UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162019
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from  to  
Commission file number 1-4797
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware 36-1258310
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
155 Harlem AvenueGlenviewIllinois 60025
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) (847724-7500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common StockITWNew York Stock Exchange
1.75% Euro Notes due 2022ITW22New York Stock Exchange
1.25% Euro Notes due 2023ITW23New York Stock Exchange
0.250% Euro Notes due 2024ITW24ANew York Stock Exchange
0.625% Euro Notes due 2027ITW27New York Stock Exchange
2.125% Euro Notes due 2030ITW30New York Stock Exchange
1.00% Euro Notes due 2031ITW31New York Stock Exchange
3.00% Euro Notes due 2034ITW34New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yesx    No  o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes  oNox
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yesx    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yesx    No  o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer"filer," "smaller reporting company," and "smaller reporting"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filero
Non-accelerated filer
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting companyo
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes  o    No  x
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 20162019 was approximately $30.4$45.6 billion based on the New York Stock Exchange closing sales price as of June 30, 2016.2019.
Shares of Common Stock outstanding at January 31, 2017: 346,550,685.2020: 318,864,237.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the 20172020 Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 5, 2017.8, 2020. Part III








 Table of Contents 
   
  
   
  
Item 7.
   
  
   
  
 









PART I


ITEM 1.Business


General


Illinois Tool Works Inc. (the "Company" or "ITW") was founded in 1912 and incorporated in 1915. The Company's ticker symbol is ITW. The Company is a global manufacturer of a diversified range of industrial products and equipment with 8584 divisions in 5753 countries. As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company employed approximately 50,000 persons.45,000 people.


The Company's operations are organized and managed based on similar product offerings and end markets, and are reported to senior management as the following seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The following is a description of the Company's seven segments:


Automotive OEM— This segment is a global, niche supplier to top tier OEMs, providing unique innovation to address pain points for sophisticated customers with complex problems. Businesses in this segment produce components and fasteners for automotive-related applications. This segment primarily serves the automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers market. Products in this segment include:


plastic and metal components, fasteners and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks and other industrial uses.

plastic and metal components, fasteners and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks and other industrial uses.

Food Equipment— This segment is a highly focused and branded industry-leaderindustry leader in commercial food equipment differentiated by innovation and integrated service offerings. This segment primarily serves the food service, food institutional/restaurant food service and food retail markets. Products in this segment include:


warewashing equipment;
warewashing equipment;
cooking equipment, including ovens, ranges and broilers;
refrigeration equipment, including refrigerators, freezers and prep tables;
food processing equipment, including slicers, mixers and scales;
kitchen exhaust, ventilation and pollution control systems; and
food equipment service, maintenance and repair.
food equipment service, maintenance and repair.


Test & Measurement and Electronics— This segment is a branded and innovative producer of test and measurement and electronic manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and operations, or "MRO" solutions that improve efficiency and quality for customers in diverse end markets. Businesses in this segment produce equipment, consumables, and related software for testing and measuring physical properties of materials and structures, as well as equipment and consumables used in the production of electronic subassemblies and microelectronics. This segment primarily serves the electronics, general industrial, industrial capital goods, automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers, industrial capital goods, energy and consumer durables markets. Products in this segment include:


equipment, consumables, and related software for testing and measuring of materials, structures, gases and fluids;
electronic assembly equipment and related consumable solder materials;equipment;
electronic components and component packaging;
static control equipment and consumables used for contamination control in clean room environments; and
pressure sensitive adhesives and components for electronics, medical, transportation and telecommunications applications.
static control equipment and consumables used for contamination control in clean room environments; and

pressure sensitive adhesives and components for telecommunications, electronics, medical and transportation applications.

Welding— This segment is a branded value-added equipment and specialty consumable manufacturer with innovative and leading technology. Businesses in this segment produce arc welding equipment, consumables and accessories for a wide array of industrial and commercial applications. This segment primarily serves the general industrial market, which includes fabrication, shipbuilding and other general industrial markets, and energy, construction, MRO, automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers, and industrial capital goods markets. Products in this segment include:


arc welding equipment; and
metal arc welding consumables and related accessories; andaccessories.
metal jacketing and other insulation products.






Polymers & Fluids— This segment is a highly branded supplier to niche markets that require value-added, differentiated products. Businesses in this segment produce engineered adhesives, sealants, lubrication and cutting fluids, and fluids and polymers for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance. This segment primarily serves the automotive aftermarket, MRO, general industrial, MRO and construction markets. Products in this segment include:


adhesives for industrial, construction and consumer purposes;
chemical fluids which clean or add lubrication to machines;
epoxy and resin-based coating products for industrial applications;
hand wipes and cleaners for industrial applications;
adhesives for industrial, construction and consumer purposes;
chemical fluids which clean or add lubrication to machines;
epoxy and resin-based coating products for industrial applications;
hand wipes and cleaners for industrial applications;
fluids, polymers and other supplies for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance;
fillers and putties for auto body repair; and
fillers and putties for auto body repair; and
polyester coatings and patch and repair products for the marine industry.


Construction Products— This segment is a branded supplier of innovative engineered fastening systems and solutions. This segment primarily serves the residential/residential construction, renovation/remodel construction and commercial construction markets. Products in this segment include:


fasteners and related fastening tools for wood and metal applications;
anchors, fasteners and related tools for concrete applications;
anchors, fasteners and related tools for concrete applications;
metal plate truss components and related equipment and software; and
packaged hardware, fasteners, anchors and other products for retail.
packaged hardware, fasteners, anchors and other products for retail.


Specialty Products— This segment is focused on diversified niche market opportunities with substantial patent protection producing beverage packaging equipment and consumables, product coding and marking equipment and consumables, and appliance components and fasteners. This segment primarily serves the food and beverage, general industrial, consumer durables, industrial capital goods and printing and publishing and industrial capital goods markets. Products in this segment include:


line integration, conveyor systems and line automation for the food and beverage industries;
plastic consumables that multi-pack cans and bottles and related equipment;
foil, film and related equipment used to decorate consumer products;
product coding and marking equipment and related consumables;
plastic and metal fasteners and components for appliances;
plastic and metal closures and components for appliances;
airport ground support equipment; and
components for medical devices.
components for medical devices.


The information set forth below is applicable to all segments of the Company unless otherwise noted.


The ITW Business Model


The powerful and highly differentiated ITW Business Model is the Company’s core source of value creation. This business modelThe ITW Business Model is the Company’s competitive advantage and defines how ITW creates value for its shareholders and comprisesshareholders. It is comprised of three unique elements:


ITW’s 80/20 management process is the operating system that is applied in every ITW business. Initially introduced as a manufacturing efficiency tool in the 1980’s, ITW has continually refined, improved and expanded 80/20 into a proprietary, holistic business management process that generates significant value for the Company and its customers. Through the application of data-driven
ITW’s 80/20 Front-to-Back process is the operating system that is applied in every ITW business. Initially introduced as a manufacturing efficiency tool in the 1980s, ITW has continually refined, improved and expanded 80/20 into a proprietary, holistic business management process that generates significant value for the Company and its customers. Through the application of data driven insights generated by 80/20 practice, ITW focuses on its largest and best opportunities (the “80”) and eliminates cost, complexity and distractions associated with the less profitable opportunities (the “20”). 80/20 enables ITW businesses to consistently achieve world-class operational excellence in product availability, quality, and innovation, while generating superior financial performance;

Customer-back Innovation has fueled decades of profitable growth at ITW. The Company’s unique innovation approach is built on insight gathered from the 80/20 Front-to-Back process. Working from the customer back, ITW businesses position themselves as the go-to problem solver for their “80” customers. ITW’s innovation efforts are focused on understanding customer needs, particularly those in “80” markets with solid long-term growth fundamentals, and creating unique solutions to address those needs. These customer insights and learnings drive innovation at ITW and have contributed to a portfolio of approximately 18,000 granted and pending patents;



ITW’s Decentralized, Entrepreneurial Culture enables ITW businesses to be fast, focused, and responsive. ITW businesses have significant flexibility within the framework of the ITW Business Model to customize their approach in order to best serve their specific customers' needs. ITW colleagues recognize their unique responsibilities to execute the Company's strategy and values. As a result, the Company maintains a focused and simple organizational structure that, combined with outstanding execution, delivers best-in-class services and solutions adapted to each business' customers and end markets.
Customer-back innovation has fueled decades of profitable growth at ITW. The Company’s unique innovation approach is built on insight gathered from the 80/20 management process. Working from the customer back, ITW businesses position themselves as the go-to problem solver for their “80” customers. ITW’s innovation efforts are focused on understanding customer needs, particularly those in “80” markets with solid long-term growth fundamentals, and subsequently creating unique solutions to address those needs. These customer insights and learnings drive innovation at ITW and have contributed to a portfolio of more than 17,000 granted and pending patents;



ITW’s decentralized, entrepreneurial culture allows ITW businesses to be fast, focused, and responsive. ITW businesses have significant flexibility within the framework of the ITW Business Model to customize their approach in order to best serve their specific customers' needs. ITW colleagues recognize their unique responsibilities to execute the Company's strategy and values. As a result, the Company maintains a focused and simple organizational structure that, combined with outstanding execution, delivers best-in-class services adapted to each business' customers and end markets.


Enterprise Strategy


In late 2012, ITW began the process ofits strategic framework transitioning the Company ontoon its current strategic path to fully leverage the compelling performance potential of the ITW Business Model. Since then, ITW has made considerable progress, as evidenced by the Company’s strong financial performance over the past four years.

The roots of ITW’s Enterprise Strategy began in late 2011 / early 2012, when the Company undertook a complete review of its performance. Focusingperformance, focusing on its businesses delivering consistent above-market growth with best-in-class margins and returns, ITW developedand developing a strategy to replicate that performance across its operations.


Based on this rigorous evaluation, ITW determined that solid and consistent above-market organic growth must beis the core growth engine to deliver world-class financial performance and compelling long-term returns for its shareholders. To shift its primary growth engine to organic, the Company began executing a multi-step approach.


The first step was to narrow the focus and improve the quality of ITW’sITW's business portfolio. As part of the Portfolio Management initiative, ITW exited businesses that were operating in commoditized market spaces and prioritized sustainable differentiation as a must-have requirement for all ITW businesses. This process included both divesting entire businesses and exiting commoditized product lines and customers inside otherwise highly differentiated ITW divisions.


As a result of this work, ITW’sITW's business portfolio now has significantly higher organic growth potential. ITW segments and divisions now possess attractive and differentiated product lines and end markets as they continue to improve operating margins and generate price/cost increases. The Company achieved this through product line simplification, or eliminating the complexity and overhead costs associated with smaller product lines and customers, while supporting and growing the businesses’businesses' largest / most profitable customers and product lines. With the initiative nearly complete and ITW businesses demonstrating notably improved financial performance, the Company believes that the significant product line simplification work is essentially finalized and will return to more normalized levels in 2017 and beyond.


Step two, Business Structure Simplification,, was implemented to simplify and scale-upscale up ITW’s operating structure to support increased engineering, marketing, and sales resources, and at the same time, improve global reach and competitiveness, all of which were critical to driving accelerated organic growth. ITW now has 8584 scaled-up divisions with significantly enhanced focus on growth investments, core customers and products, and customer-back innovation.


The Strategic Sourcing initiative was established sourcing as a core capability to better leverage ITW’s scale and improve global competitiveness. Sourcing is now a core strategic and operational capability at ITW. The Company’s 80/20-enabled sourcing organization has deliveredITW, delivering an average of one percent reduction in spend each year from 2013 through 20162019 and is on trackcontinues to dobe a key contributor to the same in 2017 and 2018.
Company's ongoing enterprise strategy.


With the initial portfolio realignment and scale-up work largely complete, the Company was able to shiftshifted its focus to preparing for and accelerating organic growth,. As a preparatory step, ITW is in reapplying the process of reapplying 80/20 Front-to-Back process to optimize its newly scaled-up divisions for growth, first, to build a foundation of operational excellence, and second, to identify the best opportunities to drive organic growth.


Once the business has achieved operational excellence and identified the right growth opportunities, the final step is to accelerate organic growth. The process of preparing for accelerated organic growth generally takes 18 to 24 months.

Based on the financial performance of the divisions that are further along in this process, the Company believes that its organic growth framework is capable of delivering above-market organic growth across all segments. Divisions


are at various phases in preparation for growth and many are either ready to grow or already growing above their respective markets. ITW management is fully aligned with this plan and very focused on executing it. With the close of 2016, approximately 85 percent of the divisions are ready to grow.

Path to Full Potential

While the Company has made considerable progress and ITW’s performance is nearing best-in-class levels, the Company has significant opportunity for further improvement before it achieves full operating potential. In order to do so, ITW is focused on two key areas of opportunity, including: additional structural margin improvement and sustained above-market organic growth with strong incremental profitability.

Additional Structural Margin Improvement

To deliver on the additional structural margin improvement, the Company is implementing the following two levers: (1) further leveraging the 80/20 management process and (2) strategic sourcing.

The first lever, better leveraging the full power of the ITW Business Model, will be accomplished through a much more consistent and focused approach to 80/20 best practice implementation across the Company. The 80/20 management system has continuously been refined, improved and expanded into a unique holistic business management process of interconnected tools, which improves all aspects of the business and, when applied consistently and executed more effectively, will lead to additional margin improvement. ITW has clearly demonstrated superior 80/20 management, resulting in meaningful incremental improvement in margins and returns as evidenced by the Company’s operating margin and after-tax return on invested capital. TheseAt the same time, these 80/20 initiatives can also result in restructuring initiatives that reduce costs and improve profitability and returns.


The second lever, strategic sourcing, is a core elementPath to Full Potential - Finishing the Job

Since the launch of ITW’s ongoing operationalthe enterprise strategy, and a sustainable enterprise-wide capability. Through the continued execution of this initiative, the Company expectshas made considerable progress to deliver additional margin improvement with the goalposition itself to reach full potential. The ITW Business Model and unique set of capabilities are a one percent reduction in spend in 2017source of strong and 2018.

Sustained Above-Market Organic Growth with Strong Incremental Profitability

ITW has done extensive work on its portfolio and operating structure to positionenduring competitive advantage, but for the Company to deliver sustainable above-market organic growth. The Company has narrowedtruly finish the focusjob and significantly improved the growthreach its full potential, of ITW’s business portfolio. With approximately 85%every one of its divisions ready to grow as of the end of 2016, ITW is well positioned for accelerated growth in 2017 and beyond.must also be operating at its full potential. To deliver on this accelerated growth, the divisions have been implementing the organic growth framework, which includes continued investment in customer-back innovation and a strengthened focus on market penetration. ITW continues to focus on growing its share of "80" products with existing customers with whomdo so, the Company has a resonant value proposition as well as targetremains focused on its core principles to position ITW to perform to its full potential:

Portfolio discipline
80/20 Front-to-Back practice excellence
Full-potential organic growth



Portfolio Discipline

The Company only operates in industries where it can generate significant, long-term competitive advantage from the ITW Business Model. ITW businesses have the right “raw material” in terms of market and business attributes that best fit the ITW Business Model and have significant potential new customers with similar pain points to existing customers. ITW has made strong progress on the Company’s pivot to organic growth and is well positioned to deliver on sustaineddrive above-market organic growth over the long-term.


Divestiture Activity

Divestiture of Majority InterestThe Company focuses on high-quality businesses, ensuring it operates in Former Decorative Surfaces Segment— On October 31, 2012,markets with positive long-term macro fundamentals and with customers that have critical needs and value ITW's differentiated products, services and solutions. ITW’s portfolio operates in highly diverse end markets and geographies which makes the Company divested a 51% majority interestmore resilient in the Decorative Surfaces segment. Accordingly, the Company ceased consolidating the resultsface of the Decorative Surfaces segment as of October 31, 2012 and now reports its 49% ownership interest using the equity method of accounting. Due to the Company's continuing involvement through its 49% interest, the historical operating results of Decorative Surfaces are presented in continuing operations. Effective November 1, 2012, Decorative Surfaces was no longer a reportable segment of the Company.uncertain or volatile market environments.


Divestiture of the Industrial Packaging Segment— In February 2013, the Company announced that it was initiating a review process to explore strategic alternatives for the Industrial Packaging segment. In September 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a plan to commence a sale process for the Industrial Packaging segment. The Company classified the Industrial Packaging segment as held for sale beginning in the third quarter of 2013 and no longer presented this segment asAs part of its continuing operations.

On February 6, 2014,agenda to finish the job, the Company announced thatroutinely evaluates its portfolio to ensure it had signed a definitive agreementdelivers sustainable differentiation and drives consistent long-term performance. This includes both implementing portfolio refinements and assessing selective high-quality acquisitions to sellsupplement ITW’s long-term growth potential.

The Company previously communicated its intent to explore options, including potential divestitures, for certain businesses with revenues totaling up to $1 billion. In the Industrial Packaging business to The Carlyle Group for $3.2 billion. The transaction was completed on May 1, 2014, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $1.7 billion ($1.1 billion after-tax) in the secondfourth quarter of 2014 which was included in Income2019, the Company completed the divestitures of three businesses and continues to evaluate options for certain other businesses. The Company expects any earnings per share dilution from discontinued operations.



Seedivestitures would be offset by incremental share repurchases. Refer to Note 2. Discontinued OperationsDivestitures in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more information regarding divestitures.

80/20 Front-to-Back Practice Excellence

The 80/20 Front-to-Back process is a rigorous, iterative and highly data-driven approach to identify where the Company has true differentiation and the ability to drive sustainable, high-quality organic growth. The Company simplifies and eliminates complexity and redesigns every aspect of its business to ensure focused execution on key opportunities, markets, customers, and products.

ITW will continue its efforts to finish the job and drive 80/20 Front-to-Back practice excellence in every division in the Company, every day. Driving strong operational excellence in the quality of 80/20 Front-to-Back practice across the Company, division by division, will produce further discussioncustomer-facing performance improvement in a number of this transaction.the Company's divisions and additional structural margin expansion at the enterprise level.


Full-Potential Organic Growth

Reaching full potential means that every division is positioned for sustainable, high-quality organic growth. The Company has clearly defined action plans aimed at leveraging the performance power of the ITW Business Model to achieve full-potential organic growth in every division, with specific focus on:

"80” focused Market Penetration - fully leveraging the considerable growth potential that resides in the Company's largest and most differentiated product offerings and customer relationships
Customer-Back Innovation - strengthening the Company's commitment to serial innovation and delivering a continuous flow of differentiated new products to its key customers
Strategic Sales Excellence - deploying a high-performance sales function in every division

As the Company continues to make progress toward its full potential, the Company will explore opportunities to reinforce or further expand the long-term organic growth potential of ITW through the addition of selective high-quality acquisitions.

Current Year Developments


Refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Financial Information about Segments

Segment information is included in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 14. Segment Information in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.


Distribution Methods


The Company’s businesses primarily distribute their products directly to industrial manufacturers and through independent distributors.



Backlog


Backlog generally is not considered a significant factor in the Company’s businesses as relatively short delivery periods and rapid inventory turnover are characteristic of most of their products. Backlog by segmentTotal backlog was $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion as of December 31, 20162019 and 2015 was as follows:

In millions2016 2015
Automotive OEM$452
 $403
Food Equipment188
 203
Test & Measurement and Electronics298
 289
Welding67
 68
Polymers & Fluids62
 53
Construction Products29
 34
Specialty Products217
 237
Total$1,313
 $1,287

Backlog2018, respectively. Due to the predominately short-term nature of the Company's arrangements with its customers, backlog orders scheduled for shipment beyond calendar year 20172020 were not material as of December 31, 2016.2019.


Competition


With operations in 5753 countries, the Company offers a wide range of products in a myriad of markets, many of which are fragmented, and the Company encounters a variety of competitors that vary by product line, end market and geographic area. The Company's competitors include many regional or specialized companies, as well as large U.S. and non-U.S. companies or divisions of large companies. Each of the Company's segments generally has several main competitors and numerous smaller ones in most of their end markets and geographic areas. In addition to numerous smaller regional competitors, the Welding segment competes globally with Lincoln Electric and ESAB.


In virtually all segments, the Company differentiates its businesses from its competitors based on product innovation, product quality, brand preference and service delivery. Technical capability is also a competitive factor in most segments. The Company believes that each segment's primary competitive advantages derive from the Company's business model and decentralized operating structure, which creates a strong focus on end markets and customers at the local level, enabling its businesses to respond rapidly to market dynamics. This structure enables the Company's businesses to drive operational excellence utilizing the Company's 80/20 managementFront-to-Back process and leveraging its product innovation capabilities. The Company also believes that its global footprint is a competitive advantage in many of its markets, especially in its Automotive OEM segment.




Raw Materials


The Company uses raw materials of various types, primarily steel, resins and chemicals, that are available from numerous commercial sources. The availability of materials and energy has not resulted in any significant business interruptions or other major problems, and no such problems are currently anticipated.

Research and Development

Developing new and improved products, broadening the application of established products, and continuing efforts to improve and develop new methods, processes and equipment all contribute to the Company's organic growth. Many new products are designed to reduce customers' costs by eliminating steps in their manufacturing processes, reducing the number of parts in an assembly or improving the quality of customers' assembled products. Typically, the development of such products is accomplished by working closely with customers on specific applications. Research and development expenses were $223 million in 2016, $218 million in 2015 and $227 million in 2014.


Intellectual Property


The Company owns approximately 3,5003,600 unexpired U.S. patents and 7,4008,700 foreign patents covering articles, methods and machines. In addition, the Company has approximately 1,500 applications for patents pending in the U.S. Patent Office and 4,8004,300 applications pending in foreign patent offices. There is no assurance that any of these patents will be issued. The Company maintains a patent group for the administration of patents and processing of patent applications.


The Company believes that many of its patents are valuable and important; however, the expiration of any one of the Company's patents would not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position. The Company also credits its success in the markets it serves to engineering capability; manufacturing techniques; skills and efficiency; marketing and sales promotion; and service and delivery of quality products to its customers.


In addition to patents, many of the Company's products and services are sold under various owned or licensed trademarks, which are important to the Company in the aggregate. Some of the Company's more significant trademarks include ITW, which is also used in conjunction with the trademarks of many of the Company's businesses; Deltar and Shakeproof in the Automotive OEM segment; Hobart in the Food Equipment segment; Instron in the Test & Measurement and Electronics segment; Miller in the Welding segment; Rain-X and Permatex in the Polymers & Fluids segment; Paslode in the Construction Products segment; and Hi-Cone in the Specialty Products segment.


Environmental


The Company believes that its manufacturing plants and equipment are in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental regulations. Additional measures to maintain compliance are not expected to materially affect the Company’s capital expenditures, competitive position, financial position or results of operations.


Various legislative and administrative regulations concerning environmental issues have become effective or are under consideration in many parts of the world relating to manufacturing processes and the sale or use of certain products. To date, such developments have not had a substantial adverse impact on the Company's revenues, earnings or cash flows.


Employees


The Company employed approximately 50,000 persons45,000 people as of December 31, 20162019 and considers its employee relations to be excellent.


International

The Company's international operations include subsidiaries and joint ventures in 56 foreign countries on six continents. These operations serve such end markets as automotive OEM/tiers, automotive aftermarket, general industrial, commercial food equipment, construction, and others on a worldwide basis. The Company's revenues from sales to customers outside the U.S. were approximately 55% of revenues in 2016, 54% of revenues in 2015, and 57% of revenues in 2014.

Refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 14. Segment Information in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for additional information on international activities. International operations are subject to certain potential risks inherent in conducting business in foreign countries,


including price controls, exchange controls, limitations on participation in local enterprises, nationalization, expropriation and other governmental action, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Additional risks of the Company's international operations are described under Item 1A. Risk Factors.

About Our Executive Officers

Executive Officers of the Company as of February 10, 2017 were as follows:

NameOfficeAge
E. Scott SantiChairman & Chief Executive Officer55
Norman D. Finch Jr.Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary52
John R. HartnettExecutive Vice President56
Michael M. LarsenSenior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer48
Mary K. LawlerSenior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer51
Roland M. MartelExecutive Vice President62
Steven L. MartindaleExecutive Vice President60
Sundaram NagarajanExecutive Vice President54
Christopher O’HerlihyVice Chairman53
David C. ParryVice Chairman63
Randall J. ScheunemanVice President & Chief Accounting Officer49
Lei SchlitzExecutive Vice President50
Juan VallsExecutive Vice President55
Michael R. ZimmermanExecutive Vice President56


The executive officers of the Company serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Set forth below is information regarding the principal occupations and employment and business experience over the past five years for each executive officer. Unless otherwise stated, employment is by the Company.


Mr. Santi is the ChairmanExecutive Officers of the Board and Chief Executive OfficerCompany as of the Company. He was elected Chairman of the Board in 2015 after having servedFebruary 14, 2020 were as President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as a director, since November 2012. In October 2012, he was elected President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Santi served as Vice Chairman from 2008 to October 2012.follows:

NameAgePresent PositionYear Elected to Present PositionOther Positions Held During 2015-2019
E. Scott Santi58Chairman & Chief Executive Officer2015President and Chief Executive Officer, 2012-2015
Axel Beck54Executive Vice President2020Vice President/General Manager, food equipment businesses, 2011-2016, Group President, food equipment businesses, 2016-2020
Kenneth Escoe44Executive Vice President2020Vice President/General Manager, welding businesses, 2014-2016, Vice President/General Manager, specialty products businesses, 2016-2019, Group President, specialty products businesses, 2019-2020
Norman D. Finch Jr.55Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary2017Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Sealed Air Corporation, a global manufacturer of products related to food safety and security, facility hygiene and product protection, 2013-2017
John R. Hartnett59Executive Vice President2012 
Michael M. Larsen51Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer2013 
Mary K. Lawler54Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer2014 
Steven L. Martindale63Executive Vice President2008 
Christopher O’Herlihy56Vice Chairman2015Executive Vice President, 2010-2015
Randall J. Scheuneman52Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer2009 
Lei Schlitz53Executive Vice President2015Group President, food equipment businesses, 2011-2015
Sharon Szafranski53Executive Vice President2020Vice President/General Manager, food equipment businesses, 2010-2016, Vice President/General Manager, test & measurement and electronics businesses, 2016-2019, Group President, test & measurement and electronics businesses, 2019-2020
Michael R. Zimmerman59Executive Vice President2015Group President, welding businesses, 2010-2015


Mr. Finch joined the Company in January 2017 and was elected Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in February 2017. From 2013 to January 2017 he served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Sealed Air Corporation, a global manufacturer of products related to food safety and security, facility hygiene and product protection. Prior thereto, he served as Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (now Zimmer Biomet Holdings), a global medical device company.

Mr. Hartnett was elected Executive Vice President in 2012. Prior to that, he held various management positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as Group President of the automotive aftermarket businesses.

Mr. Larsen joined the Company and was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in September 2013. From October 2010 to August 2013, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gardner Denver, Inc., a global manufacturer of highly engineered compressors, blowers, pumps and other fluid transfer equipment. In addition, he served as interim CEO of Gardner Denver from July 2012 to November 2012, and as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of that company from November 2012 to July 2013.

Ms. Lawler joined the Company and was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer in October 2014. From June 2013 to October 2014, she served as Executive Vice President, Human Resources, at GATX Corporation, a rail car leasing company. Prior to that, she served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources, at GATX Corporation, from May 2008 to May 2013.

Mr. Martel has served in his present position since 2006.



Mr. Martindale has served in his present position since 2008.

Mr. Nagarajan has served in his present position since 2010.

Mr. O’Herlihy was elected Vice Chairman in 2015. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President from 2010 to 2015.

Mr. Parry has served in his present position since 2010.

Mr. Scheuneman has served in his present position since 2009.

Ms. Schlitz was elected Executive Vice President in 2015. Prior to that, she held various management positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, she served as Group President of the food equipment businesses since 2011.

Mr. Valls has served in his present position since 2007.

Mr. Zimmerman was elected Executive Vice President in 2015. Prior to that, he held various management positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as Group President of the welding businesses since 2010.


Available Information


The Company electronically files reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The public may read and copy any materials the Company has filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Copies of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are also available free of charge through the Company's website (www.itw.com), as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing with or otherwise furnishing such information to the SEC, and are available in print to any shareholder who requests them. The Company will furnish any exhibit not contained herein upon the payment of a fee representing the reasonable cost to the Company of furnishing the exhibit. Requests for exhibits may be sent to Illinois Tool Works Inc., 155 Harlem Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025, Attention: Secretary. Also posted on the Company’s website are the following:


Statement of Principles of Conduct;
Code of Ethics for CEO and key financial and accounting personnel;
Charters of the Audit, Corporate Governance and Nominating, and Compensation Committees of the Board of Directors;
Corporate Governance Guidelines;
Global Anti-Corruption Policy;
Corporate Citizenship Statement;Social Responsibility Reports;
Anti-Human Trafficking Disclosure;
Conflict Minerals Policy Statement; and
Supplier Code of Conduct;
Government Affairs Information.Information;

Environmental & Sustainability Policy;
Human Rights Policy;
Safety Policy; and
United Kingdom Tax Policy Document.

ITEM 1A.Risk Factors


The Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to various risks, including, but not limited to, those set forth below, which could cause actual results to vary materially from recent results or from anticipated future results. These risk factors should be considered together with information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


The Company's results are impacted by global economic conditions. Downturns in the markets served by the Company could adversely affect its businesses, results of operations or financial condition.


The Company's businesses are impacted by economic conditions around the globe, including the uncertainty created by the United Kingdom’s June 2016 vote to leave the European Union.globe. Slower economic growth, financial market instability, natural disasters, public health crises, high unemployment, government deficit reduction, sequestration and other austerity measures impacting the markets the Company serves can adversely affect the Company’s businesses by reducing demand for the Company's products and services, limiting financing available to the Company's customers, causing production delays, increasing order cancellations and the difficulty in collecting accounts


receivable, increasing price competition, or increasing the risk that counterparties to the Company's contractual arrangements will become insolvent or otherwise unable to fulfill their obligations.


The global nature of the Company's operations subjects it to political and economic risks that could adversely affect its business, results of operations or financial condition.


TheOver 50% of the Company's net sales are derived from customers outside the United States, and the Company currently operates in 5753 countries. The risks inherent in the Company's global operations include:

fluctuation in currency exchange rates;
limitations on ownership or participation in local enterprises;
price controls, exchange controls and limitations on repatriation of earnings;
transportation delays and interruptions;
political, social and economic instability and disruptions;
acts of terrorism;


the impact of widespread public health crises;
government embargoes or foreign trade restrictions;
the imposition of duties and tariffs and other trade barriers;barriers and retaliatory countermeasures;
government actions impacting international trade agreements;
import and export controls;
labor unrest and current and changing regulatory environments;
the potential for expropriation or nationalization of enterprises;
difficulties in staffing and managing multi-national operations;
limitations on its ability to enforce legal rights and remedies; and
potentially adverse tax consequences.


The United Kingdom's votecurrent global geopolitical and trade environment has resulted in June 2016 to leave the European Union may increase certainraw material inflation and potential for increased escalation of domestic and international tariffs and retaliatory trade policies. Further changes in U.S. trade policy (including new or additional increases in duties or tariffs) and additional retaliatory actions by U.S. trade partners could result in a worsening of economic conditions. Additionally, in early 2020, an outbreak of the riskscoronavirus occurred in China and uncertainties described above.other jurisdictions. The United Kingdom represented approximately 5%extent of the Company's total consolidated operating revenue foroutbreak and its impact on the year ended December 31, 2016.markets served by the Company and on its operations is uncertain. A prolonged outbreak could interrupt the operations of the Company and its customers and suppliers. If the Company is unable to successfully manage these and other risks associated with managing and expanding its international businesses, the risks could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.


The benefits from the Company’s Enterprise Strategy may not be as expected and the Company's financial results could be adversely impacted.impacted, or the Company may not meet its long-term financial performance targets.


As the Company has substantially completedcontinues to execute on its Enterprise Strategy initiatives, it remains focused on the core principles of portfolio managementdiscipline, 80/20 Front-to-Back practice excellence, and business structure simplification, its focus has pivoted to organic revenue growth and continued margin improvement.growth. Product line and customer base simplification activities, which are core elements of the Company’s 80/20 managementFront-to-Back process, continue to be applied toby the Company’s scaled up operating divisions and remainare active elements of the Enterprise Strategy. Although these activities are expected to improve future operating margins and organic revenue growth, they are also expected to have a negative impact on the Company’s overall organic revenue growth in the short term. Additionally, other core activities of the Enterprise Strategy related to portfolio discipline and organic growth, including customer-back innovation and strategic sales excellence, may not have the desired impact on future operating results. If the Company is unable to realize the expected benefits from its Enterprise Strategy initiatives, the Company's financial results could be adversely impacted.impacted, or the Company may not meet its long-term financial performance targets.


The timing and amount of the Company’s share repurchases are subject to a number of uncertainties.


Share repurchases constitute a significant component of the Company’s capital allocation strategy. The Company funds its share repurchases with free cash flow and short-term borrowings. The amount and timing of share repurchases will be based on a variety of factors. Important factors that could cause the Company to limit, suspend or delay its share repurchases include unfavorable trading market conditions, the price of the Company's common stock, the nature of other investment opportunities presented to usthe Company from time to time, the ability to obtain financing at attractive rates and the availability of U.S. cash.


The Company may incur fines or penalties, damage to its reputation or other adverse consequences if its employees, agents or business partners violate anti-bribery, competition, export and import, environmental or other laws.


The Company has a decentralized operating structure under which its individual businesses are allowed significant decision-making autonomy within the Company’s strategic framework and internal financial and compliance controls. The Company cannot ensure that its internal controls will always protect against reckless or criminal acts committed by its employees, agents or business partners that might violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws, including anti-bribery, competition, export and import, and environmental laws. Any such improper actions could subject the Company to civil or criminal investigations, could lead to substantial civil or criminal monetary and non-monetary penalties against the Company or its subsidiaries, or could damage its reputation.




A significant fluctuation between the U.S. Dollar and other currencies could adversely impact the Company's operating income.


Although the Company's financial results are reported in U.S. Dollars, a significant portion of its sales and operating costs are realized in other currencies, with the largest concentration of foreign sales occurring in Europe. The Company's profitability is affected by movements of the U.S. Dollar against the Euro and other foreign currencies in which it generates revenues and incurs expenses. Significant long-term fluctuations in relative currency values, and in particular, an increase in the value of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies, has had and could have an adverse effect on profitability and financial condition.


If the Company is unable to successfully introduce new products, or adequately protect its intellectual property, its future growth may be adversely affected.


The Company's ability to develop new products based on innovation can affect its competitive position and sometimes requires the investment of significant time and resources. Difficulties or delays in research, development, production or commercialization of new products and services may reduce future revenues and adversely affect the Company's competitive position. If the Company is unable to create sustainable product differentiation, its organic growth may be adversely affected.


If the Company is unable to adequately protect its intellectual property, its competitive position and results of operations may be adversely impacted.

Protecting the Company's intellectual property is critical to its innovation efforts. The Company owns patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and/or other intellectual property rights related to many of its products, and also has exclusive and non-exclusive license rights under intellectual property owned by others. The Company's intellectual property rights may be challenged or infringed upon by third parties, particularly in countries where property rights are not highly developed or protected, or the Company may be unable to maintain, renew or enter into new license agreements with third-party owners of intellectual property on reasonable terms. Unauthorized use of the Company's intellectual property rights or inability to preserve existing intellectual property rights could adversely impact the Company's competitive position and results of operations.


The Company's acquisition of businesses could negatively impact its profitability and returns.


Acquisitions, includingThe Company has engaged in various acquisitions in the Company’s acquisition ofpast, and could choose to acquire additional businesses in the Engineered Fasteners and Components business on July 1, 2016 from ZF TRW,future. Acquisitions involve a number of risks and financial, accounting, managerial and operational challenges, including the following, any of which could adversely affect the Company's profitability and returns:

The acquired business could under-perform relative to the Company’s expectations and the price paid for it, or not perform in accordance with the Company’s anticipated timetable.
The acquired business could cause the Company's financial results to differ from expectations in any given fiscal period, or over the long term.
Acquisition-related earnings charges could adversely impact operating results.
The acquired business could place unanticipated demands on the Company's management, operational resources and financial and internal control systems.
The Company may assume unknown liabilities, known contingent liabilities that become realized or known liabilities that prove greater than anticipated, internal control deficiencies or exposure to regulatory sanctions resulting from the activities of the acquired business’s activities.business. The realization of any of these liabilities or deficiencies may increase the Company's expenses, adversely affect its financial position or cause noncompliance with its financial reporting obligations.
As a result of acquisitions, the Company has in the past recorded significant goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets on its balance sheet. If the Company is not able to realize the value of these assets, it may recognize charges relating to the impairment of these assets.


Recent divestituresDivestitures pose the risk of retained liabilities that could adversely affect the Company's financial results.


The Company'sCompany had significant divestiture activity increased in 2012, 2013 and 2014 in accordance with its portfolio management initiative. Though the divestiture element of itsinitiative, and it divested additional businesses in 2019 as it continues portfolio management initiative is essentially complete, therefinements to maintain portfolio discipline. The Company has retained certain liabilities directly or through indemnifications made to the buyerbuyers against known and unknown contingent liabilities such as lawsuits, tax liabilities, product liability claims and environmental matters.matters, which could adversely affect the Company's financial results.





The Company has significant goodwill and other intangible assets, and future impairment of these assets could have a material adverse impact on ourthe Company's financial results.


The Company has recorded significant goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets on its balance sheet as a result of acquisitions. A number of factors may result in impairments to goodwill and other intangible assets, including significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our business, increased competition and significant changes in the use of the assets. Impairment charges could result that adversely affect the Company's financial condition or results of operations in the periods recognized.


Disruptions or volatility in global financial markets or changes in ourthe Company's credit ratings could increase ourthe Company's funding costs or reduce the availability of credit.


Global economic conditions may cause volatility and disruptions in the financial markets. The Company’s continued ability to meet its cash requirements requires substantial liquidity and access to the financial markets. In addition, the Company’s borrowing costs can be affected by short and long-term ratings assigned by independent rating agencies. If conditions in the financial markets decline or the Company’s credit ratings are negatively impacted, its funding costs could be increased or the availability of credit could be diminished.


Raw material price increases and supply shortages could adversely affect results.


The supply of raw materials to the Company and to its component parts suppliers could be interrupted for a variety of reasons, including availability and pricing. Prices for raw materials necessary for production have fluctuated significantly in the past and significant increases could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and profit margins. In particular, changes in trade policies, the imposition of duties and tariffs, potential retaliatory countermeasures and severe weather events could adversely impact the price or availability of raw materials. Due to pricing pressure or other factors, the Company may not be able to pass along increased raw material and components parts prices to its customers in the form of price increases or its ability to do so could be delayed. Consequently, its results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.


Unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings may adversely affect results.


The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and in various foreign jurisdictions. Domestic and international tax liabilities are based on the income and expenses in various tax jurisdictions. The Company's effective tax rate could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings among countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation allowance of deferred tax assets or changes in tax laws. The amount of income taxes and other taxes areis subject to ongoing audits by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities and by non-U.S. authorities. If these audits result in assessments different from amounts recorded, future financial results may include unfavorable tax adjustments.


In December 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation that included significant changes to the taxation of business entities. The Company’s accounting for the tax effects of the Act may be subject to change due to subsequent clarification of the tax law which could adversely affect the Company's operating results or financial condition.

The Company's defined benefit pension plans are subject to financial market risks that could adversely affect its results of operations and cash flows.


The performance of financial markets and interest rates impact the Company's funding obligations under its defined benefit pension plans. Significant changes in market interest rates, decreases in the fair value of plan assets and investment losses on plan assets may increase the Company's funding obligations and adversely impact its results of operations and cash flows.


Potential adverse outcomes in legal proceedings may adversely affect results.


The Company's businesses expose it to potential toxic tort and other types of product liability claims that are inherent in the design, manufacture and sale of its products and the products of third-party vendors. The Company currently maintains insurance programs consisting of self-insurance up to certain limits and excess insurance coverage for claims over established limits. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain insurance on acceptable terms or that its insurance programs will provide adequate protection against actual losses. In addition, the Company is subject to the risk that one or more of its insurers may become insolvent and become unable to pay claims that may be made in the future. Even if it maintains adequate insurance programs, claims could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, liquidity and results of operations and on its ability to obtain suitable, adequate or cost-effective insurance in the future.




Uncertainty related to environmental regulation and industry standards, as well as physical risks of climate change, could impact the Company's results of operations and financial position.

Increased public awareness and concern regarding environmental risks, including global climate change, may result in more international, regional and/or federal requirements or industry standards to reduce or mitigate global warming and other environmental risks. These regulations or standards could mandate even more restrictive requirements, such as stricter limits on greenhouse gas emissions and production of single use plastics, than the voluntary commitments that the Company has made or require such changes on a more accelerated time frame. There continues to be a lack of consistent climate legislation, which creates economic and regulatory uncertainty. In addition, the physical risks of climate change may impact the availability and cost of materials and natural resources, sources and supply of energy, product demand and manufacturing. If environmental laws or regulations or industry standards are either changed or adopted and impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements upon the Company or its products, or the Company's operations are disrupted due to physical impacts of climate change, the Company’s business, capital expenditures, results of operations, financial condition and competitive position could be negatively impacted.

If the Company is unable to protect its information technology infrastructure against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, or if there is a violation of data privacy laws, there could be a negative impact on operating results or the Company may suffer financial or reputational damage.


The Company relies on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities, including procurement, manufacturing, distribution, invoicing and collection. These technology networks and systems may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components; power outages; hardware failures; attacks by computer hackers; computer viruses; employee error or malfeasance. In addition, security breaches could result in unauthorized disclosure of confidential information or personal data belonging to our employees, partners, customers or suppliers. We are also subject to data privacy laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation, in the various countries in which we operate. If theseour information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption, or shutdown, and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, or if we violate data privacy laws, there could be a negative impact on operating results or the Company may suffer financial or reputational damage.


Forward-Looking Statements


This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "plans," "intends," "may," "strategy," "prospects," "estimate," "project," "target," "anticipate," "guidance," "forecast," and other similar words, including, without limitation, statements regarding the expected performance of acquired businesses and impact of divested businesses, the impact of tariffs and raw material cost inflation, economic and regulatory conditions in various geographic regions, the timing and amount of share repurchases, the timing and amount of benefits from the Company's Enterprise Strategy,enterprise initiatives, the adequacy of internally generated funds and credit facilities to service debt and finance the Company's capital allocation priorities, the sufficiency of U.S. generated cash to fund cash requirements in the U.S., the impact of the recently enacted U.S. tax legislation, the cost and availability of additional financing, the Company's portion of future benefit payments related to pension and postretirement benefits, the expected impact of a change in the method of calculating the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs to a specific spot rate approach, the availability of raw materials and energy, the expiration of any one of the Company's patents, the cost of compliance with environmental regulations, the likelihood of future goodwill or intangible asset impairment charges, the impact of failure of the Company's employees to comply with applicable laws and regulations, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, the outcome of outstanding legal proceedings, the impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements, and the estimated timing and amount related to the resolution of tax matters. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Important risks that may influence future results include those risks described above. These risks are not all inclusive and given these and other possible risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.


Any forward-looking statements made by ITW speak only as of the date on which they are made. ITW is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise.


ITW practices fair disclosure for all interested parties. Investors should be aware that while ITW regularly communicates with securities analysts and other investment professionals, it is against ITW's policy to disclose to them any material non-publicnon-


public information or other confidential commercial information. Investors should not assume that ITW agrees with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report.


ITEM 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments


None.




ITEM 2.Properties


Due to the Company’s decentralized operating structure and global operations, the Company operates out of a number of facilities worldwide, none of which are individually significant to the Company or its segments. As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company operated the followingapproximately 440 plants and office facilities, excluding regional sales offices and warehouse facilities:facilities. Approximately 280 of the facilities were located outside of the United States. Principal foreign countries include China, Germany, the United Kingdom and France.

  Number Of Properties
 Owned Leased Total
Automotive OEM 59
 38
 97
Food Equipment 24
 17
 41
Test & Measurement and Electronics 29
 63
 92
Welding 26
 18
 44
Polymers & Fluids 37
 32
 69
Construction Products 28
 28
 56
Specialty Products 47
 42
 89
Corporate 1
 12
 13
Total 251
 250
 501


The Company’s properties are highly suitablewell suited for the purposes for which they were designed and are maintained in good operating condition. Production capacity, in general, currently exceeds operating levels. Capacity levels are somewhat flexible based on the number of shifts operated and on the number of overtime hours worked. The Company adds production capacity from time to time as required by increased demand. Additions to capacity can be made within a reasonable period of time due to the nature of the Company’s businesses.

The Company operated 307 plants and office facilities outside of the U.S. Principal countries include China, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.


ITEM 3.Legal Proceedings


None.


ITEM 4.Mine Safety Disclosures


None.





PART II


ITEM 5.Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities


Common Stock Price and Dividend Data— The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Quarterly market price and dividend data for 2016 and 2015 were as shown below:

 Market Price Per Share 
Dividends
Declared
Per Share
 High Low 
2016:     
Fourth quarter$127.99
 $111.50
 $0.65
Third quarter123.50
 103.08
 0.65
Second quarter109.54
 98.32
 0.55
First quarter102.98
 79.15
 0.55
      
2015:     
Fourth quarter$95.00
 $80.16
 $0.55
Third quarter94.33
 78.79
 0.55
Second quarter99.92
 91.41
 0.485
First quarter100.14
 90.43
 0.485

There were approximately 6,4335,513 holders of record of common stock as of January 31, 2017.2020. This number does not include beneficial owners of the Company's securities held in the name of nominees.


graphfor10ka02.jpg

*Assumes $100 invested on 12/31/1114 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal years ended December 31.
Copyright© 2017 S&P,2020 Standard & Poor's, a division of McGraw Hill Financial.S&P Global. All rights reserved.




The 20162019 peer group consists of the following 1817 public companies, consistent with the peer group included in the Company's Proxy statement:


3M CompanyE.I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyMasco Corporation
BorgWarner Inc.Eaton Corporation plcEmerson Electric Co.Parker-Hannifin Corporation
Caterpillar Inc.Emerson Electric Co.Fortive CorporationPPG Industries, Inc.
Cummins Inc.Honeywell International Inc.General Dynamics CorporationPentair plcRaytheon Company
Deere & CompanyHoneywell International Inc.Rockwell Automation, Inc.
Dover CorporationIngersoll-Rand plcStanley Black & Decker, Inc.
DoverEaton Corporation plcJohnson Controls, Inc.Textron Inc.


DanaherThe Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company reviews the peer group annually and from time to time it changes the composition of the Company’s peer group where changes are appropriate. Although Fortive Corporation was removed fromadded to the Company'sCompany’s peer group in 20162017, it was excluded from the five year cumulative total return as there was insufficient historical data due to theits spin-off of Fortive Corporation.from Danaher Corporation in 2016.


Repurchases of Common Stock— On February 13, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program which providesprovided for the repurchase of up to $6.0 billion of the Company’s common stock over an open-ended period of time (the "2015 Program"). The 2015 Program was completed in the second quarter of 2019.

On August 3, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program which provides for the repurchase of up to an additional $3.0 billion of the Company's common stock over an open-ended period of time (the "2018 Program"). As of December 31, 2016,2019, there were approximately $3.4$1.9 billion of authorized repurchases remaining under the 2015 Program. 2018 program.

Share repurchase activity under the Company's share repurchase program for the fourth quarter of 20162019 was as follows:


In millions except per share amountsIn millions except per share amounts      In millions except per share amounts      
PeriodTotal Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program Maximum Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under ProgramTotal Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program Maximum Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under Programs
October 20162.8
 $114.89
 2.8
 $3,622
November 20161.1
 $120.25
 1.1
 $3,498
December 20160.4
 $126.26
 0.4
 $3,446
October 20190.1
 $167.78
 0.1
 $2,301
November 20190.3
 $173.98
 0.3
 $2,256
December 20191.8
 $175.67
 1.8
 $1,946
Total4.3
   4.3
  2.2
   2.2
  


ITEM 6.Selected Financial Data


In millions except per share amounts2016 2015 2014 2013 20122019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Operating revenue$13,599
 $13,405
 $14,484
 $14,135
 $14,791
$14,109
 $14,768
 $14,314
 $13,599
 $13,405
Income from continuing operations2,035
 1,899
 1,890
 1,630
 2,233
2,521
 2,563
 1,687
 2,035
 1,899
Income per share from continuing operations:Income per share from continuing operations:    Income per share from continuing operations:    
Basic5.73
 5.16
 4.70
 3.65
 4.75
7.78
 7.65
 4.90
 5.73
 5.16
Diluted5.70
 5.13
 4.67
 3.63
 4.72
7.74
 7.60
 4.86
 5.70
 5.13
Total assets at year-end15,201
 15,729
 17,465
 19,599
 19,138
15,068
 14,870
 16,780
 15,201
 15,729
Long-term debt at year-end7,177
 6,896
 5,943
 2,771
 4,564
7,754
 6,029
 7,478
 7,177
 6,896
Cash dividends declared per common share2.40
 2.07
 1.81
 1.60
 1.48
4.14
 3.56
 2.86
 2.40
 2.07


In 2017, the Company recorded a one-time additional income tax expense of $658 million, or $1.90 per diluted share, related to the enactment of the United States "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act." Refer to Note 6. Income Taxes in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information.

Certain reclassifications of prior year data have been made to conform to current year reporting, including discontinued operations andthe adoption of new accounting guidance as discussed below.

On October 31, 2012, the Company divested a 51% majority interest in its Decorative Surfaces segment. Accordingly, the Company ceased consolidating the results of the Decorative Surfaces segment as of October 31, 2012 and now reports its 49% ownership interest using the equity method of accounting. Due to the Company's continuing involvement through its 49% interest, the historical operating results of Decorative Surfaces are presented in continuing operations. Effective November 1, 2012, Decorative Surfaces was no longer a reportable segment of the Company.




In April 2014,March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")FASB issued authoritative guidance that included several changes to changesimplify the criteriaaccounting for reporting discontinued operations. Understock-based compensation, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification of tax benefits in the statement of cash flows. Among the more significant changes, the new guidance only disposals representing a strategic shiftrequires that the income tax effects associated with the settlement of stock-based awards after adoption of the guidance be recognized through income tax expense rather than directly in a company's operations and financial resultsequity. Additionally, the income tax effects related to excess tax benefits should be reportedpresented within operating cash flows in the statement of cash flows rather than as discontinued operations.a financing activity. Excess tax benefits recognized in equity under the prior guidance were $29 million and $20 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company adopted thisthe new guidance effective January 1, 2015. The2017 and applied the new guidance applies prospectively to new disposalsprospectively. Excess tax benefits of $28 million, $10 million and new classifications of disposal groups held for sale after such date. There$50 million were no discontinued operations during 2016 or 2015 under this new accounting guidance. For businesses reported as discontinued operationsincluded in Income taxes in the statement of income priorfor the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The expected effect on income tax expense or net cash provided from operating activities related to adoption, all related priorfuture stock-based award settlements will vary each period income statement information has been restated. Income from discontinued operations was $1.1 billion, $49 million, and $637 millionwill depend on inputs such as the stock price at the time of settlement and the number of awards settled in the years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Refer to Note 2. Discontinued Operations in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for discussion of the Company's discontinued operations.period presented.

In April 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to simplify the balance sheet presentation of long-term debt issuance costs. Under the new guidance, long-term debt issuance costs are presented as a reduction of the carrying amount of the related long-term debt. The Company early adopted this guidance in the fourth quarter of 2015 and restated $38 million, $22 million, and $26 million of deferred long-term debt issuance costs from Other assets to Long-term debt in the years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

In November 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to simplify the presentation of deferred taxes. Under the new guidance, all deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented as noncurrent in the statement of financial position. Early adoption of this guidance in the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased total assets by $175 million, $345 million, and $145 million in the years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.


Additional information on the comparability of results is included in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.





ITEM 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


INTRODUCTION


Illinois Tool Works Inc. (the "Company" or "ITW") is a global manufacturer of a diversified range of industrial products and equipment with 8584 divisions in 5753 countries. As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company employed approximately 50,000 persons.45,000 people.


The Company's operations are organized and managed based on similar product offerings and end markets, and are reported to senior management as the following seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products.


Due to the large number of diverse businesses and the Company's decentralized operating structure, the Company does not require its businesses to provide detailed information on operating results. Instead, the Company's corporate management collects data on several key measurements: operating revenue, operating income, operating margin, overhead costs, number of months on hand in inventory, days sales outstanding in accounts receivable, past due receivables and return on invested capital. These key measures are monitored by management and significant changes in operating results versus current trends in end markets and variances from forecasts are discussed with operating unit management.


THE ITW BUSINESS MODEL


The powerful and highly differentiated ITW Business Model is the Company’s core source of value creation. This business modelThe ITW Business Model is the Company’s competitive advantage and defines how ITW creates value for its shareholders and comprisesshareholders. It is comprised of three unique elements:


ITW’s 80/20 Front-to-Back process is the operating system that is applied in every ITW business. Initially introduced as a manufacturing efficiency tool in the 1980s, ITW has continually refined, improved and expanded 80/20 into a proprietary, holistic business management process that generates significant value for the Company and its customers. Through the application of data driven insights generated by 80/20 practice, ITW focuses on its largest and best opportunities (the “80”) and eliminates cost, complexity and distractions associated with the less profitable opportunities (the “20”). 80/20 enables ITW businesses to consistently achieve world-class operational excellence in product availability, quality, and innovation, while generating superior financial performance;

Customer-back Innovation has fueled decades of profitable growth at ITW. The Company’s unique innovation approach is built on insight gathered from the 80/20 Front-to-Back process. Working from the customer back, ITW businesses position themselves as the go-to problem solver for their “80” customers. ITW’s innovation efforts are focused on understanding customer needs, particularly those in “80” markets with solid long-term growth fundamentals, and creating unique solutions to address those needs. These customer insights and learnings drive innovation at ITW and have contributed to a portfolio of approximately 18,000 granted and pending patents;
ITW’s 80/20 management process is the operating system that is applied in every ITW business. Initially introduced as a manufacturing efficiency tool in the 1980’s, ITW has continually refined, improved and expanded 80/20 into a proprietary, holistic business management process that generates significant value for the Company and its customers. Through the application of data-driven insights generated by 80/20 practice, ITW focuses on its largest and best opportunities (the “80”) and eliminates cost, complexity and distractions associated with the less profitable opportunities (the “20”). 80/20 enables ITW businesses to consistently achieve world-class operational excellence in product availability, quality, and innovation, while generating superior financial performance;
ITW’s Decentralized, Entrepreneurial Culture enables ITW businesses to be fast, focused, and responsive. ITW businesses have significant flexibility within the framework of the ITW Business Model to customize their approach in order to best serve their specific customers' needs. ITW colleagues recognize their unique responsibilities to execute the Company's strategy and values. As a result, the Company maintains a focused and simple organizational structure that, combined with outstanding execution, delivers best-in-class services and solutions adapted to each business' customers and end markets.

Customer-back innovation has fueled decades of profitable growth at ITW. The Company’s unique innovation approach is built on insight gathered from the 80/20 management process. Working from the customer back, ITW businesses position themselves as the go-to problem solver for their “80” customers. ITW’s innovation efforts are focused on understanding customer needs, particularly those in “80” markets with solid long-term growth fundamentals, and subsequently creating unique solutions to address those needs. These customer insights and learnings drive innovation at ITW and have contributed to a portfolio of more than 17,000 granted and pending patents;

ITW’s decentralized, entrepreneurial culture allows ITW businesses to be fast, focused, and responsive. ITW businesses have significant flexibility within the framework of the ITW Business Model to customize their approach in order to best serve their specific customers' needs. ITW colleagues recognize their unique responsibilities to execute the Company's strategy and values. As a result, the Company maintains a focused and simple organizational structure that, combined with outstanding execution, delivers best-in-class services adapted to each business' customers and end markets.


ENTERPRISE STRATEGY


In late 2012, ITW began the process ofits strategic framework transitioning the Company ontoon its current strategic path to fully leverage the compelling performance potential of the ITW Business Model. Since then, ITW has made considerable progress, as evidenced by the Company’s strong financial performance over the past four years.

The roots of ITW’s Enterprise Strategy began in late 2011 / early 2012, when the Company undertook a complete review of its performance. Focusingperformance, focusing on its businesses delivering consistent above-market growth with best-in-class margins and returns, ITW developedand developing a strategy to replicate that performance across its operations.





Based on this rigorous evaluation, ITW determined that solid and consistent above-market organic growth must beis the core growth engine to deliver world-class financial performance and compelling long-term returns for its shareholders. To shift its primary growth engine to organic, the Company began executing a multi-step approach.


The first step was to narrow the focus and improve the quality of ITW’sITW's business portfolio. As part of the Portfolio Management initiative, ITW exited businesses that were operating in commoditized market spaces and prioritized sustainable differentiation as a must-have requirement for all ITW businesses. This process included both divesting entire businesses and exiting commoditized product lines and customers inside otherwise highly differentiated ITW divisions.


As a result of this work, ITW’sITW's business portfolio now has significantly higher organic growth potential. ITW segments and divisions now possess attractive and differentiated product lines and end markets as they continue to improve operating margins and generate price/cost increases. The Company achieved this through product line simplification, or eliminating the complexity and overhead costs associated with smaller product lines and customers, while supporting and growing the businesses’businesses' largest / most profitable customers and product lines.

Step two, Business Structure Simplification, was implemented to simplify and scale up ITW’s operating structure to support increased engineering, marketing, and sales resources, and improve global reach and competitiveness, all of which were critical to driving accelerated organic growth. ITW now has 84 scaled-up divisions with significantly enhanced focus on growth investments, core customers and products, and customer-back innovation.

The Strategic Sourcing initiative established sourcing as a core strategic and operational capability at ITW, delivering an average of one percent reduction in spend each year from 2013 through 2019 and continues to be a key contributor to the Company's ongoing enterprise strategy.

With the initiative nearly complete and ITW businesses demonstrating notably improved financial performance, the Company believes that the significant product line simplification work is essentially finalized and will return to more normalized levels in 2017 and beyond.

Step two, Business Structure Simplification, was implemented to simplify and scale-up ITW’s operating structure to support increased engineering, marketing, and sales resources, and, at the same time, improve global reach and competitiveness, all of which were critical to driving accelerated organic growth. ITW now has 85 scaled-up divisions with significantly enhanced focus on growth investments, core customers and products, and customer-back innovation.

The Strategic Sourcing initiative was established as a core capability to better leverage ITW’s scale and improve global competitiveness. Sourcing is now a core strategic and operational capability at ITW. The Company’s 80/20-enabled sourcing organization has delivered an average of one percent reduction in spend each year from 2013 through 2016 and is on track to do the same in 2017 and 2018.

With theinitial portfolio realignment and scale-up work largely complete, the Company was able to shiftshifted its focus to preparing for and accelerating organic growth,. As a preparatory step, ITW is in reapplying the process of reapplying 80/20 Front-to-Back process to optimize its newly scaled-up divisions for growth, first, to build a foundation of operational excellence, and second, to identify the best opportunities to drive organic growth.


Once the business has achieved operational excellence and identified the right growth opportunities, the final step is to accelerate organic growth. The process of preparing for accelerated organic growth generally takes 18 to 24 months.

Based on the financial performance of the divisions that are further along in this process, the Company believes that its organic growth framework is capable of delivering above-market organic growth across all segments. Divisions are at various phases in preparation for growth and many are either ready to grow or already growing above their respective markets. ITW management is fully aligned with this plan and very focused on executing it. With the close of 2016, approximately 85 percent of the divisions are ready to grow.

PATH TO FULL POTENTIAL

While the Company has made considerable progress and ITW’s performance is nearing best-in-class levels, the Company has significant opportunity for further improvement before it achieves full operating potential. In order to do so, ITW is focused on two key areas of opportunity, including: additional structural margin improvement and sustained above-market organic growth with strong incremental profitability.

Additional Structural Margin Improvement

To deliver on the additional structural margin improvement, the Company is implementing the following two levers: (1) further leveraging the 80/20 management process and (2) strategic sourcing.

The first lever, better leveraging the full power of the ITW Business Model, will be accomplished through a much more consistent and focused approach to 80/20 best practice implementation across the Company. The 80/20


management system has continuously been refined, improved and expanded into a unique holistic business management process of interconnected tools, which improves all aspects of the business and, when applied consistently and executed more effectively, will lead to additional margin improvement. ITW has clearly demonstrated superior 80/20 management, resulting in meaningful incremental improvement in margins and returns as evidenced by the Company’s operating margin and after-tax return on invested capital. TheseAt the same time, these 80/20 initiatives can also result in restructuring initiatives that reduce costs and improve profitability and returns.


The second lever, strategic sourcing, is a core elementPATH TO FULL POTENTIAL - FINISHING THE JOB

Since the launch of ITW’s ongoing operationalthe enterprise strategy, and a sustainable enterprise-wide capability. Through the continued execution of this initiative, the Company expectshas made considerable progress to deliver additional margin improvement with the goalposition itself to reach full potential. The ITW Business Model and unique set of capabilities are a one percent reduction in spend in 2017source of strong and 2018.

Sustained Above-Market Organic Growth with Strong Incremental Profitability

ITW has done extensive work on its portfolio and operating structure to positionenduring competitive advantage, but for the Company to delivertruly finish the job and reach its full potential, every one of its divisions must also be operating at its full potential. To do so, the Company remains focused on its core principles to position ITW to perform to its full potential:

Portfolio discipline
80/20 Front-to-Back practice excellence
Full-potential organic growth

Portfolio Discipline

The Company only operates in industries where it can generate significant, long-term competitive advantage from the ITW Business Model. ITW businesses have the right “raw material” in terms of market and business attributes that best fit the ITW Business Model and have significant potential to drive above-market organic growth over the long-term.

The Company focuses on high-quality businesses, ensuring it operates in markets with positive long-term macro fundamentals and with customers that have critical needs and value ITW's differentiated products, services and solutions. ITW’s portfolio operates in highly diverse end markets and geographies which makes the Company more resilient in the face of uncertain or volatile market environments.

As part of its agenda to finish the job, the Company routinely evaluates its portfolio to ensure it delivers sustainable above-marketdifferentiation and drives consistent long-term performance. This includes both implementing portfolio refinements and assessing selective high-quality acquisitions to supplement ITW’s long-term growth potential.


The Company previously communicated its intent to explore options, including potential divestitures, for certain businesses with revenues totaling up to $1 billion. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company completed the divestitures of three businesses and continues to evaluate options for certain other businesses. The Company expects any earnings per share dilution from divestitures would be offset by incremental share repurchases. Refer to Note 2. Divestitures in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for more information regarding divestitures.

80/20 Front-to-Back Practice Excellence

The 80/20 Front-to-Back process is a rigorous, iterative and highly data-driven approach to identify where the Company has true differentiation and the ability to drive sustainable, high-quality organic growth. The Company simplifies and eliminates complexity and redesigns every aspect of its business to ensure focused execution on key opportunities, markets, customers, and products.

ITW will continue its efforts to finish the job and drive 80/20 Front-to-Back practice excellence in every division in the Company, every day. Driving strong operational excellence in the quality of 80/20 Front-to-Back practice across the Company, division by division, will produce further customer-facing performance improvement in a number of the Company's divisions and additional structural margin expansion at the enterprise level.

Full-potential Organic Growth

Reaching full potential means that every division is positioned for sustainable, high-quality organic growth. The Company has narrowedclearly defined action plans aimed at leveraging the performance power of the ITW Business Model to achieve full-potential organic growth in every division, with specific focus on:

"80” focused Market Penetration - fully leveraging the considerable growth potential that resides in the Company's largest and significantly improvedmost differentiated product offerings and customer relationships
Customer-Back Innovation - strengthening the Company's commitment to serial innovation and delivering a continuous flow of differentiated new products to its key customers
Strategic Sales Excellence - deploying a high-performance sales function in every division

As the Company continues to make progress toward its full potential, the Company will explore opportunities to reinforce or further expand the long-term organic growth potential of ITW’s business portfolio. With approximately 85%ITW through the addition of its divisions ready to grow as of the end of 2016, ITW is well positioned for accelerated growth in 2017 and beyond. To deliver on this accelerated growth, the divisions have been implementing the organic growth framework, which includes continued investment in customer-back innovation and a strengthened focus on market penetration. ITW continues to focus on growing its share of "80" products with existing customers with whom the Company has a resonant value proposition as well as target potential new customers with similar pain points to existing customers. ITW has made strong progress on the Company’s pivot to organic growth and is well positioned to deliver on sustained above-market organic growth over the long-term.selective high-quality acquisitions.


TERMS USED BY ITW


Management uses the following terms to describe the financial results of operations of the Company:


Organic business - acquired businesses that have been included in the Company's results of operations for more than 12 months on a constant currency basis.
Operating leverage - the estimated effect of the organic revenue volume changes on organic operating income, assuming variable margins remain the same as the prior period.
Price/cost -represents the estimated net impact of increases or decreases in the cost of materials used in the Company's products versus changes in the selling price to the Company's customers.
Product line simplification (PLS) - focuses businesses on eliminating the complexity and overhead costs associated with smaller product lines and customers, and focuses businesses on supporting and growing their largest customers and product lines; in the short-term, PLS may result in a decrease in revenue and overhead costs while improving operating margin. In the long-term, PLS is expected to result in growth in revenue, profitability, and returns.
Organic business - acquired businesses that have been included in the Company's results of operations for more than 12 months on a constant currency basis.
Operating leverage - the estimated effect of the organic revenue volume changes on organic operating income, assuming variable margins remain the same as the prior period.
Price/cost -represents the estimated net impact of increases or decreases in the cost of materials used in the Company's products versus changes in the selling price to the Company's customers.
Product line simplification (PLS) - focuses businesses on eliminating the complexity and overhead costs associated with smaller product lines and customers, and focuses businesses on supporting and growing their largest customers and product lines; in the short-term, PLS may result in a decrease in revenue and overhead costs while improving operating margin. In the long-term, PLS is expected to result in growth in revenue, profitability, and returns.


Unless otherwise stated, the changes in financial results in the consolidated results of operations and the results of operations by segment represent the current year period versus the comparable period in the prior year.


CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Leveraging ITW's highly differentiated and proprietary business model, theThe Company delivered strongsolid financial results in 20162019 despite a challenging global macro environment and foreign currency translation headwinds.contracting industrial demand environment. With the solidCompany's diversified high-quality business portfolio, highly differentiated ITW Business Model and continued strong execution on enterprise initiatives throughout the year, the Company grew diluted earnings per share and returned approximately $2.8 billion to shareholders in the form of the Company's Enterprise Strategy initiatives, six of seven segments achieved worldwide organic revenue growthdividends and five of sevenshare repurchases in 2019. Additionally, all segments had operating margin expansion.at or above 21.5% for 2019.

On July 1, 2016,
The Company does not believe that tariffs imposed in the past year have had a material impact on its operating results. The Company will continue to evaluate the impact of enacted and proposed tariffs on its businesses, as well as pricing actions to mitigate the impact of any raw material cost increases resulting from these tariffs.

In early 2020, an outbreak of the coronavirus occurred in China and other jurisdictions. The extent of the outbreak and its impact on the markets served by the Company completedand on its operations is uncertain. A prolonged outbreak could interrupt the acquisitionoperations of the Engineered FastenersCompany and Components business ("EF&C") from ZF TRW forits customers and suppliers.

The Company presents certain financial measures in fiscal year 2017 excluding the $658 million tax charge related to the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" and the benefit of a purchase price of approximately $450 million. EF&C had operating revenue of $245favorable $95 million forlegal settlement. These non-GAAP measures are consistent with the six months ended December 31, 2016. EF&C dilutedway management analyzes and assesses the Company's operating performance. The Company believes these non-GAAP measures enhance investors' understanding of the Company's underlying financial performance, as well as their ability to compare the Company's financial results and overall performance to that of its peers.

The Company’s consolidated results of operations for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

2019 compared to 2018

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2019 2018 Inc (Dec) Organic
Acquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$14,109
 $14,768
 (4.5)% (1.9)%(0.3)% %(2.3)%(4.5)%
Operating income$3,402
 $3,584
 (5.1)% (1.3)%(0.1)%(1.4)%(2.3)%(5.1)%
Operating margin %24.1% 24.3% (20) bps
 10 bps

(30) bps

(20) bps

Operating revenue declined due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation, lower organic revenue and divestitures.
Organic revenue decreased 1.9% primarily driven by a decline in the Automotive OEM, Specialty Products, Welding and Construction Products segments. Product line simplification activities reduced organic revenue by 60 basis points.
North American organic revenue decreased 1.8% as a decline in the Automotive OEM, Specialty Products, Welding and Polymers & Fluids segments was partially offset by growth in the Food Equipment, Test & Measurement and Electronics and Construction Products segments.
Europe, Middle East and Africa organic revenue decreased 2.2% as five segments declined, partially offset by growth in the Food Equipment and Construction Products segments.
Asia Pacific organic revenue declined 1.6% as a decrease in the Construction Products, Automotive OEM, Food Equipment and Test & Measurement and Electronics segments was partially offset by an increase in the Welding, Polymers & Fluids and Specialty Products segments.
Operating income of $3.4 billion decreased 5.1% primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency translation, higher restructuring expenses and lower organic revenue.
Operating margin in 2016 byof 24.1% decreased 20 basis points. Excluding the unfavorable impact of higher restructuring expenses of 30 basis points, operating margin increased 10 basis points primarily due to benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives that contributed 120 basis points and favorable price/cost of 10 basis points, partially offset by negative operating leverage of 50 basis points, product mix and higher employee-related expenses.
The effective tax rate for 2019 was 23.3% compared to 24.5% in 2018. The 2019 and 2018 effective tax rates benefited from the lower operating marginU.S. corporate federal tax rate and acquisition related expenses.discrete items. The Company expects EF&C to be slightly accretive to earnings2019 effective tax rate benefited from a discrete tax benefit of $21 million in the first twelve months, but expects improved earningsthird quarter for the U.S. federal provision to return adjustment resulting primarily from changes in estimates related to the "Tax Cuts and operating margin performanceJobs Act." The 2018 effective tax rate benefited from a discrete tax benefit of $37 million in later years through the applicationthird quarter related to the release of a valuation allowance against the Company's 80/20 business management process. The operating resultsdeferred tax assets of EF&C are reported withina non-U.S. subsidiary, which was partially offset by a discrete tax charge of $22 million in the Company's Automotive OEM segment. The acquisition of EF&C did not materially affectthird quarter related to foreign tax credits. Additionally, the Company's results of operations or financial positioneffective tax rate for any period presented.2019 and 2018 included $28 million and $10 million, respectively, related to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation. Refer to Note 3. Acquisitions6. Income Taxes in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information.



The Company’s consolidated results of operations for 2016, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:

2016 compared to 2015

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2016 2015 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$13,599
 $13,405
 1.4% 1.2%1.7%%(1.5)%1.4%
Operating income3,064
 2,867
 6.9% 8.1%0.6%0.1%(1.9)%6.9%
Operating margin %22.5% 21.4% 110 bps
 140 bps
(30) bps
10 bps
(10) bps
110 bps

Operating revenue increased due to growth in organic and acquisition revenues, partially offset by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue grew 1.2% as six of seven segments had worldwide organic revenue growth primarily due to penetration gains, higher end market demand and product innovation. Organic revenue declined in the Welding segment primarily due to lower capital spending in the industrial end markets and sluggish demand in the oil and gas end market.
PLS activities associated with the portfolio management component of the Company's Enterprise Strategy reduced organic revenue growth by approximately one percentage point.
North American organic revenue increased 0.7% and European organic revenue increased 2.3% as growth in six segments for both regions was partially offset by a decline in the Welding segment.
Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 2.7% primarily due to growth in the Automotive OEM, Specialty Products, Construction Products, Food Equipment, and Test & Measurement and Electronics segments, partially offset by a decline in the Welding and Polymers & Fluids segments.
Operating margin of 22.5% increased 110 basis points. The primary driver of the operating margin improvement was 130 basis points from the benefit of the Company's enterprise initiatives. Positive operating leverage of 30 basis points and favorable price/cost of 10 basis points were partially offset by the dilutive impact of 30 basis points from the EF&C acquisition and additional investment in the business.
In 2016, the Company received a $167 million cash dividend distribution from Wilsonart which exceeded the Company’s equity investment balance and resulted in a $54 million pre-tax gain, partially offset by $30 million of pre-tax losses related to the disposals of businesses and the disposal of a partnership investment. Refer to Note 4. Other Income (Expense) in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information on the Wilsonart equity investment.
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $5.70 increased 11.1%.$7.74, an increase of 1.8%, included a $0.09 gain in 2019 from the disposal of businesses.
Free cash flow was $2.0$2.7 billion in 2016.for 2019. Refer to the Cash Flow section of Liquidity and Capital Resources for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure.


The Company repurchased approximately 18.79.8 million shares of its common stock in 20162019 for approximately $2.0$1.5 billion.
The Company increased the quarterly dividend by 7.0% in 2019. Total cash dividends of $821 millionapproximately $1.3 billion were paid in 2016.2019.
Adjusted after-tax return on average invested capital was 22.1%, an increase of 170 basis points.28.7% for 2019. Refer to the Adjusted After-Tax Return on Average Invested Capital section of Liquidity and Capital Resources for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure.


20152018 compared to 2014

2017
For the Years Ended  For the Years Ended  
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)December 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2015 2014 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal2018 2017 Inc (Dec) Organic
Acquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$13,405
 $14,484
 (7.4)% (0.4)%(0.2)%%(6.8)%(7.4)%$14,768
 $14,314
 3.2% 2.2%(0.1)%%1.1%3.2%
Operating income$2,867
 $2,888
 (0.7)% 5.8 %(0.3)%1.2%(7.4)%(0.7)%$3,584
 $3,485
 2.8% 1.2% %0.5%1.1%2.8%
Operating margin %21.4% 19.9% 150 bps
 130 bps

20 bps

150 bps
24.3% 24.3% 
 (20) bps

10 bps
10 bps





Operating revenue decreased 7.4% primarilyincreased due to an increase in organic revenue and the unfavorablefavorable effect of foreign currency translation as the U.S. Dollar strengthened against most major currencies.translation.
Organic revenue decreased 0.4% in 2015 as comparedgrew 2.2% primarily due to the prior year.penetration gains, higher end market demand and product innovation. Product line simplification activities reduced organic revenue growth by 70 basis points.
Automotive OEM, Food Equipment and Construction Products had solid organic revenue growth primarily due to penetration gains, higher market demand and product innovation. Organic revenue declined in the Welding and Test & Measurement and Electronics segments primarily due to lower demand in the oil and gas end markets and a challenging capital spending environment.
PLS activities reduced organic revenue growth by approximately one percentage point.
North American organic revenue decreased 0.5%increased 4.0% as a declineall seven segments had revenue growth.
Asia Pacific organic revenue grew 0.4% primarily driven by growth in the Welding, and Test & Measurement and Electronics, Food Equipment and Polymers & Fluids segments, was partially offset by growtha decline in the Specialty Products, Automotive OEM Food Equipment and Construction Products segments.
EuropeanEurope, Middle East and Africa organic revenue increased 1.2%. Double-digit growth indecreased 0.2% primarily driven by the Automotive OEM, segment was partially offset by a decline in theSpecialty Products and Polymers & Fluids Test & Measurement and Electronics and Welding segments.
Asia Pacific organic revenue decreased 1.4% primarily due to a decline in the Welding and Test & Measurement and Electronics segments, partially offset by growth in the Construction Products segment.
In the second quarter of 2017, the Company entered into a $95 million confidential settlement agreement to resolve a litigation matter. Based on the terms of the agreement, the Company received the settlement within 120 days of the execution of the agreement. The receipt of the settlement resulted in a favorable pre-tax impact of $15 million in the second quarter of 2017 and $80 million in the third quarter of 2017, which was included in operating income.
Operating income of $2.9$3.6 billion decreased 0.7%increased 2.8%. Excluding the negativefavorable impact from foreign currency translation of 7.4%,the 2017 confidential legal settlement, operating income would have increased 6.7%5.7%.
Operating margin of 21.4%24.3% was flat with the prior year. Excluding the 60 basis points of favorability from the 2017 confidential legal settlement, operating margin increased 15060 basis points primarily due to the benefitbenefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives related to business structure simplification and strategic sourcing that contributed 110 basis points. Lower restructuring expensespoints and favorable price/cost each contributed 20positive operating leverage of 50 basis points, partially offset by unfavorable price/cost of operating margin expansion.50 basis points and higher freight and employee-related expenses.
The effective tax rate was 24.5% and 48.4% for 2018 and 2017, respectively. Included in the effective tax rate for 2017 was a one-time additional income tax expense of $658 million related to the enactment of the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" in the United States. Excluding the tax charge of $658 million, the 2017 effective tax rate would have been 28.3%. Refer to Note 6. Income Taxes in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information.
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $5.13$7.60 increased 9.9%56.4%. Excluding the negative2017 unfavorable impact from foreign currency of approximately $0.41 per diluted share,$1.90 for the previously discussed one-time tax charge and the favorable impact of $0.17 for the confidential legal settlement, EPS would have increased 18.6%15.3%.
Free cash flow was $2.0$2.4 billion in 2015.for 2018. Refer to the Cash Flow section of Liquidity and Capital Resources for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure.
The Company repurchased approximately 21.013.9 million shares of its common stock in 20152018 for approximately $2.0 billion.
The Company increased the quarterly dividend by 28.2% in 2018. Total cash dividends of $742 millionapproximately $1.1 billion were paid in 2015.2018.
Adjusted after-tax return on average invested capital was 20.4%28.2%, an increase of 140390 basis points.points, primarily due to the new U.S. tax rules and regulations. Refer to the Adjusted After-Tax Return on Average Invested Capital section of Liquidity and Capital Resources for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure.




RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT


The reconciliation of segment operating revenue and operating income to total operating revenue and operating income is as follows:


Operating RevenueOperating Revenue
In millions2016 2015 20142019 2018 2017
Automotive OEM$2,864
 $2,529
 $2,590
$3,063
 $3,338
 $3,271
Food Equipment2,110
 2,096
 2,177
2,188
 2,214
 2,123
Test & Measurement and Electronics1,974
 1,969
 2,204
2,121
 2,171
 2,069
Welding1,486
 1,650
 1,850
1,638
 1,691
 1,538
Polymers & Fluids1,691
 1,712
 1,927
1,669
 1,724
 1,724
Construction Products1,609
 1,587
 1,707
1,625
 1,700
 1,672
Specialty Products1,885
 1,885
 2,055
1,825
 1,951
 1,938
Intersegment revenue(20) (23) (26)(20) (21) (21)
Total$13,599
 $13,405
 $14,484
$14,109
 $14,768
 $14,314




Operating IncomeOperating Income
In millions2016 2015 20142019 2018 2017
Automotive OEM$690
 $613
 $600
$659
 $751
 $747
Food Equipment537
 498
 453
578
 572
 556
Test & Measurement and Electronics372
 322
 340
542
 523
 464
Welding370
 415
 479
453
 474
 415
Polymers & Fluids343
 335
 357
381
 369
 357
Construction Products361
 316
 289
383
 414
 399
Specialty Products482
 439
 440
472
 522
 527
Total Segments3,155
 2,938
 2,958
3,468
 3,625
 3,465
Unallocated(91) (71) (70)(66) (41) 20
Total$3,064
 $2,867
 $2,888
$3,402
 $3,584
 $3,485


Segments are allocated a fixed overhead charge based on the segment's revenue. Expenses not charged to the segments are reported separately as Unallocated. Because the Unallocated category includes a variety of items, it is subject to fluctuations on a quarterly and annual basis. Unallocated in 2017 includes the favorable impact from the previously discussed confidential legal settlement.


AUTOMOTIVE OEM


This segment is a global, niche supplier to top tier OEMs, providing unique innovation to address pain points for sophisticated customers with complex problems. Businesses in this segment produce components and fasteners for automotive-related applications. This segment primarily serves the automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers market. Products in this segment include:


plastic and metal components, fasteners and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks and other industrial uses.



The results of operations for the Automotive OEM segment for 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


20162019 compared to 20152018


For the Years Ended  For the Years Ended  
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)December 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2016 2015 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal2019 2018 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$2,864
 $2,529
 13.3% 5.1%9.7%%(1.5)%13.3%$3,063
 $3,338
 (8.2)% (5.4)%% %(2.8)%(8.2)%
Operating income$690
 $613
 12.6% 10.7%2.6%0.7%(1.4)%12.6%$659
 $751
 (12.2)% (7.0)%%(2.6)%(2.6)%(12.2)%
Operating margin %24.1% 24.2% (10) bps
 130 bps
(160) bps
20 bps

(10) bps
21.5% 22.5% (100) bps
 (40) bps

(60) bps

(100) bps


Operating revenue increaseddeclined due to the EF&C acquisition and higherlower organic revenue partially offset byand the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue grew 5.1%declined 5.4% versus worldwide auto builds which decreased 6%. Auto builds for North America, Europe and China, where the Company has a higher concentration of revenue as compared to other geographic regions, declined 6%. Product line simplification activities reduced organic revenue by 120 basis points. Additionally, organic revenue was negatively impacted by approximately 100 basis points due to unexpected customer shutdowns in North America in the second half of 2019.
North American organic revenue grew 3.4% versus totaldecreased 7.8% compared to North American auto build growth of 2%.builds which were down 4% due to customer mix. Auto build growthbuilds for the Detroit 3, where the Company has higher content, declined 1%decreased 8%. Additionally, 2019 was negatively impacted by unexpected customer shutdowns.
European organic revenue growth of 6.0% exceededdeclined 4.5% compared to European auto builds which grew 3%.declined 4% in 2019 due to customer mix.
Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 10.9% driven by product penetration gainsdeclined 2.2% in China due to new product launches in 2016.2019. China organic revenue growth of 22.7% exceededdeclined 1.0% versus Chinese auto build growth of 14%. Auto builds of foreign automotive manufacturerswhich declined 8% in China, where the Company has higher content, grew 11%.2019.
On July 1, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of the EF&C business from ZF TRW. EF&C had operating revenue of $245 million for the six months ended December 31, 2016, and increased Automotive OEM operating revenue by 9.7%.
Operating margin was 21.5% in 2019. The decrease of 24.1% decreased 10100 basis points was primarily due to the dilutive impactnegative operating leverage of 16090 basis points, from the EF&C acquisition and unfavorable price/cost of 4060 basis points, higher restructuring expenses and product mix, partially offset by positive operating leverage of 80 basis


points, the net benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 90 basis points and lower restructuring expenses.initiatives.


20152018 compared to 20142017


For the Years Ended  For the Years Ended  
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)December 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2015 2014 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal2018 2017 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$2,529
 $2,590
 (2.4)% 5.8%(0.2)% %(8.0)%(2.4)%$3,338
 $3,271
 2.0%  %%%2.0%2.0%
Operating income$613
 $600
 2.1 % 10.4%(0.1)%(0.3)%(7.9)%2.1 %$751
 $747
 0.5% (2.0)%%0.6%1.9%0.5%
Operating margin %24.2% 23.2% 100 bps
 100 bps
10 bps
(10) bps

100 bps
22.5% 22.8% (30) bps
 (40) bps

10 bps

(30) bps


Operating revenue decreased primarilyincreased due to the unfavorablefavorable effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by organic revenue growth.translation.
Organic revenue grew 5.8% as a result of product innovation and penetration gains, exceedingwas flat compared to worldwide auto buildbuilds which declined 1%. Product line simplification activities reduced organic revenue growth of 1%.by 120 basis points.
European organic revenue growth of 11.1% exceeded auto builds which grew 4%.
North American organic revenue growthincreased 3.0% compared to North American auto builds which declined 1%. Auto builds for the Detroit 3, where the Company has higher content, were flat.
European organic revenue declined 2.7% compared to European auto builds which declined 1% due to customer mix. Organic revenue was negatively impacted by the new emissions testing requirements in Europe which disrupted auto production in the second half of 4.2% exceeded auto build growth of 3%.2018.
Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 0.5%decreased 0.7%. China organic revenue grew 7.9%, as2.6% versus Chinese auto builds increasedwhich declined 4%. Auto builds of foreign automotive manufacturers, as auto production in China wheresoftened during the Company has higher content, were flat for 2015.second half of 2018.
Operating income of $613 million increased 2.1%. Excluding the negative impact of foreign currency translation of 7.9%, operating income would have increased 10.0%.
Operating margin was 24.2%.22.5% in 2018. The increasedecrease of 10030 basis points was primarily driven by 80due to unfavorable price/cost of 130 basis points, of operating leverage, the netpartially offset by benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives and favorable price/cost of 10 basis points.initiatives.




FOOD EQUIPMENT


This segment is a highly focused and branded industry-leaderindustry leader in commercial food equipment differentiated by innovation and integrated service offerings. This segment primarily serves the food service, food institutional/restaurant food service and food retail markets. Products in this segment include:


warewashing equipment;
cooking equipment, including ovens, ranges and broilers;
refrigeration equipment, including refrigerators, freezers and prep tables;
food processing equipment, including slicers, mixers and scales;
kitchen exhaust, ventilation and pollution control systems; and
food equipment service, maintenance and repair.


The results of operations for the Food Equipment segment for 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


20162019 compared to 20152018


For the Years Ended  For the Years Ended  
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)December 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2016 2015 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal2019 2018 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$2,110
 $2,096
 0.7% 2.8%%%(2.1)%0.7%$2,188
 $2,214
 (1.2)% 1.1%% %(2.3)%(1.2)%
Operating income$537
 $498
 7.8% 8.7%%1.1%(2.0)%7.8%$578
 $572
 1.1 % 4.5%%(1.2)%(2.2)%1.1 %
Operating margin %25.4% 23.7% 170 bps
 140 bps

30 bps

170 bps
26.4% 25.8% 60 bps
 90 bps

(30) bps

60 bps


Operating revenue declined due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by higher organic revenue.
Organic revenue increased 1.1% as equipment organic revenue decreased 0.2% and service organic revenue increased 3.5%.
North American organic revenue grew 1.1%. Equipment organic revenue declined 0.4% primarily driven by lower demand in the restaurant and institutional end markets, partially offset by higher demand in food retail. Service organic revenue increased 3.6%.
International organic revenue grew 1.1% as equipment organic revenue increased 0.2% primarily due to higher demand in the European warewash, cooking and retail end markets, partially offset by lower demand in Asia. Service organic revenue increased 3.5%.
Operating margin of 26.4% in 2019 increased 60 basis points primarily driven by benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives, favorable price/cost of 40 basis points and positive operating leverage of 30 basis points, partially offset by product mix, higher employee-related expenses and higher restructuring expenses.

2018 compared to 2017

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2018 2017 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$2,214
 $2,123
 4.3% 2.8%%%1.5%4.3%
Operating income$572
 $556
 2.9% 1.0%%0.3%1.6%2.9%
Operating margin %25.8% 26.2% (40) bps
 (50) bps

10 bps

(40) bps

Operating revenue increased due to higher organic revenue growth, partially offset byand the unfavorablefavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue increased 2.8% as equipment and service organic revenue grew 3.9%increased 3.2% and 0.8%2.1%, respectively.


North American organic revenue increased 4.3%3.5%. North American equipmentEquipment organic revenue increased 6.6% primarily due to stronggrew 4.6% as higher end market demand in the retail,cooking, refrigeration and warewash and cooking businesses.was offset by lower end market demand in food retail. Service revenue in North America increased 0.8%.
International organic revenue grew 0.8%. International equipment organic revenue increased 0.8% primarily due to growth in Europe and Asia. International service organic revenue grew 0.9%1.9%.
Operating margin of 25.4% increased 170 basis points driven by positive operating leverage of 60 basis points, the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 40 basis points, favorable price/cost of 40 basis points and lower restructuring expenses.

2015 compared to 2014

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2015 2014 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$2,096
 $2,177
 (3.7)% 3.4%% %(7.1)%(3.7)%
Operating income$498
 $453
 9.8 % 17.7%%(0.3)%(7.6)%9.8 %
Operating margin %23.7% 20.8% 290 bps
 290 bps



290 bps

Operating revenue decreased 3.7% due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by organic revenue growth.
Organic revenue increased 3.4% in 2015.
North American organic revenue increased 5.6%. North American equipment revenue increased 6.6% primarily due to product innovation and improved market penetration in the warewash and refrigeration businesses. Service revenue in North America increased 4.1%.
International organic revenue increased 1.0%1.9%. International equipmentEquipment organic revenue grew 1.8% primarily due to higher demand in the European warewash and cooking end markets, partially offset by lower end market demand in refrigeration. Service organic revenue increased 0.9% primarily due to growth in the refrigeration business, partially offset by difficult year-over-year comparisons in the cooking and retail businesses. International service organic revenue increased 1.3%2.4%.
Operating margin was 23.7%. The 290of 25.8% in 2018 declined 40 basis point improvement waspoints primarily drivendue to the unfavorable impact of product mix and higher employee-related expenses, partially offset by the benefits offrom the Company's enterprise initiatives partially offset by additional investment in the business that contributed 160 basis points,and positive operating leverage of 80 basis points and favorable price/cost of 3060 basis points.


TEST & MEASUREMENT AND ELECTRONICS


This segment is a branded and innovative producer of test and measurement and electronic manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and operations, or "MRO" solutions that improve efficiency and quality for customers in diverse end markets. Businesses in this segment produce equipment, consumables, and related software for testing and measuring physical properties of materials and structures, as well as equipment and consumables used in the production of electronic subassemblies and microelectronics. This segment primarily serves the electronics, general industrial, industrial capital goods, automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers, industrial capital goods, energy and consumer durables markets. Products in this segment include:


equipment, consumables, and related software for testing and measuring of materials, structures, gases and fluids;
electronic assembly equipment and related consumable solder materials;equipment;
electronic components and component packaging;
static control equipment and consumables used for contamination control in clean room environments; and
pressure sensitive adhesives and components for telecommunications, electronics, medical, transportation and transportationtelecommunications applications.




The results of operations for the Test & Measurement and Electronics segment for 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


20162019 compared to 20152018


 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2019 2018 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$2,121
 $2,171
 (2.3)% (0.3)%(0.2)% %(1.8)%(2.3)%
Operating income$542
 $523
 3.7 % 5.7 % %(0.2)%(1.8)%3.7 %
Operating margin %25.6% 24.1% 150 bps
 140 bps
10 bps


150 bps
 For the Years Ended       
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2016 2015 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcq/DivRestructuringImpairmentForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,974
 $1,969
 0.3% 1.8%%%%(1.5)%0.3%
Operating income$372
 $322
 15.6% 17.4%%0.4%%(2.2)%15.6%
Operating margin %18.9% 16.3% 260 bps
 250 bps

10 bps


260 bps


Operating revenue increased due to organic revenue growth, partially offset by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue increased 1.8%.
Electronics organic revenue increased 4.9%. Organic revenue grew 11.6% in the electronics assembly businesses primarily driven by higher demand from electronics equipment manufacturers and by the solar and semi-conductor end markets. Other electronics businesses grew 0.5% primarily due to strength in Europe, partially offset by PLS activities in Asia Pacific.
Organic revenue for the test and measurement businesses decreased 0.9% primarily due to the impact of a weak capital spending environment in North America and Europe and continued softness in the oil and gas related end markets.
Operating margin of 18.9% increased 260 basis points primarily driven by the net benefits resulting from the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 170 basis points, positive operating leverage of 60 basis points and favorable price/cost of 20 basis points.

2015 compared to 2014

 For the Years Ended       
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2015 2014 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcq/DivRestructuringImpairmentForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,969
 $2,204
 (10.7)% (5.2)%%%%(5.5)%(10.7)%
Operating income$322
 $340
 (5.1)% (2.5)%%3.1%0.5%(6.2)%(5.1)%
Operating margin %16.3% 15.4% 90 bps
 40 bps

40 bps
10 bps

90 bps

Operating revenue decreased 10.7%declined due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation, lower organic revenue and a divestiture.
Operating revenue for 2019 included $58 million related to the decreasebusiness divested in organic revenue.2019.
Organic revenue decreased 5.2%0.3% in 2015.2019.
Organic revenue for the test and measurement businesses decreased 5.9%0.8% primarily duedriven by lower semi-conductor end market demand in North America. Excluding semi-conductor, the test and measurement businesses increased 3.5%. Instron, where demand is more closely tied to the impact of a weak capital spending environment, in North America and Europe.had organic revenue growth of 6.4%.
Electronics organic revenue declined 4.3%grew 0.4%. The other electronics businesses, which include the contamination control, static control and pressure sensitive adhesives businesses, grew 1.5% primarily due to the decreasegrowth in theNorth America and Asia, partially offset by a decline in Europe. The electronics assembly businesses across all major regions. decreased 1.4% primarily due to lower demand in Asia.
Operating margin of 25.6% in 2019 increased 150 basis points primarily driven by benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives, lower intangible asset amortization expense and favorable price/cost of 50 basis points.



2018 compared to 2017

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2018 2017 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$2,171
 $2,069
 4.9% 3.5%%%1.4%4.9%
Operating income$523
 $464
 12.7% 11.3%%%1.4%12.7%
Operating margin %24.1% 22.4% 170 bps
 170 bps



170 bps

Operating revenue increased due to higher organic revenue and the favorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue increased 3.5% in 2018.
Organic revenue for the test and measurement businesses increased 5.5% with growth in all major regions primarily due to higher semi-conductor end market demand. Instron, where demand is more closely tied to the capital spending environment, had organic revenue growth of 7.1%.
Electronics organic revenue grew 1.2%. The electronics assembly businesses declined 4.3% due to lower demand across North America and Europe. The other electronics businesses, increased 0.3% primarily driven bywhich include the contamination andcontrol, static control businesses.and pressure sensitive adhesives businesses, grew 5.0% primarily due to higher semi-conductor end market demand in North America.
Operating income of $322 million decreased 5.1%. Excluding the negative impact of foreign currency translation of 6.2%, operating income would have increased 1.1%.
Operating margin was 16.3%.24.1% in 2018. The increase of 90170 basis points was primarily driven by the netpositive operating leverage of 90 basis points and benefits resulting from the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 190 basis points, lower restructuring expenses, and favorable price/cost of 20 basis points, partially offset by negative operating leverage of 170 basis points.initiatives.


WELDING


This segment is a branded value-added equipment and specialty consumable manufacturer with innovative and leading technology. Businesses in this segment produce arc welding equipment, consumables and accessories for a wide array of industrial and commercial applications. This segment primarily serves the general industrial market, which includes fabrication, shipbuilding and


other general industrial markets, and energy, construction, MRO, automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers, and industrial capital goods markets. Products in this segment include:


arc welding equipment; and
metal arc welding consumables and related accessories; andaccessories.
metal jacketing and other insulation products.


The results of operations for the Welding segment for 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


20162019 compared to 20152018


For the Years Ended  For the Years Ended  
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)December 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2016 2015 Inc (Dec) OrganicRestructuringImpairmentForeign CurrencyTotal2019 2018 Inc (Dec) Organic
Acquisition/
Divestiture
RestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,486
 $1,650
 (10.0)% (9.1)% % %(0.9)%(10.0)%$1,638
 $1,691
 (3.1)% (1.2)%(1.1)% %(0.8)%(3.1)%
Operating income$370
 $415
 (10.8)% (8.0)%(1.4)%(0.7)%(0.7)%(10.8)%$453
 $474
 (4.4)% (2.1)%(0.4)%(1.7)%(0.2)%(4.4)%
Operating margin %24.9% 25.2% (30) bps
 20 bps
(30) bps
(20) bps

(30) bps
27.7% 28.0% (30) bps
 (20) bps
20 bps
(50) bps
20 bps
(30) bps


Operating revenue decreased due to the decline inlower organic revenue, the impact of divestiture activity and the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Operating revenue for 2019 included $62 million related to the business divested in 2019.
Organic revenue decreased 9.1% due to lower demand1.2% as equipment declined 2.6%, partially offset by growth in the oil and gas and industrial end markets and the impactconsumables of a soft capital spending environment. Organic revenue declined 10% and 8% for equipment and consumables, respectively.0.8%.
North American organic revenue declined 8.0% driven1.1% as a decrease in the industrial end markets was partially offset by decreases acrossgrowth in the commercial and oil and gas end markets and industrial end markets primarily related to heavy equipment for agriculture, infrastructure and mining.
International organic revenue decreased 12.9% primarily due to weak oil and gas end markets in Europe and Asia Pacific.
Operating margin of 24.9% declined 30 basis points due to negative operating leverage of 190 basis points, higher restructuring expenses, the unfavorable impact of intangible asset impairment, partially offset by the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 180 basis points and favorable price/cost of 30 basis points.

2015 compared to 2014

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2015 2014 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,650
 $1,850
 (10.8)% (7.6)%(0.1)%%(3.1)%(10.8)%
Operating income$415
 $479
 (13.4)% (12.1)% %0.3%(1.6)%(13.4)%
Operating margin %25.2% 25.9% (70) bps
 (130) bps

10 bps
50 bps
(70) bps

Operating revenue decreased primarily due to the decrease in organic revenue and the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue decreased 7.6% due to lower demand in the oil and gas end markets, the impact of a soft capital spending environment and continued PLS activities.
North American organic revenue declined 5.1% primarily due to decreases across the oil and gas and industrial end markets.
International organic revenue decreased 14.5%1.6% primarily due to weaka decline in Europe, partially offset by higher demand in Asia in the oil and gas end markets.


Operating margin of 27.7% decreased 30 basis points compared to the prior year primarily driven by higher restructuring expenses of 50 basis points, product mix, negative operating leverage of 20 basis points and higher employee-related expenses, partially offset by benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives and favorable price/cost of 70 basis points.

2018 compared to 2017

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2018 2017 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,691
 $1,538
 9.9% 9.7%%%0.2%9.9%
Operating income$474
 $415
 14.3% 13.1%%1.0%0.2%14.3%
Operating margin %28.0% 27.0% 100 bps
 80 bps

20 bps

100 bps

Operating revenue increased primarily due to higher organic revenue.
Organic revenue grew 9.7% driven by growth in equipment of 11.0% and consumables of 7.9%. Organic revenue grew primarily due to increased demand in the industrial end markets related to heavy equipment for agriculture, infrastructure and mining, in the commercial end markets related to construction, light fabrication and farm and ranch customers, and in the oil and gas end markets.
North American organic revenue increased 10.6% primarily due to 14.7% and 5.8% growth in the industrial and commercial end markets, across all regions.respectively.
International organic revenue increased 5.7% primarily due to higher demand in the oil and gas end markets.
Operating margin was 25.2%.28.0% in 2018. The declineincrease of 70100 basis points was primarily due to negativepositive operating leverage of 130150 basis points and lower variable margins due to product mixbenefits from lower sales of higher margin equipment,the Company's enterprise initiatives, partially offset by favorable price/cost of 50 basis pointshigher freight and the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives.employee-related expenses.





POLYMERS & FLUIDS


This segment is a highly branded supplier to niche markets that require value-added, differentiated products. Businesses in this segment produce engineered adhesives, sealants, lubrication and cutting fluids, and fluids and polymers for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance. This segment primarily serves the automotive aftermarket, MRO, general industrial, MRO and construction markets. Products in this segment include:


adhesives for industrial, construction and consumer purposes;
chemical fluids which clean or add lubrication to machines;
epoxy and resin-based coating products for industrial applications;
hand wipes and cleaners for industrial applications;
fluids, polymers and other supplies for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance;
fillers and putties for auto body repair; and
polyester coatings and patch and repair products for the marine industry.


The results of operations for the Polymers & Fluids segment for 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


20162019 compared to 20152018


For the Years Ended  For the Years Ended  
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)December 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2016 2015 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcq/DivRestructuringImpairmentForeign CurrencyTotal2019 2018 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,691
 $1,712
 (1.2)% 1.3%(0.2)% %%(2.3)%(1.2)%$1,669
 $1,724
 (3.2)% %(0.4)% %(2.8)%(3.2)%
Operating income$343
 $335
 2.5 % 4.9%(0.3)%(0.1)%0.7%(2.7)%2.5 %$381
 $369
 3.1 % 7.9%(0.1)%(1.5)%(3.2)%3.1 %
Operating margin %20.3% 19.6% 70 bps
 70 bps

(10) bps
20 bps
(10) bps
70 bps
22.8% 21.4% 140 bps
 170 bps

(30) bps

140 bps


Operating revenue decreased primarily due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by organic revenue growth.translation.


Organic revenue increased 1.3% primarily due to stronger demandwas flat as growth in the polymers businesses was offset by declines in the automotive aftermarket and polymersfluids businesses.
Organic revenue for the automotive aftermarket businesses increased 2.1%declined 0.7% primarily drivendue to lower demand in the tire repair businesses in North America and the additives businesses in Europe, partially offset by an increasestronger demand in the car care and tire repairbusinesses in North America.
Organic revenue for the polymers businesses increased 1.4%2.4% primarily driven by an increasegrowth in SouthAsia and North America, and a modest increaseprimarily in the European wind energy business, partially offset by a decline in North America. heavy industrial end markets.
Organic revenue for the fluids businesses was flat as growth in South America was offset bydecreased 2.0% primarily due to a decline in the industrial maintenance, repair, and operations end markets in North America.
Operating margin of 20.3%22.8% increased 140 basis points primarily due to the net benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management, partially offset by higher restructuring expenses.

2018 compared to 2017

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2018 2017 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,724
 $1,724
 % 1.0%(0.4)%%(0.6)%%
Operating income$369
 $357
 3.3% 2.1%(0.2)%1.7%(0.3)%3.3%
Operating margin %21.4% 20.7% 70 bps
 20 bps

40 bps
10 bps
70 bps

Operating revenue was flat as an increase in organic revenue was offset by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation and a divestiture.
Organic revenue increased 1.0% as higher demand in North America was partially offset by lower demand in Europe.
Organic revenue for the automotive aftermarket businesses grew 2.3% as stronger demand in the car care and tire repair businesses in North America was partially offset by a decline in the engine and body repair businesses.
Organic revenue for the polymers businesses increased 0.9% primarily driven by an increase in North America and South America, partially offset by a decline in Europe.
Organic revenue for the fluids businesses declined 1.1% primarily due to decreased demand in Europe and South America, partially offset by growth in the industrial maintenance, repair, and operations end markets in North America.
Operating margin of 21.4% increased 70 basis points primarily driven by the net benefits offrom the Company's enterprise initiatives, lower restructuring expenses and cost management of 60 basis points and favorablepositive operating leverage of 30 basis points, partially offset by unfavorable price/cost of 20100 basis points.

2015 compared to 2014

 For the Years Ended       
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2015 2014 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcq/DivRestructuringImpairmentForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,712
 $1,927
 (11.2)% (2.0)%(1.0)%% %(8.2)%(11.2)%
Operating income$335
 $357
 (6.3)% 1.8 %(2.3)%1.7%(0.4)%(7.1)%(6.3)%
Operating margin %19.6% 18.5% 110 bps
 80 bps
(20) bps
30 bps
(10) bps
30 bps
110 bps

Operating revenue decreased primarily due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation and the decrease in organic revenue.
Organic revenue declined 2.0% primarily due to lower demand in Europe and North America.


Organic revenue for the fluids businesses decreased 3.8% primarily driven by a decline in the industrial maintenance, repair and operations end markets in Europe and North America. Polymers businesses decreased 2.6% primarily due to the organic revenue decline in the European wind energy business, partially offset by growth in China and South America. Organic revenue for the automotive aftermarket businesses was essentially flat as a decline in North America was offset by growth in South America.
Operating income of $335 million decreased 6.3%. Excluding the negative impact of foreign currency translation of 7.1%, operating income would have increased 0.8%.
Operating margin was 19.6%. The 110 basis point improvement was primarily driven by the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 150 basis points and lower restructuring expenses, partially offset by lower variable margins due to product mix and negative operating leverage of 40 basis points.


CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS


This segment is a branded supplier of innovative engineered fastening systems and solutions. This segment primarily serves the residential/residential construction, renovation/remodel construction and commercial construction markets. Products in this segment include:


fasteners and related fastening tools for wood and metal applications;
anchors, fasteners and related tools for concrete applications;
metal plate truss components and related equipment and software; and
packaged hardware, fasteners, anchors and other products for retail.



The results of operations for the Construction Products segment for 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


20162019 compared to 20152018


For the Years Ended  For the Years Ended  
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)December 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2016 2015 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal2019 2018 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,609
 $1,587
 1.4% 3.0%(0.2)% %(1.4)%1.4%$1,625
 $1,700
 (4.4)% (1.0)%% %(3.4)%(4.4)%
Operating income$361
 $316
 14.1% 16.2%(0.3)%(0.3)%(1.5)%14.1%$383
 $414
 (7.4)% (3.1)%%(1.2)%(3.1)%(7.4)%
Operating margin %22.4% 19.9% 250 bps
 260 bps

(10) bps

250 bps
23.6% 24.3% (70) bps
 (50) bps

(30) bps
10 bps
(70) bps


Operating revenue decreased in 2019 due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation and lower organic revenue.
Organic revenue declined 1.0% in 2019.
North American organic revenue was flat as an increase of 1.9% in the United States residential end markets was offset by a decline of 3.2% in the commercial end markets and a decline in Canada.
International organic revenue declined 1.8%. Asia Pacific organic revenue decreased 5.1% primarily due to a decline in Australia and New Zealand across all end markets. European organic revenue increased 1.3% driven by growth in continental Europe.
Operating margin of 23.6% decreased 70 basis points primarily driven by unfavorable price/cost of 40 basis points, higher restructuring expenses, product mix and negative operating leverage of 10 basis points, partially offset by benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives.

2018 compared to 2017

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2018 2017 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,700
 $1,672
 1.6% 1.2%%%0.4%1.6%
Operating income$414
 $399
 3.6% 3.1%%0.3%0.2%3.6%
Operating margin %24.3% 23.9% 40 bps
 40 bps

10 bps
(10) bps
40 bps

Operating revenue increased primarily due to higher organic revenue growth, partially offset byand the unfavorablefavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue increased 3.0%.1.2% in 2018.
North American organic revenue grew 3.3% driven by1.6% as growth in residential/remodel andthe residential end markets of 3.2% was partially offset by a decline in the commercial end markets.markets of 5.7%.
International organic revenue increased 2.8%0.9%. Asia PacificEuropean organic revenue increased 2.9%2.7% primarily due to growth in continental Europe and the Nordic countries. Asia Pacific organic revenue declined 0.8% primarily due to a decrease in the Australia and New Zealand. European organic revenue increased 2.8% primarily due to growthZealand retail end markets in the United Kingdom.second half of the year.
Operating margin was 24.3% in 2018. The increase of 22.4% increased 25040 basis points was primarily driven by the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 130110 basis points and positive operating leverage of 8020 basis points, and favorable price/cost of 50 basis points.

2015 compared to 2014

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2015 2014 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,587
 $1,707
 (7.0)% 3.7%(0.5)%%(10.2)%(7.0)%
Operating income$316
 $289
 8.8 % 17.0%(0.2)%3.8%(11.8)%8.8 %
Operating margin %19.9% 17.0% 290 bps
 220 bps
10 bps
60 bps

290 bps



Operating revenue decreased primarily due to the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation, partially offset by organic revenue growth.unfavorable price/cost of 90 basis points.
Organic revenue increased 3.7%.
North American organic revenue increased 7.1% primarily due to an increase in demand in the residential/remodel end markets.
International organic revenue increased 1.8%. Asia Pacific organic revenue increased 4.0% primarily due to growth in Australia and New Zealand. European organic revenue decreased 0.3% primarily due to ongoing PLS activities.
Operating income of $316 million increased 8.8%. Excluding the negative impact of foreign currency translation of 11.8%, operating income would have increased 20.6%.
Operating margin improved 290 basis points to 19.9% primarily due to the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 150 basis points, positive operating leverage of 100 basis points and lower restructuring expenses.


SPECIALTY PRODUCTS


This segment is focused on diversified niche market opportunities with substantial patent protection producing beverage packaging equipment and consumables, product coding and marking equipment and consumables, and appliance components and fasteners. This segment primarily serves the food and beverage, general industrial, consumer durables, industrial capital goods and printing and publishing and industrial capital goods markets. Products in this segment include:


line integration, conveyor systems and line automation for the food and beverage industries;
plastic consumables that multi-pack cans and bottles and related equipment;
foil, film and related equipment used to decorate consumer products;


product coding and marking equipment and related consumables;
plastic and metal fastenersclosures and components for appliances;
airport ground support equipment; and
components for medical devices.


The results of operations for the Specialty Products segment for 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


20162019 compared to 20152018


For the Years Ended  For the Years Ended  
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)December 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
2016 2015 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal2019 2018 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,885
 $1,885
 % 1.2%(0.1)% %(1.1)%%$1,825
 $1,951
 (6.5)% (4.1)%(0.6)% %(1.8)%(6.5)%
Operating income$482
 $439
 9.7% 11.2%0.1 %(0.1)%(1.5)%9.7%$472
 $522
 (9.7)% (7.6)% %(0.5)%(1.6)%(9.7)%
Operating margin %25.6% 23.3% 230 bps
 230 bps
10 bps
(10) bps

230 bps
25.9% 26.8% (90) bps
 (100) bps
20 bps
(10) bps

(90) bps

Operating revenue was flat as an increase in organic revenue was offset primarily by the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue increased 1.2% primarily driven by growth in the consumer packaging, ground support equipment and sports branding businesses.
International organic revenue increased 2.3% driven by growth in the appliance, foils, and gluing system businesses in Asia Pacific.
North American organic revenue increased 0.6% driven by growth in the consumer packaging and medical businesses, partially offset by a decline in the brand identification businesses.
Operating margin of 25.6% increased 230 basis points primarily driven by the net benefits of the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 220 basis points and positive operating leverage of 30 basis points, partially offset by unfavorable price/cost of 20 basis points.



2015 compared to 2014

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2015 2014 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,885
 $2,055
 (8.3)% (2.3)%%%(6.0)%(8.3)%
Operating income$439
 $440
 (0.4)% 4.2 %%1.8%(6.4)%(0.4)%
Operating margin %23.3% 21.4% 190 bps
 150 bps

40 bps

190 bps


Operating revenue decreased in 2019 due to lower organic revenue, the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation and the decreaseimpact of divestiture activity.
Operating revenue for 2019 included $14 million related to the businesses divested in organic revenue.2019.
Organic revenue decreased 4.1% in 2019. Consumables declined 2.3%.5.8% primarily due to lower demand in North America and Europe. Equipment sales increased 2.2% primarily due to higher demand in North America, partially offset by a decline in Asia. Product line simplification activities reduced organic revenue by 100 basis points.
Growth in the consumer packaging businesses, driven by strong food and beverage end market demand, and in the brand identification businesses, due to increased medical, credit card, and automotive end market demand, was more than offset by the impact of a challenging capital spending environment and ongoing PLS activities.
North American organic revenue decreased 3.2% as growth3.1% primarily due to a decrease in the consumer packagingspecialty films, labels and brand identificationappliance businesses, was more thanpartially offset by a declinegrowth in the ground support equipment business and the applianceconsumer packaging businesses.
International organic revenue decreased 0.9%5.6% primarily due to a decline in the specialty films, graphics, appliance and foils businesses in Europe.
Operating margin of 25.9% decreased 90 basis points primarily due to negative operating leverage of 90 basis points, product mix and higher employee-related expenses, partially offset by benefits from the Company's enterprise initiatives.

2018 compared to 2017

 For the Years Ended      
Dollars in millionsDecember 31, Components of Increase (Decrease)
 2018 2017 Inc (Dec) OrganicAcquisition/DivestitureRestructuringForeign CurrencyTotal
Operating revenue$1,951
 $1,938
 0.7 % (0.4)%(0.1)%%1.2%0.7 %
Operating income$522
 $527
 (0.8)% (2.5)%(0.1)%0.6%1.2%(0.8)%
Operating margin %26.8% 27.2% (40) bps
 (60) bps

20 bps

(40) bps

Operating revenue increased due to the favorable effect of foreign currency translation.
Organic revenue decreased 0.4% as consumables declined 2.9%, partially offset by growth in equipment sales of 9.9%. Product line simplification activities reduced organic revenue growth by 130 basis points.
North American organic revenue grew 1.8% primarily due to increased demand in the consumer packaging and ground support equipment businesses, partially offset by growtha decline in the consumer packaginglabels, appliance and plastic films businesses.
International organic revenue decreased 3.8% primarily due to a decline in the graphics, appliance and plastic films businesses in Europe and Asia Pacific.
Operating incomemargin of $439 million26.8% in 2018 decreased 0.4%. Excluding40 basis points primarily driven by the negativeunfavorable impact of foreign currency translationproduct mix, higher freight and employee-related expenses, and unfavorable price/cost of 6.4%, operating income would have increased 6.0%.
Operating margin improved 19020 basis points, to 23.3% primarily due to the netpartially offset by benefits offrom the Company's enterprise initiatives and cost management of 150 basis points, favorable price/cost of 50 basis points and lower restructuring expenses, partially offset by negative operating leverage of 50 basis points.expenses.




OTHER FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


Interest expense was $237$221 million in 2016, an increase from $2262019, $257 million in 2015,2018 and $260 million in 2017. Interest expense in 2019 was $36 million lower than the previous year primarily due to debt issuances in 2016.the repayment of the $700 million notes due April 1, 2019 and the $650 million notes due March 1, 2019. Interest expense in 2018 was $3 million lower in 2015 compared to 2014 ($250 million in 2014)than 2017 primarily due to debt issuanceslower outstanding commercial paper in 2014 and 2015 at lower rates compared to prior debt obligations.2018.
Other income (expense) was income of $81$107 million in 2016, $782019, $67 million in 20152018 and $61$45 million in 2014.2017. The income in 2016 included a $542019 increased $40 million pre-tax gain resulting from a $167 million dividend distribution from Wilsonart that exceeded the equity investment balance, partially offset by $30 million of pre-tax losses in 2016 relatedcompared to the disposals of businesses and the disposal of a partnership investment. The increase in income in 2015 versus 2014 wasprevious year primarily due to a $15 millionnet pre-tax gain on the saledisposal of a businessoperations and affiliates of $44 million in the first quarter of 2015.2019. The income in 2018 increased $22 million compared to 2017 primarily due to other net periodic benefit income related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans and lower foreign currency translation losses.
The effective tax rate was 30.0%23.3% in 2016, 30.1%2019, 24.5% in 2015,2018, and 30.0%48.4% in 2014.2017. The 2019 effective tax rate benefited from a discrete tax benefit of $21 million in the third quarter for the U.S. federal provision to return adjustment resulting primarily from changes in estimates related to the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act." The 2018 effective tax rate benefited from a discrete tax benefit of $37 million in the third quarter related to the release of a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets of a non-U.S. subsidiary, which was partially offset by a discrete tax charge of $22 million in the third quarter related to foreign tax credits. Included in the effective tax rate for 2017 was a one-time additional income tax expense of $658 million related to the United States "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act". Additionally, the effective tax rate for 2019, 2018 and 2017 included discrete tax benefits of $28 million, $10 million and $50 million, respectively, related to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation. Refer to Note 6. Income Taxes in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information.
The impact of the Euro and other foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar decreased operating revenue and income before taxes by approximately $210$339 million and $84 million in 20162019 versus 20152018, respectively. The impact of the Euro and $995 million in 2015 versus 2014. Additionally, the impact ofother foreign currencies against the U.S. Dollar decreasedincreased operating revenue and income from continuing operationsbefore taxes by approximately $41$150 million and $37 million in 20162018 versus 2015 and $153 million in 2015 versus 2014.2017, respectively.


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONSNEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS


In February 2013, the Company announced that it was initiating a review process to explore strategic alternatives for the Industrial Packaging segment. In September 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a plan to commence a sale process for the Industrial Packaging segment. The Company classified the Industrial Packaging segment as held for sale beginning in the third quarter of 2013 and no longer presented this segment as part of its continuing operations.

On February 6, 2014, the Company announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to sell the Industrial Packaging business to The Carlyle Group for $3.2 billion. The transaction was completed on May 1, 2014, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $1.7 billion ($1.1 billion after-tax) in the second quarter of 2014 which wasInformation regarding new accounting pronouncements is included in Income from discontinued operations.

The operating resultsNote 1. Description of the former Industrial Packaging segment as well as two Construction Products businesses are reported as discontinued operations in the statementBusiness and Summary of income for 2014. As of the second quarter of 2014, the Company had completed the divestiture of all of the businesses previously classified as discontinued operations. Refer to Note 2.


Discontinued OperationsSignificant Accounting Policies in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for discussion of the Company's discontinued operations.Data.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued authoritative guidance to change the criteria for revenue recognition. The core principle of the new standard is that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, several new revenue recognition disclosures will be required. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt the new revenue accounting guidance effective January 1, 2018 and is in the process of completing its analysis of the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to change the criteria for recognizing leasing transactions. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize a lease liability and lease asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a lease term greater than twelve months in the statement of financial position. Subsequent measurement, including presentation of expenses and cash flows, will depend on the classification of the lease as either a financing or operating lease. In addition, several new disclosures will be required. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. While the Company has not yet completed its evaluation of the impact the new lease accounting guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, the Company expects to recognize right of use assets and liabilities for its operating leases in the statement of financial position upon adoption.

In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that includes several changes to simplify the accounting for stock-based compensation, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification of tax benefits in the statement of cash flows. Among the more significant changes, the new guidance requires that the income tax effects associated with the settlement of stock-based awards after adoption of the guidance be recognized through income tax expense rather than directly in equity. Additionally, the income tax effects related to excess tax benefits will be presented as an operating cash flow in the statement of cash flows rather than a financing activity for all current and prior periods presented. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had classified $29 million and $20 million, respectively, of excess tax benefits as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows which will be presented as an operating cash flow under the new guidance. The expected effect on income tax expense or net cash provided from operating activities related to stock-based awards settled after adoption of the new guidance will depend on inputs such as the stock price at the time of settlement and the number of awards settled in the period presented.

In October 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs rather than when transferred to a third party as required under the current guidance. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact the guidance will have upon adoption.

In January 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that simplifies the assessment of goodwill for impairment when the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value by eliminating the requirement to determine the fair value of goodwill. Under the new guidance, the amount of goodwill impairment will be determined by the amount the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment assessment process in the third quarter, or more frequently if triggering events occur. Adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's operating results, financial position or cash flows.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are free cash flow and short-term credit facilities. In addition, the Company had $2.5$2.0 billion of cash and equivalents on hand atas of December 31, 20162019 and also maintains strong access to public debt markets. Management believes that these sources are sufficient to service debt and to finance the Company's capital allocation priorities, which include:


internal investments to support organic growth and sustain core businesses;
payment of an attractive dividend to shareholders; and


external investments in selective strategic acquisitions that support the Company's organic growth focus and an active share repurchase program.

In September 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a plan to commence a sale process for the Industrial Packaging business. The Company classified the Industrial Packaging segment as held for sale beginning in the third quarter of 2013 and no longer presented this segment as part of its continuing operations. As to the impact of this divestiture on the Company’s income per share from continuing operations and capital structure going forward, the Company also indicated that it intended to repurchase approximately 50 million shares through a program utilizing its existing share repurchase authorization to offset the full amount of divestiture-related dilution of income per share from continuing operations through a combination of sale proceeds, free cash flow and additional leverage. The Company completed this program in the second quarter of 2014. Under this program, the Company repurchased approximately 14.0 million shares of its common stock in the fourth quarter of 2013 and approximately 35.7 million shares of its common stock in the first half of 2014.

On February 6, 2014, the Company announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to sell the Industrial Packaging business to The Carlyle Group for $3.2 billion. The transaction was completed on May 1, 2014, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $1.7 billion ($1.1 billion after-tax) in the second quarter of 2014 which was included in Income from discontinued operations. A portion of the proceeds was used to fund share repurchases under the program noted above.


The Company believes that, based on its operating revenue, operating margin, free cash flow, and credit ratings, it could readily obtain additional financing, if necessary.




Cash Flow


The Company uses free cash flow to measure cash flow generated by operations that is available for dividends, share repurchases, acquisitions and debt repayment. The Company believes this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors in evaluating the Company’s financial performance and measures the Company's ability to generate cash internally to fund Company initiatives. Free cash flow represents net cash provided by operating activities less additions to plant and equipment. Free cash flow is a measurement that is not the same as net cash flow from operating activities per the statement of cash flows and may not be consistent with similarly titled measures used by other companies. Summarized cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 was as follows:


In millions 2016 2015 2014 2019 2018 2017
Net cash provided by operating activities $2,302

$2,299
 $1,616
 $2,995

$2,811
 $2,402
Additions to plant and equipment (273)
(284) (361) (326)
(364) (297)
Free cash flow $2,029
 $2,015
 $1,255
 $2,669
 $2,447
 $2,105
            
Cash dividends paid $(821) $(742) $(711) $(1,321) $(1,124) $(941)
Repurchases of common stock (2,000) (2,002) (4,346) (1,500) (2,000) (1,000)
Acquisition of businesses (excluding cash and equivalents) and additional interest in affiliates (453) (6) (45)
Dividend distribution from equity investment in Wilsonart 167
 
 
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations 
 
 3,191
Net proceeds from (repayment of) debt 465
 151
 1,339
Acquisition of businesses (excluding cash and equivalents) (4) 
 (3)
Proceeds from sale of operations and affiliates 120
 1
 2
Net proceeds (repayments) of debt 422
 (851) 197
Other 128
 147
 224
 100
 49
 117
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents (133) (463) (535) (9) (112) 145
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents $(618) $(900) $372
 $477
 $(1,590) $622


The 2014 netFree cash provided by operating activitiesflow for the year ended December 31, 2017 included $724the impact of an additional $115 million of tax paymentsdiscretionary pension contribution related to the disposition of the Industrial Packaging business.U.S. primary pension plan.


Stock Repurchase Programs


On August 2, 2013,February 13, 2015, the Company’sCompany's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program which provided for the buybackrepurchase of up to $6.0 billion of the Company’s common stock over an open-ended period of time (the "2013 Program"). Under the 2013 Program, the Company repurchased approximately 3.3 million shares of its common stock at an average


price of $81.62 per share during 2013, approximately 50.4 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $84.92 per share during 2014, and approximately 14.9 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $96.84 during 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there were no authorized repurchases remaining under the 2013 Program.

On February 13, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program, which provided for the buyback of up to an additional $6.0 billion of the Company’s common stock over an open-ended period of time (the "2015 Program"). Under the 2015 Program, the Company repurchased approximately 6.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $91.78 per share during 2015, and approximately 18.7 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $107.17 per share during 2016.2016, approximately 7.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $140.56 per share during 2017, approximately 13.9 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $143.66 per share during 2018 and approximately 3.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $143.23 per share during 2019. The 2015 Program was completed in the second quarter of 2019.

On August 3, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program which provides for the repurchase of up to an additional $3.0 billion of the Company's common stock over an open-ended period of time (the "2018 Program"). Under the 2018 Program, the Company repurchased approximately 6.7 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $158.11 per share during 2019. As of December 31, 2016,2019, there were approximately $3.4$1.9 billion of authorized repurchases remaining under the 2015 Program.

2018 program.


Adjusted After-Tax Return on Average Invested Capital


The Company uses adjusted after-tax return on average invested capital ("ROIC") to measure the effectiveness of its operations’ use of invested capital to generate profits. ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is a meaningful metric to investors in evaluating the Company’s financial performance and may be different than the method used by other companies to calculate ROIC. Adjusted averageFor comparability, the Company excluded the third quarter discrete tax benefit of $21 million from the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2019. Additionally, the Company excluded the third quarter net discrete tax benefit of $15 million from the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company also excluded the $658 million income tax charge from the effective tax rate and the $95 million confidential legal settlement from the calculation of ROIC for the year ended December 31, 2017. Average invested capital represents the net assets of the Company, excluding cash and equivalents and outstanding debt, which are excluded as they do not represent capital investment in the Company's operations, as well as the Company's net investment in the former Industrial Packaging segment and the equity investment in the Wilsonart business (formerly the Decorative Surfaces segment).operations. Average invested capital is calculated using balances at the start of the period and at the end of each quarter. ROIC for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015,2019, 2018, and 20142017 was as follows:


Dollars in millions 2016 2015 2014 2019 2018 2017
Operating income $3,064
 $2,867
 $2,888
 $3,402
 $3,584
 $3,485
Tax rate 30.0% 30.1% 30.0%
Less: Legal settlement income 
 
 (95)
Adjusted operating income 3,402
 3,584
 3,390
Adjusted tax rate 24.0%
24.9% 28.3%
Income taxes (919) (864) (866) (815)
(893) (958)
Operating income after taxes $2,145
 $2,003
 $2,022
 $2,587
 $2,691

$2,432
            
Invested capital:            
Trade receivables $2,357
 $2,203
 $2,293
 $2,461

$2,622
 $2,628
Inventories 1,076
 1,086
 1,180
 1,164

1,318
 1,220
Net assets held for sale 280
 
 
Net plant and equipment 1,652
 1,577
 1,686
 1,729

1,791
 1,778
Goodwill and intangible assets 6,021
 5,999
 6,466
 5,343

5,717
 6,024
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1,713) (1,585) (1,799) (1,689)
(1,795) (1,848)
Other, net 223
 280
 427
 (481)
(519) 21
Total invested capital $9,616
 $9,560
 $10,253
 $8,807
 $9,134
 $9,823
            
Average invested capital $9,780
 $9,943
 $11,215
 $9,028

$9,533
 $10,005
Adjustment for Wilsonart (formerly the Decorative Surfaces segment) (91) (123) (154)
Adjustment for Industrial Packaging 
 
 (424)
Adjusted average invested capital $9,689
 $9,820
 $10,637
Adjusted return on average invested capital 22.1% 20.4% 19.0%
Adjusted after-tax return on average invested capital 28.7%
28.2% 24.3%


ROIC increased 17050 basis points in 2016 versus 2015for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2019 compared to the prior year period as a result of a 7.1% improvement5.3% decrease in average invested capital versus a 3.9% decrease in after-tax operating income and a 1.3% decrease in adjusted average invested capital.income. ROIC increased 140390 basis points in 20152018 versus 20142017 primarily related to the new U.S. tax rules and regulations.

A reconciliation of the 2019 effective tax rate excluding the third quarter discrete tax benefit of $21 million is as a result of a decrease in adjusted average invested capital of 7.7%.follows:

 Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, 2019
Dollars in millionsIncome Taxes Tax Rate
As reported$767
 23.3%
Discrete tax benefit related to third quarter21
 0.7%
As adjusted$788
 24.0%



A reconciliation of the 2018 effective tax rate excluding the third quarter net discrete tax benefit of $15 million is as follows:

 Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, 2018
Dollars in millionsIncome Taxes Tax Rate
As reported$831
 24.5%
Net discrete tax benefit related to third quarter15
 0.4%
As adjusted$846
 24.9%

A reconciliation of the 2017 effective tax rate excluding the discrete tax charge of $658 million related to the 2017 U.S. tax legislation is as follows:

 Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, 2017
Dollars in millionsIncome Taxes Tax Rate
As reported$1,583
 48.4 %
Discrete tax charge related to 2017 U.S. tax legislation(658) (20.1)%
As adjusted$925
 28.3 %

Refer to Note 6. Income Taxes in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information regarding the discrete tax items noted above.




Working Capital


Management uses working capital as a measurement of the short-term liquidity of the Company. Net working capital atas of December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 is summarized as follows:


Dollars in millions 2016 2015 
Increase
(Decrease)
 2019 2018 
Increase
(Decrease)
Current Assets:            
Cash and equivalents $2,472
 $3,090
 $(618) $1,981
 $1,504
 $477
Trade receivables 2,357
 2,203
 154
 2,461
 2,622
 (161)
Inventories 1,076
 1,086
 (10) 1,164
 1,318
 (154)
Other 218
 341
 (123)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 296
 334
 (38)
Assets held for sale 351
 
 351
 6,123
 6,720
 (597) 6,253
 5,778
 475
Current Liabilities:            
Short-term debt 652
 526
 126
 4
 1,351
 (1,347)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,713
 1,585
 128
 1,689
 1,795
 (106)
Liabilities held for sale 71
 
 71
Other 395
 257
 138
 390
 396
 (6)
 2,760
 2,368
 392
 2,154
 3,542
 (1,388)
Net Working Capital $3,363
 $4,352
 $(989) $4,099
 $2,236
 $1,863


The decreaseincrease in net working capital atas of December 31, 20162019 was primarily driven by lower cashshort-term debt. See Note 10. Debt in Item 8. Financial Statements and equivalents.Supplementary Data for further information.


Cash and equivalents totaled approximately $2.5 billion asAs of December 31, 20162019, approximately half of the Company's cash and $3.1 billion as of December 31, 2015, primarily all of whichequivalents was held by international subsidiaries. Cash and equivalents held internationally may be subject to U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes if repatriated to the U.S. Cash and equivalents balances held internationally are typically used for international operating needs or reinvested to fund expansion of existing international businesses,businesses. International funds may also be used to fund new international acquisitions or, usedif not considered


permanently invested, may be repatriated to repay debtthe U.S. The Company has accrued for foreign withholding taxes related to foreign held internationally. cash and equivalents that are not permanently invested.

In the U.S., the Company utilizes cash flows from domestic operations to fund domestic cash needs which primarily consistand the Company's capital allocation priorities. This includes operating needs of the U.S. businesses, dividend payments, share repurchases, acquisitions, servicing of domestic debt obligations, reinvesting to fund expansion of existing U.S. businesses and general corporate needs. The Company may also usesuse its commercial paper program, which is backed by long-term credit facilities, for short-term liquidity needs. The Company believes cash generated domesticallyby operations and liquidity provided by the Company's commercial paper program will continue to be sufficient to fund cash requirements in the U.S.


Debt


Total debt atas of December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 was as follows:


In millions 2016 2015 
Increase
(Decrease)
 2019 2018 
Increase
(Decrease)
Short-term debt $652
 $526
 $126
 $4
 $1,351
 $(1,347)
Long-term debt 7,177
 6,896
 281
 7,754
 6,029
 1,725
Total debt $7,829
 $7,422
 $407
 $7,758
 $7,380
 $378


In 2016,As of December 31, 2019, short-term debt included $4 million related to the Company reclassified4.88% notes due December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2018, short-term debt included $650 million related to the 0.90%1.95% notes due February 25, 2017 from Long-term debtMarch 1, 2019 and $700 million related to Short-term debt.the 6.25% notes due April 1, 2019, both of which were repaid on the due date. There was no commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2016. As of2019 and December 31, 2015, Short-term debt included commercial paper of $498 million.2018.


The Company may issue commercial paper to fund general corporate needs, share repurchases, and small and medium-sized acquisitions. During the secondthird quarter of 2016,2019, the Company entered into a $2.5 billion, five-year line of credit agreement with a termination date of May 9, 2021September 27, 2024 to support the potential issuances of commercial paper. This agreement replaced the previously existing $1.5$2.5 billion line of credit agreement with a termination date of June 8, 2017 and the $1.0 billion line of credit agreement with a termination date of August 15, 2018.May 9, 2021. No amounts were outstanding under the new line of credit agreement at December 31, 2016.2019. The maximum outstanding commercial paper balance during 20162019 was $1.3$1.5 billion, while


the average daily balance was $266$306 million.

As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company's foreign operations had authorized credit facilities with unused capacity of $286$206 million.


In May 2015,June 2019, the Company issued €600 million of 0.25% Euro notes due December 5, 2024 at 99.662% of face value, €500 million of 1.25%0.625% Euro notes due May 22, 2023December 5, 2027 at 99.239%99.343% of face value and €500 million of 2.125%1.00% Euro notes due May 22, 2030June 5, 2031 at 99.303%98.982% of face value. Net proceeds from the May 2015 debt issuances were used to repay commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.

In November 2016, the Company issued $1.0 billion of 2.65% notes due November 15, 2026 at 99.685% of face value. Net proceeds from the November 2016 debt issuance were used to repay commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.




Total Debt to EBITDA


The Company uses the ratio of total debt to EBITDA toas a measure of its ability to repay its outstanding debt obligations. The Company believes that total debt to EBITDA is a meaningful metric to investors in evaluating the Company's long term financial liquidity and may be different than the method used by other companies to calculate total debt to EBITDA. EBITDA and the ratio of total debt to EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. The ratio of total debt to EBITDA represents total debt divided by net income from continuing operations before interest expense, other income (expense), income taxes, depreciation, and amortization and impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets on a trailing twelve month basis. Total debt to EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 was as follows:


Dollars in millions2016 2015 20142019 2018 2017
Total debt$7,829
 $7,422
 $7,419
$7,758
 $7,380
 $8,328
          
Income from continuing operations$2,035
 $1,899
 $1,890
Net income$2,521
 $2,563
 $1,687
Add:          
Interest expense237
 226
 250
221
 257
 260
Other income(81) (78) (61)(107) (67) (45)
Income taxes873
 820
 809
767
 831
 1,583
Depreciation246
 244
 262
267
 272
 256
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets224
 233
 245
159
 189
 206
EBITDA$3,534
 $3,344
 $3,395
$3,828
 $4,045
 $3,947
Total debt to EBITDA ratio2.2
 2.2
 2.2
2.0
 1.8
 2.1


Stockholders’ Equity


The changes to stockholders’ equity during 20162019 and 20152018 were as follows:


In millions 2016 2015 2019 2018
Beginning balance $5,228
 $6,824
 $3,258
 $4,589
Net income 2,035
 1,899
 2,521
 2,563
Adoption of new accounting guidance 
 (415)
Cash dividends declared (846) (756) (1,335) (1,186)
Repurchases of common stock (2,000) (2,002) (1,500) (2,000)
Currency translation adjustments (277) (860)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (2) (328)
Other 119
 123
 88
 35
Ending balance $4,259
 $5,228
 $3,030
 $3,258





CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS


The Company's significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 20162019 were as follows:


In millions 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 
2022 and
Future Years
Principal payments on notes $650
 $
 $1,350
 $4
 $350
 $5,554
Interest payments on notes 240
 237
 209
 180
 180
 2,053
Minimum lease payments 104
 75
 53
 37
 26
 43
  $994
 $312
 $1,612
 $221
 $556
 $7,650
In millions 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 
2025 and
Future
Years
Principal payments on long-term debt $4
 $350
 $561
 $561
 $1,373
 $4,992
Interest payments on debt 197
 197
 185
 175
 155
 1,653
Noncurrent income taxes payable 33
 49
 49
 91
 122
 151
Operating leases 55
 42
 32
 23
 18
 21
  $289
 $638
 $827
 $850
 $1,668
 $6,817



As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company had recorded noncurrent liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits of $97$168 million. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the timing of payments related to the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. The Company did not have any significant off-balance sheet commitments at December 31, 2016.2019.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES


The Company has sixthree accounting policies that it believes are most important to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require the Company to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Management bases its estimates on historical experience, and in some cases on observable market information. Various assumptions are also used that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.


The Company's critical accounting policies are as follows:


Realizability of InventoriesInventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Generally, the Company’s businesses perform an analysis of the historical sales usage of the individual inventory items on hand and a reserve is recorded to adjust inventory cost to net realizable value based on the following usage criteria:

Usage ClassificationCriteriaReserve %
ActiveQuantity on hand is less than prior 6 months of usage0%
Slow-movingSome usage in last 12 months, but quantity on hand exceeds prior 6 months of usage50%
ObsoleteNo usage in the last 12 months90%

In addition, for approximately 22% of total inventories, the Company has elected to use the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method of inventory costing. Generally, this method results in a lower inventory value than the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method due to the effects of inflation.

Collectibility of Accounts ReceivableThe Company estimates the allowance for uncollectible accounts based on the greater of a specific reserve or a reserve calculated based on the historical write-off percentage over the last two years. In addition, reserves for customer credits and cash discounts are estimated based on past experience.

Depreciation of Plant and Equipment The Company’s U.S. businesses primarily compute depreciation on an accelerated basis, as follows:

Buildings and improvements150% declining balance
Machinery and equipment200% declining balance

The majority of the Company's international businesses compute depreciation on a straight-line basis.

Income TaxesThe Company provides deferred income tax assets and liabilities based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial and tax bases of assets and liabilities based on currently enacted tax laws. The Company’s deferred and other tax balances are based on management’s interpretation of the tax regulations and rulings in numerous


taxing jurisdictions. Income tax expense, assets and liabilities recognized by the Company also reflect its best estimates and assumptions regarding, among other things, the level of future taxable income, the effect of the Company’s various tax planning strategies and uncertain tax positions. Future tax authority rulings and changes in tax laws, changes in projected levels of taxable income and future tax planning strategies could affect the actual effective tax rate and tax balances recorded by the Company.


Goodwill and Intangible AssetsThe Company’s business acquisitions typically result in recording goodwill and other intangible assets, which are a significant portion of the Company’s total assets and affect the amount of amortization expense and impairment charges that the Company could incur in future periods. The Company follows the guidance prescribed in the accounting standards to test goodwill and intangible assets for impairment. On an annual basis, or more frequently if triggering events occur, the Company compares the estimated fair value of its reporting units to the carrying value of each reporting unit to determine if a potential goodwill impairment exists. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss, if any, is recorded for the difference between the implied fair value and the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. In calculating the fair value of the reporting units or specific intangible assets, management relies on a number of factors, including business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, comparable transactions and other market data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them in the impairment tests of goodwill and other intangible assets.


As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company had total goodwill and intangible assets of approximately $6.0$5.3 billion allocated to its reporting units. Although there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur additional impairment charges related to its goodwill and other intangible assets, the Company generally believes the risk of significant impairment charges is lessened by the number of diversified businesses and end markets represented by its reporting units that have goodwill and other intangible assets. In addition, the individual businesses in many of the reporting units have been acquired over a long period of time, and in many cases have been able to improve their performance, primarily as a result of the application of the Company’s 80/20 managementFront-to-Back process. The amount of goodwill and other intangible assets allocated to individual reporting units ranges from approximately $208$167 million to $1.4$1.2 billion, with the average amount equal to $601$533 million. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in the factors described above. Due to the inherent uncertainties associated with these factors and economic conditions in the Company’s global end markets, impairment charges related to one or more reporting units could occur in future periods.


Pension and Other Postretirement BenefitsThe Company has various company-sponsored defined benefit retirement plans covering a number of U.S. employees and many employees outside the U.S. Pension and other postretirement benefit expense and obligations are determined based on actuarial valuations. Pension benefit obligations are generally based on each participant’s years of service, future compensation, and age at retirement or termination. Important assumptions in determining pension and postretirement expense and obligations are the discount rate, the expected long-term return on plan assets, life expectancy, and health care cost trend rates. Future changes in any of these assumptions could materially affect the amounts recorded related to the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans. See Note 9.11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for additional discussion of actuarial assumptions used in determining pension and postretirement health care liabilities and expenses.



The Company determines the discount rate used to measure plan liabilities as of the year-end measurement date for the U.S. primary pension plan. The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the associated liabilities could theoretically be effectively settled at the end of the year. In estimating this rate, the Company looks at rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments, with similar duration to the liabilities in the plan. A 25 basis point decrease in the discount rate would increase the present value of the U.S. primary pension plan obligation by approximately $39$41 million. The Company estimates the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost by applying specific spot rates along the yield curve to the projected cash flows rather than a single weighted-average rate. See Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for information on the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans and related assumptions.


The expected long-term return on plan assets is based on historical and expected long-term returns for similar investment allocations among asset classes. For the U.S. primary pension plan, a 25 basis point decrease in the expected return on plan assets would increase the annual pension expense by approximately $4 million.

Beginning in 2017, the Company changed the method used to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs. The new method will provide a more precise measure of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost by applying specific spot rates along the yield curve to the projected cash flows rather than a single weighted-average rate. The change is not expected to have a material impact on the 2017 net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs as the decrease in service and interest costs is largely offset by the impact of lower discount rates and expected returns on plan assets. Total estimated 2017 pension and other postretirement benefit costs are expected to be consistent with 2016. See Note 9. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits in Item 8.


Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for information on the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans and related assumptions.


ITEM 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk


MARKET RISK


The Company is exposed to certain market risks that exist as part of its ongoing business operations, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, price volatility for certain commodities and changes in interest rates. The Company does not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions and does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.


Interest Rate Risk


The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt. The following table presents the Company’s fixed rate debtRefer to Note 10. Debt in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data for whichdetails related to the fair value is subject to changing market interest rates:of the Company's debt instruments.

 
0.90%
Notes Due
 
1.95%
Notes Due
 
6.25%
Notes Due
 
4.88%
Notes Due
thru
 
3.375%
Notes Due
 
1.75%
Euro Notes Due
 
1.25% Euro
Notes Due
 
3.50%
Notes Due
 
2.65%
Notes Due
 
2.125% Euro
Notes Due
 
3.00% Euro
Notes Due
 
4.875%
Notes Due
 
3.9%
Notes Due
In millions
Feb 25,
2017
 
Mar 1,
2019
 
Apr 1,
 2019
 
Dec 31,
 2020
 
Sep 15,
 2021
 
May 20,
2022
 
May 22,
2023
 
Mar 1,
2024
 
Nov 15,
2026
 
May 22,
2030
 
May 19,
2034
 
Sep 15,
 2041
 
Sep 1,
 2042
As of December 31, 2016:                      
Estimated cash outflow by year of principal maturity                
2017$650
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 650
 700
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
 
 
 4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2021
 
 
 
 350
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2022 and thereafter
 
 
 
   526
 526
 700
 1,000
 526
 526
 650
 1,100
Estimated fair value650
 656
 768
 4
 365
 565
 549
 728
 959
 565
 618
 734
 1,114
Carrying value650
 648
 698
 4
 348
 520
 520
 695
 991
 519
 512
 636
 1,080
                          
As of December 31, 2015:                      
Estimated total cash outflow$650
 $650
 $700
 $4
 $350
 $543
 $543
 $700
 $
 $543
 $543
 $650
 $1,100
Estimated fair value649
 655
 790
 4
 362
 564
 538
 727
 
 530
 569
 708
 1,051
Carrying value649
 647
 698
 4
 347
 536
 536
 695
 
 536
 528
 635
 1,080


Foreign Currency Risk


The Company operates in the U.S. and 5652 foreign countries. The funding for the foreign manufacturing operations is provided primarily through the permanent investment of equity capital. The Company’s products are typically manufactured and sold within the same country.country or economic union. Therefore, the Company's manufacturing operations generally do not have significant assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies.


The Company designated the €1.0 billion of Euro notes issued in May 2014, andthe €1.0 billion of Euro notes issued in May 2015 and the €1.6 billion of Euro notes issued in June 2019 as hedges of a portion of its net investment in Euro-denominated foreign operations to reduce foreign currency risk associated with the investment in these operations. Changes in the value of this debt resulting from fluctuations in the Euro to U.S. Dollar exchange rate have been recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments within Accumulated other


comprehensive income (loss). The cumulative unrealized pre-tax gain recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the net investment hedge was $375$239 million and $308$187 million as of December 31, 20162019 and December 31, 2015,2018, respectively.





ITEM 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data


MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING


The management of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (the "Company" or "ITW") is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). ITW’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.


All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.


ITW management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.2019. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our assessment we believe that, as of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.


The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20162019 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report herein.


/s/ E. Scott Santi
E. Scott Santi
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
February 10, 201714, 2020
 
/s/ Michael M. Larsen

Michael M. Larsen

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
February 10, 201714, 2020




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the stockholders and the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Glenview, IllinoisOpinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Illinois Tool Works Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”"Company") as of December 31, 20162019 and 2015, and2018, the related consolidated statements of  income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016.2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016,2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-IntegratedControl - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting.Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the auditaudits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, andas well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement presentation.statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of theits inherent limitations, of internal control over financial reporting including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be preventedprevent or detected on a timely basis.detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In


Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, referredtaken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to above present fairly, in all material respects,which it relates.
Income Taxes-Refer to Note 6 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s income tax expense is recognized and measured based on management’s interpretation of the tax regulations and rulings in numerous taxing jurisdictions, which requires significant judgment. When calculating income tax expense management makes estimates and assumptions, including determination of the completeness of book income in each jurisdiction, calculation of taxable income through identification and classification of book to tax differences (either temporary or permanent items), consideration of applicable tax deductions or credits, and the identification of uncertain tax positions.
The evaluation of each uncertain tax position requires management to apply specialized skill and knowledge related to the identified position. Management evaluates uncertain tax positions identified and a liability is established for unrecognized tax benefits when there is a more than 50% likelihood that its tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. There is additional judgment to determine the amount of Illinois Tool Works Inc.the liability for the underlying tax position. The Company’s income tax expense for 2019 was $767 million and subsidiariesthe liability recorded for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2016 and 20152019, was $296 million.
Given the number of taxing jurisdictions and the complex and subjective nature of the associated tax regulations and rulings, certain audit matters required a high degree of auditor judgment and increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our income tax specialists. These matters included the auditing of income tax expense, identification of uncertain tax positions, measurement of unrecognized tax benefits, and certain planning transactions with income tax expense implications.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
With the assistance of our income tax specialists, our principal audit procedures related to income tax expense included the following, among others:
We tested the effectiveness of management’s controls over income taxes, including those over income tax expense, unrecognized tax benefits, and certain planning transactions with income tax expense implications.
We evaluated management’s significant estimates and judgments incorporated into the calculation of income tax expense by:
Selecting a sample of book to tax differences (temporary and permanent) and testing the accuracy, completeness, and classification of the selections, including evaluating that all impacts of significant transactions with income tax expense implications are considered.
Developing an expectation over the foreign income tax expense by jurisdiction and comparing it to the recorded balance.
Testing the accuracy of the income tax expense calculation.
We evaluated management’s significant judgments regarding the identification of uncertain tax positions by:
Evaluating the reasonableness of a selection of certain planning transactions with income tax expense implications, including the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data supporting the transactions.
Assessing management’s methods and assumptions used in identifying uncertain tax positions.
Comparing results of their operationsprior tax audits to ongoing and their cash flows for eachanticipated tax audits by tax authorities.
Evaluating external information, including applicable tax law, new interpretations, and related changes to assess the completeness and reasonableness of management’s considerations.
Determining if there was additional information not considered in management’s assessment.
We evaluated a sample of the three years inliabilities recorded for unrecognized tax benefits to assess the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizationsestablishment and amount of the Treadway Commission.liability for the specific underlying tax position.



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 10, 201714, 2020


We have served as the Company's auditor since 2002.





Statement of Income
Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
For the Years Ended December 31For the Years Ended December 31
In millions except per share amounts2016 2015 20142019 2018 2017
Operating Revenue$13,599
 $13,405
 $14,484
$14,109
 $14,768
 $14,314
Cost of revenue7,896
 7,888
 8,673
8,187
 8,604
 8,306
Selling, administrative, and research and development expenses2,415
 2,417
 2,678
2,361
 2,391
 2,412
Legal settlement (income)
 
 (95)
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets224
 233
 245
159
 189
 206
Operating Income3,064
 2,867
 2,888
3,402
 3,584
 3,485
Interest expense(237) (226) (250)(221) (257) (260)
Other income (expense)81
 78
 61
107
 67
 45
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes2,908
 2,719
 2,699
Income Before Taxes3,288
 3,394
 3,270
Income taxes873
 820
 809
767
 831
 1,583
Income from Continuing Operations2,035
 1,899
 1,890
Income from Discontinued Operations
 
 1,056
Net Income$2,035
 $1,899
 $2,946
$2,521
 $2,563
 $1,687
          
Income Per Share from Continuing Operations:     
Basic$5.73
 $5.16
 $4.70
Diluted$5.70
 $5.13
 $4.67
Income Per Share from Discontinued Operations:     
Basic$
 $
 $2.63
Diluted$
 $
 $2.61
Net Income Per Share:          
Basic$5.73
 $5.16
 $7.33
$7.78
 $7.65
 $4.90
Diluted$5.70
 $5.13
 $7.28
$7.74
 $7.60
 $4.86

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.





Statement of Comprehensive Income
Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
For the Years Ended December 31For the Years Ended December 31
In millions2016 2015 20142019 2018 2017
Net Income$2,035
 $1,899
 $2,946
$2,521
 $2,563
 $1,687
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):          
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax(277) (860) (939)(2) (328) 406
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax(26) 14
 (103)(26) (17) 114
Comprehensive Income$1,732
 $1,053
 $1,904
$2,493
 $2,218
 $2,207



The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.





Statement of Financial Position
Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
December 31December 31
In millions except per share amounts2016 20152019 2018
Assets      
Current Assets:      
Cash and equivalents$2,472
 $3,090
$1,981
 $1,504
Trade receivables2,357
 2,203
2,461
 2,622
Inventories1,076
 1,086
1,164
 1,318
Prepaid expenses and other current assets218
 341
296
 334
Assets held for sale351
 
Total current assets6,123
 6,720
6,253
 5,778
      
Net plant and equipment1,652
 1,577
1,729
 1,791
Goodwill4,558
 4,439
4,492
 4,633
Intangible assets1,463
 1,560
851
 1,084
Deferred income taxes449
 346
516
 554
Other assets956
 1,087
1,227
 1,030
$15,201
 $15,729
$15,068
 $14,870
      
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
Current Liabilities:      
Short-term debt$652
 $526
$4
 $1,351
Accounts payable511
 449
472
 524
Accrued expenses1,202
 1,136
1,217
 1,271
Cash dividends payable226
 200
342
 328
Income taxes payable169
 57
48
 68
Liabilities held for sale71
 
Total current liabilities2,760
 2,368
2,154
 3,542
Noncurrent Liabilities:      
Long-term debt7,177
 6,896
7,754
 6,029
Deferred income taxes134
 256
668
 707
Noncurrent income taxes payable462
 495
Other liabilities871
 981
1,000
 839
Total noncurrent liabilities8,182
 8,133
9,884
 8,070
Stockholders’ Equity:      
Common stock (par value of $0.01 per share):      
Issued- 550.0 shares in 2016 and 2015
Outstanding- 346.9 shares in 2016 and 363.7 shares in 2015
6
 6
Issued- 550.0 shares in 2019 and 2018
Outstanding- 319.8 shares in 2019 and 328.1 shares in 2018
6
 6
Additional paid-in-capital1,188
 1,135
1,304
 1,253
Retained earnings19,505
 18,316
22,403
 21,217
Common stock held in treasury(14,638) (12,729)(18,982) (17,545)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(1,807) (1,504)(1,705) (1,677)
Noncontrolling interest5
 4
4
 4
Total stockholders’ equity4,259
 5,228
3,030
 3,258
$15,201
 $15,729
$15,068
 $14,870

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.




Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries


In millions except per share amountsCommon StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsCommon Stock Held in TreasuryAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Noncontrolling InterestTotal
Balance at December 31, 2013$6
$1,046
$14,943
$(6,676)$384
$6
$9,709
Net income

2,946



2,946
Common stock issued for share-based awards
(26)
160


134
Stock-based compensation expense
39




39
Tax benefits related to stock options
33




33
Tax benefits related to defined contribution plans
4

1


5
Repurchases of common stock


(4,283)

(4,283)
Dividends declared ($1.81 per share)

(716)


(716)
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments



(103)
(103)
Currency translation adjustment



(939)
(939)
Noncontrolling interest




(1)(1)
Balance at December 31, 20146
1,096
17,173
(10,798)(658)5
6,824
Net income

1,899



1,899
Common stock issued for share-based awards
(21)
69


48
Stock-based compensation expense
39

2


41
Tax benefits related to stock options
20




20
Tax benefits related to defined contribution plans
3




3
Repurchases of common stock


(2,002)

(2,002)
Dividends declared ($2.07 per share)

(756)


(756)
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments



14

14
Currency translation adjustment



(860)
(860)
Noncontrolling interest
(2)


(1)(3)
Balance at December 31, 20156
1,135
18,316
(12,729)(1,504)4
5,228
Net income

2,035



2,035
Common stock issued for share-based awards
(18)
91


73
Stock-based compensation expense
39




39
Tax benefits related to stock options
29




29
Tax benefits related to defined contribution plans
3




3
Repurchases of common stock


(2,000)

(2,000)
Dividends declared ($2.40 per share)

(846)


(846)
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments



(26)
(26)
Currency translation adjustment



(277)
(277)
Noncontrolling interest




1
1
Balance at December 31, 2016$6
$1,188
$19,505
$(14,638)$(1,807)$5
$4,259
In millions except per share amountsCommon StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsCommon Stock Held in TreasuryAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Noncontrolling InterestTotal
Balance at December 31, 2016$6
$1,188
$19,505
$(14,638)$(1,807)$5
$4,259
Net income

1,687



1,687
Common stock issued for stock-based compensation
(4)
76


72
Stock-based compensation expense
36




36
Repurchases of common stock


(1,000)

(1,000)
Dividends declared ($2.86 per share)

(982)


(982)
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments



114

114
Currency translation adjustments



406

406
Noncontrolling interest
(2)


(1)(3)
Balance at December 31, 20176
1,218
20,210
(15,562)(1,287)4
4,589
Net income

2,563



2,563
Adoption of new accounting guidance

(370)
(45)
(415)
Common stock issued for stock-based compensation
(5)
17


12
Stock-based compensation expense
40




40
Repurchases of common stock


(2,000)

(2,000)
Dividends declared ($3.56 per share)

(1,186)


(1,186)
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments



(17)
(17)
Currency translation adjustments



(328)
(328)
Balance at December 31, 20186
1,253
21,217
(17,545)(1,677)4
3,258
Net income

2,521



2,521
Common stock issued for stock-based compensation
11

63


74
Stock-based compensation expense
41




41
Repurchases of common stock


(1,500)

(1,500)
Dividends declared ($4.14 per share)

(1,335)


(1,335)
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments



(26)
(26)
Currency translation adjustments



(2)
(2)
Noncontrolling interest
(1)



(1)
Balance at December 31, 2019$6
$1,304
$22,403
$(18,982)$(1,705)$4
$3,030


The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.




Statement of Cash Flows
Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Subsidiaries


For the Years Ended December 31For the Years Ended December 31
In millions2016 2015 20142019 2018 2017
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:          
Net income$2,035
 $1,899
 $2,946
$2,521
 $2,563
 $1,687
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation246
 244
 262
267
 272
 256
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets224
 233
 245
159
 189
 206
Change in deferred income taxes(263) (11) 55
32
 34
 64
Provision for uncollectible accounts7
 7
 7
6
 5
 3
(Income) loss from investments13
 (4) (8)(15) (9) (16)
(Gain) loss on sale of plant and equipment1
 1
 2
(9) (7) (1)
(Gain) loss on discontinued operations
 
 (1,718)
(Gain) loss on sale of operations and affiliates12
 (16) 6
(44) 2
 (1)
Stock-based compensation expense39
 41
 39
41
 40
 36
Gain on dividend distribution from equity investment in Wilsonart(54) 
 
Other non-cash items, net5
 12
 11
9
 10
 10
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures:          
(Increase) decrease in—          
Trade receivables(132) (42) (70)40
 (60) (138)
Inventories9
 25
 (10)98
 (108) (81)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(63) 24
 (98)11
 3
 (121)
Increase (decrease) in—          
Accounts payable(3) (30) (20)(16) (46) 39
Accrued expenses and other liabilities40
 (56) 5
(95) (36) (42)
Income taxes187
 (27) 33
(7) (41) 501
Other, net(1) (1) (71)(3) 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities2,302
 2,299
 1,616
2,995
 2,811
 2,402
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:          
Acquisition of businesses (excluding cash and equivalents) and additional interest in affiliates(453) (6) (45)
Acquisition of businesses (excluding cash and equivalents)(4) 
 (3)
Additions to plant and equipment(273) (284) (361)(326) (364) (297)
Proceeds from investments21
 22
 28
20
 16
 43
Dividend distribution from equity investment in Wilsonart167
 
 
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment16
 30
 28
25
 26
 14
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
 
 3,191
Proceeds from sale of operations and affiliates3
 29
 18
120
 1
 2
Other, net(13) (1) (17)(18) (4) (10)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities(532) (210) 2,842
(183) (325) (251)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:          
Cash dividends paid(821) (742) (711)(1,321) (1,124) (941)
Issuance of common stock84
 59
 148
85
 22
 84
Repurchases of common stock(2,000) (2,002) (4,346)(1,500) (2,000) (1,000)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) debt with original maturities of three months or less(526) (946) (239)(1) (850) 849
Proceeds from debt with original maturities of more than three months992
 1,099
 3,329
1,774
 
 
Repayments of debt with original maturities of more than three months(1) (2) (1,751)(1,351) (1) (652)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation29
 20
 33
Other, net(12) (12) (14)(12) (11) (14)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(2,255) (2,526) (3,551)(2,326) (3,964) (1,674)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Equivalents(133) (463) (535)(9) (112) 145
Cash and Equivalents:          
Increase (decrease) during the year(618) (900) 372
477
 (1,590) 622
Beginning of year3,090
 3,990
 3,618
1,504
 3,094
 2,472
End of year$2,472
 $3,090
 $3,990
$1,981
 $1,504
 $3,094
     
Supplementary Cash Flow Information:          
Cash Paid During the Year for Interest$212
 $200
 $236
$223
 $247
 $240
Cash Paid During the Year for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds$920
 $775
 $1,502
$742
 $838
 $1,018
Liabilities Assumed from Acquisitions$150
 $1
 $4

The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.




Notes to Financial Statements


(1)     Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


Description of business— Illinois Tool Works Inc. (the "Company" or "ITW") is a global manufacturer of a diversified range of industrial products and equipment with approximately 8584 divisions in 5753 countries. The Company primarily serves the automotive OEM/tiers, commercial food equipment, construction, general industrial, and automotive aftermarket end markets.


Consolidation and translation— The financial statements include the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. The Company follows the equity method of accounting for investments where the Company has a significant influence but not a controlling interest. Intercompany transactions are eliminated from the financial statements. Foreign subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars at end-of-period exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates for the period. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity.


Reclassifications— Certain reclassifications of prior year data have been made to conform to current year reporting.


Use of estimates— The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the notes to financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


Acquisitions— The Company accounts for acquisitions under the acquisition method, in which assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition. The operating results of the acquired companies are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.


Operating revenue— OperatingPrior to 2018, the Company recognized revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists,existed, product hashad shipped and the risks and rewards of ownership havehad transferred or services havehad been rendered, the price to the customer iswas fixed or determinable, and collectibility iscollectability was reasonably assured, which is generally occurred at the time of product shipment. TypicalEffective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new revenue recognition guidance. Under this new guidance, operating revenue is recognized at the time a good or service is transferred to a customer and the customer obtains control of that good or receives the service performed. The Company's sales arrangements with customers are for standardpredominantly short-term in nature involving a single performance obligation related to the delivery of products and generally provide for transfer of ownership and risk of losscontrol at the time of shipment. In limited circumstances, wherearrangements may include service performed over time, or there may be significant obligations to the customer that are unfulfilled at the time of shipment, typically involving installation of equipment and customer acceptance,acceptance. In these circumstances, operating revenue recognitionmay be recognized over time as the service is provided to the customer or deferred until suchall significant obligations have been completed. The amount of operating revenue recorded reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for goods or services and may include adjustments for customer allowances and rebates. Customer allowances and rebates consistingconsist primarily of volume discounts and other short-term incentive programs, which are estimated at the time of sale based on historical experience and known trendsanticipated trends. Shipping and handling charges billed to customers are included in revenue and are recordedrecognized along with the related product revenue as they are considered a reductionfulfillment cost. Sales commissions are expensed when incurred, which is generally at the time of revenue recognition. Contract liabilities associated with sales arrangements primarily relate to deferred revenue on equipment sales and prepaid service contracts. Total deferred revenue and customer deposits were $188 million and $215 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and are short-term in reported revenues.nature. For additional information regarding the Company's operating revenue, see New Accounting Pronouncements below and Note 3. Operating Revenue.


Research and development expenses— Research and development expenses are recorded as expense in the year incurred. These costs were $223$221 million, in 2016, $218$233 million in 2015 and $227$225 million in 2014.for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


Advertising expenses— Advertising expenses are recorded as expense in the year incurred. These costs were $58$48 million, in 2016, $58$50 million in 2015 and $66$53 million in 2014.for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


Income taxes— The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial and tax bases of assets and


liabilities given the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Valuation allowances are established when it is estimated that it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.


Cash and equivalents— Cash and equivalents include cash on hand and instruments having original maturities of three months or less. Cash and equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.




Trade receivables— Trade receivables are net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Prior to 2018, the allowance for doubtful accounts which includesincluded reserves for uncollectible accounts and customer credits. Under the new revenue guidance adopted on January 1, 2018, the reserve for customer credits is reported as a liability and cash discounts. The Company estimatesincluded in Accrued expenses in the Statement of Financial Position. Accordingly, after January 1, 2018, the allowance for uncollectibledoubtful accounts based on the greaterwas comprised of a specific reserve or a reserve calculated based on the historical write-off percentage over the last two years. In addition, reserves for customer credits and cash discounts are estimated based on past experience.uncollectible accounts. The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during 2016, 2015for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


In millions 2019 2018 2017
Beginning balance $21
 $43
 $43
Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance 
 (23) 
Provision charged to expense 6
 5
 3
Write-offs, net of recoveries (4) (3) (6)
Transfer to assets held for sale (2) 
 
Foreign currency translation (1) (1) 3
Ending balance $20
 $21
 $43

In millions 2016 2015 2014
Beginning balance $42
 $43
 $46
Provision charged to expense 7
 7
 7
Write-offs, net of recoveries (6) (5) (7)
Acquisitions and divestitures 1
 
 
Foreign currency translation (1) (3) (3)
Ending balance $43
 $42
 $43


Inventories— Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value and include material, labor and factory overhead. The last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method is used to determine the cost of inventories at certain U.S. businesses. The first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method, which approximates current cost, is used for all other inventories. Inventories priced at LIFO were approximately 22%23% of total inventories as of both December 31, 20162019 and 2015.2018. If the FIFO method was used for all inventories, total inventories would have been approximately $86$89 million and $81$97 million higher than reported at December 31, 20162019 and 2015,2018, respectively. The major classes of inventory at December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 were as follows:


In millions 2019 2018
Raw material $452
 $523
Work-in-process 131
 161
Finished goods 670
 731
LIFO reserve (89) (97)
Total inventories $1,164
 $1,318

In millions 2016 2015
Raw material $407
 $415
Work-in-process 126
 130
Finished goods 629
 622
LIFO reserve (86) (81)
Total inventories $1,076
 $1,086


Net plant and equipment— Net plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Renewals and improvements that increase the useful life of plant and equipment are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Net plant and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 20162019 and 2015:2018:

In millions 2019 2018
Land $186
 $194
Buildings and improvements 1,357
 1,368
Machinery and equipment 3,551
 3,517
Construction in progress 133
 154
Gross plant and equipment 5,227
 5,233
Accumulated depreciation (3,498) (3,442)
Net plant and equipment $1,729
 $1,791



In millions 2016 2015
Land $186
 $179
Buildings and improvements 1,297
 1,272
Machinery and equipment 3,036
 2,972
Equipment leased to others 160
 156
Construction in progress 104
 76
Gross plant and equipment 4,783
 4,655
Accumulated depreciation (3,131) (3,078)
Net plant and equipment $1,652
 $1,577


The Company’s U.S. businesses primarily compute depreciation on an accelerated basis. The majority of the Company's international businesses compute depreciation on a straight-line basis. The ranges of useful lives used to depreciate plant and equipment are as follows:


Buildings and improvements5—50 years
Machinery and equipment3—12 years
Equipment leased to othersTerm of lease






Depreciation was $246$267 million, in 2016, $244$272 million in 2015 and $262$256 million in 2014. There was no depreciation included in Income from discontinued operations in 2014.for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


Goodwill and intangible assets— Goodwill represents the excess cost over fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. The Company does not amortize goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite lives. Amortizable intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 3 to 20 years.


The Company performs an impairment assessment of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives annually, or more frequently if triggering events occur, based on the estimated fair value of the related reporting unit or intangible asset. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.


When performing its annual impairment assessment, the Company evaluates the goodwill assigned to each of its reporting units for potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the relevant reporting unit to the carrying value. The Company uses various Level 2 and Level 3 valuation techniques to determine the fair value of its reporting units, including discounting estimated future cash flows based on a detailed cash flow forecast prepared by the relevant reporting unit and market multiples of relevant public companies. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss, if any, is recorded for the difference between the implied fair value and the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill.


The Company's indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trademarks and brands. The estimated fair values of these intangible assets are determined based on a Level 3 valuation method using a relief-of-royaltyrelief-from-royalty income approach derived from internally forecasted revenues of the related products. If the fair value of the trademark or brand is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying value of the intangible asset.


Accrued warranties— The Company accrues for product warranties based on historical experience. The changes in accrued warranties during 2016, 2015for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


In millions 2019 2018 2017
Beginning balance $45
 $45
 $45
Charges (44) (49) (45)
Provision charged to expense 44
 50
 43
Foreign currency translation 
 (1) 2
Ending balance $45
 $45
 $45

In millions 2016 2015 2014
Beginning balance $46
 $49
 $50
Charges (41) (37) (41)
Provision charged to expense 42
 36
 43
Acquisitions and divestitures 1
 
 
Foreign currency translation (3) (2) (3)
Ending balance $45
 $46
 $49


New Accounting Pronouncements


Effective January 1, 2018

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued authoritative guidance to change the criteria for revenue recognition. The core principle of the new standardguidance is that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, severalexpanded revenue disclosures are required. The Company's sales arrangements with customers are predominantly short-term in nature and generally provide for transfer of control and risks and rewards of ownership at the time of product shipment or delivery of service. As such, the timing of revenue recognition under both the prior and new guidance is the same for the majority of the Company’s transactions. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new revenue recognition disclosures will be required. This guidance is effective forunder the Company beginningmodified retrospective method and recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment reducing retained earnings by $9 million as of January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt2018. Under the new revenue accounting guidance effective January 1, 2018 and is in the process of completing its analysis of the impact this guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.modified

In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to change the criteria for recognizing leasing transactions. Under
retrospective method of adoption, prior periods are not restated and the new guidance a lessee will be requiredis applied prospectively to recognize a lease liability and lease asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a lease term greater than twelve months inrevenue transactions completed on or after January 1, 2018. Given the statement of financial position. Subsequent measurement, including presentation of expenses and cash flows, will depend on the classificationnature of the lease as either a financing or operating lease. In addition, several new disclosures will be required. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. While the Company has not yet completed its evaluation of the impact the new lease accounting guidance will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, the Company expects to recognize right of use assets and liabilities for its operating leases in the statement of financial position upon adoption.



In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that includes several changes to simplify the accounting for stock-based compensation, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification of tax benefits in the statement of cash flows. Among the more significant changes,Company’s revenue transactions, the new guidance requires thathad an immaterial impact on the income tax effects associated withCompany's operating revenue, results of operations, and financial position for the settlement of stock-based awards after adoption of the guidance be recognized through income tax expense rather than directly in equity. Additionally, the income tax effects related to excess tax benefits will be presented as an operating cash flow in the statement of cash flows rather than a financing activity for all current and prior periods presented. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017. For the twelve monthsyear ended December 31, 2016 and 2015,2018. The Company updated its revenue recognition accounting policy to reflect the Company had classified $29 million and $20 million, respectively, of excess tax benefits as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows which will be presented as an operating cash flow under the new guidance. The expected effect on income tax expense or net cash provided from operating activities related to stock-based awards settled after adoptionrequirements of the new guidance will depend on inputs such asand included additional disclosures regarding the stock price atCompany's revenue transactions. Refer to the time of settlementCompany’s operating revenue accounting policy above and the number of awards settled in the period presented.Note 3. Operating Revenue for additional information.


In October 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs rather than when transferred to a third party as required under the currentprior guidance. The provisions of the new guidance are being applied prospectively to intra-entity asset transfers on or after January 1, 2018 and may result in future tax rate volatility. Upon adoption of the new guidance on January 1, 2018, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment reducing deferred tax assets and retained earnings by $406 million. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the impact of the new guidance on the Company's effective income tax rate was not material.

In February 2018, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which allows for an optional one-time reclassification of the stranded tax effects resulting from the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate under the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the "Act") from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings. The guidance was effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance as of January 1, 2018 and to reclassify the stranded tax effects related to the Act, which resulted in an increase of $45 million to both retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss. Refer to Note 13. Stockholders' Equity for additional information.

Effective January 1, 2019

In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to change the criteria for recognizing leasing transactions. The primary change under the new guidance is that a lessee is required to recognize a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset for its operating leases. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures. Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new guidance prospectively for all operating lease transactions as of and after the effective date with a noncancellable lease term greater than one year. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a lease liability of $205 million and a corresponding right-of-use asset. The new guidance did not have a material impact on the results of operations or cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to Note 9. Leases for additional information regarding the Company’s lease transactions.

In August 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which included targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting and improve financial reporting of hedging activities. Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new guidance which did not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Effective January 1, 2020

In June 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which changes the methodology used to measure credit losses for certain financial instruments. Under current guidance, credit loss reserves are estimated based on historical information. The new guidance requires credit loss reserves to reflect the estimated credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial asset. This new guidance is effective for the Company prospectively beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company2020 and is currently assessingnot expected to have a material impact on the potential impact the guidance will have upon adoption.Company's results of operations or financial position.


In January 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance thatwhich simplifies the assessment of goodwill for impairmentimpairment. Under current guidance, when the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the fair value of the goodwill must be determined by eliminatingvaluing the other assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. Under the new guidance, the requirement to determine the fair value of goodwill. Under the new guidance,goodwill has been eliminated, and an impairment charge is recognized for the amount of goodwill impairment will be determined by the amountthat the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. TheThis new guidance is effective for the Company prospectively beginning January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. Theand will be applied by the Company performsduring its annual goodwill impairment assessment processof goodwill in the third quarter, or more frequentlyearlier if a triggering events occur. Adoptionevent occurs. The adoption of this new accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's operating results of operations or financial position or cash flows.position.




(2)     Discontinued OperationsDivestitures


In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued authoritative guidance to change the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in a company's operations and financial results should be reported as discontinued operations. In addition, disclosure of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify as a discontinued operation is required. The Company adopted this new guidance effective January 1, 2015.routinely reviews its portfolio of businesses relative to its business portfolio criteria and evaluates if further portfolio refinements may be needed. The new guidance applies prospectivelyCompany previously communicated its intent to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups heldexplore options, including potential divestitures, for sale aftercertain businesses with annual revenues totaling up to $1 billion. As such, date. There were no discontinued operations during 2015 and 2016 under this new accounting guidance.

Third Quarter 2013 Discontinued Operations— In February 2013, the Company announced that it was initiating a review processmay commit to explore strategic alternatives for its Industrial Packaging segment. In September 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a plan to commence a sale process for the Industrial Packaging segment. The Company classified the Industrial Packaging segmentexit or dispose of certain businesses and present them as held for sale beginning in periods prior to the third quartersale of 2013 and no longer presented this segment as part of its continuing operations.the business.


On February 6, 2014, the Company announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to sell its Industrial Packaging business to The Carlyle Group for $3.2 billion. The transaction was completed on May 1, 2014, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $1.7 billion ($1.1 billion after-tax) inIn the second quarter of 2014 which was included in Income from discontinued operations.

In the third quarter of 2013,2019, the Company also committedapproved plans to plans for the divestiture of a construction distribution business previously includeddivest 6 businesses, including 2 businesses in the ConstructionTest & Measurement and Electronics segment, 1 business in the Automotive OEM segment, 1 business in the Welding segment, and 2 businesses in the Specialty Products segment. This business wasThese 6 businesses were classified as held for sale beginning in the thirdsecond quarter of 20132019. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company divested 3 of the held for sale businesses which included 1 business in the Test & Measurement and Electronics segment, 1 business in the Welding segment, and 1 business in the Specialty Products segment.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded net pre-tax gains on disposal of businesses of $44 million ($30 million after-tax, or $0.09 per diluted share) which was primarily due to the 3 divestitures of held for sale businesses discussed above. The net pre-tax gain was included in Other income (expense) in the Statement of Income. Operating revenue related to businesses divested in 2019 that was included in the Company's results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, was as follows:

In millions2019 2018 2017
Operating revenue$134
 $194
 $202


The operating revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 of $134 million related to the businesses divested in 2019 included $62 million in the Welding segment, $58 million in the Test & Measurement and Electronics segment, and $14 million in the Specialty Products segment.

As of December 31, 2019, 3 of the businesses discussed above continued to be held for sale, including 1 business in the Test & Measurement and Electronics segment, 1 business in the Automotive OEM segment, and 1 business in the Specialty Products segment. All of these businesses are expected to be sold within one year. The assets and liabilities related to the held for sale businesses were included in assets and liabilities held for sale in the Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2019, as follows:

In millions 
Trade receivables$81
Inventories28
Net plant and equipment48
Goodwill and intangible assets166
Other28
Total assets held for sale$351
  
Accounts payable$21
Accrued expenses17
Other33
Total liabilities held for sale$71

Operating revenue related to the 3 businesses held for sale as of December 31, 2019 that was included in the Company's results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, was as follows:

In millions2019 2018 2017
Operating revenue$373
 $393
 $397




(3)     Operating Revenue

The Company's 84 diversified operating divisions are organized and managed based on similar product categories and end markets, and are reported to senior management as the following 7 segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. Operating revenue by product category, which is consistent with the Company's segment presentation, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:

In millions2019 2018 2017
Automotive OEM$3,063
 $3,338
 $3,271
Food Equipment2,188
 2,214
 2,123
Test & Measurement and Electronics2,121
 2,171
 2,069
Welding1,638
 1,691
 1,538
Polymers & Fluids1,669
 1,724
 1,724
Construction Products1,625
 1,700
 1,672
Specialty Products1,825
 1,951
 1,938
Intersegment revenue(20) (21) (21)
Total$14,109
 $14,768
 $14,314


Prior to 2018, the Company recognized revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, product had shipped and the risks and rewards of ownership had transferred or services had been rendered, the price to the customer was fixed or determinable, and collectability was reasonably assured, which generally occurred at the time of product shipment. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted new revenue recognition guidance. Under this new guidance, operating revenue is recognized at the time a good or service is transferred to a customer and the customer obtains control of that good or receives the service performed. Given the nature of the Company’s revenue transactions, the new guidance had an immaterial impact on the Company's operating revenue, results of operations, and financial position for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. See Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information. The following is a description of the product offerings, end markets and typical revenue transactions for each of the Company's 7 segments:

Automotive OEM This segment is a global, niche supplier to top tier OEMs, providing unique innovation to address pain points for sophisticated customers with complex problems. Businesses in this segment produce components and fasteners for automotive-related applications. This segment primarily serves the automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers market. Products in this segment include:

plastic and metal components, fasteners and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks and other industrial uses.

Products sold in this segment are primarily manufactured to the customer's specifications and are sold under long-term supply agreements with OEM auto manufacturers and other top tier auto parts suppliers. The Company typically recognizes revenue for products in this segment at the time of shipment. Certain products may be produced utilizing tooling that is owned by the customer that the Company developed and is reimbursed by the customer for the associated cost. In these arrangements, the Company typically retains a contractual right to use the customer-owned tooling for the purpose of fulfilling its obligations under the supply agreement. The Company records reimbursements for the cost of customer-owned tooling as a cost offset rather than operating revenue as tooling is not considered a product offering central to the Company's operations.

Food Equipment This segment is a highly focused and branded industry leader in commercial food equipment differentiated by innovation and integrated service offerings. This segment primarily serves the food service, food institutional/restaurant and food retail markets. Products in this segment include:

warewashing equipment;
cooking equipment, including ovens, ranges and broilers;
refrigeration equipment, including refrigerators, freezers and prep tables;
food processing equipment, including slicers, mixers and scales;
kitchen exhaust, ventilation and pollution control systems; and
food equipment service, maintenance and repair.


Revenue for equipment sold in this segment is typically recognized at the time of product shipment. In limited circumstances involving installation of equipment and customer acceptance, the Company may recognize revenue upon completion of installation and acceptance by the customer. Annual service contracts are typically sold separate from equipment and the related revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the annual service period. Operating revenue for on-demand service repairs and parts is recorded upon completion and customer acceptance of the work performed.

Test & Measurement and ElectronicsThis segment is a branded and innovative producer of test and measurement and electronic manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and operations, or "MRO" solutions that improve efficiency and quality for customers in diverse end markets. Businesses in this segment produce equipment, consumables, and related software for testing and measuring of materials and structures, as well as equipment and consumables used in the production of electronic subassemblies and microelectronics. This segment primarily serves the electronics, general industrial, automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers, industrial capital goods, energy and consumer durables markets. Products in this segment include:

equipment, consumables, and related software for testing and measuring of materials, structures, gases and fluids;
electronic assembly equipment;
electronic components and component packaging;
static control equipment and consumables used for contamination control in clean room environments; and
pressure sensitive adhesives and components for electronics, medical, transportation and telecommunications applications.

Revenue for products sold in this segment is typically recognized at the time of shipment. In limited circumstances where significant obligations to the customer are unfulfilled at the time of shipment, typically involving installation of equipment and customer acceptance, revenue recognition is deferred until such obligations have been completed.

Welding This segment is a branded value-added equipment and specialty consumable manufacturer with innovative and leading technology. Businesses in this segment produce arc welding equipment, consumables and accessories for a wide array of industrial and commercial applications. This segment primarily serves the general industrial market, which includes fabrication, shipbuilding and other general industrial markets, and energy, construction, MRO, automotive original equipment manufacturers and tiers, and industrial capital goods markets. Products in this segment include:

arc welding equipment; and
metal arc welding consumables and related accessories.

Products in this segment are primarily manufactured to meet anticipated customer demand. The Company typically recognizes revenue for these products at the time of product shipment.

Polymers & Fluids This segment is a branded supplier to niche markets that require value-added, differentiated products. Businesses in this segment produce engineered adhesives, sealants, lubrication and cutting fluids, and fluids and polymers for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance. This segment primarily serves the automotive aftermarket, general industrial, MRO and construction markets. Products in this segment include:

adhesives for industrial, construction and consumer purposes;
chemical fluids which clean or add lubrication to machines;
epoxy and resin-based coating products for industrial applications;
hand wipes and cleaners for industrial applications;
fluids, polymers and other supplies for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance;
fillers and putties for auto body repair; and
polyester coatings and patch and repair products for the marine industry.

Products in this segment are primarily manufactured to meet anticipated customer demand. The Company typically recognizes revenue for these products at the time of product shipment.

Construction Products This segment is a branded supplier of innovative engineered fastening systems and solutions. This segment primarily serves the residential construction, renovation/remodel and commercial construction markets. Products in this segment include:

fasteners and related fastening tools for wood and metal applications;


anchors, fasteners and related tools for concrete applications;
metal plate truss components and related equipment and software; and
packaged hardware, fasteners, anchors and other products for retail.

Products in this segment are primarily manufactured to meet anticipated customer demand. The Company typically recognizes revenue for these products at the time of product shipment.

Specialty Products This segment is focused on diversified niche market opportunities with substantial patent protection producing beverage packaging equipment and consumables, product coding and marking equipment and consumables, and appliance components and fasteners. This segment primarily serves the food and beverage, general industrial, consumer durables, industrial capital goods and printing and publishing markets. Products in this segment include:

line integration, conveyor systems and line automation for the food and beverage industries;
plastic consumables that multi-pack cans and bottles and related equipment;
foil, film and related equipment used to decorate consumer products;
product coding and marking equipment and related consumables;
plastic and metal closures and components for appliances;
airport ground support equipment; and
components for medical devices.
Products in this segment are primarily manufactured to meet anticipated customer demand. The Company typically recognizes revenue for these products at the time of product shipment. In limited circumstances where significant obligations to the customer are unfulfilled at the time of shipment, typically involving installation of equipment and customer acceptance, revenue is recognized when such obligations have been completed.

(4)     Legal Settlement

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company entered into a $95 million confidential settlement agreement to resolve a litigation matter. Based on the terms of the agreement, the Company received the settlement within 120 days of the execution of the agreement. The receipt of the settlement resulted in a favorable pre-tax impact of $15 million in the second quarter of 2014.

First Quarter 2013 Discontinued Operations— In2017 and $80 million in the firstthird quarter of 2013, the Company committed to a plan for the divestiture of a construction distribution business previously2017, which were included in the Construction Products segment. This business was classified as held for sale beginning in the first quarter of 2013 and was sold in the second quarter of 2014.operating income.



The operating results of the businesses discussed above are reported as discontinued operations in the statement of income for the applicable periods presented. Results of the discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

In millions 2014
Operating revenue $798
   
Income before income taxes $1,805
Income tax expense (749)
Income from discontinued operations $1,056

Included in income before income taxes from discontinued operations for 2014 are net gains on disposal of $1.7 billion ($1.1 billion after-tax) primarily related to the sale of the Industrial Packaging business. Income tax expense from discontinued operations for 2014 included $175 million of U.S. income tax expense related to the repatriation of approximately $1.3 billion of international proceeds from the sale of the Industrial Packaging business.


(3)     Acquisitions(5)     Other Income (Expense)


Net cash paid for acquisitions during 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $453 million, $6 million, and $45 million, respectively. Acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate, did not materially affect the Company's results of operations or financial position for any period presented.

The net cash paid for acquisitions in 2016 primarily related to the acquisition of the Engineered Fasteners and Components ("EF&C") business from ZF TRW on July 1, 2016 for a purchase price of approximately $450 million. EF&C had operating revenue of $245 millionOther income (expense) for the sixtwelve months ended December 31, 2016 which was reported within the Company’s Automotive OEM segment. As a result of the EF&C transaction, the Company recorded $187 million of goodwill2019, 2018 and $135 million of amortizable intangible assets primarily related to customer relationships and technology. The Company expects goodwill of $104 million related to the transaction will be tax deductible. The fair values of the intangible assets were estimated based on discounted cash flow and market-based valuation models using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs and assumptions. The intangible assets are expected to be amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from 4 to 17 years, with a weighted average amortization period of 16 years. Subsequent purchase accounting adjustments may change the initial amounts recorded, including goodwill and intangible assets, primarily due to the completion of valuations. The allocation of purchase price will be completed as soon as practicable, but no later than one year from the acquisition date.

(4)     Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense)2017 consisted of the following:


In millions 2019 2018 2017
Gain (loss) on disposal of operations and affiliates $44
 $(2) $1
Interest income 29
 35
 45
Other net periodic benefit income 24
 20
 9
Income (loss) from investments 15
 9
 16
Equity income in Wilsonart 
 
 
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net (10) (1) (25)
Other, net 5
 6
 (1)
Total other income (expense) $107
 $67
 $45

In millions 2016 2015 2014
Interest income $38
 $52
 $65
Gain (loss) on disposal of operations and affiliates (12) 16
 (6)
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net 9
 5
 8
Income (loss) from investments (13) 4
 8
Equity income (loss) in Wilsonart 61
 (4) (9)
Other, net (2) 5
 (5)
Total other income (expense) $81
 $78
 $61


Refer to Note 2. Divestitures for further information regarding the Gain (loss) on disposal of operations and affiliates of $44 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company divested a 51% majority interest in its former Decorative Surfaces segment to certain funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC ("CD&R"). As a result of the transaction, the Company owns common units (the "Common Units") of Wilsonart International Holdings LLC ("Wilsonart") initially representing approximately 49% (on an as-converted basis) of the total outstanding equity. CD&R owns cumulative convertible participating preferred units (the "Preferred Units") of Wilsonart representing approximately 51% (on an as-converted basis) of the total outstanding equity. The Preferred Units rank senior to the Common Units as to dividends and liquidation preference, and accrue dividends at a rate of 10% per annum. Due to the Company's continuing involvement through its 49% ownership interest in Wilsonart, the former Decorative Surfaces segment was not presented as discontinued operations. The


ownership interest in Wilsonart is reported using the equity


method of accounting. The Company's proportionate share in income (loss) of Wilsonart is reported in Other income (expense) in the consolidated statementStatement of income.Income. As the Company's investment in Wilsonart is structured as a partnership for U.S. tax purposes, U.S. taxes are recorded separately from the equity investment.

Equity income (loss) in Wilsonart includes a $54 million pre-tax gain in In 2016, resulting fromthe Company received a $167 million cash dividend distribution from Wilsonart which exceeded the Company's equity investment balance. Subsequent tobalance and resulted in a $54 million pre-tax gain in 2016. As a result of the dividend distribution, the equity investment balance in Wilsonart was reduced to zero0 and futureany subsequent equity investment income will not be recognized until the gain is recaptured.


(5)(6)     Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the “Act”) was enacted in the United States. The provisions of the Act significantly revised the U.S. corporate income tax rules. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a one-time additional income tax expense of $658 million related to the enactment of the Act. The more significant tax law changes resulting from the Act and related impacts to the Company are as follows:

A one-time repatriation tax on the deemed repatriation of post-1986 undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. As a result of this one-time deemed repatriation, the Company recorded a one-time additional income tax expense of $676 million during the fourth quarter of 2017. A portion of the resulting income taxes payable can be paid in installments over eight years. The noncurrent income taxes payable related to the one-time repatriation tax was $462 million and $495 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Additionally, as a result of the one-time repatriation provisions of the Act, the Company recorded additional foreign withholding taxes of $53 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to the expected repatriation of foreign held cash and equivalents.

A reduction in the U.S. corporate federal tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat rate of 21% beginning in 2018. Although the lower tax rate took effect in 2018, deferred tax assets and liabilities should be measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply in the years in which they are expected to be settled. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a one-time net income tax benefit of $82 million as a result of the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the impact of lower future U.S. corporate tax rates.

Deductibility of certain executive compensation. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a one-time write-off of deferred tax assets of $11 million related to the non-deductibility of certain performance-based compensation.

At December 31, 2017, the Company had not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, the Company made a reasonable estimate which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017. During 2018, the Company revised its initial estimates which did not result in material changes to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017, or the effective tax rate for 2018. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had completed its accounting related to the tax effects of enactment of the Act. The Company’s ongoing accounting for the tax effects of the Act are based on the Company's current understanding of the changes in the tax law under the Act, but may be impacted due to issuance of final regulations or further clarification of the tax law.


Provision for income taxes— The components of the provision for income taxes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:


In millions 2019 2018 2017
U.S. federal income taxes:      
Current $356
 $373
 $1,117
Deferred (26) (15) (10)
Total U.S. federal income taxes 330
 358
 1,107
Foreign income taxes:      
Current 302
 358
 296
Deferred 53
 49
 102
Total foreign income taxes 355
 407
 398
State income taxes:      
Current 77
 66
 106
Deferred 5
 
 (28)
Total state income taxes 82
 66
 78
Total provision for income taxes $767
 $831
 $1,583

In millions 2016 2015 2014
U.S. federal income taxes:      
Current $756
 $503
 $413
Deferred (224) 8
 121
Total U.S. federal income taxes 532
 511
 534
Foreign income taxes:      
Current 290
 310
 163
Deferred (5) (11) 66
Benefit of net operating loss carryforwards 
 (48) (13)
Total foreign income taxes 285
 251
 216
State income taxes:      
Current 90
 66
 50
Deferred (34) (8) 9
Total state income taxes 56
 58
 59
Total provision for income taxes $873
 $820
 $809


Income from continuing operations before income taxes for domestic and foreign operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:


In millions 2019 2018 2017
Domestic $1,774
 $1,774
 $1,806
Foreign 1,514
 1,620
 1,464
Total income before taxes $3,288
 $3,394
 $3,270

In millions 2016 2015 2014
Domestic $1,653
 $1,660
 $1,669
Foreign 1,255
 1,059
 1,030
Total income from continuing operations before income taxes $2,908
 $2,719
 $2,699


The reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:


  2019 2018 2017
U.S. federal statutory tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 %
U.S. tax effect of foreign earnings 1.1
 1.5
 0.5
Tax effect of U.S. federal tax law change 
 (0.1) 20.1
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit 1.7
 1.6
 1.2
Differences between U.S. federal statutory and foreign tax rates 2.0
 2.1
 (3.5)
Nontaxable foreign interest income (1.4) (1.7) (1.7)
Tax effect of foreign dividends 0.2
 1.0
 0.4
Tax relief for U.S. manufacturers 
 
 (1.4)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation (0.9) (0.3) (1.5)
Other, net (0.4) (0.6) (0.7)
Effective tax rate 23.3 % 24.5 % 48.4 %

  2016 2015 2014
U.S. federal statutory tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit 1.3
 1.4
 1.6
Differences between U.S. federal statutory and foreign tax rates (3.6) (3.1) (3.5)
Nontaxable foreign interest income (2.1) (3.3) (3.6)
Tax effect of foreign dividends 1.5
 2.8
 2.1
Tax relief for U.S. manufacturers (1.4) (1.6) (1.5)
Other, net (0.7) (1.1) (0.1)
Effective tax rate 30.0 % 30.1 % 30.0 %

The Company's effective tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was 23.3%, 24.5% and 48.4%, respectively. The 2019 and 2018 effective tax rates benefited from the lower U.S. corporate federal tax rate and discrete items. The 2019 effective tax rate benefited from a discrete tax benefit of $21 million in the third quarter for the U.S. federal provision to return adjustment resulting primarily from changes in estimates related to the Act. The 2018 effective tax rate benefited from a discrete tax benefit of $37 million in the third quarter related to the release of a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets of a non-U.S. subsidiary, which was partially offset by a discrete tax charge of $22 million in the third quarter related to foreign tax credits. Included in the effective tax rate for 2017 was a one-time additional income tax expense of $658 million related to the enactment of the Act. Additionally, the effective tax rates for 2019, 2018

Deferred
and 2017 included $28 million, $10 million and $50 million, respectively, related to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

Prior to the Act, deferred U.S. federal and state income taxes and foreign withholding taxes had not been provided on substantially all undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries as these earnings were considered permanently invested. As part of the one-time deemed repatriation provisions of the Act, the Company provided for U.S. tax on substantially all undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017. Upon repatriation of earnings to the U.S., the Company may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. The accrual for foreign withholding taxes related to the expected repatriation of foreign held cash and equivalents as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $62 million and $71 million, respectively.

Deferred foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on the remainingundistributed earnings considered permanently invested. As of December 31, 2019, undistributed earnings of certain international subsidiaries as these earningsthat are considered permanently invested. Undistributed earnings of


these subsidiariesinvested were approximately $8.8 billion and $8.7 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Upon repatriation of these earnings to the U.S. in the form of dividends or other distribution of earnings, the Company may be subject to U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes. The actual U.S. tax cost would depend on income tax laws and circumstances at the time of distribution.$5.7 billion. Determination of the related deferred tax liability is not practicable because of the complexities associated with the hypothetical calculation.


Deferred tax assets and liabilities— The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities atas of December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 were as follows:


  2019 2018
In millions Asset Liability Asset Liability 
Goodwill and intangible assets $202
 $(453) $194
 $(484)
Inventory reserves, capitalized tax cost and LIFO inventory 29
 (3) 30
 (3)
Investments 16
 (158) 19
 (171)
Plant and equipment 17
 (74) 17
 (72)
Accrued expenses and reserves 42
 
 36
 
Employee benefit accruals 176
 
 186
 
Foreign tax credit carryforwards 7
 
 8
 
Net operating loss carryforwards 419
 
 451
 
Capital loss carryforwards 80
 
 89
 
Allowances for uncollectible accounts 9
 
 10
 
Pension liabilities 
 (15) 
 (19)
Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign debt instruments 
 (57) 
 (45)
Operating leases 45
 (45) 
 
Other 32
 (13) 32
 (13)
Gross deferred income tax assets (liabilities) 1,074
 (818) 1,072
 (807)
Valuation allowances (408) 
 (418) 
Total deferred income tax assets (liabilities) $666
 $(818) $654
 $(807)

  2016 2015
In millions Asset Liability Asset Liability 
Goodwill and intangible assets $240
 $(716) $282
 $(734)
Inventory reserves, capitalized tax cost and LIFO inventory 40
 (5) 42
 (5)
Investments 23
 (206) 25
 (298)
Plant and equipment 23
 (79) 28
 (84)
Accrued expenses and reserves 76
 
 79
 
Employee benefit accruals 306
 
 314
 
Foreign tax credit carryforwards 6
 
 216
 
Net operating loss carryforwards 610
 
 643
 
Capital loss carryforwards 42
 
 39
 
Allowances for uncollectible accounts 13
 
 13
 
Pension liabilities 25
 
 13
 
Deferred intercompany deductions 430
 
 
 
Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign debt instruments 
 (140) 
 (115)
Other 97
 (16) 109
 (10)
Gross deferred income tax assets (liabilities) 1,931
 (1,162) 1,803
 (1,246)
Valuation allowances (454) 
 (467) 
Total deferred income tax assets (liabilities) $1,477
 $(1,162) $1,336
 $(1,246)


The valuation allowances recorded atas of December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 related primarily to certain net operating loss carryforwards, capital loss carryforwards and foreign tax credit carryforwards. As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company hashad utilized all realizable foreign tax credit carryforwards.


At
As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable income in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions, which expire as follows:


 Gross Carryforwards Related
In millions to Net Operating Losses
2020$86
202180
202225
20237
202449
2025-2045117
Do not expire1,378
Total gross carryforwards related to net operating losses$1,742

 Gross Carryforwards Related
In millions to Net Operating Losses
2017$9
20187
20198
202075
202180
202221
202318
2024-203631
Do not expire1,956
Total gross carryforwards related to net operating losses$2,205




Unrecognized tax benefits— The changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits during 2016, 2015for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


In millions 2019 2018 2017
Beginning balance $297
 $285
 $210
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 6
 3
 42
Additions for tax positions of prior years 13
 49
 100
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (14) (31) (24)
Settlements (5) (5) (53)
Foreign currency translation (1) (4) 10
Ending balance $296
 $297
 $285

In millions 2016 2015 2014
Beginning balance $259
 $218
 $268
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 19
 39
 23
Additions for tax positions of prior years 126
 54
 12
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (97) (41) (59)
Settlements (96) (6) (18)
Foreign currency translation (1) (5) (8)
Ending balance $210
 $259
 $218


Included in the balance atas of December 31, 20162019 were approximately $176$267 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate.


During the fourth quarter of 2016,Settlements during 2017 primarily related to the Company effectively settledsettling with the Internal Revenue ServiceGerman Fiscal Authority on issues identified during its 2012-20132009-2011 audit, which primarily related to deferred gain recognition and foreign tax credits. Based on this agreement, the Company decreased its unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $96 million.intercompany transactions.


The Company and its subsidiaries file tax returns in the U.S. and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. These tax returns are routinely audited by the tax authorities in these jurisdictions including the Internal Revenue Service, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, German Fiscal Authority, French Fiscal Authority, and Australian Tax Office, and a number of these audits are currently ongoing, which may increase the amount of the unrecognized tax benefits in future periods. Due to the ongoing audits, the Company believes it is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months the amount of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits may be decreased by approximately $57$56 million related predominantly to various intercompany transactions. The Company has recorded its best estimate of the potential exposure for these issues. The following table summarizes the open tax years for the Company’s major jurisdictions:


Jurisdiction Open Tax Years
United States – Federal 2012-20162016-2019
United Kingdom 2013-20162017-2019
Germany 2009-20162012-2019
France 2013-20162016-2019
Australia 2012-20162013-2019



The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The accrual for interest and penalties as of December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 was $28$19 million and $32$25 million, respectively.

On February 18, 2014, the Company received a Notice of Deficiency ("NOD") from the IRS asserting that a non-taxable return of capital received from a subsidiary was a taxable dividend distribution. The NOD assesses additional taxes of $70 million for the 2006 tax year, plus interest and penalties. In May 2014, the Company petitioned the United States Tax Court to challenge the NOD. The Company's petition was subsequently denied and the case proceeded to court with the trial taking place in the third quarter of 2016. Final decision by the tax court is expected in 2017. Although the court's final decision cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes its position continues to be supportable. Accordingly, no reserve has been recorded related to this matter.







(6)(7)     Net Income Per Share from Continuing Operations


IncomeNet income per basic share from continuing operations is computed by dividing net income from continuing operations by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period. Income from continuing operationsNet income per diluted share is computed by dividing net income from continuing operations by the weighted-average number of shares assuming dilution for stock options and restricted stock units. Dilutive shares reflect the potential additional shares that would be outstanding if the dilutive stock options outstanding were exercised and the unvested restricted stock units vested during the period. The computation of net income per share from continuing operationsfor the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:


In millions except per share amounts 2019 2018 2017
Net Income $2,521
 $2,563
 $1,687
Net income per share—Basic:      
Weighted-average common shares 323.9
 335.0
 344.1
Net income per share—Basic $7.78
 $7.65
 $4.90
Net income per share—Diluted:      
Weighted-average common shares 323.9
 335.0
 344.1
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units 1.7
 2.1
 2.7
Weighted-average common shares assuming dilution 325.6
 337.1
 346.8
Net income per share—Diluted $7.74
 $7.60
 $4.86

In millions except per share amounts 2016 2015 2014
Income from continuing operations $2,035
 $1,899
 $1,890
Income per share from continuing operations—Basic:      
Weighted-average common shares 355.0
 367.9
 401.7
Income per share from continuing operations—Basic $5.73
 $5.16
 $4.70
Income per share from continuing operations—Diluted:      
Weighted-average common shares 355.0
 367.9
 401.7
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units 2.1
 2.2
 2.9
Weighted-average common shares assuming dilution 357.1
 370.1
 404.6
Income per share from continuing operations—Diluted $5.70
 $5.13
 $4.67


Options that were considered antidilutive were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share from continuing operations.share. There were no antidilutive options outstanding as of December 31, 2016, 0.60.9 million and 0.5 million antidilutive options outstanding as of December 31, 20152019 and no2018, respectively. There were 0 antidilutive options outstanding as of December 31, 2014.2017.


(7)(8)     Goodwill and Intangible Assets


The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the yearstwelve months ended December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 were as follows:


In millionsAutomotive OEM Test & Measurement and Electronics Food Equipment Polymers & Fluids Welding Construction Products Specialty Products Total
Balance, December 31, 2017$488
 $1,372
 $269
 $919
 $272
 $530
 $902
 $4,752
2018 activity:               
Foreign currency translation(12) (20) (10) (30) (9) (17) (21) (119)
Balance, December 31, 2018476
 1,352
 259
 889
 263
 513
 881
 4,633
2019 activity:

              
Acquisitions / (divestitures)
 2
 
 
 
 
 (1) 1
Transfer to assets held for sale(5) (109) 
 
 (4) 
 (8) (126)
Foreign currency translation(5) 
 (3) (2) (1) (1) (4) (16)
Balance, December 31, 2019$466
 $1,245

$256
 $887
 $258
 $512
 $868
 $4,492
Cumulative goodwill impairment charges, December 31, 2019$24
 $83
 $60
 $15
 $5
 $7
 $46
 $240

In millionsAutomotive OEM Test & Measurement and Electronics Food Equipment Polymers & Fluids Welding Construction Products Specialty Products Total
Balance, December 31, 2014$294
 $1,390
 $276
 $964
 $277
 $542
 $924
 $4,667
2015 activity:               
Acquisitions & divestitures
 
 
 (6) 1
 
 
 (5)
Impairment charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation(17) (35) (17) (64) (17) (26) (47) (223)
Balance, December 31, 2015277
 1,355
 259
 894
 261
 516
 877
 4,439
2016 activity:               
Acquisitions & divestitures187
 1
 
 (2) 
 (1) 1
 186
Impairment charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation(8) (20) (10) (3) (1) (7) (18) (67)
Balance, December 31, 2016$456
 $1,336

$249
 $889
 $260
 $508
 $860
 $4,558
Cumulative goodwill impairment charges, December 31, 2016$24
 $83
 $60
 $15
 $5
 $7
 $46
 $240





Intangible assets as of December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 were as follows:


  2019 2018
In millions Cost 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Cost 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amortizable intangible assets:            
Customer lists and relationships $1,530
 $(1,195) $335
 $1,747
 $(1,282) $465
Trademarks and brands 694
 (434) 260
 759
 (435) 324
Patents and proprietary technology 581
 (501) 80
 621
 (506) 115
Other 449
 (433) 16
 478
 (458) 20
Total amortizable intangible assets 3,254
 (2,563) 691
 3,605
 (2,681) 924
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:            
Trademarks and brands 160
 
 160
 160
 
 160
Total intangible assets $3,414
 $(2,563) $851
 $3,765
 $(2,681) $1,084

  2016 2015
In millions Cost 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Cost 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Amortizable intangible assets:            
Customer lists and relationships $1,744
 $(1,060) $684
 $1,630
 $(943) $687
Trademarks and brands 733
 (344) 389
 724
 (298) 426
Patents and proprietary technology 620
 (432) 188
 618
 (397) 221
Other 461
 (444) 17
 475
 (446) 29
Total amortizable intangible assets 3,558
 (2,280) 1,278
 3,447
 (2,084) 1,363
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:            
Trademarks and brands 185
 
 185
 197
 
 197
Total intangible assets $3,743
 $(2,280) $1,463
 $3,644
 $(2,084) $1,560


The Company performed its annual impairment assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the third quarter of 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 2014. The 2016 assessment resulted in no2017. There were 0 impairment charges. In 2015, the Company recordedcharges as a $2 million indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charge related to a brand in the Polymers & Fluids segment which had a fair valueresult of $24 million and a carrying value of $26 million. In 2014, the Company recorded a $3 million indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charge related to certain brands in the Polymers & Fluids and Test & Measurement and Electronics segments which had a total fair value of $8 million and a carrying value of $11 million. The 2015 and 2014 impairments were included in Amortization and impairment of intangible assets in the statement of income.these assessments.


For the yearstwelve months ended December 31, 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 2014,2017, amortization expense and impairment of intangible assets was $224$159 million, $233$189 million and $245$206 million, respectively.


TheAs of December 31, 2019, the estimated future amortization expense of intangible assets for the future yearstwelve months ending December 31 iswas as follows:


In millions 
2020$135
2021117
2022104
202385
202468

In millions 
2017$203
2018184
2019162
2020141
2021123


(8)     Debt(9)    Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted new lease accounting guidance which requires the recognition of a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset for all operating leases with a noncancellable lease term of greater than one year. The new guidance did not change the recognition of rental expense for operating leases which is recognized on a straight-line basis over the noncancellable lease term based on the minimum lease payments at lease inception. Changes in rent subsequent to commencement that were not included in minimum lease payments at inception are recognized as variable rent in the period incurred.

The Company’s lease transactions are primarily for the use of facilities, vehicles and equipment under operating lease arrangements. Total rental expense for operating leases for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $113 million, $124 million and $120 million, respectively. Total rental expense for 2019 included $69 million related to capitalized operating leases and $44 million related to short-term operating leases and variable lease payments. Short-term operating leases have original terms of one year or less, or can be terminated at the Company's option with a short notice period and without significant penalty, and are not capitalized. The right-of-use asset related to operating leases was $206 million as of December 31, 2019 and was included in Other assets. As of December 31, 2019, the current portion of the lease liability for operating leases was $51 million and was included in Accrued expenses, and the long-term portion was $128 million and was included in Other liabilities.


As of December 31, 2019, future maturities of operating lease liabilities for the twelve months ending December 31 were as follows:

In millions 
2020$55
202142
202232
202323
202418
2025 and future years21
Total future minimum lease payments191
Less: Imputed interest(12)
Operating lease liability179
Less: Current portion of operating lease liability51
Long-term portion of operating lease liability$128


As of December 31, 2019, operating leases included in the lease liability had a weighted average remaining lease term of 4.6 years and a weighted average discount rate of 2.59% based on the incremental borrowing rate of the Company and its subsidiaries. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, cash paid related to maturities of operating lease liabilities was $70 million and operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities was $50 million.

As of December 31, 2018, future minimum lease payments under operating leases with noncancellable terms in excess of one year for the twelve months ending December 31 were as follows:

In millions 
2019$67
202048
202132
202224
202318
2024 and future years34
Total future minimum lease payments$223


(10)     Debt

Short-term debt— Short-term debt represents obligations with a maturity date of one year or less and is stated at cost which approximates fair value. Short-term debt also includes current maturities of long-term debt. Short-term debt as of December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 consisted of the following:
In millions 2019 2018
Current maturities of long-term debt $4
 $1,350
Bank overdrafts 
 1
Total short-term debt $4
 $1,351

In millions 2016 2015
Commercial paper $
 $498
Bank overdrafts 
 25
Current maturities of long-term debt 650
 1
Other borrowings 2
 2
Total short-term debt $652
 $526


In 2016,As of December 31, 2019, short-term debt included $4 million related to the Company reclassified4.88% notes due through December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2018, short-term debt included $650 million related to the 0.90%1.95% notes due February 25, 2017 from Long-term debtMarch 1, 2019 and $700 million related to Short-term debt.the 6.25% notes due April 1, 2019, both of which were repaid on the due date. There was 0 commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.


The Company may issue commercial paper to fund general corporate needs, share repurchases, and small and medium-sized acquisitions. During the secondthird quarter of 2016,2019, the Company entered into a $2.5 billion, five-year line of credit



agreement with a termination date of May 9, 2021September 27, 2024 to support the potential issuances of commercial paper. This agreement replaced the previously existing $1.5$2.5 billion line of credit agreement with a termination date of June 8, 2017 and the $1.0 billion line of credit agreement with a termination date of August 15, 2018. NoMay 9, 2021. NaN amounts were outstanding under the new line of credit agreement at December 31, 2016. Asas of December 31, 2016, the2019. The Company was also in compliance with the financial covenants of the line of credit agreement as of December 31, 2019, which includesincluded a minimum interest coverage ratio. The weighted-average interest rate on commercial paper was 0.4%2.5% and 0.1% at1.7% for the twelve months ended December 31, 20162019 and 2015,2018, respectively.


As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company had unused capacity of approximately $286$206 million under international debt facilities.


Long-term debt— Long-term debt represents obligations with a maturity date greater than one year, and excludes current maturities that have been reclassified to short-term debt. Long-term debt at carrying value and fair value as of December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 consisted of the following:


    2019 2018
In millions Effective Interest Rate Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
1.95% notes due March 1, 2019 1.98% $
 $
 $650
 $649
6.25% notes due April 1, 2019 6.25% 
 
 700
 706
4.88% notes due thru December 31, 2020 4.96% 4
 4
 4
 4
3.375% notes due September 15, 2021 3.43% 349
 358
 349
 354
1.75% Euro notes due May 20, 2022 1.86% 558
 584
 570
 603
1.25% Euro notes due May 22, 2023 1.35% 558
 584
 569
 596
3.50% notes due March 1, 2024 3.54% 697
 742
 696
 712
0.25% Euro notes due December 5, 2024 0.31% 668
 677
 
 
2.65% notes due November 15, 2026 2.69% 993
 1,032
 993
 933
0.625% Euro notes due December 5, 2027 0.71% 554
 570
 
 
2.125% Euro notes due May 22, 2030 2.18% 555
 644
 567
 620
1.00% Euro notes due June 5, 2031 1.09% 552
 580
 
 
3.00% Euro notes due May 19, 2034 3.13% 548
 724
 560
 678
4.875% notes due September 15, 2041 4.97% 637
 829
 636
 719
3.90% notes due September 1, 2042 3.96% 1,082
 1,283
 1,081
 1,087
Other borrowings   3
 3
 4
 4
Total   $7,758
 $8,614
 $7,379
 $7,665
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt   (4) 
 (1,350) 

Total long-term debt   $7,754
 
 $6,029
 


    2016 2015
In millions Effective Interest Rate Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
0.90% notes due February 25, 2017 0.95% $650
 $650
 $649
 $649
1.95% notes due March 1, 2019 1.98% 648
 656
 647
 655
6.25% notes due April 1, 2019 6.25% 698
 768
 698
 790
4.88% notes due thru December 31, 2020 4.96% 4
 4
 4
 4
3.375% notes due September 15, 2021 3.43% 348
 365
 347
 362
1.75% Euro notes due May 20, 2022 1.86% 520
 565
 536
 564
1.25% Euro notes due May 22, 2023 1.35% 520
 549
 536
 538
3.50% notes due March 1, 2024 3.54% 695
 728
 695
 727
2.65% notes due November 15, 2026 2.69% 991
 959
 
 
2.125% Euro notes due May 22, 2030 2.18% 519
 565
 536
 530
3.0% Euro notes due May 19, 2034 3.13% 512
 618
 528
 569
4.875% notes due September 15, 2041 4.97% 636
 734
 635
 708
3.9% notes due September 1, 2042 3.96% 1,080
 1,114
 1,080
 1,051
Other borrowings   6
 6
 6
 6
Total   $7,827
 $8,281
 $6,897
 $7,153
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt   (650) 
 (1) 

Total long-term debt   $7,177
 
 $6,896
 



The approximate fair values of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, were based on a valuation model using Level 2 observable inputs, which included market rates for comparable instruments for the respective periods.


In 2005, the Company issued $54 million of 4.88% notes due through December 31, 2020 at 100% of face value.


In 2009, the Company issued $700 million of 6.25% redeemable notes due April 1, 2019 at 99.98% of face value.value, which were repaid on the due date.


In 2011, the Company issued $350 million of 3.375% notes due September 15, 2021 at 99.552% of face value and $650 million of 4.875% notes due September 15, 2041 at 98.539% of face value.


In 2012, the Company issued $1.1 billion of 3.9% notes due September 1, 2042 at 99.038% of face value.


In February 2014, the Company issued $650 million of 0.9% notes due February 25, 2017 at 99.861% of face value, $650 million of 1.95% notes due March 1, 2019 at 99.871% of face value and $700 million of 3.5% notes due March 1, 2024 at 99.648% of face value. Net proceeds fromThe $650 million of 1.95% notes due March 1, 2019 were repaid on the February 2014 debt issuances were used to repay commercial paper.due date.



In May 2014, the Company issued €500 million of 1.75% Euro notes due May 20, 2022 at 99.16% of face value and €500 million of 3.0% Euro notes due May 19, 2034 at 98.089% of face value. Net proceeds from the May 2014 debt issuances were used for general corporate purposes.




In May 2015, the Company issued €500 million of 1.25% Euro notes due May 22, 2023 at 99.239% of face value and €500 million of 2.125% Euro notes due May 22, 2030 at 99.303% of face value. Net proceeds from the May 2015 debt issuances were used to repay commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.


In November 2016, the Company issued $1.0 billion of 2.65% notes due November 15, 2026 at 99.685% of face value. Net proceeds from the November 2016 debt issuance were used to repay commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.


In June 2019, the Company issued €600 million of 0.25% Euro notes due December 5, 2024 at 99.662% of face value, €500 million of 0.625% Euro notes due December 5, 2027 at 99.343% of face value and €500 million of 1.00% Euro notes due June 5, 2031 at 98.982% of face value. Net proceeds from the issuances were used to repay commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.

The Company designated the €1.0 billion of Euro notes issued in May 2014, and the €1.0 billion of Euro notes issued in May 2015 and the €1.6 billion of Euro notes issued in June 2019 as hedges of a portion of its net investment in Euro-denominated foreign operations to reduce foreign currency risk associated with the investment in these operations. Refer to Note 11.13. Stockholders' Equity for additional information regarding the net investment hedge.


All of the Company's notes listed above represent senior unsecured obligations ranking equal in right of payment. ScheduledAs of December 31, 2019, scheduled future maturities of long-term debt, including current maturities of long-term debt, for the future yearstwelve months ending December 31 arewere as follows:


In millions 
2020$4
2021349
2022558
2023558
20241,365
2025 and future years4,924
Total$7,758

In millions 
2017$650
2018
20191,346
20204
2021348
2022 and future years5,479
Total$7,827


(9)(11)     Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits


The Company has both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, predominately in the U.S. The U.S. primary pension plan provides benefits based on years of service and final average salary. The U.S. primary postretirement health care plan is contributory with the participants’ contributions adjusted annually. The U.S. primary postretirement life insurance plan is noncontributory. Beginning January 1, 2007, the U.S. primary pension and other postretirement benefit plans were closed to new participants. Newly hired employees and employees from acquired businesses that are not participating in these plans are eligible for additional Company contributions under the existing U.S. primary defined contribution retirement plans. The Company’s expense related to defined contribution plans was $77$86 million in 2016, $772019, $82 million in 2015,2018, and $78$79 million in 2014.2017. In addition to the U.S. plans, the Company also has defined benefit pension plans in certain other countries, mainly the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Switzerland.



Summarized information regarding net periodic benefit cost included in the Company’sStatement of Income related to the Company's significant defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans related to both continuingfor the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and discontinued operations2017 is as follows:


  Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
In millions 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
Components of net periodic benefit cost:            
Service cost $52
 $60
 $63
 $7
 $8
 $9
Interest cost 78
 72
 72
 20
 18
 19
Expected return on plan assets (121) (126) (133) (22) (25) (23)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 21
 43
 57
 (1) (2) (1)
Amortization of prior service cost 1
 
 
 
 
 
Total net periodic benefit cost $31
 $49
 $59
 $4
 $(1) $4

  Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
In millions 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014
Components of net periodic benefit cost:            
Service cost $62
 $70
 $80
 $9
 $11
 $10
Interest cost 92
 92
 103
 24
 24
 24
Expected return on plan assets (144) (151) (159) (23) (25) (25)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss 44
 60
 48
 
 (1) (4)
Amortization of prior service cost 
 1
 1
 (1) 1
 1
Settlement/curtailment (gain) loss 
 
 1
 
 
 (9)
Total net periodic benefit cost $54
 $72
 $74
 $9
 $10
 $(3)




NetThe service cost component of net periodic benefit cost was includedis presented within Cost of revenue and Selling, administrative, and research and development expenses in the statementStatement of Income while the other components of net periodic benefit cost are presented within Other income as follows:(expense).


  Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
In millions 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014
Income from continuing operations $54
 $72
 $69
 $9
 $10
 $6
Income from discontinued operations 
 
 5
 
 
 (9)
Total net periodic benefit cost $54
 $72
 $74
 $9
 $10
 $(3)

The Company recognized a $9 million curtailment gain on the U.S. primary postretirement plan in the second quarter of 2014 related to the Company's sale of the Industrial Packaging business, which was included in Income from discontinued operations.

During 2014, the Society of Actuaries released a new mortality table, referred to as RP-2014, which is believed to better reflect mortality improvements. The Company used the RP-2014 mortality table to measure its U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2014 which resulted in additional actuarial losses of $76 million for pension and $46 million for other postretirement benefits. The Company used the updated mortality improvement scales MP-2015from the Society of Actuaries, MP-2019 and MP-2016,MP-2018, to measure its U.S. pension and other postretirement obligations as of December 31, 20152019 and 2016,2018, respectively, which did not have a significant impact in either period.


The following tables provide a rollforward of the plan benefit obligations, plan assets and a reconciliation of funded status for the yearstwelve months ended December 31, 20162019 and 2015:2018:

  Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
In millions 2019 2018 2019 2018
Change in benefit obligation:        
Benefit obligation at January 1 $2,429
 $2,661
 $511
 $546
Service cost 52
 60
 7
 8
Interest cost 78
 72
 20
 18
Plan participants’ contributions 2
 2
 12
 12
Amendments 
 9
 
 
Actuarial (gain) loss 295
 (162) 61
 (35)
Transfer to liabilities held for sale (2) 
 
 
Benefits paid (156) (165) (42) (40)
Medicare subsidy received 
 
 1
 2
Liabilities from other immaterial plans 
 5
 
 
Foreign currency translation 33
 (53) 
 
Benefit obligation at December 31 $2,731
 $2,429
 $570
 $511



  Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
In millions 2016 2015 2016 2015
Change in benefit obligation:        
Benefit obligation at January 1 $2,462
 $2,607
 $552
 $591
Service cost 62
 70
 9
 11
Interest cost 92
 92
 24
 24
Plan participants’ contributions 2
 3
 12
 13
Amendments 
 1
 
 
Actuarial (gain) loss 216
 (82) (5) (43)
Acquisitions and divestitures 7
 
 
 
Benefits paid (150) (169) (43) (46)
Medicare subsidy received 
 
 2
 2
Foreign currency translation (129) (60) 
 
Benefit obligation at December 31 $2,562
 $2,462
 $551
 $552




  Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
In millions 2019 2018 2019 2018
Change in plan assets:        
Fair value of plan assets at January 1 $2,550
 $2,832
 $333
 $373
Actual return on plan assets 379
 (82) 66
 (19)
Company contributions 27
 23
 5
 7
Plan participants’ contributions 2
 2
 12
 12
Benefits paid (156) (165) (42) (40)
Foreign currency translation 42
 (60) 
 
Fair value of plan assets at December 31 $2,844
 $2,550
 $374
 $333
Funded status $113
 $121
 $(196) $(178)
Other immaterial plans (42) (46) (5) (5)
Net asset (liability) at December 31 $71
 $75
 $(201) $(183)
The amounts recognized in the Statement of Financial Position as of December 31 consist of:        
Other assets $297
 $290
 $
 $
Accrued expenses (11) (12) (3) (4)
Other noncurrent liabilities (215) (203) (198) (179)
Net asset (liability) at end of year $71
 $75
 $(201) $(183)
The pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:        
Net actuarial (gain) loss $568
 $552
 $(35) $(53)
Prior service cost 7
 8
 
 
  $575
 $560
 $(35) $(53)
Accumulated benefit obligation $2,589
 $2,299
    
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31:        
Projected benefit obligation $194
 $176
    
Accumulated benefit obligation $188
 $170
    
Fair value of plan assets $29
 $28
    

  Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
In millions 2016 2015 2016 2015
Change in plan assets:        
Fair value of plan assets at January 1 $2,441
 $2,557
 $342
 $372
Actual return on plan assets 274
 16
 36
 (3)
Company contributions 70
 97
 4
 6
Plan participants’ contributions 2
 3
 12
 13
Benefits paid (150) (169) (43) (46)
Foreign currency translation (150) (63) 
 
Fair value of plan assets at December 31 $2,487
 $2,441
 $351
 $342
Funded status $(75) $(21) $(200) $(210)
Other immaterial plans (58) (50) (5) (5)
Net liability at December 31 $(133) $(71) $(205) $(215)
The amounts recognized in the statement of financial position as of December 31 consist of:        
Other assets $131
 $191
 $
 $
Accrued expenses (12) (11) (4) (4)
Other noncurrent liabilities (252) (251) (201) (211)
Net liability at end of year $(133) $(71) $(205) $(215)
The pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:        
Net actuarial (gain) loss $673
 $631
 $(38) $(20)
Prior service cost 
 
 
 (1)
  $673
 $631
 $(38) $(21)
Accumulated benefit obligation $2,207
 $2,297
    
Plans with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31:        
Projected benefit obligation $183
 $164
    
Accumulated benefit obligation $167
 $152
    
Fair value of plan assets $25
 $25
    


Assumptions— The weighted-average assumptions used in the valuations of pension and other postretirement benefits were as follows:


 Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31:           
Discount rate2.61% 3.66% 3.12% 3.29% 4.40% 3.72%
Rate of compensation increases3.44% 3.52% 3.54% 

 

 

Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the twelve months ended December 31:           
Discount rate3.66% 3.12% 3.41% 4.40% 3.72% 4.30%
Expected return on plan assets4.71% 4.77% 5.53% 6.70% 6.80% 6.80%
Rate of compensation increases3.52% 3.54% 3.77% 

 

 


 Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:           
Discount rate3.41% 3.95% 3.70% 4.30% 4.55% 4.15%
Rate of compensation increases3.77% 3.72% 3.72% % % %
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31:           
Discount rate3.95% 3.70% 4.32% 4.55% 4.15% 4.95%
Expected return on plan assets6.22% 6.54% 7.02% 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Rate of compensation increases3.72% 3.72% 3.72% % % %


The expected long-term rates of return for pension and other postretirement benefit plans were developed using historical asset class returns while factoring in current market conditions such as inflation, interest rates and asset class performance.


The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the associated liabilities could theoretically be effectively settled at the end of the year. In estimating this rate, the Company looks at rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments, with similar


duration to the liabilities in the plan. Beginning in 2017, theThe Company changed the method used to estimate the service and


interest cost components of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs. The new method will provide a more precise measure ofestimates the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost by applying specific spot rates along the yield curve to the projected cash flows rather than a single weighted-average rate.


Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement health care benefit plans. The assumed health care cost trend rates used to determine the postretirement benefit obligation atas of December 31 were as follows:


 2019 2018 2017
Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year6.70% 7.00% 6.25%
Ultimate trend rate4.50% 4.50% 4.50%
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate2026
 2026
 2025

 2016 2015 2014
Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year6.00% 6.00% 8.00%
Ultimate trend rate4.50% 4.50% 4.50%
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate2023
 2021
 2022


A one percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following impact:


In millions 1 Percentage-Point Increase 1 Percentage-Point Decrease
Change in service cost and interest cost for 2019 $
 $(1)
Change in postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2019 $2
 $(3)

In millions 1 Percentage-Point Increase 1 Percentage-Point Decrease
Change in service cost and interest cost for 2016 $
 $(1)
Change in postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2016 $6
 $(14)


Plan assets— The Company’s overall investment strategy for the assets in the pension funds is to achieve a balance between the goals of growing plan assets and keeping risk at a reasonable level over a long-term investment horizon. In order to reduce unnecessary risk, the pension funds are diversified across several asset classes, securities and investment managers. The target allocations for plan assets are 30%15% to 45%25% equity securities, 50%investments, 75% to 65%85% fixed income securitiesinvestments and 0% to 10% in other types of investments. The Company does not use derivatives for the purpose of speculation, leverage, circumventing investment guidelines or taking risks that are inconsistent with specified guidelines.


The assets in the Company’s postretirement health care plan are primarily invested in life insurance policies. The Company’s overall investment strategy for the assets in the postretirement health care fund is to invest in assets that provide a reasonable tax exempt rate of return while preserving capital.



The following tables present the fair value of the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets atas of December 31, 20162019 and 2015,2018, by asset category and valuation methodology. Level 1 assets are valued using unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. Level 2 assets are valued using quoted prices or other observable inputs for similar assets. Level 3 assets are valued using unobservable inputs, but reflect the assumptions market participants would be expected to use in pricing the assets. Each financial instrument’s categorization is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.




 2016 2019
In millions Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Pension Plan Assets:                
Cash and equivalents $82
 $55
 $27
 $
 $28
 $27
 $1
 $
Equity securities:        
Domestic 1
 1
 
 
Fixed income securities:                
Government securities 307
 
 307
 
 355
 
 355
 
Corporate debt securities 541
 
 541
 
 969
 
 969
 
Mortgage-backed securities 19
 
 19
 
Investment contracts with insurance companies 1
 
 
 1
 1
 
 
 1
Commingled funds:                
Collective trust funds 1,478
 

 

 

 1,460
 


 


 


Partnerships/private equity interests 54
 

 

 

 27
 


 


 


Other 4
 

 

 

 4
 
 4
 
Total fair value of pension plan assets $2,487
 $56
 $894
 $1
 $2,844
 $27
 $1,329
 $1
                
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets:                
Cash and equivalents $1
 $1
 $
 $
Life insurance policies 350
 

 

 

 $374
 


 


 


Total fair value of other postretirement benefit plan assets $351
 $1
 $
 $
 $374
 $
 $
 $


  2018
In millions Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Pension Plan Assets:        
Cash and equivalents $28
 $27
 $1
 $
Fixed income securities:        
Government securities 371
 
 371
 
Corporate debt securities 853
 
 853
 
Investment contracts with insurance companies 1
 
 
 1
Commingled funds:        
Collective trust funds 1,257
 


 


 


Partnerships/private equity interests 36
 


 


 


Other 4
 
 4
 
Total fair value of pension plan assets $2,550
 $27
 $1,229
 $1
         
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets:        
Life insurance policies 333
 


 


 


Total fair value of other postretirement benefit plan assets $333
 $
 $
 $

  2015
In millions Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Pension Plan Assets:        
Cash and equivalents $53
 $53
 $
 $
Equity securities:        
Domestic 1
 1
 
 
Foreign 62
 62
 
 
Fixed income securities:        
Government securities 285
 
 285
 
Corporate debt securities 483
 
 483
 
Investment contracts with insurance companies 1
 
 
 1
Commingled funds:        
Mutual funds 145
 145
 
 
Collective trust funds 1,347
 

 

 

Partnerships/private equity interests 66
 

 

 

Other (2) 
 (2) 
Total fair value of pension plan assets $2,441
 $261
 $766
 $1
         
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets:        
Cash and equivalents $8
 $8
 $
 $
Life insurance policies 334
 

 

 

Total fair value of other postretirement benefit plan assets $342
 $8
 $
 $


Cash and equivalents include cash on hand and instruments with original maturities of three months or less and are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Equity securities primarily include common and preferred equity securities covering a


wide range of industries and geographies that are traded in active markets and are valued based on quoted prices. Fixed income securities primarily consist of U.S. and foreign government bills, notes and bonds, corporate debt securities, asset-backed securities and investment contracts. The majority of the assets in this category are valued by evaluating bid prices provided by independent financial data services. For securities where market data is not readily available,


unobservable market data is used to value the security. Mutual funds are traded in active markets and are valued based on quoted prices. The underlying investments include small-cap equity, international equity and long- and short-term fixed income instruments. Other primarily includes derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps used by fixed income investment managers to offset interest rate sensitivity.


Pension assets measured at net asset value include collective trust funds, partnerships/private equity interests and life insurance policies. Collective trust funds are private funds that are valued based on the value of the underlying investments which can be redeemed on a daily basis. The underlying investments include both passively and actively managed U.S. and foreign large- and mid-cap equity funds and short-term investment funds. Partnerships/private equity interests are investments in partnerships where the benefit plan is a limited partner. The investments are valued by the investment managers on a periodic basis using pricing models that use market, income and cost valuation methods. Distributions are received from these funds on a periodic basis through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the fund. Life insurance policies are used to fund other postretirement benefits in order to obtain favorable tax treatment and are valued based on the cash surrender value of the underlying policies. The Company has selected the funds in which these assets are invested and may elect to withdraw funds with proper notice to the insurance company or maintain the policies and receive death benefits as determined by the contracts.


Cash flows— The Company generally funds its pension and other postretirement benefit plans as required by law or to the extent such contributions are tax deductible. The Company expects to contribute approximately $64$29 million to its pension plans and $5 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2017. The2020. As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s portion of the future benefit payments that are expected to be paid during the yearstwelve months ending December 31 is as follows:


In millions Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
2020 $152
 $35
2021 157
 35
2022 164
 35
2023 171
 35
2024 175
 36
Years 2025-2029 862
 176

In millions Pension Other Postretirement Benefits
2017 $182
 $35
2018 181
 36
2019 183
 37
2020 185
 38
2021 184
 38
Years 2022-2026 882
 193


(10)(12)     Commitments and Contingencies


LitigationThe Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, including those involving environmental, product liability (including toxic tort) and general liability claims. The Company accrues for such liabilities when it is probable that future costs will be incurred and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Such accruals are based on developments to date, the Company’s estimates of the outcomes of these matters and its experience in contesting, litigating and settling other similar matters. The Company believes resolution of these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity or future operations.


Lease CommitmentsRental expense was $121 million in 2016, $117 million in 2015 and $130 million in 2014. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable leases for the years ending December 31 are as follows:

In millions 
2017$104
201875
201953
202037
202126
2022 and future years43
Total future minimum lease payments$338



(11)(13)     Stockholders' Equity


Preferred Stock— Preferred Stock, without par value, of which 0.3 million shares are authorized and unissued, is issuable in series. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix by resolution the designation and characteristics of each series of preferred stock. The Company has no present commitment to issue its preferred stock.


Share Repurchases— On August 2, 2013,February 13, 2015, the Company’sCompany's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program which provided for the repurchase of up to $6.0 billion of the Company’s common stock over an open-ended period of time (the "2013 Program"). Under the 2013 Program, the Company repurchased approximately 3.3 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $81.62 per share during 2013, approximately 50.4 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $84.92 per share during 2014, and approximately 14.9 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $96.84 during 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there were no authorized repurchases remaining under the 2013 Program.

On February 13, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program, which provided for the repurchase of up to an additional $6.0 billion of the Company’s common stock over an open-ended period of time (the "2015 Program"). Under the 2015 Program, the Company repurchased approximately 6.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $91.78 per share during 2015, and approximately 18.7 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $107.17 per share during 2016.2016, approximately 7.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $140.56 per share during 2017, approximately 13.9 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $143.66 per share during 2018 and approximately 3.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $143.23 per share during 2019. The 2015 Program was completed in the second quarter of 2019.

On August 3, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program which provides for the repurchase of up to an additional $3.0 billion of the Company's common stock over an open-ended period of time (the "2018 Program"). Under the 2018 Program, the Company repurchased approximately 6.7 million shares of its common stock at an


average price of $158.11 per share during 2019. As of December 31, 2016,2019, there were approximately $3.4$1.9 billion of authorized repurchases remaining under the 2015 Program.2018 program.


Cash Dividends— Cash dividends declared were $2.40$4.14 per share in 2016, $2.072019, $3.56 per share in 20152018 and $1.81$2.86 per share in 2014.2017. Cash dividends paid were $2.30$4.07 per share in 2016, $2.0052019, $3.34 per share in 20152018 and $1.745$2.73 per share in 2014.2017.


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)— The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 were as follows:


In millions 2019 2018 2017
Beginning balance $(1,677) $(1,287) $(1,807)
       
Adoption of new accounting guidance related to reclassification of certain tax effects 
 (45) 
       
Foreign currency translation adjustments during the period 7
 (308) 294
Foreign currency translation adjustments reclassified to income 
 5
 2
Income taxes (9) (25) 110
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (2) (328) 406
       
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments during the period (54) (64) 96
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments reclassified to income 21
 41
 56
Income taxes 7
 6
 (38)
Total pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax (26) (17) 114
       
Ending balance $(1,705) $(1,677) $(1,287)

In millions 2016 2015 2014
Beginning balance $(1,504) $(658) $384
       
Foreign currency translation adjustments during the period (251) (800) (806)
Foreign currency translation adjustments reclassified to income (1) 
 (133)
Income taxes (25) (60) 
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (277) (860) (939)
       
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments during the period (67) (41) (224)
Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments reclassified to income 43
 61
 54
Income taxes (2) (6) 67
Total pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments, net of tax (26) 14
 (103)
       
Ending balance $(1,807) $(1,504) $(658)


Effective January 1, 2018, the Company elected to early adopt new accounting guidance related to the stranded tax effects resulting from the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate under the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the "Act") and reclassified $45 million of stranded income tax effects from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to Retained earnings. Refer to Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information.

Foreign currency translation adjustments reclassified to income are primarily relatedrelate to the disposal of certain discontinued operations and were included in the related gain or loss upon disposal. Refer to Note 2. Discontinued Operations for additional information regarding the sale of the Company's discontinued operations.

Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments reclassified to income represent the amortization of actuarial gains and losses and prior service cost, and settlement and curtailment charges recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Refer to Note 9.11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits for the amounts included in net periodic benefit cost. Pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments reclassified to income also include the reclassification of deferred losses of $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 related to the disposal of certain discontinued operations. Refer to Note 2. Discontinued Operations for additional information regarding the sale of the Company's discontinued operations.


The Company designated the €1.0 billion of Euro notes issued in May 2014, andthe €1.0 billion of Euro notes issued in May 2015 and the €1.6 billion of Euro notes issued in June 2019 as hedges of a portion of its net investment in Euro-denominated foreign operations to reduce foreign currency risk associated with the investment in these operations. Changes in the value of this debt resulting from fluctuations in the Euro to U.S. Dollar exchange rate have been recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments within Accumulated other comprehensive


income (loss). The cumulative unrealized pre-tax gain recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the net investment hedge was $375$239 million and $308$187 million as of December 31, 20162019 and December 31, 2015,2018, respectively.


As of December 31, 20162019 and 2015,2018, the ending balance of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of after-tax cumulative translation adjustment losses of $1.4$1.3 billion and $1.1$1.3 billion, respectively, and after-tax unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefits costs of $405$390 million and $379$364 million, respectively. The estimated pre-tax unrecognized net benefit cost that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit costincome in 20172020 is $55$48 million for pension and other postretirement benefits.


(12)


(14)     Stock-Based Compensation


On May 8, 2015 (the "Effective Date"), the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2015 Plan") was approved by shareholders. As of the Effective Date, no additional awards will be granted to employees under the 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2011 Plan"). The significant terms of stock options and restricted stock units ("RSUs") were not changed under the 2015 Plan. Stock options and RSUs have beenare issued to officers andand/or other management employees under these plans. Stock options generally vest over a four-year period and have an expiration of ten years from the issuance date. RSUs generally "cliff" vest after a three-year period and include units with and without performance criteria. RSUs with performance criteria provide for full "cliff" vesting after three years if the Compensation Committee certifies that the performance goals have been met. Upon vesting, the holder will receive one1 share of common stock of the Company for each vested RSU.


Commencing in February 2013, the Company began issuing shares from treasury stock to cover the exercised options and vested RSUs. Prior to February 2013, the Company generally issued new shares from its authorized but unissued share pool to cover the exercised options and vested RSUs. Commencing in February 2013, the Company began issuing shares from treasury stock.pool. As of December 31, 2016,2019, approximately 1511 million shares of ITW common stock were reserved for issuance under these plans.


The Company records compensation expense for the grant date fair value of stock awards over the remaining service periods of those awards. The following table summarizes the Company’s stock-based compensation expense:expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:


In millions 2019 2018 2017
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense $41
 $40
 $36
Tax benefit (5) (5) (9)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $36
 $35
 $27

In millions 2016 2015 2014
Pre-tax compensation expense $39
 $35
 $34
Tax benefit (13) (12) (12)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $26
 $23
 $22

There was no pre-tax stock-based compensation expense included in income from discontinued operations in 2016 or 2015. Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense included in Income from discontinued operations was $5 million in 2014.


The following table summarizes activity related to non-vested RSUs during 2016:for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019:


Shares in millions 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested, January 1, 2019 0.5
 $121.24
Granted 0.2
 144.43
Vested (0.2) 87.28
Unvested, December 31, 2019 0.5
 144.92

Shares in millions 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested, January 1, 2016 0.8
 $73.58
Granted 0.3
 85.61
Vested (0.3) 61.14
Canceled (0.1) 83.12
Unvested, December 31, 2016 0.7
 83.39




The following table summarizes stock option activity for the yeartwelve months ended December 31, 2016:2019:

In millions except exercise price and contractual terms Number of Shares 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
Under option, January 1, 2019 4.6
 $90.56    
Granted 0.5
 144.21    
Exercised (1.3) 64.51    
Canceled or expired (0.1) 144.55    
Under option, December 31, 2019 3.7
 106.57 5.9 $271
Exercisable, December 31, 2019 2.4
 89.55 4.8 $220



In millions except exercise price and contractual terms Number of Shares 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
Under option, January 1, 2016 6.4
 $61.44    
Granted 0.6
 91.88    
Exercised (1.6) 50.66    
Canceled or expired (0.1) 87.15    
Under option, December 31, 2016 5.3
 68.05 5.9 $290
Exercisable, December 31, 2016 3.7
 59.72 4.9 $232


The fair value of RSUs is determined by reducingequal to the closingcommon stock fair market pricevalue on the date of the grant by the present value of projectedgrant. RSUs provide for dividend equivalents payable in additional RSUs for dividends overthat would have been paid during the vesting period. Stock option exercise prices are equal to the common stock fair market value on the date of grant. The Company estimates forfeitures based on historical rates for awards with similar characteristics. The Company uses a binomial option pricing model to estimate the fair value of the stock options granted. The following summarizes the assumptions used in the models:option valuations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:


  2019 2018 2017
Risk-free interest rate 2.50-2.68% 2.07-3.06% 0.91-2.61%
Weighted-average volatility 22.0% 22.0% 22.0%
Dividend yield 2.20% 2.10% 2.22%
Expected years until exercise 8.7-9.0 7.5-8.4 7.2-7.9

  2016 2015 2014
Risk-free interest rate 0.56-1.86% 0.23-2.25% 0.16-2.83%
Weighted-average volatility 24.0% 23.0% 22.9%
Dividend yield 2.12% 2.11% 2.46%
Expected years until exercise 6.9-7.7 6.9-8.0 6.7-7.9


Lattice-based option valuation models, such as the binomial option pricing model, incorporate ranges of assumptions for inputs. The risk-free rate of interest for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on a zero-coupon U.S. government instrument over the contractual term of the equity instrument. Expected volatility is based on implied volatility from traded options on the Company’s stock and historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise timing and employee termination rates within the valuation model. The weighted-average dividend yield is based on historical information. The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The ranges presented result from separate groups of employees assumed to exhibit different exercise behavior.


The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during 2016, 2015for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 20142017 was $20.02, $20.58$34.36, $38.34 and $15.14$26.83 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the yearstwelve months ended December 31, 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 was $89$127 million, $55$33 million and $115$132 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016,2019, there was $7$10 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.92.0 years. Exercise of stock options during the yearstwelve months ended December 31, 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 resulted in cash receipts of $84$85 million, $59$22 million and $148$84 million, respectively. The total fair value of vested stock option awards during the yearstwelve months ended December 31, 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 was $12$17 million, $15 million and $13 million, and $16 million, respectively.


As of December 31, 2016,2019, there was $16$29 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 1.61.8 years. The total fair value of vested RSU awards during the yearstwelve months ended December 31, 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 was $21 million, $20 million, $19 million and $27$19 million, respectively.





(13)
(15)     Other Balance Sheet Information


Other balance sheet information atas of December 31, 20162019 and 20152018 was as follows:

In millions 2019 2018
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:    
Income tax refunds receivable $77
 $98
Value-added-tax receivables 73
 79
Vendor advances 25
 30
Other 121
 127
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $296
 $334
     
Other assets:    
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies $441
 $429
Prepaid pension assets 297
 290
Operating lease right-of-use asset 206
 
Customer tooling 141
 171
Investments 51
 51
Other 91
 89
Total other assets $1,227
 $1,030
     
Accrued expenses:    
Compensation and employee benefits $335
 $391
Deferred revenue and customer deposits 188
 215
Rebates 159
 172
Current portion of operating lease liability 51
 
Warranties 45
 45
Current portion of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 14
 16
Other 425
 432
Total accrued expenses $1,217
 $1,271
     
Other liabilities:    
Pension benefit obligation $215
 $203
Postretirement benefit obligation 198
 179
Long-term portion of operating lease liability 128
 
Other 459
 457
Total other liabilities $1,000
 $839



In millions 2016 2015
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:    
Value-added-tax receivables $55
 $48
Income tax refunds receivable 21
 147
Vendor advances 20
 22
Other 122
 124
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets $218

$341
     
Other assets:    
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies $442
 $428
Customer tooling 146
 88
Prepaid pension assets 131
 191
Investments 73
 99
Equity investment in Wilsonart (See Note 4) 
 113
Other 164
 168
Total other assets $956
 $1,087
     
Accrued expenses:    
Compensation and employee benefits $379
 $363
Deferred revenue and customer deposits 180
 169
Rebates 144
 125
Warranties 45
 46
Current portion of pension and other postretirement benefit obligations 16
 15
Other 438
 418
Total accrued expenses $1,202
 $1,136
     
Other liabilities:    
Pension benefit obligation $252
 $251
Postretirement benefit obligation 201
 211
Other 418
 519
Total other liabilities $871
 $981




(14)(16)     Segment Information


The Company's operations are organized and managed based on similar product offerings and end markets, and are reported to senior management as the following seven7 segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The following is a description of the Company's seven7 segments:


Automotive OEM— This segment is a global, niche supplier to top tier OEMs, providing unique innovation to address pain points for sophisticated customers with complex problems. Businesses in this segment produce components and fasteners for automotive-related applications.


Food Equipment— This segment is a highly focused and branded industry-leaderindustry leader in commercial food equipment differentiated by innovation and integrated service offerings.


Test & Measurement and Electronics— This segment is a branded and innovative producer of test and measurement and electronic manufacturing and MRO solutions that improve efficiency and quality for customers in diverse end markets. Businesses in this segment produce equipment, consumables, and related accessories, consumables, and software for testing and measuring physical properties of materials and structures, as well as equipment and consumables used in the production of electronic subassemblies and microelectronics.


Welding— This segment is a branded value-added equipment and specialty consumable manufacturer with innovative and leading technology. Businesses in this segment produce arc welding equipment, consumables and accessories for a wide array of industrial and commercial applications.


Polymers & Fluids— This segment is a highly branded supplier to niche markets that require value-added, differentiated products. Businesses in this segment produce engineered adhesives, sealants, lubrication and cutting fluids, and fluids and polymers for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance.


Construction Products— This segment is a branded supplier of innovative engineered fastening systems and solutions.


Specialty Products— This segment is focused on diversified niche market opportunities with substantial patent protection producing beverage packaging equipment and consumables, product coding and marking equipment and consumables, and appliance components and fasteners.


Segments are allocated a fixed overhead charge based on the segment's revenue. Expenses not charged to the segments are reported separately as Unallocated. Because the Unallocated category includes a variety of items, it is subject to fluctuations on a quarterly and annual basis. Unallocated in 2017 includes the favorable impact from the previously discussed confidential legal settlement.




Segment information for 2016, 20152019, 2018 and 20142017 was as follows:
In millions 2016 2015 2014 2019 2018 2017
Operating revenue:            
Automotive OEM $2,864
 $2,529
 $2,590
 $3,063
 $3,338
 $3,271
Food Equipment 2,110
 2,096
 2,177
 2,188
 2,214
 2,123
Test & Measurement and Electronics 1,974
 1,969
 2,204
 2,121
 2,171
 2,069
Welding 1,486
 1,650
 1,850
 1,638
 1,691
 1,538
Polymers & Fluids 1,691
 1,712
 1,927
 1,669
 1,724
 1,724
Construction Products 1,609
 1,587
 1,707
 1,625
 1,700
 1,672
Specialty Products 1,885
 1,885
 2,055
 1,825
 1,951
 1,938
Intersegment revenue (20) (23) (26) (20) (21) (21)
Total $13,599
 $13,405
 $14,484
 $14,109
 $14,768
 $14,314
Operating income:            
Automotive OEM $690
 $613
 $600
 $659
 $751
 $747
Food Equipment 537
 498
 453
 578
 572
 556
Test & Measurement and Electronics 372
 322
 340
 542
 523
 464
Welding 370
 415
 479
 453
 474
 415
Polymers & Fluids 343
 335
 357
 381
 369
 357
Construction Products 361
 316
 289
 383
 414
 399
Specialty Products 482
 439
 440
 472
 522
 527
Total Segments 3,155
 2,938
 2,958
 3,468
 3,625
 3,465
Unallocated (91) (71) (70) (66) (41) 20
Total $3,064
 $2,867
 $2,888
 $3,402
 $3,584
 $3,485
Depreciation and amortization and impairment of intangible assets:
Automotive OEM $90
 $76
 $79
 $125
 $123
 $111
Food Equipment 45
 48
 52
 41
 44
 45
Test & Measurement and Electronics 104
 110
 115
 69
 88
 92
Welding 36
 37
 38
 26
 27
 28
Polymers & Fluids 92
 95
 99
 77
 83
 89
Construction Products 34
 36
 43
 29
 32
 33
Specialty Products 69
 75
 81
 59
 64
 64
Total $470
 $477
 $507
 $426
 $461
 $462
Plant and equipment additions:            
Automotive OEM $116
 $106
 $96
 $134
 $184
 $147
Food Equipment 31
 37
 47
 35
 28
 27
Test & Measurement and Electronics 25
 32
 56
 26
 31
 23
Welding 16
 23
 36
 28
 23
 17
Polymers & Fluids 18
 20
 28
 18
 15
 16
Construction Products 20
 26
 41
 29
 25
 22
Specialty Products 47
 40
 54
 56
 58
 45
Total Segments 273
 284
 358
Discontinued Operations 
 
 3
Total $273
 $284
 $361
 $326
 $364
 $297
Identifiable assets:            
Automotive OEM $2,051
 $1,419
 $1,454
 $2,417
 $2,388
 $2,402
Food Equipment 1,013
 1,054
 1,123
 1,042
 1,019
 1,054
Test & Measurement and Electronics 2,362
 2,448
 2,615
 2,374
 2,343
 2,449
Welding 701
 747
 879
 734
 789
 756
Polymers & Fluids 2,019
 2,034
 2,257
 1,862
 1,942
 2,067
Construction Products 1,099
 1,129
 1,249
 1,176
 1,167
 1,196
Specialty Products 1,599
 1,659
 1,798
 1,656
 1,687
 1,721
Total Segments 10,844
 10,490
 11,375
 11,261
 11,335
 11,645
Corporate 4,357
 5,239
 6,090
 3,807
 3,535
 5,135
Total $15,201
 $15,729
 $17,465
 $15,068
 $14,870
 $16,780


Identifiable assets by segment are those assets that are specifically used in that segment. Corporate assets are principally cash and equivalents, investments and other general corporate assets.





Enterprise-wide information for 2016, 2015the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 20142017 was as follows:


In millions 2019 2018 2017
Operating Revenue by Geographic Region:      
United States $6,507
 $6,562
 $6,243
Canada/Mexico 972
 1,050
 996
Total North America 7,479
 7,612
 7,239
Europe, Middle East and Africa 3,920
 4,241
 4,102
Asia Pacific 2,400
 2,573
 2,577
South America 310
 342
 396
Total Operating Revenue $14,109
 $14,768
 $14,314

In millions 2016 2015 2014
Operating Revenue by Geographic Region:      
United States $6,176
 $6,167
 $6,191
Canada/Mexico 923
 928
 993
Total North America 7,099
 7,095
 7,184
Europe, Middle East and Africa 3,787
 3,725
 4,319
Asia Pacific 2,361
 2,197
 2,427
South America 352
 388
 554
Total Operating Revenue $13,599
 $13,405
 $14,484


Operating revenue by geographic region is based on the customers' locations. Long-livedAs of December 31, 2019, the Company had approximately 11% of its total long-lived assets in anyChina. There was no single country outside of the U.S. did not exceedU.S with long-lived assets exceeding 10% of the Company's total long-lived assets.assets in 2018. No single customer accounted for more than 5% of consolidated revenues in 2016, 2015for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 or 2014. Additionally, the Company has thousands of product lines within its businesses; therefore, providing operating revenue by product line is not practicable.2017.


SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)


The unaudited quarterly financial data included as supplementary data reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented.


  Three Months Ended
  March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
In millions except per share amounts 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Operating revenue $3,552
 $3,744
 $3,609
 $3,831
 $3,479
 $3,613
 $3,469
 $3,580
Cost of revenue 2,059
 2,181
 2,099
 2,231
 2,007
 2,096
 2,022
 2,096
Operating income 839
 903
 871
 932
 868
 889
 824
 860
Net income 597
 652
 623
 666
 660
 638
 641
 607
Net income per share:                
Basic $1.82
 $1.92
 $1.92
 $1.98
 $2.05
 $1.91
 $2.00
 $1.84
Diluted 1.81
 1.90
 1.91
 1.97
 2.04
 1.90
 1.99
 1.83



  Three Months Ended
  March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
In millions except per share amounts 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015
Operating revenue $3,274
 $3,342
 $3,431
 $3,434
 $3,495
 $3,354
 $3,399
 $3,275
Cost of revenue 1,896
 1,970
 1,967
 2,024
 2,027
 1,953
 2,006
 1,941
Operating income 722
 697
 792
 730
 808
 761
 742
 679
Net income 468
 458
 525
 480
 535
 511
 507
 450
Net income per share:                
Basic 1.29
 1.22
 1.47
 1.31
 1.51
 1.40
 1.46
 1.24
Diluted 1.29
 1.21
 1.46
 1.30
 1.50
 1.39
 1.45
 1.23





ITEM 9.Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure


None.


ITEM 9A.Controls and Procedures


Controls and Procedures


The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of December 31, 2016.2019. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.


Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


The Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are found in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.


In connection with the evaluation by management, including the Company’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during the quarter ended December 31, 20162019 were identified that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 9B.Other Information


None.






PART III


ITEM 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance


Information regarding the Directors of the Company is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors" in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


Information regarding the Audit Committee and its Financial Experts is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Board of Directors and Its Committees" and "Audit Committee Report" in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


Information regarding the Executive Officers of the Company can be found in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption "Executive"Information About Our Executive Officers."


Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance"Reports" in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


Information regarding the Company’s code of ethics that applies to the Company’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, and key financial and accounting personnel is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Corporate Governance Policies and Practices" in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


ITEM 11.Executive Compensation


This information is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions "NEO Compensation," "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Director Compensation," and "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


ITEM 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters


This information is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Ownership of ITW Stock" and "NEO Compensation - Equity Compensation Plan Information" in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


ITEM 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence


Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Ownership of ITW Stock," "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions" and "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Corporate Governance Policies and Practices" in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


Information regarding director independence is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions "Proposal 1 - Election of Directors - Corporate Governance Policies and Practices" and "Appendix A - Categorical Standards for Director Independence" in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services


This information is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption "Proposal 2 - Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20172020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.






PART IV


ITEM 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules


(a)(1) Financial Statements
(a)(1)    Financial Statements
The following information is included as part of Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:
    
Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Statement of Income
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Statement of Financial Position
Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to Financial Statements


(2)    Financial Statement Schedules
None.


(3)    Exhibits


(i) See the Exhibit Index within this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Exhibit
Number
Description


Exhibit
Number
Description


Exhibit
Number
Description
101.INSiXBRL Instance Document**
101.SCHiXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema**
101.CALiXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase**
101.DEFiXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase**
101.LABiXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase**
101.PREiXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase**
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).


*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**The following financial information from Illinois Tool Works Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Statement of Income, (ii) Statement of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (iv) Statement of Financial Position, (v) Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) related Notes to Financial Statements.

Pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii), the Company has not filed with Exhibit 4 any debt instruments for which the total amount of securities authorized thereunder is less than 10% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2016,2019, with the exception of the Officers' Certificates related to the 0.90% Notes due 2017, the 1.95% Notes due 2019, the 6.25% Notes due 2019, the 3.375% Notes due 2021, the 1.75% Euro Notes due 2022, the 1.25% Euro Notes due 2023, the 3.50% Notes due 2024, 0.25% Euro Notes due 2024, the 2.65% Notes due 2026, 0.625% Euro Notes due 2027, the 2.125% Euro Notes due 2030, 1.00% Euro Notes due 2031, the 3.00% Euro Notes due 2034, the 4.875% Notes due 2041, and the 3.90% Notes due 2042, which are described as Exhibit numbers 4(a)4(c) through (i) in the Exhibit Index. The Company agrees to furnish a copy of the agreement related to the debt instruments which have not been filed with Exhibit 4 to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.




ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.



SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on this 10th14th day of February 2017.2020.


ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
  
By: /s/ E. SCOTT SANTI
  E. Scott Santi
  Chairman & Chief Executive Officer


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on this 10th14th day of February 2017.2020.


Signatures Title
  
/s/ E. SCOTT SANTI Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Director
E. Scott Santi (Principal Executive Officer)
  
/s/ MICHAEL M. LARSEN Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Michael M. Larsen (Principal Financial Officer)
  
/s/ RANDALL J. SCHEUNEMAN Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
Randall J. Scheuneman (Principal Accounting Officer)
  
DANIEL J. BRUTTO Director
  
SUSAN CROWN Director
  
JAMES W. GRIFFITH Director
   
JAY L. HENDERSON Director
   
RICHARD H. LENNY Director
  
ROBERT S. MORRISONDirector
JAMES A. SKINNER Director
  
DAVID B. SMITH, JR. Director
  
PAMELA B. STROBEL Director
  
KEVIN M. WARREN Director
  
ANRÉ D. WILLIAMS Director
  
  By: /s/ E. SCOTT SANTI
  
(E. Scott Santi, as Attorney-in-Fact)


Original powers of attorney authorizing E. Scott Santi to sign the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and amendments thereto on behalf of the above-named directors of the registrant have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (Exhibit 24).




Exhibit Index
Annual Report on Form 10-K
2016
Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1(a)Investment Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2012, among CD&R Wimbledon Holdings III, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership; Illinois Tool Works Inc.; ITW DS Investments Inc., a Delaware corporation; and Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2012 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference. (Certain of the schedules and similar attachments have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, but the Company undertakes to furnish a copy of the schedules or similar attachments to the Securities and Exchange Committee upon request.)
2.1(b)Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2014, between Illinois Tool Works Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries and Vault Bermuda Holding Co. Ltd., filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 12, 2014. (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference. (Certain of the schedules and similar attachments have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, but the Company undertakes to furnish a copy of the schedules or similar attachments to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request).
3(a)(i)Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Illinois Tool Works Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
3(a)(ii)Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Illinois Tool Works Inc., filed as Exhibit 3(a)(ii) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
3(b)By-laws of Illinois Tool Works Inc., as amended and restated as of May 6, 2016, filed as Exhibit 3(b)(i) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
4(a)Indenture between Illinois Tool Works Inc. and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee, dated as of November 1, 1986, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on January 15, 1999 (Commission File No. 333-70691) and incorporated herein by reference.
4(b)First Supplemental Indenture between Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Trustee, dated as of May 1, 1990, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on January 15, 1999 (Commission File No. 333-70691) and incorporated herein by reference.
4(c)Officers’ Certificate dated March 26, 2009 establishing the terms, and setting forth the forms, of the 5.15% Notes due 2014 and the 6.25% Notes due 2019, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2009 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
4(d)Officers’ Certificate dated August 31, 2011, establishing the terms, and setting forth the forms, of the 3.375% Notes due 2021 and the 4.875% Notes due 2041, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on September 1, 2011 (Commission File No. 001-04797) and incorporated herein by reference.
4(e)Officers' Certificate dated August 28, 2012, establishing the terms, and setting forth the forms, of the 3.9% Notes due 2042, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 28, 2012 (Commission File No. 001-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
4(f)Officers’ Certificate dated February 25, 2014, establishing the terms, and setting forth the forms, of the 0.9% Notes due 2017, the 1.95% Notes due 2019, and the 3.5% Notes due 2024, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2014 (Commission File No. 001-04797) and incorporated herein by reference.
4(g)Officers’ Certificate dated May 20, 2014, establishing the terms, and setting forth the forms, of the 1.75% Euro Notes due 2022 and the 3.0% Euro Notes due 2034, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2014 (Commission File No. 001-04797) and incorporated herein by reference.
4(h)Officers’ Certificate dated May 19, 2015, establishing the terms, and setting forth the forms, of the 1.25% Euro Notes due 2023 and the 2.125% Euro Notes due 2030, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-04797) and incorporated herein by reference.
4(i)Officer’s Certificate dated November 7, 2016, establishing the terms, and setting forth the forms, of the 2.65% Notes due 2026, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2016 (Commission File No. 001-04797) and incorporated herein by reference.



82
Exhibit
Number
Description
10(a)*Illinois Tool Works Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan dated February 10, 2006, as amended on May 5, 2006, filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(b)*Amendment to Illinois Tool Works Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan dated February 8, 2008, filed as Exhibit 10(q) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(c)*Second Amendment to Illinois Tool Works Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan dated February 13, 2009, filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(d)*Illinois Tool Works Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2010 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(e)*Illinois Tool Works Inc. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan effective May 8, 2015, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(f)*Form of stock option terms filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 5, 2009 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(g)*Form of stock option terms filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2011 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(h)*Form of stock option terms filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2012 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(i)*Form of stock option terms filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(j)*Form of restricted stock unit terms filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(k)*Form of performance restricted stock unit terms filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(l)*Form of Long-Term Incentive Cash Grant filed as Exhibit 99.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(m)*Form of stock option terms filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(n)*Form of restricted stock unit terms filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(o)*Form of performance restricted stock unit terms filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(p)*Form of Long-Term Incentive Cash Grant filed as Exhibit 99.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(q)*Form of stock option terms filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2017 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(r)*Form of restricted stock unit terms filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2017 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(s)*Form of performance share unit terms filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2017 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(t)*Form of Performance Cash Grant filed as Exhibit 99.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2017 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(u)*Illinois Tool Works Inc. 2011 Executive Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2010 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(v)*Illinois Tool Works Inc. Executive Contributory Retirement Income Plan as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2010, filed as exhibit 10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2009 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.


Exhibit
Number
Description
10(w)*Illinois Tool Works Inc. Nonqualified Pension Plan, effective January 1, 2008, as amended and approved by the Board of Directors on December 22, 2008, filed as Exhibit 10(p) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(x)*Illinois Tool Works Inc. 2011 Change-in-Control Severance Compensation Policy, filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2010 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(y)*Illinois Tool Works Inc. Amended and Restated Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan effective May 2, 2014, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(z)*Illinois Tool Works Inc. 2011 Cash Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2011 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(aa)*First Amendment to the ITW Contributory Retirement Income Plan dated February 15, 2013, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2013 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
10(bb)Five Year Credit Agreement dated as of May 9, 2016 among Illinois Tool Works Inc., the Lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and Citibank, N.A., as Syndication Agent filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2016 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
21Subsidiaries and Affiliates of the Company.
23Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24Powers of Attorney.
31Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications.
32Section 1350 Certification.
99(a)A description of the capital stock of Illinois Tool Works Inc. is included under Item 8.01 Other Events in the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed on February 9, 2017 (Commission File No. 1-4797) and incorporated herein by reference.
101.INSXBRL Instance Document**
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema**
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase**
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase**
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase**
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase**
*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**The following financial information from Illinois Tool Works Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Statement of Income, (ii) Statement of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Statement of Income Reinvested in the Business (iv) Statement of Financial Position, (v) Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) related Notes to Financial Statements.


79