International Business Machines Corp vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. — how do they compare? International Business Machines Corp trades at $238.16 (market cap $222.64B), while Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.28 (market cap $83.88B). The key difference: International Business Machines Corp is far larger — about 2.7× Illinois Tool Works Inc.'s market cap, and International Business Machines Corp pays the higher dividend (2.86%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| IBM | ITW | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $222.64B | $83.88B |
Volume | 4,481,527 | — |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $329.23 | $299.60 |
52-Week Low | $205.77 | $241.07 |
Enterprise Value | $279.78B | $92.73B |
Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 2.34% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
IBM trades at $237.28, up 1.65% today, with a mixed technical outlook showing bullish overall signals but bearish momentum indicators. Recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 2026, though Q2 2026 matched estimates, and revenue growth accelerated to $67.54 billion in 2025. The company maintains strong profitability with a net income margin of 15.52% and a dividend yield of approximately 2.8%, supported by positive cash flow from operations of $13.19 billion.
The stock offers a balanced risk-reward profile, with a consensus price target of $257.38 implying 8.5% upside, but faces headwinds from a securities fraud investigation and competitive pressures in AI. Long-term growth hinges on quantum computing and hybrid cloud adoption, yet near-term volatility may persist due to legal uncertainties and macroeconomic factors.
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
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) provides computer solutions. The Company offers application, technology consulting and support, process design and operations, cloud, digital workplace, and network services, as well as business resiliency, strategy, and design solutions. IBM serves clients worldwide.
Read more on IBM →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 →