Stock Analysis on Net

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW)

$22.49

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since February 11, 2022.

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

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Economic Profit

Illinois Tool Works Inc., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1
Cost of capital2
Invested capital3
 
Economic profit4

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2021 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= × =


The period between 2017 and 2021 demonstrates significant fluctuations in economic profit. Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) and the cost of capital exhibited relative stability, while invested capital showed a moderate degree of change. These factors combined to produce a volatile economic profit performance.

Economic Profit Trend
Economic profit began at a negative value in 2017, registering at -427 US$ millions. A substantial improvement occurred in 2018, with economic profit rising to 661 US$ millions. This positive trend continued into 2019, albeit at a reduced rate, reaching 515 US$ millions. A significant decline was then observed in 2020, with economic profit falling to 51 US$ millions. Finally, economic profit rebounded strongly in 2021, reaching 631 US$ millions, representing the second-highest value in the observed period.
NOPAT Analysis
Net operating profit after taxes increased from 1,924 US$ millions in 2017 to 2,774 US$ millions in 2018, a considerable gain. It then decreased to 2,672 US$ millions in 2019 and further to 2,268 US$ millions in 2020. A recovery was evident in 2021, with NOPAT increasing to 2,907 US$ millions, surpassing the 2018 level.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital remained relatively stable throughout the period, fluctuating between 16.32% and 16.79%. An incremental increase was observed each year until 2021, where it reached its highest point at 16.79%.
Invested Capital
Invested capital decreased from 14,406 US$ millions in 2017 to 12,895 US$ millions in 2018. It then experienced a slight increase to 13,033 US$ millions in 2019, followed by a further increase to 13,434 US$ millions in 2020. The trend continued with a rise to 13,555 US$ millions in 2021, representing the highest value in the period.

The fluctuations in economic profit appear to be primarily driven by changes in NOPAT, with the cost of capital acting as a relatively consistent factor. The moderate changes in invested capital also contribute to the overall economic profit performance, though to a lesser extent than NOPAT.


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Illinois Tool Works Inc., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Net income
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts2
Increase (decrease) in LIFO reserve3
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue and customer deposits4
Increase (decrease) in accrued product warranties5
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents6
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability7
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense8
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes9
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income10
Investment income, after taxes11
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in LIFO reserve. See details »

4 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenue and customer deposits.

5 Addition of increase (decrease) in accrued product warranties.

6 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income.

7 2021 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

8 2021 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

9 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income.

10 2021 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

11 Elimination of after taxes investment income.


Net Income
The net income exhibited an overall upward trend from 2017 to 2021, starting at 1,687 million US dollars in 2017 and rising to 2,694 million US dollars by 2021. There was a significant increase between 2017 and 2018, followed by a slight decline in 2019. A more noticeable decrease occurred in 2020, likely reflecting challenging conditions during that year. Nevertheless, the net income rebounded strongly in 2021, reaching its highest value in the period analyzed.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
Similar to net income, the NOPAT also demonstrated positive growth over the five-year span. It increased from 1,924 million US dollars in 2017 to 2,907 million US dollars in 2021. The data shows a peak in 2018, followed by a gradual decline in 2019 and 2020, before recovering substantially in 2021. The pattern aligns closely with the net income trend, indicating consistent operational performance and profitability improvements toward the end of the period.
Summary of Trends
Both net income and NOPAT reveal a pattern of growth with intermittent setbacks. The declines observed in 2019 and 2020 suggest external or internal challenges impacting profitability during those years. The recovery in 2021 indicates resilience and potential operational improvements or favorable market conditions. Overall, the financial results over the period reflect strong profitability with transient fluctuations rather than a continuous trend of increase or decrease.

Cash Operating Taxes

Illinois Tool Works Inc., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Provision for income taxes
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense
Less: Tax imposed on investment income
Cash operating taxes

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


The financial data reveals trends in the provision for income taxes and cash operating taxes over a five-year period ending in 2021.

Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes shows a clear downward trend from 2017 through 2020, starting at $1,583 million in 2017 and declining significantly to $595 million in 2020. This represents a decrease of approximately 62.4% over three years. In 2021, the provision for income taxes experienced a slight increase to $632 million, indicating a minor reversal of the prior years’ declining trend but still remaining well below the initial 2017 level.
Cash Operating Taxes
Cash operating taxes followed a similar pattern to the provision for income taxes but with less pronounced variability. Beginning at $1,597 million in 2017, cash operating taxes decreased to $666 million in 2020. This decline of roughly 58.3% over four years suggests effective cash tax management or changes in taxable income. Unlike the provision for income taxes, cash operating taxes increased notably in 2021 to $821 million, representing a larger rebound compared to the provision figure but still below 2017 values.

Overall, both tax-related expenses exhibit a significant downward trend during the initial four years, which may reflect changes in earnings, tax planning strategies, or tax rate adjustments. The partial recovery in both measures in 2021 suggests a stabilization or potential increase in taxable earnings or adjustments in tax liabilities. The gap between provision and cash operating taxes is relatively narrow throughout the period, indicating consistency between accrued and actual cash tax payments.


Invested Capital

Illinois Tool Works Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Short-term debt
Long-term debt
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Stockholders’ equity attributable to ITW
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Allowance for doubtful accounts3
LIFO reserve4
Deferred revenue and customer deposits5
Accrued product warranties6
Equity equivalents7
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax8
Noncontrolling interest
Adjusted stockholders’ equity attributable to ITW
Construction in progress9
Invested capital

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.

4 Addition of LIFO reserve. See details »

5 Addition of deferred revenue and customer deposits.

6 Addition of accrued product warranties.

7 Addition of equity equivalents to stockholders’ equity attributable to ITW.

8 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

9 Subtraction of construction in progress.


Total reported debt & leases
The total reported debt and leases exhibit some variability over the analyzed period. Starting at $8,612 million in 2017, the figure declines to a low of $7,583 million in 2018, before experiencing a gradual increase, reaching $8,310 million in 2020, and then decreasing again to $7,881 million in 2021. Overall, the debt level fluctuates within a relatively narrow range, indicating some active management of debt levels without significant long-term increases or decreases.
Stockholders’ equity attributable to ITW
Stockholders' equity shows a declining trend from 2017 through 2019, dropping from $4,585 million to $3,026 million. In 2020, there is a slight recovery to $3,181 million, followed by a more substantial increase to $3,625 million in 2021. This pattern suggests that the company faced equity reductions initially, with a partial rebound in the later years of the period under review.
Invested capital
Invested capital declines from $14,406 million in 2017 to $12,895 million in 2018, then experiences a steady increase each year to $13,033 million in 2019, $13,434 million in 2020, and $13,555 million in 2021. This trend indicates growing investment in the company's operations or assets after an initial drop, reflecting possibly increased capital expenditures or acquisition activity post-2018.

Cost of Capital

Illinois Tool Works Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Debt3 ÷ = × × (1 – 35.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 35.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Illinois Tool Works Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
Invested capital2
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Boeing Co.
Caterpillar Inc.
Eaton Corp. plc
GE Aerospace
Honeywell International Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corp.
RTX Corp.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2021 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The period under review demonstrates significant fluctuations in economic performance. Economic profit exhibited substantial volatility, moving from a loss in 2017 to a peak in 2021, with a notable dip in 2020. Invested capital experienced a decrease initially, followed by a period of relative stability and modest growth. The economic spread ratio, a key indicator of value creation, mirrored the trends in economic profit, showing considerable variation year-over-year.

Economic Profit
Economic profit began at a negative US$427 million in 2017, indicating the company was not generating returns exceeding its cost of capital. A substantial improvement occurred in 2018, with economic profit reaching US$661 million. This positive trend continued into 2019, albeit at a slightly reduced level of US$515 million. 2020 saw a dramatic decline to US$51 million, likely influenced by external economic factors. A strong recovery was observed in 2021, with economic profit rising to US$631 million, surpassing the 2018 and 2019 levels.
Invested Capital
Invested capital decreased from US$14,406 million in 2017 to US$12,895 million in 2018. Following this decrease, invested capital remained relatively stable, increasing to US$13,033 million in 2019, US$13,434 million in 2020, and further to US$13,555 million in 2021. This suggests a period of controlled capital deployment after the initial reduction.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio began at -2.96% in 2017, corresponding with the negative economic profit. A significant increase was observed in 2018, reaching 5.12%, reflecting improved profitability relative to invested capital. The ratio decreased to 3.95% in 2019, then experienced a substantial drop to 0.38% in 2020, aligning with the decline in economic profit. The ratio rebounded strongly in 2021, reaching 4.66%, indicating a return to a more favorable economic spread.

The correlation between economic profit and the economic spread ratio is evident. The fluctuations in both metrics suggest the company’s ability to generate value relative to its capital base is sensitive to underlying economic conditions and internal performance drivers. The recovery observed in 2021 is particularly noteworthy, indicating a successful return to value creation after the challenges faced in 2020.


Economic Profit Margin

Illinois Tool Works Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
 
Operating revenue
Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue and customer deposits
Adjusted operating revenue
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Boeing Co.
Caterpillar Inc.
Eaton Corp. plc
GE Aerospace
Honeywell International Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corp.
RTX Corp.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2021 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted operating revenue
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The economic profit margin exhibited considerable fluctuation between 2017 and 2021. Initial observations reveal a substantial swing from a negative value in 2017 to positive values in subsequent years, followed by a dip in 2020 and a recovery in 2021.

Economic Profit Margin Trend
In 2017, the economic profit margin stood at -2.98%, indicating the company did not generate returns exceeding its cost of capital. A significant improvement occurred in 2018, with the margin rising to 4.47%. This positive trend continued into 2019, albeit at a slightly reduced rate, reaching 3.66%.
The year 2020 witnessed a sharp decline in the economic profit margin to 0.40%, suggesting a considerable reduction in value creation relative to revenue. However, the margin rebounded strongly in 2021, increasing to 4.31%, nearly matching the level observed in 2018.
Relationship to Adjusted Operating Revenue
Adjusted operating revenue generally increased from 2017 to 2018 and again from 2020 to 2021. A decrease was observed between 2018 and 2019, and a more substantial decrease occurred between 2019 and 2020. The economic profit margin’s fluctuations do not appear to be directly correlated with revenue changes; for example, revenue decreased from 2019 to 2020, but the economic profit margin experienced a much larger percentage decrease.

The volatility in economic profit suggests potential underlying factors impacting the company’s ability to generate returns above its cost of capital. The recovery in 2021 is a positive sign, but the substantial decline in 2020 warrants further investigation to understand the drivers behind the reduced value creation.