Snap-on Incorporated or Pentair plc: Who Invests More in Innovation?

Innovation Investment: A Tale of Two Companies

In the competitive landscape of industrial innovation, Snap-on Incorporated and Pentair plc have been key players. Over the past decade, from 2014 to 2023, these companies have shown distinct strategies in their research and development (R&D) investments. Pentair plc consistently outpaced Snap-on Incorporated, investing nearly twice as much in R&D on average. In 2015, Pentair's R&D expenses peaked at approximately 20% higher than Snap-on's highest expenditure in 2014. However, both companies have shown a downward trend in their R&D spending, with Pentair's investment decreasing by about 35% from its peak in 2015 to 2020. Despite this, Pentair's commitment to innovation remains evident, as it still invests significantly more than Snap-on. This strategic focus on R&D could be a key differentiator in their future market positioning.