Illinois Tool Works Inc. vs Williams Companies Inc — how do they compare? Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.28 (market cap $83.88B), while Williams Companies Inc trades at $72.66 (market cap $87.88B). The key difference: Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Williams Companies Inc are close in size by market cap, and Williams Companies Inc pays the higher dividend (2.92%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ITW | WMB | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $83.88B | $87.88B |
Sector | Industrials | Energy |
52-Week High | $299.60 | $79.40 |
52-Week Low | $241.07 | $56.51 |
Enterprise Value | $92.73B | $118.51B |
Dividend Yield | 2.34% | 2.92% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
WMB trades at $70.4, down 1.9% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal. The company reported mixed Q2 2026 earnings, missing EPS estimates but raising full-year EBITDA guidance to $8.4 billion. Strong profitability is evident with a 25.18% net income margin and 24.02% ROE, though valuation ratios like P/E of 28.05 appear elevated. The recent $5.5 billion acquisition of Momentum Midstream aims to bolster growth in the Haynesville region.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus strongly bullish (79% buy ratings) and a $87.14 price target, implying significant upside. Risks include execution of the Momentum integration, volatile energy prices, and high debt levels. Cash flow stability from fee-based contracts supports the dividend, but net cash flow turned negative in 2026 forecasts.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Williams is a midstream energy company that owns and operates the large Transco and Northwest pipeline systems and associated natural gas gathering, processing, and storage assets. In August 2018, the firm acquired the remaining 26% ownership of its limited partner, Williams Partners.
Read more on WMB →