Illinois Tool Works vs UPS (ITW vs UPS)
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) vs UPS (UPS) 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 UPS (UPS) compete in industrials. Here are Illinois Tool Works and UPS 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 UPS.
Illinois Tool Works vs UPS: the figures
| Figure | Illinois Tool Works | UPS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $293.45 (November 4, 2026) | $114.31 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $83.4 billion | $97.3 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 26.2x | 21.2x |
| Forward P/E | 23.8x | 14.1x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +4.4% | +6.7% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 19.4% | 4.8% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.8x | 2.1x |
| Dividend yield | 2.40% | 6.01% |
| Beta | 0.94 | 0.95 |
Illinois Tool Works and UPS figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Illinois Tool Works or UPS figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Illinois Tool Works and UPS
- Dividend: UPS yields 6.01% at today's price and Illinois Tool Works yields 2.40%.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Illinois Tool Works keeps 19.4 as net profit and UPS keeps 4.8.
- Valuation: Illinois Tool Works trades at 26.2x its annual earnings and UPS at 21.2x; the market pays more for each dollar of Illinois Tool Works profit, usually because it expects more growth.
Illinois Tool Works or UPS: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: UPS 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): UPS 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: UPS 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 UPS 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 UPS 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.
UPS (UPS)
United Parcel Service earns money delivering packages. U.S. Domestic Package, its largest segment, covers ground and air shipping within the United States. International Package handles cross-border and in-country delivery abroad, and Supply Chain Solutions provides freight forwarding, customs brokerage, contract logistics and health care logistics. Full UPS analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Illinois Tool Works vs UPS
Is Illinois Tool Works or UPS the better stock?
Choosing between Illinois Tool Works and UPS depends on what you are looking for. UPS is growing faster right now, and UPS trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Illinois Tool Works or UPS: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Illinois Tool Works or UPS?
As of November 4, 2026, UPS yields 6.01% and Illinois Tool Works yields 2.40%. Also check how much of their profit Illinois Tool Works and UPS pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Illinois Tool Works or UPS?
On P/E, Illinois Tool Works (26.2x) is more expensive than UPS (21.2x) 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 UPS?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Illinois Tool Works and UPS, 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 UPS.
More comparisons with Illinois Tool Works or UPS
More companies like Illinois Tool Works and UPS: industrials stocks. Educational content about Illinois Tool Works and UPS, not investment advice.