GE Aerospace vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? GE Aerospace trades at $368.48 (market cap $380.47B), while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.28 (market cap $83.88B). The key difference: GE Aerospace is far larger — about 4.5× Illinois Tool Works Inc.'s market cap, and Illinois Tool Works Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.34%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GE | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $380.47B | $83.88B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $381.22 | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $265.93 | $241.07 |
Enterprise Value | $390.29B | $92.73B |
Dividend Yield | 0.51% | 2.34% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
GE Aerospace (GE) trades at $368.06, down 0.55% with a bullish technical signal supported by strong earnings beats and robust order growth. The company shows impressive profitability with 48.79% ROE and 17.72% net margin, though valuation metrics appear elevated with a P/E of 43.24. Recent defense contract wins and commercial engine demand fuel positive sentiment, with analysts maintaining strong buy consensus.
GE presents growth potential through aerospace expansion and defense contracts, but faces risks from high debt levels and rich valuations. The $414.11 price target suggests 12.5% upside, supported by consistent earnings outperformance and strategic investments in manufacturing capacity.
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
General Electric Company is a globally diversified technology and financial services company. The Company's products and services include aircraft engines, power generation, water processing, and household appliances to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, and industrial products.
Read more on GE →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 →