Genuine Parts Company vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? Genuine Parts Company trades at $135.22 (market cap $18.55B), while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.28 (market cap $83.88B). The key difference: Illinois Tool Works Inc. is far larger — about 4.5× Genuine Parts Company's market cap, and Genuine Parts Company pays the higher dividend (3.16%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GPC | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $18.55B | $83.88B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Industrials |
52-Week High | $149.26 | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $92.47 | $241.07 |
Enterprise Value | $24.64B | $92.73B |
Dividend Yield | 3.16% | 2.34% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
GPC trades at $135.63, up 2.14% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but a bearish oscillator reading. The stock is supported by strong Q2 2026 earnings beats, with sales growth of 6% year-over-year and an adjusted EPS of $2.15 beating estimates. However, net income margin remains thin at 0.13% for 2025, and the P/E ratio is elevated at 542.52, indicating high valuation relative to earnings. Recent news highlights institutional buying interest and reaffirmed 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $7.50 to $8.00.
The outlook for GPC is cautiously optimistic, with analyst consensus pointing to a $148.67 price target and a 'Buy' rating from 43% of covering analysts. Key opportunities include sustained industrial segment strength and dividend consistency, while risks involve margin pressure from inflation, high debt levels, and competitive pressures in the auto parts industry. Earnings growth and cost management are critical for future stock performance.
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
Genuine Parts sells automotive parts (about two thirds of net sales) and industrial components. The company sells vehicle parts to commercial and retail customers through roughly 9,700 stores worldwide, most of which are independently owned. Its industrial unit, primarily operating under the Motion Industries banner in the United States, supplies bearings, power transmission, industrial automation, hydraulic, and pneumatic components to maintenance, repair, and OEM clients.
Read more on GPC →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 →