8-KOther Events

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC 8-K Report (Apr 20, 2004)

Filed April 20, 2004For Securities:ITW

Summary

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) filed an 8-K on April 20, 2004, reporting two key events. Firstly, the company announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2004, with details provided in a press release and a conference call presentation filed as exhibits. Secondly, and of significant investor interest, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program. This action signals management's confidence in the company's financial position and its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Key Highlights

  • 1ITW announced its first quarter 2004 results of operations via press release (Exhibit 99.1) and conference call presentation (Exhibit 99.2).
  • 2The company's Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program.
  • 3The share repurchase program announcement is detailed in a separate press release (Exhibit 99.3).
  • 4The filing incorporates by reference the press release regarding the share repurchase program into Item 5 (Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure).
  • 5Information regarding the reconciliation of 'free operating cash flow' to net cash provided by operating activities is available in the Exhibit 99.1 press release, with further discussion in the 2003 10-K.
  • 6The filing was made on April 20, 2004, reporting events from April 20, 2004.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 8-K filing announces two primary events: Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) released its first quarter 2004 financial results, and its Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program.

Details of the first quarter 2004 results are provided in the press release (Exhibit 99.1) and the conference call presentation (Exhibit 99.2) that are furnished as part of this 8-K filing.

The approval of a share repurchase program by the Board of Directors indicates management's belief in the company's value and its strategy to return capital to shareholders. This can potentially increase earnings per share and signal confidence in future performance.

The company provides disclosure on why 'free operating cash flow' is considered useful for investors in its 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. A reconciliation of free operating cash flows to net cash provided by operating activities is included in the press release furnished as Exhibit 99.1.