10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2011

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Aug 5, 2011

Filed August 5, 2011For Securities:ITW

Summary

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) reported a strong performance for the six months ended June 30, 2011, with significant year-over-year increases in operating revenues and net income. Operating revenues grew by 17.5%, reaching $8.9 billion, driven by robust base business performance, favorable currency translations, and contributions from recent acquisitions. Net income surged by approximately 51% to $1.12 billion, or $2.23 per diluted share, from $745 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, in the prior year period. This growth was significantly bolstered by a favorable discrete tax adjustment of $165.9 million resulting from a favorable court ruling in Australia. The company's operational efficiency improved, with operating income rising 18.9% to $1.37 billion. This was supported by higher base revenues and positive operating leverage across most segments. Management highlighted the ongoing strategic divestiture of certain businesses, which are now classified as discontinued operations and are expected to be completed within the year. ITW also continued its capital allocation strategy, repurchasing approximately $550 million of its stock during the period and maintaining its dividend payments, reflecting confidence in its free operating cash flow generation.

Financial Highlights

52 data points
Beta

Revenue

$4.58B

35.3% Gross Margin

Net Income

$507.00M

11.1% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$1.04

Total Assets

$18.36B

Cash & Equivalents

$1.32B

Free Cash Flow

$704.00M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$4.58B
Cost of Revenue$2.96B
Gross Profit$1.62B
Operating Income$714.00M
Interest Expense$49.00M
Net Income$507.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.04
EPS (Diluted)$1.04
Shares Outstanding (Basic)486.30M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)488.80M

Key Highlights

  • 1Operating revenues increased by 17.5% to $8.9 billion for the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
  • 2Net income more than doubled, rising to $1.12 billion ($2.23/diluted share) from $745 million ($1.47/diluted share) year-over-year.
  • 3A significant discrete tax benefit of $165.9 million was recorded due to a favorable Australian court ruling, positively impacting net income.
  • 4Operating income grew by 18.9% to $1.37 billion, driven by increased base revenues and positive operating leverage.
  • 5The company is actively managing its portfolio by classifying and preparing to divest several businesses as discontinued operations.
  • 6Significant share repurchases totaling $550 million were executed in the first six months of 2011.
  • 7Free operating cash flow was $457 million for the first six months of 2011, while dividends paid amounted to $339 million.

Frequently Asked Questions

The substantial increase in net income was driven by strong operational performance, evidenced by a 17.5% rise in operating revenues and an 18.9% increase in operating income. Additionally, a significant factor was a favorable discrete tax adjustment of $165.9 million resulting from a court ruling in Australia, which substantially reduced the effective tax rate for the period. The divestiture of certain businesses, now classified as discontinued operations, also contributed to the overall improved financial picture.

ITW is actively managing its portfolio by initiating the divestiture of several businesses, which are now classified as discontinued operations and are expected to be sold within the year. In terms of capital allocation, the company demonstrated its commitment to shareholder returns by repurchasing approximately $550 million of its common stock and continuing to pay dividends, supported by robust free operating cash flow generation.

Effective January 1, 2011, ITW aligned its international operations' fiscal reporting period with the North American calendar year, eliminating a one-month lag. This change was applied retrospectively and has minimal impact on the overall trends shown. The discontinued operations relate to specific businesses that are held for sale, including a finishing group, a consumer packaging business, and an electronics components business. Their results are presented separately, and they do not impact the ongoing operational performance of the continuing businesses.

Acquisitions contributed to revenue growth, while divestitures led to some dilution in operating margins. Specifically, acquisitions added 4.8% to revenue in the second quarter and 4.5% year-to-date. The company is also in the process of divesting certain businesses, which are classified as discontinued operations. The net impact of acquisitions and divestitures on operating margins was a slight dilution, contributing negatively by 0.6 percentage points in the second quarter and 0.5 percentage points year-to-date.