Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsPlug Power Inc (PLUG)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$251.65
-1.50%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $73.63B
PLUG
Plug Power Inc
$3.32
+6.07%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $4.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 2185% more annual revenue ($16.22B vs $709.92M). ITW leads profitability with a 19.3% profit margin vs -229.8%. PLUG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.84. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
ITW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
PLUG
Hold39
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Margin of Safety
-47.2%
Fair Value
$1.25
Current Price
$3.32
$2.07 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 97 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%
Growing faster than its price suggests
17.6% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
4.6% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 22.5x book value
0.0% earnings growth
ROE of -120.5% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 19.3% and operating margin at 25.4%.
Bull Case : PLUG
The strongest argument for PLUG centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.84 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 : PLUG
The primary concerns for PLUG are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW profiles as a value stock while PLUG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
PLUG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.79 — expect wider price swings.
PLUG is growing revenue faster at 17.6% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ITW scores higher overall (60/100 vs 39/100), backed by strong 19.3% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Plug Power Inc
INDUSTRIALS · ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS · USA
Plug Power Inc. provides turnkey hydrogen fuel cell solutions for the stationary power and electric mobility markets in North America and Europe. The company is headquartered in Latham, New York.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?