Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
ITW vs ROK
Illinois Tool Works Inc. versus Rockwell Automation Inc — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
ITW wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but ROK can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | ITW | ROK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 2.38% | 1.38% | ITW wins |
| Dividend safety | 7.0/10 | 6.8/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | — | -0.26% vs 5y | Tie |
| Volatility (beta) | 1.03 | 1.54 | ITW wins |
| Scale | $75.4B | $45.0B | ITW wins |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 0 wins | ITW wins |
Dimension by dimension
ITW wins on yield (2.38% vs 1.38%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $100 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Safety scores are too close to call (7.0/10 vs 6.8/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
Yield-trend comparison unavailable
One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.
ITW is less volatile (beta 1.03 vs 1.54)
Lower beta means smaller swings vs the S&P 500 — generally a steadier hold for income investors.
ITW is 1.7× larger by market cap
Larger companies tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.
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, ITW or ROK?
ITW wins 3–0 on our six-dimension comparison, but ROK can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.
Does ITW or ROK have a higher yield?
On a $10,000 investment that's about $100 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is ITW or ROK a safer dividend?
ITW scores 7.0/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. ROK scores 6.8/10 (Solid). See the safety dimension above for what drove each score.
Should I own both ITW and ROK?
It depends on overlap. Two ETFs in similar categories often hold many of the same companies — owning both can mean paying two expense ratios for similar exposure. Check the underlying holdings before stacking.
Already own ITW or ROK? 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 →