Annual Statements Open main menu

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC - Quarter Report: 2022 March (Form 10-Q)


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, 2022
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 filer
o 
Smaller 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, 2022: 311,442,968



Table of Contents
PART I - Financial Information
PART II - Other Information

2


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 amounts20222021
Operating Revenue$3,939 $3,544 
Cost of revenue2,357 2,039 
Selling, administrative, and research and development expenses652 566 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets35 34 
Operating Income895 905 
Interest expense(48)(52)
Other income (expense)14 12 
Income Before Taxes861 865 
Income Taxes199 194 
Net Income$662 $671 
Net Income Per Share:
Basic
$2.12 $2.12 
Diluted
$2.11 $2.11 
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding During the Period:
Average312.5 316.6 
Average assuming dilution
313.7 317.9 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
3


Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries
Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20222021
Net Income$662 $671 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax26 (7)
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax11 
Other comprehensive income (loss)31 
Comprehensive Income$693 $675 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
4


Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries
Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)
In millions except per share amountsMarch 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and equivalents$1,296 $1,527 
Trade receivables3,126 2,840 
Inventories1,883 1,694 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets377 313 
Total current assets6,682 6,374 
Net plant and equipment1,795 1,809 
Goodwill5,008 4,965 
Intangible assets875 972 
Deferred income taxes546 552 
Other assets1,380 1,405 
$16,286 $16,077 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt$1,041 $778 
Accounts payable696 585 
Accrued expenses1,541 1,648 
Cash dividends payable380 382 
Income taxes payable200 77 
Total current liabilities3,858 3,470 
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Long-term debt6,817 6,909 
Deferred income taxes627 654 
Noncurrent income taxes payable365 365 
Other liabilities1,037 1,053 
Total noncurrent liabilities8,846 8,981 
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock (par value of $0.01 per share):
Issued- 550.0 shares in 2022 and 2021
Outstanding- 311.4 shares in 2022 and 312.9 shares in 2021
Additional paid-in-capital1,447 1,432 
Retained earnings24,607 24,325 
Common stock held in treasury(21,008)(20,636)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,471)(1,502)
Noncontrolling interest
Total stockholders' equity3,582 3,626 
$16,286 $16,077 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
5


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
Interest
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
Balance at December 31, 2021$$1,432 $24,325 $(20,636)$(1,502)$$3,626 
Net income— — 662 — — — 662 
Common stock issued for stock-based
compensation
— (1)— — — 
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$$1,447 $24,607 $(21,008)$(1,471)$$3,582 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Balance at December 31, 2020$$1,362 $23,114 $(19,659)$(1,642)$$3,182 
Net income— — 671 — — — 671 
Common stock issued for stock-based
compensation
— — 12 — — 17 
Stock-based compensation expense— 11 — — — — 11 
Repurchases of common stock— — — (250)— — (250)
Dividends declared ($1.14 per share)
— — (360)— — — (360)
Other comprehensive income (loss)— — — — — 
Noncontrolling interest— — — — — 
Balance at March 31, 2021$$1,378 $23,425 $(19,897)$(1,638)$$3,276 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
6


Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries
Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20222021
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:
Net income$662 $671 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation71 66 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets35 34 
Change in deferred income taxes(37)21 
Provision for uncollectible accounts— 
(Income) loss from investments(1)(1)
Stock-based compensation expense16 11 
Other non-cash items, net— 
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures:  
(Increase) decrease in-  
Trade receivables(301)(192)
Inventories(207)(122)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(47)(21)
Increase (decrease) in-  
Accounts payable116 65 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(119)(13)
Income taxes134 88 
Other, net— (1)
Net cash provided by operating activities323 609 
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:  
Acquisition of businesses (excluding cash and equivalents)(2)— 
Additions to plant and equipment(74)(68)
Proceeds from investments
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment
Other, net(1)— 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(73)(65)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:  
Cash dividends paid(382)(361)
Issuance of common stock16 26 
Repurchases of common stock(375)(250)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) debt with original maturities of three months or less564 — 
Proceeds from debt with original maturities of more than three months357 — 
Repayments of debt with original maturities of more than three months(656)— 
Other, net(13)(9)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(489)(594)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Equivalents(30)
Cash and Equivalents:  
Increase (decrease) during the period(231)(80)
Beginning of period1,527 2,564 
End of period$1,296 $2,484 
Supplementary Cash Flow Information:
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest$58 $56 
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds$102 $86 

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.
7


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 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain reclassifications of prior year data have been made to conform with current year reporting.

(2)    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

In early 2020, an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus ("COVID-19") occurred in China and other jurisdictions. The COVID-19 outbreak was subsequently declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. In response to the outbreak, governments around the globe have taken various actions to reduce its spread, including travel restrictions, shutdowns of businesses deemed nonessential, and stay-at-home or similar orders. The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken globally to reduce its spread have negatively impacted the global economy, causing significant disruptions in the Company's global operations starting primarily in the latter part of the first quarter of 2020 as COVID-19 spread and impacted the countries in which the Company operates and the markets the Company serves. During 2021, the Company experienced solid recovery progress in many of its end markets; however, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continued to have an adverse impact on the Company's global operations. The full extent of the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the markets served by the Company and on the Company's operations continues to be highly uncertain as conditions continue to fluctuate around the world, with vaccine administration rising in certain regions and spikes in infections (including the spread of variants) also being experienced. The pandemic and resurgence of outbreaks could continue to adversely impact the operations of the Company and its customers and suppliers.

(3)    MTS Test & Simulation Acquisition

On December 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of the Test & Simulation business of MTS Systems Corporation ("MTS") from Amphenol Corporation for a purchase price of $750 million, subject to certain closing adjustments. The MTS Test & Simulation business is a leading global supplier of high-performance testing and simulation systems and is highly complementary to the Company's existing Test & Measurement and Electronics segment. The operating results of the MTS Test & Simulation business were reported within the Test & Measurement and Electronics segment from the date of acquisition, with operating revenue of $100 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company is in process of allocating the purchase price to the acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date, including intangible assets and goodwill. Based on its updated allocation, the Company recorded goodwill of $429 million and intangible assets of $258 million. The intangible assets included $93 million related to indefinite-lived trademarks and brands and $165 million related to amortizable intangible assets that are expected to be amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 14 years, with a weighted-average life of 11 years. The Company does not expect any of the goodwill related to the transaction to be tax deductible. The fair values of the intangible assets were estimated based on discounted cash flow and market-based valuation models using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs and assumptions. Adjustments resulting from updates to the purchase price allocation during the first quarter of 2022 were not material. Subsequent acquisition accounting adjustments may change the amounts recorded, including goodwill and intangible assets, primarily due to the completion of valuations. The allocation of purchase price will be completed as soon as practicable, but no later than one year from the acquisition date.

8


(4)    Operating Revenue

The Company's 83 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, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20222021
Automotive OEM$760 $783 
Food Equipment566 451 
Test & Measurement and Electronics685 552 
Welding450 401 
Polymers & Fluids481 435 
Construction Products551 469 
Specialty Products452 457 
Intersegment revenue(6)(4)
Total operating revenue$3,939 $3,544 

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.
9


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, industrial capital goods, energy and consumer durables 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 energy, construction, MRO, automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers, and industrial capital goods 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, MRO and construction 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.
10


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:

line integration, 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.

(5)    Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 was 23.1% and 22.4%, respectively. The effective tax rate included discrete income tax benefits related to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation of $8 million and $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, 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 ("IRS"), Her 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 $51 million related predominantly to the potential resolution of federal, state and foreign examinations. The Company has recorded its best estimate of the potential exposure for these issues.

(6)    Inventories

Inventories as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

In millionsMarch 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Raw material$775 $716 
Work-in-process248 208 
Finished goods981 888 
LIFO reserve(121)(118)
Total inventories$1,883 $1,694 

11


(7)    Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Pension and other postretirement benefit costs for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
March 31,
PensionOther Postretirement Benefits
In millions2022202120222021
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost$12 $13 $$
Interest cost13 10 
Expected return on plan assets(27)(25)(6)(7)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)13 (1)— 
Total net periodic benefit cost$$11 $(2)$(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 2022. As of March 31, 2022, contributions of $3 million to pension plans and $1 million to other postretirement benefit plans have been made.

(8)    Debt

Total debt as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was as follows:

In millionsMarch 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Short-term debt$1,041 $778 
Long-term debt6,817 6,909 
Total debt$7,858 $7,687 

Short-term debt included commercial paper of $1.0 billion and $210 million as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on commercial paper as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was 0.51% and 0.14%, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, Short-term debt also included $568 million related to the 1.75% Euro notes due May 20, 2022, which were redeemed in full at face value on February 22, 2022. Additionally, $350 million of 3.375% notes due September 15, 2021 were redeemed in full at face value on June 15, 2021.

The Company has a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility with a termination date of September 27, 2024, which is available to provide additional liquidity, including to support the potential issuances of commercial paper. No amounts were outstanding under the $2.5 billion revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021.

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, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:

In millionsMarch 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Fair value$7,082 $8,296 
Carrying value6,817 7,477 

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.

12


(9)    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:

Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20222021
Beginning balance$(1,502)$(1,642)
Foreign currency translation adjustments during the period49 33 
Foreign currency translation adjustments reclassified to income
— 
Income taxes(23)(42)
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax26 (7)
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments reclassified to income
13 
Income taxes(1)(2)
Total pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax
11 
Ending balance$(1,471)$(1,638)

Foreign currency translation adjustments reclassified to income related to the exit of an immaterial foreign operation. Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments reclassified to income represented the amortization of actuarial gains and losses. Refer to Note 7. 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 8. Debt for additional information regarding the redemption of these notes. The carrying values of the 2019, 2015 and 2014 Euro notes were $1.8 billion, $1.1 billion and $543 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2022. The cumulative unrealized pre-tax gain (loss) recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the net investment hedge was a gain of $277 million and $183 million as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

As of March 31, 2022 and 2021, the ending balance of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of after-tax cumulative translation adjustment losses of $1.3 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, and after-tax unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefits costs of $191 million and $320 million, respectively.

(10)    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 83 divisions in 52 countries. As of December 31, 2021, the Company employed approximately 45,000 people.

13


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 19,300 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
14


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 83 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 2021 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 to position itself to reach 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 to position ITW to perform to its full potential:

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 differentiated products, services and solutions. ITW's portfolio operates in highly diverse end markets and geographies which makes the Company more resilient in the face of uncertain or volatile market environments.

The Company routinely evaluates its portfolio to ensure it delivers sustainable differentiation and drives consistent long-term performance. This includes both implementing portfolio refinements and assessing selective high-quality acquisitions to supplement ITW's long-term growth potential.

The Company previously communicated its intent to explore options, including potential divestitures, for certain businesses with revenues totaling up to $1 billion. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company completed the divestitures of three businesses and continues to evaluate options for certain other businesses. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company chose to defer any further significant divestiture activity to a later date. The Company is reinitiating the divestiture process in 2022 for certain businesses with combined annual revenues of approximately $0.5 billion, subject to approval by the Company's Board of Directors.

80/20 Front-to-Back Practice Excellence

The 80/20 Front-to-Back process is a rigorous, iterative and highly data-driven approach to identify where the Company has true differentiation and the ability to drive sustainable, high-quality organic growth. The Company simplifies and eliminates
15


complexity and redesigns every aspect of its business to ensure focused execution on key opportunities, markets, customers, and products.

ITW will continue to drive 80/20 Front-to-Back practice excellence in every division in the Company, every day. Driving strong operational excellence in the quality of 80/20 Front-to-Back practice across the Company, division by division, will produce further customer-facing performance improvement in a number of divisions and additional structural margin expansion at the enterprise level.

Full-potential Organic Growth

Reaching full potential means that every division is positioned for sustainable, high-quality organic growth. The Company has clearly defined action plans aimed at leveraging the performance power of the ITW Business Model to achieve full-potential organic growth in every division, with specific focus on:

"80" focused Market Penetration - fully leveraging the considerable growth potential that resides in the Company's largest and most differentiated product offerings and customer relationships
Customer-back Innovation - strengthening the Company's commitment to serial innovation and delivering a continuous flow of differentiated new products to its key customers
Strategic Sales Excellence - deploying a high-performance sales function in every division

As the Company continues to make progress toward its full potential, the Company will explore opportunities to reinforce or further expand the long-term organic growth potential of ITW through the addition of selective high-quality acquisitions, such as the acquisition of the Test & Simulation business of MTS Systems Corporation ("MTS") from Amphenol Corporation on December 1, 2021. The operating results of the MTS Test & Simulation business were reported within the Company's Test & Measurement and Electronics segment. Refer to Note 3. MTS Test & Simulation Acquisition in Item 1. Financial Statements for further information regarding this acquisition.

TERMS USED BY ITW

Management uses the following terms to describe the financial results of operations of the Company:

Organic business - acquired businesses that have been included in the Company's results of operations for more than 12 months on a constant currency basis.
Operating leverage - the estimated effect of the organic revenue volume changes on organic operating income, assuming variable margins remain the same as the prior period.
Price/cost - represents the estimated net impact of increases or decreases in the cost of materials used in the Company's products versus changes in the selling price to the Company's customers.
Product line simplification (PLS) - focuses businesses on eliminating the complexity and overhead costs associated with smaller product lines and customers, and focuses businesses on supporting and growing their largest customers and product lines. In the short-term, PLS may result in a decrease in revenue and overhead costs while improving operating margin. In the long-term, PLS is expected to result in growth in revenue, profitability, and returns.

Unless otherwise stated, the changes in financial results in the consolidated results of operations and the results of operations by segment represent the current year period versus the comparable period in the prior year. The following discussion of operating results should be read in conjunction with Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In early 2020, an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) occurred in China and other jurisdictions. The COVID-19 outbreak was subsequently declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. In response to the outbreak, governments around the globe have taken various actions to reduce its spread, including travel restrictions, shutdowns of businesses deemed nonessential, and stay-at-home or similar orders. The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken globally to reduce its spread have negatively impacted the global economy, causing significant disruptions in the Company's global operations starting primarily in the latter part of the first quarter of 2020 as COVID-19 spread and impacted the countries in which the Company operates and the markets the Company serves.

For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is focusing on the following priorities: (1) protect the health and support the well-being of ITW's colleagues; (2) continue to serve the Company's customers with excellence to the best of its
16


ability; (3) maintain financial strength, liquidity and strategic optionality; and (4) leverage the Company's strengths to position it to fully participate in the recovery. To support ITW's colleagues, among its many actions and initiatives, the Company redesigned production processes to ensure proper social distancing practices, adjusted shift schedules and assignments to help colleagues who have child and elder care needs, and implemented aggressive new workplace sanitation practices and a coordinated response to ensure access to personal protective equipment to minimize infection risk. To support its customers, the Company has worked diligently to keep its facilities open and operating safely. The Company has adapted customer service systems and practices to seamlessly serve its customers under "work from home" requirements in many parts of the world.

In areas around the world where governments issued stay-at-home or similar orders, the vast majority of ITW's businesses were designated as critical or essential businesses and, as such, they remained open and operational. In some cases, this is because the Company's products directly impact the COVID-19 response effort. In other cases, the Company's businesses are designated as critical because they play a vital role in serving and supporting industries that are deemed essential to the physical and economic health of our communities.

While the vast majority of the Company's facilities have remained open and operational during the pandemic, many of these facilities were operating at a reduced capacity at various times since the outset of the pandemic. The full extent of the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the markets served by the Company and on the Company's operations and financial position continues to be highly uncertain as conditions continue to fluctuate around the world, with vaccine administration rising in certain regions and spikes in infections (including the spread of variants) also being experienced. The pandemic and resurgence of outbreaks could continue to adversely impact the operations of the Company and its customers and suppliers. A description of the risks relating to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Company's business, operations and financial condition is contained in Part I - Item 1A - Risk Factors in the Company's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

During the first quarter of 2022, Russian military forces invaded Ukraine. In response, the United States and several other countries imposed economic and other sanctions on Russia. Sales to customers in Russia represent less than one percent of ITW’s total consolidated revenue and are not material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In a challenging and dynamic environment, the Company delivered strong financial results in the first quarter of 2022 primarily due to the continued successful execution of enterprise initiatives, including the "Win the Recovery" actions initiated over the course of the past year, and continued focus on the highly differentiated ITW Business Model. Despite rising raw material costs and a challenging global supply chain environment, the Company generated operating revenue growth of 11.2 percent in the first quarter as six of seven segments had organic revenue growth, while the Automotive OEM segment continued to be impacted by auto production reductions associated with the supply chain challenges affecting its customers. Operating income was $895 million and operating margin was 22.7 percent in the first quarter of 2022.

The Company's consolidated results of operations for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millionsMarch 31,Components of Increase (Decrease)
20222021Inc (Dec)OrganicAcquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign
Currency
Total
Operating revenue$3,939 $3,544 11.2 %10.6 %2.8 %— %(2.2)%11.2 %
Operating income$895 $905 (1.1)%2.1 %(0.3)%(0.7)%(2.2)%(1.1)%
Operating margin %22.7 %25.5 %(280) bps(190) bps(70) bps(20) bps— (280) bps

Operating revenue increased due to higher organic revenue and the MTS Test & Simulation acquisition, which was completed on December 1, 2021, partially offset by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue grew 10.6% as an increase in six segments was partially offset by a decline in the Automotive OEM segment. Additionally, product line simplification activities reduced organic revenue by 20 basis points.
North American organic revenue increased 13.5% due to growth in all segments, primarily driven by the Construction Products, Food Equipment, Welding and Polymers & Fluids segments.
Europe, Middle East and Africa organic revenue increased 7.4% as growth in five segments was partially offset by a decline in the Automotive OEM and Specialty Products segments.
Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 6.3% due to growth in five segments, partially offset by a decline in the Specialty Products and Polymers & Fluids segments. China organic revenue increased 1.1% as growth in the Automotive OEM, Test & Measurement and Electronics and Welding segments was partially offset by a decline in the Specialty Products, Construction Products, Polymers & Fluids and Food Equipment segments.
17


Operating income of $895 million decreased slightly compared to the prior year primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency translation and higher restructuring expenses.
Operating margin of 22.7% decreased 280 basis points primarily driven by unfavorable price/cost of 250 basis points, the dilutive impact of 70 basis points from the MTS Test & Simulation acquisition, higher operating expenses, including employee-related expenses and freight costs, partially offset by positive operating leverage of 200 basis points and benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives of 90 basis points.
The Company's effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 was 23.1% and 22.4%, respectively. The effective tax rate included discrete income tax benefits related to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation of $8 million and $9 million for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $2.11 for the first quarter of 2022.
The Company repurchased approximately 1.8 million shares of its common stock in the first quarter of 2022 for approximately $375 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT

Total operating revenue and operating income for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months ended March 31,
Dollars in millionsOperating RevenueOperating Income
2022202120222021
Automotive OEM$760 $783 $138 $189 
Food Equipment566 451 126 96 
Test & Measurement and Electronics685 552 149 157 
Welding450 401 139 121 
Polymers & Fluids481 435 118 112 
Construction Products551 469 136 130 
Specialty Products452 457 120 126 
Intersegment revenue(6)(4)— — 
Unallocated— — (31)(26)
Total$3,939 $3,544 $895 $905 

Segments are allocated a fixed overhead charge based on the segment's revenue. Expenses not charged to the segments are reported separately as Unallocated. Because the Unallocated category includes a variety of items, it is subject to fluctuations on a quarterly and annual basis.

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.

The results of operations for the Automotive OEM segment for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millionsMarch 31,Components of Increase (Decrease)
20222021Inc (Dec)OrganicAcquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$760 $783 (2.9)%(0.7)%— %— %(2.2)%(2.9)%
Operating income$138 $189 (27.2)%(21.0)%— %(4.4)%(1.8)%(27.2)%
Operating margin %18.1 %24.1 %(600) bps(490) bps— (110) bps— (600) bps

18


Operating revenue declined due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation and lower organic revenue.
Organic revenue decreased 0.7% primarily due to the impact of Automotive OEM customers adjusting production schedules to account for the shortage of semiconductor chips and other components in 2022. Worldwide auto builds declined 4%.
European organic revenue declined 10.5% compared to European auto builds which decreased 18%.
Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 10.8%. China organic revenue grew 11.9% versus China auto builds which increased 6%. Auto builds of foreign automotive manufacturers in China, where the Company has higher content, declined 7%.
North American organic revenue increased 3.1% compared to North American auto builds which declined 2%.
Operating margin of 18.1% decreased 600 basis points primarily driven by unfavorable price/cost of 320 basis points, higher overhead costs, including employee-related expenses, and higher restructuring expenses, partially offset by benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives.

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.

The results of operations for the Food Equipment segment for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millionsMarch 31,Components of Increase (Decrease)
20222021Inc (Dec)OrganicAcquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$566 $451 25.3 %28.2 %— %— %(2.9)%25.3 %
Operating income$126 $96 31.8 %35.5 %— %(0.2)%(3.5)%31.8 %
Operating margin %22.3 %21.2 %110 bps120 bps— — (10) bps110 bps

Operating revenue grew due to higher organic revenue, partially offset by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue increased 28.2% as equipment and service organic revenue grew 29.0% and 25.8%, respectively.
North American organic revenue increased 22.7%. Equipment organic revenue grew 23.5% primarily due to growth in the restaurant and institutional end markets, partially offset by a decline in the food retail end market. Service organic revenue increased 21.3%.
International organic revenue increased 36.3%. Equipment organic revenue grew 36.4% primarily due to higher demand in the European warewash, refrigeration and cooking end markets. Service organic revenue increased 34.7%.
Operating margin of 22.3% increased 110 basis points primarily due to positive operating leverage of 560 basis points and benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives, partially offset by higher operating expenses, including higher employee-related expenses, and unfavorable price/cost of 110 basis points.

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, industrial capital goods, energy and consumer durables markets. Products in this segment include:

equipment, consumables, and related software for testing and measuring of materials, structures, gases and fluids;
19


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.

The results of operations for the Test & Measurement and Electronics segment for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millionsMarch 31,Components of Increase (Decrease)
20222021Inc (Dec)OrganicAcquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$685 $552 24.0 %7.9 %18.1 %— %(2.0)%24.0 %
Operating income$149 $157 (4.8)%(1.8)%(2.0)%0.5 %(1.5)%(4.8)%
Operating margin %21.8 %28.4 %(660) bps(260) bps(420) bps20 bps— (660) bps

Operating revenue grew due to the MTS Test & Simulation acquisition and higher organic revenue, partially offset by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue increased 7.9%.
Organic revenue for the test and measurement businesses increased 10.1% primarily driven by higher semiconductor demand in North America and the impact of a stronger capital spending environment. Instron, where demand is more closely tied to the capital spending environment, had organic revenue growth of 6.0%.
Electronics organic revenue increased 5.6% driven by higher demand in the semiconductor end market. The electronics assembly businesses grew 9.0% due to higher demand in Asia Pacific and North America. The other electronics businesses, which include the contamination control, static control and pressure sensitive adhesives businesses, increased 3.9% with growth in Asia Pacific and Europe, partially offset by a decline in North America.
Operating margin of 21.8% decreased 660 basis points driven by the dilutive impact of 420 basis points from the MTS Test & Simulation acquisition, unfavorable price/cost of 200 basis points and higher operating expenses, including employee-related expenses and freight costs, partially offset by positive operating leverage of 160 basis points and benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives.

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 energy, construction, MRO, automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers, and industrial capital goods markets. Products in this segment include:

arc welding equipment; and
metal arc welding consumables and related accessories.

The results of operations for the Welding segment for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millionsMarch 31,Components of Increase (Decrease)
20222021Inc (Dec)OrganicAcquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$450 $401 12.2 %12.9 %— %— %(0.7)%12.2 %
Operating income$139 $121 14.4 %15.2 %— %(0.4)%(0.4)%14.4 %
Operating margin %30.8 %30.3 %50 bps60 bps— (10) bps— 50 bps

Operating revenue grew due to higher organic revenue, partially offset by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
20


Organic revenue increased 12.9% driven by growth in equipment of 10.4% and consumables of 17.0% primarily due to higher demand in the industrial end markets related to heavy equipment for agriculture, infrastructure and mining and in the commercial end markets related to construction, light fabrication and farm and ranch customers.
North American organic revenue increased 12.0% due to growth in the industrial and commercial end markets of 14.5% and 8.8%, respectively.
International organic revenue grew 17.2% primarily due to higher equipment demand in the oil and gas end markets in Europe and Asia.
Operating margin of 30.8% increased 50 basis points primarily driven by positive operating leverage of 180 basis points and benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives, partially offset by unfavorable price/cost of 150 basis points and higher operating expenses, including employee-related expenses.

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, MRO and construction 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.

The results of operations for the Polymers & Fluids segment for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millionsMarch 31,Components of Increase (Decrease)
20222021Inc (Dec)OrganicAcquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$481 $435 10.5 %12.8 %— %— %(2.3)%10.5 %
Operating income$118 $112 5.3 %7.7 %— %0.1 %(2.5)%5.3 %
Operating margin %24.5 %25.7 %(120) bps(120) bps— — — (120) bps

Operating revenue grew due to higher organic revenue, partially offset by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue grew 12.8% driven by an increase in North America and Europe, partially offset by a decline in Asia Pacific. Additionally, product line simplification activities reduced organic revenue by 30 basis points.
Organic revenue for the automotive aftermarket businesses increased 16.5% primarily driven by an increase in the car care, tire repair and body repair businesses in North America and growth in the European additives businesses.
Organic revenue for the polymers businesses increased 11.2% with growth in Europe and North America, partially offset by a decline in Asia Pacific.
Organic revenue for the fluids businesses grew 6.2% due to an increase in the industrial maintenance, repair and operations end markets in Europe and North America.
Operating margin of 24.5% decreased 120 basis points primarily driven by unfavorable price/cost of 210 basis points and higher operating expenses, including employee-related expenses and freight costs, partially offset by positive operating leverage of 240 basis points, benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives and lower intangible asset amortization expense.

21


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.

The results of operations for the Construction Products segment for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millionsMarch 31,Components of Increase (Decrease)
20222021Inc (Dec)OrganicAcquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$551 $469 17.4 %21.3 %— %— %(3.9)%17.4 %
Operating income$136 $130 4.9 %7.5 %— %0.5 %(3.1)%4.9 %
Operating margin %24.7 %27.6 %(290) bps(310) bps— 10 bps10 bps(290) bps

Operating revenue grew due to higher organic revenue, partially offset by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue increased 21.3% with growth across all major regions. Additionally, product line simplification activities reduced organic revenue by 30 basis points.
North American organic revenue grew 32.1% driven by higher demand in the United States residential and commercial end markets of 36.2% and 14.5%, respectively.
International organic revenue increased 13.0%. European organic revenue grew 16.0% primarily driven by higher demand in the commercial and residential end markets. Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 8.9% primarily due to higher demand in the Australia and New Zealand residential end markets.
Operating margin of 24.7% decreased 290 basis points primarily driven by unfavorable price/cost of 620 basis points and higher operating expenses, including employee-related expenses, partially offset by positive operating leverage of 310 basis points and benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives.

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:

line integration, 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.

22


The results of operations for the Specialty Products segment for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millionsMarch 31,Components of Increase (Decrease)
20222021Inc (Dec)OrganicAcquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$452 $457 (1.1)%0.6 %— %— %(1.7)%(1.1)%
Operating income$120 $126 (4.5)%(3.9)%— %1.0 %(1.6)%(4.5)%
Operating margin %26.6 %27.6 %(100) bps(130) bps— 30 bps— (100) bps

Operating revenue declined due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by higher organic revenue.
Organic revenue increased 0.6%. Consumable sales grew 5.1% primarily due to higher demand in North America and Europe, partially offset by a decrease in Asia Pacific. Equipment sales declined 16.1% with lower demand across all major regions. Additionally, product line simplification activities reduced organic revenue by 50 basis points.
North American organic revenue increased 6.5% primarily driven by growth in the consumer packaging businesses, partially offset by a decline in the ground support equipment and appliance businesses.
International organic revenue decreased 9.0% primarily due to a decline in the ground support equipment, consumer packaging and appliance businesses in Europe and the strength film and appliance businesses in Asia Pacific, partially offset by growth in the specialty films and filter medical businesses in Europe.
Operating margin of 26.6% decreased 100 basis points primarily driven by unfavorable price/cost of 70 basis points, higher overhead costs, including employee-related expenses, and higher freight costs, partially offset by benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives and lower restructuring expenses.

OTHER FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Interest expense was $48 million in the first quarter of 2022 versus $52 million in the first quarter of 2021. Interest expense in 2022 was $4 million lower than 2021 primarily due to the repayment of notes due September 15, 2021 and May 20, 2022. Refer to Note 8. Debt in Item 1. Financial Statements for further information regarding the repayment of notes.
Other income (expense) was income of $14 million in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of $2 million compared to the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to higher other net periodic benefit income in 2022, partially offset by foreign currency translation losses in 2022 compared to foreign currency translation gains in 2021.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's primary sources of liquidity are free cash flow and short-term credit facilities. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had $1.3 billion of cash and equivalents on hand and no outstanding borrowings under its $2.5 billion revolving credit facility. The Company also has maintained strong access to public debt markets. Management believes that these sources are sufficient to service debt and to finance the Company's capital allocation priorities, which include:

internal investments to support organic growth and sustain core businesses;
payment of an attractive dividend to shareholders; and
external investments in selective strategic acquisitions that support the Company's organic growth focus, such as the recently completed acquisition of the MTS Test & Simulation business, and an active share repurchase program. Refer to Note 3. MTS Test & Simulation Acquisition in Item 1. Financial Statements for further information regarding this acquisition.

The Company believes that, based on its operating revenue, operating margin, free cash flow, and credit ratings, it could readily obtain additional financing, if necessary.
23


Cash Flow

The Company uses free cash flow to measure cash flow generated by operations that is available for dividends, share repurchases, acquisitions and debt repayment. The Company believes this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors in evaluating the Company's financial performance and measures the Company's ability to generate cash internally to fund Company initiatives. Free cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities less additions to plant and equipment. Free cash flow is a measurement that is not the same as net cash flow from operating activities per the statement of cash flows and may not be consistent with similarly titled measures used by other companies. Summarized cash flow information for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

Three Months Ended
March 31,
In millions20222021
Net cash provided by operating activities$323 $609 
Additions to plant and equipment(74)(68)
Free cash flow$249 $541 
Cash dividends paid$(382)$(361)
Repurchases of common stock(375)(250)
Acquisition of businesses (excluding cash and equivalents)(2)— 
Net proceeds from (repayments of) debt with original maturities of three months or less564 — 
Proceeds from debt with original maturities of more than three months357 — 
Repayments of debt with original maturities of more than three months(656)— 
Other, net20 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents(30)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents$(231)$(80)

Free cash flow decreased in the first quarter of 2022 due to higher working capital investments to support revenue growth, including increased inventory levels to help mitigate supply chain risk and sustain customer service levels.

Stock Repurchase Program

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"). Under the 2018 Program, the Company repurchased approximately 6.7 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $158.11 per share during 2019, approximately 4.2 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $167.69 per share during 2020, approximately 1.2 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $211.50 in the first quarter of 2021, approximately 1.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $233.29 in the second quarter of 2021, approximately 1.0 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $229.03 in the third quarter of 2021, approximately 1.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $237.11 in the fourth quarter of 2021, and approximately 1.2 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $216.62 in the first quarter of 2022. 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"). Under the 2021 Program, the Company repurchased approximately 0.6 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $209.29 in the first quarter of 2022. As of March 31, 2022, there were $2.9 billion of authorized repurchases remaining under the 2021 Program.
24


After-tax Return on Average Invested Capital

The Company uses after-tax return on average invested capital ("After-tax ROIC") to measure the effectiveness of its operations' use of invested capital to generate profits. After-tax ROIC is not defined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). After-tax ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is a meaningful metric to investors in evaluating the Company's ability to generate returns from cash invested in its operations and may be different than the method used by other companies to calculate After-tax ROIC. The Company defines After-tax ROIC as operating income after taxes divided by average invested capital, which is annualized when presented in interim periods. Operating income after taxes is a non-GAAP measure consisting of net income before interest expense and other income (expense), on an after-tax basis, which are excluded as they do not represent returns generated by the Company's operations. Total invested capital represents the net assets of the Company, other than cash and equivalents and outstanding debt which do not represent capital investment in the Company's operations. The most comparable GAAP measure to operating income after taxes is net income. Net income to average invested capital and After-tax ROIC for the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
March 31,
Dollars in millions20222021
Numerator:
Net Income$662 $671 
Interest expense, net of tax (1)
37 40 
Other (income) expense, net of tax (1)
(11)(9)
Operating income after taxes$688 $702 
Denominator:
Invested capital:
Cash and equivalents$1,296 $2,484 
Trade receivables3,126 2,662 
Inventories1,883 1,292 
Net plant and equipment1,795 1,746 
Goodwill and intangible assets5,883 5,379 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(2,237)(1,850)
Debt(7,858)(7,949)
Other, net(306)(488)
Total net assets (stockholders' equity)3,582 3,276 
Cash and equivalents(1,296)(2,484)
Debt7,858 7,949 
Total invested capital$10,144 $8,741 
Average invested capital (2)
$9,966 $8,740 
Net income to average invested capital (3)
26.6 %30.7 %
After-tax return on average invested capital (3)
27.6 %32.1 %

(1) Effective tax rate used for interest expense and other (income) expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 was 23.1% and 22.4%, respectively.

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

(3) Returns for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 were converted to an annual rate by multiplying the calculated return by 4.
25


Working Capital

Management uses working capital as a measurement of the short-term liquidity of the Company. Net working capital as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is summarized as follows:

In millionsMarch 31, 2022December 31, 2021Increase/
(Decrease)
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents$1,296 $1,527 $(231)
Trade receivables3,126 2,840 286 
Inventories1,883 1,694 189 
Other377 313 64 
Total current assets6,682 6,374 308 
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt1,041 778 263 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses2,237 2,233 
Other580 459 121 
Total current liabilities3,858 3,470 388 
Net working capital$2,824 $2,904 $(80)

As of March 31, 2022, a significant portion of the Company's cash and equivalents was held by international subsidiaries. Cash and equivalents held internationally may be subject to foreign withholding taxes if repatriated to the U.S. Cash and equivalents held internationally are typically used for international operating needs or reinvested to fund expansion of existing international businesses. International funds may also be used to fund international acquisitions or, if not considered permanently invested, may be repatriated to the U.S. The Company has accrued for foreign withholding taxes related to foreign held cash and equivalents that are not permanently invested.

In the U.S., the Company utilizes cash flows from operations to fund domestic cash needs and the Company's capital allocation priorities. This includes operating needs of the U.S. businesses, dividend payments, share repurchases, acquisitions, servicing of domestic debt obligations, reinvesting to fund expansion of existing U.S. businesses and general corporate needs. The Company may also use its commercial paper program, which is backed by a long-term credit facility, for short-term liquidity needs. The Company believes cash generated by operations and liquidity provided by the Company's commercial paper program will continue to be sufficient to fund cash requirements in the U.S.

Debt

Total debt as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was as follows:

In millionsMarch 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Short-term debt$1,041 $778 
Long-term debt6,817 6,909 
Total debt$7,858 $7,687 

Short-term debt included commercial paper of $1.0 billion and $210 million as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on commercial paper as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was 0.51% and 0.14%, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, Short-term debt also included $568 million related to the 1.75% Euro notes due May 20, 2022, which were redeemed in full at face value on February 22, 2022.

The Company has a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility with a termination date of September 27, 2024, which is available to provide additional liquidity, including to support the potential issuances of commercial paper. No amounts were outstanding under the $2.5 billion revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021.

26


Total Debt to EBITDA

The Company uses the ratio of total debt to EBITDA as a measure of its ability to repay its outstanding debt obligations. EBITDA and the ratio of total debt to EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes that total debt to EBITDA is a meaningful metric to investors in evaluating the Company's long term financial liquidity and may be different than the method used by other companies to calculate total debt to EBITDA. The ratio of total debt to EBITDA represents total debt divided by net income before interest expense, other income (expense), income taxes, depreciation, and amortization and impairment of intangible assets on a trailing twelve month basis. Total debt to EBITDA for the trailing twelve month periods ended March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was as follows:

Dollars in millionsMarch 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Total debt$7,858 $7,687 
Net income$2,685 $2,694 
Add:
Interest expense198 202 
Other income(53)(51)
Income taxes637 632 
Depreciation282 277 
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets
134 133 
EBITDA$3,883 $3,887 
Total debt to EBITDA ratio2.0 2.0 

Stockholders' Equity

The changes to stockholders' equity during the three months ended March 31, 2022 were as follows:

In millions
Total stockholders' equity, December 31, 2021
$3,626 
Net income662 
Repurchases of common stock(375)
Dividends declared(380)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax26 
Other, net23 
Total stockholders' equity, March 31, 2022
$3,582 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "plans," "intend," "may," "strategy," "prospects," "estimate," "will," "should," "could," "project," "target," "anticipate," "guidance," "forecast," and other similar words, and may include, without limitation, statements regarding the duration and potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain challenges, related government actions and the Company's strategy in response thereto on the Company's business, future financial and operating performance, free cash flow, economic and regulatory conditions in various geographic regions, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, the timing and amount of benefits from the Company's enterprise strategy initiatives, the timing and amount of dividends and share repurchases, the protection of the Company's intellectual property, the likelihood of future goodwill or intangible asset impairment charges, the impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements, the adequacy of internally generated funds and credit facilities to service debt and finance the Company's capital allocation priorities, the sufficiency of U.S. generated cash to fund cash requirements in the U.S., the cost and availability of additional financing, the availability of raw materials and energy and the impact of raw material cost inflation, enterprise initiatives, the Company's portion of future benefit payments related to pension and other postretirement benefits, the Company's information technology infrastructure, potential acquisitions and divestitures and the expected performance of acquired businesses and impact of divested businesses, the impact of U.S. and global tax legislation and the estimated timing and amount related to the resolution of tax matters, the cost of compliance with environmental
27


regulations, the impact of failure of the Company's employees to comply with applicable laws and regulations, and the outcome of outstanding legal proceedings. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Important risks that may influence future results include (1) the COVID-19 pandemic, related government actions and the Company's strategy in response thereto, (2) weaknesses or downturns in the markets served by the Company, (3) changes or deterioration in international and domestic political and economic conditions, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the impact of related economic and other sanctions imposed on Russia, (4) the unfavorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations, (5) the timing and amount of benefits from the Company's enterprise strategy initiatives and their impact on organic revenue growth, (6) market conditions and availability of financing to fund the Company's share repurchases, (7) a delay or decrease in the introduction of new products into the Company's product lines, (8) any failure to protect the Company's intellectual property, (9) potential negative impact of impairments to goodwill and other intangible assets on the Company's return on invested capital, financial condition or results of operations, (10) raw material price increases and supply shortages or delays, (11) financial market risks to the Company's obligations under its defined benefit pension plans, (12) negative effects of service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks, network security breaches, or violations of data privacy laws, (13) the potential negative impact of acquisitions on the Company's profitability and returns, (14) potential negative effects of divestitures, including retained liabilities and unknown contingent liabilities, (15) impact of tax legislation and regulatory action and changing tax rates, (16) potential adverse outcomes in legal proceedings, (17) uncertainties related to environmental regulation and the physical risks of climate change, and (18) potential failure of the Company's employees, agents or business partners to comply with anti-corruption, import/export, human rights and other laws. A more detailed description of these risks is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. These risks are not all inclusive and given these and other possible risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

Any forward-looking statements made by ITW speak only as of the date on which they are made. ITW is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

ITW practices fair disclosure for all interested parties. Investors should be aware that while ITW regularly communicates with securities analysts and other investment professionals, it is against ITW's policy to disclose to them any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Investors should not assume that ITW agrees with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report.

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, 2022. 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, 2022, 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, 2022 were identified that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

28


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 2021 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, 2022, there were $2.9 billion of authorized repurchases remaining under the 2021 Program.

Share repurchase activity for the first quarter of 2022 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 2022— $— — $3,240 
February 20221.2 $216.58 1.2 $2,990 
March 20220.6 $208.79 0.6 $2,865 
Total1.8 1.8 


29


ITEM 6. Exhibits
Exhibit Index
Exhibit NumberExhibit Description
101
The following financial and related information from the Illinois Tool Works Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 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).
30


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 5, 2022By:/s/ Randall J. Scheuneman
Randall J. Scheuneman
Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)
31