WallStSmart

Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 34% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $12.00B). VRTX leads profitability with a 32.9% profit margin vs 19.1%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.19. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

ITW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

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

VRTX

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.62
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
VRTXUndervalued (+36.5%)

Margin of Safety

+36.5%

Fair Value

$716.04

Current Price

$454.97

$261.07 discount

UndervaluedFair: $716.04Overvalued

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%

VRTX6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
32.9%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
39.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$113.95B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.219/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

VRTX3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.194/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : VRTX

The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.9% and operating margin at 39.6%.

Bear Case : ITW

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

Bear Case : VRTX

The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ITW profiles as a value stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.

VRTX is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.

ITW generates stronger free cash flow (858M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 32.9% 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.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.

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