CSX Corporation (CSX) vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW)

A side-by-side comparison of CSX Corporation and Illinois Tool Works Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCSX vs ITW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CSX +3275.5%ITW +3291.6%ITW compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,376$3,392
CSX ITW

CSX vs ITW: by the numbers

  • CSX is the larger company ($93.99B vs $84.14B market cap).
  • ITW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (26.76 vs 29.39 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CSX converts more revenue to profit (22.21% vs 19.39% net margin).
  • CSX grew revenue faster over the past five years (5.18% vs 3.30% CAGR).
  • ITW pays the higher dividend yield (2.18% vs 1.06%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCSXITW
P/E ratio29.3926.76
Forward P/E25.4226.11
P/S ratio6.515.14
P/B ratio6.7129.27
PEG ratio5.742.79
EV / EBITDA14.4820.42
FCF yield6.50%3.21%

Profitability

MetricCSXITW
Gross margin27.76%44.16%
Operating margin34.15%26.50%
Net margin22.21%19.39%
ROE22.88%110.37%
ROIC8.40%24.49%

Dividends

MetricCSXITW
Dividend yield1.06%2.18%
Payout ratio35.06%61.22%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCSXITW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.18%3.30%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.12%9.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-8.29%1.38%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.26%8.01%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CSX or ITW?
ITW has the lower trailing P/E: CSX trades at 29.39 and ITW at 26.76. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CSX or ITW?
Over the past five years, CSX grew revenue faster — CSX at a 5.18% CAGR versus ITW at 3.30%.
Does CSX or ITW pay a bigger dividend?
CSX yields 1.06% and ITW yields 2.18% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CSX or ITW more profitable?
CSX runs the higher net margin — CSX at 22.21% versus ITW at 19.39%.
How have CSX and ITW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CSX delivered 20.00% and ITW delivered 12.47% 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 July 29, 2026.