Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)vsZurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation (ZWS)
ITW
Illinois Tool Works Inc
$258.01
-2.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.36B
ZWS
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation
$51.96
+2.12%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $8.52B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 822% more annual revenue ($16.04B vs $1.74B). ITW leads profitability with a 19.1% profit margin vs 12.3%. ZWS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.79. ZWS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
ITW
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
ZWS
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ITW.
Margin of Safety
-0.2%
Fair Value
$51.43
Current Price
$51.96
$0.53 premium
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%
Earnings expanding 37.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
4.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 23.1x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : ZWS
The strongest argument for ZWS centers on EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ITW
The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : ZWS
The primary concerns for ZWS are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
ZWS is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — 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
ZWS scores higher overall (59/100 vs 58/100) and 11.4% revenue growth. Both earn "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.
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · POLLUTION & TREATMENT CONTROLS · USA
Zurn Water Solutions Corporation designs, acquires, manufactures, and markets water system solutions that provide and improve water quality, safety, flow control, and conservation in and around non-residential buildings. The company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Compare with Other SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?