Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (AIT) vs Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC)

A side-by-side comparison of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Generac Holdings Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAIT vs GNRC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AIT +716.2% (+23.4%/yr)GNRC +453.9% (+18.7%/yr)AIT compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020182020202220242026$816$554
AIT GNRC

AIT vs GNRC: by the numbers

  • AIT is the larger company ($12.51B vs $11.61B market cap).
  • AIT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (30.90 vs 47.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AIT converts more revenue to profit (8.35% vs 5.82% net margin).
  • AIT grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.95% vs 6.83% CAGR).
  • AIT pays a dividend (0.59% yield), while GNRC is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAITGNRC
P/E ratio30.9047.61
Forward P/E31.6021.25
P/S ratio2.582.77
P/B ratio6.884.27
EV / EBITDA21.9623.53
FCF yield3.58%3.09%

Profitability

MetricAITGNRC
Gross margin30.34%39.54%
Operating margin11.06%9.50%
Net margin8.35%5.82%
ROE22.27%8.97%
ROIC17.08%6.95%

Dividends

MetricAITGNRC
Dividend yield0.59%N/A
Payout ratio17.94%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricAITGNRC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.95%6.83%
EPS CAGR (5Y)24.35%-13.42%
FCF CAGR (5Y)15.24%-7.45%
Total return CAGR (5Y)31.08%-13.53%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AIT or GNRC?
AIT has the lower trailing P/E: AIT trades at 30.90 and GNRC at 47.61. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AIT or GNRC?
Over the past five years, AIT grew revenue faster — AIT at a 8.95% CAGR versus GNRC at 6.83%.
Does AIT or GNRC pay a bigger dividend?
AIT pays a dividend (0.59% yield), while GNRC is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is AIT or GNRC more profitable?
AIT runs the higher net margin — AIT at 8.35% versus GNRC at 5.82%.
How have AIT and GNRC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AIT delivered 23.44% and GNRC delivered 18.72% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 28, 2026.