Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsNordson Corporation (NDSN)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$266.45
+0.53%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $76.38B
NDSN
Nordson Corporation
$270.85
+0.62%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $15.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 464% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $2.85B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 18.4%. NDSN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.81. NDSN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
NDSN
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-53.6%
Fair Value
$194.04
Current Price
$266.45
$72.41 premium
Margin of Safety
+31.8%
Fair Value
$431.96
Current Price
$270.85
$161.11 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%
Strong operational efficiency at 25.0%
Earnings expanding 44.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
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 : NDSN
The strongest argument for NDSN centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.4% and operating margin at 25.0%.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : NDSN
The primary concerns for NDSN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW profiles as a value stock while NDSN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.
NDSN is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.
ITW generates stronger free cash flow (858M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NDSN scores higher overall (67/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 18.4% margins. 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.
Nordson Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA
Nordson Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets products and systems for dispensing, applying, and controlling adhesives, coatings, polymers, sealants, biomaterials, and other fluids globally. The company is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio.
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