W W Grainger Inc vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? W W Grainger Inc trades at $1,400.22 (market cap $64.75B), while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $270.96 (market cap $78.08B). The key difference: Illinois Tool Works Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Illinois Tool Works Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.37%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GWW | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $64.75B | $78.08B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $1.39K | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $918.18 | $241.07 |
Enterprise Value | $66.84B | $86.41B |
Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 2.37% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
GWW trades at $1,391.07, up 1.46% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving averages. The company reported solid Q1 2026 earnings of $11.65 per share, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance. With revenue growth to $18.4B and net profit margin improving to 9.69%, fundamentals remain robust despite elevated valuation multiples.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus price target of $1,260 offering modest upside. Key risks include high P/E ratio of 36.88 and competitive pressures in industrial distribution. The stock presents a quality growth opportunity but requires monitoring of valuation sustainability amid economic uncertainties.
ITW trades at $280.84, up 3.14% with a bullish technical signal and strong earnings beats. The company maintains robust profitability with a 19.32% net margin and 96.88% ROE. Recent Q1 2026 results exceeded expectations with EPS of $2.66, and the upcoming Q2 report on July 28, 2026, is highly anticipated. Dividend payments continue steadily, reinforcing shareholder returns amid modest revenue growth projections.
Outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $288.25, though risks include construction sector weakness and currency headwinds. The stock's high valuation multiples (P/E 25.2) require sustained earnings growth to justify further upside, while analyst sentiment is mixed with only 21% buy ratings.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Grainger is a leading broad-line distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products. It serves millions of customers worldwide through an integrated network of branches and digital platforms.
Read more on GWW →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 →