Cummins Inc. (CMI) vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW)

ITW leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Cummins Inc. and Illinois Tool Works Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CMI vs ITW

growth of $100 · last 30y
CMI +6297.5%ITW +1496.0%CMI compounded faster
02k4k6kStart $100200120062011201620212026$6,397$1,596
CMI ITW

CMI vs ITW: by the numbers

  • CMI is the larger company ($91.01B vs $74.06B market cap).
  • ITW trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.90 vs 34.26 P/E).
  • ITW converts more revenue to profit (19.32% vs 7.89% net margin).
  • CMI grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.78% vs 4.71% CAGR).
  • ITW pays the higher dividend yield (2.46% vs 1.21%).

Which is better, CMI or ITW?

Metric tally: CMI 6 · ITW 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueITW(lower P/E)
GrowthCMI(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeITW(higher dividend yield)
QualityITW(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCMIITW
P/E ratio34.2623.90
Forward P/E22.7122.78
P/S ratio2.704.59
P/B ratio7.4123.05
PEG ratio3.032.50
EV / EBITDA20.2017.79
FCF yield2.92%3.68%

Profitability

MetricCMIITW
Gross margin25.39%44.12%
Operating margin11.24%26.42%
Net margin7.89%19.32%
ROE21.64%97.06%
ROIC11.41%24.49%

Dividends

MetricCMIITW
Dividend yield1.21%2.46%
Payout ratio38.80%60.17%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMIITW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)10.78%4.71%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.31%9.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)4.25%1.38%
Total return CAGR (5Y)24.28%4.45%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CMI or ITW?
It depends on your goal. value: ITW (lower P/E); growth: CMI (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ITW (higher dividend yield); quality: ITW (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ITW leads 10 to 6.
Is CMI or ITW cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ITW is cheaper: CMI trades at a 34.26 P/E and ITW at 23.90.
Which has grown faster, CMI or ITW?
Over the past five years, CMI grew revenue faster — CMI at a 10.78% CAGR versus ITW at 4.71%.
Does CMI or ITW pay a bigger dividend?
CMI yields 1.21% and ITW yields 2.46% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CMI or ITW more profitable?
ITW runs the higher net margin — CMI at 7.89% versus ITW at 19.32%.
Which has been the better investment, CMI or ITW?
Over the past 10-year, CMI delivered the higher annualized total return — CMI at 22.09% versus ITW at 11.65%. 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 June 15, 2026.