UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)



x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
	SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

	For the quarterly period ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018

	OR

o	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)



Delaware	36-1258310
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
155 Harlem Avenue, Glenview, IL	60025
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

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

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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 filer	x	Accelerated filer	o

Non-accelerated filer	o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	o

		Emerging growth company	o

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 o No x

The number of shares of registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding at ~~September 30, 2017: 342,598,985.~~March 31, 2018: 338,762,621.



	Table of Contents

	PART I - Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	1113
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	2827

	PART II - Other Information
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	2827
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	2928
Item 6.	Exhibits	3029

Signatures		3130

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Statement of Income (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,						March 31,
In millions except per share amounts	2017			2016			2017			2016			2018			2017
Operating Revenue	$	3,615		$	3,495		$	10,685		$	10,200		$	3,744		$	3,471
Cost of revenue	2,094			2,027			6,185			5,890			2,181			2,003
Selling, administrative, and research and development expenses	589			604			1,795			1,818			612			608
Legal settlement (income)	(80		)	—			(95		)	—
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets	51			56			156			170			48			53
Operating Income	961			808			2,644			2,322			903			807
Interest expense	(65		)	(58		)	(194		)	(174		)	(66		)	(64		)
Other income (expense)	10			13			24			34			12			6
Income Before Taxes	906			763			2,474			2,182			849			749
Income Taxes	266			228			711			654			197			213
Net Income	$	640		$	535		$	1,763		$	1,528		$	652		$	536

Net Income Per Share:
Basic	$	1.86		$	1.51		$	5.12		$	4.28		$	1.92		$	1.55
Diluted	$	1.85		$	1.50		$	5.07		$	4.25		$	1.90		$	1.54

Cash Dividends Per Share:
Paid	$	0.65		$	0.55		$	1.95		$	1.65		$	0.78		$	0.65
Declared	$	0.78		$	0.65		$	2.08		$	1.75		$	0.78		$	0.65

Shares of Common Stock Outstanding During the Period:
Average	343.4			353.5			344.7			357.3			340.2			346.2
Average assuming dilution	346.0			355.5			347.5			359.3			342.8			349.0

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

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,				March 31,
In millions	2017		2016			2017		2016		2018		2017
Net Income	$	640	$	535		$	1,763	$	1,528	$	652	$	536
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	96		(5		)	367		15		83		154
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax	13		7			33		21		9		10
Comprehensive Income	$	749	$	537		$	2,163	$	1,564	$	744	$	700

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

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Statement of Financial Position (Unaudited)


In millions except per share amounts	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	2,785		$	2,472		$	1,940		$	3,094
Trade receivables	2,672			2,357			2,874			2,628
Inventories	1,225			1,076			1,335			1,220
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	230			218			274			336
Total current assets	6,912			6,123			6,423			7,278

Net plant and equipment	1,759			1,652			1,829			1,778
Goodwill	4,732			4,558			4,795			4,752
Intangible assets	1,319			1,463			1,226			1,272
Deferred income taxes	473			449			658			505
Other assets	1,119			956			1,232			1,195
	$	16,314		$	15,201		$	16,163		$	16,780

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt	$	698		$	652		$	660		$	850
Accounts payable	585			511			655			590
Accrued expenses	1,231			1,202			1,250			1,258
Cash dividends payable	267			226			264			266
Income taxes payable	86			169			96			89
Total current liabilities	2,867			2,760			2,925			3,053

Noncurrent Liabilities:
Long-term debt	7,439			7,177			6,889			7,478
Deferred income taxes	112			134			689			164
Noncurrent income taxes payable							614			614
Other liabilities	870			871			883			882
Total noncurrent liabilities	8,421			8,182			9,075			9,138

Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock (par value of $0.01 per share):
Issued- 550.0 shares in 2017 and 2016 Outstanding- 342.6 shares in 2017 and 346.9 shares in 2016	6			6
Issued- 550.0 shares in 2018 and 2017 Outstanding- 338.8 shares in 2018 and 341.5 shares in 2017							6			6
Additional paid-in-capital	1,207			1,188			1,220			1,218
Retained earnings	20,553			19,505			20,228			20,210
Common stock held in treasury	(15,336		)	(14,638		)	(16,055		)	(15,562		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,407		)	(1,807		)	(1,240		)	(1,287		)
Noncontrolling interest	3			5			4			4
Total stockholders’ equity	5,026			4,259			4,163			4,589
	$	16,314		$	15,201		$	16,163		$	16,780

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

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	September 30,						March 31,
In millions	2017			2016			2018			2017
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:
Net income	$	1,763		$	1,528		$	652		$	536
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	188			182			67			61
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets	156			170			48			53
Change in deferred income taxes	55			(228		)	(5		)	20
Provision for uncollectible accounts	3			7			1			1
(Income) loss from investments	(13		)	(5		)	(3		)	(2		)
(Gain) loss on sale of plant and equipment	—			2			(1		)	—
(Gain) loss on sale of operations and affiliates	—			6
Stock-based compensation expense	27			31			9			9
Other non-cash items, net	6			(4		)	4			1
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures:
(Increase) decrease in-
Trade receivables	(197		)	(198		)	(192		)	(148		)
Inventories	(93		)	(47		)	(68		)	(67		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(97		)	(30		)	(29		)	(23		)
Increase (decrease) in-
Accounts payable	41			23			55			56
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(56		)	(8		)	(90		)	(117		)
Income taxes	(76		)	209			90			81
Other, net							—			2
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,707			1,638			538			463
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Acquisition of businesses (excluding cash and equivalents) and additional interest in affiliates	(3		)	(456		)	—			(3		)
Additions to plant and equipment	(219		)	(202		)	(94		)	(64		)
Proceeds from investments	25			17			5			7
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment	8			11			2			3
Proceeds from sales of operations and affiliates	2			1
Other, net	(7		)	(8		)	(2		)	—
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	(194		)	(637		)	(89		)	(57		)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Cash dividends paid	(674		)	(593		)	(266		)	(226		)
Issuance of common stock	58			74			10			18
Repurchases of common stock	(750		)	(1,482		)	(500		)	(250		)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) debt with original maturities of three months or less	697			188			(840		)	671
Proceeds from debt with original maturities of more than three months	—			1
Repayments of debt with original maturities of more than three months	(652		)	(1		)	—			(652		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	—			25
Other, net	(13		)	(11		)	(12		)	(11		)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	(1,334		)	(1,799		)	(1,608		)	(450		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Equivalents	134			7			5			65
Cash and Equivalents:
Increase (decrease) during the period	313			(791		)	(1,154		)	21
Beginning of period	2,472			3,090			3,094			2,472
End of period	$	2,785		$	2,299		$	1,940		$	2,493
Supplementary Cash and Non-Cash Information:
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest	$	208		$	198		$	65		$	65
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds	$	732		$	648		$	113		$	112

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

Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(1) Significant Accounting Policies

Financial Statements - —The unaudited financial statements included herein have been prepared by Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”). In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the results for interim periods. 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 ~~2016~~2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain reclassifications of prior year data have been made to conform with current year reporting.

Operating Revenue— Prior to 2018, the Company recognized revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, product had shipped and the risks and rewards of ownership had transferred or services had been rendered, the price to the customer was fixed or determinable, and collectibility was reasonably assured, which generally occurred at the time of product shipment. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new revenue recognition guidance. Under this new guidance, operating revenue is recognized at the time a good or service is transferred to a customer and the customer obtains control of that good or receives the service performed. The Company's sales arrangements with customers are predominantly short-term in nature involving a single performance obligation related to the delivery of products and generally provide for transfer of control at the time of shipment. In limited circumstances, arrangements may include service performed over time, or there may be significant obligations to the customer that are unfulfilled at the time of shipment, typically involving installation of equipment and customer acceptance. In these circumstances, operating revenue may be recognized over time as the service is provided to the customer or deferred until all significant obligations have been completed. The amount of operating revenue recorded reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for goods or services and may include adjustments for customer allowances and rebates. Customer allowances and rebates consist primarily of volume discounts and other short-term incentive programs, which are estimated at the time of sale based on historical experience and anticipated trends. Shipping and handling charges billed to customers are included in revenue and are recognized along with the related product revenue as they are considered a fulfillment cost. Sales commissions are expensed when incurred, which is generally at the time of revenue recognition. Contract liabilities associated with sales arrangements primarily relate to deferred revenue on equipment sales and prepaid service contracts. Total deferred revenue was $254 million and $205 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and is short-term in nature. For additional information regarding the Company's operating revenue, see New Accounting Pronouncements - below and Note 2. Operating Revenue.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the ~~"FASB"~~“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance to change the criteria for revenue recognition. The core principle of the new ~~standard~~guidance is that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, ~~several new~~expanded revenue ~~recognition~~ disclosures ~~will be~~are required. ~~Under current guidance, the Company~~The Company's sales arrangements with customers are predominantly short-term in nature and generally ~~recognizes operating revenue when~~provide for transfer of control and risks and rewards of ownership ~~and risk of loss are transferred to the customer, which is typically~~ at the time of product shipment or delivery of service. ~~The Company has completed a review~~As such, the timing of revenue ~~transactions~~recognition under both the prior and new guidance is the same for ~~a significant portion~~the majority of ~~its businesses. While~~ the ~~review is not fully completed,~~Company’s transactions. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company ~~does~~adopted the new revenue guidance under the modified retrospective method and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment reducing retained earnings by $9 million as of January 1, 2018. Under the modified retrospective method of adoption, prior periods are not ~~currently expect~~restated and the ~~adoption~~new guidance is applied prospectively to revenue transactions completed on or after January 1, 2018. Given the nature of ~~this~~the Company’s revenue transactions, the new guidance ~~to have a material~~had an immaterial impact on ~~its~~the Company's operating revenue, results of operations, and financial position for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The Company updated its revenue recognition accounting policy to reflect the requirements of the new guidance and included additional disclosures regarding the Company's revenue transactions. Refer to the Company’s operating revenue accounting policy above and Note 2. Operating Revenue for additional information.

In March 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which changes the income statement presentation of net periodic benefit cost related to ~~provide additional~~defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The primary change under the new guidance is that only the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost should be included in operating income and is eligible for capitalization as an asset. The other components of net periodic benefit cost ("other net periodic benefit cost"), including interest cost, expected return on assets, settlements, curtailments, and amortization of actuarial gains and losses and prior service cost, should be presented below operating income. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new presentation of other net periodic benefit cost and restated the prior year statement of income and related disclosures ~~in the notes to financial statements~~for comparability, as required under the new guidance. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, other net periodic benefit cost was income of $5 million and $2 million, respectively, and was presented in Other income (expense) in both periods. Refer to Note 5. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits for additional information.

In February 2018, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which allows for an optional one-time reclassification of the stranded tax effects resulting from the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate under the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the "Act") from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings. The ~~new~~ guidance ~~will be~~is effective ~~for the~~January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company ~~beginning~~elected to early adopt this guidance as of January 1, 2018 and ~~allows~~to reclassify the stranded tax effects related to the Act, which resulted in an increase of $45 million to both retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss. Refer to Note 7. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for ~~either full or modified retrospective adoption methods. The Company expects to adopt the new revenue accounting guidance utilizing the modified retrospective method.~~additional information.

In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to change the criteria for recognizing leasing transactions. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize a lease liability and right-of-use lease asset for all leases with a lease term greater than twelve months, including operating leases, in the statement of financial ~~position, including operating leases.~~position. Subsequent measurement, including presentation of expenses and cash flows, will depend on the classification of the lease as either a financing or operating lease. In addition, ~~several new~~expanded disclosures will be required. This guidance ~~will be~~is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. While the Company has not yet completed its evaluation of the impact the new lease accounting guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, the Company expects to recognize ~~right of use~~right-of-use assets and liabilities for its operating leases in the statement of financial position upon adoption.

In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that included several changes to simplify the accounting for stock-based compensation, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification of tax benefits in the statement of cash flows. Among the more significant changes, the new guidance requires the income tax effects associated with the settlement of stock-based awards to be recognized through income tax expense rather than directly in equity. Additionally, the income tax effects related to excess tax benefits should be presented within operating cash flows in the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. Excess tax benefits recognized in equity under the prior guidance were $25 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2017 and applied the newly adopted provisions prospectively. Excess tax benefits of $6 million and $32 million were included in Income Taxes in the statement of income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The expected effect on income tax expense or net cash provided from operating activities related to future stock-based award settlements will vary each quarter and will depend on inputs such as the stock price at the time of settlement and the number of awards settled in the period presented.

In October 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs rather than when transferred to a third party as required under the current guidance. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively with the cumulative effect of adoption recorded directly to retained earnings. Although the Company is currently completing its assessment of the potential impact of this new guidance, the Company anticipates a cumulative-effect balance sheet adjustment reducing deferred tax assets and retained earnings upon adoption. Additionally, intra-entity asset transfers may result in future tax rate volatility under the new guidance. The Company intends to complete its assessment in the fourth quarter of 2017.

In March 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which changes the income statement presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The primary change under the new guidance is that only the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost should be included in operating income and is

eligible for capitalization as an asset. The other components of net periodic benefit cost, such as interest cost, the expected return on assets, and amortization of actuarial gains and losses and prior service cost, should be presented below operating income. The guidance is effective for the Company starting January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively to the presentation of net periodic benefit cost and prospectively to the capitalization of service cost. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the results of operations or financial position. Refer to Note 6. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits for further information information regarding the Company’s net periodic benefit cost.

(2) ~~Acquisition~~Operating Revenue

~~On July 1, 2016,~~The Company's 85 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, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
In millions	2018			2017
Automotive OEM	$	901		$	828
Food Equipment	527			497
Test & Measurement and Electronics	543			480
Welding	423			387
Polymers & Fluids	442			426
Construction Products	428			395
Specialty Products	485			463
Intersegment revenue	(5		)	(5		)
Total	$	3,744		$	3,471

Prior to 2018, the Company ~~completed~~recognized revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, product had shipped and the ~~acquisition~~risks and rewards of ownership had transferred or services had been rendered, the price to the customer was fixed or determinable, and collectibility was reasonably assured, which generally occurred at the time of product shipment. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new revenue recognition guidance. Under this new guidance, operating revenue is recognized at the time a good or service is transferred to a customer and the customer obtains control of that good or receives the service performed. Given the nature of the ~~Engineered Fasteners and Components business ("EF&C") from ZF TRW for a purchase price of approximately $450 million. The acquisition of EF&C did not materially affect~~Company’s revenue transactions, the ~~Company’s~~new guidance had an immaterial impact on the Company's operating revenue, results of operations, orand financial position for the ~~periods presented.~~three months ended March 31, 2018. See Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies for additional information. The following is a description of the product offerings, end markets and typical revenue transactions for each of the Company's seven segments:

~~EF&C had~~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 institutional/restaurant and food retail 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 ~~$382 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 which was reported within the Company’s Automotive OEM segment. As a result~~product shipment. In limited circumstances involving installation of ~~the EF&C transaction,~~equipment and customer acceptance, the Company ~~recorded $187 million~~may recognize revenue upon completion of ~~goodwill~~installation and ~~$134 million of amortizable intangible assets primarily~~acceptance by the customer. Annual service contracts are typically sold separate from equipment and the related ~~to customer relationships and technology. The intangible assets will be amortized~~revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over ~~their estimated useful lives ranging from 4~~the annual service period. Operating revenue for on-demand service repairs and parts is recorded upon completion and customer acceptance of the work performed.

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

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 telecommunications, electronics, medical and transportation applications.

Revenue for products sold in this segment is typically recognized at the time of shipment. In limited circumstances where significant obligations to ~~17 years,~~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.

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 ~~weighted average amortization period~~wide array of ~~16 years.~~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;

metal arc welding consumables and related accessories; and

metal jacketing and other insulation products.

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 highly 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.

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, printing and publishing and industrial capital goods 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 fasteners 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.

(3) Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was 23.2% and 28.3%, respectively. The first quarter 2018 effective tax rate was lower primarily as a result of the lower U.S. corporate federal tax rate and a discrete income tax benefit of $14 million related to foreign tax credits. Additionally, the effective tax rate for both respective periods included discrete income tax benefits of $6 million and $12 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

On December 22, 2017, the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the “Act”) was enacted in the United States. The provisions of the Act significantly revised the U.S. corporate income tax rules. At December 31, 2017, the Company had not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, the Company made a reasonable estimate of the effects on the existing deferred tax balances and one-time transition tax. The Company continues to analyze certain aspects of the Act and may refine its calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of the amounts recorded at December 31, 2017. The provisional amounts recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017, and unchanged at March 31, 2018, reflect the Company’s best estimate based on information currently available and are subject to future changes due to subsequent clarification of the tax law and refinement of estimated amounts.

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. Due to the ongoing audits, 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 ~~$96~~$33 million related predominantly to various intercompany transactions. The Company has recorded its best estimate of the potential exposure for these issues.

On February 18, 2014, the Company received a Notice of Deficiency (“NOD”) from the IRS asserting that a non-taxable return of capital received from a subsidiary was a taxable dividend distribution. The NOD assesses additional taxes of $70 million for the 2006 tax year, plus interest and penalties. In May 2014, the Company petitioned the United States Tax Court to challenge the NOD. The Company's petition was subsequently denied and the case proceeded to court with the trial taking place in the third quarter of 2016. Final decision by the tax court is expected in ~~2017 or~~ 2018. Although the court's final decision cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes its position continues to be supportable. Accordingly, no reserve has been recorded related to this matter.

(4) Inventories

Inventories as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and December 31, ~~2016~~2017 were as follows:

In millions September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Raw material $ 453
$ 407
Work-in-process 148
126
Finished goods 709
629
LIFO reserve (85 ) (86 )
Total inventories $ 1,225
$ 1,076

~~(5) Goodwill and Intangible Assets~~

The Company performed its annual impairment assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the third quarters of 2017 and 2016. The assessment resulted in no impairment charges in either 2017 or 2016.



In millions	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Raw material	$	491		$	465
Work-in-process	190			141
Finished goods	743			703
LIFO reserve	(89		)	(89		)
Total inventories	$	1,335		$	1,220

~~(6)~~(5) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Beginning in 2017, the Company changed the method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The new method provides a more precise measure of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost by applying specific spot rates along the yield curve to the projected cash flows rather than a single weighted-average rate. The Company accounted for this change as a change in estimate prospectively. The change did not have a material impact on the 2017 net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs.

Pension and other postretirement benefit costs for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and ~~2016~~2017 were as follows:


	Three Months Ended												Nine Months Ended												Three Months Ended
	September 30,												September 30,												March 31,
	Pension						Other Postretirement Benefits						Pension						Other Postretirement Benefits						Pension						Other Postretirement Benefits
In millions	2017			2016			2017			2016			2017			2016			2017			2016			2018			2017			2018			2017
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	15		$	15		$	2		$	2		$	47		$	47		$	6		$	7		$	15		$	16		$	2		$	2
Interest cost	18			23			5			6			54			70			15			18			18			18			5			5
Expected return on plan assets	(33		)	(36		)	(6		)	(6		)	(99		)	(109		)	(17		)	(17		)	(32		)	(33		)	(6		)	(6		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	15			11			—			—			43			32			(1		)	—
Amortization of prior service income	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(1		)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)																									11			14			(1		)	—
Total net periodic benefit cost	$	15		$	13		$	1		$	2		$	45		$	40		$	3		$	7		$	12		$	15		$	—		$	1

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 ~~$179~~$26 million to its pension plans and $6$5 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in ~~2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company made~~2018. As of March 31, 2018, contributions of ~~$174~~$12 million to ~~its~~ pension plans ~~which included an additional $115~~and $2 million ~~discretionary contribution made in the second quarter of 2017. Contributions of $5 million have been made~~ to other postretirement benefit plans ~~during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.~~have been made.

~~(7)~~(6) Debt

Short-term debt ~~as of September 30, 2017~~ included commercial paper of ~~$688 million. Short-term debt~~$10 million and $849 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, ~~2016 included $650~~2017, respectively. In addition, in the first quarter of 2018, the Company reclassified $649 million related to the ~~0.90%~~1.95% notes ~~paid on the February 25, 2017~~ due ~~date.~~March 1, 2019 from Long-term debt to Short-term debt.

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 ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and December 31, ~~2016~~2017 were as follows:


In millions	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Fair value	$	7,958	$	8,281	$	7,945	$	8,052
Carrying value	7,439		7,827		7,539		7,479

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

~~(8) Legal Settlement~~

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company entered into a $95 million confidential settlement agreement to resolve a litigation matter. Based on the terms of the agreement, the Company received the settlement within 120 days of the execution of the agreement. The receipt of the settlement resulted in a favorable pre-tax impact of $15 million in the second quarter of 2017 and $80 million in the third quarter of 2017, which was included in operating income.

~~(9)~~(7) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three ~~and nine~~ months ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and ~~2016:~~2017:


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,						March 31,
In millions	2017			2016			2017			2016			2018			2017
Beginning balance	$	(1,516	)	$	(1,470	)	$	(1,807	)	$	(1,504	)	$	(1,287	)	$	(1,807	)

Adoption of new accounting guidance related to reclassification of certain tax effects													(45		)	—

Foreign currency translation adjustments during the period	67			(15		)	271			(15		)	69			144
Foreign currency translation adjustments reclassified to income	—			—			—			1
Income taxes	29			10			96			29			14			10
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	96			(5		)	367			15			83			154

Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments during the period	—			—			—			1			1			—
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments reclassified to income	15			11			42			31			10			14
Income taxes	(2		)	(4		)	(9		)	(11		)	(2		)	(4		)
Total pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax	13			7			33			21			9			10

Ending balance	$	(1,407	)	$	(1,468	)	$	(1,407	)	$	(1,468	)	$	(1,240	)	$	(1,643	)

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company elected to early adopt new accounting guidance related to the stranded tax effects resulting from the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate under the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the "Act") and reclassified $45 million of stranded income tax effects from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to Retained earnings. Refer to Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies for additional information.

Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments reclassified to income relate primarily to the amortization of actuarial losses. Refer to Note 6.5. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits for additional information.

The Company designated the €1.0 billion of Euro notes issued in May 2015 and the €1.0 billion of Euro notes issued in May 2014 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. The carrying values of the 2015 and 2014 Euro notes were $1.2 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, as of ~~September 30, 2017.~~March 31, 2018. 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). The unrealized pre-tax gain recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the net investment hedge was ~~$118~~$22 million and ~~$375~~$81 million as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and December 31, ~~2016,~~2017, respectively.

The ending balance of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of ~~September 30,~~March 31, 2018 and 2017 ~~and 2016~~ consisted of cumulative translation adjustment losses, net of tax, of ~~$1.0 billion~~$902 million and ~~$1.1~~$1.2 billion, respectively, and unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefits costs, net of tax, of ~~$372~~$338 million and ~~$358~~$395 million, respectively.

~~(10)~~(8) Segment Information

The ~~Company has~~ 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 ~~reportable~~ segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. ~~See~~Refer to Item ~~2 -~~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 85 divisions in 5755 countries. As of December 31, ~~2016,~~2017, the Company employed approximately 50,000 ~~persons.~~people.

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

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

THE ITW BUSINESS MODEL

The powerful and highly differentiated ITW Business Model is the Company’s core source of value creation. This business model is the Company’s competitive advantage and defines how ITW creates value for its shareholders and comprises three unique elements:

ITW’s 80/20 ~~management~~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 ~~management~~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 subsequently creating unique solutions to address those needs. These customer insights and learnings drive innovation at ITW and have contributed to a portfolio of more than 17,000 granted and pending patents;

ITW’s decentralized, entrepreneurial culture ~~allows~~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 adapted to each business' customers and end markets.

ENTERPRISE STRATEGY

In late 2012, ITW began the ~~process~~first phase of its strategic framework, transitioning the Company ~~onto~~on its current strategic path to fully leverage the compelling performance potential of the ITW Business Model. Since then, ITW has made considerable progress, as evidenced by the Company’s strong financial performance over the past ~~four~~five years.

The roots of ITW’s Enterprise Strategy began in late 2011 / early 2012, when 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, ITW developed a strategy to replicate that performance across its operations.

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

The first step was to narrow the focus and improve the quality of ITW’s business portfolio. As part of the Portfolio Management initiative, ITW exited businesses that were operating in commoditized market spaces and prioritized sustainable differentiation as a must-have requirement for all ITW businesses. This process included both divesting entire businesses and exiting commoditized product lines and customers inside otherwise highly differentiated ITW divisions.

As a result of this work, ITW’s business portfolio now has significantly higher organic growth potential. ITW segments and divisions now possess attractive and differentiated product lines and end markets as they continue to improve operating margins and generate price/cost increases. The Company achieved this through product line simplification, or eliminating the complexity and overhead costs associated with smaller product lines and customers, while supporting and growing the businesses’ largest / most profitable customers and product lines. With the initiative nearly complete and ITW businesses demonstrating notably improved financial performance, the Company believes that the ~~significant~~ product line simplification work is ~~essentially finalized and will return~~returning to more normalized ~~levels in 2017 and beyond.~~levels.

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, at the same time, improve global reach and competitiveness, all of which were critical to driving accelerated organic growth. ITW now has 85 scaled-up divisions with significantly enhanced focus on growth investments, core customers and products, and customer-back innovation.

The Strategic Sourcing initiative ~~was~~ established sourcing as ~~a core capability to better leverage ITW’s scale and improve global competitiveness. Sourcing is now~~ a core strategic and operational capability at ITW. The Company’s 80/20-enabled sourcing organization has delivered an average of one percent reduction in spend each year from 2013 through ~~2016~~2017 and is on track to do the same in ~~2017 and~~ 2018.

With the portfolio realignment and scale-up work largely complete, the Company ~~was able to~~ ~~shift~~shifted its focus to preparing for and accelerating, organic growth~~. As a preparatory step, ITW is in the process of~~, reapplying 80/20 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.

Once the business has achieved operational excellence and identified the right growth opportunities, the final step is to accelerate organic growth. The process of preparing for accelerated organic growth generally takes 18 to 24 months.

Based on the financial performance of the divisions that are further along in this process, the Company believes that its organic growth framework is capable of delivering above-market organic growth across all segments. Divisions are at various phases in preparation for growth and many are either ready to grow or already growing above their respective markets. ITW management is fully aligned with this plan and very focused on executing it. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 85 percent of the divisions were ready to grow.

~~PATH TO FULL POTENTIAL~~

While the Company has made considerable progress and ITW’s performance is nearing best-in-class levels, the Company has significant opportunity for further improvement before it achieves full operating potential. In order to do so, ITW is focused on two key areas of opportunity, including: additional structural margin improvement and sustained above-market organic growth with strong incremental profitability.

~~Additional Structural Margin Improvement~~

~~To deliver on the additional structural margin improvement, the Company is implementing the following two levers: (1) further leveraging the 80/20 management process and (2) strategic sourcing.~~

The first lever, better leveraging the full power of the ITW Business Model, will be accomplished through a much more consistent and focused approach to 80/20 best practice implementation across the Company. The 80/20 management system has continuously been refined, improved and expanded into a unique holistic business management process of interconnected tools, which improves all aspects of the business and, when applied

~~consistently and executed more effectively, will lead to additional margin improvement.~~ 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. ~~These~~At the same time, these 80/20 initiatives can also result in restructuring initiatives that reduce costs and improve profitability and returns. With this first phase of the strategy nearing completion, the Company will look ahead to the next five years and delivering differentiated performance on a sustained basis.

SUSTAINED DIFFERENTIATED PERFORMANCE

While the Company has made considerable progress and ITW’s performance is nearing best-in-class levels, the Company has significant opportunity for further improvement. The second phase of the strategic framework is focused on delivering differentiated performance on a sustained basis, with consistent above market organic growth. Moving forward, the Company remains committed to the four strategic principles that have served as the foundation of its progress over the past five years and that the Company believes best positions ITW to deliver continued differentiated performance over the next five years:

The ~~second lever, strategic sourcing,~~ITW Business Model is the Company's competitive advantage

Focus on quality growth

"Do what we say" execution is a ~~core element~~critical differentiator

Invest only where ITW has a competitive advantage

The ITW Business Model is the Company's Competitive Advantage

The ITW Business Model is the combination of a set of strategic, operational, and cultural approaches and practices that is applied to every ITW business. The Business Model has existed inside the Company for over 30 years and is truly ITW's differentiating competitive advantage. The ITW Business Model is comprised of three elements:

•80/20 Front to Back Process = How the Company Operates

•Customer-Back Innovation Approach = How the Company Innovates

•Decentralized Entrepreneurial Culture = How the Company Executes

Focus on Quality Growth

ITW prioritizes high-quality revenue growth and, as such, the Company’s primary growth focus is organic.

Leveraging the Business Model and the 80/20 front to back process provides a clear view of where to focus for high- quality growth. The Company targets differentiated end-markets and customers with critical needs and challenging pain points. ITW generates high-quality growth through consistent customer-back innovation and customer service excellence.

The Company only invests and operates in industries and businesses that have the right “raw material” to generate high quality organic growth through the application of the ITW Business Model. ITW’s ~~ongoing operational strategy~~current portfolio of seven segments offers solid growth potential and a ~~sustainable enterprise-wide capability. Through the continued execution~~high degree of ~~this initiative, the Company expects to deliver additional margin improvement with the goal~~diversification in terms of ~~a one percent reduction in spend in 2017~~geographic and ~~2018.~~

~~Sustained Above-Market Organic Growth with Strong Incremental Profitability~~

~~ITW has done extensive work on its portfolio and operating structure to position~~end market exposures, enabling the Company to deliver ~~sustainable above-market organic growth.~~consistent high-quality growth in an increasingly volatile and competitive global market environment.

"Do What We Say" Execution is a Critical Differentiator

ITW’s commitment to execution is a key differentiator for ITW. Living up to the Company’s commitments - “do what we say” execution - is a deeply embedded core element of the culture. The culture is the engine that translates ITW's strategy into action, and action into results.

All divisions function within a “framework” that defines how the culture operates and defines the Company’s values, business model and strategy to ensure all divisions are working toward our common set of goals. Business leaders have the flexibility to define the actions and customize their approach to meet those goals. This “flexibility within the framework” establishes an entrepreneurial environment where decisions are made “bottom up” by those with the greatest knowledge, capability and proximity to the customer, which enables our businesses to be nimble and react quickly to market conditions and customer requirements.

ITW is simple, straightforward and transparent in everything it does. The Company ~~has narrowed~~sets clear performance expectations and financial targets, executes against these at the ~~focus~~appropriate pace, and ~~significantly improved~~establishes the ~~growth potential of ITW’s business portfolio. With approximately 85% of its divisions ready~~freedom to ~~grow as~~define how to achieve results within the construct of the ~~end of 2016,~~Business Model.

Invest Only Where ITW Has a Competitive Advantage

The Company is ~~well positioned for accelerated growth~~highly focused and disciplined in ~~2017~~its approach to invest only where it can leverage the ITW Business Model into compelling and beyond. To deliver on this accelerated growth, the divisions have been implementing the organic growth framework, which includes continued investment in customer-back innovation and a strengthened focus on market penetration. ITW continuessustainable competitive advantage.

Investments to focus on growing its share of "80" products with existing customers with whom the Company has a resonant value proposition as well as target potential new customers with similar pain points to existing customers. ITW has made strong progress on the Company’s pivot tosupport organic growth and ~~is well positioned to deliver on sustained above-market organic growth over the long-term.~~sustain its highly differentiated core businesses, such as new product innovation, marketing programs, simplification projects, and capital investments, are ITW’s number one investment priority.

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 ~~2016~~2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company's strong ~~third~~first quarter ~~and year-to-date~~ financial performance reflected continued ~~progress~~focus on leveraging the ~~powerful~~business portfolio and the highly differentiated ~~ITW~~ Business Model ~~and executing enterprise initiatives. Six of seven~~to its full potential. All segments achieved worldwide organic revenue growth ~~in the third quarter,~~ and ~~all seven segments had organic revenue growth in the year-to-date period. All seven segments~~ had operating margin ~~at or~~ above ~~21% in both respective periods.~~

On July 1, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of the Engineered Fasteners and Components business ("EF&C") from ZF TRW for a purchase price of approximately $450 million. In 2017, EF&C had operating revenue of $126 million20% in the ~~third~~first quarter and $382 million in the year-to-date period. EF&C diluted the Company's operating margin by 40 basis points in the year-to-date period due to lower operating margin and acquisition related expenses. The Company expects EF&C's operating margin to improve in later years through the application of the Company's 80/20 business management process. The operating results of EF&C are reported within the Company's Automotive OEM segment. The acquisition of EF&C did not materially affect the Company's results of operations or financial position for any period presented. Refer to Note 2. Acquisition in Item 1 - Financial Statements for further information regarding this acquisition.

2018.

The Company’s consolidated results of operations for the ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods~~2017 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions September 30, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2017 2016 Inc (Dec) Organic
Acq/Div Restructuring Impairment Foreign Currency Total
Operating revenue $ 3,615
$ 3,495
3.5 % 1.9 % (0.2 )% — % — % 1.8 % 3.5 %
Operating income $ 961
$ 808
19.0 % 17.5 % — % (0.2 )% — % 1.7 % 19.0 %
Operating margin % 26.6 % 23.1 % 350 bps
350 bps
—
—
—
—
350 bps


	Nine Months Ended																				Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions	September 30,								Components of Increase (Decrease)												March 31,								Components of Increase (Decrease)
	2017			2016			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acq/Div		Restructuring		Impairment		Foreign Currency		Total		2018			2017			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total
Operating revenue	$	10,685		$	10,200		4.8	%	2.7	%	2.3	%	—	%	—	%	(0.2	)%	4.8	%	$	3,744		$	3,471		7.9	%	2.6	%	—	%	—	%	5.3	%	7.9	%
Operating income	$	2,644		$	2,322		13.9	%	13.2	%	0.9	%	—	%	0.1	%	(0.3	)%	13.9	%	$	903		$	807		11.9	%	5.3	%	—	%	1.0	%	5.6	%	11.9	%
Operating margin %	24.7		%	22.8		%	190 bps		230 bps		(40) bps		—		—		—		190 bps		24.1		%	23.2		%	90 bps		60 bps		—		30 bps		—		90 bps

Operating revenue grew in the ~~third~~first quarter ~~primarily~~ due ~~to an increase in organic revenue and~~ the favorable effect of foreign currency ~~translation. In the year-to-date period, operating revenue grew primarily due to~~translation and an increase in organic ~~and acquisition revenues.~~revenue.

Organic revenue ~~grew 1.9% and 2.7% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. Six~~increased 2.6% as all segments ~~achieved~~had worldwide organic revenue growth ~~in the third quarter, and all seven segments achieved growth in the year-to-date period. In the third quarter, Food Equipment declined 0.4%~~ primarily due to ~~lower equipment~~penetration gains, higher end market demand ~~in North America.~~and product innovation.

◦

North American organic revenue was flat in the third quarter. Growth in the Welding, Specialty Products, Construction Products and Polymers & Fluids segments was offset by a decline in the Automotive OEM, Food Equipment and Test & Measurements and Electronics segments. In the year-to-date period, organic revenue grew 1.0%. Growthincreased 3.2% as growth in five segments was partially offset by a decline in the ~~Food Equipment~~Specialty Products and ~~Automotive OEM~~Polymers & Fluids segments.


◦	Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 3.3% as growth in six segments was partially offset by a decline in the Specialty Products segment.

◦

Europe, Middle East and Africa organic revenue increased ~~2.4% in the third quarter~~1.1% as growth in the ~~Automotive OEM, Food Equipment, Construction~~Test & Measurement and Electronics, Specialty Products and ~~Specialty Products~~Automotive OEM segments was partially offset by a decline in the Construction Products, Food Equipment, Welding and Polymers & Fluids ~~and Test & Measurement and Electronics~~ segments. ~~Organic revenue increased 3.8% in the year-to-date period as growth in six segments was partially offset by a decline in the Welding segment.~~


◦	Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 8.1% in the third quarter as all seven segments achieved organic revenue growth. In the year-to-date period, organic revenue grew 7.6% as growth in six segments was partially offset by a decline in the Welding segment.

Operating income of ~~$961~~$903 million ~~and $2.6 billion in~~increased 11.9% as compared to the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, increased 19.0% and 13.9% in the respective periods. Excluding the favorable impact of the confidential legal settlement, operating income would have increased 9.1% and 9.8% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.

prior year. Operating margin of ~~26.6% in the third quarter~~24.1% increased 350 basis points. Excluding the 220 basis points of favorability from the confidential legal settlement, operating margin of 24.4% increased 130 basis points primarily due to the benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives that contributed 110 basis points. In addition, positive operating leverage of 50 basis points was partially offset by unfavorable price/cost of 40 basis points.

In the year-to-date period, operating margin of 24.7% increased 190 basis points. Excluding the 80 basis points of favorability from the confidential legal settlement, operating margin of 23.9% increased 11090 basis points primarily driven by the benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives of ~~100~~110 basis ~~points. In addition, positive operating leverage~~points and lower restructuring expenses, partially offset by unfavorable price/cost of 50 basis ~~points~~points.

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 was 23.2% compared to 28.3% in 2017. The first quarter 2018 effective tax rate was lower primarily as a result of the lower U.S. corporate federal tax rate and ~~improved overhead efficiencies were partially offset by~~a discrete income tax benefit of $14 million related to foreign tax credits. Additionally, the ~~dilutive impact~~effective tax rate for both respective periods included discrete income tax benefits of ~~40 basis points~~$6 million and $12 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation. Excluding these discrete tax benefits, the ~~EF&C acquisition~~Company's effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 and ~~unfavorable price/cost~~2017 would have been 25.5% and 30.0%, respectively. The estimated effective tax rate for the full year of ~~40 basis points.~~

2018 is approximately 25%. Refer to Note 3. Income Taxes in Item 1 - Financial Statements for further information.

Diluted earnings per share (EPS) of ~~$1.85 for the third quarter and $5.07 for the year-to-date period~~$1.90 increased ~~23.3% and 19.3%, respectively. Excluding the favorable effect of the confidential legal settlement of $0.14 and $0.17~~23.4% in ~~the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, EPS increased 14.0% and 15.3% in the respective periods.~~2018.

Free cash flow was $702 million and $1.5 billion for the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. Free cash flow for the year-to-date period includes the impact from an additional discretionary pension contribution of $115$444 million in the ~~second~~first quarter of ~~2017.~~2018, an increase of 11.3%. Refer to the Cash Flow section of Liquidity and Capital Resources for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure.

The Company repurchased approximately ~~1.8 million and 5.5~~3.0 million shares of its common stock in the ~~third~~first quarter ~~and year-to-date periods, respectively,~~of 2018 for approximately ~~$250 million and $750 million, respectively.~~$500 million.

~~The Company increased the quarterly dividend by 20.0% in the third quarter of 2017.~~ Total cash dividends of ~~$224 million and $674~~$266 million were paid in the ~~third~~first quarter ~~and year-to-date periods~~ of ~~2017, respectively.~~2018.

~~Adjusted after-tax~~After-tax return on average invested capital in the first quarter of 2018 was ~~26.3% for the third quarter. Excluding 220 basis points attributable to the confidential legal settlement, adjusted after-tax return on average invested capital was 24.1%~~27.7%, an increase of ~~110 basis points. In the year-to-date period, adjusted after-tax return on average invested capital was 25.0%, an increase of 270 basis points. Excluding 90~~400 basis points, ~~attributable~~of which 350 basis points related to the ~~confidential legal settlement, adjusted after-tax return on average invested capital was 24.1%, an increase of 180 basis points.~~new U.S. tax rules and regulations. Refer to the ~~Adjusted~~ After-Tax Return on Average Invested Capital section of Liquidity and Capital Resources for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT

Total operating revenue and operating income for the ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods~~2017 were as follows:


	Three Months Ended September 30,											Nine Months Ended September 30,											Three Months Ended March 31,
Dollars in millions	Operating Revenue						Operating Income					Operating Revenue						Operating Income					Operating Revenue						Operating Income
	2017			2016			2017		2016			2017			2016			2017		2016			2018			2017			2018			2017
Automotive OEM	$	795		$	765		$	172	$	166		$	2,443		$	2,091		$	556	$	512		$	901		$	828		$	217		$	202
Food Equipment	549			544			150		149			1,575			1,578			414		405			527			497			130			125
Test & Measurement and Electronics	525			516			127		108			1,524			1,487			337		274			543			480			127			96
Welding	378			361			100		95			1,150			1,125			312		282			423			387			117			107
Polymers & Fluids	434			422			90		89			1,297			1,283			272		266			442			426			92			88
Construction Products	440			415			112		94			1,260			1,223			303		278			428			395			95			89
Specialty Products	498			477			138		125			1,451			1,429			401		373			485			463			130			124
Intersegment revenues	(4		)	(5		)	—		—			(15		)	(16		)	—		—
Intersegment revenue																							(5		)	(5		)	—			—
Unallocated	—			—			72		(18		)	—			—			49		(68		)	—			—			(5		)	(24		)
Total	$	3,615		$	3,495		$	961	$	808		$	10,685		$	10,200		$	2,644	$	2,322		$	3,744		$	3,471		$	903		$	807

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. ~~Unallocated in 2017 includes the favorable impact from the previously discussed confidential legal settlement.~~

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 ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods~~2017 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions September 30, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2017 2016 Inc (Dec) Organic Acquisition/Divestiture Restructuring Foreign Currency Total
Operating revenue $ 795
$ 765
4.1 % 1.3 % — % — % 2.8 % 4.1 %
Operating income $ 172
$ 166
2.9 % 1.0 % — % (1.2 )% 3.1 % 2.9 %
Operating margin % 21.6 % 21.8 % (20) bps
(10) bps
—
(20) bps
10 bps
(20) bps


	Nine Months Ended																		Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions	September 30,								Components of Increase (Decrease)										March 31,								Components of Increase (Decrease)
	2017			2016			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total		2018			2017			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total
Operating revenue	$	2,443		$	2,091		16.9	%	4.7	%	12.2	%	—	%	—	%	16.9	%	$	901		$	828		8.8	%	1.0	%	—	%	—	%	7.8	%	8.8	%
Operating income	$	556		$	512		8.4	%	6.1	%	4.2	%	(1.7	)%	(0.2	)%	8.4	%	$	217		$	202		7.6	%	(1.6	)%	—	%	1.5	%	7.7	%	7.6	%
Operating margin %	22.7		%	24.5		%	(180) bps		30 bps		(160) bps		(40) bps		(10) bps		(180) bps		24.1		%	24.4		%	(30) bps		(70) bps		—		40 bps		—		(30) bps

Operating revenue increased ~~in the third quarter~~ due to the favorable effect of foreign currency translation and higher organic revenue. ~~Operating revenue increased in the year-to-date period due to higher organic and acquisition revenues.~~

Organic revenue grew ~~1.3% and 4.7% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively,~~1.0% as a result of penetration gains, exceeding ~~auto build growth in every key geography. Worldwide~~worldwide auto builds ~~grew 2% and 3% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.~~which declined 1%.


◦	European organic revenue grew ~~7.8% and 8.8% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, compared to~~1.1%, exceeding European auto builds which ~~increased 5% in the third quarter and 2% in the year-to-date period.~~were flat.

◦

Asia Pacific organic revenue increased ~~9.0% and 12.2% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.~~0.6%. China organic revenue grew ~~10.3% and 17.9% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively,~~7.8% versus Chinese auto builds which ~~increased~~declined 3%. Auto builds of foreign automotive manufacturers in China, where the Company has higher content, grew 1% in the ~~third quarter and 3% in the year-to-date period.~~first quarter.

◦

North American organic revenue ~~declined 6.7% and 0.8% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.~~increased 1.1% versus North American auto builds which declined ~~10% in the third quarter and 4% in the year-to-date period.~~3%. Auto ~~builds~~build growth for the Detroit 3, where the Company has higher content, ~~declined 14%~~was flat in the ~~third quarter and 7% in the year-to-date period.~~first quarter.

Operating margin was ~~21.6% in the third quarter.~~24.1%. The decrease of 2030 basis points was primarily driven by unfavorable price/cost of 120 basis points, ~~and higher restructuring expenses,~~ partially offset by the net benefits ~~from~~of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management and lower restructuring expenses of ~~80 basis points and positive operating leverage of 30~~40 basis points.

In the year-to-date period, operating margin of 22.7% decreased 180 basis points primarily driven by the dilutive impact of 160 basis points from the EF&C acquisition, unfavorable price/cost of 110 basis points and higher restructuring expenses, partially offset by positive operating leverage of 80 basis points and the net benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 60 basis points.

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 institutional/restaurant ~~food service~~ and food retail 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 ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods~~2017 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions September 30, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2017 2016 Inc (Dec) Organic Acquisition/Divestiture Restructuring Foreign Currency Total
Operating revenue $ 549
$ 544
1.1 % (0.4 )% — % — % 1.5 % 1.1 %
Operating income $ 150
$ 149
0.6 % 0.3 % — % (1.0 )% 1.3 % 0.6 %
Operating margin % 27.3 % 27.4 % (10) bps
20 bps
—
(30) bps
—
(10) bps


	Nine Months Ended																		Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions	September 30,								Components of Increase (Decrease)										March 31,								Components of Increase (Decrease)
	2017			2016			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total		2018			2017			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total
Operating revenue	$	1,575		$	1,578		(0.2	)%	0.7	%	—	%	—	%	(0.9	)%	(0.2	)%	$	527		$	497		6.0	%	0.4	%	—	%	—	%	5.6	%	6.0	%
Operating income	$	414		$	405		2.2	%	2.5	%	—	%	0.6	%	(0.9	)%	2.2	%	$	130		$	125		3.9	%	(2.5	)%	—	%	1.2	%	5.2	%	3.9	%
Operating margin %	26.3		%	25.7		%	60 bps		40 bps		—		20 bps		—		60 bps		24.6		%	25.1		%	(50) bps		(70) bps		—		30 bps		(10) bps		(50) bps

Operating revenue increased ~~in the third quarter~~ due to the favorable effect of foreign currency translation ~~partially offset by a slight decline in~~and higher organic revenue. ~~Operating revenue decreased in the year-to-date period due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by organic revenue growth.~~

Organic revenue ~~decreased~~increased 0.4% ~~in the third quarter as equipment and service organic revenue declined 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively. In the year-to-date period, organic revenue increased 0.7%~~ as equipment and service organic revenue increased ~~0.8%~~0.4% and ~~0.4%~~0.6%, respectively.

◦

North American organic revenue ~~declined 3.6% in the third quarter.~~increased 0.2%. Equipment organic revenue ~~decreased 5.5% primarily due to~~was flat as higher end market demand in food service, refrigeration and cooking was offset by lower end market demand in food ~~services.~~retail. Service organic revenue ~~declined 0.3%~~grew 0.6%. In the year-to-date period, North American organic revenue decreased 1.1%. Equipment organic revenue, which had a challenging comparable in the prior year period of 5.7% growth, decreased 1.8% primarily due to lower demand in the retail and restaurant end markets, partially offset by higher demand in the institutional end market. Service organic revenue was flat.

◦

International organic revenue increased ~~4.0% and 3.2% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.~~0.7%. Equipment organic revenue grew ~~5.9% and 4.0% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively,~~0.9% primarily due to higher demand in the European ~~refrigeration and~~ warewash end ~~markets.~~markets, partially offset by lower end market demand in refrigeration. Service organic revenue ~~decreased 0.5% in the third quarter and~~ increased ~~1.3% in the year-to-date period.~~0.6%.

Operating margin of ~~27.3% in the third quarter~~24.6% declined 10 basis points primarily due to product mix of 100 basis points and higher restructuring expenses, partially offset by the benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives of 110 basis points and favorable price/cost of 10 basis points.

~~In the year-to-date period, operating margin of 26.3% increased 60~~50 basis points primarily due to the unfavorable impact of product mix and higher employee-related expenses, partially offset by benefits offrom the Company's enterprise initiatives, ~~of 100 basis points~~lower restructuring expenses and ~~20 basis points each for~~ favorable price/cost ~~positive operating leverage and lower restructuring expenses, partially offset by product mix~~ of ~~100~~10 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, industrial capital goods, automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers, 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 and related consumable solder materials;

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 telecommunications, electronics, medical and transportation applications.

The results of operations for the Test & Measurement and Electronics segment for the ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods~~2017 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions September 30, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2017 2016 Inc (Dec) Organic Acquisition/Divestiture Restructuring Foreign Currency Total
Operating revenue $ 525
$ 516
1.8 % 0.8 % — % — % 1.0 % 1.8 %
Operating income $ 127
$ 108
16.9 % 13.3 % — % 2.8 % 0.8 % 16.9 %
Operating margin % 24.1 % 21.0 % 310 bps
260 bps
—
50 bps
—
310 bps


	Nine Months Ended																		Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions	September 30,								Components of Increase (Decrease)										March 31,								Components of Increase (Decrease)
	2017			2016			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total		2018			2017			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total
Operating revenue	$	1,524		$	1,487		2.5	%	3.5	%	—	%	—	%	(1.0	)%	2.5	%	$	543		$	480		13.1	%	7.6	%	—	%	—	%	5.5	%	13.1	%
Operating income	$	337		$	274		22.8	%	22.5	%	—	%	1.3	%	(1.0	)%	22.8	%	$	127		$	96		32.1	%	23.8	%	—	%	2.0	%	6.3	%	32.1	%
Operating margin %	22.1		%	18.4		%	370 bps		340 bps		—		30 bps		—		370 bps		23.4		%	20.0		%	340 bps		310 bps		—		30 bps		—		340 bps

Operating revenue increased ~~in the third quarter~~ due to ~~the favorable effect of foreign currency translation and~~higher organic revenue ~~growth. Operating revenue increased in~~and the ~~year-to-date period due to organic revenue growth, partially offset by the unfavorable~~favorable effect of foreign currency translation.

Organic revenue increased ~~0.8% and 3.5% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.~~7.6%.

◦

Organic revenue for the test and measurement businesses increased ~~4.2% and 5.1% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively,~~9.4% primarily due to higher semi-conductor end market demand ~~across all major regions.~~in North America. Instron, where demand is more closely tied to the capital spending environment, had organic revenue growth of ~~2.6% and 3.9% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.~~14.7%.

◦

Electronics organic revenue ~~which had a challenging comparable in the prior year third quarter of 12.5% growth, decreased 2.6% in the third quarter and increased 1.8% in the year-to-date period.~~grew 5.3%. The electronics assembly businesses ~~declined 12.8% and 2.2% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively,~~increased 2.3% primarily due to ~~a decrease~~higher demand in ~~North America.~~the Asia Pacific solar end market. The other electronics businesses grew ~~7.0% and 4.8% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively,~~7.2% due to higher semi-conductor end market ~~demand.~~demand across all major regions.

Operating margin was ~~24.1% in the third quarter.~~23.4%. The increase of ~~310~~340 basis points was primarily due to positive operating leverage of 210 basis points, the net benefits ~~resulting from~~of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management, ~~of 130 basis points,~~lower restructuring expenses and favorable price/cost of 5010 basis ~~points, lower restructuring expenses and positive operating leverage of 20 basis~~ points.

In the year-to-date period, operating margin of 22.1% increased 370 basis points primarily driven by the net benefits resulting from the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 130 basis points, positive operating leverage of 110 basis points and 30 basis points each of favorable price/cost and lower restructuring expenses.

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

arc welding equipment;

metal arc welding consumables and related accessories; and

metal jacketing and other insulation products.

The results of operations for the Welding segment for the ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods~~2017 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions September 30, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2017 2016 Inc (Dec) Organic Restructuring Impairment Foreign Currency Total
Operating revenue $ 378
$ 361
4.8 % 3.9 % — % — % 0.9 % 4.8 %
Operating income $ 100
$ 95
5.4 % 7.0 % (2.2 )% — % 0.6 % 5.4 %
Operating margin % 26.6 % 26.5 % 10 bps
80 bps
(60) bps
—
(10) bps
10 bps


	Nine Months Ended																		Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions	September 30,								Components of Increase (Decrease)										March 31,								Components of Increase (Decrease)
	2017			2016			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Restructuring		Impairment		Foreign Currency		Total		2018			2017			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total
Operating revenue	$	1,150		$	1,125		2.3	%	2.2	%	—	%	—	%	0.1	%	2.3	%	$	423		$	387		9.4	%	7.6	%	—	%	—	%	1.8	%	9.4	%
Operating income	$	312		$	282		10.8	%	7.4	%	2.3	%	1.1	%	—	%	10.8	%	$	117		$	107		9.6	%	8.1	%	—	%	0.7	%	0.8	%	9.6	%
Operating margin %	27.2		%	25.1		%	210 bps		120 bps		60 bps		30 bps		—		210 bps		27.7		%	27.7		%	—	%	10 bps		—		20 bps		(30) bps		—

Operating revenue increased ~~in the third quarter and year-to-date periods~~ due to higher organic revenue and the favorable effect of foreign currency translation.

Organic revenue grew ~~3.9% in the third quarter~~7.6% driven by growth in equipment of ~~6.5%~~10.5% and consumables of ~~0.5%~~3.6%. ~~In the year-to-date period, organic revenue increased 2.2% as equipment grew 4.6%, partially offset by a decrease of 0.8% in consumables. In both periods, organic~~Organic revenue grew due to increased 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 ~~8.0% in the third quarter~~9.4% primarily due to ~~11.0% and 5.2%~~ growth in the industrial and commercial end markets ~~respectively. North American organic revenue grew 4.8% in the year-to-date period primarily driven by approximately 5% growth in the industrial~~of 15.0% and ~~commercial end markets.~~1.6%, respectively.


◦	International organic revenue decreased ~~11.2% and 7.3% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively,~~0.4% primarily due to weaker end market demand in the European ~~and Asian~~ oil and gas end markets.

Operating margin of 27.7% was ~~26.6% in the third quarter. The increase of 10 basis points was primarily due~~flat compared to the ~~net~~prior year. The benefits offrom the Company's enterprise initiatives and ~~cost management of 80 basis points and positive operating leverage of 60 basis points, partially offset by 60 basis points each of unfavorable price/cost and higher restructuring expenses.~~

~~In the year-to-date period, operating margin of 27.2% increased 210 basis points due to the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 140 basis points,~~ lower restructuring expenses ~~of 60 basis points and positive operating leverage of 40 basis points, partially~~were offset by ~~unfavorable price/cost of 60 basis points. In addition, the prior year period was negatively impacted by an intangible asset impairment charge of 30 basis points.~~higher operating expenses, including freight and employee-related expenses.

POLYMERS & FLUIDS

This segment is a highly 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 ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods~~2017 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions September 30, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2017 2016 Inc (Dec) Organic Acquisition/Divestiture Restructuring Foreign Currency Total
Operating revenue $ 434
$ 422
2.6 % 1.0 % — % — % 1.6 % 2.6 %
Operating income $ 90
$ 89
2.5 % 2.1 % — % (0.9 )% 1.3 % 2.5 %
Operating margin % 21.0 % 21.0 % —
20 bps
—
(20) bps
—
—


	Nine Months Ended																		Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions	September 30,								Components of Increase (Decrease)										March 31,								Components of Increase (Decrease)
	2017			2016			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total		2018			2017			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total
Operating revenue	$	1,297		$	1,283		1.0	%	0.5	%	—	%	—	%	0.5	%	1.0	%	$	442		$	426		3.8	%	0.3	%	—	%	—	%	3.5	%	3.8	%
Operating income	$	272		$	266		2.5	%	4.3	%	—	%	(1.6	)%	(0.2	)%	2.5	%	$	92		$	88		5.1	%	(0.7	)%	—	%	1.9	%	3.9	%	5.1	%
Operating margin %	21.0		%	20.7		%	30 bps		80 bps		—		(30) bps		(20) bps		30 bps		20.9		%	20.6		%	30 bps		(20) bps		—		40 bps		10 bps		30 bps

Operating revenue increased ~~in the third quarter and year-to-date periods~~ due to ~~higher organic revenue and~~ the favorable effect of foreign currency ~~translation.~~translation and higher organic revenue.

Organic revenue ~~grew 1.0% and 0.5% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, primarily due to~~increased 0.3% as higher demand in Asia and South America was partially offset by lower demand in North ~~American end markets.~~America and Europe.


◦	Organic revenue for the automotive aftermarket businesses increased 0.6% in the third quarter primarily driven by growth in the tire repair businesses in North America. In the year-to-date period, organic revenue grew 0.3% as stronger demand in the car care, engine and tire repair businesses in North America was offset by a decline in the body repair and additives businesses in Asia Pacific.


◦	Organic revenue for the fluids businesses grew ~~4.4% and 2.2% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively,~~1.1% primarily due to an increase in the industrial maintenance, repair, and operations end markets ~~in Europe and North America.~~across all major regions.


◦	Organic revenue for the polymers businesses increased 0.8% primarily driven by an increase in North America and Asia Pacific, partially offset by a decline in Europe.

◦

Organic revenue for the automotive aftermarket businesses decreased ~~1.3% in the third quarter~~0.4% primarily driven by a decline in ~~Europe,~~the car care, engine and body repair businesses in North America, partially offset by an increase in the tire repair businesses in North ~~America. In~~America and the ~~year-to-date period, organic revenue declined 0.9% primarily driven by a decline~~additives businesses in ~~Europe and North America.~~Europe.

Operating margin ~~was 21.0% in the third quarter and was flat compared to the prior year as the net benefits~~ of ~~the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management and positive operating leverage were offset by unfavorable price/cost of 30 basis points and higher restructuring expenses.~~

~~In the year-to-date period, operating margin of 21.0%~~20.9% increased 30 basis points primarily driven by the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management and lower restructuring expenses, partially offset by unfavorable price/cost of 100 basis points, ~~partially offset by 30 basis points each of unfavorable price/cost~~product mix and higher ~~restructuring expenses.~~freight costs.

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

This segment is a branded supplier of innovative engineered fastening systems and solutions. This segment primarily serves the residential construction, renovation/remodel ~~construction~~ 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 ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods~~2017 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions September 30, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2017 2016 Inc (Dec) Organic Acquisition/Divestiture Restructuring Foreign Currency Total
Operating revenue $ 440
$ 415
6.0 % 3.5 % — % — % 2.5 % 6.0 %
Operating income $ 112
$ 94
18.8 % 9.0 % — % 7.2 % 2.6 % 18.8 %
Operating margin % 25.4 % 22.6 % 280 bps
130 bps
—
150 bps
—
280 bps


	Nine Months Ended																		Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions	September 30,								Components of Increase (Decrease)										March 31,								Components of Increase (Decrease)
	2017			2016			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total		2018			2017			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total
Operating revenue	$	1,260		$	1,223		3.0	%	2.7	%	—	%	—	%	0.3	%	3.0	%	$	428		$	395		8.3	%	2.9	%	—	%	—	%	5.4	%	8.3	%
Operating income	$	303		$	278		8.9	%	5.6	%	—	%	2.7	%	0.6	%	8.9	%	$	95		$	89		6.7	%	2.0	%	—	%	(0.6	)%	5.3	%	6.7	%
Operating margin %	24.0		%	22.7		%	130 bps		70 bps		—		60 bps		—		130 bps		22.2		%	22.5		%	(30) bps		(20) bps		—		(10) bps		—		(30) bps

Operating revenue increased ~~in the third quarter and year-to-date periods~~ due to ~~organic revenue growth and~~ the favorable effect of foreign currency ~~translation.~~translation and higher organic revenue.

Organic revenue increased ~~3.5% and 2.7% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.~~2.9%.

◦

North American organic revenue grew ~~4.4% in the third quarter~~6.6% primarily due to ~~6.9%~~8.7% growth in the residential end markets, partially offset by a decline of 3.3% in the commercial end markets. North American organic revenue increased 1.9% in the year-to-date period primarily due to 2.6% growth in the residential end markets, partially offset by a decline of 0.4%1.8% in the commercial end markets.

◦

International organic revenue increased ~~2.8% and 3.2% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.~~0.4%. Asia Pacific organic revenue increased ~~2.7% in both the third quarter and year-to-date periods~~3.2% primarily due to growth in the Australia and New Zealand retail end markets. European organic revenue ~~increased 2.9% in the third quarter~~decreased 2.3% primarily due to ~~growth~~a decline in ~~continental Europe and the Nordic countries. In the year-to-date period, European organic revenue grew 3.7% primarily due to growth in continental Europe,~~ the United Kingdom and the Nordic countries.

Operating margin was ~~25.4% in the third quarter.~~22.2%. The ~~increase~~decline of ~~280~~30 basis points was primarily driven by lower restructuring expenses of 150 basis points, the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 130 basis points and positive operating leverage of 90 basis points, partially offset by unfavorable price/cost of ~~90 basis points.~~

In the year-to-date period, operating margin of 24.0% increased 130 basis points driven by the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 90 basis points, positive operating leverage of 70 basis points and ~~lower restructuring~~higher freight and employee-related expenses, ~~of 60 basis points,~~ partially offset by ~~unfavorable price/cost of 90 basis points.~~benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives.

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

This segment is focused on diversified niche market opportunities ~~that deliver strong operating results~~ 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, printing and publishing and industrial capital goods 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 fasteners and components for appliances;

airport ground support equipment; and

components for medical devices.

The results of operations for the Specialty Products segment for the ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods~~2017 were as follows:

Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions September 30, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2017 2016 Inc (Dec) Organic Acquisition/Divestiture Restructuring Foreign Currency Total
Operating revenue $ 498
$ 477
4.6 % 4.5 % (1.2 )% — % 1.3 % 4.6 %
Operating income $ 138
$ 125
10.8 % 13.6 % (0.3 )% (3.9 )% 1.4 % 10.8 %
Operating margin % 27.7 % 26.1 % 160 bps
230 bps
30 bps
(100) bps
—
160 bps


	Nine Months Ended																		Three Months Ended
Dollars in millions	September 30,								Components of Increase (Decrease)										March 31,								Components of Increase (Decrease)
	2017			2016			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total		2018			2017			Inc (Dec)		Organic		Acquisition/Divestiture		Restructuring		Foreign Currency		Total
Operating revenue	$	1,451		$	1,429		1.5	%	3.1	%	(1.1	)%	—	%	(0.5	)%	1.5	%	$	485		$	463		4.9	%	0.5	%	(0.3	)%	—	%	4.7	%	4.9	%
Operating income	$	401		$	373		7.6	%	9.8	%	—	%	(1.8	)%	(0.4	)%	7.6	%	$	130		$	124		4.2	%	(0.7	)%	(0.3	)%	0.5	%	4.7	%	4.2	%
Operating margin %	27.6		%	26.1		%	150 bps		170 bps		30 bps		(50) bps		—		150 bps		26.7		%	26.9		%	(20) bps		(30) bps		—		10 bps		—		(20) bps

Operating revenue increased ~~in the third quarter~~primarily due to ~~organic revenue growth and~~ the favorable effect of foreign currency translation and higher organic revenue.

Organic revenue increased 0.5% as equipment sales increased 7.7%, partially offset by a ~~divestiture. For the year-to-date period, operating revenue increased due to organic revenue growth, partially offset by a divestiture and the unfavorable effect~~decline in consumable sales of ~~foreign currency translation.~~1.1%.

Organic revenue increased 4.5% and 3.1% for the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, as the consumer packaging businesses grew 3.6% and 3.2% in each respective period. Consumable sales increased 6.1% and 5.1% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. Equipment sales declined 1.3% and 4.4% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively.


◦	North American organic revenue increased 3.0% in the third quarter primarily due to an increase in the brand identification, medical and consumer packaging businesses. In the year-to-date period, organic revenue grew 0.5% primarily due to growth in the medical, consumer packaging, appliance and brand identification businesses, partially offset by a decline in the equipment businesses.


◦	International organic revenue increased ~~6.9% and 7.7% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively,~~2.3% primarily driven by growth in the consumer packaging and equipment businesses in ~~Europe and Asia Pacific.~~Europe.


◦	North American organic revenue decreased 0.5% primarily due to a decline in the labels businesses, partially offset by an increase in the equipment businesses.

Operating margin was ~~27.7% for the third quarter.~~26.7%. The ~~increase~~decrease of ~~160~~20 basis points was primarily driven by ~~the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 130 basis points, positive~~higher operating ~~leverage of 90 basis points and the impact of a divestiture, partially offset by higher restructuring~~ expenses, ~~of 100 basis points and unfavorable price/cost of 10 basis points.~~

In the year-to-date period, operating margin of 27.6% increased 150 basis points driven by the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 130 basis points, positive operating leverage of 70 basis points and the impact of a divestiture, partially offset by higher restructuringincluding employee-related expenses, and unfavorable price/cost of 3020 basis ~~points.~~points, partially offset by benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives.

OTHER FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Interest expense ~~of $65 million and $194~~was $66 million in the ~~third~~first quarter ~~and year-to-date periods, respectively, increased from $58~~of 2018, an increase of $2 million ~~and $174 million in the respective 2016 periods,~~ primarily due to higher outstanding commercial paper during the ~~debt issuance in the fourth~~first quarter of ~~2016.~~2018.

Other income (expense) was income of ~~$10~~$12 million in the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2017 and $24~~2018, an increase of $6 million ~~in the year-to-date period, a decrease compared to the prior year of $3 million in the third quarter and $10 million in the year-to-date period~~ primarily driven by ~~foreign currency~~other net periodic benefit income related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans and lower translation losses.

The effective tax rate was 29.3% and 28.7% for the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, compared to 30.0% in both respective periods of 2016. Included in the effective tax rate for 2017 was a discrete income tax benefit of $6 million in the third quarter and $32 million in the year-to-date period related to the adoption of the new stock-based compensation guidance. Excluding this discrete tax benefit, the Company's effective tax rate for the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2017 would have been 30.0%. Refer to Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies in Item 1 - Financial Statements for further information.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the ~~"FASB"~~“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance to change the criteria for revenue recognition. The core principle of the new ~~standard~~guidance is that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, ~~several new~~expanded revenue ~~recognition~~ disclosures ~~will be~~are required. ~~Under current guidance, the Company~~The Company's sales arrangements with customers are predominantly short-term in nature and generally ~~recognizes operating revenue when~~provide for transfer of control and risks and rewards of ownership ~~and risk of loss are transferred to the customer, which is typically~~ at the time of product shipment or delivery of service. ~~The Company has completed a review~~As such, the timing of revenue ~~transactions~~recognition under both the prior and new guidance is the same for ~~a significant portion~~the majority of ~~its businesses. While~~ the ~~review is not fully completed,~~Company’s transactions. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company ~~does~~adopted the new revenue guidance under the modified retrospective method and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment reducing retained earnings by $9 million as of January 1, 2018. Under the modified retrospective method of adoption, prior periods are not ~~currently expect~~restated and the ~~adoption~~new guidance is applied prospectively to revenue transactions completed on or after January 1, 2018. Given the nature of ~~this~~the Company’s revenue transactions, the new guidance ~~to have a material~~had an immaterial impact on ~~its~~the Company's operating revenue, results of operations, orand financial ~~position. However, the Company expects to provide additional disclosures in the notes to financial statements required under the new guidance. The new guidance will be effective~~position for the ~~Company beginning January 1, 2018 and allows for either full or modified retrospective adoption methods.~~three months ended March 31, 2018. The Company ~~expects~~updated its revenue recognition accounting policy to ~~adopt~~reflect the ~~new revenue accounting guidance utilizing the modified retrospective method.~~

~~In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to change the criteria for recognizing leasing transactions. Under~~requirements of the new guidance ~~a lessee will be required~~and included additional disclosures regarding the Company's revenue transactions. Refer to ~~recognize a lease liability~~Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies and ~~lease asset~~Note 2. Operating Revenue in Item 1. Financial Statements for all leases with a lease term greater than twelve months in the statement of financial position, including operating leases. Subsequent measurement, including presentation of expenses and cash flows, will depend on the classification of the lease as either a financing or operating lease. In addition, several new disclosures will be required. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. While the Company has not yet completed its evaluation of the impact the new lease accounting guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, the Company expects to recognize right of use assets and liabilities for its operating leases in the statement of financial position upon adoption.

In October 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs rather than when transferred to a third party as required under the ~~current~~prior guidance. The provisions of the new guidance ~~is effective for the Company beginning~~will be applied prospectively to intra-entity asset transfers on or after January 1, 2018 and ~~will be applied prospectively with~~may result in future tax rate volatility. Upon adoption of the ~~cumulative effect of adoption recorded directly to retained earnings. Although~~new guidance on January 1, 2018, the Company ~~is currently completing its assessment of the potential impact of this new guidance, the Company anticipates~~recorded a cumulative-effect ~~balance sheet~~ adjustment reducing deferred tax assets and retained earnings ~~upon adoption. Additionally, intra-entity asset transfers may result in future~~by $406 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the impact of the new guidance on the Company's effective income tax rate ~~volatility under the new guidance. The Company intends to complete its assessment in the fourth quarter of 2017.~~was not material.

In March 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which changes the income statement presentation ~~of the components~~ of net periodic benefit cost related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The primary change under the new guidance is that only the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost should be included in operating income and is eligible for capitalization as an asset. The other components of net periodic benefit cost ~~such as~~("other net periodic benefit cost"), including interest cost, ~~the~~ expected return on assets, settlements, curtailments, and amortization of actuarial gains and losses and prior service cost, should be presented below operating income. ~~The guidance is effective for the Company starting~~Effective January 1, 2018, ~~and will be applied retrospectively to~~ the Company adopted the new presentation of other net periodic benefit cost and ~~prospectively to~~restated the ~~capitalization~~prior year statement of ~~service cost. The Company does not expect~~income and related disclosures for comparability, as required under the ~~adoption~~new guidance. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, other net periodic benefit cost was income of ~~this guidance to have a material impact on the results of operations or financial position.~~$5 million and $2 million, respectively, and was presented in Other income (expense) in both periods. Refer to Note 6.5. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits in Item ~~1 -~~1. Financial Statements for ~~further information information regarding~~additional information.

In February 2018, the ~~Company’s net periodic benefit cost.~~FASB issued authoritative guidance which allows for an optional one-time reclassification of the stranded tax effects resulting from the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate under the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the "Act") from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings. The guidance is effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance as of January 1, 2018 and to reclassify the stranded tax effects related to the Act, which resulted in an increase of $45 million to both retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss. Refer to Note 7. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Item 1. Financial Statements for additional information.

greater than twelve months, including operating leases, in the statement of financial position. Subsequent measurement, including presentation of expenses and cash flows, will depend on the classification of the lease as either a financing or operating lease. In addition, expanded disclosures will be required. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. While the Company has not yet completed its evaluation of the impact the new lease accounting guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, the Company expects to recognize right-of-use assets and liabilities for its operating leases in the statement of financial position upon adoption.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are free cash flow and short-term credit facilities. In addition, the Company had ~~$2.8~~$1.9 billion of cash and equivalents on hand at ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and also maintains 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, and an active share repurchase program.

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

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 ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods of~~ 2017 ~~and 2016~~ was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,						March 31,
In millions	2017			2016			2017			2016			2018			2017
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	780		$	624		$	1,707		$	1,638		$	538		$	463
Additions to plant and equipment	(78		)	(81		)	(219		)	(202		)	(94		)	(64		)
Free cash flow	$	702		$	543		$	1,488		$	1,436		$	444		$	399

Cash dividends paid	$	(224	)	$	(195	)	$	(674	)	$	(593	)	$	(266	)	$	(226	)
Repurchases of common stock	(250		)	(482		)	(750		)	(1,482		)	(500		)	(250		)
Acquisition of businesses (excluding cash and equivalents) and additional interest in affiliates	—			(454		)	(3		)	(456		)	—			(3		)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) debt with original maturities of three months or less	6			499			697			188			(840		)	671
Net repayments of debt with original maturities of more than three months	—			—			(652		)	—
Repayments of debt with original maturities of more than three months													—			(652		)
Other	19			36			73			109			3			17
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	36			(3		)	134			7			5			65
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	$	289		$	(56	)	$	313		$	(791	)	$	(1,154	)	$	21

~~Free cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 included an additional $115 million discretionary pension contribution made in the second quarter of 2017.~~

Stock Repurchase Program

On February 13, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program which provides for the buyback of up to $6.0 billion of the Company's common stock over an open-ended period of time (the “2015 Program”). Under the 2015 Program, the Company repurchased approximately 5.3 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $94.07 in the first quarter of 2016, approximately 4.8 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $104.54 in the second quarter of 2016, approximately 4.3 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $116.27 in the third quarter of 2016, approximately 4.3 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $117.29 in the fourth quarter of

~~2016, approximately~~ 1.9 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $128.47 in the first quarter of 2017, approximately 1.8 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $136.81 in the second quarter of 2017, ~~and~~ approximately 1.8 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $142.54 in the third quarter of ~~2017.~~2017, approximately 1.6 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $157.51 in the fourth quarter of 2017, and approximately 3.0 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $164.04 in the first quarter of 2018. As of ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, there were approximately ~~$2.7~~$1.9 billion of authorized repurchases remaining under the 2015 Program.

~~Adjusted~~ After-Tax Return on Average Invested Capital

The Company uses ~~adjusted~~ after-tax return on average invested capital ("ROIC") to measure the effectiveness of its operations’ use of invested capital to generate profits. ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is a meaningful metric to investors in evaluating the Company’s financial performance and may be different than the method used by other companies to calculate ROIC. ~~Adjusted average~~Average invested capital represents the net assets of the Company, excluding cash and equivalents and outstanding debt, which are excluded as they do not represent capital investment in the Company's ~~operations, as well as the Company's equity investment in the Wilsonart business (formerly the Decorative Surfaces segment).~~operations. Average invested capital is calculated using balances at the start of the period and at the end of each quarter. ROIC for the ~~third~~first quarter of 2018 and ~~year-to-date periods of~~ 2017 ~~and 2016~~ was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,						March 31,
Dollars in millions	2017			2016			2017			2016			2018			2017
Operating income	$	961		$	808		$	2,644		$	2,322		$	903		$	807
Tax rate(1)	29.3		%	30.0		%	28.7		%	30.0		%	25.0		%	28.3		%
Income taxes	(282		)	(243		)	(759		)	(697		)	(226		)	(229		)
Operating income after taxes	$	679		$	565		$	1,885		$	1,625		$	677		$	578

Invested capital:
Trade receivables	$	2,672		$	2,496		$	2,672		$	2,496		$	2,874		$	2,534
Inventories	1,225			1,167			1,225			1,167			1,335			1,158
Net plant and equipment	1,759			1,702			1,759			1,702			1,829			1,674
Goodwill and intangible assets	6,051			6,191			6,051			6,191			6,021			6,016
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(1,816		)	(1,762		)	(1,816		)	(1,762		)	(1,905		)	(1,723		)
Other, net	487			393			487			393			(382		)	222
Total invested capital	$	10,378		$	10,187		$	10,378		$	10,187		$	9,772		$	9,881

Average invested capital	$	10,354		$	9,973		$	10,051		$	9,821		$	9,797		$	9,748
Adjustment for Wilsonart (formerly the Decorative Surfaces segment)	—			(116		)	—			(114		)
Adjusted average invested capital	$	10,354		$	9,857		$	10,051		$	9,707
Adjusted return on average invested capital	26.3		%	23.0		%	25.0		%	22.3		%
Annualized return on average invested capital													27.7		%	23.7		%

⁽¹⁾ The tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 represents the estimated effective tax rate for the full year of 2018.

ROIC ~~increased 330 basis points~~ for the three ~~month period~~months ended ~~September 30, 2017 compared~~March 31, 2018 was 27.7 percent, an improvement of 400 basis points, of which 350 basis points related to the prior year period as a result of a 20.1% improvement in after-tax operating income versus a 5.0% increase in adjusted average invested capital. ROIC increased 270 basis points for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017 compared to the prior year period as a result of a 16.0% improvement in after-tax operating income versus a 3.5% increase in adjusted average invested capital.

~~ROIC was favorably impacted by 220 basis points~~new U.S. tax rules and 90 basis points for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, related to a confidential legal settlement in 2017. Refer to Note 8. Legal Settlement in Item 1 - Financial Statements for further information regarding this settlement.regulations.

The discrete tax benefit related to share-based compensation of $6 million and $32 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 improved after-tax ROIC by approximately 30 and 40 basis points, respectively. Refer to Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies in Item 1 - Financial Statements for further information.

Working Capital

Management uses working capital as a measurement of the short-term liquidity of the Company. Net working capital as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and December 31, ~~2016~~2017 is summarized as follows:


In millions	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		Increase/ (Decrease)			March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017		Increase/ (Decrease)
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	2,785	$	2,472	$	313		$	1,940	$	3,094	$	(1,154	)
Trade receivables	2,672		2,357		315			2,874		2,628		246
Inventories	1,225		1,076		149			1,335		1,220		115
Other	230		218		12			274		336		(62		)
Total current assets	6,912		6,123		789			6,423		7,278		(855		)
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	698		652		46			660		850		(190		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,816		1,713		103			1,905		1,848		57
Other	353		395		(42		)	360		355		5
Total current liabilities	2,867		2,760		107			2,925		3,053		(128		)
Net working capital	$	4,045	$	3,363	$	682		$	3,498	$	4,225	$	(727	)

Cash and equivalents totaled approximately ~~$2.8~~$1.9 billion as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and ~~$2.5~~$3.1 billion as of December 31, ~~2016,~~2017, primarily all of which was held by international subsidiaries. Cash and equivalents held internationally may be subject to ~~U.S. income taxes and~~ foreign withholding taxes if repatriated to the U.S. ~~Cash~~A portion of the cash and equivalents balances held internationally ~~are~~is typically used for international operating needs, reinvested to fund expansion of existing international businesses, used to fund new international acquisitions, or used to repay debt held internationally. In the U.S., the Company utilizes cash flows from domestic operations to fund domestic cash needs, which primarily consist of dividend payments, share repurchases, acquisitions, servicing of domestic debt obligations and general corporate needs. The Company also uses its commercial paper program, which is backed by long-term credit facilities, for short-term liquidity needs. The Company believes cash generated domestically and liquidity provided by the Company's commercial paper program will continue to be sufficient to fund cash requirements in the U.S.

On December 22, 2017, the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the "Act") was enacted in the United States. The provisions of the Act significantly revised the U.S. corporate income tax rules, including a one-time repatriation tax on the deemed repatriation of post-1986 undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. As a result of the one-time repatriation provisions of the Act, the Company provided for substantially all U.S. taxes on the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company repatriated approximately $1.5 billion of cash and equivalents held by its international subsidiaries, which was primarily used to repay outstanding commercial paper and to fund share repurchases in the quarter.

Debt

Total debt as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and December 31, ~~2016~~2017 was as follows:


In millions	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Short-term debt	$	698	$	652	$	660	$	850
Long-term debt	7,439		7,177		6,889		7,478
Total debt	$	8,137	$	7,829	$	7,549	$	8,328

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. 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. EBITDA and the ratio of total debt to EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. 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 ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 and December 31, ~~2016~~2017 was as follows:


Dollars in millions	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Total debt	$	8,137		$	7,829		$	7,549		$	8,328

Net income	$	2,270		$	2,035		$	1,803		$	1,687
Add:
Interest expense	257			237			262			260
Other income	(71		)	(81		)	(51		)	(45		)
Income taxes	930			873			1,567			1,583
Depreciation	252			246			262			256
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets	210			224			201			206
EBITDA	$	3,848		$	3,534		$	4,044		$	3,947
Total debt to EBITDA ratio	2.1			2.2			1.9			2.1

Stockholders’ Equity

The changes to stockholders’ equity during ~~2017~~2018 were as follows:


In millions
Total stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2016	$	4,259
Total stockholders’ equity, December 31, 2017				$	4,589
Net income	1,763			652
Adoption of new accounting guidance				(415		)
Repurchases of common stock	(750		)	(500		)
Cash dividends declared	(715		)	(264		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	367			83
Stock option and restricted stock activity	73
Other	29			18
Total stockholders’ equity, September 30, 2017	$	5,026
Total stockholders’ equity, March 31, 2018				$	4,163

The adoption of new accounting guidance included cumulative-effect adjustments of $406 million related to the tax consequences of intra-entity asset transfers and $9 million related to revenue recognition. Refer to Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies in Item 1. Financial Statements for additional information.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document 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," "intends," "may," "strategy," "prospects," "estimate," "project," "target," "anticipate," "guidance," "forecast," and other similar words, including, without limitation, statements regarding the expected performance of acquired businesses and impact of divested businesses, economic conditions in various geographic regions, the timing and amount of share repurchases, the timing and amount of benefits from the Company's ~~Enterprise Strategy,~~enterprise initiatives, 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 impact of the recently enacted U.S. tax legislation, the cost and availability of additional financing, the Company's portion of future benefit payments related to pension and postretirement benefits, ~~the expected impact of a change in the method of calculating the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs to a specific spot rate approach,~~ the availability of raw materials and energy, the expiration of any one of the Company's patents, the cost of compliance with environmental regulations, the likelihood of

future goodwill or intangible asset impairment charges, the impact of failure of the Company's employees to comply with applicable laws and regulations, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, the outcome of outstanding legal proceedings, the impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements, and the estimated timing and amount related to the

resolution of tax matters. 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) weaknesses or downturns in the markets served by the Company, (2) changes or deterioration in international and domestic political and economic conditions, (3) the timing and amount of benefits from the Company’s enterprise initiatives and their impact on organic revenue growth, (4) market conditions and availability of financing to fund the Company's share repurchases, (5) the risk of intentional acts of the Company's employees, agents or business partners that violate anti-corruption and other laws, (6) the unfavorable impact of foreign currency fluctuations, (7) a delay or decrease in the introduction of new products into the Company’s product lines or failure to protect the Company's intellectual property, (8) the potential negative impact of acquisitions on the Company’s profitability and returns, (9) negative effects of divestitures, including retained liabilities and unknown contingent liabilities, (10) potential negative impact of impairments to goodwill and other intangible assets on the Company’s profitability and return on invested capital, (11) increases in funding costs or decreases in credit availability due to market conditions or changes to the Company's credit ratings, (12) raw material price increases and supply shortages, (13) unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings, (14) financial market risks to the Company’s obligations under its defined benefit pension plans, (15) potential adverse outcomes in legal proceedings, (16) uncertainties related to climate change regulation, and ~~(16)~~(17) negative effects of service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks, or network security ~~breaches.~~breaches, or violations of data privacy laws. A more detailed description of these risks is contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2016.~~2017. 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 ~~the Company~~ITW speak only as of the date on which they are made. ~~The Company~~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.

~~The Company~~ITW practices fair disclosure for all interested parties. Investors should be aware that while ~~the Company~~ITW regularly communicates with securities analysts and other investment professionals, it is against ~~the Company's~~ITW's policy to disclose to them any material non-public information or other confidential commercial information. Shareholders should not assume that ~~the Company~~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 carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a–15(e)) as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018, 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 ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 were identified that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 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~~The following is an update to the ~~description of~~Company’s risk factors and should be read in conjunction with the ~~Company's~~ risk factors previously disclosed in Part I - Item 1A - Risk Factors in the Company's ~~2016~~2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

If the Company is unable to protect its information technology infrastructure against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, or if there is a violation of data privacy laws, there could be a negative impact on operating results or the Company may suffer financial or reputational damage.

The Company relies on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities, including procurement,

manufacturing, distribution, invoicing and collection. These technology networks and systems may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components; power outages; hardware failures; attacks by computer hackers; computer viruses; employee error or malfeasance. In addition, security breaches could result in unauthorized disclosure of confidential information or personal data belonging to our employees, partners, customers or suppliers. We are also subject to data privacy laws in the various countries in which we operate. If our information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption, or shutdown, and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, or if we violate data privacy laws, there could be a negative impact on operating results or the Company may suffer financial or reputational damage.

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

On February 13, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program which provides for the repurchase of up to $6.0 billion of the Company's common stock over an open-ended period of time (the “2015 Program”). As of ~~September 30, 2017,~~March 31, 2018, there were approximately ~~$2.7~~$1.9 billion of authorized repurchases remaining under the 2015 Program. Share repurchase activity under the Company's share repurchase program for the ~~third~~first quarter of ~~2017~~2018 was as follows:


In millions except per share amounts	In millions except per share amounts							In millions except per share amounts

Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program	Maximum Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Program			Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program	Maximum Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Program
July 2017		0.6	$	142.97	0.6	$	2,856
August 2017		0.7	$	140.35	0.7	$	2,762
September 2017		0.5	$	145.15	0.5	$	2,696
January 2018									0.3	$	175.43	0.3	$	2,393
February 2018									2.2	$	162.96	2.2	$	2,036
March 2018									0.5	$	162.09	0.5	$	1,945
Total		1.8			1.8				3.0			3.0



ITEM 6. Exhibits



Exhibit Index



Exhibit Number		Exhibit Description
10*		Offer of Employment Letter from Illinois Tool Works Inc. to Norman D. Finch Jr. dated January 4, 2017

31		Rule 13a-14(a) Certification.

32		Section 1350 Certification.

101		The following financial and related information from the Illinois Tool Works Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended ~~September 30, 2017~~March 31, 2018 is formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) and submitted electronically herewith: (i) Statement of Income, (ii) Statement of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Statement of Financial Position, (iv) Statement of Cash Flows and (v) related Notes to Financial Statements.



*		Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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:	~~October 27, 2017~~May 4, 2018	By:	/s/ Randall J. Scheuneman
			Randall J. Scheuneman
			Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
			(Principal Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

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