Illinois Tool Works vs 3M (ITW vs MMM)
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) vs 3M (MMM) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) and 3M (MMM) compete in industrials. Here are Illinois Tool Works and 3M 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 Illinois Tool Works or 3M.
Illinois Tool Works vs 3M: the figures
| Figure | Illinois Tool Works | 3M |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $293.45 (November 4, 2026) | $193.95 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $83.4 billion | $100.0 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 26.2x | 28.9x |
| Forward P/E | 23.8x | 19.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +4.4% | +1.0% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 19.4% | 14.0% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.8x | 1.3x |
| Dividend yield | 2.40% | 1.76% |
| Beta | 0.94 | 1.06 |
Illinois Tool Works and 3M figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Illinois Tool Works or 3M figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Illinois Tool Works and 3M
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Illinois Tool Works keeps 19.4 as net profit and 3M keeps 14.0.
- Dividend: Illinois Tool Works yields 2.40% at today's price and 3M yields 1.76%.
- Growth: Illinois Tool Works grew sales +4.4% year on year in its latest quarter, against +1.0% for 3M.
Illinois Tool Works or 3M: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Illinois Tool Works 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: 3M has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Illinois Tool Works trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Illinois Tool Works nor 3M 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 Illinois Tool Works and 3M make money
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.
3M (MMM)
3M reports three segments after spinning off its health care business as Solventum. Safety and Industrial, the largest, sells abrasives, adhesives, tapes and personal protective equipment. Transportation and Electronics supplies materials for cars, aircraft and electronics, and Consumer sells household and office brands such as Post-it, Scotch, Command and Filtrete. Full 3M analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Illinois Tool Works vs 3M
Is Illinois Tool Works or 3M the better stock?
Choosing between Illinois Tool Works and 3M depends on what you are looking for. Illinois Tool Works is growing faster right now, and Illinois Tool Works trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Illinois Tool Works or 3M: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Illinois Tool Works or 3M?
As of November 4, 2026, Illinois Tool Works yields 2.40% and 3M yields 1.76%. Also check how much of their profit Illinois Tool Works and 3M pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Illinois Tool Works or 3M?
On P/E, 3M (28.9x) is more expensive than Illinois Tool Works (26.2x) 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 Illinois Tool Works and 3M?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Illinois Tool Works and 3M, 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 Illinois Tool Works or 3M.
More comparisons with Illinois Tool Works or 3M
More companies like Illinois Tool Works and 3M: industrials stocks. Educational content about Illinois Tool Works and 3M, not investment advice.