Danaher Corporation vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? Danaher Corporation trades at $207 (market cap $147.18B), while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.28 (market cap $83.88B). The key difference: Danaher Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Illinois Tool Works Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.34%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| DHR | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $147.18B | $83.88B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $242.05 | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $161.91 | $241.07 |
Enterprise Value | $169.39B | $92.73B |
Dividend Yield | 0.76% | 2.34% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Danaher (DHR) trades at $207.44, up 1.31% today, near its pivot point of $207. The stock exhibits a bullish technical trend, supported by moving averages, though RSI levels suggest overbought conditions. Fundamentally, the company maintains strong profitability with a 58.51% gross margin and has beaten EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent news highlights the acquisition of Masimo and new product launches from its SCIEX unit, signaling growth initiatives.
The outlook remains positive with analyst consensus favoring a Buy rating and a $202.33 price target, though the current price exceeds this. Risks include a high P/E ratio of 37.32 and ongoing legal settlements, but robust cash flow and institutional accumulation provide support. Earnings growth in the biotechnology segment is a key catalyst for further upside.
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
In 1984, Danaher's founders transformed a real estate organization into an industrial-focused manufacturing company. Through a series of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, including the Fortive separation in 2016, Danaher now focuses primarily on manufacturing scientific instruments and consumables in three segments: life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental and applied solutions. In late 2019, Danaher separated from its dental business through an initial public offering process, and in early 2020, it acquired GE's Biopharma business, now called Cytiva, which added to its life sciences segment.
Read more on DHR →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 →