UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the year ended December 31, 2015
Commission file number 000-54863
| EATON CORPORATION plc |
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
| Ireland | 98-1059235 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (IRS Employer Identification Number) | |
| Eaton House, 30 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4, Ireland | - | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) | |
| +353 1637 2900 | ||||||||||||
| (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) | ||||||||||||
| Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||||||||||||
| Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |||||||||||
| Ordinary Shares ($0.01 par value) | The New York Stock Exchange | |||||||||||
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ 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 o No þ
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. Yes þ 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o | |||
| (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of Ordinary Shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2015 was $31.6 billion.
As of January 31, 2016, there were 458.9 million Ordinary Shares outstanding.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2016 annual shareholders meeting are incorporated by reference into Part III.
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | |||
| EX-12 | |||
| EX-21 | |||
| EX-23 | |||
| EX-24 | |||
| EX-31.1 | |||
| EX-31.2 | |||
| EX-32.1 | |||
| EX-32.2 | |||
| EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT | |||
| EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT | |||
| EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT | |||
| EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT | |||
| EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT | |||
| EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT | |||
Part I
Item 1. Business.
Eaton Corporation plc (Eaton or the Company) is a power management company with 2015 net sales of $20.9 billion. The Company provides energy-efficient solutions that help its customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 97,000 employees in over 60 countries and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries.
Eaton electronically files or furnishes reports pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and proxy and information statements, as well as any amendments to those reports. As soon as reasonably practicable, these reports are available free of charge through the Company's Internet website at http://www.eaton.com. These filings are also accessible on the SEC's Internet website at http://www.sec.gov.
Business Segment Information
Information by business segment and geographic region regarding principal products, principal markets, methods of distribution, net sales, operating profit and assets is presented in Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Additional information regarding Eaton's segments and business is presented below.
Electrical Products and Electrical Systems and Services
Principal methods of competition in these segments are performance of products and systems, technology, customer service and support, and price. Eaton has a strong competitive position in these segments and, with respect to many products, is considered among the market leaders. In normal economic cycles, sales of these segments are historically lower in the first quarter and higher in the third and fourth quarters of a year. In 2015, 15% of these segments' sales were made to four large distributors of electrical products and electrical systems and services.
Hydraulics
Principal methods of competition in this segment are product performance, geographic coverage, service, and price. Eaton has a strong competitive position in this segment and, with respect to many products, is considered among the market leaders. Sales of this segment are historically higher in the first and second quarters and lower in the third and fourth quarters of the year. In 2015, 12% of this segment's sales were made to three large original equipment manufacturers or distributors of agricultural, construction, and industrial equipment and parts.
Aerospace
Principal methods of competition in this segment are total cost of ownership, product and system performance, quality, design engineering capabilities, and timely delivery. Eaton has a strong competitive position in this segment and, with respect to many products and platforms, is considered among the market leaders. In 2015, 31% of this segment's sales were made to three large original equipment manufacturers of aircraft.
Vehicle
Principal methods of competition in this segment are product performance, technology, global service, and price. Eaton has a strong competitive position in this segment and, with respect to many products, is considered among the market leaders. In 2015, 69% of this segment's sales were made to eight large original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and related components.
Information Concerning Eaton's Business in General
Raw Materials
Eaton's major requirements for raw materials include iron, steel, copper, nickel, aluminum, brass, tin, silver, lead, molybdenum, titanium, vanadium, rubber, plastic, electronic components, insulating materials and fluids. Materials are purchased in various forms, such as extrusions, castings, powder metal, metal sheets and strips, forging billets, bar stock, and plastic pellets. Raw materials, as well as parts and other components, are purchased from many suppliers. Under normal circumstances, the Company has no difficulty obtaining its raw materials. In 2015, Eaton maintained appropriate levels of inventory to prevent shortages and did not experience any availability constraints.
2
Patents and Trademarks
Eaton considers its intellectual property, including patents, trade names and trademarks, to be of significant value to its business as a whole. The Company's products are manufactured, marketed and sold under a portfolio of patents, trademarks, licenses, and other forms of intellectual property, some of which expire or are allowed to lapse at various dates in the future. Eaton develops and acquires new intellectual property on an ongoing basis and considers all of its intellectual property to be valuable. Based on the broad scope of the Company's product lines, management believes that the loss or expiration of any single intellectual property right would not have a material effect on Eaton's consolidated financial statements or its business segments. The Company's policy is to file applications and obtain patents for the great majority of its novel and innovative new products including product modifications and improvements.
Order Backlog
A significant portion of open orders placed with Eaton are by original equipment manufacturers or distributors. These open orders are not considered firm as they have been historically subject to month-to-month releases by customers. In measuring backlog orders, only the amount of orders to which customers are firmly committed are included. Using this criterion, total backlog at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $4.1 billion and $4.4 billion, respectively. Backlog should not be relied upon as being indicative of results of operations for future periods.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses for new products and improvement of existing products in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $625 million, $647 million, and $644 million, respectively. Over the past five years, the Company has invested approximately $2.8 billion in research and development.
Environmental Contingencies
Operations of the Company involve the use and disposal of certain substances regulated under environmental protection laws. Eaton continues to modify processes on an ongoing, regular basis in order to reduce the impact on the environment, including the reduction or elimination of certain chemicals used in, and wastes generated from, operations. Compliance with laws that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, are not expected to have a material adverse effect upon earnings or the competitive position of the Company. Eaton's estimated capital expenditures for environmental control facilities are not expected to be material for 2016 and 2017. Information regarding the Company's liabilities related to environmental matters is presented in Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Among the risks that could materially adversely affect Eaton's businesses, financial condition or results of operations are the following:
Volatility of end markets that Eaton serves.
Eaton's segment revenues, operating results, and profitability have varied in the past and may vary from quarter to quarter in the future. Profitability can be negatively impacted by volatility in the end markets that Eaton serves. The Company has undertaken measures to reduce the impact of this volatility through diversification of the markets it serves and expansion of the geographic regions in which it operates. Future downturns in any of the markets could adversely affect revenues, operating results, and profitability.
Eaton's operating results depend in part on continued successful research, development, and marketing of new and/or improved products and services, and there can be no assurance that Eaton will continue to successfully introduce new products and services.
The success of new and improved products and services depends on their initial and continued acceptance by Eaton's customers. The Company's businesses are affected, to varying degrees, by technological change and corresponding shifts in customer demand, which could result in unpredictable product transitions or shortened life cycles. Eaton may experience difficulties or delays in the research, development, production, or marketing of new products and services which may prevent Eaton from recouping or realizing a return on the investments required to bring new products and services to market.
3
Eaton's ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other qualified employees is crucial to the Company's results of operations and future growth.
Eaton depends on the continued services and performance of key executives, senior management, and skilled personnel, particularly professionals with experience in its industry and business. Eaton cannot be certain that any of these individuals will continue his or her employment with the Company. A lengthy period of time is required to hire and develop replacement personnel when skilled personnel depart. An inability to hire, develop, and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees could materially hinder the business by, for example, delaying Eaton's ability to bring new products to market or impairing the success of the Company's operations.
Eaton's operations depend on production facilities throughout the world, which subjects them to varying degrees of risk of disrupted production.
Eaton manages businesses with manufacturing facilities worldwide. The Company's manufacturing facilities and operations could be disrupted by a natural disaster, labor strike, war, political unrest, terrorist activity, economic upheaval, or public health concerns. Some of these conditions are more likely in certain geographic regions in which Eaton operates. Any such disruption could cause delays in shipments of products and the loss of sales and customers, and insurance proceeds may not adequately compensate for losses.
If Eaton is unable to protect its information technology infrastructure against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, operations could be disrupted or data confidentiality lost.
Eaton 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; or computer viruses. In addition, security breaches could result in unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. If these information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption, or shutdown, and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, there could be a negative impact on operating results or the Company may suffer financial or reputational damage.
Eaton's global operations subject it to economic risk as Eaton's results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in government regulations and policies and currency fluctuations.
Operating globally subjects Eaton to changes in government regulations and policies in a large number of jurisdictions around the world, including those related to tariffs and trade barriers, investments, property ownership rights, taxation, exchange controls, and repatriation of earnings. Changes in the relative values of currencies occur from time to time and could affect Eaton's operating results. While the Company monitors exchange rate exposures and attempts to reduce these exposures through hedging activities, these risks could adversely affect operating results.
Eaton may be subject to risks relating to changes in its tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities.
Eaton is subject to income taxes in many jurisdictions around the world. Income tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. The Company's effective tax rate could be affected by changes in the mix among earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation allowance of deferred tax assets, or changes in tax laws. During 2015, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, in conjunction with the G20, finalized substantial, broad-based international tax policy guidelines that involve transfer pricing and other international tax subjects. These policy guidelines could be interactive with other tax law changes which may result in a risk of double taxation. The amount of income taxes paid is subject to ongoing audits by tax authorities in the countries in which Eaton operates. If these audits result in assessments different from amounts reserved, future financial results may include unfavorable adjustments to the Company's tax liabilities.
Eaton uses a variety of raw materials and components in its businesses, and significant shortages, price increases, or supplier insolvencies could increase operating costs and adversely impact the competitive positions of Eaton's products.
Eaton's major requirements for raw materials are described above in Item 1 “Raw Materials”. Significant shortages could affect the prices Eaton's businesses are charged and the competitive position of their products and services, all of which could adversely affect operating results.
Further, Eaton's suppliers of component parts may increase their prices in response to increases in costs of raw materials that they use to manufacture component parts. The Company may not be able to increase its prices commensurately with its increased costs, adversely affecting operating results.
4
Eaton may be unable to adequately protect its intellectual property rights, which could affect the Company's ability to compete.
Protecting Eaton's intellectual property rights is critical to its ability to compete and succeed. The Company owns a large number of patents and patent applications worldwide, as well as trademark and copyright registrations that are necessary, and contribute significantly, to the preservation of Eaton's competitive position in various markets. Although management believes that the loss or expiration of any single intellectual property right would not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position of Eaton or its business segments, there can be no assurance that any one, or more, of these patents and other intellectual property will not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented by third parties. Eaton enters into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with the Company's employees, and into non-disclosure agreements with suppliers and appropriate customers, so as to limit access to and disclosure of proprietary information. These measures may not suffice to deter misappropriation or independent third party development of similar technologies.
Eaton is subject to litigation and environmental regulations that could adversely impact Eaton's businesses.
At any given time, Eaton may be subject to litigation, the disposition of which may have a material adverse effect on the Company's businesses, financial condition or results of operations. Information regarding current legal proceedings is presented in Note 8 and Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Legislative and regulatory action could materially adversely affect Eaton.
Legislative and regulatory action may be taken in the U.S. which, if ultimately enacted, could override tax treaties upon which Eaton relies or broaden the circumstances under which the Company would be considered a U.S. resident, each of which could materially and adversely affect its effective tax rate. Eaton cannot predict the outcome of any specific legislative or regulatory proposals. However, if proposals were enacted that had the effect of disregarding the incorporation in Ireland or limiting Eaton's ability as an Irish company to take advantage of tax treaties with the U.S., the Company could be subject to increased taxation and/or potentially significant expense.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
Eaton's principal executive offices are located at Eaton House, 30 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4, Ireland. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities at 345 locations in 43 countries. The Company is a lessee under a number of operating leases for certain real properties and equipment, none of which is material to its operations. Management believes that the existing manufacturing facilities are adequate for its operations and that the facilities are maintained in good condition.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Information regarding the Company's current legal proceedings is presented in Note 8 and Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Information regarding executive officers of the Company is presented in Item 10 of this Form 10-K Report.
5
Part II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Ordinary Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The Company's ordinary shares are listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange. At December 31, 2015, there were 18,538 holders of record of the Company's ordinary shares. Additionally, 23,559 current and former employees were shareholders through participation in the Eaton Savings Plan (ESP), Eaton Personal Investment Plan (EPIP), Eaton Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan, and the Cooper Retirement Savings and Stock Ownership Plan.
Information regarding cash dividends paid, and the high and low market price per ordinary share, for each quarter in 2015 and 2014 is presented in “Quarterly Data” of this Form 10-K. Information regarding equity-based compensation plans required by Regulation S-K Item 201(d) is provided in Item 12 of this Form 10-K Report.
Irish Taxes Applicable to Dividends
In certain circumstances, Eaton will be required to deduct Irish dividend withholding tax (currently at the rate of 20%) from dividends paid to its shareholders. In the majority of cases, however, shareholders resident in the U.S. will not be subject to Irish withholding tax, and shareholders resident in a number of other countries will not be subject to Irish withholding tax provided that they complete certain Irish tax forms.
Irish income tax may also arise with respect to dividends paid on Eaton shares. Dividends paid in respect of Eaton shares will generally not be subject to Irish income tax where the beneficial owner of these shares is exempt from dividend withholding tax, unless the beneficial owner of the dividend has some connection with Ireland other than his or her shareholding in Eaton.
Eaton shareholders who receive their dividends subject to Irish dividend withholding tax will generally have no further liability to Irish income tax on the dividends unless the beneficial owner of the dividend has some connection with Ireland other than his or her shareholding in Eaton.
Issuer's Purchases of Equity Securities
During the fourth quarter of 2015, 4.1 million ordinary shares were repurchased in the open market at a total cost of $228 million. These shares were repurchased under the program approved by the Board of Directors on October 22, 2013 (the 2013 Program). A summary of the shares repurchased in the fourth quarter of 2015 follows:
| Month | Total number of shares purchased | Average price paid per share | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs | Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (in millions) | ||||||||||
| October | — | $ | — | — | $ | 896 | ||||||||
| November | 3,443,941 | $ | 56.38 | 3,443,941 | $ | 702 | ||||||||
| December | 651,652 | $ | 52.03 | 651,652 | $ | 668 | ||||||||
| Total | 4,095,593 | $ | 55.69 | 4,095,593 | ||||||||||
On February 24, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a new program authorizing share repurchases up to $2.5 billion. This program will supersede the 2013 Program.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Information regarding selected financial data is presented in the “Ten-Year Consolidated Financial Summary” of this Form 10-K.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Information required by this Item is presented in “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Information regarding market risk is presented in “Market Risk Disclosure” of this Form 10-K.
6
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The reports of the independent registered public accounting firm, consolidated financial statements, and notes to consolidated financial statements are presented in Item 15 of this Form 10-K.
Information regarding selected quarterly financial information for 2015 and 2014 is presented in “Quarterly Data” of this Form 10-K.
Item 9. Change in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures - Pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-15, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of Eaton's management, including Alexander M. Cutler - Principal Executive Officer; and Richard H. Fearon - Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, Eaton's management concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, Eaton has included a report of management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which is included in Item 15 of this Form 10-K.
“Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” relating to internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 is included in Item 15 of this Form 10-K.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, there was no change in Eaton's internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
7
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Information required with respect to the directors of the Company is set forth under the caption “Election of Directors” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 18, 2016, and is incorporated by reference.
A listing of executive officers, their ages, positions and offices held over the past five years, as of February 1, 2016, follows:
| Name | Age | Position (Date elected to position) | ||
| Alexander M. Cutler | 64 | Chairman of Eaton Corporation plc (November 30, 2012 - present) | ||
| Chief Executive Officer of Eaton Corporation (August 1, 2000 - present) | ||||
| Director of Eaton Corporation (September 22, 1993 - November 30, 2012) | ||||
| Craig Arnold | 55 | Director of Eaton Corporation plc (September 1, 2015 - present) | ||
| President and Chief Operating Officer of Eaton Corporation (September 1, 2015 - present) | ||||
| Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer - Industrial Sector of Eaton Corporation | ||||
| (February 1, 2009 - August 31, 2015) | ||||
| Richard H. Fearon | 59 | Director of Eaton Corporation plc (September 1, 2015 - present) | ||
| Vice Chairman and Chief Financial and Planning Officer of Eaton Corporation | ||||
| (April 24, 2002 - present) | ||||
| Revathi Advaithi | 48 | Chief Operating Officer - Electrical Sector of Eaton Corporation | ||
| (September 1, 2015 - present) | ||||
| President of Electrical Sector, Americas of Eaton Corporation | ||||
| (April 1, 2012 - August 31, 2015) | ||||
| President, Electrical Sector, Asia Pacific of Eaton Corporation (July 1, 2009 - March 31, 2012) | ||||
| Uday Yadav | 52 | Chief Operating Officer - Industrial Sector of Eaton Corporation | ||
| (September 1, 2015 - present) | ||||
| President of Aerospace Group of Eaton Corporation (August 1, 2012 - August 31, 2015) | ||||
| Executive Vice President, Eaton Business System (January 1, 2010 - July 31, 2012) | ||||
| Cynthia K. Brabander | 54 | Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Eaton Corporation | ||
| (March 1, 2012 - present) | ||||
| Senior Vice President, Human Resources of Gates Corporation | ||||
| (April 11, 2009 - January 10, 2012) | ||||
| Mark M. McGuire | 58 | Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Eaton Corporation | ||
| (December 1, 2005 - present) | ||||
| Thomas E. Moran | 51 | Senior Vice President and Secretary of Eaton Corporation plc (November 27, 2012 - present) | ||
| Senior Vice President and Secretary of Eaton Corporation (October 1, 2008 - January 1, 2013) | ||||
| Ken D. Semelsberger | 54 | Senior Vice President and Controller of Eaton Corporation (November 1, 2013 - present) | ||
| Senior Vice President, Finance and Planning - Industrial Sector of Eaton Corporation | ||||
| (February 1, 2009 - October 31, 2013) | ||||
There are no family relationships among the officers listed, and there are no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which any of them were elected as officers. All officers hold office for one year and until their successors are elected and qualified, unless otherwise specified by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that any officer is subject to removal with or without cause, at any time, by a vote of a majority of the Board of Directors.
8
Information required with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is set forth under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 18, 2016, and is incorporated by reference.
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics, which applies to the directors, officers and employees worldwide. This document is available on the Company's website at http://www.eaton.com.
There were no changes during the fourth quarter 2015 to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Company's Board of Directors.
Information related to the Audit Committee, and members of the Committee that are financial experts, is set forth under the caption “Board Committees - Audit Committee” in the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 18, 2016, and is incorporated by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Information required with respect to executive compensation is set forth under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 18, 2016, and is incorporated by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information required with respect to securities authorized for issuance under equity-based compensation plans is set forth under the caption “Equity Compensation Plans” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 18, 2016, and is incorporated by reference.
Information required with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners, is set forth under the caption “Share Ownership Tables” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 18, 2016, and is incorporated by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information required with respect to certain relationships and related transactions is set forth under the caption “Review of Related Person Transactions” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 18, 2016, and is incorporated by reference.
Information required with respect to director independence is set forth under the caption “Director Independence” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 18, 2016, and is incorporated by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Information required with respect to principal accountant fees and services is set forth under the caption “Audit Committee Report” in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or about March 18, 2016, and is incorporated by reference.
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
| (a) | (1) The reports of the independent registered public accounting firm, consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements are included in Item 8 above: |
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Income - Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
9
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) All other schedules for which provision is made in Regulation S-X of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
(3) Exhibits incorporated by reference to or filed in conjunction with this form 10-K are listed in the Exhibit Index.
| (b) | Exhibits |
Certain exhibits required by this portion of Item 15 are filed as a separate section of this Form 10-K Report.
10
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.
| EATON CORPORATION plc | |||
| Registrant | |||
| Date: | February 24, 2016 | By: | /s/ Richard H. Fearon |
| Richard H. Fearon | |||
| (On behalf of the registrant and as Principal Financial Officer) | |||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Date: February 24, 2016
| Signature | Title | |||||
| * | ||||||
| Alexander M. Cutler | Principal Executive Officer; Director | |||||
| * | * | |||||
| Ken D. Semelsberger | Principal Accounting Officer | Sandra Pianalto | Director | |||
| * | * | |||||
| Craig Arnold | Director | Todd M. Bluedorn | Director | |||
| * | * | |||||
| Christopher M. Connor | Director | Michael J. Critelli | Director | |||
| * | * | |||||
| Charles E. Golden | Director | Linda A. Hill | Director | |||
| /s/ Richard H. Fearon | * | |||||
| Richard H. Fearon | Director | Ned C. Lautenbach | Director | |||
| * | /s/ Gregory R. Page | |||||
| Arthur E. Johnson | Director | Gregory R. Page | Director | |||
| * | * | |||||
| Deborah L. McCoy | Director | Gerald B. Smith | Director | |||
| *By | /s/ Richard H. Fearon | |
Richard H. Fearon, Attorney-in-Fact for the officers and directors signing in the capacities indicated | ||
11
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Eaton Corporation plc
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Eaton Corporation plc (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) and our report dated February 24, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its presentation of deferred income taxes effective December 31, 2015.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
February 24, 2016
12
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related information of Eaton Corporation plc ("Eaton") included herein for the three years ended December 31, 2015. The primary responsibility for the integrity of the financial information included in this annual report rests with management. The financial information included in this annual report has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States based on our best estimates and judgments and giving due consideration to materiality. The opinion of Ernst & Young LLP, Eaton's independent registered public accounting firm, on those financial statements is included herein.
Eaton has high standards of ethical business practices supported by the Eaton Code of Ethics and corporate policies. Careful attention is given to selecting, training and developing personnel, to ensure that management's objectives of establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls and unbiased, uniform reporting standards are attained. Our policies and procedures provide reasonable assurance that operations are conducted in conformity with applicable laws and with the Company's commitment to a high standard of business conduct.
The Board of Directors pursues its responsibility for the quality of Eaton's financial reporting primarily through its Audit Committee, which is composed of five independent directors. The Audit Committee meets regularly with management, the internal auditors and the independent registered public accounting firm to ensure that they are meeting their responsibilities and to discuss matters concerning accounting, control, audits and financial reporting. The internal auditors and independent registered public accounting firm have full and free access to senior management and the Audit Committee.
| /s/ Alexander M. Cutler | /s/ Richard H. Fearon | /s/ Ken D. Semelsberger | ||
| Principal Executive Officer | Principal Financial Officer | Principal Accounting Officer | ||
| February 24, 2016 | ||||
13
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Eaton Corporation plc
We have audited Eaton Corporation plc’s (“the Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible 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’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 and our report dated February 24, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
February 24, 2016
14
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of Eaton Corporation plc ("Eaton") is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act rules 13a-15(f)).
Under the supervision and with the participation of Eaton's management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In conducting this evaluation, we used the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013 Framework). Based on this evaluation under the framework referred to above, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.
The independent registered public accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. This report is included herein.
| /s/ Alexander M. Cutler | /s/ Richard H. Fearon | /s/ Ken D. Semelsberger | ||
| Principal Executive Officer | Principal Financial Officer | Principal Accounting Officer | ||
| February 24, 2016 | ||||
15
EATON CORPORATION plc
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
| Year ended December 31 | |||||||||||
| (In millions except for per share data) | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 20,855 | $ | 22,552 | $ | 22,046 | |||||
| Cost of products sold | 14,292 | 15,646 | 15,369 | ||||||||
| Selling and administrative expense | 3,596 | 3,810 | 3,886 | ||||||||
| Litigation settlements | — | 644 | — | ||||||||
| Research and development expense | 625 | 647 | 644 | ||||||||
| Interest expense - net | 232 | 227 | 271 | ||||||||
| Other income - net | (35 | ) | (183 | ) | (8 | ) | |||||
| Income before income taxes | 2,145 | 1,761 | 1,884 | ||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 164 | (42 | ) | 11 | |||||||
| Net income | 1,981 | 1,803 | 1,873 | ||||||||
| Less net income for noncontrolling interests | (2 | ) | (10 | ) | (12 | ) | |||||
| Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 1,979 | $ | 1,793 | $ | 1,861 | |||||
| Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | |||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 4.23 | $ | 3.76 | $ | 3.90 | |||||
| Basic | 4.25 | 3.78 | 3.93 | ||||||||
| Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding | |||||||||||
| Diluted | 467.1 | 476.8 | 476.7 | ||||||||
| Basic | 465.5 | 474.1 | 473.5 | ||||||||
| Cash dividends declared per ordinary share | $ | 2.20 | $ | 1.96 | $ | 1.68 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
16
EATON CORPORATION plc
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
| Year ended December 31 | |||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,981 | $ | 1,803 | $ | 1,873 | |||||
| Less net income for noncontrolling interests | (2 | ) | (10 | ) | (12 | ) | |||||
| Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | 1,979 | 1,793 | 1,861 | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | |||||||||||
| Currency translation and related hedging instruments | (1,078 | ) | (1,019 | ) | (28 | ) | |||||
| Pensions and other postretirement benefits | 111 | (315 | ) | 429 | |||||||
| Cash flow hedges | 3 | (5 | ) | 3 | |||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | (964 | ) | (1,339 | ) | 404 | ||||||
| Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 1,015 | $ | 454 | $ | 2,265 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
17
EATON CORPORATION plc
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| December 31 | |||||||
| (In millions) | 2015 | 2014 | |||||
| Assets | |||||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Cash | $ | 268 | $ | 781 | |||
| Short-term investments | 177 | 245 | |||||
| Accounts receivable - net | 3,479 | 3,667 | |||||
| Inventory | 2,323 | 2,428 | |||||
| Deferred income taxes | — | 593 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 369 | 386 | |||||
| Total current assets | 6,616 | 8,100 | |||||
| Property, plant and equipment | |||||||
| Land and buildings | 2,383 | 2,343 | |||||
| Machinery and equipment | 5,501 | 5,621 | |||||
| Gross property, plant and equipment | 7,884 | 7,964 | |||||
| Accumulated depreciation | (4,319 | ) | (4,214 | ) | |||
| Net property, plant and equipment | 3,565 | 3,750 | |||||
| Other noncurrent assets | |||||||
| Goodwill | 13,479 | 13,893 | |||||
| Other intangible assets | 6,014 | 6,556 | |||||
| Deferred income taxes | 362 | 228 | |||||
| Other assets | 995 | 1,002 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 31,031 | $ | 33,529 | |||
| Liabilities and shareholders’ equity | |||||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||
| Short-term debt | $ | 426 | $ | 2 | |||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 242 | 1,008 | |||||
| Accounts payable | 1,758 | 1,940 | |||||
| Accrued compensation | 366 | 420 | |||||
| Other current liabilities | 1,833 | 1,985 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 4,625 | 5,355 | |||||
| Noncurrent liabilities | |||||||
| Long-term debt | 7,781 | 8,024 | |||||
| Pension liabilities | 1,586 | 1,812 | |||||
| Other postretirement benefits liabilities | 440 | 513 | |||||
| Deferred income taxes | 390 | 901 | |||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | 978 | 1,085 | |||||
| Total noncurrent liabilities | 11,175 | 12,335 | |||||
| Shareholders’ equity | |||||||
| Ordinary shares (458.8 million outstanding in 2015 and 467.9 million in 2014) | 5 | 5 | |||||
| Capital in excess of par value | 11,701 | 11,605 | |||||
| Retained earnings | 7,346 | 7,078 | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (3,863 | ) | (2,899 | ) | |||
| Shares held in trust | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | |||
| Total Eaton shareholders’ equity | 15,186 | 15,786 | |||||
| Noncontrolling interests | 45 | 53 | |||||
| Total equity | 15,231 | 15,839 | |||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 31,031 | $ | 33,529 | |||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
18
EATON CORPORATION plc
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| Year ended December 31 | |||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||
| Operating activities | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,981 | $ | 1,803 | $ | 1,873 | |||||
| Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 925 | 983 | 997 | ||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (100 | ) | (382 | ) | (311 | ) | |||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefits expense | 323 | 293 | 384 | ||||||||
| Contributions to pension plans | (330 | ) | (362 | ) | (341 | ) | |||||
| Contributions to other postretirement benefits plans | (31 | ) | (40 | ) | (59 | ) | |||||
| Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation | (1 | ) | (20 | ) | (32 | ) | |||||
| Gain on sale of businesses | — | (68 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||
| Changes in working capital | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable - net | 5 | (205 | ) | (231 | ) | ||||||
| Inventory | (20 | ) | (152 | ) | (92 | ) | |||||
| Accounts payable | (120 | ) | 49 | 86 | |||||||
| Accrued compensation | (28 | ) | (32 | ) | — | ||||||
| Accrued income and other taxes | (9 | ) | (73 | ) | 1 | ||||||
| Other current assets | 7 | 73 | (42 | ) | |||||||
| Other current liabilities | (76 | ) | 8 | (46 | ) | ||||||
| Other - net | (155 | ) | 3 | 100 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,371 | 1,878 | 2,285 | ||||||||
| Investing activities | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment | (506 | ) | (632 | ) | (614 | ) | |||||
| Cash (paid for) received from acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | (72 | ) | 2 | (9 | ) | ||||||
| Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net | 37 | 522 | (288 | ) | |||||||
| Proceeds from sales of businesses | 1 | 282 | 777 | ||||||||
| Other - net | (35 | ) | (31 | ) | (68 | ) | |||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | (575 | ) | 143 | (202 | ) | ||||||
| Financing activities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from borrowings | 425 | — | 9 | ||||||||
| Payments on borrowings | (1,027 | ) | (582 | ) | (1,096 | ) | |||||
| Cash dividends paid | (1,026 | ) | (929 | ) | (796 | ) | |||||
| Exercise of employee stock options | 52 | 54 | 121 | ||||||||
| Repurchase of shares | (682 | ) | (650 | ) | — | ||||||
| Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation | 1 | 20 | 32 | ||||||||
| Other - net | (10 | ) | (43 | ) | (6 | ) | |||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (2,267 | ) | (2,130 | ) | (1,736 | ) | |||||
| Effect of currency on cash | (42 | ) | (25 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||
| Total (decrease) increase in cash | (513 | ) | (134 | ) | 338 | ||||||
| Cash at the beginning of the period | 781 | 915 | 577 | ||||||||
| Cash at the end of the period | $ | 268 | $ | 781 | $ | 915 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
19
EATON CORPORATION plc
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
| Ordinary shares | Capital in excess of par value | Retained earnings | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Shares held in trust | Total Eaton shareholders' equity | Noncontrolling interests | Total equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Shares | Dollars | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2013 | 470.7 | $ | 5 | $ | 11,271 | $ | 5,805 | $ | (1,964 | ) | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 15,113 | $ | 65 | $ | 15,178 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 1,861 | — | — | 1,861 | 12 | 1,873 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | 404 | 404 | — | 404 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | — | — | — | (796 | ) | — | — | (796 | ) | (5 | ) | (801 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net (net of income tax benefit of $32) | 4.4 | — | 212 | (4 | ) | — | 1 | 209 | — | 209 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2013 | 475.1 | 5 | 11,483 | 6,866 | (1,560 | ) | (3 | ) | 16,791 | 72 | 16,863 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 1,793 | — | — | 1,793 | 10 | 1,803 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | (1,339 | ) | (1,339 | ) | — | (1,339 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | — | — | — | (929 | ) | — | — | (929 | ) | (5 | ) | (934 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net (net of income tax benefit of $20) | 2.4 | — | 136 | (2 | ) | — | — | 134 | — | 134 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of additional noncontrolling interest of consolidated subsidiaries | — | — | (14 | ) | — | — | — | (14 | ) | (24 | ) | (38 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of shares | (9.6 | ) | — | — | (650 | ) | — | — | (650 | ) | — | (650 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2014 | 467.9 | 5 | 11,605 | 7,078 | (2,899 | ) | (3 | ) | 15,786 | 53 | 15,839 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 1,979 | — | — | 1,979 | 2 | 1,981 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | (964 | ) | (964 | ) | — | (964 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | — | — | — | (1,026 | ) | — | — | (1,026 | ) | (9 | ) | (1,035 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of shares under equity-based compensation plans - net (net of income tax benefit of $1) | 2.2 | — | 99 | (3 | ) | — | — | 96 | — | 96 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in noncontrolling interest of consolidated subsidiaries - net | — | — | (3 | ) | — | — | — | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of shares | (11.3 | ) | — | — | (682 | ) | — | — | (682 | ) | — | (682 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2015 | 458.8 | $ | 5 | $ | 11,701 | $ | 7,346 | $ | (3,863 | ) | $ | (3 | ) | $ | 15,186 | $ | 45 | $ | 15,231 | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
20
EATON CORPORATION plc
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Amounts are in millions unless indicated otherwise (per share data assume dilution).
| Note 1. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
General Information and Basis of Presentation
Eaton Corporation plc (Eaton or the Company) is a power management company with 2015 net sales of $20.9 billion. The Company provides energy-efficient solutions that help its customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 97,000 employees in over 60 countries and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were filed with the Securities Exchange Commission.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Eaton and all subsidiaries and other entities it controls. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in associate companies where the Company has significant influence and generally a 20% to 50% ownership interest. Equity investments are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the book value of the investment exceeds fair value. An impairment would exist if there is an other-than-temporary decline in value. These associate companies are not material either individually, or in the aggregate, to Eaton's consolidated financial statements. Eaton does not have off-balance sheet arrangements or financings with unconsolidated entities. In the ordinary course of business, the Company leases certain real properties and equipment, as described in Note 8.
Eaton's functional currency is United States Dollars (USD). The functional currency for most subsidiaries is their local currency. Financial statements for these subsidiaries are translated at year-end exchange rates as to assets and liabilities and weighted-average exchange rates as to revenues and expenses. The resulting translation adjustments are recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company early adopted Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17). ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the Company's consolidated balance sheet starting in 2017. The Company elected to apply this standard prospectively for 2015 financial statements. As a result, prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Revenue Recognition
Sales of products are recognized when a sales agreement is in place, products have been shipped to unaffiliated customers and title has transferred in accordance with shipping terms, the selling price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured, all significant related acts of performance have been completed, and no other significant uncertainties exist. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in Net sales and the related costs in Cost of products sold. Although the majority of the sales agreements contain standard terms and conditions, there are agreements that contain multiple elements or non-standard terms and conditions. As a result, judgment is required to determine the appropriate accounting, including whether the deliverables specified in these agreements should be treated as separate units of accounting for recognition purposes, and, if so, how the sales price should be allocated among the elements and when to recognize sales for each element. For delivered elements, sales generally are recognized only when the delivered elements have standalone value and there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance. Sales for service contracts generally are recognized as the services are provided.
Eaton records reductions to revenue for customer and distributor incentives, primarily comprised of rebates, at the time of the initial sale. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience, trend analysis, and projected market conditions in the various markets served. The rebate programs offered vary across businesses due to the numerous markets Eaton serves, but the most common incentives relate to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined volume levels.
21
Goodwill and Indefinite Life Intangible Assets
Goodwill is evaluated annually for impairment as of July 1 using either a quantitative or qualitative analysis. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is equivalent to Eaton's operating segments and based on the net assets for each segment, including goodwill and intangible assets. Goodwill is assigned to each operating segment, as this represents the lowest level that constitutes a business and is the level at which management regularly reviews the operating results. The Company performs a quantitative analysis using a discounted cash flow model and other valuation techniques, but may elect to perform a qualitative analysis. The discounted cash flow model considers forecasted cash flows discounted at an estimated weighted-average cost of capital. The forecasted cash flows are based on the Company's long-term operating plan and a terminal value is used to estimate the operating segment's cash flows beyond the period covered by the operating plan. The weighted-average cost of capital is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt market holders of a business enterprise. These analyses require the exercise of significant judgments, including judgments about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates and the timing of expected future cash flows of the respective reporting unit. Sensitivity analyses are performed in order to assess the reasonableness of the assumptions and the resulting estimated fair values. Additionally, goodwill is evaluated for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an operating segment is less than its carrying amount.
Goodwill impairment testing for 2015 and 2014 was performed using a qualitative analysis, which is performed by assessing certain trends and factors, including projected market outlook and growth rates, forecasted and actual sales and operating profit margins, discount rates, industry data, and other relevant qualitative factors. These trends and factors are compared to, and based on, the assumptions used in the most recent quantitative assessment, performed in 2013. The results of these qualitative analyses did not indicate a need to perform a quantitative analysis.
Based on qualitative analyses performed in 2015 and 2014 and a quantitative analysis performed in 2013, the fair values of Eaton's reporting units continue to substantially exceed the respective carrying amounts.
Indefinite life intangible assets consist of trademarks. They are evaluated annually for impairment as of July 1 using either a quantitative or qualitative analysis to determine whether their fair values exceed their respective carrying amounts. Indefinite life intangible asset impairment testing for 2015 and 2014 was performed using a quantitative analysis. The Company determines the fair value of these assets using a royalty relief methodology similar to that employed when the associated assets were acquired, but using updated estimates of future sales, cash flows and profitability. Additionally, indefinite life intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. For 2015 and 2014, the fair value of indefinite lived intangible assets substantially exceeded the respective carrying value.
For additional information about goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 5.
Other Long-Lived Assets
Depreciation and amortization for property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization, are generally computed by the straight-line method and included in Cost of products sold, Selling and administrative expense, and Research and development expense, as appropriate. Cost of buildings are depreciated generally over 40 years and machinery and equipment over 3 to 10 years. At December 31, 2015, the weighted-average amortization period for intangible assets subject to amortization was 17 years for patents and technology, primarily as a result of the long life of aircraft platforms; 17 years for customer relationships; and 16 years for trademarks. Software is generally amortized up to a life of 10 years.
Other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Upon indications of impairment, assets and liabilities are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The asset group would be considered impaired when the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset group are less than its carrying value. Determining asset groups and underlying cash flows requires the use of significant judgment.
Retirement Benefits Plans
For the principal pension plans in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom, the Company uses a market-related value of plan assets to calculate the expected return on assets used to determine net periodic benefit costs. The market-related value of plan assets is a calculated value that recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets over a five year period. All other plans use fair value of plan assets.
Net actuarial gains or losses are amortized to expense on a plan-by-plan basis when they exceed the accounting corridor. The Company’s corridors are set at either 8% or 10%, depending on the plan, of the greater of the plan assets or benefit obligations. Gains or losses outside of the corridor are subject to amortization over an average employee future service period that differs by plan, but is approximately 11 years on a weighted average basis. If most or all of the plan’s participants are no longer actively accruing benefits, the average life expectancy is used.
22
Warranty Accruals
Product warranty accruals are established at the time the related sale is recognized through a charge to Cost of products sold. Warranty accrual estimates are based primarily on historical warranty claim experience and specific customer contracts. Provisions for warranty accruals are comprised of basic warranties for products sold, as well as accruals for product recalls and other events when they are known and estimable. See Note 8 for additional information about warranty accruals.
Asset Retirement Obligations
A conditional asset retirement obligation is recognized at fair value when incurred if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Uncertainty about the timing or method of settlement of a conditional asset retirement obligation would be considered in the measurement of the liability when sufficient information exists. Eaton believes that for substantially all of its asset retirement obligations, there is an indeterminate settlement date because the range of time over which the Company may settle the obligation is unknown or cannot be estimated. A liability for these obligations will be recognized when sufficient information is available to estimate fair value.
Income Taxes
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of the respective assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax assets are recognized for income tax loss carryforwards and income tax credit carryforwards. Judgment is required in determining and evaluating income tax provisions and valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets. Eaton recognizes the income tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. Eaton evaluates and adjusts these accruals based on changing facts and circumstances. Eaton recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in the provision for income tax expense. Penalties on unrecognized income tax benefits have been accrued for jurisdictions where penalties are automatically applied to any deficiency, regardless of the merit of the position. For additional information about income taxes, see Note 9.
Equity-Based Compensation
Eaton recognizes equity-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the award. Awards with service conditions are expensed over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Awards with both service and performance conditions are expensed over the period an employee is required to provide service based on the number of units for which achievement of the performance objective is probable. Participants awarded restricted stock units (RSUs) do not receive dividends; therefore, their fair value is determined by reducing the closing market price of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of grant by the present value of the estimated dividends had they been paid. The RSUs entitle the holder to receive one ordinary share for each RSU upon vesting, generally over three or four years. The fair value of restricted stock awards (RSAs) and performance share units (PSUs) are determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s ordinary shares at the date of grant. RSAs are issued and outstanding at the time of grant, but remain subject to forfeiture until vested, generally over three or four years. PSUs are entitled to receive one ordinary share for each PSU that vests based on satisfaction of a three-year service period and the achievement of certain performance metrics. Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of Eaton ordinary shares on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is determined using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which incorporates assumptions regarding the expected volatility, the expected option life, the risk-free interest rate, and the expected dividend yield. See Note 11 for additional information about equity-based compensation.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
Eaton uses derivative financial instruments to manage the exposure to the volatility in raw material costs, currency, and interest rates on certain debt. These instruments are marked to fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative assets or liabilities (i.e., gains or losses) are recognized depending upon the type of hedging relationship and whether an instrument has been designated as a hedge. For those instruments that qualify for hedge accounting, Eaton designates the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a cash flow hedge, a fair value hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Changes in fair value of these instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized immediately in net income. See Note 13 for additional information about hedges and derivative financial instruments.
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09). This accounting standard supersedes all existing US GAAP revenue recognition guidance. Under ASU 2014-09, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers the control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the company expects to collect in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 will require additional disclosures in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date (ASU 2015-14). This accounting standard defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year and permits early adoption as of the original effective date. Eaton is evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 and an estimate of the impact to the consolidated financial statements cannot be made at this time.
| Note 2. | ACQUISITIONS AND SALES OF BUSINESSES |
Acquisition of Ephesus Lighting, Inc.
On October 28, 2015, Eaton acquired Ephesus Lighting, Inc. (Ephesus). Ephesus is a leader in LED lighting for stadiums and other high lumen outdoor and industrial applications. Its sales over the last twelve months were $23. Ephesus is reported within the Electrical Products business segment.
Acquisition of UK Safety Technology Manufacturer Oxalis Group Ltd.
On January 12, 2015, Eaton acquired Oxalis Group Ltd. (Oxalis). Oxalis is a manufacturer of closed-circuit television camera stations, public address and general alarm systems and other electrical products for the hazardous area, marine and industrial communications markets. Its sales over the last twelve months were $9. Oxalis is reported within the Electrical Systems and Services business segment.
Sale of Aerospace Power Distribution Management Solutions and Integrated Cockpit Solutions
On May 9, 2014, Eaton sold the Aerospace Power Distribution Management Solutions and Integrated Cockpit Solutions businesses to Safran for $270, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $154.
Sale of Apex Tool Group, LLC
In July 2010, Cooper Industries plc (Cooper) formed a joint venture, named Apex Tool Group, LLC (Apex), with Danaher Corporation (Danaher). On February 1, 2013, Cooper and Danaher sold Apex to Bain Capital for approximately $1.6 billion.
| Note 3. | ACQUISITION INTEGRATION CHARGES |
Eaton incurs integration charges and transaction costs related to acquired businesses. A summary of these charges follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Acquisition integration charges | |||||||||||
| Electrical Products | $ | 25 | $ | 66 | $ | 44 | |||||
| Electrical Systems and Services | 15 | 51 | 37 | ||||||||
| Hydraulics | 2 | 12 | 36 | ||||||||
| Total business segments | 42 | 129 | 117 | ||||||||
| Corporate | 5 | 25 | 37 | ||||||||
| Total acquisition integration charges | 47 | 154 | 154 | ||||||||
| Transaction costs | |||||||||||
| Corporate | — | — | 8 | ||||||||
| Financing fees | — | — | 1 | ||||||||
| Total transaction costs | — | — | 9 | ||||||||
Total acquisition integration charges and transaction costs before income taxes | $ | 47 | $ | 154 | $ | 163 | |||||
| Total after income taxes | $ | 31 | $ | 102 | $ | 110 | |||||
| Per ordinary share - diluted | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.23 | |||||
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Business segment integration charges in 2015 and 2014 related primarily to the integration of Cooper Industries plc, which was acquired in 2012. Business segment integration charges in 2013 related primarily to the integrations of Cooper and Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi ve Pazarlama A.S., which was acquired in 2012. These charges were included in Cost of products sold or Selling and administrative expense, as appropriate. In Business Segment Information, the charges reduced Operating profit of the related business segment.
The integration of Cooper included costs related to restructuring activities Eaton undertook in an effort to gain efficiencies in selling, marketing, traditional back-office functions and manufacturing and distribution. These actions resulted in charges of $20 during 2015, comprised of severance costs and other expense totaling $1 and $19, respectively, of which $14 were incurred in the Electrical Products segment, and $6 were incurred in the Electrical Systems and Services segment. In 2014, we incurred $95 of charges related to Cooper restructuring activities, comprised of severance costs totaling $69 and other expenses totaling $26, of which $53 and $42 were recognized in the Electrical Products and Electrical Systems and Services business segments, respectively. During 2013, these actions, comprised primarily of severance costs, resulted in charges of $36, of which $19 and $17 were recognized in the Electrical Products and Electrical Systems and Services business segments, respectively.
Corporate integration charges related primarily to the acquisition of Cooper. These charges were included in Selling and administrative expense. In Business Segment Information, the charges were included in Other corporate expense - net.
Acquisition-related transaction costs, such as investment banking, legal, and other professional fees, and costs associated with change in control agreements, are not included as a component of consideration transferred in an acquisition but are expensed as incurred. Acquisition-related transaction costs in 2013 related to the acquisition of Cooper and were included in Corporate above. These charges were included in Selling and administrative expense, Interest expense - net and Other (income) expense - net. In Business Segment Information, the charges were included in Interest expense - net and Other corporate expense - net.
See Note 15 for additional information about business segments.
| Note 4. | RESTRUCTURING CHARGES |
During 2015, Eaton announced its commitment to undertake actions to reduce its cost structure in all business segments and at corporate. The restructuring charges incurred under this plan were $129 in 2015. These restructuring activities are anticipated to be $140 in 2016 and $130 in 2017.
A summary of restructuring charges by segment follows:
| 2015 | ||||
| Electrical Products | $ | 12 | ||
| Electrical Systems & Services | 29 | |||
| Hydraulics | 31 | |||
| Aerospace | 5 | |||
| Vehicle | 34 | |||
| Corporate | 18 | |||
| Total | $ | 129 | ||
A summary of liabilities related to workforce reductions, plant closings and other associated costs announced in 2015 follows:
| Workforce reductions | Plant closing and other | Total | ||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2014 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
| Liability recognized | 112 | 17 | 129 | |||||||||
| Payments | (59 | ) | (3 | ) | (62 | ) | ||||||
| Other adjustments | 1 | (14 | ) | (13 | ) | |||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2015 | $ | 54 | $ | — | $ | 54 | ||||||
During 2014, Eaton undertook additional restructuring activities in an effort to gain efficiencies in operations. These actions resulted in charges of $54 during 2014, comprised of severance costs totaling $48 and other expenses totaling $6, of which $32, $16, $2 and $4 were recognized in the Vehicle, Hydraulics and Aerospace business segments, and Corporate, respectively.
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These charges were included in Cost of products sold, Selling and administrative expenses or Other income-net, as appropriate. In Business Segment Information, the charges reduced Operating profit of the related business segment. See Note 15 for additional information about business segments.
| Note 5. | GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS |
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment follow:
Electrical Products | Electrical Systems and Services | Hydraulics | Aerospace | Vehicle | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2013 | $ | 7,189 | $ | 4,517 | $ | 1,385 | $ | 1,048 | $ | 356 | $ | 14,495 | |||||||||||
| Goodwill written off from sale of businesses | — | — | — | (78 | ) | — | (78 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Translation | (249 | ) | (203 | ) | (58 | ) | (8 | ) | (6 | ) | (524 | ) | |||||||||||
| December 31, 2014 | 6,940 | 4,314 | 1,327 | 962 | 350 | 13,893 | |||||||||||||||||
| Additions | 31 | 20 | — | — | — | 51 | |||||||||||||||||
| Reclassifications | (106 | ) | 106 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Translation | (223 | ) | (161 | ) | (68 | ) | (6 | ) | (7 | ) | (465 | ) | |||||||||||
| December 31, 2015 | $ | 6,642 | $ | 4,279 | $ | 1,259 | $ | 956 | $ | 343 | $ | 13,479 | |||||||||||
A summary of other intangible assets follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||
Historical cost | Accumulated amortization | Historical cost | Accumulated amortization | ||||||||||||
| Intangible assets not subject to amortization | |||||||||||||||
| Trademarks | $ | 1,661 | $ | 1,844 | |||||||||||
| Intangible assets subject to amortization | |||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | $ | 3,544 | $ | 1,010 | $ | 3,674 | $ | 834 | |||||||
| Patents and technology | 1,447 | 511 | 1,494 | 440 | |||||||||||
| Trademarks | 1,113 | 311 | 980 | 250 | |||||||||||
| Other | 103 | 22 | 103 | 15 | |||||||||||
| Total intangible assets subject to amortization | $ | 6,207 | $ | 1,854 | $ | 6,251 | $ | 1,539 | |||||||
Amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization in 2015, and estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years, follows:
| 2015 | $ | 401 | |
| 2016 | 394 | ||
| 2017 | 384 | ||
| 2018 | 364 | ||
| 2019 | 357 | ||
| 2020 | 352 | ||
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Note 6.DEBT
A summary of long-term debt, including the current portion, follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
| 5.45% debentures due 2015 | $ | — | $ | 300 | |||
| 4.65% notes due 2015 | — | 100 | |||||
| 0.95% senior notes due 2015 | — | 600 | |||||
| 2.375% debentures due 2016 | 240 | 240 | |||||
| 5.30% notes due 2017 ($150 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 250 | 250 | |||||
| 6.10% debentures due 2017 | 289 | 289 | |||||
| 1.50% senior notes due 2017 ($750 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||||
| 5.60% notes due 2018 ($415 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 450 | 450 | |||||
| 4.215% Japanese Yen notes due 2018 | 83 | 84 | |||||
| 6.95% notes due 2019 ($300 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 300 | 300 | |||||
| 3.875% debentures due 2020 ($150 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 239 | 239 | |||||
| 3.47% notes due 2021 ($275 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 300 | 300 | |||||
| 8.10% debentures due 2022 | 100 | 100 | |||||
| 2.75% senior notes due 2022 ($1,350 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 1,600 | 1,600 | |||||
| 3.68% notes due 2023 ($200 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 300 | 300 | |||||
| 6.50% debentures due 2025 | 145 | 145 | |||||
| 7.65% debentures due 2029 ($50 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 200 | 200 | |||||
| 4.00% senior notes due 2032 | 700 | 700 | |||||
| 5.45% debentures due 2034 ($25 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 136 | 136 | |||||
| 5.80% notes due 2037 | 240 | 240 | |||||
| 4.15% senior notes due 2042 | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||||
5.25% to 8.875% notes (maturities ranging from 2018 to 2035, including $50 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap) | 239 | 239 | |||||
| Other | 212 | 220 | |||||
| Total long-term debt | 8,023 | 9,032 | |||||
| Less current portion of long-term debt | (242 | ) | (1,008 | ) | |||
| Long-term debt less current portion | $ | 7,781 | $ | 8,024 | |||
On October 3, 2014, Eaton refinanced a $500, five-year revolving credit facility and a $750, three-year revolving credit facility with a $500, four-year revolving credit facility that will expire October 3, 2018 and a $750, five-year revolving credit facility that will expire October 3, 2019, respectively. Eaton also maintains a $750, five-year revolving credit facility that will expire June 14, 2017. These refinancings maintain long-term revolving credit facilities at a total of $2,000. The revolving credit facilities are used to support commercial paper borrowings and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Eaton and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries on an unsubordinated, unsecured basis. There were no borrowings outstanding under Eaton's revolving credit facilities at December 31, 2015 or 2014. The Company had available lines of credit of $850 from various banks for the issuance of letters of credit, of which there was $351 issued at December 31, 2015. Borrowings outside the United States are generally denominated in local currencies.
The Company repaid the 5.45% debentures on April 1, 2015 for $300, the 4.65% notes on June 15, 2015 for $100 and the 0.95% senior notes for $600 on November 2, 2015. On March 20, 2014 and June 16, 2014, the Company repaid the $250, 5.95% notes due 2014 and the $300, floating rate notes due 2014, respectively.
Short-term debt of $426 at December 31, 2015 included $400 short-term commercial paper in the United States, which had a weighted average interest rate of 0.78%, $8 of other short-term debt in the United States, and $18 of short-term debt outside the United States.
The senior notes registered by Eaton Corporation under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Senior Notes) are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsubordinated, unsecured basis by Eaton and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Substantially all of the other debt instruments issued by the Company or any of its subsidiaries is similarly guaranteed on an unsubordinated, unsecured basis by the identical group of guaranteeing entities. See Note 16 for additional information about the Senior Notes.
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Eaton is in compliance with each of its debt covenants for all periods presented.
Maturities of long-term debt for each of the next five years follow:
| 2016 | $ | 242 | |
| 2017 | 1,544 | ||
| 2018 | 576 | ||
| 2019 | 340 | ||
| 2020 | 241 | ||
Interest paid on debt follows:
| 2015 | $ | 271 | |
| 2014 | 296 | ||
| 2013 | 294 | ||
| Note 7. | RETIREMENT BENEFITS PLANS |
Eaton has defined benefits pension plans and other postretirement benefits plans.
Obligations and Funded Status
United States pension liabilities | Non-United States pension liabilities | Other postretirement liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Funded status | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets | $ | 2,934 | $ | 3,086 | $ | 1,472 | $ | 1,535 | $ | 93 | $ | 116 | |||||||||||
| Benefit obligations | (3,829 | ) | (4,047 | ) | (2,175 | ) | (2,337 | ) | (575 | ) | (676 | ) | |||||||||||
| Funded status | $ | (895 | ) | $ | (961 | ) | $ | (703 | ) | $ | (802 | ) | $ | (482 | ) | $ | (560 | ) | |||||
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets | $ | 11 | $ | 14 | $ | 57 | $ | 77 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities | (57 | ) | (16 | ) | (23 | ) | (26 | ) | (42 | ) | (47 | ) | |||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | (849 | ) | (959 | ) | (737 | ) | (853 | ) | (440 | ) | (513 | ) | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | (895 | ) | $ | (961 | ) | $ | (703 | ) | $ | (802 | ) | $ | (482 | ) | $ | (560 | ) | |||||
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net actuarial loss | $ | 1,322 | $ | 1,377 | $ | 644 | $ | 695 | $ | 95 | $ | 176 | |||||||||||
| Prior service cost (credit) | 5 | 5 | 9 | 11 | (74 | ) | (86 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,327 | $ | 1,382 | $ | 653 | $ | 706 | $ | 21 | $ | 90 | |||||||||||
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Change in Benefit Obligations
United States pension liabilities | Non-United States pension liabilities | Other postretirement liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1 | $ | 4,047 | $ | 3,625 | $ | 2,337 | $ | 2,127 | $ | 676 | $ | 867 | |||||||||||
| Service cost | 123 | 117 | 71 | 66 | 6 | 13 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 156 | 162 | 72 | 85 | 24 | 32 | |||||||||||||||||
| Actuarial (gain) loss | (179 | ) | 470 | (23 | ) | 355 | (66 | ) | (36 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Gross benefits paid | (318 | ) | (329 | ) | (100 | ) | (106 | ) | (86 | ) | (91 | ) | |||||||||||
| Currency translation | — | — | (182 | ) | (190 | ) | (8 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Plan amendments | — | 2 | — | — | (1 | ) | (84 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | — | — | 30 | (21 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31 | $ | 3,829 | $ | 4,047 | $ | 2,175 | $ | 2,337 | $ | 575 | $ | 676 | |||||||||||
| Accumulated benefit obligation | $ | 3,672 | $ | 3,894 | $ | 2,049 | $ | 2,181 | |||||||||||||||
Change in Plan Assets
United States pension liabilities | Non-United States pension liabilities | Other postretirement liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1 | $ | 3,086 | $ | 2,940 | $ | 1,535 | $ | 1,432 | $ | 116 | $ | 138 | |||||||||||
| Actual return on plan assets | (55 | ) | 226 | 29 | 191 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| Employer contributions | 221 | 248 | 109 | 114 | 31 | 40 | |||||||||||||||||
| Gross benefits paid | (318 | ) | (329 | ) | (100 | ) | (106 | ) | (86 | ) | (91 | ) | |||||||||||
| Currency translation | — | — | (101 | ) | (96 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Other | — | 1 | — | — | 31 | 25 | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31 | $ | 2,934 | $ | 3,086 | $ | 1,472 | $ | 1,535 | $ | 93 | $ | 116 | |||||||||||
The components of pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31 follow:
United States pension liabilities | Non-United States pension liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||
| Projected benefit obligation | $ | 3,376 | $ | 3,557 | $ | 1,387 | $ | 1,524 | |||||||
| Accumulated benefit obligation | 3,219 | 3,403 | 1,328 | 1,446 | |||||||||||
| Fair value of plan assets | 2,470 | 2,581 | 650 | 673 | |||||||||||
Changes in pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow:
United States pension liabilities | Non-United States pension liabilities | Other postretirement liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1 | $ | 1,382 | $ | 1,054 | $ | 706 | $ | 528 | $ | 90 | $ | 184 | |||||||||||
| Prior service cost arising during the year | — | 2 | — | — | (1 | ) | (84 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss (gain) arising during the year | 138 | 490 | 47 | 262 | (62 | ) | (34 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Currency translation | — | — | (58 | ) | (55 | ) | (4 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Less amounts included in expense during the year | (193 | ) | (164 | ) | (42 | ) | (29 | ) | (2 | ) | 25 | ||||||||||||
| Net change for the year | (55 | ) | 328 | (53 | ) | 178 | (69 | ) | (94 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31 | $ | 1,327 | $ | 1,382 | $ | 653 | $ | 706 | $ | 21 | $ | 90 | |||||||||||
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Benefits Expense
United States pension benefit expense | Non-United States pension benefit expense | Other postretirement benefits expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | 123 | $ | 117 | $ | 128 | $ | 71 | $ | 66 | $ | 62 | $ | 6 | $ | 13 | $ | 20 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 156 | 162 | 147 | 72 | 85 | 80 | 24 | 32 | 35 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (262 | ) | (246 | ) | (226 | ) | (99 | ) | (98 | ) | (85 | ) | (5 | ) | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization | 119 | 93 | 133 | 40 | 27 | 27 | 2 | 6 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 136 | 126 | 182 | 84 | 80 | 84 | 27 | 45 | 63 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements, curtailments and other | 74 | 71 | 53 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | (31 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expense | $ | 210 | $ | 197 | $ | 235 | $ | 86 | $ | 82 | $ | 86 | $ | 27 | $ | 14 | $ | 63 | |||||||||||||||||
The estimated pretax net amounts that will be recognized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 follow:
United States pension liabilities | Non-United States pension liabilities | Other postretirement liabilities | |||||||||
| Actuarial loss | $ | 165 | $ | 34 | $ | 5 | |||||
| Prior service cost (credit) | 1 | 1 | (14 | ) | |||||||
| Total | $ | 166 | $ | 35 | $ | (9 | ) | ||||
Retirement Benefits Plans Assumptions
For purposes of determining liabilities related to pension plans and other postretirement benefits plans in the United States, the Company updated its mortality assumption in 2014 to use the RP-2014 tables with a generational improvement scale based on MP-2014. In 2015, the Company updated its mortality assumption to use 2014 tables and a generational improvement scale that are based on MP-2015.
Beginning in 2016, the Company will adopt a change in the method it will use to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Historically, for the vast majority of its plans, the service and interest cost components were estimated using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. Beginning in 2016, the Company will use a spot rate approach by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows in the estimation of the service and interest components of benefit cost, resulting in a more precise measurement. This change does not affect the measurement of total benefit obligations. The change will be accounted for as a change in estimate and, accordingly, will be accounted for prospectively starting in 2016. The discount rates that will be used to measure service and interest cost during 2016 are 4.3% and 3.3%, respectively. The discount rate that was measured at December 31, 2015 and would have been used for service and interest cost under the prior estimation method was 4.0%. The reductions in service cost and interest cost for 2016 associated with this change in estimate are expected to be $3 and $42, respectively.
Pension Plans
United States pension plans | Non-United States pension plans | ||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
| Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at year-end | |||||||||||||||||
| Discount rate | 4.22 | % | 3.97 | % | 4.67 | % | 3.46 | % | 3.33 | % | 4.20 | % | |||||
| Rate of compensation increase | 3.18 | % | 3.16 | % | 3.16 | % | 3.12 | % | 3.13 | % | 3.12 | % | |||||
| Assumptions used to determine expense | |||||||||||||||||
| Discount rate | 3.97 | % | 4.67 | % | 3.97 | % | 3.33 | % | 4.20 | % | 4.17 | % | |||||
| Expected long-term return on plan assets | 8.50 | % | 8.40 | % | 8.45 | % | 6.92 | % | 7.00 | % | 6.92 | % | |||||
| Rate of compensation increase | 3.16 | % | 3.16 | % | 3.16 | % | 3.13 | % | 3.12 | % | 3.09 | % | |||||
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The expected long-term rate of return on pension assets was determined for each country and reflects long-term historical data taking into account each plan's target asset allocation. The discount rate was determined using appropriate bond data for each country.
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
Substantially all of the obligation for other postretirement benefits plans relates to United States plans. Assumptions used to determine other postretirement benefits obligations and expense follow:
Other postretirement benefits plans | ||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
| Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at year-end | ||||||||
| Discount rate | 4.04 | % | 3.79 | % | 4.48 | % | ||
| Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year | 7.10 | % | 6.31 | % | 6.64 | % | ||
| Ultimate health care cost trend rate | 4.75 | % | 4.77 | % | 4.77 | % | ||
| Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is achieved | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
| Assumptions used to determine expense | ||||||||
| Discount rate | 3.79 | % | 4.48 | % | 3.79 | % | ||
| Initial health care cost trend rate | 6.31 | % | 6.64 | % | 6.96 | % | ||
| Ultimate health care cost trend rate | 4.77 | % | 4.77 | % | 4.53 | % | ||
| Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is achieved | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
Assumed health care cost trend rates may have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A 1-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
| 1% increase | 1% decrease | ||||||
| Effect on total service and interest cost | $ | 1 | $ | (1 | ) | ||
| Effect on other postretirement liabilities | 17 | (16 | ) | ||||
Employer Contributions to Retirement Benefits Plans
Contributions to pension plans that Eaton expects to make in 2016, and made in 2015, 2014 and 2013, follow:
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
| United States plans | $ | 59 | $ | 221 | $ | 248 | $ | 196 | |||||||
| Non-United States plans | 103 | 109 | 114 | 145 | |||||||||||
| Total contributions | $ | 162 | $ | 330 | $ | 362 | $ | 341 | |||||||
The following table provides the estimated pension and other postretirement benefit payments for each of the next five years, and the five years thereafter in the aggregate. For other postretirement benefits liabilities, the expected subsidy receipts related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, would reduce the gross payments listed below.
Estimated United States pension payments | Estimated non-United States pension payments | Estimated other postretirement benefit payments | |||||||||||||
| Gross | Medicare prescription drug subsidy | ||||||||||||||
| 2016 | $ | 334 | $ | 81 | $ | 65 | $ | (5 | ) | ||||||
| 2017 | 270 | 82 | 61 | (4 | ) | ||||||||||
| 2018 | 280 | 85 | 57 | (4 | ) | ||||||||||
| 2019 | 287 | 86 | 52 | (3 | ) | ||||||||||
| 2020 | 292 | 89 | 48 | (2 | ) | ||||||||||
| 2021 - 2025 | 1,515 | 491 | 199 | (10 | ) | ||||||||||
31
Pension Plan Assets
Investment policies and strategies are developed on a country specific basis. The United States plans, representing 67% of worldwide pension assets, and the United Kingdom plans representing 27% of worldwide pension assets, are invested primarily for growth, as the majority of the assets are in plans with active participants and ongoing accruals. In general, the plans have their primary allocation to diversified global equities, primarily through index funds in the form of common collective trusts. The United States plans' target allocation is 33% United States equities, 32% non-United States equities, 8% real estate (primarily equity of real estate investment trusts), 22% debt securities and 5% other, including hedge funds, private equity and cash equivalents. The United Kingdom plans' target asset allocations are 65% equities and the remainder in debt securities, cash equivalents and real estate investments. The equity risk for the plans is managed through broad geographic diversification and diversification across industries and levels of market capitalization. The majority of debt allocations for these plans are longer duration government and corporate debt. The United States, United Kingdom and Canada pension plans are authorized to use derivatives to achieve more economically desired market exposures and to use futures, swaps and options to gain or hedge exposures.
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan Assets
The Voluntary Employee Benefit Association trust which holds U.S. other postretirement benefits plan assets has investment guidelines that include allocations to global equities and fixed income investments. The trust's 2015 target investment allocation is 50% diversified global equities and 50% fixed income securities. The fixed income securities are primarily comprised of intermediate term, high quality, dollar denominated, fixed income instruments. The equity allocation is invested in a diversified global equity index fund in the form of a collective trust.
Fair Value Measurements
Financial instruments included in pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets are categorized into a fair value hierarchy of three levels, based on the degree of subjectivity inherent in the valuation methodology as follows:
| Level 1 - | Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets in active markets. |
| Level 2 - | Quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. |
| Level 3 - | Unobservable prices or inputs. |
32
Pension Plans
A summary of the fair value of pension plan assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, follows:
| Total | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other observable inputs (Level 2) | Unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
| 2015 | |||||||||||||||
| Common collective trusts | |||||||||||||||
| Non-United States equity and global equities | $ | 1,347 | $ | — | $ | 1,347 | $ | — | |||||||
| United States equity | 953 | — | 953 | — | |||||||||||
| Fixed income | 514 | — | 514 | — | |||||||||||
| Exchange traded funds | 158 | — | 158 | — | |||||||||||
| Fixed income securities | 357 | — | 357 | — | |||||||||||
| United States treasuries | 105 | 105 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Bank loans | 136 | — | 136 | — | |||||||||||
| Real estate securities | 251 | 244 | — | 7 | |||||||||||
| Equity securities | 98 | 98 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Cash equivalents | 246 | 17 | 229 | — | |||||||||||
| Hedge funds | 92 | — | — | 92 | |||||||||||
| Exchange traded funds | 49 | 49 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Other | 100 | — | 14 | 86 | |||||||||||
| Total pension plan assets | $ | 4,406 | $ | 513 | $ | 3,708 | $ | 185 | |||||||
| Total | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other observable inputs (Level 2) | Unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
| 2014 | |||||||||||||||
| Common collective trusts | |||||||||||||||
| Non-United States equity and global equities | $ | 1,458 | $ | — | $ | 1,458 | $ | — | |||||||
| United States equity | 1,005 | — | 1,005 | — | |||||||||||
| Fixed income | 646 | — | 646 | — | |||||||||||
| Exchange traded funds | 138 | — | 138 | — | |||||||||||
| Fixed income securities | 398 | — | 398 | — | |||||||||||
| United States treasuries | 106 | 106 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Bank loans | 128 | — | 128 | — | |||||||||||
| Real estate securities | 263 | 257 | — | 6 | |||||||||||
| Equity securities | 92 | 92 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Cash equivalents | 218 | 8 | 210 | — | |||||||||||
| Hedge funds | 54 | — | — | 54 | |||||||||||
| Exchange traded funds | 50 | 50 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Other | 65 | — | 5 | 60 | |||||||||||
| Total pension plan assets | $ | 4,621 | $ | 513 | $ | 3,988 | $ | 120 | |||||||
33
The fair value measurement of plan assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) changed during 2014 and 2015 due to the following:
| Real Estate | Hedge Funds | Other | Total | ||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | 6 | $ | — | $ | 94 | $ | 100 | |||||||
| Actual return on plan assets: | |||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) relating to assets still held at year-end | — | 1 | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||
| Purchases, sales, settlements - net | — | 53 | — | 53 | |||||||||||
| Transfers into or out of Level 3 | — | — | (31 | ) | (31 | ) | |||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2014 | 6 | 54 | 60 | 120 | |||||||||||
| Actual return on plan assets: | |||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) relating to assets still held at year-end | 1 | (5 | ) | (2 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||||
| Purchases, sales, settlements - net | — | 43 | 37 | 80 | |||||||||||
| Transfers into or out of Level 3 | — | — | (9 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2015 | $ | 7 | $ | 92 | $ | 86 | $ | 185 | |||||||
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
A summary of the fair value of other postretirement benefits plan assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, follows:
| Total | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other observable inputs (Level 2) | Unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
| 2015 | |||||||||||||||
| Common collective trusts | |||||||||||||||
| Global equities | $ | 44 | $ | — | $ | 44 | $ | — | |||||||
| Fixed income securities | 18 | — | 18 | — | |||||||||||
| United States treasuries | 20 | 20 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Cash equivalents | 11 | 11 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Total other postretirement benefits plan assets | $ | 93 | $ | 31 | $ | 62 | $ | — | |||||||
| 2014 | |||||||||||||||
| Common collective trusts | |||||||||||||||
| Global equities | $ | 54 | $ | — | $ | 54 | $ | — | |||||||
| Fixed income securities | 24 | — | 24 | — | |||||||||||
| United States treasuries | 37 | 37 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Cash equivalents | 1 | 1 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Total other postretirement benefits plan assets | $ | 116 | $ | 38 | $ | 78 | $ | — | |||||||
Valuation Methodologies
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Common collective trusts - Valued at the net unit value of units held by the trust at year end. The unit value is determined by the total value of fund assets divided by the total number of units of the fund owned. The equity investments in collective trusts are predominantly in index funds for which the underlying securities are actively traded in public markets based upon readily measurable prices.
34
Fixed income securities - These securities consist of publicly traded United States and non-United States fixed interest obligations (principally corporate and government bonds and debentures). The fair value of corporate and government debt securities is determined through third-party pricing models that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curves, credit ratings, and current market prices. The Company verifies the results of trustees or custodians and evaluates the pricing classification of these securities by performing analyses using other third-party sources.
United States treasuries - Valued at the closing price of each security.
Bank loans - These securities consist of senior secured term loans of publicly traded and privately held United States and non-United States floating rate obligations (principally corporations of non-investment grade rating). The fair value is determined through third-party pricing models that primarily utilize dealer quoted current market prices. The Company verifies the results of trustees or custodians and evaluates the pricing classification of these securities by performing analyses using other third-party sources.
Real estate and equity securities - These securities consist of direct investments in the stock of publicly traded companies. Such investments are valued based on the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded. As such, the direct investments are classified as Level 1.
Cash equivalents - Primarily certificates of deposit, commercial paper, money market funds and repurchase agreements.
Hedge funds - Consists of direct investments in hedge funds through limited partnership interests. Values are based on the estimated fair value of the ownership interest in the investment as determined by the General Partner. The majority of the holdings of the hedge funds are in equity securities traded on public exchanges. The investment terms of the hedge funds allow capital to be redeemed quarterly given prior notice with certain limitations.
Exchange traded funds - Valued at the closing price of the exchange traded fund's shares.
Other - Primarily insurance contracts for international plans and also futures contracts and over-the-counter options. These investments are valued based on the closing prices of future contracts or indices as available on Bloomberg or similar service, and private equity investments.
For additional information regarding fair value measurements, see Note 12.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company has various defined contribution benefit plans, primarily consisting of the plans in the United States. The total contributions related to these plans are charged to expense and were as follows:
| 2015 | $ | 137 | |
| 2014 | 141 | ||
| 2013 | 121 | ||
| Note 8. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
Legal Contingencies
Eaton is subject to a broad range of claims, administrative and legal proceedings such as lawsuits that relate to contractual allegations, tax audits, patent infringement, personal injuries, antitrust matters, and employment-related matters. Eaton is also subject to asbestos claims from historic products which may have contained asbestos. Historically, significant insurance coverage has been available to cover costs associated with these claims. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome or cost of these matters, the Company believes they will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.
35
In December 2010, a Brazilian court held that a judgment obtained by a Brazilian company, Raysul, against another Brazilian company, Saturnia, which was sold by Eaton in 2006, could be enforced against Eaton Ltda. This judgment is based on an alleged violation of an agency agreement between Raysul and Saturnia. At December 31, 2015, the Company has a total accrual of 96 Brazilian Reais related to this matter ($24 based on current exchange rates), comprised of 60 Brazilian Reais recognized in the fourth quarter of 2010 ($15 based on current exchange rates) with an additional 36 Brazilian Reais recognized through December 31, 2015 ($9 based on current exchange rates). In 2010, Eaton filed motions for clarification with the Brazilian court of appeals which were denied on April 6, 2011. Eaton Holding and Eaton Ltda. filed appeals on various issues to the Superior Court of Justice in Brasilia. In April 2013, the Superior Court of Justice ruled in favor of Raysul. Additional motions for clarification were filed with the Superior Court of Justice in Brasilia and were denied. On February 2, 2015, a final appeal was filed with the Superior Court of Justice in Brasilia. The Company expects that any sum it may be required to pay in connection with this matter will not exceed the amount of the recorded liability.
On October 5, 2006, ZF Meritor LLC and Meritor Transmission Corporation (collectively, Meritor) filed an action against Eaton in the United States District Court for Delaware. The action sought damages, which would have been trebled under United States antitrust laws, as well as injunctive relief and costs. The suit alleged that Eaton engaged in anti-competitive conduct against Meritor in the sale of heavy-duty truck transmissions in North America. On June 23, 2014, Eaton announced it signed a settlement agreement with Meritor in the amount of $500 that resolved the lawsuit and removed the uncertainty of a trial and appeal process. On July 16, 2014, Eaton paid Meritor the $500.
Frisby Corporation, now known as Triumph Actuation Systems, LLC, and other claimants (collectively, Triumph) asserted claims alleging, among other things, unfair competition, defamation, malicious prosecution, deprivation of civil rights, and antitrust in the Hinds County Circuit Court of Mississippi in 2004 and in the Federal District Court of North Carolina in 2011. Eaton had asserted claims against Triumph regarding improper use of trade secrets and these claims were dismissed by the Hinds County Circuit Court. On June 18, 2014, Eaton announced it signed a settlement agreement with Triumph in the amount of $147.5 that resolved all claims and lawsuits and removed the uncertainty of a trial and appeal process. On July 8, 2014, Eaton paid Triumph the $147.5.
Environmental Contingencies
Eaton has established policies to ensure that its operations are conducted in keeping with good corporate citizenship and with a positive commitment to the protection of the natural and workplace environments. The Company's manufacturing facilities are required to be certified to ISO 14001, an international standard for environmental management systems. The Company routinely reviews EHS performance at each of its facilities and continuously strives to improve pollution prevention.
Eaton is involved in remedial response and voluntary environmental remediation at a number of sites, including certain of its currently-owned or formerly-owned plants. The Company has also been named a potentially responsible party under the United States federal Superfund law, or the state equivalents thereof, at a number of disposal sites. The Company became involved in these sites as a result of government action or in connection with business acquisitions. At the end of 2015, the Company was involved with a total of 137 sites worldwide, including the Superfund sites mentioned above, with none of these sites being individually significant to the Company.
Remediation activities, generally involving soil and/or groundwater contamination, include pre-cleanup activities such as fact finding and investigation, risk assessment, feasibility study, design and action planning, performance (where actions may range from monitoring, to removal of contaminants, to installation of longer-term remediation systems), and operation and maintenance of a remediation system. The extent of expected remediation activities and costs varies by site. A number of factors affect the cost of environmental remediation, including the number of parties involved at a particular site, the determination of the extent of contamination, the length of time the remediation may require, the complexity of environmental regulations, and the continuing advancement of remediation technology. Taking these factors into account, Eaton has estimated the costs of remediation, which will be paid over a period of years. The Company accrues an amount on an undiscounted basis, consistent with the estimates of these costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred. Actual results may differ from these estimates. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had an accrual totaling $131 and $140, respectively, for these costs.
Based upon Eaton's analysis and subject to the difficulty in estimating these future costs, the Company expects that any sum it may be required to pay in connection with environmental matters is not reasonably possible to exceed the recorded liability by an amount that would have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
36
Warranty Accruals
A summary of the current and long-term warranty accruals follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Balance at January 1 | $ | 213 | $ | 189 | $ | 185 | |||||
| Provision | 104 | 125 | 107 | ||||||||
| Settled | (114 | ) | (120 | ) | (99 | ) | |||||
| Other | (8 | ) | 19 | (4 | ) | ||||||
| Balance at December 31 | $ | 195 | $ | 213 | $ | 189 | |||||
Lease Commitments
Eaton leases certain real properties and equipment. A summary of minimum rental commitments at December 31, 2015 under noncancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates and in most cases contain renewal options, for each of the next five years and thereafter in the aggregate, follow:
| 2016 | $ | 151 | |
| 2017 | 116 | ||
| 2018 | 87 | ||
| 2019 | 49 | ||
| 2020 | 32 | ||
| Thereafter | 55 | ||
| Total noncancelable lease commitments | $ | 490 | |
A summary of rental expense follows:
| 2015 | $ | 225 | |
| 2014 | 244 | ||
| 2013 | 241 | ||
| Note 9. | INCOME TAXES |
Eaton Corporation plc is domiciled in Ireland. Income (loss) before income taxes and income tax (benefit) expense are summarized below based on the geographic location of the operation to which such earnings and income taxes are attributable. Certain Eaton operations which are located outside the United States are subject to income tax in both the United States as well as the country in which the operations are located. As a result, income before tax by location and the components of income tax expense by taxing jurisdiction are not directly related. For purposes of this note, Puerto Rico is classified in Foreign - other since Puerto Rico is not part of the United States corporate tax system.
| Income (loss) before income taxes | |||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Ireland | $ | (608 | ) | $ | (332 | ) | $ | 184 | |||
| Foreign | 2,753 | 2,093 | 1,700 | ||||||||
| Total income before income taxes | $ | 2,145 | $ | 1,761 | $ | 1,884 | |||||
37
| Income tax expense (benefit) | |||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Current | |||||||||||
| Ireland | $ | 8 | $ | (13 | ) | $ | 17 | ||||
| United States | |||||||||||
| Federal | 88 | 87 | 89 | ||||||||
| State and local | 22 | 41 | 7 | ||||||||
| Foreign - other | 240 | 239 | 244 | ||||||||
| Total current income tax expense | 358 | 354 | 357 | ||||||||
| Deferred | |||||||||||
| Ireland | 1 | 2 | — | ||||||||
| United States | |||||||||||
| Federal | (65 | ) | (224 | ) | (295 | ) | |||||
| State and local | (6 | ) | (49 | ) | (23 | ) | |||||
| Foreign - other | (124 | ) | (125 | ) | (28 | ) | |||||
| Total deferred income tax benefit | (194 | ) | (396 | ) | (346 | ) | |||||
| Total income tax expense (benefit) | $ | 164 | $ | (42 | ) | $ | 11 | ||||
Reconciliations of income taxes from the Ireland national statutory rate of 25% to the consolidated effective income tax rate follow:
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
| Income taxes at the applicable statutory rate | 25.0 | % | 25.0 | % | 25.0 | % | ||
| Ireland operations | ||||||||
| Ireland tax on trading income | (0.4 | )% | (0.1 | )% | (1.4 | )% | ||
| Nondeductible interest expense | 7.9 | % | 4.8 | % | — | % | ||
| United States operations | ||||||||
| United States (loss) income | (0.4 | )% | (2.8 | )% | (2.8 | )% | ||
| Nondeductible goodwill - Aerospace divestitures | — | % | 1.4 | % | — | % | ||
| Credit for research activities | (0.8 | )% | (1.0 | )% | (2.0 | )% | ||
| Other - net | 5.4 | % | 1.5 | % | 1.3 | % | ||
| Other foreign operations | ||||||||
| United States foreign tax credit | (0.8 | )% | (1.1 | )% | (1.8 | )% | ||
Other foreign operations (earnings taxed at other than the applicable statutory tax rate) | (25.1 | )% | (24.8 | )% | (17.6 | )% | ||
| Other foreign operations - other items | (0.5 | )% | (1.0 | )% | 0.2 | % | ||
| Worldwide operations | ||||||||
| Adjustments to tax liabilities | (1.4 | )% | (1.7 | )% | (1.1 | )% | ||
| Adjustments to valuation allowances | (1.2 | )% | (2.6 | )% | 0.8 | % | ||
| Effective income tax expense (benefit) rate | 7.7 | % | (2.4 | )% | 0.6 | % | ||
38
During 2015, income tax expense of $164 was recognized (an effective tax expense rate of 7.7%) compared to income tax benefit of $42 for 2014 (an effective tax benefit rate of 2.4%) and income tax expense of $11 for 2013 (an effective tax expense rate of 0.6%). Excluding the net tax benefit of 7.6% for the Meritor and Triumph litigation settlements and related legal costs and the gain on the sale of the Aerospace businesses, all of which occurred in the second quarter of 2014, the income tax rate was 5.2% for 2014. The 2015 income tax rate increased from 2014 primarily due to greater levels of income earned in higher tax jurisdictions and net increases in worldwide tax liabilities. Excluding the previously mentioned litigation settlements and gain on the sale of businesses, the 2014 income tax rate increased from 2013 due to greater levels of income earned in higher tax jurisdictions and net increases in worldwide tax liabilities, partially offset by additional foreign tax credit recognition in the United States and recognition of deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions.
See Note 8 and Note 2 for additional information about litigation settlements and sales of businesses, respectively.
No provision has been made for income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $15.1 billion at December 31, 2015, since it is the Company's intention to indefinitely reinvest undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. It is not practicable to estimate the additional income taxes and applicable withholding taxes that would be payable on the remittance of such undistributed earnings.
The Company expects to deploy capital to those markets which offer particularly attractive growth opportunities. Given expected population growth and economic growth rates, most of the particularly attractive markets are outside of the United States. The cash that is permanently reinvested is typically used to expand these operations either organically or through acquisitions. Beginning in December 2012, Eaton Corporation became owned by an Irish parent company which has provided enhanced cash flow flexibility without incurring significant incremental tax. In addition, the Company expects that minimal to no Irish tax would apply to dividends paid to the Irish parent due to the impact of the Irish foreign tax credit system. The Company's public dividends and share repurchases are funded primarily from Non-U.S. operations.
Worldwide income tax payments follow:
| 2015 | $ | 302 | |
| 2014 | 258 | ||
| 2013 | 272 | ||
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
Components of current and noncurrent deferred income taxes follow:
| 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||
Noncurrent assets and liabilities | Current assets and liabilities | Noncurrent assets and liabilities | ||||||||||
| Accruals and other adjustments | ||||||||||||
| Employee benefits | $ | 808 | $ | 148 | $ | 773 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | (1,824 | ) | — | (2,010 | ) | |||||||
| Other accruals and adjustments | 717 | 476 | 282 | |||||||||
| United States federal income tax loss carryforwards | 20 | — | 58 | |||||||||
| United States federal income tax credit carryforwards | 183 | — | 150 | |||||||||
United States state and local tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards | 63 | — | 76 | |||||||||
| Other foreign tax loss carryforwards | 2,265 | — | 2,112 | |||||||||
| Other foreign income tax credit carryforwards | 70 | — | 49 | |||||||||
Valuation allowance for income tax loss and income tax credit carryforwards | (2,315 | ) | (24 | ) | (2,134 | ) | ||||||
| Other valuation allowances | (15 | ) | (7 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||||
| Total deferred income taxes | $ | (28 | ) | $ | 593 | $ | (673 | ) | ||||
39
During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company early adopted Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17). ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the Company's consolidated balance sheet starting in 2017. The Company elected to apply this standard prospectively for 2015 financial statements. As a result, prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (ASU 2013-11). ASU 2013-11 requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions except where the deferred tax asset or other carryforward are not available for use. The adoption of this standard resulted in a reduction of the Company’s consolidated long term deferred tax assets by $262 in 2015 and $146 in 2014.
At the end of 2015, United States federal income tax loss carryforwards and income tax credit carryforwards are available to reduce future United States federal income tax liabilities. These carryforwards and their respective expiration dates are summarized below:
2016 through 2020 | 2021 through 2025 | 2026 through 2030 | 2031 through 2035 | 2036 through 2040 | Not subject to expiration | Valuation allowance | |||||||||||||||||||||
United States federal income tax loss carryforwards | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 35 | $ | 415 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||
United States federal deferred income tax assets for income tax loss carryforwards | — | — | 12 | 107 | — | — | (12 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
United States federal deferred income tax assets for income tax loss carryforwards after ASU 2013-11 | — | — | 12 | 8 | — | — | (12 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
United States federal income tax credit carryforwards | 28 | 69 | 27 | 108 | 21 | 30 | (66 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
United States federal income tax credit carryforwards after ASU 2013-11 | 28 | 69 | 25 | 40 | 21 | — | (66 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
United States state and local tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards with a future tax benefit are also available at the end of 2015. The deferred tax assets for these carryforwards and their respective expiration dates are summarized below:
| 2016 through 2020 | 2021 through 2025 | 2026 through 2030 | 2031 through 2035 | 2036 through 2040 | Not subject to expiration | Valuation allowance | |||||||||||||||||||||
United States state and local deferred income tax assets for income tax loss carryforwards - net of federal tax effect | $ | 7 | $ | 17 | $ | 12 | $ | 9 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (18 | ) | ||||||||||||
United States state and local deferred income tax assets for income tax loss carryforwards - net of federal tax effect after ASU 2013-11 | — | 12 | 12 | 9 | — | — | (18 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
United States state and local income tax credit carryforwards - net of federal tax effect | 10 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 5 | — | (16 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| United States state and local income tax credit carryforwards - net of federal tax effect after ASU 2013-11 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 5 | — | (16 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
40
At December 31, 2015, certain non-United States subsidiaries had tax loss carryforwards and income tax credit carryforwards that are available to offset future taxable income. These carryforwards and their respective expiration dates are summarized below:
| 2016 through 2020 | 2021 through 2025 | 2026 through 2030 | 2031 through 2035 | Not subject to expiration | Valuation allowance | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-United States income tax loss carryforwards | $ | 125 | $ | 146 | $ | 3 | $ | — | $ | 10,092 | $ | — | |||||||||||
Non-United States deferred income tax assets for income tax loss carryforwards | 33 | 35 | 1 | — | 2,196 | (2,171 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-United States income tax credit carryforwards | 7 | 15 | 16 | — | 32 | (32 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Recoverability of Deferred Income Tax Assets
Eaton is subject to the income tax laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates. In order to determine its income tax provision for financial statement purposes, Eaton must make significant estimates and judgments about its business operations in these jurisdictions. These estimates and judgments are also used in determining the deferred income tax assets and liabilities that have been recognized for differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, and income tax loss carryforwards and income tax credit carryforwards.
Management evaluates the realizability of deferred income tax assets for each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. If the Company experiences cumulative pretax income in a particular jurisdiction in the three-year period including the current and prior two years, management normally concludes that the deferred income tax assets will more likely than not be realizable and no valuation allowance is recognized, unless known or planned operating developments would lead management to conclude otherwise. However, if the Company experiences cumulative pretax losses in a particular jurisdiction in the three-year period including the current and prior two years, management then considers a series of factors in the determination of whether the deferred income tax assets can be realized. These factors include historical operating results, known or planned operating developments, the period of time over which certain temporary differences will reverse, consideration of the utilization of certain deferred income tax liabilities, tax law carryback capability in the particular country, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, and estimates of future earnings and taxable income using the same assumptions as those used for the Company's goodwill and other impairment testing. After evaluation of these factors, if the deferred income tax assets are expected to be realized within the tax carryforward period allowed for that specific country, management would conclude that no valuation allowance would be required. To the extent that the deferred income tax assets exceed the amount that is expected to be realized within the tax carryforward period for a particular jurisdiction, management would establish a valuation allowance.
Applying the above methodology, valuation allowances have been established for certain deferred income tax assets to the extent they are not expected to be realized within the particular tax carryforward period.
Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits
A summary of gross unrecognized income tax benefits follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Balance at January 1 | $ | 493 | $ | 479 | $ | 444 | |||||
| Increases and decreases as a result of positions taken during prior years | |||||||||||
| Transfers from valuation allowances | — | (3 | ) | 13 | |||||||
| Other increases, including currency translation | 34 | 37 | 7 | ||||||||
| Other decreases, including currency translation | (34 | ) | (3 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||
| Balances related to acquired businesses | (1 | ) | (3 | ) | 2 | ||||||
| Increases as a result of positions taken during the current year | 109 | 65 | 35 | ||||||||
| Decreases relating to settlements with tax authorities | — | (51 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||
| Decreases as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations | (17 | ) | (28 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||
| Balance at December 31 | $ | 584 | $ | 493 | $ | 479 | |||||
Eaton's long-term policy has been to enter into tax planning strategies only if it is more likely than not that the benefit would be sustained upon audit. For example, the Company does not enter into any of the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Listed Transactions as set forth in Treasury Regulation 1.6011-4.
If all unrecognized tax benefits were recognized, the net impact on the provision for income tax expense would be $475.
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As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, Eaton had accrued approximately $108 and $120, respectively, for the payment of worldwide interest and penalties, which are not included in the table of unrecognized income tax benefits above. Eaton recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits in the provision for income tax expense. The Company has accrued penalties in jurisdictions primarily where they are automatically applied to any deficiency, regardless of the merit of the position.
The resolution of the majority of Eaton's unrecognized income tax benefits is dependent upon uncontrollable factors such as the prospect of retroactive regulations; new case law; the willingness of the income tax authority to settle the issue, including the timing thereof; and other factors. Therefore, for the majority of unrecognized income tax benefits, it is not reasonably possible to estimate the increase or decrease in the next 12 months. For each of the unrecognized income tax benefits where it is possible to estimate the increase or decrease in the balance within the next 12 months, the Company does not anticipate any significant change.
Eaton or its subsidiaries file income tax returns in Ireland and many countries around the world. The IRS has completed its examination of Eaton Corporation and Includible Subsidiaries United States income tax returns for 2007 through 2010 and has issued a Statutory Notice of Deficiency (Notice) as discussed below. The statute of limitations on these tax years remains open until the matter is resolved. In 2015, the IRS began its examination of tax years 2011 through 2013. During 2015, the Company extended the statute of limitations to September 2018 for tax years 2011 through 2013. Tax years 2014 and 2015 are still subject to examination by the IRS.
With respect to the pre-acquisition years of BZ Holdings Inc. and Subsidiaries (the former U.S. holding company for Cooper Industries), the IRS examination of the United States income tax returns for 2010, 2011, and the period ended December 21, 2012 was completed and settled without significant effect on the consolidated financial statements. The statute of limitations closed for tax years 2010 and 2011 on September 15, 2015. The statute of limitations on the final return period ended December 21, 2012 remains open until September 15, 2016. On December 22, 2012, BZ Holdings Inc. and Subsidiaries joined the Eaton US Holdings Inc. and Includible Subsidiaries consolidated United States income tax return for 2012.
Eaton is also under examination for the income tax filings in various states of the United States and in many other foreign jurisdictions. With only a few exceptions, Eaton Corporation and Includible Subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax examinations from states and localities within the United States for years before 2011. Income tax returns of states and localities within the United States will be reopened to the extent of United States federal income tax adjustments, if any, going back to 2005 when those audit years are finalized. Some states and localities may not limit their assessment to the United States federal adjustments, and may require the opening of the entire tax year. In addition, with only a few exceptions, BZ Holdings Inc. and Includible Subsidiaries are no longer subject to United States state and local income tax examinations for years before 2011. With only a few exceptions, the other foreign subsidiaries of both Eaton and Cooper are no longer subject to examinations for years before 2007.
At the end of the fourth quarter of 2011, the IRS issued a Notice for Eaton Corporation and Includible Subsidiaries 2005 and 2006 tax years (the 2011 Notice). The 2011 Notice proposed assessments of $75 in additional taxes plus $52 in penalties related primarily to transfer pricing adjustments for products manufactured in the Company's facilities in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic and sold to affiliated companies located in the U.S., net of agreed credits and deductions. The Company has set its transfer prices for products sold between these affiliates at the same prices that the Company sells such products to third parties as required by two successive Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) the Company entered into with the IRS. For the years 2001 through 2004, the IRS had previously accepted the transfer pricing methodology related to these APAs after a comprehensive review conducted in two separate audit cycles. On December 16, 2011, immediately prior to the 2011 Notice being issued, the IRS sent a letter stating that it was retrospectively canceling the APAs, even though their respective APA terms had already expired.
The Company is contesting the proposed assessments. The Company believes that it was in full compliance with the terms of the two APAs, and that the IRS's cancellation of these two APAs is without merit. On February 29, 2012, the Company filed a Petition with the U.S. Tax Court in which it asserted that the transfer pricing established in the APAs meets the arms-length standard set by the U.S. income tax laws, and accordingly, that the APAs should be enforced in accordance with their terms. The case involves both whether the APAs should be enforced and, if not, the appropriate transfer pricing methodology. The Company believes that another important U.S. Tax Court decision in 2015 further supports the Company's arms-length transfer pricing methodology. The case was tried before the U.S. Tax Court in August and September 2015. The case will be fully submitted to the Court after the parties complete post-trial briefing in April 2016.
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During the third quarter of 2014, the Company received a Notice from the IRS for the 2007 through 2010 tax years (the 2014 Notice) proposing assessments of $190 in additional taxes plus $72 in penalties, net of agreed credits and deductions. The proposed assessments pertain primarily to the same transfer pricing issues that are currently in litigation for the 2011 Notice, as noted above. During 2007 through 2010, the Company set its transfer prices for products sold between these affiliates consistent with the terms of a written APA between it and the IRS that covered the years at issue. To establish the relevant transfer prices, the APA relied on prices at which the Company sells the products to third parties. The Company has continued to apply the arms-length transfer pricing methodology for 2011 through the current reporting period. The 2014 Notice includes a separate proposed assessment involving the recognition of income for several of the Company’s controlled foreign corporations. The Company believes that these proposed assessments are without merit. On November 25, 2014, the Company filed a Petition with the U.S. Tax Court in which it challenged the IRS's adjustments. The Company expects the outcome of the 2014 Notice on the transfer pricing matter to be determined by the judicial decision related to the 2011 Notice.
Also during the third quarter of 2014, the Company resolved an uncertain tax position with a European government. The resolution had minimal impact on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.
During 2010, the Company received a tax assessment of $64, plus interest and penalties, in Brazil for the tax years 2005 through 2008 that relates to the amortization of certain goodwill generated from the acquisition of third-party businesses and corporate reorganizations. The Company is contesting the assessment, which is under review at the second of three administrative appeals levels. During 2013, the Brazilian tax authorities began an audit of tax years 2009 through 2012. During the third quarter of 2014, the Company received a tax assessment of $50, plus interest and penalties, for the 2009 through 2012 tax years (primarily relating to the same issues concerning the 2005 through 2008 tax years), which the Company is also contesting and is under review in the second of three administrative appeals levels. Multiple outside advisors have stated that Brazilian tax authorities are raising the issue for most clients with similar facts and that the matter is expected to require at least 10 years to resolve. The Company continues to believe that final resolution of the assessments will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
For the first time, during 2015, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in conjunction with the G20, finalized broad-based international tax policy guidelines that involve transfer pricing and other international tax subjects. While some member jurisdictions automatically adopt the new OECD guidelines, most member countries can adopt the guidelines only by new law or regulations. The Company is currently adopting processes to comply with the reporting requirements specified by the guidelines and is evaluating the other parts of the guidelines.
| Note 10. | EATON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
There are 750 million Eaton ordinary shares authorized ($0.01 par value per share), 458.8 million and 467.9 million of which were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Eaton's Memorandum and Articles of Association authorized 40 thousand deferred ordinary shares (€1.00 par value per share) and 10 thousand preferred A shares ($1.00 par value per share), all of which were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and 10 million serial preferred shares ($0.01 par value per share), none of which is outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2015, there were 18,538 holders of record of Eaton ordinary shares. Additionally, 23,559 current and former employees were shareholders through participation in the Eaton Savings Plan, Eaton Personal Investment Plan, Eaton Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan.
On September 28, 2011, Eaton Corporation's Board of Directors adopted a common share repurchase program (2011 Program) which authorized the purchase of up to 20 million common shares, not to exceed an aggregate purchase price of $1.25 billion. During 2012, no common shares were repurchased under the 2011 Program. On April 24, 2013, the Company's shareholders authorized the Board of Directors to adopt an ordinary share repurchase program (the 2013 Program) for up to 40 million ordinary shares at prices between 70% and 120% of the closing price of Eaton's ordinary shares on the day preceding the day of purchase. On October 22, 2013, Eaton's Board of Directors adopted the 2013 Program. The ordinary shares are expected to be repurchased over time, depending on market conditions, the market price of ordinary shares, capital levels, and other considerations. During 2015 and 2014, 11.3 million and 9.6 million ordinary shares were repurchased under the 2013 Program in the open market at a total cost of $682 and $650, respectively. During 2013, no ordinary shares were repurchased under the 2013 Program.
Eaton has deferral plans that permit certain employees and directors to defer a portion of their compensation. A trust contains $16 and $19 of ordinary shares and marketable securities, as valued at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, to fund a portion of these liabilities. The marketable securities were included in Other assets and the ordinary shares were included in Shareholders' equity at historical cost.
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On February 24, 2016, Eaton's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.57 per ordinary share, payable on March 18, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 7, 2016.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists primarily of net income, currency translation and related hedging instruments, changes in unrecognized costs of pension and other postretirement benefits, and changes in the effective portion of open derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges. The following table summarizes the pre-tax and after-tax amounts recognized in Comprehensive income (loss):
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre-tax | After-tax | Pre-tax | After-tax | Pre-tax | After-tax | ||||||||||||||||||
| Currency translation and related hedging instruments | $ | (1,080 | ) | $ | (1,078 | ) | $ | (1,014 | ) | $ | (1,019 | ) | $ | (30 | ) | $ | (28 | ) | |||||
| Pensions and other postretirement benefits | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prior service credit (cost) arising during the year | 1 | 1 | 82 | 51 | (6 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) gain arising during the year | (123 | ) | (89 | ) | (718 | ) | (519 | ) | 456 | 277 | |||||||||||||
| Currency translation | 62 | 46 | 56 | 47 | (5 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Other | — | (3 | ) | — | (4 | ) | 2 | 16 | |||||||||||||||
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost reclassified to earnings | 237 | 156 | 168 | 110 | 229 | 144 | |||||||||||||||||
| 177 | 111 | (412 | ) | (315 | ) | 676 | 429 | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | 20 | 13 | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | 6 | 3 | |||||||||||||||
| Changes in cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings | (16 | ) | (10 | ) | (5 | ) | (3 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges, net of reclassification adjustments | 4 | 3 | (8 | ) | (5 | ) | 6 | 3 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | (899 | ) | $ | (964 | ) | $ | (1,434 | ) | $ | (1,339 | ) | $ | 652 | $ | 404 | |||||||
The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow:
| Currency translation and related hedging instruments | Pensions and other postretirement benefits | Cash flow hedges | Total | ||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2014 | $ | (1,414 | ) | $ | (1,485 | ) | $ | — | $ | (2,899 | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications | (1,078 | ) | (45 | ) | 13 | (1,110 | ) | ||||||||
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) | — | 156 | (10 | ) | 146 | ||||||||||
Net current-period Other comprehensive (loss) income | (1,078 | ) | 111 | 3 | (964 | ) | |||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2015 | $ | (2,492 | ) | $ | (1,374 | ) | $ | 3 | $ | (3,863 | ) | ||||
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The reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow:
| December 31, 2015 | Consolidated Statements of Income classification | |||||
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits items | ||||||
| Actuarial loss and prior service cost | $ | (237 | ) | 1 | ||
| Tax benefit | 81 | |||||
| Total, net of tax | (156 | ) | ||||
| Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges | ||||||
| Currency exchange contracts | 16 | Cost of products sold | ||||
| Tax expense | (6 | ) | ||||
| Total, net of tax | 10 | |||||
| Total reclassifications for the period | $ | (146 | ) | |||
1 These components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 7 for additional information about defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits items.
Net Income Per Share Attributable to Eaton Ordinary Shareholders
A summary of the calculation of net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders follows:
| (Shares in millions) | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||
| Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 1,979 | $ | 1,793 | $ | 1,861 | |||||
| Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted | 467.1 | 476.8 | 476.7 | ||||||||
| Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation | 1.6 | 2.7 | 3.2 | ||||||||
| Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic | 465.5 | 474.1 | 473.5 | ||||||||
| Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | |||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 4.23 | $ | 3.76 | $ | 3.90 | |||||
| Basic | 4.25 | 3.78 | 3.93 | ||||||||
In 2015, 2014, and 2013, 1.6 million, 0.5 million, and 0.2 million stock options, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders because the exercise price of the options exceeded the average market price of the ordinary shares during the period and their effect, accordingly, would have been antidilutive.
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Note 11.EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
Restricted Stock Units and Awards
Restricted stock units (RSUs) and restricted stock awards (RSAs) have been issued to certain employees and directors. Participants awarded RSUs do not receive dividends; therefore, the fair value is determined by reducing the closing market price of the Company’s ordinary shares on the date of grant by the present value of the estimated dividends had they been paid. The RSUs entitle the holder to receive one ordinary share for each RSU upon vesting, generally over three or four years. The fair value of RSAs is determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s ordinary shares at the date of grant. RSAs are issued and outstanding at the time of grant, but remain subject to forfeiture until vested, generally over three or four years. A summary of the RSU and RSA activity for 2015 follows:
| (Restricted stock units and awards in millions) | Number of restricted stock units and awards | Weighted-average fair value per unit and award | ||||
| Non-vested at January 1 | 2.8 | $ | 60.11 | |||
| Granted | 1.1 | 67.46 | ||||
| Vested | (1.6 | ) | 57.50 | |||
| Forfeited | (0.2 | ) | 66.94 | |||
| Non-vested at December 31 | 2.1 | $ | 65.06 | |||
Information related to RSUs and RSAs follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Pretax expense for RSUs and RSAs | $ | 68 | $ | 81 | $ | 69 | |||||
| After-tax expense for RSUs and RSAs | 44 | 53 | 45 | ||||||||
| Fair value of vested RSUs and RSAs | 110 | 105 | 82 | ||||||||
As of December 31, 2015, total compensation expense not yet recognized related to non-vested RSUs and RSAs was $82, and the weighted-average period in which the expense is expected to be recognized is 2.7 years. Excess tax benefit for RSUs and RSAs totaled $5, and $10 for 2014 and 2013, respectively. There was no excess tax benefit for RSU's and RSA's in 2015.
Performance Share Units
In February 2015, the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors approved the grant of performance share units (PSUs) to certain employees that vest based on the satisfaction of a three-year service period and the achievement of certain performance metrics over that same period. Upon vesting, PSU holders receive dividends that accumulate during the vesting period. The fair value of these PSUs is determined based on the closing market price of the Company's ordinary shares at the date of grant. Equity-based compensation expense is recognized over the period an employee is required to provide service based on the number of PSUs for which achievement of the performance objectives is probable. A summary of PSU activity for 2015 follows:
| (Performance share units in millions) | Number of performance share units | Weighted-average fair value per unit | |||||
| Non-vested at January 1 | — | $ | — | ||||
| Granted | 0.9 | 71.72 | |||||
| Vested | — | — | |||||
| Forfeited | (0.1 | ) | 71.72 | ||||
| Non-vested at December 31 | 0.8 | $ | 71.72 | ||||
Information related to PSUs follows:
| 2015 | ||||
| Pretax expense for PSUs | $ | 2 | ||
| After-tax expense for PSUs | 1 | |||
As of December 31, 2015, total compensation expense not yet recognized related to non-vested PSUs was $5 and the weighted average period in which the expense is to be recognized is 2 years.
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Stock Options
Under various plans, stock options have been granted to certain employees and directors to purchase ordinary shares at prices equal to fair market value on the date of grant. Substantially all of these options vest ratably during the three-year period following the date of grant and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized for stock options based on the fair value of the options at the date of grant and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period the employee or director is required to provide service.
The Company uses a Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options. The principal assumptions utilized in valuing stock options include the expected stock price volatility (based on the most recent historical period equal to the expected life of the option); the expected option life (an estimate based on historical experience); the expected dividend yield; and the risk-free interest rate (an estimate based on the yield of United States Treasury zero coupon with a maturity equal to the expected life of the option). A summary of the assumptions used in determining the fair value of stock options follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Expected volatility | 29 | % | 34 | % | 36 | % | |||||
| Expected option life in years | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | ||||||||
| Expected dividend yield | 2.6 | % | 2.4 | % | 2.0 | % | |||||
| Risk-free interest rate | 1.6 to 1.5% | 1.7 to 1.5% | 1.5 to 0.8% | ||||||||
| Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted | $ | 15.25 | $ | 19.46 | $ | 17.49 | |||||
A summary of stock option activity follows:
| (Options in millions) | Weighted-average exercise price per option | Options | Weighted-average remaining contractual life in years | Aggregate intrinsic value | ||||||||
| Outstanding at January 1, 2015 | $ | 47.30 | 7.0 | |||||||||
| Granted | 71.66 | 0.8 | ||||||||||
| Exercised | 37.91 | (1.4 | ) | |||||||||
| Forfeited and canceled | 71.18 | (0.2 | ) | |||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2015 | $ | 51.94 | 6.2 | 4.3 | $ | 36.2 | ||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2015 | $ | 47.23 | 5.0 | 3.3 | $ | 36.2 | ||||||
| Reserved for future grants at December 31, 2015 | 25.5 | |||||||||||
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total excess of the $52.04 closing price of Eaton ordinary shares on the last trading day of 2015 over the exercise price of the stock option, multiplied by the related number of options outstanding and exercisable. The aggregate intrinsic value is not recognized for financial accounting purposes and the value changes based on the daily changes in the fair market value of the Company's ordinary shares.
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Information related to stock options follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Pretax expense for stock options | $ | 12 | $ | 12 | $ | 11 | |||||
| After-tax expense for stock options | 8 | 8 | 7 | ||||||||
| Proceeds from stock options exercised | 52 | 54 | 121 | ||||||||
| Income tax benefit related to stock options exercised | |||||||||||
Tax benefit classified in operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 4 | 4 | 3 | ||||||||
Excess tax benefit classified in financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 1 | 15 | 22 | ||||||||
| Intrinsic value of stock options exercised | 44 | 55 | 102 | ||||||||
| Total fair value of stock options vested | $ | 12 | $ | 12 | $ | 11 | |||||
| Stock options exercised, in millions of options | 1.4 | 1.5 | 3.6 | ||||||||
As of December 31, 2015, total compensation expense not yet recognized related to non-vested stock options was $11, and the weighted-average period in which the expense is expected to be recognized is 1.7 years.
| Note 12. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS |
Fair value is measured based on an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to satisfy a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, a fair value hierarchy is established, which categorizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
A summary of financial instruments recognized at fair value, and the fair value measurements used, follows:
| Total | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other observable inputs (Level 2) | Unobservable inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
| 2015 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | 268 | $ | 268 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
| Short-term investments | 177 | 177 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Net derivative contracts | 86 | — | 86 | — | |||||||||||
Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net | (94 | ) | — | (94 | ) | — | |||||||||
| 2014 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | 781 | $ | 781 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
| Short-term investments | 245 | 245 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Net derivative contracts | 70 | — | 70 | — | |||||||||||
Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps - net | (74 | ) | — | (74 | ) | — | |||||||||
Eaton values its financial instruments using an industry standard market approach, in which prices and other relevant information is generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. No financial instruments were measured using unobservable inputs.
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Other Fair Value Measurements
Long-term debt and the current portion of long-term debt had a carrying value of $8,023 and fair value of $8,231 at December 31, 2015 compared to $9,032 and $9,509, respectively, at December 31, 2014. The fair value of Eaton's debt instruments was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities and is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement.
Short-Term Investments
Eaton invests excess cash generated from operations in short-term marketable investments. For those investments classified as “available-for-sale”, Eaton marks these investments to fair value with the offset recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. A summary of the carrying value of short-term investments follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
| Time deposits, certificates of deposit and demand deposits with banks | $ | 122 | $ | 113 | |||
| Money market investments | 55 | 131 | |||||
| Other | — | 1 | |||||
| Total short-term investments | $ | 177 | $ | 245 | |||
| Note 13. | DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES |
In the normal course of business, Eaton is exposed to certain risks related to fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. The Company uses various derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, currency forward exchange contracts, currency swaps and, to a lesser extent, commodity contracts, to manage risks from these market fluctuations. The instruments used by Eaton are straightforward, non-leveraged instruments. The counterparties to these instruments are financial institutions with strong credit ratings. Eaton maintains control over the size of positions entered into with any one counterparty and regularly monitors the credit rating of these institutions. Such instruments are not purchased and sold for trading purposes.
Derivative financial instruments are accounted for at fair value and recognized as assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accounting for the gain or loss resulting from the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument depends on whether it has been designated, and is effective, as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, as to the nature of the hedging activity. Eaton formally documents all relationships between derivative financial instruments accounted for as designated hedges and the hedged item, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. This process includes linking derivative financial instruments to a recognized asset or liability, specific firm commitment, forecasted transaction, or net investment in a foreign operation. These financial instruments can be designated as:
| • | Hedges of the change in the fair value of a recognized fixed-rate asset or liability, or the firm commitment to acquire such an asset or liability (a fair value hedge); for these hedges, the gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in income during the period of change in fair value. |
| • | Hedges of the variable cash flows of a recognized variable-rate asset or liability, or the forecasted acquisition of such an asset or liability (a cash flow hedge); for these hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified to income in the same period when the gain or loss on the hedged item is included in income. |
| • | Hedges of the currency exposure related to a net investment in a foreign operation (a net investment hedge); for these hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss from the derivative financial instrument is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified to income in the same period when the gain or loss related to the net investment in the foreign operation is included in income. |
The gain or loss from a derivative financial instrument designated as a hedge that is effective is classified in the same line of the Consolidated Statements of Income as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item. The change in fair value of a derivative financial instrument that is not effective as a hedge is immediately recognized in income.
For derivatives that are not designated as a hedge, any gain or loss is immediately recognized in income. The majority of derivatives used in this manner relate to risks resulting from assets or liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and certain commodity contracts that arise in the normal course of business. Gains and losses associated with commodity hedge contracts are classified in Cost of products sold.
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Eaton uses certain of its debt denominated in foreign currency to hedge portions of its net investments in foreign operations against foreign currency exposure (net investment hedges). Foreign currency denominated debt designated on an after-tax basis as non-derivative net investment hedging instruments was $83 and $84 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 6 for additional information about debt.
Interest Rate Risk
Eaton has entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk of certain long-term debt. These interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair value hedges of certain long-term debt. The maturity of the swap corresponds with the maturity of the debt instrument as noted in the table of long-term debt in Note 6. Eaton has also entered into a forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swap to manage interest rate risk on an anticipated debt refinancing in 2017.
A summary of interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2015, follows:
Fixed-to-Floating Interest Rate Swaps
| Notional amount | Fixed interest rate received | Floating interest rate paid | Basis for contracted floating interest rate paid | ||||
| 150 | 5.30% | 4.59% | 1 month LIBOR + 4.26% | ||||
| 750 | 1.50% | 0.71% | 1 month LIBOR + 0.46% | ||||
| 415 | 5.60% | 3.78% | 6 month LIBOR + 3.18% | ||||
| 300 | 6.95% | 5.66% | 3 month LIBOR + 5.07% | ||||
| 25 | 8.875% | 4.59% | 6 month LIBOR + 3.84% | ||||
| 150 | 3.875% | 2.45% | 1 month LIBOR + 2.12% | ||||
| 275 | 3.47% | 2.07% | 1 month LIBOR + 1.74% | ||||
| 1,350 | 2.75% | 0.80% | 1 month LIBOR + 0.56% | ||||
| 200 | 3.68% | 1.40% | 1 month LIBOR + 1.07% | ||||
| 25 | 7.625% | 3.01% | 6 month LIBOR + 2.48% | ||||
| 50 | 7.65% | 3.17% | 6 month LIBOR + 2.57% | ||||
| 25 | 5.45% | 0.80% | 6 month LIBOR + 0.28% | ||||
Forward Starting Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swaps
| Notional amount | Fixed interest rate paid | Floating interest rate received | Basis for contracted floating interest rate received | ||||
| 50 | 2.52% | —% | 3 month LIBOR + 0.00% | ||||
Derivative Financial Statement Impacts
The fair value of derivative financial instruments recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets follows:
Notional amount | Other current assets | Other noncurrent assets | Other current liabilities | Other noncurrent liabilities | Type of hedge | Term | |||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives designated as hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps | $ | 3,715 | $ | — | $ | 96 | $ | — | $ | 2 | Fair value | 2 to 19 years | |||||||||||
| Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps | 50 | — | — | — | — | Cash flow | 12 years | ||||||||||||||||
| Currency exchange contracts | 724 | 18 | 1 | 8 | 6 | Cash flow | 1 to 36 months | ||||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts | 1 | — | — | — | — | Cash flow | 1 to 12 months | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 18 | $ | 97 | $ | 8 | $ | 8 | |||||||||||||||
| Derivatives not designated as hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency exchange contracts | $ | 4,198 | $ | 27 | $ | 40 | 1 to 12 months | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 27 | $ | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||
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| December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives designated as hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps | $ | 3,440 | $ | — | $ | 84 | $ | — | $ | 10 | Fair value | 2 to 19 years | |||||||||||
| Currency exchange contracts | 432 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 3 | Cash flow | 1 to 36 months | ||||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts | 1 | — | — | — | — | Cash flow | 1 to 12 months | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 8 | $ | 85 | $ | 5 | $ | 13 | |||||||||||||||
| Derivatives not designated as hedges | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency exchange contracts | $ | 4,447 | $ | 47 | $ | 52 | 1 to 12 months | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 47 | $ | 52 | |||||||||||||||||||
The currency exchange contracts shown in the table above as derivatives not designated as hedges are primarily contracts entered into to manage currency volatility or exposure on intercompany sales and loans. While Eaton does not elect hedge accounting treatment for these derivatives, Eaton targets managing 100% of the intercompany balance sheet exposure to minimize the effect of currency volatility related to the movement of goods and services in the normal course of its operations. This activity represents the great majority of these currency exchange contracts.
The impact of derivative instruments to the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income follow:
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income | Location of gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss | |||||||||||||||
| 2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||
| Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | |||||||||||||||||
| Floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps | $ | — | $ | — | Interest expense - net | $ | — | $ | (1 | ) | |||||||
| Currency exchange contracts | 20 | (3 | ) | Cost of products sold | 16 | 6 | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | 20 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | 16 | $ | 5 | ||||||||
Amounts recognized in net income follow:
| 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
| Derivatives designated as fair value hedges | |||||||
| Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps | $ | 20 | $ | 113 | |||
Related long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by interest rate swaps | (20 | ) | (113 | ) | |||
| $ | — | $ | — | ||||
Gains and losses described above were recognized in Interest expense - net.
| Note 14. | ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND INVENTORY |
Accounts Receivable
Eaton performs ongoing credit evaluation of its customers and maintains sufficient allowances for potential credit losses. The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on the length of time the receivable is past due and any anticipated future write-off based on historic experience. Accounts receivable balances are written off against an allowance for doubtful accounts after a final determination of uncollectability has been made. Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $50 and $60 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Inventory
Inventory is carried at lower of cost or market. Inventory in the United States is generally accounted for using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Remaining United States and non-United States inventory is accounted for using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Cost components include raw materials, purchased components, direct labor, indirect labor, utilities, depreciation, inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, and costs of the distribution network.
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The components of inventory follow:
| 2015 | 2014 | ||||||
| Raw materials | $ | 885 | $ | 924 | |||
| Work-in-process | 412 | 422 | |||||
| Finished goods | 1,131 | 1,201 | |||||
| Inventory at FIFO | 2,428 | 2,547 | |||||
| Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost | (105 | ) | (119 | ) | |||
| Total inventory | $ | 2,323 | $ | 2,428 | |||
Inventory at FIFO accounted for using the LIFO method was 43% and 41% at the end of 2015 and 2014, respectively.
| Note 15. | BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REGION INFORMATION |
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. Eaton’s segments are as follows:
Electrical Products and Electrical Systems and Services
The Electrical Products segment consists of electrical components, industrial components, residential products, single phase power quality, emergency lighting, fire detection, wiring devices, structural support systems, circuit protection, and lighting products. The Electrical Systems and Services segment consists of power distribution and assemblies, three phase power quality, hazardous duty electrical equipment, intrinsically safe explosion-proof instrumentation, utility power distribution, power reliability equipment, and services. The principal markets for these segments are industrial, institutional, governmental, utility, commercial, residential and information technology. These products are used wherever there is a demand for electrical power in commercial buildings, data centers, residences, apartment and office buildings, hospitals, factories, utilities, and industrial and energy facilities. The segments share several common global customers, but a large number of customers are located regionally. Sales are made directly to original equipment manufacturers, utilities, and certain other end users, as well as through distributors, resellers, and manufacturers' representatives.
Hydraulics
The Hydraulics segment is a global leader in hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment. Eaton offers a wide range of power products including pumps, motors and hydraulic power units; a broad range of controls and sensing products including valves, cylinders and electronic controls; a full range of fluid conveyance products including industrial and hydraulic hose, fittings, and assemblies, thermoplastic hose and tubing, couplings, connectors, and assembly equipment; filtration systems solutions; industrial drum and disc brakes; and golf grips. The principal markets for the Hydraulics segment include oil and gas, renewable energy, marine, agriculture, construction, mining, forestry, utility, material handling, truck and bus, machine tools, molding, primary metals, and power generation. Key manufacturing customers in these markets and other customers are located globally. Products are sold and serviced through a variety of channels.
Aerospace
The Aerospace segment is a leading global supplier of aerospace fuel, hydraulics, and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use. Products include hydraulic power generation systems for aerospace applications including pumps, motors, hydraulic power units, hose and fittings, electro-hydraulic pumps; controls and sensing products including valves, cylinders, electronic controls, electromechanical actuators, sensors, aircraft flap and slat systems and nose wheel steering systems; fluid conveyance products, including hose, thermoplastic tubing, fittings, adapters, couplings, sealing and ducting; and fuel systems including fuel pumps, sensors, valves, adapters and regulators. In addition, products included power and load management systems and displays and panels until these businesses were sold in May of 2014. The principal markets for the Aerospace segment are manufacturers of commercial and military aircraft and related after-market customers. These manufacturers and other customers operate globally. Products are sold and serviced through a variety of channels.
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Vehicle
The Vehicle segment is a leader in the design, manufacture, marketing, and supply of drivetrain and powertrain systems and critical components that reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, stability, performance, and safety of cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles. Products include transmissions, clutches, hybrid power systems, superchargers, engine valves and valve actuation systems, cylinder heads, locking and limited slip differentials, transmission controls, fuel vapor components, fluid connectors and conveyance products for the global vehicle industry. The principal markets for the Vehicle segment are original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers of heavy-, medium-, and light-duty trucks, SUVs, CUVs, passenger cars and agricultural equipment.
Other Information
No single customer represented greater than 10% of net sales in 2015, 2014 or 2013, respectively.
The accounting policies of the business segments are generally the same as the policies described in Note 1, except that inventory and related cost of products sold of the segments are accounted for using the FIFO method and operating profit only reflects the service cost component related to pensions and other postretirement benefits. Intersegment sales and transfers are accounted for at the same prices as if the sales and transfers were made to third parties. These intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation. Operating profit includes the operating profit from intersegment sales.
For purposes of business segment performance measurement, the Company does not allocate items that are of a non-operating nature or are of a corporate or functional governance nature. Corporate expenses consist of transaction costs associated with the acquisition of certain businesses and corporate office expenses including compensation, benefits, occupancy, depreciation, and other administrative costs. Identifiable assets of the business segments exclude goodwill, other intangible assets, and general corporate assets, which principally consist of cash, short-term investments, deferred income taxes, certain accounts receivable, certain property, plant and equipment, and certain other assets.
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Business Segment Information
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Net sales | |||||||||||
| Electrical Products | $ | 6,976 | $ | 7,254 | $ | 7,026 | |||||
| Electrical Systems and Services | 5,931 | 6,457 | 6,430 | ||||||||
| Hydraulics | 2,459 | 2,975 | 2,981 | ||||||||
| Aerospace | 1,807 | 1,860 | 1,774 | ||||||||
| Vehicle | 3,682 | 4,006 | 3,835 | ||||||||
| Total net sales | $ | 20,855 | $ | 22,552 | $ | 22,046 | |||||
| Segment operating profit | |||||||||||
| Electrical Products | $ | 1,156 | $ | 1,184 | $ | 1,090 | |||||
| Electrical Systems and Services | 776 | 843 | 889 | ||||||||
| Hydraulics | 246 | 367 | 355 | ||||||||
| Aerospace | 310 | 273 | 252 | ||||||||
| Vehicle | 645 | 645 | 592 | ||||||||
| Total segment operating profit | 3,133 | 3,312 | 3,178 | ||||||||
| Corporate | |||||||||||
| Litigation settlements | — | (644 | ) | — | |||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | (406 | ) | (431 | ) | (437 | ) | |||||
| Interest expense - net | (232 | ) | (227 | ) | (271 | ) | |||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefits expense | (130 | ) | (138 | ) | (183 | ) | |||||
| Inventory step-up adjustment | — | — | (34 | ) | |||||||
| Other corporate expense - net | (220 | ) | (111 | ) | (369 | ) | |||||
| Income before income taxes | 2,145 | 1,761 | 1,884 | ||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 164 | (42 | ) | 11 | |||||||
| Net income | 1,981 | 1,803 | 1,873 | ||||||||
| Less net income for noncontrolling interests | (2 | ) | (10 | ) | (12 | ) | |||||
| Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 1,979 | $ | 1,793 | $ | 1,861 | |||||
Business segment operating profit was reduced by acquisition integration charges as follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Electrical Products | $ | 25 | $ | 66 | $ | 44 | |||||
| Electrical Systems and Services | 15 | 51 | 37 | ||||||||
| Hydraulics | 2 | 12 | 36 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 42 | $ | 129 | $ | 117 | |||||
Corporate acquisition integration charges totaled $5, $25 and $37 in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Corporate acquisition integration charges related primarily to the acquisition of Cooper and are included above in Other corporate expense - net.
Acquisition-related transaction costs, such as investment banking, legal and other professional fees, and costs associated with change in control agreements, are included above in Interest expense - net and Other corporate expense - net. These charges totaled $9 in 2013. There were no Corporate acquisition-related transition costs in 2014 and 2015. See Note 3 for additional information about acquisition integration charges and transaction costs.
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| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Identifiable assets | |||||||||||
| Electrical Products | $ | 2,538 | $ | 3,012 | $ | 3,204 | |||||
| Electrical Systems and Services | 2,285 | 2,512 | 2,683 | ||||||||
| Hydraulics | 1,138 | 1,315 | 1,362 | ||||||||
| Aerospace | 841 | 832 | 852 | ||||||||
| Vehicle | 1,579 | 1,668 | 1,716 | ||||||||
| Total identifiable assets | 8,381 | 9,339 | 9,817 | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 13,479 | 13,893 | 14,495 | ||||||||
| Other intangible assets | 6,014 | 6,556 | 7,186 | ||||||||
| Corporate | 3,157 | 3,741 | 3,993 | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 31,031 | $ | 33,529 | $ | 35,491 | |||||
| Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment | |||||||||||
| Electrical Products | $ | 137 | $ | 170 | $ | 152 | |||||
| Electrical Systems and Services | 94 | 147 | 113 | ||||||||
| Hydraulics | 61 | 79 | 80 | ||||||||
| Aerospace | 33 | 28 | 29 | ||||||||
| Vehicle | 119 | 160 | 161 | ||||||||
| Total | 444 | 584 | 535 | ||||||||
| Corporate | 62 | 48 | 79 | ||||||||
| Total expenditures for property, plant and equipment | $ | 506 | $ | 632 | $ | 614 | |||||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | |||||||||||
| Electrical Products | $ | 137 | $ | 148 | $ | 151 | |||||
| Electrical Systems and Services | 82 | 90 | 86 | ||||||||
| Hydraulics | 67 | 67 | 65 | ||||||||
| Aerospace | 28 | 28 | 27 | ||||||||
| Vehicle | 113 | 130 | 133 | ||||||||
| Total | 427 | 463 | 462 | ||||||||
| Corporate | 52 | 51 | 54 | ||||||||
| Total depreciation of property, plant and equipment | $ | 479 | $ | 514 | $ | 516 | |||||
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Geographic Region Information
Net sales are measured based on the geographic destination of sales. Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment - net.
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Net sales | |||||||||||
| United States | $ | 11,396 | $ | 11,701 | $ | 11,092 | |||||
| Canada | 969 | 1,113 | 1,154 | ||||||||
| Latin America | 1,726 | 1,988 | 2,113 | ||||||||
| Europe | 4,379 | 5,074 | 5,112 | ||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 2,385 | 2,676 | 2,575 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 20,855 | $ | 22,552 | $ | 22,046 | |||||
| Long-lived assets | |||||||||||
| United States | $ | 1,982 | $ | 1,988 | $ | 1,966 | |||||
| Canada | 19 | 25 | 28 | ||||||||
| Latin America | 243 | 306 | 331 | ||||||||
| Europe | 734 | 799 | 856 | ||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 587 | 632 | 652 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,565 | $ | 3,750 | $ | 3,833 | |||||
| Note 16. | CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
On November 14, 2013, Eaton Corporation registered senior notes under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Senior Notes). Eaton and certain other of Eaton's 100% owned direct and indirect subsidiaries (the Guarantors) fully and unconditionally guaranteed (subject, in the case of the Guarantors, other than Eaton, to customary release provisions as described below), on a joint and several basis, the Senior Notes. The following condensed consolidating financial statements are included so that separate financial statements of Eaton, Eaton Corporation and each of the Guarantors are not required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The consolidating adjustments primarily relate to eliminations of investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. The condensed consolidating financial statements present investments in subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting. See Note 6 for additional information related to the Senior Notes.
The guarantee of a Guarantor that is not a parent of the issuer will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged in the event of any sale of the Guarantor or of all or substantially all of its assets, or in connection with the release or termination of the Guarantor as a guarantor under all other U.S. debt securities or U.S. syndicated credit facilities, subject to limitations set forth in the indenture. The guarantee of a Guarantor that is a direct or indirect parent of the issuer will only be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged in connection with the release or termination of such Guarantor as a guarantor under all other debt securities or syndicated credit facilities (in both cases, U.S. or otherwise), subject to limitations set forth in the indenture.
During 2015, the Company undertook certain steps to restructure ownership of various subsidiaries. The transactions were entirely among wholly-owned subsidiaries under the common control of Eaton. This restructuring has been reflected as of the beginning of the earliest period presented below.
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CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Eaton Corporation plc | Eaton Corporation | Guarantors | Other subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | — | $ | 6,925 | $ | 6,654 | $ | 12,538 | $ | (5,262 | ) | $ | 20,855 | ||||||||||
| Cost of products sold | — | 5,508 | 5,033 | 8,984 | (5,233 | ) | 14,292 | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling and administrative expense | 141 | 1,223 | 737 | 1,495 | — | 3,596 | |||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expense | — | 266 | 196 | 163 | — | 625 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense (income) - net | — | 222 | 21 | (13 | ) | 2 | 232 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other expense (income) - net | — | 27 | 2 | (64 | ) | — | (35 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax | (2,456 | ) | (793 | ) | (3,267 | ) | (666 | ) | 7,182 | — | |||||||||||||
| Intercompany expense (income) - net | 336 | (452 | ) | 1,239 | (1,123 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 1,979 | 924 | 2,693 | 3,762 | (7,213 | ) | 2,145 | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | — | 103 | (73 | ) | 145 | (11 | ) | 164 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 1,979 | 821 | 2,766 | 3,617 | (7,202 | ) | 1,981 | ||||||||||||||||
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | (3 | ) | 1 | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 1,979 | $ | 821 | $ | 2,766 | $ | 3,614 | $ | (7,201 | ) | $ | 1,979 | ||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | (964 | ) | 1 | (947 | ) | (1,170 | ) | 2,116 | (964 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 1,015 | $ | 822 | $ | 1,819 | $ | 2,444 | $ | (5,085 | ) | $ | 1,015 | ||||||||||
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CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Eaton Corporation plc | Eaton Corporation | Guarantors | Other subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | — | $ | 6,990 | $ | 6,885 | $ | 13,521 | $ | (4,844 | ) | $ | 22,552 | ||||||||||
| Cost of products sold | — | 5,519 | 5,075 | 9,882 | (4,830 | ) | 15,646 | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling and administrative expense | 171 | 1,246 | 743 | 1,650 | — | 3,810 | |||||||||||||||||
| Litigation settlements | — | 644 | — | — | — | 644 | |||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expense | — | �� | 240 | 202 | 205 | — | 647 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense (income) - net | — | 225 | 25 | (29 | ) | 6 | 227 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other expense (income) - net | — | (17 | ) | (81 | ) | (85 | ) | — | (183 | ) | |||||||||||||
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax | (2,191 | ) | (663 | ) | (2,654 | ) | (292 | ) | 5,800 | — | |||||||||||||
| Intercompany expense (income) - net | 227 | (263 | ) | 855 | (819 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 1,793 | 59 | 2,720 | 3,009 | (5,820 | ) | 1,761 | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | — | (100 | ) | 76 | (11 | ) | (7 | ) | (42 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 1,793 | 159 | 2,644 | 3,020 | (5,813 | ) | 1,803 | ||||||||||||||||
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | (8 | ) | (2 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 1,793 | $ | 159 | $ | 2,644 | $ | 3,012 | $ | (5,815 | ) | $ | 1,793 | ||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | (1,339 | ) | (197 | ) | (1,368 | ) | (1,646 | ) | 3,211 | (1,339 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 454 | $ | (38 | ) | $ | 1,276 | $ | 1,366 | $ | (2,604 | ) | $ | 454 | |||||||||
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CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Eaton Corporation plc | Eaton Corporation | Guarantors | Other subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | — | $ | 6,695 | $ | 6,421 | $ | 13,579 | $ | (4,649 | ) | $ | 22,046 | ||||||||||
| Cost of products sold | — | 5,227 | 4,784 | 10,010 | (4,652 | ) | 15,369 | ||||||||||||||||
| Selling and administrative expense | 32 | 1,400 | 749 | 1,705 | — | 3,886 | |||||||||||||||||
| Research and development expense | — | 255 | 200 | 189 | — | 644 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense (income) - net | — | 271 | 28 | (22 | ) | (6 | ) | 271 | |||||||||||||||
| Other expense (income) - net | — | 8 | 4 | (20 | ) | — | (8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Equity in loss (earnings) of subsidiaries, net of tax | (2,147 | ) | (657 | ) | (2,005 | ) | (277 | ) | 5,086 | — | |||||||||||||
| Intercompany expense (income) - net | 254 | (155 | ) | (433 | ) | 334 | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 1,861 | 346 | 3,094 | 1,660 | (5,077 | ) | 1,884 | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | — | (108 | ) | (90 | ) | 207 | 2 | 11 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 1,861 | 454 | 3,184 | 1,453 | (5,079 | ) | 1,873 | ||||||||||||||||
Less net loss (income) for noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | (9 | ) | (3 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 1,861 | $ | 454 | $ | 3,184 | $ | 1,444 | $ | (5,082 | ) | $ | 1,861 | ||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | 404 | 221 | 475 | 262 | (958 | ) | 404 | ||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 2,265 | $ | 675 | $ | 3,659 | $ | 1,706 | $ | (6,040 | ) | $ | 2,265 | ||||||||||
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Eaton Corporation plc | Eaton Corporation | Guarantors | Other subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | — | $ | 26 | $ | 7 | $ | 235 | $ | — | $ | 268 | |||||||||||
| Short-term investments | — | — | 2 | 175 | — | 177 | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable - net | — | 512 | 1,030 | 1,937 | — | 3,479 | |||||||||||||||||
| Intercompany accounts receivable | 1 | 842 | 3,888 | 2,928 | (7,659 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Inventory | — | 357 | 651 | 1,395 | (80 | ) | 2,323 | ||||||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | — | 77 | 40 | 229 | 23 | 369 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 1 | 1,814 | 5,618 | 6,899 | (7,716 | ) | 6,616 | ||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment - net | — | 930 | 750 | 1,885 | — | 3,565 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other noncurrent assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | — | 1,355 | 6,264 | 5,860 | — | 13,479 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other intangible assets | — | 182 | 3,624 | 2,208 | — | 6,014 | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | — | 1,016 | — | 218 | (872 | ) | 362 | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment in subsidiaries | 29,627 | 13,001 | 60,139 | 10,163 | (112,930 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Intercompany loans receivable | — | 8,641 | 1,573 | 44,835 | (55,049 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | — | 527 | 122 | 346 | — | 995 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 29,628 | $ | 27,466 | $ | 78,090 | $ | 72,414 | $ | (176,567 | ) | $ | 31,031 | ||||||||||
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term debt | $ | — | $ | 408 | $ | — | $ | 18 | $ | — | $ | 426 | |||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | — | 1 | 240 | 1 | — | 242 | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | — | 392 | 260 | 1,106 | — | 1,758 | |||||||||||||||||
| Intercompany accounts payable | 219 | 4,009 | 2,248 | 1,183 | (7,659 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Accrued compensation | — | 77 | 53 | 236 | — | 366 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 1 | 644 | 318 | 875 | (5 | ) | 1,833 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 220 | 5,531 | 3,119 | 3,419 | (7,664 | ) | 4,625 | ||||||||||||||||
| Noncurrent liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | — | 7,088 | 675 | 17 | 1 | 7,781 | |||||||||||||||||
| Pension liabilities | — | 639 | 165 | 782 | — | 1,586 | |||||||||||||||||
Other postretirement benefits liabilities | — | 245 | 118 | 77 | — | 440 | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | — | — | 815 | 447 | (872 | ) | 390 | ||||||||||||||||
| Intercompany loans payable | 14,222 | 2,962 | 36,432 | 1,433 | (55,049 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | — | 346 | 200 | 432 | — | 978 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total noncurrent liabilities | 14,222 | 11,280 | 38,405 | 3,188 | (55,920 | ) | 11,175 | ||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eaton shareholders' equity | 15,186 | 10,655 | 36,566 | 65,770 | (112,991 | ) | 15,186 | ||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | 37 | 8 | 45 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total equity | 15,186 | 10,655 | 36,566 | 65,807 | (112,983 | ) | 15,231 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 29,628 | $ | 27,466 | $ | 78,090 | $ | 72,414 | $ | (176,567 | ) | $ | 31,031 | ||||||||||
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Eaton Corporation plc | Eaton Corporation | Guarantors | Other subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | 1 | $ | 173 | $ | 13 | $ | 594 | $ | — | $ | 781 | |||||||||||
| Short-term investments | — | — | 1 | 244 | — | 245 | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable - net | — | 500 | 955 | 2,212 | — | 3,667 | |||||||||||||||||
| Intercompany accounts receivable | 2 | 759 | 3,822 | 4,101 | (8,684 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Inventory | — | 397 | 637 | 1,445 | (51 | ) | 2,428 | ||||||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | — | 464 | 171 | 340 | 4 | 979 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 3 | 2,293 | 5,599 | 8,936 | (8,731 | ) | 8,100 | ||||||||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment - net | — | 972 | 756 | 2,022 | — | 3,750 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other noncurrent assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | — | 1,355 | 6,263 | 6,275 | — | 13,893 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other intangible assets | — | 196 | 3,811 | 2,549 | — | 6,556 | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | — | 889 | 10 | 137 | (808 | ) | 228 | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment in subsidiaries | 26,612 | 12,238 | 58,684 | 9,185 | (106,719 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Intercompany loans receivable | — | 7,542 | 2,249 | 40,635 | (50,426 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | — | 473 | 142 | 387 | — | 1,002 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 26,615 | $ | 25,958 | $ | 77,514 | $ | 70,126 | $ | (166,684 | ) | $ | 33,529 | ||||||||||
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term debt | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | 2 | |||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | — | 702 | 304 | 2 | — | 1,008 | |||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | — | 475 | 340 | 1,125 | — | 1,940 | |||||||||||||||||
| Intercompany accounts payable | 117 | 4,087 | 3,443 | 1,037 | (8,684 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Accrued compensation | — | 112 | 59 | 249 | — | 420 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 1 | 674 | 343 | 981 | (14 | ) | 1,985 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 118 | 6,050 | 4,489 | 3,396 | (8,698 | ) | 5,355 | ||||||||||||||||
| Noncurrent liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | — | 7,079 | 932 | 13 | — | 8,024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Pension liabilities | — | 726 | 183 | 903 | — | 1,812 | |||||||||||||||||
Other postretirement benefits liabilities | — | 283 | 136 | 94 | — | 513 | |||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | — | — | 1,160 | 549 | (808 | ) | 901 | ||||||||||||||||
| Intercompany loans payable | 10,711 | 2,723 | 36,162 | 830 | (50,426 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | — | 457 | 186 | 442 | — | 1,085 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total noncurrent liabilities | 10,711 | 11,268 | 38,759 | 2,831 | (51,234 | ) | 12,335 | ||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eaton shareholders' equity | 15,786 | 8,640 | 34,266 | 63,854 | (106,760 | ) | 15,786 | ||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | 45 | 8 | 53 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total equity | 15,786 | 8,640 | 34,266 | 63,899 | (106,752 | ) | 15,839 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 26,615 | $ | 25,958 | $ | 77,514 | $ | 70,126 | $ | (166,684 | ) | $ | 33,529 | ||||||||||
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS DECEMBER 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Eaton Corporation plc | Eaton Corporation | Guarantors | Other subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | (137 | ) | $ | (46 | ) | $ | (283 | ) | $ | 2,841 | $ | (4 | ) | $ | 2,371 | |||||||
| Investing activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment | — | (94 | ) | (146 | ) | (266 | ) | — | (506 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cash received from (paid for) acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | — | — | (36 | ) | (36 | ) | — | (72 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Sales (purchases) of short-term investment - net | — | — | (2 | ) | 39 | — | 37 | ||||||||||||||||
| Investments in affiliates | (1,482 | ) | — | (1,176 | ) | (1,482 | ) | 4,140 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Loans to affiliates | — | (1,235 | ) | (39 | ) | (10,608 | ) | 11,882 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Repayments of loans from affiliates | — | 342 | 359 | 7,148 | (7,849 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the sales of businesses | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other - net | — | (50 | ) | 47 | (32 | ) | — | (35 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (1,482 | ) | (1,037 | ) | (993 | ) | (5,236 | ) | 8,173 | (575 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Financing activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from borrowings | — | 408 | — | 17 | — | 425 | |||||||||||||||||
| Payments on borrowings | — | (724 | ) | (301 | ) | (2 | ) | — | (1,027 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates | 3,322 | 6,885 | 997 | 678 | (11,882 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Payments on borrowings from affiliates | (48 | ) | (6,122 | ) | (1,282 | ) | (397 | ) | 7,849 | — | |||||||||||||
| Capital contribution from affiliates | — | 1,176 | 1,482 | 1,482 | (4,140 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Other intercompany financing activities | — | (688 | ) | 374 | 314 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | (1,026 | ) | — | — | — | — | (1,026 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid to affiliates | — | — | — | (4 | ) | 4 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of employee stock options | 52 | — | — | — | — | 52 | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of shares | (682 | ) | — | — | — | — | (682 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation | — | 1 | — | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other - net | — | — | — | (10 | ) | — | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 1,618 | 936 | 1,270 | 2,078 | (8,169 | ) | (2,267 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Effect of currency on cash | — | — | — | (42 | ) | — | (42 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Total increase (decrease) in cash | (1 | ) | (147 | ) | (6 | ) | (359 | ) | — | (513 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Cash at the beginning of the period | 1 | 173 | 13 | 594 | — | 781 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash at the end of the period | $ | — | $ | 26 | $ | 7 | $ | 235 | $ | — | $ | 268 | |||||||||||
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS DECEMBER 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Eaton Corporation plc | Eaton Corporation | Guarantors | Other subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | (93 | ) | $ | (411 | ) | $ | (218 | ) | $ | 2,568 | $ | 32 | $ | 1,878 | ||||||||
| Investing activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment | — | (127 | ) | (168 | ) | (337 | ) | — | (632 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cash received from (paid for) acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | — | — | — | 2 | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net | — | — | 133 | 389 | — | 522 | |||||||||||||||||
| Investments in affiliates | (753 | ) | — | — | (753 | ) | 1,506 | — | |||||||||||||||
| Loans to affiliates | — | (354 | ) | (162 | ) | (10,546 | ) | 11,062 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Repayments of loans from affiliates | — | 978 | 212 | 8,451 | (9,641 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the sales of businesses | — | 93 | 175 | 14 | — | 282 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other - net | — | (47 | ) | 44 | (28 | ) | — | (31 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (753 | ) | 543 | 234 | (2,808 | ) | 2,927 | 143 | |||||||||||||||
| Financing activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments on borrowings | — | (553 | ) | (1 | ) | (28 | ) | — | (582 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates | 2,628 | 7,599 | 808 | 27 | (11,062 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Payments on borrowings from affiliates | (476 | ) | (6,907 | ) | (1,875 | ) | (383 | ) | 9,641 | — | |||||||||||||
| Capital contribution from affiliates | — | — | 753 | 753 | (1,506 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Other intercompany financing activities | 217 | (169 | ) | 302 | (350 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | (929 | ) | — | — | — | — | (929 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends received from affiliates | — | — | — | 32 | (32 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of employee stock options | 54 | — | — | — | — | 54 | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of shares | (650 | ) | — | — | — | — | (650 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation | — | 20 | — | — | — | 20 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other - net | — | — | — | (43 | ) | — | (43 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 844 | (10 | ) | (13 | ) | 8 | (2,959 | ) | (2,130 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Effect of currency on cash | — | — | — | (25 | ) | — | (25 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Total increase (decrease) in cash | (2 | ) | 122 | 3 | (257 | ) | — | (134 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash at the beginning of the period | 3 | 51 | 10 | 851 | — | 915 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash at the end of the period | $ | 1 | $ | 173 | $ | 13 | $ | 594 | $ | — | $ | 781 | |||||||||||
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS DECEMBER 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Eaton Corporation plc | Eaton Corporation | Guarantors | Other subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | (17 | ) | $ | 860 | $ | 428 | $ | 1,067 | $ | (53 | ) | $ | 2,285 | |||||||||
| Investing activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment | — | (171 | ) | (119 | ) | (324 | ) | — | (614 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cash received from (paid for) acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | — | — | — | (9 | ) | — | (9 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net | — | 25 | (95 | ) | (218 | ) | — | (288 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Loans to affiliates | — | (535 | ) | (545 | ) | (6,215 | ) | 7,295 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Repayments of loans from affiliates | — | 36 | 626 | 5,795 | (6,457 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the sales of businesses | — | — | — | 777 | — | 777 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other - net | — | (41 | ) | (12 | ) | (15 | ) | — | (68 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | — | (686 | ) | (145 | ) | (209 | ) | 838 | (202 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Financing activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from borrowings | — | — | — | 9 | — | 9 | |||||||||||||||||
| Payments on borrowings | — | (1,048 | ) | (43 | ) | (5 | ) | — | (1,096 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from borrowings from affiliates | — | 2,395 | 4,260 | 640 | (7,295 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Payments on borrowings from affiliates | — | (2,921 | ) | (2,874 | ) | (662 | ) | 6,457 | — | ||||||||||||||
Other intercompany financing activities | 688 | 1,365 | (1,630 | ) | (423 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | (796 | ) | — | — | — | — | (796 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends paid to affiliates | — | — | — | (53 | ) | 53 | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of employee stock options | 121 | — | — | — | — | 121 | |||||||||||||||||
Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation | — | 32 | — | — | — | 32 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other - net | — | — | — | (6 | ) | — | (6 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 13 | (177 | ) | (287 | ) | (500 | ) | (785 | ) | (1,736 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Effect of currency on cash | — | — | — | (9 | ) | — | (9 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Total increase (decrease) in cash | (4 | ) | (3 | ) | (4 | ) | 349 | — | 338 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash at the beginning of the period | 7 | 54 | 14 | 502 | — | 577 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash at the end of the period | $ | 3 | $ | 51 | $ | 10 | $ | 851 | $ | — | $ | 915 | |||||||||||
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Amounts are in millions of dollars or shares unless indicated otherwise (per share data assume dilution).
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Eaton Corporation plc (Eaton or the Company) is a power management company with 2015 net sales of $20.9 billion. The Company provides energy-efficient solutions that help its customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 97,000 employees in over 60 countries and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries.
Summary of Results of Operations
During 2015, the Company's results of operations were impacted by decline in several of the Company's end markets. Further, the results of operations were negatively impacted by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Despite the declining market conditions and unfavorable impact from currency translation, the Company generated solid operating margins and net income per share - diluted. During 2015, Eaton took actions to reduce its cost structure and gain efficiencies in all business segments and at corporate in order to respond to declining market conditions and announced a multi-year restructuring initiative. The restructuring charges related to this initiative were $129 in 2015 and were primarily comprised of severance costs. We anticipate additional restructuring charges of $140 in 2016 and $130 in 2017. The projected annualized savings from these restructuring actions are expected to be $400, fully realized in 2018.
During 2014, the Company's results of operations were impacted by modest growth in the Company's end markets, particularly in North America. This was partially offset by the impact of settlement of two litigation matters with ZF Meritor LLC and Meritor Transmission Corporation (collectively, Meritor) and Triumph Actuation Systems, LLC and other claimants (collectively, Triumph) for $500 and $147.5, respectively, and the sale of the Aerospace Power Distribution Management Solutions and Integrated Cockpit Solutions businesses to Safran for $270, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $154. Also, during the second half of 2014 the Company's results of operations were negatively impacted by shifts in currency exchange rates. Despite the modest growth and negative currency exchange rates, the Company generated net income per share - diluted in 2014 that was broadly in line with the Company's guidance at the start of the year after excluding the litigation settlements and the gain on the sale of the Aerospace businesses.
Additional information related to business acquisitions and sales, restructuring activities and the litigation settlements is presented in Note 2, Note 3, Note 4 and Note 8, respectively, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
A summary of Eaton’s Net sales, Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders, and Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders - diluted follows:
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 20,855 | $ | 22,552 | $ | 22,046 | |||||
| Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | 1,979 | 1,793 | 1,861 | ||||||||
| Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders - diluted | $ | 4.23 | $ | 3.76 | $ | 3.90 | |||||
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following discussion of Consolidated Financial Results and Business Segment Results of Operations includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. These financial measures include operating earnings, operating earnings per ordinary share, and operating profit before acquisition integration charges for each business segment as well as corporate, each of which differs from the most directly comparable measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). A reconciliation of operating earnings and operating earnings per ordinary share to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is included in the table below. Operating profit before acquisition integration charges is reconciled in the discussion of the operating results of each business segment, and excludes acquisition integration expense related primarily to integration of Cooper Industries plc (Cooper). Management believes that these financial measures are useful to investors because they exclude transactions of an unusual nature, allowing investors to more easily compare Eaton’s financial performance period to period. Management uses this information in monitoring and evaluating the on-going performance of Eaton and each business segment. For additional information on acquisition integration charges, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
65
Consolidated Financial Results
| 2015 | Change from 2014 | 2014 | Change from 2013 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 20,855 | (8 | )% | $ | 22,552 | 2 | % | $ | 22,046 | |||||||
| Gross profit | 6,563 | (5 | )% | 6,906 | 3 | % | 6,677 | ||||||||||
| Percent of net sales | 31.5 | % | 30.6 | % | 30.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 2,145 | 22 | % | 1,761 | (7 | )% | 1,884 | ||||||||||
| Net income | 1,981 | 10 | % | 1,803 | (4 | )% | 1,873 | ||||||||||
| Less net income for noncontrolling interests | (2 | ) | (10 | ) | (12 | ) | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | 1,979 | 10 | % | 1,793 | (4 | )% | 1,861 | ||||||||||
Excluding acquisition integration charges and transaction costs (after-tax) | 31 | 102 | 110 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating earnings | $ | 2,010 | 6 | % | $ | 1,895 | (4 | )% | $ | 1,971 | |||||||
| Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders - diluted | $ | 4.23 | 13 | % | $ | 3.76 | (4 | )% | $ | 3.90 | |||||||
| Excluding per share impact of acquisition integration charges and transaction costs (after-tax) | 0.07 | 0.21 | 0.23 | ||||||||||||||
| Operating earnings per ordinary share | $ | 4.30 | 8 | % | $ | 3.97 | (4 | )% | $ | 4.13 | |||||||
Net Sales
Net sales in 2015 decreased by 8% compared to 2014 due to a decrease of 6% from the impact of currency translation and a decrease of 2% in organic sales. The decrease in organic sales was primarily due to weakening demand in several of the Company's end markets.
Net sales in 2014 increased by 2% compared to 2013 due to an increase in organic sales of 4%, partially offset by a decrease of 1% from the impact of currency translation and a decrease of 1% from the divestiture of Eaton's Aerospace Power Distribution Management Solutions and Integrated Cockpit Solutions businesses. The increase in organic sales in 2014 is primarily due to growth in the Company's end markets, particularly in North America.
Gross Profit
Gross profit margin increased from 30.6% in 2014 to 31.5% in 2015. The increase in gross profit margin in 2015 was primarily due to cost savings from restructuring actions taken in the second half of 2015 and other cost control measures, partially offset by restructuring charges incurred in 2015. Gross profit increased from 30.3% in 2013 to 30.6% in 2014. The increase in gross profit margin in 2014 was primarily due to higher sales volumes, offset by certain restructuring activities Eaton undertook in 2014 in an effort to gain efficiencies in the Vehicle, Hydraulics and Aerospace business segments.
Income Taxes
During 2015, an income tax expense of $164 was recognized (an effective tax expense rate of 7.7%) compared to income tax benefit of $42 in 2014 (an effective tax benefit rate of 2.4%). Excluding the net tax benefit of 7.6% for the Meritor and Triumph litigation settlements and related legal costs and the gain on the sale of the Aerospace businesses, all of which occurred in the second quarter of 2014, the income tax rate was 5.2% for 2014. The 2015 income tax rate increased from 2014 primarily due to greater levels of income earned in higher tax jurisdictions and net increases in worldwide tax liabilities.
During 2014, an income tax benefit of $42 was recognized (an effective tax benefit rate of 2.4%) compared to income tax expense of $11 for 2013 (an effective tax expense rate of 0.6%). The lower tax rate in 2014 was primarily attributable to the net tax benefit of litigation settlements and related legal costs and gain on sale of business, all of which occurred in the second quarter of 2014. Excluding the previously mentioned litigation settlements and gain on the sale of businesses, the 2014 income tax rate increased from 2013 due to greater levels of income earned in higher tax jurisdictions and net increases in worldwide tax liabilities, partially offset by additional foreign tax credit recognition in the United States and recognition of deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions.
66
Operating Earnings
Operating earnings, a non-GAAP measure discussed above in Non-GAAP Financial Measures, of $2,010 in 2015 increased 6% compared to Operating earnings of $1,895 in 2014. The increase in Operating earnings in 2015 was primarily due to lower income in the second quarter of 2014 as a result of settlement of the Meritor and Triumph litigation matters for $500 and $147.5, respectively, partially offset by the impact of the sale of the Aerospace Power Distribution Management Solutions and Integrated Cockpit Solutions businesses. Excluding litigation settlements and gain on sale, operating earnings declined in 2015 due to lower sales volume, the negative impact of currency translation, a higher tax rate, and $129 of restructuring charges incurred in 2015, offset by savings resulting from the 2015 restructuring actions and other cost control measures. Operating earnings of $1,895 in 2014 decreased 4% compared to 2013 Operating earnings of $1,971. The decrease was primarily due to the litigation settlements, partially offset by the gain on the sale of the Aerospace businesses, higher sales volumes as noted above and a lower effective income tax rate.
Operating earnings per ordinary share increased to $4.30 in 2015 compared to $3.97 in 2014. The increase in Operating earnings per ordinary share in 2015 is due to higher Operating earnings and the impact of the Company's share repurchases in 2015. Operating earnings per ordinary share of $3.97 in 2014 decreased 4% from $4.13 in 2013. Operating earnings per ordinary share in 2014 was reduced by $0.70 per share from the litigation settlements partially offset by the gain from the Aerospace divestitures.
Business Segment Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of Net sales, operating profit and operating profit margin by business segment, which includes a discussion of operating profit and operating profit margin before acquisition integration charges. For additional information related to acquired businesses and integration charges, see Note 2 and Note 3, respectively, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Electrical Products
| 2015 | Change from 2014 | 2014 | Change from 2013 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 6,976 | (4 | )% | $ | 7,254 | 3 | % | $ | 7,026 | |||||||
| Operating profit | 1,156 | (2 | )% | 1,184 | 9 | % | 1,090 | ||||||||||
| Operating margin | 16.6 | % | 16.3 | % | 15.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Acquisition integration charges | $ | 25 | $ | 66 | $ | 44 | |||||||||||
| Before acquisition integration charges | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | $ | 1,181 | (6 | )% | $ | 1,250 | 10 | % | $ | 1,134 | |||||||
| Operating margin | 16.9 | % | 17.2 | % | 16.1 | % | |||||||||||
Net sales decreased 4% in 2015 compared to 2014 due to a decrease of 5% from the impact of currency translation, partially offset by an increase of 1% in organic sales. Organic sales in 2015 were positively impacted by North American markets. Net sales increased 3% in 2014 compared to 2013 due to an increase of 4% in organic sales, partially offset by a decrease of 1% from the impact of currency translation. Organic sales in 2014 were positively impacted by strength in North American markets.
The operating margin before acquisition integration charges decreased from 17.2% in 2014 to 16.9% in 2015. The decrease in operating margin in 2015 was primarily due to lower sales volumes, unfavorable product mix and $12 of restructuring charges, partially offset by $3 of savings from the restructuring actions and other cost control measures. The operating margin before acquisition integration charges increased from 16.1% in 2013 to 17.2% in 2014. The increase in operating margin in 2014 was due to higher sales volumes, as noted above, and incremental synergies related to the acquisition of Cooper.
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Electrical Systems and Services
| 2015 | Change from 2014 | 2014 | Change from 2013 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,931 | (8 | )% | $ | 6,457 | — | % | $ | 6,430 | |||||||
| Operating profit | 776 | (8 | )% | 843 | (5 | )% | 889 | ||||||||||
| Operating margin | 13.1 | % | 13.1 | % | 13.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Acquisition integration charges | $ | 15 | $ | 51 | $ | 37 | |||||||||||
| Before acquisition integration charges | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | $ | 791 | (12 | )% | $ | 894 | (3 | )% | $ | 926 | |||||||
| Operating margin | 13.3 | % | 13.8 | % | 14.4 | % | |||||||||||
Net sales decreased 8% in 2015 compared to 2014 due to decreases of 4% in organic sales and 4% from negative currency translation. The organic sales decline in 2015 was primarily due to weakness in global oil and gas and other industrial markets. Net sales in 2014 were flat compared to 2013 due to an increase in organic sales of 2%, offset by a decrease of 2% from the impact of currency translation. The increase in organic sales in 2014 was primarily due to strength in the North American markets.
The operating margin before acquisition integration charges decreased from 13.8% in 2014 to 13.3% in 2015. The decrease in operating margin was primarily due to unfavorable product mix and $29 of restructuring charges, partially offset by $14 of savings from the restructuring actions and savings resulting from cost control measures. The operating margin before acquisition integration charges decreased from 14.4% in 2013 to 13.8% in 2014. The decrease in operating margin in 2014 was primarily due to higher logistics costs, unfavorable mix, and pricing pressures.
Hydraulics
| 2015 | Change from 2014 | 2014 | Change from 2013 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2,459 | (17 | )% | $ | 2,975 | — | % | $ | 2,981 | |||||||
| Operating profit | 246 | (33 | )% | 367 | 3 | % | 355 | ||||||||||
| Operating margin | 10.0 | % | 12.3 | % | 11.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Acquisition integration charges | $ | 2 | $ | 12 | $ | 36 | |||||||||||
| Before acquisition integration charges | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating profit | $ | 248 | (35 | )% | $ | 379 | (3 | )% | $ | 391 | |||||||
| Operating margin | 10.1 | % | 12.7 | % | 13.1 | % | |||||||||||
Net sales in 2015 decreased 17% compared to 2014 due to a decrease in organic sales of 10% and a decrease of 7% from the impact of currency translation. The decrease in organic sales is due to broad weakness in global hydraulics markets. Net sales in 2014 remained flat compared to 2013 due to an increase in organic sales of 2% offset by a decrease of 2% from the impact of currency translation. The increase in organic sales in 2014 was primarily driven by demand for industrial products in North America and growth in distributor sales, partially offset by weakness in the global agricultural equipment market and the China construction equipment market.
The operating margin before acquisition integration charges decreased from 12.7% in 2014 to 10.1% in 2015. The decrease in operating margin was primarily due to lower sales volumes and $31 of restructuring charges, partially offset by $33 of savings from the 2015 restructuring actions, current year cost control measures and efficiencies generated from certain restructuring activities taken in 2014. The operating margin before acquisition integration charges decreased from 13.1% in 2013 to 12.7% in 2014. The decrease in operating margin in 2014 was primarily due to costs related to new initiatives and certain restructuring activities Eaton undertook in 2014 in an effort to gain efficiencies in the segment.
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Aerospace
| 2015 | Change from 2014 | 2014 | Change from 2013 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,807 | (3 | )% | $ | 1,860 | 5 | % | $ | 1,774 | |||||||
| Operating profit | 310 | 14 | % | 273 | 8 | % | 252 | ||||||||||
| Operating margin | 17.2 | % | 14.7 | % | 14.2 | % | |||||||||||
Net sales in 2015 decreased 3% compared to 2014 due to a decrease of 2% from the impact of currency translation and a decrease of 2% from the divestiture of Eaton's Aerospace Power Distribution Management Solutions and Integrated Cockpit Solutions business in the second quarter of 2014, offset by a 1% increase in organic sales. The increase in organic sales during 2015 was related to higher aftermarket sales and strength in commercial OEM markets, offset by a weakness in military OEM markets. Net sales in 2014 increased 5% compared to 2013 due to an increase in organic sales of 8% and an increase of 1% from the impact of currency translation, partially offset by a decrease of 4% due to the divestitures of Eaton's Aerospace Power Distribution Management Solutions and Integrated Cockpit Solutions businesses. The increase in organic sales in 2014 was primarily due to strength in commercial OEM markets as well as growth in the commercial and military aftermarkets.
The operating margin increased from 14.7% in 2014 to 17.2% in 2015. The increase is primarily due to favorable product mix and $2 of savings resulting from restructuring and other cost control measures, partially offset by $5 of restructuring charges. The operating margin increased from 14.2% in 2013 to 14.7% in 2014. The increase in operating margin in 2014 was due to higher sales volumes, as noted above, partially offset by certain restructuring activities Eaton undertook in 2014 in an effort to gain efficiencies in the segment.
Vehicle
| 2015 | Change from 2014 | 2014 | Change from 2013 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 3,682 | (8 | )% | $ | 4,006 | 4 | % | $ | 3,835 | |||||||
| Operating profit | 645 | — | % | 645 | 9 | % | 592 | ||||||||||
| Operating margin | 17.5 | % | 16.1 | % | 15.4 | % | |||||||||||
Net sales decreased 8% in 2015 compared to 2014 due to a decrease of 8% from the impact of currency translation. Organic sales remained flat. Organic sales increased in 2015 in North American and Asia Pacific markets, but were offset by weakness in South American markets. Net sales increased 4% in 2014 compared to 2013 due to an increase in organic sales of 6%, partially offset by a decrease of 2% from the impact of currency translation. The increase in organic sales in 2014 was primarily due to strong demand in North American and select Asia Pacific markets, partially offset by weakness in South American markets.
The operating margin increased from 16.1% in 2014 to 17.5% in 2015. The increase in operating margin in 2015 was primarily due to favorable mix, $8 of savings resulting from restructuring actions and other cost control measures, partially offset by lower sales volume and $34 of restructuring charges. The operating margin increased from 15.4% in 2013 to 16.1% in 2014. The increase in operating margin in 2014 was primarily due to higher sales volumes, as noted above, partially offset by certain restructuring activities Eaton undertook in 2014 to generate ongoing efficiencies in the segment.
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Corporate Expense
| 2015 | Change from 2014 | 2014 | Change from 2013 | 2013 | |||||||||||||
| Litigation settlements | $ | — | NM | $ | 644 | NM | $ | — | |||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | 406 | (6 | )% | 431 | (1 | )% | 437 | ||||||||||
| Interest expense - net | 232 | 2 | % | 227 | (16 | )% | 271 | ||||||||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefits expense | 130 | (6 | )% | 138 | (25 | )% | 183 | ||||||||||
| Inventory step-up adjustment | — | NM | — | NM | 34 | ||||||||||||
| Gain on divestiture of Aerospace businesses | — | NM | (154 | ) | NM | — | |||||||||||
| Other corporate expense - net | 220 | (17 | )% | 265 | (28 | )% | 369 | ||||||||||
| Total corporate expense | $ | 988 | (36 | )% | $ | 1,551 | 20 | % | $ | 1,294 | |||||||
Total Corporate expense decreased 36% in 2015 to $988 from $1,551 in 2014 primarily due to litigation settlements of $644 during the second quarter of 2014, partially offset by a gain of $154 on the divestiture of Eaton's Aerospace Power Distribution Management Solutions and Integrated Cockpit Solutions businesses during the second quarter of 2014. Excluding the litigation settlement and gain on the divestiture of the business, total corporate expenses-net decreased 7% in 2015 due to savings from cost control measures. Total corporate expense increased 20% in 2014 to $1,551 from $1,294 in 2013 primarily due to litigation settlements during the second quarter of 2014, partially offset by a gain on the divestiture during the second quarter of 2014 and lower costs associated with the acquisition of Cooper.
LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION
Financial Condition and Liquidity
Eaton’s objective is to finance its business through operating cash flow and an appropriate mix of equity and long-term and short-term debt. By diversifying its debt maturity structure, Eaton reduces liquidity risk. The Company maintains access to the commercial paper markets through a $2.0 billion commercial paper program. To support the commercial paper program, in October 2014 the Company refinanced a $500, five-year revolving credit facility and a $750, three-year revolving credit facility with a $500, four-year revolving credit facility that will expire October 2018 and a $750, five-year revolving credit facility that will expire October 2019, respectively. The Company also maintains a $750, five-year revolving credit facility that will expire June 2017. These refinancings maintain long-term revolving credit facilities at a total of $2,000. The revolving credit facilities are used to support commercial paper borrowings and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Eaton and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries on an unsubordinated, unsecured basis. There were no borrowings outstanding under Eaton's revolving credit facilities at December 31, 2015 or 2014. The Company had available lines of credit of $850 from various banks for the issuance of letters of credit, of which there was $351 outstanding at December 31, 2015. Over the course of a year, cash, short-term investments and short-term debt may fluctuate in order to manage global liquidity. Eaton believes it has the operating flexibility, cash flow, cash and short-term investment balances, and access to capital markets in excess of the liquidity necessary to meet future operating needs of the business as well as scheduled payments of long-term debt.
For additional information on financing transactions and debt, see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Eaton’s credit facilities and indentures governing certain long-term debt contain various covenants, the violation of which would limit or preclude the use of the credit facilities for future borrowings, or might accelerate the maturity of the related outstanding borrowings covered by the indentures. At Eaton’s present credit rating level, the most restrictive financial covenant provides that the ratio of secured debt (or lease payments due under a sale and leaseback transaction) to adjusted consolidated net worth (or consolidated net tangible assets, in each case as defined in the relevant credit agreement or indenture) may not exceed 10%. Eaton's actual ratios are substantially below the required threshold. In addition, Eaton is in compliance with each of its debt covenants for all periods presented.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,371 in 2015, an increase of $493 compared to $1,878 in 2014. The increase was primarily due to payments totaling $654 for the Meritor, Triumph and related litigation in the third quarter of 2014.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,878 in 2014, a decrease of $407 compared to $2,285 in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to settlement of the Meritor, Triumph and related litigation in the third quarter of 2014.
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For additional information on litigation settlements, see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Investing Cash Flow
Net cash used in investing activities was $575 in 2015, a decrease of $718 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $143 in 2014. The decrease in 2015 was principally due to fewer net proceeds from short-term investments of $37 in 2015 compared to $522 in 2014, and proceeds from the sale of business of $282 in 2014. Capital expenditures were $506 in 2015 compared to $632 in 2014. Eaton expects approximately $525 in capital expenditures in 2016.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $143 in 2014, an increase of $345 as compared to a use of cash of $202 in 2013. The increase in 2014 was principally due to sales of short-term investments of $522 in 2014 compared to purchases of short-term investments of $288 in 2013. This source of cash in 2014 was partially offset by a decrease in proceeds from the sales of business, from $777 in 2013 to $282 in 2014. Capital expenditures were $632 in 2014 compared to $614 in 2013.
Financing Cash Flow
Net cash used in financing activities was $2,267 in 2015, an increase in the use of cash of $137 compared to $2,130 in 2014. The increase in the use of cash was primarily due to higher payment on borrowings of $1,027 in 2015 compared to $582 in 2014 and higher cash dividends paid of $1,026 in 2015 compared to $929 in 2014, offset by proceeds from borrowings of $425 in 2015.
Net cash used in financing activities was $2,130 in 2014, an increase in use of cash of $394 compared to $1,736 in 2013. The increase in the use of cash was primarily due to $650 in share repurchases and an increase in cash dividends paid. Partially offsetting these uses of cash was a decrease in payments on borrowings, from $1,096 in 2013 to $582 in 2014. On February 1, 2013, Eaton repaid the $669 outstanding balance on a $1,669 borrowing on the bridge facility related to financing the acquisition of Cooper Industries plc.
Credit Ratings
Eaton's debt has been assigned the following credit ratings:
| Credit Rating Agency (long- /short-term rating) | Rating | Outlook | ||
| Standard & Poor's | A-/A-2 | Stable outlook | ||
| Moody's | Baa1/P-2 | Stable outlook | ||
| Fitch | BBB+/F2 | Stable outlook | ||
Defined Benefits Plans
Pension Plans
During 2015, the fair value of plan assets in the Company’s employee pension plans decreased $215 to $4,406 at December 31, 2015. The decrease in plan assets was primarily due to lower than expected return on assets. At December 31, 2015, the net unfunded position of $1,598 in pension liabilities consisted of $691 in the U.S. qualified pension plans, $859 in plans that have no minimum funding requirements, and $105 in all other plans that require minimum funding, partially offset by $57 in plans that are overfunded.
Funding requirements are a major consideration in making contributions to Eaton’s pension plans. With respect to the Company’s pension plans worldwide, the Company intends to contribute annually not less than the minimum required by applicable law and regulations. In 2015, $330 was contributed to the pension plans. The Company anticipates making $162 of contributions to certain pension plans during 2016. The funded status of the Company’s pension plans at the end of 2016, and future contributions, will depend primarily on the actual return on assets during the year and the discount rate used to calculate certain benefits at the end of the year. Depending on these factors, and the resulting funded status of the pension plans, the level of future contributions could be materially higher or lower than in 2015.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Eaton does not have off-balance sheet arrangements or financings with unconsolidated entities or other persons. In the ordinary course of business, the Company leases certain real properties and equipment, as described in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that may involve the exercise of significant judgment. For any estimate or assumption used, there may be other reasonable estimates or assumptions that could have been used. However, based on facts and circumstances inherent in developing estimates and assumptions, management believes it is unlikely that applying other such estimates and assumptions would have caused materially different amounts to have been reported. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Sales of products are recognized when a sales agreement is in place, products have been shipped to unaffiliated customers and title has transferred in accordance with shipping terms, the selling price is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured, all significant related acts of performance have been completed, and no other significant uncertainties exist. Shipping and handling costs billed to customers are included in Net sales and the related costs in Cost of products sold. Although the majority of the sales agreements contain standard terms and conditions, there are agreements that contain multiple elements or non-standard terms and conditions. As a result, judgment is required to determine the appropriate accounting, including whether the deliverables specified in these agreements should be treated as separate units of accounting for recognition purposes, and, if so, how the sales price should be allocated among the elements and when to recognize sales for each element. For delivered elements, sales generally are recognized only when the delivered elements have standalone value and there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance. Sales for service contracts generally are recognized as the services are provided.
Eaton records reductions to revenue for customer and distributor incentives, primarily comprised of rebates, at the time of the initial sale. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience, trend analysis and projected market conditions in the various markets served. The rebate programs offered vary across businesses due to the numerous markets Eaton serves, but the most common incentives relate to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined volume levels.
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets
Goodwill
Goodwill is evaluated annually for impairment as of July 1 using either a quantitative or qualitative analysis. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is equivalent to Eaton's operating segments and based on the net assets for each segment, including goodwill and intangible assets. Goodwill is assigned to each operating segment, as this represents the lowest level that constitutes a business and is the level at which management regularly reviews the operating results. The Company performs a quantitative analysis using a discounted cash flow model and other valuation techniques, but may elect to perform a qualitative analysis.
Additionally, goodwill is evaluated for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an operating segment is less than its carrying amount. Events or circumstances that may result in an impairment review include changes in macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, other relevant entity-specific events, specific events affecting the reporting unit or sustained decrease in share price.
Goodwill impairment testing for 2015 and 2014 was performed using a qualitative analysis, which is performed by assessing certain trends and factors that require significant judgment, including projected market outlook and growth rates, forecasted and actual sales and operating profit margins, discount rates, industry data, and other relevant qualitative factors. These trends and factors are compared to, and based on, the assumptions used in the most recent quantitative assessment. The results of these qualitative analyses did not indicate a need to perform a quantitative analysis.
Goodwill impairment testing for 2013 was performed using a quantitative analysis under which the fair value for each reporting unit was estimated using a discounted cash flow model, which considered forecasted cash flows discounted at an estimated weighted-average cost of capital. The forecasted cash flows were based on the Company's long-term operating plan and a terminal value was used to estimate the operating segment's cash flows beyond the period covered by the operating plan. The weighted-average cost of capital is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt market holders of a business enterprise. These analyses require the exercise of significant judgments, including judgments about appropriate discount rates, perpetual growth rates and the timing of expected future cash flows of the respective reporting unit. Sensitivity analyses were performed in order to assess the reasonableness of the assumptions and the resulting estimated fair values.
Based on quantitative analyses performed in 2015 and 2014 and quantitative analysis performed in 2013, the fair values of Eaton's reporting units continue to substantially exceed the respective carrying amounts.
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Indefinite Life Intangible Assets
Indefinite life intangible assets consist of trademarks. They are evaluated annually for impairment as of July 1 using either a quantitative or qualitative analysis to determine whether their fair values exceed their respective carrying amounts. Indefinite life intangible asset impairment testing for 2015 and 2014 was performed using a quantitative analysis. Determining the fair value of these assets requires significant judgment and the Company uses a royalty relief methodology similar to that employed when the associated assets were acquired, but using updated estimates of future sales, cash flows and profitability.
Additionally, indefinite life intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. Events or circumstances that may result in an impairment review include changes in industry and market considerations, cost factors, financial performance, and other relevant entity-specific events that could affect inputs used to determine the respective fair values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets.
For 2015 and 2014, the fair value of indefinite lived intangible assets substantially exceeded the respective carrying value.
Other Long-Lived Assets
Other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Events or circumstances that may result in an impairment review include operations reporting losses, a significant adverse change in the use of an asset, the planned disposal or sale of the asset, a significant adverse change in the business climate or legal factors related to the asset, or a significant decrease in the estimated market value of an asset. Upon indications of impairment, assets and liabilities are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The asset group would be considered impaired when the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset group are less than its carrying value. In instances where the carrying amount of the asset group exceeded the undiscounted cash flows, the fair value of the asset group would be determined and an impairment loss would be recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value of the asset group exceeds its fair value. Determining asset groups and underlying cash flows requires the use of significant judgment.
For additional information about goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recoverability of Deferred Income Tax Assets
Eaton is subject to the income tax laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates. In order to determine the income tax provision for financial statement purposes, Eaton must make significant estimates and judgments about its business operations in these jurisdictions. These estimates and judgments are also used in determining the deferred income tax assets and liabilities that have been recognized for differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, and income tax loss carryforwards and income tax credit carryforwards.
Management evaluates the realizability of deferred income tax assets for each jurisdiction in which it operates. If the Company experiences cumulative pretax income in a particular jurisdiction in a three-year period including the current and prior two years, management normally concludes that the deferred income tax assets will more likely than not be realizable and no valuation allowance is recognized, unless known or planned operating developments would lead management to conclude otherwise. However, if the Company experiences cumulative pretax losses in a particular jurisdiction in a three-year period including the current and prior two years, management then considers a series of factors in the determination of whether the deferred income tax assets can be realized. These factors include historical operating results, known or planned operating developments, the period of time over which certain temporary differences will reverse, consideration of the utilization of certain deferred income tax liabilities, tax law carryback capability in a particular country, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, and estimates of future earnings and taxable income using the same assumptions as the Company’s goodwill and other impairment testing. After evaluation of these factors, if the deferred income tax assets are expected to be realized within the tax carryforward period allowed for that specific country, management would conclude that no valuation allowance would be required. To the extent that the deferred income tax assets exceed the amount that is expected to be realized within the tax carryforward period for a particular jurisdiction, management would establish a valuation allowance. For additional information about income taxes, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plans
The measurement of liabilities related to pension plans and other postretirement benefits plans is based on assumptions related to future events including interest rates, return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, and health care cost trend rates. Actual plan asset performance will either reduce or increase losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, which ultimately affects net income.
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The discount rate for United States plans was determined by discounting the expected future benefit payments using a theoretical zero-coupon spot yield curve derived from a universe of high-quality bonds as of the measurement date and solving for the single rate that generated the same benefit obligation. Only corporate bonds with a rating of Aa or higher by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor's were included. Callable bonds and certain other non-comparable bonds were eliminated. Finally, a subset of bonds was selected by grouping the universe of bonds by duration and retaining 50% of the bonds that had the highest yields.
The discount rates for non-United States plans were determined by region and are based on high quality long-term corporate and government bonds. Consideration has been given to the duration of the liabilities in each plan when selecting the bonds to be used in determining the discount rate.
Key assumptions used to calculate pension and other postretirement benefits expense are adjusted at each year-end. A 1-percentage point change in the assumed rate of return on pension plan assets is estimated to have approximately a $45 effect on pension expense. Likewise, a 1-percentage point change in the discount rate is estimated to have approximately a $78 effect on pension expense. A 1-percentage point change in the assumed rate of return on other postretirement benefits assets is estimated to have approximately a $1 effect on other postretirement benefits expense. A 1-percentage point change in the discount rate is estimated to have approximately a $3 effect on expense for other postretirement benefits plans.
Beginning in 2016, the Company will adopt a change in the method it will use to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Historically, for the vast majority of its plans, the service and interest cost components were estimated using a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. Beginning in 2016, the Company will use a spot rate approach by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows in the estimation of the service and interest components of benefit cost, resulting in a more precise measurement. This change does not affect the measurement of total benefit obligations. The change will be accounted for as a change in estimate and, accordingly, will be accounted for prospectively starting in 2016. The reductions in service cost and interest cost for 2016 associated with this change in estimate are expected to be $3 and $42, respectively.
Additional information related to changes in key assumptions used to recognize expense for other postretirement benefits plans is found in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Environmental Contingencies
As a result of past operations, Eaton is involved in remedial response and voluntary environmental remediation at a number of sites, including certain of its currently-owned or formerly-owned plants. The Company has also been named a potentially responsible party under the United States federal Superfund law, or the state equivalents thereof, at a number of disposal sites.
A number of factors affect the cost of environmental remediation, including the number of parties involved at a particular site, the determination of the extent of contamination, the length of time the remediation may require, the complexity of environmental regulations, and the continuing advancement of remediation technology. Taking these factors into account, Eaton has estimated the costs of remediation, which will be paid over a period of years. The Company accrues an amount on an undiscounted basis, consistent with the estimates of these costs, when it is probable that a liability has been incurred. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, $131 and $140, respectively, was accrued for these costs.
Based upon Eaton's analysis and subject to the difficulty in estimating these future costs, the Company expects that any sum it may be required to pay in connection with environmental matters is not reasonably possible to exceed the recorded liability by an amount that would have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
MARKET RISK DISCLOSURE
On a regular basis, Eaton monitors third-party depository institutions that hold its cash and short-term investments, primarily for safety of principal and secondarily for maximizing yield on those funds. The Company diversifies its cash and short-term investments among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. Eaton also monitors the creditworthiness of its customers and suppliers to mitigate any adverse impact.
Eaton uses derivative instruments to manage exposure to volatility in raw material costs, currency, and interest rates on certain debt instruments. Derivative financial instruments used by the Company are straightforward and non-leveraged. The counterparties to these instruments are financial institutions with strong credit ratings. Eaton maintains control over the size of positions entered into with any one counterparty and regularly monitors the credit rating of these institutions. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about hedges and derivative financial instruments.
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Eaton’s ability to access the commercial paper market, and the related cost of these borrowings, is based on the strength of its credit rating and overall market conditions. The Company has not experienced any material limitations in its ability to access these sources of liquidity. At December 31, 2015, Eaton had $2,000 of long-term revolving credit facilities with banks in support of its commercial paper program. It has no borrowings outstanding under these credit facilities.
Interest rate risk can be measured by calculating the short-term earnings impact that would result from adverse changes in interest rates. This exposure results from short-term debt, which includes commercial paper at a floating interest rate, long-term debt that has been swapped to floating rates, and money market investments that have not been swapped to fixed rates. Based upon the balances of investments and floating rate debt at year end 2015, a 100 basis-point increase in short-term interest rates would have increased the Company’s net, pretax interest expense by $39.
Eaton also measures interest rate risk by estimating the net amount by which the fair value of the Company’s financial liabilities would change as a result of movements in interest rates. Based on Eaton’s best estimate for a hypothetical, 100 basis point decrease in interest rates at December 31, 2015, the market value of the Company’s debt and interest rate swap portfolio, in aggregate, would increase by $407.
The Company is exposed to currency risk associated with translating its functional currency financial statements into its reporting currency, which is the U.S. dollar. As a result, the Company is exposed to movements in the exchange rates of various currencies against the U.S. dollar. Eaton also monitors exposure to transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of each country in which the Company operates, and regularly enters into forward contracts to mitigate that exposure. In the aggregate, Eaton’s portfolio of forward contracts related to such transactions was not material to its Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
A summary of contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015 follows:
| 2016 | 2017 to 2018 | 2019 to 2020 | Thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current portion(1) | $ | 242 | $ | 2,120 | $ | 581 | $ | 4,890 | $ | 7,833 | |||||||||
| Interest expense related to long-term debt | 312 | 538 | 431 | 1,939 | 3,220 | ||||||||||||||
| Reduction of interest expense from interest rate swap agreements related to long-term debt | (59 | ) | (79 | ) | (33 | ) | (74 | ) | (245 | ) | |||||||||
| Operating leases | 151 | 203 | 81 | 55 | 490 | ||||||||||||||
| Purchase obligations | 759 | 89 | 38 | 7 | 893 | ||||||||||||||
| Other obligations | 188 | 18 | 14 | 25 | 245 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,593 | $ | 2,889 | $ | 1,112 | $ | 6,842 | $ | 12,436 | |||||||||
(1) Long-term debt excludes deferred gains and losses on derivatives related to debt, adjustments to fair market value, and premiums and discounts on long-term debentures. | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense related to long-term debt is based on the fixed interest rate, or other applicable interest rate, related to the debt instrument. The reduction of interest expense due to interest rate swap agreements related to long-term debt is based on the difference in the fixed interest rate the Company receives from the swap, compared to the floating interest rate the Company pays on the swap. Purchase obligations are entered into with various vendors in the normal course of business. These amounts include commitments for purchases of raw materials, outstanding non-cancelable purchase orders, releases under blanket purchase orders, and commitments under ongoing service arrangements. Other long-term obligations principally include anticipated contributions of $162 to pension plans in 2016 and $50 of deferred compensation earned under various plans for which the participants have elected to receive disbursement at a later date.
The table above does not include future expected pension benefit payments or expected other postretirement benefits payments. Information related to the amounts of these future payments is described in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The table above also excludes the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits, since the Company cannot predict with reasonable certainty the timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities. At December 31, 2015, the gross liability for unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $584 and interest and penalties were $108.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report to Shareholders contains forward-looking statements concerning the realization of acquisition synergies, litigation developments, capital expenditures and restructuring charges, among other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to Eaton, based on current beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. These statements should be used with caution and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside Eaton’s control. The following factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: unanticipated changes in the markets for the Company’s business segments; unanticipated downturns in business relationships with customers or their purchases from us; the availability of credit to customers and suppliers; competitive pressures on sales and pricing; unanticipated changes in the cost of material and other production costs, or unexpected costs that cannot be recouped in product pricing; the introduction of competing technologies; unexpected technical or marketing difficulties; unexpected claims, charges, litigation or dispute resolutions; strikes or other labor unrest; the impact of acquisitions and divestitures; unanticipated difficulties integrating acquisitions; new laws and governmental regulations; interest rate changes; tax rate changes or exposure to additional income tax liability; stock market and currency fluctuations; war, civil or political unrest or terrorism; and unanticipated deterioration of economic and financial conditions in the United States and around the world. Eaton does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
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QUARTERLY DATA (unaudited)
| Quarter ended in 2015 | Quarter ended in 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions except for per share data) | Dec. 31 | Sept. 30 | June 30 | Mar. 31 | Dec. 31 | Sept. 30 | June 30 | Mar. 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 5,057 | $ | 5,203 | $ | 5,372 | $ | 5,223 | $ | 5,565 | $ | 5,728 | $ | 5,767 | $ | 5,492 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 1,630 | 1,606 | 1,697 | 1,630 | 1,718 | 1,812 | 1,742 | 1,634 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percent of net sales | 32.2 | % | 30.9 | % | 31.6 | % | 31.2 | % | 30.9 | % | 31.6 | % | 30.2 | % | 29.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 555 | 487 | 598 | 505 | 609 | 642 | 57 | 453 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 534 | 445 | 535 | 467 | 585 | 605 | 172 | 441 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Less net income for noncontrolling interests | (2 | ) | 1 | — | (1 | ) | (4 | ) | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | (2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 532 | $ | 446 | $ | 535 | $ | 466 | $ | 581 | $ | 602 | $ | 171 | $ | 439 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 1.15 | $ | 0.96 | $ | 1.14 | $ | 0.99 | $ | 1.23 | $ | 1.26 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.92 | |||||||||||||||
| Basic | 1.15 | 0.96 | 1.14 | 1.00 | 1.24 | 1.27 | 0.36 | 0.92 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per ordinary share | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 0.49 | |||||||||||||||
| Market price per ordinary share | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | $ | 58.59 | $ | 68.23 | $ | 73.82 | $ | 72.78 | $ | 70.51 | $ | 79.98 | $ | 79.65 | $ | 78.19 | |||||||||||||||
| Low | 49.46 | 49.21 | 66.86 | 62.80 | 57.11 | 62.84 | 70.26 | 66.89 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per share for the four quarters in a year may not equal full year earnings per share. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition integration charges included in Income before income taxes are as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarter ended in 2015 | Quarter ended in 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dec. 31 | Sept. 30 | June 30 | Mar. 31 | Dec. 31 | Sept. 30 | June 30 | Mar. 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition integration charges | $ | 14 | $ | 10 | $ | 12 | $ | 11 | $ | 32 | $ | 19 | $ | 37 | $ | 66 | |||||||||||||||
TEN-YEAR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (unaudited)
| (In millions except for per share data) | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 20,855 | $ | 22,552 | $ | 22,046 | $ | 16,311 | $ | 16,049 | $ | 13,715 | $ | 11,873 | $ | 15,376 | $ | 13,033 | $ | 12,232 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 2,145 | 1,761 | 1,884 | 1,251 | 1,553 | 1,036 | 303 | 1,140 | 1,055 | 979 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income after income taxes | 1,981 | 1,803 | 1,873 | 1,220 | 1,352 | 937 | 385 | 1,067 | 973 | 907 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from discontinued operations | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 35 | 53 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | 1,981 | 1,803 | 1,873 | 1,220 | 1,352 | 937 | 385 | 1,070 | 1,008 | 960 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less net income for noncontrolling interests | (2 | ) | (10 | ) | (12 | ) | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | (8 | ) | (2 | ) | (12 | ) | (14 | ) | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders | $ | 1,979 | $ | 1,793 | $ | 1,861 | $ | 1,217 | $ | 1,350 | $ | 929 | $ | 383 | $ | 1,058 | $ | 994 | $ | 950 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders - diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | $ | 4.23 | $ | 3.76 | $ | 3.90 | $ | 3.46 | $ | 3.93 | $ | 2.73 | $ | 1.14 | $ | 3.25 | $ | 3.19 | $ | 2.94 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 0.01 | 0.12 | 0.17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 4.23 | $ | 3.76 | $ | 3.90 | $ | 3.46 | $ | 3.93 | $ | 2.73 | $ | 1.14 | $ | 3.26 | $ | 3.31 | $ | 3.11 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders - basic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuing operations | $ | 4.25 | $ | 3.78 | $ | 3.93 | $ | 3.54 | $ | 3.98 | $ | 2.76 | $ | 1.16 | $ | 3.29 | $ | 3.26 | $ | 2.99 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 0.01 | 0.12 | 0.17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 4.25 | $ | 3.78 | $ | 3.93 | $ | 3.54 | $ | 3.98 | $ | 2.76 | $ | 1.16 | $ | 3.30 | $ | 3.38 | $ | 3.16 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 467.1 | 476.8 | 476.7 | 350.9 | 342.8 | 339.5 | 335.8 | 324.6 | 300.6 | 305.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 465.5 | 474.1 | 473.5 | 347.8 | 338.3 | 335.5 | 332.7 | 320.4 | 294.6 | 300.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per ordinary share | $ | 2.20 | $ | 1.96 | $ | 1.68 | $ | 1.52 | $ | 1.36 | $ | 1.08 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 1.00 | $ | 0.86 | $ | 0.74 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 31,031 | $ | 33,529 | $ | 35,491 | $ | 35,810 | $ | 17,873 | $ | 17,252 | $ | 16,282 | $ | 16,655 | $ | 13,430 | $ | 11,417 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | 7,781 | 8,024 | 8,969 | 9,765 | 3,366 | 3,382 | 3,349 | 3,190 | 2,432 | 1,774 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt | 8,449 | 9,034 | 9,549 | 10,836 | 3,773 | 3,458 | 3,467 | 4,271 | 3,417 | 2,586 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eaton shareholders' equity | 15,186 | 15,786 | 16,791 | 15,113 | 7,469 | 7,362 | 6,777 | 6,317 | 5,172 | 4,106 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eaton shareholders' equity per ordinary share | $ | 33.10 | $ | 33.74 | $ | 35.34 | $ | 32.11 | $ | 22.34 | $ | 21.66 | $ | 20.39 | $ | 19.14 | $ | 17.71 | $ | 14.04 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Ordinary shares outstanding | 458.8 | 467.9 | 475.1 | 470.7 | 334.4 | 339.9 | 332.3 | 330.0 | 292.0 | 292.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eaton Corporation plc
2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K
Exhibit Index
| 3 (i) | Certificate of Incorporation - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012 | |
| 3 (ii) | Amended and restated Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-Q Report for the three months ended September 30, 2012 | |
| �� | ||
| 4 (a) | Pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 601(b) (4), the Company agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon request, a copy of the instruments defining the rights of holders of its other long-term debt | |
| 10 | Material contracts | |
| (a) | Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (effective February 27, 2013) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (b) | Deferred Incentive Compensation Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2007 | |
| (c) | First Amendment to Deferred Incentive Compensation Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012 | |
| (d) | Excess Benefits Plan II (2008 restatement) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2007 | |
| (e) | First Amendment to Excess Benefits Plan II (2008 restatement) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (f) | Incentive Compensation Deferral Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2007 | |
| (g) | First Amendment to Incentive Compensation Deferral Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012 | |
| (h) | Limited Eaton Service Supplemental Retirement Income Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2007 | |
| (i) | First Amended to Limited Eaton Service Supplemental Retirement Income Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (j) | Supplemental Benefits Plan II (2008 restatement) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2007 | |
| (k) | First Amendment to Supplemental Benefits Plan II (2008 restatement) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (l) | Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| (m) | Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| (n) | Form of Restricted Share Agreement (Non-Employee Directors) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K Report filed February 1, 2010 | |
| (o) | Form of Directors' Restricted Share Unit Agreement - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (p) | Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executives - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| (q) | Form of Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (2008) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2007 | |
| (r) | Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012 | |
(s) | Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012 | |
| (t) | Amended and Restated 2008 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012 | |
| (u) | Second Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012 | |
| (v) | Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012 | |
| (w) | Amendment to Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (x) | First Amendment to 2005 Non-Employee Director Fee Deferral Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012 | |
| (y) | 2013 Non-Employee Director Fee Deferral Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (z) | 2015 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed on October 30, 2015 | |
| (aa) | Form of Change of Control Agreement entered into with officers of Eaton Corporation - Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K Report filed on December 17, 2015 | |
| (bb) | Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with directors - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (cc) | Form of Indemnification Agreement II entered into with directors - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (dd) | Amended and Restated Executive Strategic Incentive Plan (amended and restated February 27, 2013) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (ee) | Executive Strategic Incentive Plan II (effective January 1, 2001) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2002 | |
| (ff) | Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Strategic Incentive Plan (amended and restated February 27, 2013) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (gg) | Deferred Incentive Compensation Plan (amended and restated effective November 1, 2007) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2009 | |
| (hh) | Group Replacement Insurance Plan (GRIP) (effective June 1, 1992) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 1992 | |
| (ii) | Excess Benefits Plan (amended and restated effective January 1, 1989) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2002 | |
| (jj) | Amendment to Excess Benefits Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (kk) | Supplemental Benefits Plan (amended and restated January 1, 1989) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2002 | |
| (ll) | Amendment to Supplemental Benefits Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 | |
| (mm) | Eaton Corporation Board of Directors Policy on Incentive Compensation, Stock Options and Other Equity Grants upon the Restatement of Financial Results - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report* | |
| (nn) | Amended and Restated Grantor Trust Agreement for Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Fees Plans - effective January 1, 2010 - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2010 | |
| (oo) | Amended and Restated Grantor Trust Agreement for Employees’ Deferred Compensation Plans - effective January 1, 2010 - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2010 | |
| (pp) | Eaton Savings Plan 2016 Restatement - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report. * | |
| (qq) | Eaton Personal Investment Plan 2015 Restatement - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report. * | |
| (rr) | Performance Share Award Agreement - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| (ss) | Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with officers of Eaton Corporation - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| (tt) | Amended to Limited Eaton Service Supplemental Retirement Income Plan I- Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| 12 | Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| 14 | Code of Ethics - Incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 14, 2008 | |
| 21 | Subsidiaries of Eaton Corporation plc - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| 23 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| 24 | Power of Attorney - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| 31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer (Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 302) - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| 31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer (Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 302) - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| 32.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer (Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 906) - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| 32.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer (Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 906) - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report * | |
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document * | |
| 101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document * | |
| 101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document * | |
| 101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document * | |
| 101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document * | |
| 101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document * | |
_______________________________
| * | Submitted electronically herewith. |
Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (v) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2015.