Summary
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) reported its 2013 fiscal year-end results, showcasing a company actively managing its portfolio and operational structure. Despite a reported decrease in total operating revenues primarily due to strategic divestitures, the company demonstrated resilience through its '80/20 Business Process' and ongoing 'Enterprise Strategy' initiatives focused on portfolio management, business structure simplification, and strategic sourcing. The company realigned its reporting segments into seven key areas, indicating a strategic focus on core competencies. While 2013 saw a decline in income from continuing operations compared to the strong performance in 2012 (which was boosted by a significant gain from the sale of a majority interest in the Decorative Surfaces segment), the underlying operational improvements and the progress of its strategic initiatives suggest a forward-looking approach. Investors should note the planned divestiture of the Industrial Packaging segment, expected to close in mid-2014, and its potential impact on future financial performance and capital allocation strategies, including share repurchases.
Financial Highlights
54 data points| Revenue | $14.13B |
| Cost of Revenue | $8.55B |
| Gross Profit | $5.58B |
| R&D Expenses | $240.00M |
| Operating Income | $2.51B |
| Interest Expense | $239.00M |
| Net Income | $1.68B |
| EPS (Basic) | $3.76 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $3.74 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 446.20M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 449.30M |
Key Highlights
- 1The company is executing a significant 'Enterprise Strategy' comprising portfolio management, business structure simplification, and strategic sourcing, aimed at enhancing long-term profitability and growth.
- 2ITW reorganized its reporting structure into seven key segments: Automotive OEM; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Food Equipment; Polymers & Fluids; Welding; Construction Products; and Specialty Products.
- 3Strategic divestitures were a key theme, including the sale of a majority interest in Decorative Surfaces in late 2012 and a definitive agreement to sell the Industrial Packaging segment for $3.2 billion, expected to close in mid-2014.
- 4Operating revenues decreased by 4.4% in 2013 compared to 2012, largely attributed to divestitures, though base business revenues saw a slight increase of 0.2%.
- 5The company actively repurchased shares, with approximately $2.1 billion spent in 2013 under its newly authorized $6.0 billion repurchase program, aiming to offset dilution from divestitures.
- 6Free operating cash flow was strong, reaching $2.16 billion in 2013, demonstrating the company's ability to generate cash for dividends, share repurchases, and acquisitions.
- 7Adjusted Return on Average Invested Capital (ROIC) improved to 16.3% in 2013 from 14.5% in 2012, indicating improved capital efficiency.