Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
EMR vs ITW
Emerson Electric Co. versus Illinois Tool Works Inc. — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
ITW wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but EMR can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
ITW wins this comparison 2–1 across 6 dimensions. ITW yields 2.44% — higher than EMR's 1.48% — and carries a 8.3/10 dividend safety score (Strong) vs 8.1/10 for EMR (Strong). ITW wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but EMR can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
On yield alone, ITW generates 2.44% vs 1.48% — a 0.96% difference that translates to $960 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | EMR | ITW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 1.48% | 2.44% | ITW wins |
| Dividend safety | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | -0.52% vs 5y | +0.18% vs 5y | EMR wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 1.24 | 1.00 | ITW wins |
| Scale | $83.9B | $80.4B | Tie |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 2 wins | ITW wins |
Dimension by dimension
ITW wins on yield (2.44% vs 1.48%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $96 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
ITW's higher yield (2.44%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus EMR's 1.48% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (8.1/10 vs 8.3/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
EMR shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
EMR's yield is 0.52% below its 5y average, versus 0.18% for ITW. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
ITW is less volatile (beta 1.00 vs 1.24)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
Comparable scale ($83.9B vs $80.4B)
Within 1.5x of each other on market cap / AUM — similar institutional footprint.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice.Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
Which is better for income, EMR or ITW?
ITW wins 2–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but EMR can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
EMR vs ITW: which has a higher dividend yield?
EMR yields 1.48% and ITW yields 2.44%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $96 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is EMR or ITW a safer dividend in 2026?
EMR scores 8.1/10 (Strong) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. ITW scores 8.3/10 (Strong). ITW is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, EMR or ITW?
EMR's yield is 0.52% below its 5y average, versus 0.18% for ITW. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
EMR vs ITW: which is more tax-efficient?
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
Get emailed when EMR vs ITW data updates.
Already own EMR or ITW? See if the other adds anything.
Connect your brokerage and Infnits checks whether adding ITW to your existing portfolio actually diversifies — or just duplicates exposure (ETF look-through included).
Check overlap with my portfolio →