Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsProto Labs Inc (PRLB)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$258.01
-2.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.36B
PRLB
Proto Labs Inc
$64.81
+4.10%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.48B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 2909% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $533.13M). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 4.0%. PRLB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.86. ITW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
PRLB
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Margin of Safety
+38.2%
Fair Value
$108.67
Current Price
$64.81
$43.86 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%
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 23.1x book value
4.2% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 3.2% — below average capital efficiency
4.0% margin — thin
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 : PRLB
The strongest argument for PRLB centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.86 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 : PRLB
The primary concerns for PRLB are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 70.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PRLB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
PRLB is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — 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
ITW scores higher overall (58/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 19.1% margins. PRLB offers better value entry with a 38.2% margin of safety. 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.
Proto Labs Inc
INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA
Proto Labs, Inc., is an e-commerce-driven digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and on-demand production parts around the world. The company is headquartered in Maple Plain, Minnesota.
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