IDEX (IEX) vs Xylem (XYL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
IDEX (IEX) has outperformed Xylem (XYL) over the past year, gaining 41.3% versus a loss of 30.0%. Over five years, IEX leads with a +9.8% price change compared with -17.6% for XYL. Xylem is the larger company by market cap ($23.98 billion vs $17.27 billion), about 1.4 times the size, while IDEX is growing revenue faster (+5.8% vs +5.5%).
On valuation, Xylem trades at a lower forward P/E (16.5x vs 24.3x for IDEX). Xylem offers the higher dividend yield (1.62% vs 1.23%). IDEX converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.0% versus 10.6%.
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 | IEX | XYL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $234.29 | $102.71 |
| Market cap | $17.27B | $23.98B |
| 1-day change | +1.10% | +0.71% |
| YTD return | +31.67% | -24.58% |
| 1-year return | +41.27% | -30.04% |
| 5-year return | +9.76% | -17.63% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 33.33 | 24.28 |
| Forward P/E | 24.33 | 16.50 |
| EPS (TTM) | $7.03 | $4.23 |
| Dividend yield | 1.23% | 1.62% |
| Annual dividend | $2.88 | $1.66 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.46B | $9.04B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +5.77% | +5.52% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $483.20M | $957.00M |
| Gross margin | 44.51% | 38.46% |
| Operating margin | 20.23% | 13.54% |
| Net margin | 13.98% | 10.59% |
| 52-week high | $243.80 | $154.27 |
| 52-week low | $159.27 | $98.58 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -3.90% | -33.42% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +9.24% | +47.32% |
| Average volume | 646.52K | 2.22M |
| Shares outstanding | 73.72M | 233.49M |
| Employees | 8,700 | 22,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Fluid Controls | Fluid Controls |
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
- IEX has outperformed XYL by 71.3 percentage points over the past year.
- IDEX trades at a higher earnings multiple (33.3x vs 24.3x trailing P/E).
About IDEX
IEX stock →IDEX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides applied solutions in the United States, North America, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Health & Science Technologies (HST), Fluid & Metering Technologies (FMT) and Fire & Safety/Diversified Products (FSDP).
Industrials · Fluid Controls · 8,700 employees
About Xylem
XYL stock →Xylem Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and servicing of engineered products and solutions for utility, industrial, and residential and commercial building services settings worldwide. It operates through Water Infrastructure; Applied Water; Measurement and Control Solutions; and Water Solutions and Services segments.
Industrials · Fluid Controls · 22,000 employees
IEX vs XYL FAQ
Which is bigger, IDEX or Xylem?
Xylem (XYL) is larger, with a market capitalization of $23.98B compared with $17.27B for IDEX (IEX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, IEX or XYL?
IEX returned +41.27% over the past 12 months, compared with -30.04% for XYL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, IEX or XYL?
XYL has the lower trailing P/E at 24.3, versus 33.3 for IEX. 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, IDEX or Xylem?
Xylem has the higher yield at 1.62%, compared with 1.23% for IDEX.
Are IDEX and Xylem in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Fluid Controls industry within the Industrials sector.