10-KPeriod: FY2012

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2012

Filed February 19, 2013For Securities:ITW

Summary

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) reported strong financial performance for the fiscal year 2012, demonstrating resilience amidst global economic fluctuations. The company achieved operating revenues of $17.92 billion, a slight increase from the previous year, driven by growth in its base businesses and strategic acquisitions. Operating income saw a notable increase of 4.2% to $2.85 billion, resulting in a healthy operating margin of 15.9%. A significant event during the year was the divestiture of a 51% majority interest in its Decorative Surfaces segment, which resulted in a substantial pre-tax gain of $933 million. This move aligns with ITW's broader enterprise initiatives focused on portfolio management, strategic sourcing, and business structure simplification, aimed at enhancing organic revenue growth and profitability. ITW's diversified business model, spanning seven reportable segments including Transportation, Power Systems & Electronics, and Food Equipment, continues to provide stability. The company's commitment to its '80/20 business process' remains a core strategy, enabling focus on high-value activities and driving operational efficiencies. Despite global economic uncertainties, particularly in Europe, ITW's international operations contributed approximately 57% of total revenues. The company also actively managed its capital structure through share repurchases and dividend payments, signaling confidence in its financial health and commitment to shareholder returns.

Financial Highlights

54 data points
Beta

Revenue

$14.79B

38.2% Gross Margin

Net Income

$2.87B

19.4% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$6.06

Total Assets

$19.31B

Cash & Equivalents

$2.78B

Free Cash Flow

$1.69B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$14.79B
Cost of Revenue$9.13B
Gross Profit$5.66B
R&D Expenses$240.00M
Operating Income$2.48B
Interest Expense$213.00M
Net Income$2.87B
EPS (Basic)$6.11
EPS (Diluted)$6.06
Shares Outstanding (Basic)469.80M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)473.20M

Key Highlights

  • 1Operating revenues reached $17.92 billion, with a 0.8% increase year-over-year, supported by base business growth and acquisitions.
  • 2Operating income grew by 4.2% to $2.85 billion, with operating margins expanding to 15.9% from 15.4% in the prior year.
  • 3A significant gain of $933 million (pre-tax) was realized from the divestiture of a 51% majority interest in the Decorative Surfaces segment.
  • 4The company is executing three key enterprise initiatives: portfolio management, strategic sourcing, and business structure simplification, targeting long-term growth and profitability.
  • 5International operations accounted for 57% of total revenues, showcasing ITW's global reach despite varied economic conditions in different regions.
  • 6Share repurchases totaled $2.02 billion in 2012, demonstrating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
  • 7Research and development expenses were $266 million, underscoring investment in product innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth in 2012 was primarily driven by increases in base business revenues (1.7%) and contributions from acquisitions (3.1%). This was partly offset by the unfavorable effect of currency translation (-2.7%) and revenue reductions due to divestitures (-1.4%). The strength in base revenues was particularly noted in North America, which increased by 4.3%, while international base revenues saw a slight decrease.

On October 31, 2012, ITW divested a 51% majority interest in its Decorative Surfaces segment to form a joint venture, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, retaining a 49% stake accounted for using the equity method. This transaction resulted in a significant pre-tax gain of $933 million ($632 million after-tax) and allowed ITW to streamline its portfolio and focus on its core businesses. The segment is no longer consolidated by ITW.

ITW is actively pursuing three key enterprise initiatives: strategic sourcing to leverage purchasing scale and enhance profitability, business structure simplification to improve focus and drive operational efficiencies, and a continuous '80/20 business process' that emphasizes focusing on the most important aspects of the business to reduce complexity and improve performance. These initiatives, along with improved variable margins and positive operating leverage, contributed to the increase in operating income and margins.

Key risks include the impact of global economic conditions and market downturns, political and economic risks associated with its international operations (such as currency fluctuations and trade restrictions), potential disruptions from executing enterprise initiatives, risks associated with divestitures and acquisitions, and the possibility of commodity price increases and supply shortages. The company also notes risks related to intellectual property protection, tax law changes, and legal proceedings.