8-KEarnings & ResultsExhibits & Filings

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jan 29, 2009)

Filed January 29, 2009For Securities:ITW

Summary

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) filed an 8-K report on January 29, 2009, to disclose its fourth-quarter and full-year 2008 results. The report primarily serves to furnish the company's earnings press release and conference call presentation. Investors should note that this filing provides a snapshot of ITW's financial performance and operational highlights as of the end of 2008, a period marked by significant economic uncertainty. The furnished documents detail the company's performance during a challenging economic environment and likely offer insights into management's strategies and outlook. While the 8-K itself does not contain a deep dive into the numbers, it directs investors to the attached press release and presentation for detailed financial data, including specific segment performance and the company's definition and calculation of 'free operating cash flow,' which is highlighted as a key performance indicator for investors.

Key Highlights

  • 1ITW filed an 8-K on January 29, 2009, reporting on its fourth quarter and full year 2008 financial results.
  • 2The filing includes a press release (Exhibit 99.1) and a conference call presentation (Exhibit 99.2) detailing the results.
  • 3The report indicates that the company will provide specific details on operations and financial condition through these furnished exhibits.
  • 4ITW emphasizes the importance of 'free operating cash flow' to investors, with a reconciliation provided in the press release.
  • 5The company references its 2007 10-K for further disclosure on the management's rationale for presenting free operating cash flow.
  • 6The filing is primarily informational, directing investors to the attached documents for comprehensive financial data and management commentary.
  • 7Ronald D. Kropp, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, signed the report.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to officially report ITW's fourth-quarter and full-year 2008 financial results and to furnish the related press release and conference call presentation to the SEC. It serves as a public announcement of their performance during that period.

The detailed financial results, including performance metrics and management's commentary, are primarily contained within the furnished exhibits: Exhibit 99.1 (Press Release) and Exhibit 99.2 (Conference Call Presentation). The 8-K itself points investors to these documents.

Free operating cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that ITW believes provides useful information to investors about its performance. The company explains its importance and provides a reconciliation of this measure to net cash provided by operating activities in the furnished press release (Exhibit 99.1). Further details on management's reasoning can be found in ITW's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

This 8-K filing itself does not contain forward-looking guidance. However, the furnished press release and conference call presentation (Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2) are likely to include management's commentary on their outlook and expectations for the company's future performance, especially in light of the economic conditions prevalent at the time.