Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
ITW vs MMM
Illinois Tool Works Inc. versus 3M Company — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
ITW and MMM are evenly matched (2–2 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | ITW | MMM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 2.27% | 2.14% | ITW wins |
| Dividend safety | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | MMM wins |
| Growth trend | +0.01% vs 5y | -1.77% vs 5y | MMM wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 1.01 | 1.16 | ITW wins |
| Scale | $82.6B | $76.0B | Tie |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 2 wins | 2 wins | Tie |
Dimension by dimension
ITW wins on yield (2.27% vs 2.14%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $13 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
ITW's higher yield (2.27%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus MMM's 2.14% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
MMM wins on safety (8.8/10 vs 8.3/10)
Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. MMM scores better on the weighted average of those factors.
MMM (8.8/10) scores 0.5 points higher than ITW (8.3/10). A higher safety score means lower historical indicators of dividend cut risk — payout ratio, yield zone, and trend all factor in.
MMM shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
MMM's yield is 1.77% below its 5y average, versus 0.01% for ITW. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
ITW is less volatile (beta 1.01 vs 1.16)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
Comparable scale ($82.6B vs $76.0B)
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, ITW or MMM?
ITW and MMM are evenly matched (2–2 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
ITW vs MMM: which has a higher dividend yield?
ITW yields 2.27% and MMM yields 2.14%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $13 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is ITW or MMM a safer dividend in 2026?
ITW scores 8.3/10 (Strong) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. MMM scores 8.8/10 (Strong). MMM is the safer pick on our scoring model.
Which has better dividend growth, ITW or MMM?
MMM's yield is 1.77% below its 5y average, versus 0.01% for ITW. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
ITW vs MMM: 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.
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