WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsMueller Water Products (MWA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 1011% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $1.44B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 13.8%. MWA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. MWA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.71

MWA

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.28
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ITWSignificantly Overvalued (-53.6%)

Margin of Safety

-53.6%

Fair Value

$194.04

Current Price

$266.45

$72.41 premium

UndervaluedFair: $194.04Overvalued
MWAUndervalued (+46.2%)

Margin of Safety

+46.2%

Fair Value

$54.76

Current Price

$28.22

$26.54 discount

UndervaluedFair: $54.76Overvalued

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
$76.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
26.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.8%

MWA2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
21.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

ITW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.612/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

MWA1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

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 : MWA

The strongest argument for MWA centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ITW

The primary concerns for ITW are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : MWA

The primary concerns for MWA are Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MWA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.14 — expect wider price swings.

MWA is growing revenue faster at 4.6% — 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

MWA scores higher overall (64/100 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.

Mueller Water Products

INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA

Mueller Water Products, Inc. manufactures and markets products and services for use in the transmission, distribution, and metering of water in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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