Honeywell International Inc. (HON) vs Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW)

ITW leads on 10 of 17 compared metrics, though HON is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Honeywell International Inc. and Illinois Tool Works Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 24, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total returnHON vs ITW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
HON +2156.9%ITW +3038.5%ITW compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,257$3,139
HON ITW

HON vs ITW: by the numbers

  • ITW is the larger company ($79.67B vs $78.02B market cap).
  • HON trades at the lower earnings multiple (9.11 vs 25.71 P/E).
  • HON converts more revenue to profit (22.73% vs 19.32% net margin).
  • ITW grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.71% vs 1.25% CAGR).
  • HON pays the higher dividend yield (3.82% vs 2.33%).

Which is better, HON or ITW?

Metric tally: HON 7 · ITW 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHONITW
P/E ratio9.1125.71
Forward P/E29.7624.49
P/S ratio2.174.94
P/B ratio3.1124.79
PEG ratio5.242.68
EV / EBITDA16.2619.20
FCF yield4.14%3.42%

Profitability

MetricHONITW
Gross margin36.57%44.12%
Operating margin14.09%26.42%
Net margin22.73%19.32%
ROE32.56%97.06%
ROIC9.22%24.49%

Dividends

MetricHONITW
Dividend yield3.82%2.33%
Payout ratio63.51%61.22%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHONITW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.25%4.71%
EPS CAGR (5Y)1.74%9.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)0.34%1.38%
Total return CAGR (5Y)5.71%6.59%

Frequently asked

Which is better, HON or ITW?
It depends on your goal. value: HON (lower P/E); growth: ITW (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: HON (higher dividend yield); quality: ITW (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ITW leads 10 to 7.
Is HON or ITW cheaper?
On trailing earnings, HON is cheaper: HON trades at a 9.11 P/E and ITW at 25.71.
Which has grown faster, HON or ITW?
Over the past five years, ITW grew revenue faster — HON at a 1.25% CAGR versus ITW at 4.71%.
Does HON or ITW pay a bigger dividend?
HON yields 3.82% and ITW yields 2.33% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HON or ITW more profitable?
HON runs the higher net margin — HON at 22.73% versus ITW at 19.32%.
Which has been the better investment, HON or ITW?
Over the past 10-year, HON delivered the higher annualized total return — HON at 13.05% versus ITW at 11.82%. 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 24, 2026.