Consolidated Edison, Inc. vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? Consolidated Edison, Inc. trades at $107.5 (market cap $39.31B), while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.28 (market cap $83.88B). The key difference: Illinois Tool Works Inc. is far larger — about 2.1× Consolidated Edison, Inc.'s market cap, and Consolidated Edison, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.3%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ED | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $39.31B | $83.88B |
Sector | Utilities | Industrials |
52-Week High | $115.46 | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $95.37 | $241.07 |
Enterprise Value | $66.16B | $92.73B |
Dividend Yield | 3.3% | 2.34% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Consolidated Edison (ED) trades at $107.98, down 0.89% on the day, with mixed technical signals showing bearish moving averages but neutral oscillators. The utility reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $0.83 per share, beating estimates, with revenue growth driven by higher electric and gas rates. Analyst consensus remains cautious with 63% hold ratings and a $103.25 price target below current levels. The company maintains stable dividends and benefits from regulated monopoly positioning in New York.
ED offers defensive utility exposure with predictable cash flows and a 3.2% dividend yield, supported by mid-8% rate base growth and 9.4% allowed ROE through 2029. However, high debt levels ($27.3B total debt), capital-intensive grid upgrades, and regulatory risks present challenges. Current valuation at 17.8x P/E appears fair relative to earnings growth, making it suitable for income-focused investors seeking stability amid market volatility.
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
Con Ed is a holding company for Consolidated Edison of New York, or CECONY, and Orange & Rockland, or O&R. These utilities provide steam, natural gas, and electricity to customers in southeastern New York—including New York City—and small parts of New Jersey. The two utilities will generate nearly all of Con Ed's earnings once it closes the sale of its clean energy business to RWE. Con Ed's clean energy business owns the second-largest portfolio of utility-scale solar projects in the U.S. Following the sale, Con Ed's only non-utility earnings will come from investments in gas and electric transmission.
Read more on ED →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 →