To summarize the overall trends in the industry in 2023, sales from many companies were down for the year, but the end of the year and the beginning of 2024 offer reasons for optimism.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. reported its revenue for the second quarter of 2024 and lowered the top-end of its full year GAAP earnings-per-share guidance range.

Upon the release of the company's second-quarter results, 3M updated its full-year adjusted earnings expectations.

The company’s net revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 was up 2.1% versus the second quarter of fiscal 2023.

Posting an increase of 12% compared to the previous year, the company reports that South Korea and Mexico were among the most dynamic markets.

Henkel reports that the positive organic sales increase of the Adhesive Technologies business unit in the first quarter was primarily driven by strong organic sales growth in the Mobility & Electronics business area. 

Revenue for the first quarter of 2024 improved versus revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023, mainly because of higher sales volumes and improved margins.

After a year of upheaval for 3M, the company reported results that were better than its expectations, according to Chairman and CEO Mike Roman.

The latest dividend represents an 8.5% increase over the prior quarterly dividend and marks the 55^th consecutive year in which the company has increased its dividend.

H.B. Fuller Co. recently reported its net revenue was up slightly year-on-year for the first quarter that ended March 2, 2024.