Brown-Forman Corporation Class B vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? Brown-Forman Corporation Class B trades at $28.01, while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.28 (market cap $83.88B). The key difference: Illinois Tool Works Inc. pays a 2.34% dividend while Brown-Forman Corporation Class B pays none, and Illinois Tool Works Inc. is trading nearer its 52-week high, Brown-Forman Corporation Class B nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BF.B | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Consumer Staples | Industrials |
52-Week High | $31.26 | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $22.80 | $241.07 |
Market Cap | — | $83.88B |
Enterprise Value | — | $92.73B |
Dividend Yield | — | 2.34% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
BF.B trades at $28.52, up 0.88% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong trend strength (ADX). Earnings have beaten estimates in three of the last four quarters, with Q2 2024 EPS of $0.48 exceeding the $0.46 forecast. The stock faces mixed analyst sentiment but shows consistent fundamental performance.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic given recent earnings strength, though limited analyst coverage and mixed ratings suggest uncertainty. Key risks include execution challenges and market volatility. Upside potential hinges on sustained earnings growth and broader market conditions.
ITW trades at $296.66, up 0.67% with a bullish technical outlook and strong support at $292. The company maintains robust profitability with 19.39% net margins and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent positive developments include a 7% dividend increase and $6 billion share repurchase authorization announced August 7, 2026.
While valuation metrics appear elevated (P/E 26.87, P/B 29.19), ITW's consistent earnings performance and shareholder-friendly actions support upside to the $316 consensus target. Key risks include construction sector exposure and currency headwinds, but operational strength and margin discipline provide stability.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Brown-Forman is the largest U.S.-domiciled producer of distilled spirits. The firm reports only a single operating segment, and whiskey represents its primary business driver, generating roughly three-quarters of sales, undergirded by the Jack Daniel's brand as well as bourbons such as Woodford Reserve and Old Forrester. Notable nonwhiskey offerings include tequilas such as el Jimador and Herradura. The firm operates globally, with products sold in more than 170 countries, and adapts its route-to-consumer model depending on regulation as well as the prevailing competitive dynamics in a given market. For example, it sells through distributors in the U.S. but operates its own logistics apparatus in many other countries. The company remains under the control of the Brown family.
Read more on BF.B →Illinois Tool Works is a diversified global manufacturer that produces specialized industrial equipment, consumables, and related services. The firm operates 87 global divisions through seven distinct operating segments: automotive OEM, construction products, food equipment, specialty products, test/measurement and electronics, polymers and fluids, and welding. About half of its revenue comes from its operations in North America, with the remainder originating from international markets. ITW takes a bottom-up and decentralized approach to portfolio management, with the exception that each segment must apply its 80/20 operating process modeled on the Pareto principle.
Read more on ITW →