By Will Feuer

 

Illinois Tool Works Inc. posted higher sales in the first quarter, though Chief Executive E. Scott Santi said the near-term outlook is uncertain.

The Glenview, Ill.-based industrial products and equipment manufacturer reported a first-quarter profit of $714 million, or $2.33 a share, compared with $662 million, or $2.11 a share, a year earlier. Analysts surveyed by FactSet were looking for earnings of $2.23 a share.

Revenue rose 2%, to $4.02 billion. Analysts were expecting revenue of $3.98 billion, according to FactSet.

"While the near-term economic outlook continues to be uncertain, I am confident that ITW remains well positioned to deliver best-in-class performance in any environment," Mr. Santi said.

The business generated $615 million in free cash flow, which fell shy of the $642.3 million that analysts were looking for, according to FactSet.

Shares fell 3.2% in premarket trading.

 

Write to Will Feuer at Will.Feuer@wsj.com

 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 02, 2023 08:28 ET (12:28 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Illinois Tool Works Charts.
Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Illinois Tool Works Charts.