest argument for MSA centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.99 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 : MSA

The primary concerns for MSA are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

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

MSA scores higher overall (60/100 vs 58/100). 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.

MSA Safety

INDUSTRIALS · SECURITY & PROTECTION SERVICES · USA

MSA Safety Incorporated develops, manufactures, and supplies safety products that protect people and facility infrastructure in the oil, gas, petrochemical, fire, construction, industrial manufacturing, utility, military, and mining industries in America. North, Latin America and internationally. . The company is headquartered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

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