Illinois Tool Works 10-Q 2023-03-31

Filed 2023-05-04. 5 sections, 121K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON

Cover and table of contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period endedMarch 31, 2023
OR
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

Commission File Number: 1-4797

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware36-1258310
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
155 Harlem AvenueGlenviewIL60025
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 847-724-7500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common StockITWNew York Stock Exchange
1.25% Euro Notes due 2023ITW23New York Stock Exchange
0.250% Euro Notes due 2024ITW24ANew York Stock Exchange
0.625% Euro Notes due 2027ITW27New York Stock Exchange
2.125% Euro Notes due 2030ITW30New York Stock Exchange
1.00% Euro Notes due 2031ITW31New York Stock Exchange
3.00% Euro Notes due 2034ITW34New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filero
Non-accelerated fileroSmaller reporting company☐
Emerging growth company☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐ No ☒

The number of shares of registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding at March 31, 2023: 303,902,781

Table of Contents
PART I - Financial Information
Item 1.Financial Statements3
Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations14
Item 4.Controls and Procedures29
PART II - Other Information
Item 1.Legal Proceedings30
Item 1A.Risk Factors30
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds30
Item 6.Exhibits31
Signatures32

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Statement of Income (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions except per share amounts20232022
Operating Revenue$4,019$3,939
Cost of revenue2,3412,357
Selling, administrative, and research and development expenses675652
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets3135
Operating Income972895
Interest expense(60)(48)
Other income (expense)1014
Income Before Taxes922861
Income Taxes208199
Net Income$714$662
Net Income Per Share:
Basic$2.34$2.12
Diluted$2.33$2.11
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding During the Period:
Average305.0312.5
Average assuming dilution306.1313.7

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20232022
Net Income$714$662
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax3726
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax—5
Other comprehensive income (loss)3731
Comprehensive Income$751$693

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)

In millions except per share amountsMarch 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and equivalents$1,143$708
Trade receivables3,2013,171
Inventories2,0002,054
Prepaid expenses and other current assets334329
Assets held for sale108
Total current assets6,6886,270
Net plant and equipment1,8851,848
Goodwill4,8844,864
Intangible assets738768
Deferred income taxes503494
Other assets1,2231,178
$15,921$15,422
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt$2,870$1,590
Accounts payable599594
Accrued expenses1,5041,728
Cash dividends payable398400
Income taxes payable224147
Liabilities held for sale11
Total current liabilities5,5964,460
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Long-term debt5,5106,173
Deferred income taxes477484
Noncurrent income taxes payable273273
Other liabilities964943
Total noncurrent liabilities7,2247,873
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock (par value of $0.01 per share):
Issued- 550.0 shares in 2023 and 2022 Outstanding- 303.9 shares in 2023 and 305.0 shares in 202266
Additional paid-in-capital1,5261,501
Retained earnings26,11525,799
Common stock held in treasury(22,743)(22,377)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,804)(1,841)
Noncontrolling interest11
Total stockholders' equity3,1013,089
$15,921$15,422

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)

In millions except per share amountsCommon StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsCommon Stock Held in TreasuryAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Non-controlling InterestTotal
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Balance at December 31, 2022$6$1,501$25,799$(22,377)$(1,841)$1$3,089
Net income——714———714
Common stock issued for stock-based compensation—8—11——19
Stock-based compensation expense—17————17
Repurchases of common stock———(375)——(375)
Excise tax on repurchases of common stock———(2)——(2)
Dividends declared ($1.31 per share)——(398)———(398)
Other comprehensive income (loss)————37—37
Balance at March 31, 2023$6$1,526$26,115$(22,743)$(1,804)$1$3,101
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
Balance at December 31, 2021$6$1,432$24,325$(20,636)$(1,502)$1$3,626
Net income——662———662
Common stock issued for stock-based compensation—(1)—3——2
Stock-based compensation expense—16————16
Repurchases of common stock———(375)——(375)
Dividends declared ($1.22 per share)——(380)———(380)
Other comprehensive income (loss)————31—31
Balance at March 31, 2022$6$1,447$24,607$(21,008)$(1,471)$1$3,582

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20232022
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:
Net income$714$662
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation6871
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets3135
Change in deferred income taxes3(37)
Provision for uncollectible accounts31
(Income) loss from investments(2)(1)
(Gain) loss on sale of plant and equipment(1)—
(Gain) loss on sale of operations and affiliates——
Stock-based compensation expense1716
Other non-cash items, net4—
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures:
(Increase) decrease in-
Trade receivables(17)(301)
Inventories64(207)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(50)(47)
Increase (decrease) in-
Accounts payable2116
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(184)(119)
Income taxes77134
Other, net(1)—
Net cash provided by operating activities728323
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Acquisition of businesses (excluding cash and equivalents)—(2)
Additions to plant and equipment(113)(74)
Proceeds from investments22
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment32
Proceeds from sales of operations and affiliates(3)—
Other, net—(1)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(111)(73)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Cash dividends paid(400)(382)
Issuance of common stock3316
Repurchases of common stock(375)(375)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) debt with original maturities of three months or less709564
Proceeds from debt with original maturities of more than three months—357
Repayments of debt with original maturities of more than three months(138)(656)
Other, net(14)(13)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(185)(489)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Equivalents38
Cash and Equivalents:
Increase (decrease) during the period435(231)
Beginning of period7081,527
End of period$1,143$1,296
Supplementary Cash Flow Information:
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest$62$58
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds$128$102

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(1) Significant Accounting Policies

Financial Statements— The unaudited financial statements included herein have been prepared by Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company"). In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the results for interim periods. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes to financial statements included in the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain reclassifications of prior year data have been made to conform with current year reporting.

(2) Divestitures

The Company routinely reviews its portfolio of businesses relative to its business portfolio criteria and evaluates if further portfolio refinements may be needed. As such, the Company may commit to a plan to exit or dispose of certain businesses and present them as held for sale in periods prior to the sale of the business.

In the second quarter of 2022, plans were approved to divest two businesses, including one business in the Polymers & Fluids segment and one business in the Food Equipment segment. These two businesses were classified as held for sale beginning in the second quarter of 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2022, both of these businesses were divested. On October 3, 2022, the business in the Polymers & Fluids segment was sold for $220 million, subject to certain closing adjustments, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $156 million. On December 1, 2022, the business in the Food Equipment segment was sold for $59 million, subject to certain closing adjustments, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $41 million. Operating revenue related to these divested businesses that was included in the Company's results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $28 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, plans were approved to divest one business in the Specialty Products segment. This business was presented as held for sale beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022. Assets and liabilities held for sale related to this business were $10 million and $1 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2023, and $8 million and $1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. Operating revenue for this business was $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. This business was sold on April 3, 2023, with no significant gain or loss expected from the sale of the business.

(3) Operating Revenue

The Company's 84 diversified operating divisions are organized and managed based on similar product offerings and end markets, and are reported to senior management as the following seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. Operating revenue by product category, which is consistent with the Company's segment presentation, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:

Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20232022
Automotive OEM$796$760
Food Equipment635566
Test & Measurement and Electronics703685
Welding493450
Polymers & Fluids447481
Construction Products526551
Specialty Products423452
Intersegment revenue(4)(6)
Total operating revenue$4,019$3,939

The following is a description of the product offerings, end markets and typical revenue transactions for each of the Company's seven segments:

Automotive OEM**—** This segment is a global, niche supplier to top tier OEMs, providing unique innovation to address pain points for sophisticated customers with complex problems. Businesses in this segment produce components and fasteners for automotive-related applications. This segment primarily serves the automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers market. Products in this segment include:

  • plastic and metal components, fasteners and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks and other industrial uses.

Products sold in this segment are primarily manufactured to the customer's specifications and are sold under long-term supply agreements with OEM auto manufacturers and other top tier auto parts suppliers. The Company typically recognizes revenue for products in this segment at the time of shipment. Certain products may be produced utilizing tooling that is owned by the customer that the Company developed and is reimbursed by the customer for the associated cost. In these arrangements, the Company typically retains a contractual right to use the customer-owned tooling for the purpose of fulfilling its obligations under the supply agreement. The Company records reimbursements for the cost of customer-owned tooling as a cost offset rather than operating revenue as tooling is not considered a product offering central to the Company's operations.

Food Equipment**—** This segment is a highly focused and branded industry leader in commercial food equipment differentiated by innovation and integrated service offerings. This segment primarily serves the food service, food retail and food institutional/restaurant markets. Products in this segment include:

  • warewashing equipment;

  • cooking equipment, including ovens, ranges and broilers;

  • refrigeration equipment, including refrigerators, freezers and prep tables;

  • food processing equipment, including slicers, mixers and scales;

  • kitchen exhaust, ventilation and pollution control systems; and

  • food equipment service, maintenance and repair.

Revenue for equipment sold in this segment is typically recognized at the time of product shipment. In limited circumstances involving installation of equipment and customer acceptance, the Company may recognize revenue upon completion of installation and acceptance by the customer. Annual service contracts are typically sold separate from equipment and the related revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the annual service period. Operating revenue for on-demand service repairs and parts is recorded upon completion and customer acceptance of the work performed.

Test & Measurement and Electronics**—** This segment is a branded and innovative producer of test and measurement and electronic manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and operations, or "MRO" solutions that improve efficiency and quality for customers in diverse end markets. Businesses in this segment produce equipment, consumables, and related software for testing and measuring of materials and structures, as well as equipment and consumables used in the production of electronic subassemblies and microelectronics. This segment primarily serves the electronics, general industrial, automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers, energy, consumer durables and industrial capital goods markets. Products in this segment include:

  • equipment, consumables, and related software for testing and measuring of materials, structures, gases and fluids;

  • electronic assembly equipment;

  • electronic components and component packaging;

  • static control equipment and consumables used for contamination control in clean room environments; and

  • pressure sensitive adhesives and components for electronics, medical, transportation and telecommunications applications.

Revenue for products sold in this segment is typically recognized at the time of shipment. In limited circumstances where significant obligations to the customer are unfulfilled at the time of shipment, typically involving installation of equipment and customer acceptance, revenue recognition is deferred until such obligations have been completed. In other limited arrangements involving the sale of highly specialized systems that include a high degree of customization and installation at the customer site, revenue is recognized over time if the product does not have an alternative use and the Company has an enforceable right to payment for work performed to date. Revenue for transactions meeting these criteria is recognized over time as work is performed based on the costs incurred to date relative to the total estimated costs at completion.

Welding**—** This segment is a branded value-added equipment and specialty consumable manufacturer with innovative and leading technology. Businesses in this segment produce arc welding equipment, consumables and accessories for a wide array of industrial and commercial applications. This segment primarily serves the general industrial market, which includes fabrication, shipbuilding and other general industrial markets, and construction, energy, MRO, industrial capital goods and automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers markets. Products in this segment include:

  • arc welding equipment; and

  • metal arc welding consumables and related accessories.

Products in this segment are primarily manufactured to meet anticipated customer demand. The Company typically recognizes revenue for these products at the time of product shipment.

Polymers & Fluids**—** This segment is a branded supplier to niche markets that require value-added, differentiated products. Businesses in this segment produce engineered adhesives, sealants, lubrication and cutting fluids, and fluids and polymers for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance. This segment primarily serves the automotive aftermarket, general industrial and MRO markets. Products in this segment include:

  • adhesives for industrial, construction and consumer purposes;

  • chemical fluids which clean or add lubrication to machines;

  • epoxy and resin-based coating products for industrial applications;

  • hand wipes and cleaners for industrial applications;

  • fluids, polymers and other supplies for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance;

  • fillers and putties for auto body repair; and

  • polyester coatings and patch and repair products for the marine industry.

Products in this segment are primarily manufactured to meet anticipated customer demand. The Company typically recognizes revenue for these products at the time of product shipment.

Construction Products**—** This segment is a branded supplier of innovative engineered fastening systems and solutions. This segment primarily serves the residential construction, renovation/remodel and commercial construction markets. Products in this segment include:

  • fasteners and related fastening tools for wood and metal applications;

  • anchors, fasteners and related tools for concrete applications;

  • metal plate truss components and related equipment and software; and

  • packaged hardware, fasteners, anchors and other products for retail.

Products in this segment are primarily manufactured to meet anticipated customer demand. The Company typically recognizes revenue for these products at the time of product shipment.

Specialty Products**—** This segment is focused on diversified niche market opportunities with substantial patent protection producing beverage packaging equipment and consumables, product coding and marking equipment and consumables, and appliance components and fasteners. This segment primarily serves the food and beverage, consumer durables, general industrial, industrial capital goods and printing and publishing markets. Products in this segment include:

  • conveyor systems and line automation for the food and beverage industries;

  • plastic consumables that multi-pack cans and bottles and related equipment;

  • foil, film and related equipment used to decorate consumer products;

  • product coding and marking equipment and related consumables;

  • plastic and metal closures and components for appliances;

  • airport ground support equipment; and

  • components for medical devices.

Products in this segment are primarily manufactured to meet anticipated customer demand. The Company typically recognizes revenue for these products at the time of product shipment. In limited circumstances where significant obligations to the customer are unfulfilled at the time of shipment, typically involving installation of equipment and customer acceptance, revenue is recognized when such obligations have been completed.

(4) Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was 22.6% and 23.1%, respectively. The effective tax rates included discrete income tax benefits related to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation of $13 million and $8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Company and its subsidiaries file tax returns in the U.S. and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. These tax returns are routinely audited by the tax authorities in these jurisdictions, including the Internal Revenue Service, His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, German Fiscal Authority, French Fiscal Authority, and Australian Tax Office, and a number of these audits are currently ongoing, which may increase the amount of the unrecognized tax benefits in future periods. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months the amount of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits may be decreased by approximately $28 million related predominantly to the potential resolution of income tax examinations. The Company has recorded its best estimate of the potential exposure for these issues.

(5) Inventories

Inventories as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:

In millionsMarch 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Raw material$823$887
Work-in-process252228
Finished goods1,0361,050
LIFO reserve(111)(111)
Total inventories$2,000$2,054

(6) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Pension and other postretirement benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
March 31,
PensionOther Postretirement Benefits
In millions2023202220232022
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost$9$12$1$2
Interest cost231363
Expected return on plan assets(32)(27)(5)(6)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)17(1)(1)
Total net periodic benefit cost (income)$1$5$1$(2)

The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is presented within Cost of revenue and Selling, administrative, and research and development expenses in the Statement of Income while the other components of net periodic benefit cost are presented within Other income (expense).

The Company expects to contribute approximately $14 million to its pension plans and $4 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2023. As of March 31, 2023, contributions of $3 million to pension plans and $2 million to other postretirement benefit plans have been made.

(7) Debt

Total debt as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was as follows:

In millionsMarch 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Short-term debt$2,870$1,590
Long-term debt5,5106,173
Total debt$8,380$7,763

Short-term debt included commercial paper of $1.6 billion and $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on commercial paper as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was 4.86% and 4.35%, respectively. Short-term debt as of March 31, 2023 also included $699 million related to the 3.50% notes due March 1, 2024, which were reclassified from Long-term debt to Short-term debt in the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, Short-term debt as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 included $542 million and $535 million, respectively, related to the 1.25% Euro notes due May 22, 2023, which were reclassified from Long-term debt to Short-term debt in the second quarter of 2022.

In 2022, the $568 million of 1.75% Euro notes due May 20, 2022 were redeemed in full at face value on February 22, 2022.

The Company has a $3.0 billion revolving credit facility with a termination date of October 21, 2027, which is available to provide additional liquidity, including to support the potential issuances of commercial paper. No amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022.

The approximate fair value and related carrying value of the Company's total long-term debt, including current maturities of long-term debt presented as short-term debt, as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:

In millionsMarch 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Fair value$6,376$6,228
Carrying value6,7516,708

The approximate fair values of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, were based on a valuation model using Level 2 observable inputs which included market rates for comparable instruments for the respective periods.

(8) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:

Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20232022
Beginning balance$(1,841)$(1,502)
Foreign currency translation adjustments during the period2749
Income taxes10(23)
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax3726
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments reclassified to income—6
Income taxes—(1)
Total pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax—5
Ending balance$(1,804)$(1,471)

Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments reclassified to income related to the amortization of actuarial gains and losses. Refer to Note 6. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits for additional information.

The Company designated the €1.0 billion of Euro notes issued in May 2014, the €1.0 billion of Euro notes issued in May 2015 and the €1.6 billion of Euro notes issued in June 2019 as hedges of a portion of its net investment in Euro-denominated foreign operations to reduce foreign currency risk associated with the investment in these operations. Changes in the value of this debt resulting from fluctuations in the Euro to U.S. Dollar exchange rate have been recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). On February 22, 2022, €500 million of the Euro notes issued in May 2014 were redeemed in full. Refer to Note 7. Debt for additional information regarding the redemption of these notes. The carrying values of the outstanding 2019, 2015 and 2014 Euro notes as of March 31, 2023 were $1.7 billion, $1.1 billion and $532 million, respectively. The amount of pre-tax gain (loss) related to these notes recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) was a loss of $41 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and a gain of $94 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

As of March 31, 2023 and 2022, the ending balance of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of after-tax cumulative translation adjustment losses of $1.5 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, and after-tax unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit costs of $293 million and $191 million, respectively.

(9) Segment Information

The Company's operations are organized and managed based on similar product offerings and end markets, and are reported to senior management as the following seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. Refer to Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for information regarding operating revenue and operating income for the Company's segments.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

INTRODUCTION

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (the "Company" or "ITW") is a global manufacturer of a diversified range of industrial products and equipment with 84 divisions in 51 countries. As of December 31, 2022, the Company employed approximately 46,000 people.

The Company's operations are organized and managed based on similar product offerings and end markets, and are reported to senior management as the following seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products.

Due to the large number of diverse businesses and the Company's decentralized operating structure, the Company does not require its businesses to provide detailed information on operating results. Instead, the Company's corporate management collects data on several key measurements: operating revenue, operating income, operating margin, overhead costs, number of months on hand in inventory, days sales outstanding in accounts receivable, past due receivables and return on invested capital. These key measures are monitored by management and significant changes in operating results versus current trends in end markets and variances from forecasts are discussed with operating unit management.

THE ITW BUSINESS MODEL

The powerful and highly differentiated ITW Business Model is the Company's core source of value creation. It is the Company's competitive advantage and defines how ITW creates value for its shareholders. The ITW Business Model is comprised of three unique elements:

  • ITW's 80/20 Front-to-Back process is the operating system that is applied in every ITW business. Initially introduced as a manufacturing efficiency tool in the 1980s, ITW has continually refined, improved and expanded 80/20 into a proprietary, holistic business management process that generates significant value for the Company and its customers. Through the application of data driven insights generated by 80/20 practice, ITW focuses on its largest and best opportunities (the "80") and eliminates cost, complexity and distractions associated with the less profitable opportunities (the "20"). 80/20 enables ITW businesses to consistently achieve world-class operational excellence in product availability, quality, and innovation, while generating superior financial performance;

  • Customer-back Innovation** has fueled decades of profitable growth at ITW. The Company's unique innovation approach is built on insight gathered from the 80/20 Front-to-Back process. Working from the customer back, ITW businesses position themselves as the go-to problem solver for their "80" customers. ITW's innovation efforts are focused on understanding customer needs, particularly those in "80" markets with solid long-term growth fundamentals, and creating unique solutions to address those needs. These customer insights and learnings drive innovation at ITW and have contributed to a portfolio of approximately 19,200 granted and pending patents;

  • ITW's Decentralized, Entrepreneurial Culture enables ITW businesses to be fast, focused, and responsive. ITW businesses have significant flexibility within the framework of the ITW Business Model to customize their approach in order to best serve their specific customers' needs. ITW colleagues recognize their unique responsibilities to execute the Company's strategy and values. As a result, the Company maintains a focused and simple organizational structure that, combined with outstanding execution, delivers best-in-class services and solutions adapted to each business' customers and end markets.

ENTERPRISE STRATEGY

In late 2012, ITW began its strategic framework transitioning the Company on its current path to fully leverage the compelling performance potential of the ITW Business Model. The Company undertook a complete review of its performance, focusing on its businesses delivering consistent above-market growth with best-in-class margins and returns, and developing a strategy to replicate that performance across its operations.

ITW determined that solid and consistent above-market organic growth is the core growth engine to deliver world-class financial performance and compelling long-term returns for its shareholders. To shift its primary growth engine to organic, the Company began executing a multi-step approach.

  • The first step was to narrow the focus and improve the quality of ITW's business portfolio. As part of the Portfolio Management initiative, ITW exited businesses that were operating in commoditized market spaces and prioritized sustainable differentiation as a must-have requirement for all ITW businesses. This process included both divesting

entire businesses and exiting commoditized product lines and customers inside otherwise highly differentiated ITW divisions.

As a result of this work, ITW's business portfolio now has significantly higher organic growth potential. ITW segments and divisions now possess attractive and differentiated product lines and end markets as they continue to improve operating margins and generate price/cost increases. The Company achieved this through product line simplification, or eliminating the complexity and overhead costs associated with smaller product lines and customers, while supporting and growing the businesses' largest / most profitable customers and product lines.

  • Step two, Business Structure Simplification, was implemented to simplify and scale up ITW's operating structure to support increased engineering, marketing, and sales resources, and improve global reach and competitiveness, all of which were critical to driving accelerated organic growth. ITW now has 84 scaled-up divisions with significantly enhanced focus on growth investments, core customers and products, and customer-back innovation.

  • The Strategic Sourcing initiative established sourcing as a core strategic and operational capability at ITW, delivering an average of one percent reduction in spend each year from 2013 through 2022 and continues to be a key contributor to the Company's ongoing enterprise strategy.

  • With the initial portfolio realignment and scale-up work largely complete, the Company shifted its focus to preparing for and accelerating organic growth, reapplying the 80/20 Front-to-Back process to optimize its newly scaled-up divisions for growth, first, to build a foundation of operational excellence, and second, to identify the best opportunities to drive organic growth.

ITW has clearly demonstrated superior 80/20 management, resulting in meaningful incremental improvement in margins and returns as evidenced by the Company's operating margin and after-tax return on invested capital. At the same time, these 80/20 initiatives can also result in restructuring initiatives that reduce costs and improve profitability and returns.

PATH TO FULL POTENTIAL

Since the launch of the enterprise strategy, the Company has made considerable progress on our path to full potential. The ITW Business Model and unique set of capabilities are a source of strong and enduring competitive advantage, but for the Company to truly reach its full potential, every one of its divisions must also be operating at its full potential. To do so, the Company remains focused on its core principles:

  • Portfolio discipline

  • 80/20 Front-to-Back practice excellence

  • Full-potential organic growth

Portfolio Discipline

The Company only operates in industries where it can generate significant, long-term competitive advantage from the ITW Business Model. ITW businesses have the right "raw material" in terms of market and business attributes that best fit the ITW Business Model and have significant potential to drive above-market organic growth over the long-term.

The Company focuses on high-quality businesses, ensuring it operates in markets with positive long-term macro fundamentals and with customers that have critical needs and value ITW's different

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a–15(e)) as of March 31, 2023. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 31, 2023, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

In connection with the evaluation by management, including the Company's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during the quarter ended March 31, 2023 were identified that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

None. The Company's threshold for disclosing environmental legal proceedings involving a governmental authority where potential monetary sanctions are involved is $1 million.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to various risks which could cause actual results to vary materially from recent results or from anticipated future results. Refer to the description of the Company's risk factors previously disclosed in Part I - Item 1A - Risk Factors in the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to the risk factors described therein.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

On August 3, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program which provided for the repurchase of up to $3.0 billion of the Company's common stock over an open-ended period of time (the "2018 Program"). The 2018 Program was completed in the first quarter of 2022.

On May 7, 2021, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program which provides for the repurchase of up to an additional $3.0 billion of the Company's common stock over an open-ended period of time (the "2021 Program"). As of March 31, 2023, there were approximately $1.1 billion of authorized repurchases remaining under the 2021 Program.

Stock repurchase activity for the first quarter of 2023 was as follows:

In millions except per share amounts
PeriodTotal Number of Shares PurchasedAverage Price Paid Per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced ProgramsMaximum Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Programs
January 2023—$——$1,490
February 20230.5$235.000.5$1,365
March 20231.1$232.941.1$1,115
Total1.61.6
ITEM 6. Exhibits
Exhibit Index
Exhibit NumberExhibit Description
31Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications.
32Section 1350 Certification.
101The following financial and related information from the Illinois Tool Works Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 is formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) and submitted electronically herewith: (i) Statement of Income, (ii) Statement of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Statement of Financial Position, (iv) Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, (v) Statement of Cash Flows, and (vi) related Notes to Financial Statements.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
Dated:May 4, 2023By:/s/ Randall J. Scheuneman
Randall J. Scheuneman
Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)