Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)

A side-by-side comparison of Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Mastercard Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: ITW is classified in Industrials; MA is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnITW vs MA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ITW +181.9% (+10.9%/yr)MA +498.8% (+19.6%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$282$599
ITW MA

ITW vs MA: by the numbers

  • MA is the larger company ($499.20B vs $77.15B market cap).
  • ITW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.31 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 19.39% net margin).
  • MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.09% vs 3.30% CAGR).
  • ITW pays the higher dividend yield (2.43% vs 0.60%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricITWMA
P/E ratio24.3131.31
Forward P/E23.4628.52
P/S ratio4.6814.23
P/B ratio26.6688.97
EV / EBITDA18.38N/A
FCF yield3.79%N/A

Profitability

MetricITWMA
Gross margin44.16%100.00%
Operating margin26.50%59.84%
Net margin19.39%46.34%
ROE110.37%289.73%
ROIC24.71%N/A

Dividends

MetricITWMA
Dividend yield2.43%0.60%
Payout ratio58.39%18.54%

Growth (annualized)

MetricITWMA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.30%16.09%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.58%20.93%
FCF CAGR (5Y)4.41%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.40%10.88%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ITW or MA?
ITW has the lower trailing P/E: ITW trades at 24.31 and MA at 31.31. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ITW or MA?
Over the past five years, MA grew revenue faster — ITW at a 3.30% CAGR versus MA at 16.09%.
Does ITW or MA pay a bigger dividend?
ITW yields 2.43% and MA yields 0.60% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ITW or MA more profitable?
MA runs the higher net margin — ITW at 19.39% versus MA at 46.34%.
How have ITW and MA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ITW delivered 11.23% and MA delivered 19.83% 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 September 11, 2026.