Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$252.72
+0.64%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $75.52B
STX
Seagate Technology PLC
$925.99
+0.39%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $230.51B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 47% more annual revenue ($16.22B vs $11.01B). STX leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 19.3%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
ITW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
STX
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
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 25.7%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 217 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%
Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
4.6% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 22.5x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 189.8x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 25.7%.
Bull Case : STX
The strongest argument for STX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.7%. Revenue growth of 44.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.83 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : STX
The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 97.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW profiles as a value stock while STX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
STX carries more volatility with a beta of 2.08 — expect wider price swings.
STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.
STX generates stronger free cash flow (953M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STX scores higher overall (77/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins and 44.1% revenue growth. 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.
Seagate Technology PLC
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.
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