Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW)

ITW leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Emerson Electric Co. and Illinois Tool Works Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — EMR vs ITW

growth of $100 · last 30y
EMR +552.1%ITW +1454.5%ITW compounded faster
05001k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$652$1,555
EMR ITW

EMR vs ITW: by the numbers

  • EMR is the larger company ($80.13B vs $74.06B market cap).
  • ITW trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.90 vs 33.04 P/E).
  • ITW converts more revenue to profit (19.32% vs 13.35% net margin).
  • ITW grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.71% vs 1.43% CAGR).
  • ITW pays the higher dividend yield (2.46% vs 1.53%).

Which is better, EMR or ITW?

Metric tally: EMR 7 · ITW 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Valuation

MetricEMRITW
P/E ratio33.0423.90
Forward P/E19.9222.78
P/S ratio4.404.59
P/B ratio3.9723.05
PEG ratio1.772.50
EV / EBITDA17.9217.79
FCF yield3.87%3.68%

Profitability

MetricEMRITW
Gross margin52.66%44.12%
Operating margin19.96%26.42%
Net margin13.35%19.32%
ROE12.04%97.06%
ROIC7.26%24.49%

Dividends

MetricEMRITW
Dividend yield1.53%2.46%
Payout ratio53.87%60.17%

Growth (annualized)

MetricEMRITW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.43%4.71%
EPS CAGR (5Y)4.54%9.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-0.23%1.38%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.27%4.45%

Frequently asked

Which is better, EMR or ITW?
It depends on your goal. value: ITW (lower P/E); growth: ITW (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ITW (higher dividend yield); quality: ITW (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ITW leads 9 to 7.
Is EMR or ITW cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ITW is cheaper: EMR trades at a 33.04 P/E and ITW at 23.90.
Which has grown faster, EMR or ITW?
Over the past five years, ITW grew revenue faster — EMR at a 1.43% CAGR versus ITW at 4.71%.
Does EMR or ITW pay a bigger dividend?
EMR yields 1.53% and ITW yields 2.46% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is EMR or ITW more profitable?
ITW runs the higher net margin — EMR at 13.35% versus ITW at 19.32%.
Which has been the better investment, EMR or ITW?
Over the past 10-year, EMR delivered the higher annualized total return — EMR at 13.28% 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 13, 2026.