Compare Caterpillar Inc (CAT) vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Caterpillar Inc vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? Caterpillar Inc trades at $936.45 (market cap $429.89B), while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $273.5 (market cap $78.33B). The key difference: Caterpillar Inc is far larger — about 5.5× Illinois Tool Works Inc.'s market cap, and Illinois Tool Works Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.37%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAT | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $429.89B | $78.33B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $1.06K | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $404.64 | $241.07 |
Enterprise Value | $468.88B | $86.66B |
Dividend Yield | 0.7% | 2.37% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Caterpillar (CAT) trades at $931.47, down 2.2% on the day, but has gained 51% year-to-date, driven by strong earnings beats and AI-related infrastructure demand. The stock shows a bullish moving average signal but neutral overall technicals, with support near $922. Revenue reached $67.59 billion in 2025, with a net income margin of 13.33%, though valuation multiples like a P/E of 46.48 appear elevated. Recent news highlights its role in the AI data center boom, with the Power & Energy segment seeing significant backlog growth.
The outlook remains positive given analyst consensus and AI-driven tailwinds, but high valuation and exposure to economic cycles pose risks. With 55% of analysts rating it a Buy and a consensus price target of $1,030, upside potential exists, though investors should weigh margin pressures and debt levels against growth catalysts from data center and infrastructure spending.
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) trades at $271.50, up 1.0% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $288.25. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, including Q1 2026 EPS of $2.66 versus $2.57 expected, and maintains strong profitability with a net income margin of 19.32% and ROE of 96.88%. Recent news highlights segment strength and a declared quarterly dividend of $1.61.
The outlook for ITW is positive, supported by earnings momentum and operational efficiency, though risks include construction sector weakness and currency headwinds. The stock offers a balanced opportunity with solid fundamentals and a dividend, but investors should weigh high valuation multiples against growth prospects.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About Caterpillar Inc
Caterpillar Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets construction, mining, and forestry machinery. The Company also manufactures engines and other related parts for its equipment, and offers financing and insurance. Caterpillar distributes its products through a worldwide organization of dealers.
Read more on CAT →About Illinois Tool Works Inc.
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 →
