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Illinois Tool Works Inc.

ITW Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results

Press release · via SEC 8-K · Dated Oct 27, 20268-KITWFiled Oct 27, 2026, 9:20 AM ET· Period Oct 27, 2026

AI-generated summary

Illinois Tool Works Inc. reported third quarter 2026 results with revenue of $4.24 billion, up 4 percent. Operating income reached a record $1.18 billion, and GAAP EPS grew 7 percent to $3.00. The company also raised its full year 2026 GAAP EPS guidance to a range of $11.45 to $11.55.

Press release

  • Revenue of $4.24 billion increased +4% with organic growth of +4%; +5% ex-Welding tornado impact
  • Record operating income of $1.18 billion increased +6%
  • Operating margin of 27.8% expanded 40 bps with favorable price/cost income and margin impact
  • GAAP EPS of $3.00 grew +7%
  • Operating cash flow of $953 million and free cash flow conversion of 100% of net income
  • Full Year 2026 GAAP EPS guidance raised $0.05 at the midpoint to a narrowed range of $11.45 to $11.55 per share, representing +10% growth year-over-year at the midpoint

GLENVIEW, Ill., October 27, 2026 - Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) today reported its third quarter 2026 results and raised full year 2026 guidance.

“The ITW team delivered strong operational execution and financial performance in the third quarter, including organic growth of 4 percent (5 percent excluding the impact of a tornado affecting our Welding segment), 40 basis points of operating margin expansion to 27.8 percent, and a 7 percent increase in GAAP earnings per share to $3.00,” said Christopher A. O’Herlihy, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our top-line results reflect accelerating demand in our capex-related segments, Welding and Test & Measurement and Electronics, continued strength in Polymers & Fluids segment, and a meaningful increase in the contribution to revenue growth from our Customer-Back Innovation efforts. We entered the fourth quarter with strong operational momentum and are raising our EPS guidance for the year. As we continue to advance our enterprise strategy priorities, including our goal of 3 percent-plus Customer-Back Innovation yield, we are positioning ITW to deliver consistent, above-market organic growth while further expanding profitability and margins,” O’Herlihy concluded.

Third Quarter 2026 Results

Third quarter revenue of $4.24 billion increased by 4.4 percent. Organic revenue growth was 3.8 percent, led by 6.0 percent growth in North America. Foreign currency translation increased revenue by 0.3 percent, and an acquisition added 0.3 percent.

GAAP EPS grew 6.8 percent to $3.00, while operating income increased 5.9 percent to $1.18 billion, a quarterly record for the company. Operating margin expanded by 40 basis points to 27.8 percent as enterprise initiatives contributed 130 basis points. In the quarter, price increases and other actions more than offset rising raw material costs, resulting in a favorable impact on both operating income and margin. Operating cash flow was $953 million, and free cash flow was $851 million, representing a 100 percent conversion of net income. During the quarter, the company repurchased $187 million of its own shares and raised its dividend 7 percent, bringing the annualized payout to $6.88 per share. This increase marks the 63rd consecutive year of dividend increases. The effective tax rate for the quarter was 24.4 percent.

Tornado damage to two Welding facilities in late July reduced third-quarter revenue by an estimated $40 million. Excluding this impact, the company estimates that the Welding organic revenue growth rate would have been approximately 15 percent, resulting in total company organic growth of approximately 5 percent. The associated loss of operating income was largely offset by business interruption insurance. The impact going forward is expected to be immaterial.

2026 Guidance

ITW is raising its full year 2026 GAAP EPS guidance by $0.05 at the midpoint to a narrowed range of $11.45 to $11.55 per share, representing 10 percent growth at the midpoint. Based on current demand levels and prevailing foreign exchange rates, the company is raising revenue growth guidance to 4.5 to 5.5 percent and reaffirming its organic growth guidance of 3 to 4 percent.

Operating margin is projected to be in the range of 26.5 to 27.5 percent, with enterprise initiatives contributing more than 100 basis points. Free cash flow is projected to be approximately 100 percent of net income, and the company expects to repurchase approximately $1.5 billion of its own shares. The projected effective tax rate is 23 to 24 percent.

Non-GAAP Measures

This earnings release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is included in the attached supplemental reconciliation schedule. The estimated guidance of free cash flow to net income conversion rate is based on assumptions that are difficult to predict, and estimated guidance for the most directly comparable GAAP measure and a reconciliation of this forward-looking estimate to its most directly comparable GAAP estimate have been omitted due to the unreasonable efforts required in connection with such a reconciliation and the lack of reliable forward-looking cash flow information. For the same reasons, the company is unable to address the potential significance of the unavailable information, which could be material to future results.

Forward-looking Statements

This earnings release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding supply chain challenges, expected impact of inflation including raw material inflation and rising interest rates, the potential impact of tariffs, the Company’s projected pricing actions, the impact of enterprise initiatives, future financial and operating performance, free cash flow and free cash flow to net income conversion rate, organic and total revenue, contribution from Customer-Back Innovation to revenue growth, operating and incremental margin, price/cost impact, statements regarding diluted earnings per share, after-tax return on average invested capital, effective tax rates, exchange rates, expected timing and amount of share repurchases, end market economic and regulatory conditions, and the Company’s 2026 guidance. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Important risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include those that are detailed in ITW’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and subsequent reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, future events, changed circumstances, or otherwise.

About ITW:

Founded in 1912, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a Fortune 300 global multi-industry manufacturing leader with revenue of $16 billion in 2025. The company’s seven industry-leading segments leverage the unique ITW Business Model to drive solid growth with best-in-class margins and returns in markets where highly innovative, customer-focused solutions are required. ITW’s approximately 43,000 dedicated colleagues around the world thrive in the company’s decentralized and entrepreneurial culture. To learn more, please visit www.itw.com.

Investor Relations & Media Contact:

Erin Linnihan

Tel: 224.661.7431

investorrelations@itw.com | mediarelations@itw.com

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
In millions except per share amounts2026202520262025
Operating Revenue$4,236$4,059$12,553$11,951
Cost of revenue2,3262,2536,9856,685
Selling, administrative, and research and development expenses7176762,1742,075
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets16185060
Operating Income1,1771,1123,3443,131
Interest expense(83)(75)(235)(217)
Other income (expense)37126928
Income Before Taxes1,1311,0493,1782,942
Income Taxes276228740666
Net Income$855$821$2,438$2,276
Net Income Per Share:
Basic$3.00$2.82$8.51$7.79
Diluted$3.00$2.81$8.49$7.77
Cash Dividends Per Share:
Paid$1.61$1.50$4.83$4.50
Declared$1.72$1.61$4.94$4.61
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding During the Period:
Average284.6290.8286.4292.2
Average assuming dilution285.3291.7287.1293.0

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

In millionsSeptember 30, 2026December 31, 2025
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and equivalents$809$851
Trade receivables3,5163,227
Inventories1,8231,659
Prepaid expenses and other current assets450463
Total current assets6,5986,200
Net plant and equipment2,2542,230
Goodwill5,0735,098
Intangible assets543591
Deferred income taxes492519
Other assets1,5371,510
$16,497$16,148
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt$2,219$2,286
Accounts payable623522
Accrued expenses1,6351,636
Cash dividends payable490465
Income taxes payable133217
Total current liabilities5,1005,126
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Long-term debt7,1536,683
Deferred income taxes168154
Other liabilities934959
Total noncurrent liabilities8,2557,796
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock66
Additional paid-in-capital1,8661,771
Retained earnings31,17730,150
Common stock held in treasury(28,190)(26,875)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,718)(1,827)
Noncontrolling interest11
Total stockholders' equity3,1423,226
$16,497$16,148

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT DATA (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2026
Dollars in millionsTotal RevenueOperating IncomeOperating Margin
Automotive OEM$814$16320.1%
Food Equipment69820829.8%
Test & Measurement and Electronics81923528.7%
Welding51318636.3%
Polymers & Fluids47714931.3%
Construction Products47214129.9%
Specialty Products44714031.4%
Intersegment(4)——%
Total Segments4,2361,22228.9%
Unallocated—(45)—%
Total Company$4,236$1,17727.8%
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2026
Dollars in millionsTotal RevenueOperating IncomeOperating Margin
Automotive OEM$2,491$52120.9%
Food Equipment2,02755327.3%
Test & Measurement and Electronics2,30359225.7%
Welding1,56952733.6%
Polymers & Fluids1,40541529.6%
Construction Products1,42442730.0%
Specialty Products1,34642331.4%
Intersegment(12)——%
Total Segments12,5533,45827.5%
Unallocated—(114)—%
Total Company$12,553$3,34426.6%

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT DATA (UNAUDITED)

Q3 2026 vs. Q3 2025 Favorable/(Unfavorable)
Operating RevenueAutomotive OEMFood EquipmentTest & Measurement and ElectronicsWeldingPolymers & FluidsConstruction ProductsSpecialty ProductsTotal ITW
Organic(2.1)%0.5%15.8%6.9%8.2%(0.8)%(1.2)%3.8%
Acquisitions/ Divestitures—%—%1.8%—%—%—%—%0.3%
Translation0.3%0.2%(0.3)%0.4%(0.1)%0.8%0.1%0.3%
Operating Revenue(1.8)%0.7%17.3%7.3%8.1%—%(1.1)%4.4%
Q3 2026 vs. Q3 2025 Favorable/(Unfavorable)
Change in Operating MarginAutomotive OEMFood EquipmentTest & Measurement and ElectronicsWeldingPolymers & FluidsConstruction ProductsSpecialty ProductsTotal ITW
Operating Leverage(40) bps10 bps370 bps130 bps140 bps(10) bps(20) bps80 bps
Changes in Variable Margin & OH Costs(150) bps40 bps(50) bps220 bps100 bps(200) bps(90) bps(60) bps
Total Organic(190) bps50 bps320 bps350 bps240 bps(210) bps(110) bps20 bps
Acquisitions/ Divestitures——(60) bps————(10) bps
Restructuring/Other20 bps10 bps70 bps20 bps40 bps40 bps20 bps30 bps
Total Operating Margin Change(170) bps60 bps330 bps370 bps280 bps(170) bps(90) bps40 bps
Total Operating Margin % *20.1%29.8%28.7%36.3%31.3%29.9%31.4%27.8%
* Includes unfavorable operating margin impact of amortization expense from acquisition-related intangible assets20 bps—110 bps10 bps70 bps10 bps10 bps40 bps **
** Amortization expense from acquisition-related intangible assets had an unfavorable impact of ($0.04) on GAAP earnings per share for the third quarter of 2026.

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

SEGMENT DATA (UNAUDITED)

YTD 2026 vs. YTD 2025 Favorable/(Unfavorable)
Operating RevenueAutomotive OEMFood EquipmentTest & Measurement and ElectronicsWeldingPolymers & FluidsConstruction ProductsSpecialty ProductsTotal ITW
Organic(1.1)%(0.7)%10.3%9.0%5.8%—%(1.4)%2.9%
Acquisitions/ Divestitures—%—%1.6%—%—%—%—%0.3%
Translation2.3%2.0%1.2%0.8%1.6%2.6%1.7%1.8%
Operating Revenue1.2%1.3%13.1%9.8%7.4%2.6%0.3%5.0%
YTD 2026 vs. YTD 2025 Favorable/(Unfavorable)
Change in Operating MarginAutomotive OEMFood EquipmentTest & Measurement and ElectronicsWeldingPolymers & FluidsConstruction ProductsSpecialty ProductsTotal ITW
Operating Leverage(20) bps(10) bps260 bps140 bps110 bps—(30) bps60 bps
Changes in Variable Margin & OH Costs(10) bps(50) bps10 bps(40) bps80 bps(70) bps(60) bps(30) bps
Total Organic(30) bps(60) bps270 bps100 bps190 bps(70) bps(90) bps30 bps
Acquisitions/ Divestitures——(50) bps————(10) bps
Restructuring/Other40 bps10 bps30 bps(20) bps10 bps10 bps30 bps20 bps
Total Operating Margin Change10 bps(50) bps250 bps80 bps200 bps(60) bps(60) bps40 bps
Total Operating Margin % *20.9%27.3%25.7%33.6%29.6%30.0%31.4%26.6%
* Includes unfavorable operating margin impact of amortization expense from acquisition-related intangible assets20 bps—120 bps—80 bps10 bps20 bps50 bps **
** Amortization expense from acquisition-related intangible assets had an unfavorable impact of ($0.13) on GAAP earnings per share for the first nine months of 2026.

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

GAAP to NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS (UNAUDITED)

AFTER-TAX RETURN ON AVERAGE INVESTED CAPITAL (UNAUDITED)

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
Dollars in millions2026202520262025
Numerator:
Net Income$855$821$2,438$2,276
Discrete tax benefit related to the first quarter 2026——(34)—
Net discrete tax benefit related to the third quarter 2025—(27)—(27)
Discrete tax benefit related to the first quarter 2025———(21)
Interest expense, net of tax (1)6357178165
Other (income) expense, net of tax (1)(28)(10)(52)(22)
Operating income after taxes$890$841$2,530$2,371
Denominator:
Invested capital:
Cash and equivalents$809$924$809$924
Trade receivables3,5163,2553,5163,255
Inventories1,8231,7251,8231,725
Net plant and equipment2,2542,2032,2542,203
Goodwill and intangible assets5,6165,5685,6165,568
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(2,258)(2,175)(2,258)(2,175)
Debt(9,372)(8,942)(9,372)(8,942)
Other, net754651754651
Total net assets (stockholders' equity)3,1423,2093,1423,209
Cash and equivalents(809)(924)(809)(924)
Debt9,3728,9429,3728,942
Total invested capital$11,705$11,227$11,705$11,227
Average invested capital (2)$11,728$11,293$11,587$10,863
Net income to average invested capital (3)29.1%29.1%28.1%27.9%
After-tax return on average invested capital (3)30.3%29.8%29.1%29.1%

(1) Effective tax rate used for interest expense and other (income) expense for the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025 was 24.4% and 24.3%, respectively. Effective tax rate used for interest expense and other (income) expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025 was 24.3% in both periods.

(2) Average invested capital is calculated using the total invested capital balances at the start of the period and at the end of each quarter within each of the periods presented.

(3) Returns for the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025 were converted to an annual rate by multiplying the calculated return by 4. Returns for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025 were converted to an annual rate by dividing the calculated return by 3 and multiplying it by 4.

A reconciliation of the tax rate for the nine month period ended September 30, 2026, excluding the first quarter 2026 discrete tax benefit of $34 million primarily related to the resolution of a U.S. tax audit, is as follows:

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2026
Dollars in millionsIncome TaxesTax Rate
As reported$74023.3%
Discrete tax benefit related to the first quarter 2026341.0%
As adjusted$77424.3%

A reconciliation of the tax rate for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2025, excluding the third quarter 2025 net discrete tax benefit of $27 million, which included a favorable discrete tax benefit of $43 million related to the estimated U.S. federal tax liability for 2024, partially offset by a $16 million discrete tax expense related primarily to the resolution of a foreign tax audit, and excluding the first quarter 2025 discrete tax benefit of $21 million related to the reversal of a valuation allowance on net operating loss carryforwards, is as follows:

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30, 2025September 30, 2025
Dollars in millionsIncome TaxesTax RateIncome TaxesTax Rate
As reported$22821.8%$66622.7%
Net discrete tax benefit related to the third quarter 2025272.5%270.9%
Discrete tax benefit related to the first quarter 2025——%210.7%
As adjusted$25524.3%$71424.3%

AFTER-TAX RETURN ON AVERAGE INVESTED CAPITAL (UNAUDITED)

Twelve Months Ended
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, 2025
Numerator:
Net income$3,066
Net discrete tax benefit related to the third quarter 2025(27)
Discrete tax benefit related to the first quarter 2025(21)
Interest expense, net of tax (1)222
Other (income) expense, net of tax (1)(32)
Operating income after taxes$3,208
Denominator:
Invested capital:
Cash and equivalents$851
Trade receivables3,227
Inventories1,659
Net plant and equipment2,230
Goodwill and intangible assets5,689
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(2,158)
Debt(8,969)
Other, net697
Total net assets (stockholders' equity)3,226
Cash and equivalents(851)
Debt8,969
Total invested capital$11,344
Average invested capital (2)$10,959
Net income to average invested capital28.0%
After-tax return on average invested capital29.3%

(1) Effective tax rate used for interest expense and other (income) expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 was 23.9%.

(2) Average invested capital is calculated using the total invested capital balances at the start of the period and at the end of each quarter within the period presented.

A reconciliation of the 2025 effective tax rate, excluding the third quarter 2025 net discrete tax benefit of $27 million, which included a favorable discrete tax benefit of $43 million related to the estimated U.S. federal tax liability for 2024, partially offset by a $16 million discrete tax expense related primarily to the resolution of a foreign tax audit, and excluding the first quarter 2025 discrete tax benefit of $21 million related to the reversal of a valuation allowance on net operating loss carryforwards, is as follows:

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2025
Dollars in millionsIncome TaxesTax Rate
As reported$90022.7%
Net discrete tax benefit related to the third quarter 2025270.7%
Discrete tax benefit related to the first quarter 2025210.5%
As adjusted$94823.9%

FREE CASH FLOW (UNAUDITED)

Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,September 30,
Dollars in millions2026202520262025
Net cash provided by operating activities$953$1,021$2,299$2,163
Less: Additions to plant and equipment(102)(117)(289)(314)
Free cash flow$851$904$2,010$1,849
Net income$855$821$2,438$2,276
Net cash provided by operating activities to net income conversion rate111%124%94%95%
Free cash flow to net income conversion rate100%110%82%81%

Key facts

  • Item 2.02 · Results of operations (earnings)
  • Item 9.01 · Financial statements and exhibits

More ITW filings

Not investment advice. Summaries can contain errors; the SEC filing is the official record.