Badger Meter Inc vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? Badger Meter Inc trades at $135.56 (market cap $3.95B), while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.28 (market cap $83.88B). The key difference: Illinois Tool Works Inc. is far larger — about 21.2× Badger Meter Inc's market cap, and Illinois Tool Works Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.34%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BMI | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.95B | $83.88B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $193.09 | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $113.41 | $241.07 |
Enterprise Value | $3.86B | $92.73B |
Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 2.34% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Badger Meter (BMI) trades at $138.86, up 1.23% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $155.20. Recent earnings show a Q2 2026 beat but misses in prior quarters, while financials indicate solid profitability with a 14.27% net income margin. The stock faces headwinds from multiple class-action lawsuits alleging securities fraud, as reported by Business Wire and GlobeNewsWire in early August 2026, though insider buying by a VP in late July signals confidence.
The outlook is mixed: strong fundamentals and analyst upside support growth, but legal risks and earnings volatility pose challenges. Investors may find value if legal concerns resolve, but caution is warranted due to potential sentiment pressure from ongoing litigation.
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
Badger Meter provides industry-leading water management solutions. Its smart measurement hardware and software analytics help water utilities and industrial customers optimize operations and conserve natural resources.
Read more on BMI →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 →