Citigroup Maintains “Neutral” Rating, Raises PT on Illinois Tool Works (ITW)

Citigroup announced on Wednesday that it was maintaining a “Neutral” rating on the Glenview, IL-based industrial conglomerate, Illinois Tool Works (ITW), but went on to raise its price target for the company.

Deane Dray, an analyst with the firm, noted “Following its disclosure in February 2013 that it was reviewing strategic alternatives for its $2.4 bil Industrial Packaging business, ITW officially announced on Sept-24 that the sale process has begun. In an incremental positive, the company declared that all the dilution from the divestiture would be offset by buybacks and that additional balance sheet leverage will be used to fund the program.” Given the lagged benefit of the expected buyback, Citigroup raised its price target on the stock from $75 to $80 a share.

Illinois Tool Works shares traded lower on Wednesday, shedding 0.97% on the day. The stock is up 27% YTD.