W W Grainger Inc vs Rockwell Automation — how do they compare? W W Grainger Inc trades at $1,309.36 (market cap $61.32B), while Rockwell Automation trades at $450.58 (market cap $49.64B). The key difference: W W Grainger Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Rockwell Automation pays the higher dividend (1.23%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GWW | ROK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $61.32B | $49.64B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $1.40K | $495.08 |
52-Week Low | $918.18 | $333.75 |
Enterprise Value | $63.53B | $52.77B |
Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 1.23% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
W.W. Grainger (GWW) trades at $1,299.53, showing modest daily gains of 0.16%. The stock demonstrates strong fundamental performance with Q2 2026 earnings beating estimates at $12.01 per share versus $11.30 expected, and revenue reaching $5 billion. Technical indicators show bearish momentum with the current price between support at $1,282 and resistance at $1,305. The company raised its full-year 2026 outlook following strong quarterly results driven by margin expansion and market share gains.
GWW presents a mixed investment case with strong profitability metrics (ROE 47.92%, net margin 9.92%) offset by premium valuation (P/E 33.19). Analyst consensus leans cautious with 65.79% hold ratings despite recent earnings beats. Key risks include valuation concerns and competitive pressures in industrial distribution. The $1,320 consensus price target suggests limited upside from current levels, requiring careful monitoring of margin sustainability.
Rockwell Automation (ROK) trades at $450.36, up 3.48% today, with a neutral technical signal and strong recent earnings beats. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $3.49, exceeding expectations, and raised full-year guidance amid robust demand in automation markets. Valuation ratios are elevated with a P/E of 41.85, but profitability remains solid with a net income margin of 13.38%.
Outlook is positive due to consistent earnings outperformance and AI-driven growth initiatives, though high valuation and inflationary cost pressures present risks. The consensus price target of $507.00 implies potential upside, supported by a majority analyst hold rating reflecting cautious optimism.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Rockwell Automation is a pure-play automation competitor that is the successor entity to Rockwell International, which spun off its former Rockwell Collins avionics segment in 2001. As of fiscal 2021, the firm operates through three segments--intelligent devices, software and control, and lifecycle services. Intelligent devices contains its drives, sensors, and industrial components, software and control contains its information and network and security software, while lifecycle services contains its consulting and maintenance services as well as its Sensia JV with Schlumberger.
Read more on ROK →