FedEx vs Illinois Tool Works (FDX vs ITW)
FedEx (FDX) vs Illinois Tool Works (ITW) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
FedEx (FDX) and Illinois Tool Works (ITW) compete in industrials. Here are FedEx and Illinois Tool Works side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy FedEx or Illinois Tool Works.
FedEx vs Illinois Tool Works: the figures
| Figure | FedEx | Illinois Tool Works |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $329.40 (November 4, 2026) | $293.45 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $77.1 billion | $83.4 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 17.8x | 26.2x |
| Forward P/E | 15.8x | 23.8x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +11.9% | +4.4% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 4.7% | 19.4% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.9x | 1.8x |
| Dividend yield | 1.53% | 2.40% |
| Beta | 1.31 | 0.94 |
FedEx and Illinois Tool Works figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that FedEx or Illinois Tool Works figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between FedEx and Illinois Tool Works
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Illinois Tool Works keeps 19.4 as net profit and FedEx keeps 4.7.
- Valuation: Illinois Tool Works trades at 26.2x its annual earnings and FedEx at 17.8x; the market pays more for each dollar of Illinois Tool Works profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Growth: FedEx grew sales +11.9% year on year in its latest quarter, against +4.4% for Illinois Tool Works.
FedEx or Illinois Tool Works: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: FedEx is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Illinois Tool Works pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Illinois Tool Works has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: FedEx trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither FedEx nor Illinois Tool Works wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How FedEx and Illinois Tool Works make money
FedEx (FDX)
FedEx charges to move parcels and documents. Its core business is Federal Express, which combines the former FedEx Express and FedEx Ground networks to offer overnight air delivery, ground parcel shipping and international express for businesses and consumers. It also provides logistics, customs brokerage and supply chain services. Full FedEx analysis.
Illinois Tool Works (ITW)
Illinois Tool Works, or ITW, is a collection of industrial businesses selling specialized components and equipment. Its segments include Automotive OEM, Food Equipment for commercial kitchens, Test and Measurement and Electronics, Welding, Polymers and Fluids, Construction Products and Specialty Products, serving manufacturers, restaurants and builders. Full Illinois Tool Works analysis.
Frequently asked questions: FedEx vs Illinois Tool Works
Is FedEx or Illinois Tool Works the better stock?
Choosing between FedEx and Illinois Tool Works depends on what you are looking for. FedEx is growing faster right now, and FedEx trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy FedEx or Illinois Tool Works: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, FedEx or Illinois Tool Works?
As of November 4, 2026, Illinois Tool Works yields 2.40% and FedEx yields 1.53%. Also check how much of their profit FedEx and Illinois Tool Works pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, FedEx or Illinois Tool Works?
On P/E, Illinois Tool Works (26.2x) is more expensive than FedEx (17.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both FedEx and Illinois Tool Works?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as FedEx and Illinois Tool Works, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying FedEx or Illinois Tool Works.
More comparisons with FedEx or Illinois Tool Works
More companies like FedEx and Illinois Tool Works: industrials stocks. Educational content about FedEx and Illinois Tool Works, not investment advice.