September 05, 2025 a 08:38 am
ITW: Analysts Ratings - Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) operates in a highly diverse industrial products and equipment market, offering a wide range of products spanning seven segments. The company's stock has been subject to varying analyst opinions, reflecting its extensive market reach and multifaceted business operations. While recent trends suggest a moderate sentiment, the overall picture from analysts indicates a mixed viewpoint on its current market stance.
Historical Stock Grades
The latest data for Illinois Tool Works Inc. reveals a cautious approach by analysts, with the majority leaning towards Hold recommendations. The breakdown of ratings is as follows:
| Rating | Count | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Buy | 1 | |
| Buy | 1 | |
| Hold | 12 | |
| Sell | 3 | |
| Strong Sell | 2 |
Sentiment Development
Over recent months, the sentiment analysis for ITW reveals a consistent preference for Hold recommendations. This trend indicates a cautious stance from analysts, possibly due to market uncertainties or waiting for clearer company performance indicators.
- A steady increase in Hold ratings from previous months.
- A decline in Buy and Strong Buy recommendations over the last year.
- Strong Sell ratings have been notably consistent, reflecting some negative sentiment among analysts.
Percentage Trends
The percentage trends detail the shifting analyst sentiments, revealing an increasing preference for conservatism in recommendations. Hold ratings have seen a remarkable increase, while Strong Buy and Buy ratings have diminished. This shift may suggest increasing caution regarding ITW's future performance potential.
- Strong Buy ratings dropped to 5% of total ratings.
- Currently, 60% of analysts recommend holding the stock.
- Sell and Strong Sell categories represent approximately 25% combined, indicating some negative outlook.
Latest Analyst Recommendations
Reviewing the most recent analyst recommendations provides insight into the changing sentiments towards ITW. Downgrades and maintains signal a stable but cautious approach from analysts.
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-14 | Underweight | Equal Weight | Barclays |
| 2025-08-04 | Equal Weight | Equal Weight | Barclays |
| 2025-07-31 | Neutral | Neutral | UBS |
| 2025-07-31 | Underweight | Underweight | Wells Fargo |
| 2025-07-31 | Hold | Hold | Stifel |
Analyst Recommendations with Change of Opinion
Significant changes in analyst opinions, such as downgrades or upgrades, further illuminate shifts in perceptions. These alterations often respond to new market data or shifts in company performance and strategic direction.
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-14 | Underweight | Equal Weight | Barclays |
| 2024-12-05 | Equal Weight | Underweight | Barclays |
| 2024-11-13 | Underperform | In Line | Evercore ISI Group |
| 2024-02-06 | Underweight | Equal Weight | Wells Fargo |
| 2024-01-10 | Underperform | Neutral | B of A Securities |
Interpretation
The current market sentiment for ITW rests on cautious stability. An increase in Hold recommendations, coupled with supportive shifts towards more conservative ratings like Sell and Strong Sell, indicates analysts' uncertainty about significant positive movements. The confidence level among analysts appears moderate, suggesting a stable yet vigilant outlook ahead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Illinois Tool Works Inc. stands at a crossroads requiring careful analysis. Despite its established market presence and diverse portfolio, the consistent increase in Hold recommendations points towards cautious market beliefs. Key risks involve operational challenges within its sectors, whereas opportunities lie in leveraging its wide market coverage. Analyst sentiment reflects a wait-and-see approach, where stability is currently preferred over aggressive investment strategies.