GWW vs ITW
W. W. Grainger (GWW) and Illinois Tool Works (ITW) compared side by side. Illinois Tool Works (ITW) is larger, with a market cap of $78.5B versus $63.6B for W. W. Grainger, about 1.2 times the size. On trailing earnings, ITW is cheaper at 25.0x versus 34.4x for GWW.
Head to head
| Metric | GWW | ITW |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $63.6B | $78.5B |
| P/E (TTM) | 34.4x | 25.0x |
| Forward P/E | 26.4x | 22.3x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $18.8B | $16.5B |
| Revenue growth | 10.3% | 6.1% |
| Gross margin | 39.4% | 44.2% |
| Operating margin | 16.1% | 26.9% |
| Free cash flow | $1.5B | $2.9B |
| Dividend yield | 0.74% | 2.50% |
| 1-year return | +41.2% | +9.9% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +26.5% | +6.7% |
| Max drawdown | -65% | -57% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | B- |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
GWW vs ITW FAQ
Which is bigger, GWW or ITW?
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) is larger, with a market cap of $78.5B versus $63.6B for W. W. Grainger, about 1.2 times the size.
Is GWW or ITW cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ITW is cheaper at 25.0x versus 34.4x for GWW. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, GWW or ITW?
GWW returned +41.2% over the past year including dividends, versus +9.9% for ITW, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, GWW or ITW?
ITW yields 2.50% versus 0.74% for GWW.
Full pages: W. W. Grainger · Illinois Tool Works