Danaher (DHR) vs Eaton (ETN)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Eaton (ETN) has outperformed Danaher (DHR) over the past year, gaining 12.7% versus a gain of 6.1%. Over five years, ETN leads with a +162.9% price change compared with -18.6% for DHR. Eaton is the larger company by market cap ($164.88 billion vs $152.87 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Danaher trades at a lower forward P/E (23.4x vs 26.1x for Eaton). Eaton offers the higher dividend yield (1.01% vs 0.66%). Eaton converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.9% versus 14.7%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | DHR | ETN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $217.46 | $424.51 |
| Market cap | $152.87B | $164.88B |
| 1-day change | -0.47% | -1.58% |
| YTD return | -5.01% | +33.28% |
| 1-year return | +6.10% | +12.69% |
| 5-year return | -18.61% | +162.94% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 38.76 | 43.19 |
| Forward P/E | 23.39 | 26.13 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.61 | $9.83 |
| Dividend yield | 0.66% | 1.01% |
| Annual dividend | $1.44 | $4.28 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $24.57B | $27.45B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.90% | +10.33% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.61B | $4.09B |
| Gross margin | 59.11% | 37.59% |
| Operating margin | 19.09% | — |
| Net margin | 14.71% | 14.89% |
| 52-week high | $242.80 | $478.00 |
| 52-week low | $160.93 | $311.92 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -10.44% | -11.19% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +9.93% | +13.44% |
| Average volume | 4.74M | 2.09M |
| Shares outstanding | 702.99M | 388.40M |
| Employees | 58,000 | 97,303 |
| Sector | Industrials | Technology |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Industrial Machinery/Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Eaton grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+10.33% vs +2.90%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Danaher in Industrials and Eaton in Technology.
About Danaher
DHR stock →Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, research, and industrial products and services in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates through Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Diagnostics segments.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 58,000 employees
About Eaton
ETN stock →Eaton Corporation plc operates as a power management company in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through Electrical Americas, Electrical Global, Aerospace, Vehicle, and eMobility segments.
Technology · Industrial Machinery/Components · 97,303 employees
DHR vs ETN FAQ
Which is bigger, Danaher or Eaton?
Eaton (ETN) is larger, with a market capitalization of $164.88B compared with $152.87B for Danaher (DHR).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, DHR or ETN?
ETN returned +12.69% over the past 12 months, compared with +6.10% for DHR (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, DHR or ETN?
DHR has the lower trailing P/E at 38.8, versus 43.2 for ETN. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Danaher or Eaton?
Eaton has the higher yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.66% for Danaher.
Are Danaher and Eaton in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.