Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$252.72
+0.64%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $75.52B
WDC
Western Digital Corporation
$575.50
+4.79%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $225.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 38% more annual revenue ($16.22B vs $11.78B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 19.3%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).
ITW
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
WDC
Exceptional Buy80
out of 100
Grade: A-
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 67 in profit
Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%
Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 482.9% YoY
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
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 27.5x book value
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 : WDC
The strongest argument for WDC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% 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 : WDC
The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW profiles as a value stock while WDC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.20 — expect wider price swings.
WDC is growing revenue faster at 45.5% — sustainability is the question.
WDC generates stronger free cash flow (978M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WDC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 55.3% margins and 45.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
Western Digital Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.
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