Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549


FORM 11-K

(Mark One)

[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
OR
 
 
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
 
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________


ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.  
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware
 
1-4797
 
36-1258310
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
 
(Commission File No.)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

155 Harlem Avenue, Glenview, IL
 
 
 
60025
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
 
(Zip Code)


(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 847-724-7500

ITW Savings and Investment Plan
Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014
Plan Number 003





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Employee Benefits Steering Committee
Illinois Tool Works/Plan Administrator

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of ITW Savings and Investment Plan (the Plan) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’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. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Plan’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Plan’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 net assets available for benefits of ITW Savings and Investment Plan as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The supplemental information in the accompanying schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2015, has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of ITW Savings and Investment Plan’s financial statements. The supplemental information is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements but include supplemental information required by the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The supplementary information is the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the supplemental information reconciles to the basic financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental information. In forming our opinion on the supplemental information in the accompanying schedule, we evaluated whether the supplemental information, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In our opinion, the supplemental information referred to above is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

By: /s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 24, 2016


















ITW Savings and Investment Plan



Financial Statements and Schedule
as of December 31, 2015 and 2014



Employer Identification Number 36-1258310
Plan Number 003

0




ITW SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN

STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014

Employer Identification Number 36-1258310, Plan Number 003


 
2015
 
2014
ASSETS:
 
 
 
Receivables
 
 
 
Company contributions
$
2,809,095

 
$

Participant contributions
2,650,942

 

Notes receivable from participants
59,032,677

 
61,903,662

Rollovers
89,745

 
263,394

Other income

 
25,178

Total receivables
64,582,459

 
62,192,234

 
 
 
 
Investments at fair value (Note 5)
2,142,009,002

 
2,308,084,666

Investments at contract value (Note 3)
448,621,305

 
441,543,730

Total Plan’s interest in Master Trust (Note 4)
2,590,630,307

 
2,749,628,396

 
 
 
 
Total assets
2,655,212,766

 
2,811,820,630

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Administrative expenses payable
472,937

 
405,726

 
 
 
 
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
$
2,654,739,829

 
$
2,811,414,904




The accompanying notes to financial statements
are an integral part of these statements.

1




ITW SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

Employer Identification Number 36-1258310, Plan Number 003


INCREASES (DECREASES):
 
Contributions
 
Company
$
62,411,171

Participant
85,483,349

Rollovers
10,649,428

Total contributions
158,543,948

 
 
Plan’s interest in Master Trust net investment loss
(29,623,923
)
 
 
Interest income on notes receivable from participants
1,956,268

 
 
Benefits paid to participants
(285,356,023
)
 
 
Administrative expenses
(2,197,812
)
 
 
Net decrease before net transfers to other plans
(156,677,542
)
 
 
Net transfers from other plans (Note 10)
2,467

 
 
Net decrease
(156,675,075
)
 
 
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS:
 
Beginning of year
2,811,414,904

End of year
$
2,654,739,829




The accompanying notes to financial statements
are an integral part of this statement.

2



ITW SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2015 and 2014

Employer Identification Number 36-1258310, Plan Number 003


1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN AND INVESTMENT PROGRAM

The following describes the major provisions of the ITW Savings and Investment Plan (the “Plan”). Participants should refer to the Plan document for a more complete description of the Plan’s provisions.

General

The Plan is a defined contribution plan in which employees of participating business units of Illinois Tool Works Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”), are eligible to participate in the Plan as soon as administratively feasible upon hire. Established on November 16, 1967, and as subsequently amended, the Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”).

The investment assets of the Plan are held in the Illinois Tool Works Inc. Master Pension Trust (the “Master Trust”) at The Northern Trust Company (the “Trustee”). The Trustee also serves as an investment advisor of The Northern Trust Company funds. Empower (the “Recordkeeper”) served as recordkeeper for the period April 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Voya (the “Prior Recordkeeper”) served as recordkeeper of the Plan for the period January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2015 and the 2014 plan year.
 
Participant and Company Contributions

Participants may contribute amounts from a minimum of 1% to a maximum of 50% of eligible compensation to their pre-tax accounts. In addition, participants may contribute amounts from a minimum of 1% to a maximum of 10% of eligible compensation to their after-tax accounts. The combined pre-tax and after-tax contributions cannot exceed 50% of eligible compensation. Participants may change their contribution percentages with each payroll period.

Participants who are at least age 50 during the plan year may be eligible to contribute an additional amount to the Plan on a pre-tax basis. This additional amount, known as a “catch–up” contribution, is subject to an annual maximum amount.

Participants may enroll in the Plan and begin contributions to their pre-tax and after-tax accounts as soon as administratively feasible after being hired. After sixty days of eligibility, employees will be automatically enrolled in the Plan unless participation is declined. Automatically-enrolled participants will be enrolled at a 3% pre-tax contribution rate, which will escalate each year by 1% until a rate of 6% is reached, unless a participant elects otherwise.

The Company provides for a matching contribution based on each participant’s contribution rate and eligible Plan compensation. The Plan provides for a Company matching contribution immediately upon the start of participant contributions.

The Plan also provides for an enhanced Company match and additional contribution (“Company Basic Contribution”) to certain eligible participants. Certain eligible participants include all employees hired on or after January 1, 2007 and all employees of certain business units participating on or after this date (“Group II”) as designated by the ITW Employee Benefits Steering Committee (“EBSC”). Certain other business units participating on or after the above date as designated by the EBSC and all Plan participants as of December 31, 2006 (“Group I”) are not eligible for the enhanced Company match and additional contribution.


3




The Company matching contribution for each group is as follows:

Group I - Dollar-for-dollar match on the first 1% and 50¢ per $1 on the next 5% of eligible compensation contributed.

Group II - Dollar-for-dollar match on the first 3% and 50¢ per $1 on the next 3% of eligible compensation contributed.

The Group II Company Basic Contribution formula is based on age and years of service. Eligible Group II participants must have completed one year of service and be age 21 or older to receive this contribution.

Contributions are subject to certain limitations.

Participants may also roll over amounts representing distributions from other qualified defined benefit or defined contribution plans.

Participants’ Accounts

Each participant’s account is credited with the participant’s contribution, the Company’s contributions, Plan earnings, and charged with an allocation of administrative expenses. Allocations are based on participant earnings or account balances, as defined. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participant’s vested account.

Investment Funds

The Plan offers two investment paths and each path offers a mix of investments with different strategies, objectives and risk/reward potentials. Participants may only select one path but may change paths at any time, subject to certain restrictions on transfers between funds. Within the first path, participants choose a fund based on the date closest to their retirement or need for savings. Participants may choose from a combination of any six core funds in the second path.

Vesting

Participants’ interest in their employee and Company matching contribution accounts are fully vested at all times. Eligible Group II participants’ interests in their Company Basic Contribution accounts are fully vested after three years of service.

Notes Receivable from Participants

Participants may borrow up to 50% of their vested account balance, up to $50,000, with a minimum loan amount of $1,000 from the vested portion of their account. Loans bear a reasonable rate of interest based on prevailing market rates, are secured by a portion of the participant’s account and are repayable over a period not to exceed five years. Amounts borrowed do not share in the earnings of the investment funds; the participant’s account is credited with the interest payments made pursuant to the loan agreements. Principal and interest is paid ratably through payroll deductions.

Benefits

Upon termination of employment or death of a plan member, a participant may receive a lump-sum payment of their account balance. Additional optional payment forms are available at the election of the participant, in accordance with the Plan document.




4





Forfeitures

Forfeitures, primarily representing the unvested portion of Company Basic Contributions and former companies’ contributions, amounting to $1,817,000 and $1,038,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, will be used to reduce future Company contributions pursuant to the terms of the Plan. The former companies’ contributions represent amounts from former plans that merged into the Plan. In 2015, Company contributions were reduced by $1,388,000 from forfeited and nonvested accounts.

2. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Accounting

The financial statements of the Plan were prepared on the accrual basis of accounting.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and changes therein, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investment Valuation and Income Recognition

Investments (other than the fully benefit-responsive investment contracts) are reported at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. See Note 5 for a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value.

Fully benefit-responsive investment contracts are reported at contract value. Contract value is the relevant measurement attribute for that portion of the net assets available for benefits of a defined contribution plan attributable to fully-benefit responsive investment contracts because contract value is the amount participants would receive if they were to initiate permitted transactions under terms of the plan. See Note 3 for a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at contract value.

Purchases and sales of securities are recorded on a trade date basis. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.

The Plan provides for investments that, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the participants’ accounts and amounts reported in the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits.

Notes Receivable from Participants

Notes receivable from participants are measured at their unpaid balance plus any accrued but unpaid interest. Delinquent loans are reclassified as distributions based upon the terms of the Plan document.

Payment of Benefits

Benefits are recorded when paid.



5




Administrative Expenses

Certain administrative expenses of the Plan may be paid from Plan assets to the extent permissible by the Plan document. Expenses are identified as either specific or common fees. Specific fees, if any, are charged entirely to the Plan. Common fees are prorated to the Plan based on the Plan assets in relation to Master Trust assets.

Net Appreciation/ (Depreciation)

Net appreciation/depreciation on investments is based on the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or at the date of purchase during the year, rather than the original cost at the time of purchase. The Plan’s unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and realized gain (loss) are included in the Plan’s interest in Master Trust net investment gain or (loss).

3.
INVESTMENT CONTRACTS WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES

The Plan’s investments in the Master Trust include fully benefit-responsive investment contracts in the Stable Asset Fund. The accounts for these contracts are credited with contributions and earnings on the underlying investments and charged for participant withdrawals and administrative expenses.

Investment contracts provide for a variable crediting rate, which typically resets at least quarterly, and the issuer of the wrap contract provides assurance that future adjustments to the crediting rate cannot result in a crediting rate less than zero. The crediting rate is primarily based on the current yield to maturity of the covered investments, plus or minus amortization of the difference between the market value and contract value of the covered investments at the time of computation.
    
Through the Stable Asset Fund, the Plan also holds synthetic investment contracts. A synthetic investment contract includes a wrapper fee, which is a risk charge in order to credit participant accounts with contract value over the term of the agreement.

Contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and administrative expenses. Participants may direct the withdrawal or transfer of all or a portion of their investment at contract value. There are no reserves against contract value for credit risk of the contract issuer or otherwise.

Certain events, such as Plan termination, may limit the ability of the Plan to transact at contract value with the issuer. The Company does not believe that the occurrence of any such event is probable.

4.
MASTER TRUST

Through the Master Trust agreement, three investment accounts were established to accommodate the investment assets of the Plan and other Company sponsored retirement plans. Within the Master Trust, the investment assets of the Plan reside in the ITW Defined Contribution Plans’ Investment Account (the “DC Investment Account”). The Plan’s interest in the DC Investment Account has an interest in the ITW Collective Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans’ Investment Account (the “Collective Investment Account”). The Plan does not have an interest in the ITW Defined Benefit Plans’ Investment Account (the “DB Investment Account”). Plan investments and investment income reported in the Plan’s financial statements represent the Plan’s interest of the corresponding total of the Master Trust net assets and investment loss.









6




The net assets in the DC Investment Account as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 
2015
 
2014
Assets
 
 
 
Interest and dividends receivable
$
2,916,035

 
$
2,751,886

Due from brokers
1,235,118

 
1,911,374

Total receivables
4,151,153

 
4,663,260

 
 
 
 
Investments at fair value
 
 
 
Interest-bearing cash
4,878,610

 
3,206,259

Interest in collective trust funds
1,127,833,282

 
1,198,417,824

Interest in Collective Investment Account
265,613,406

 
300,078,894

Interest in mutual funds
267,898,079

 
285,673,695

Company common stock
362,907,725

 
394,669,163

Common stock
108,005,232

 
121,792,882

Real estate
12,952,746

 
14,720,824

Total investments at fair value
2,150,089,080

 
2,318,559,541

 
 
 
 
Investments at contract value
 
 
 
Guaranteed investment contracts
235,322,115

 
212,987,248

Synthetic investment contracts
215,553,568

 
230,775,295

Total investments at contract value
450,875,683

 
443,762,543

 
 
 
 
Total assets
2,605,115,916

 
2,766,985,344

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Operating payables
669,241

 
2,024,887

 
 
 
 
DC Investment Account Net Assets
$
2,604,446,675

 
$
2,764,960,457


For the year ended December 31, 2015, the net loss on investments in the DC Investment Account are as follow
Interest from interest-bearing cash
$
11,477

Interest from investment contracts with insurance companies
9,258,634

Company common stock dividends
8,301,628

Common stock dividends
1,768,776

Net loss on sale of common stock
(5,643,725
)
Unrealized depreciation of common stock
(14,574,928
)
Net investment gain from collective trust funds
8,218,649

Net investment loss from Collective Investment Account
(7,358,890
)
Net investment loss from mutual funds
(35,125,317
)
Net gain from real estate
754,874

Investment management fee
(1,493,671
)
Net investment loss
$
(35,882,493
)

The Plan’s interest in the DC Investment Account assets represents the specific assets which are identifiable to the Plan and an allocation of the common assets. The Plan’s interest in the DC Investment Account net investment loss represents an allocation of the common gain. The Plan’s interest in the DC Investment Account assets and net investment loss was 99.4% and 99.5% at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.



7




The Plan’s interest in the DC Investment Account includes an interest in the Collective Investment Account. The net assets in the Collective Investment Account as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 
2015
 
2014
Assets
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing cash
$
18,446

 
$
8,944

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and dividends
921,074

 
1,194,665

Due from brokers
1,060,267

 
1,775,725

Total receivables
1,981,341

 
2,970,390

 
 
 
 
Investments at fair value
 
 
 
Interest bearing cash
7,265,706

 
1,331,099

Interest in collective trust funds
11,601,406

 
14,003,681

Corporate bonds
1,794,405

 
1,352,211

Preferred stock
1,197,518

 
1,942,737

Common stocks
361,084,196

 
537,100,816

Real estate
3,224,795

 
2,901,248

Total investments
386,168,026

 
558,631,792

 
 
 
 
Total assets
388,167,813

 
561,611,126

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Operating payables
717,201

 
907,968

Due to brokers and other liabilities
1,975,856

 
3,740,803

Total liabilities
2,693,057

 
4,648,771

 
 
 
 
Collective Investment Account Net Assets
$
385,474,756

 
$
556,962,355


For the year ended December 31, 2015, the net loss on investments in the Collective Investment Account are as follows:

Interest from interest-bearing cash
$
8,245

Preferred stock dividends
108,518

Common stock dividends
5,452,001

Net gain on sale of common stock
7,121,745

Unrealized depreciation of common stock
(16,710,778
)
Net investment gain from collective trust funds
24,085

Net investment gain from real estate income
237,249

Investment management fee
(3,233,664
)
Net investment loss
$
(6,992,599
)

The Plan’s interest in the Collective Investment Account assets and net investment loss represents an allocation of the common assets and loss. The Plan’s interest in the Collective Investment Account net assets and the net investment loss was 68.56% at December 31, 2015 and 53.55% at December 31, 2014.





8




5.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent), which exempts investments measured using the net asset value (NAV) practical expedient in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, from categorization within the fair value hierarchy. The guidance requires retrospective application and is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. For all other entities, the guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Management elected to early adopt the provisions of this new standard. Accordingly,     the amendment was retrospectively applied.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-12, Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960), Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962), and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965): Part (I) Fully Benefit-Responsive Investment Contracts, Part (II) Plan Investment Disclosures, Part (III) Measurement Date Practical Expedient. This three-part standard simplifies employee benefit plan reporting with respect to fully benefit-responsive investment contracts and plan investment disclosures, and provides for a measurement-date practical expedient. Parts I and II are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and should be applied retrospectively, with     early application permitted. Part III is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and should be     applied prospectively, with early application permitted. Management has elected to adopt Parts I and II early.     Accordingly, the amendments were retrospectively applied.

Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, provides a framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The valuation inputs for the three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 are described below:

Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Plan has the ability to access.

Level 2
Other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.



9




Collective trust funds are valued using the net asset value provided by the fund trustee based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the trust, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of shares outstanding. The NAV, as provided by the trustee, is used as a practical expedient to estimate fair value.

Mutual funds are traded in active markets and are valued based on quoted net asset value of shares held by the Master Trust investment accounts at year end.                     
 
Common and preferred stock is valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.

Corporate bonds are valued using pricing models maximizing the use of observable inputs for similar securities. This includes basing value on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.

Real estate is valued at closing price reported in the market on which the individual securities are traded.

The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future values. Furthermore, while the Plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.




































10




The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the DC Investment Account’s and Collective Investment Account’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 
Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
DC Investment Account
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash & cash equivalents
$
4,878,610

 
$
4,878,610

 
$

 
$

Mutual funds
267,898,079

 
267,898,079

 

 

Collective trust funds (a)
1,127,833,282

 

 

 

Company common stock
362,907,725

 
362,907,725

 

 

Common stock
108,005,232

 
108,005,232

 

 

Interest in Collective Investment
  Account:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash & cash equivalents
4,997,485

 
4,997,485

 

 

    Collective short-term
       investment fund (a)
7,979,658

 

 

 

Corporate bonds
1,234,224

 

 
1,234,224

 

Preferred stock
823,675

 
823,675

 

 

Common stock
248,360,291

 
248,360,291

 

 

Real estate
2,218,073

 
2,218,073

 

 

Real estate
12,952,746

 
12,952,746

 

 

Total investments at fair value
$
2,150,089,080

 
$
1,013,041,916

 
$
1,234,224

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collective Investment Account
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash & cash equivalents
$
7,265,706

 
$
7,265,706

 
$

 
$

Collective short-term
  investment fund (a)
11,601,406

 

 

 

Corporate bonds
1,794,405

 

 
1,794,405

 

Preferred stocks
1,197,518

 
1,197,518

 

 

Common stocks
361,084,196

 
361,084,196

 

 

      Real estate
3,224,795

 
3,224,795

 

 

Total investments at fair value
$
386,168,026

 
$
372,772,215

 
$
1,794,405

 
$























11



 
Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
DC Investment Account
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash & cash equivalents
$
3,206,259

 
$
3,206,259

 
$

 
$

Mutual funds
285,673,695

 
285,673,695

 

 

Collective trust funds (a)
1,198,417,824

 

 

 

Company common stock
394,669,163

 
394,669,163

 

 

Common stock
121,792,882

 
121,792,882

 

 

Interest in Collective Investment
  Account:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash & cash equivalents
715,023

 
715,023

 

 

    Collective short-term
       investment fund (a)
7,522,324

 

 

 

Corporate bonds
726,364

 

 
726,364

 

Preferred stock
1,043,575

 
1,043,575

 

 

Common stock
288,513,152

 
288,513,152

 

 

Real estate
1,558,456

 
1,558,456

 

 

Real estate
14,720,824

 
14,720,824

 

 

Total investments at fair value
$
2,318,559,541

 
$
1,111,893,029

 
$
726,364

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collective Investment Account
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash & cash equivalents
$
1,331,099

 
$
1,331,099

 
$

 
$

Collective short-term investment fund (a)
14,003,681

 

 

 

Corporate bonds
1,352,211

 

 
1,352,211

 

Preferred stocks
1,942,737

 
1,942,737

 

 

Common stocks
537,100,816

 
537,100,816

 

 

     Real estate
2,901,248

 
2,901,248

 

 

Total investments at fair value
$
558,631,792

 
$
543,275,900

 
$
1,352,211

 
$


a)
These funds allows for daily liquidation with no additional notice required for redemption.
        
6.
ADMINISTRATION

The Master Trust agreement provides, among other things, that the Trustee shall keep accounts of all trust transactions and report them periodically to the Company. Investment decisions, within the guidelines of the investment funds, are made by the Trustee and investment managers. The Trustee may use an independent agent to effect purchases and sales of common stock of the Company for the Illinois Tool Works Inc. Common Stock Fund.
  
7.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Through the Master Trust, certain Plan investments are shares of collective trust funds managed by the Trustee. In addition, the Recordkeeper was paid administrative fees in the Plan year. As defined by ERISA, any person or organization which provides these services to the Plan qualifies as a related party-in-interest. The Company is also a party-in-interest according to Section 3(14) of ERISA. The Illinois Tool Works Inc. Common Stock Fund is a Plan investment option.

8.
PLAN TERMINATION

Although it has not expressed any intent to do so, the Company has the right under the Plan to discontinue its contributions at any time and to terminate the Plan subject to the provisions of ERISA. In the event of Plan termination, participants would become 100% vested in the Company contributions’ portion of their accounts.




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9.
TAX STATUS

The Plan obtained its latest determination letter on September 16, 2013, in which the Internal Revenue Service stated that the Plan and related Trust, as adopted, was designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). The Company believes that the Plan is currently designed and being operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the IRC. Therefore, the Company believes that the Plan was qualified and the related Trust was tax-exempt as of the financial statement dates.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require Plan management to evaluate tax positions taken by the Plan and recognize a tax liability (or asset) if the organization has taken an uncertain position that more likely than not would not be sustained upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Plan is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however, there are currently no audits for any tax periods in progress. The Company believes it is no longer subject to income tax examinations for the years prior to 2012.

10.
TRANSFERS (TO) FROM OTHER PLANS

Assets transferred (to) from the following plans in 2015:

Plan Name
Transfer Date
 
Assets Transferred (to) from Other Plans
ITW Bargaining Savings and Investment Plan (“BSIP”)
Various
 
2,467

Total transfers (to) from other plans
 
 
$
2,467


Assets from BSIP represent transfers of individual participant account balances due to changes in job classification.

11.
RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FORM 5500

The following reconciles net assets available for benefits per the financial statements to the Form 5500:

 
As of December 31
 
2015
 
2014
Net assets available for benefits per the financial statements
$
2,654,739,829

 
$
2,811,414,904

Adjustments to fair value for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts

 
8,947,353

Amounts allocated to withdrawing particpants
(1,175,773
)
 
(1,650,921
)
Net assets available for benefits per the Form 5500
$
2,653,564,056

 
$
2,818,711,336


The following reconciles benefits paid to participants per the financial statements to the Form 5500 for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Benefits paid to participants per the financial statements
$
285,356,023

Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants at:
 
December 31, 2015
1,175,773

December 31, 2014
(1,650,921
)
Benefits paid to participants per the Form 5500
$
284,880,875


Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants are recorded on the Form 5500 for benefit claims that have been processed and approved for payment prior to December 31, 2015, but not yet paid as of that date.





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12.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated subsequent events from December 31, 2015 through the date these financial statements were available to be issued. There are no subsequent events that require recognition or additional disclosure in these financial statements.

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Schedule


ITW SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN

Schedule H, Line 4i SCHEDULE OF ASSETS (HELD AT END OF YEAR)

As of December 31, 2015

Employer Identification Number 36-1258310, Plan Number 003


Identity of Issuer/Description of Investments
 
Current Value
*Participant loans**
 

$59,032,677


*Party-in-interest

**Interest rates on loans to participants with balances outstanding at December 31, 2015, lowest 3.25% to highest 13.00%


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SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the trustees have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on June 24, 2016.


ITW SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN

 
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
 
 
 
 
Dated: June 24, 2016
By: /s/ Karen Tulloch
 
       Karen Tulloch
 
       Vice President, Human Resources


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