Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) vs 3M Company (MMM)

A side-by-side comparison of Illinois Tool Works Inc. and 3M Company 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.

Compare

Total returnITW vs MMM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ITW +181.9% (+10.9%/yr)MMM +54.0% (+4.4%/yr)ITW compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$282$154
ITW MMM

ITW vs MMM: by the numbers

  • MMM is the larger company ($85.07B vs $77.15B market cap).
  • ITW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.31 vs 29.30 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ITW converts more revenue to profit (19.39% vs 11.90% net margin).
  • ITW grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.30% vs -6.23% CAGR).
  • ITW pays the higher dividend yield (2.43% vs 1.88%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricITWMMM
P/E ratio24.3129.30
Forward P/E23.4618.44
P/S ratio4.683.38
P/B ratio26.6628.82
EV / EBITDA18.38N/A
FCF yield3.79%4.68%

Profitability

MetricITWMMM
Gross margin44.16%39.40%
Operating margin26.50%19.01%
Net margin19.39%11.90%
ROE110.37%101.52%
ROIC24.71%14.64%

Dividends

MetricITWMMM
Dividend yield2.43%1.88%
Payout ratio58.39%54.53%

Growth (annualized)

MetricITWMMM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.30%-6.23%
EPS CAGR (5Y)9.58%-8.53%
FCF CAGR (5Y)4.41%-10.85%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.40%4.70%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ITW or MMM?
ITW has the lower trailing P/E: ITW trades at 24.31 and MMM at 29.30. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ITW or MMM?
Over the past five years, ITW grew revenue faster — ITW at a 3.30% CAGR versus MMM at -6.23%.
Does ITW or MMM pay a bigger dividend?
ITW yields 2.43% and MMM yields 1.88% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ITW or MMM more profitable?
ITW runs the higher net margin — ITW at 19.39% versus MMM at 11.90%.
How have ITW and MMM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ITW delivered 11.23% and MMM delivered 4.38% 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.