Illinois Tool Works Reports Q4, 2014 Sales Figures

ITW said foreign currency pressures weighed on its sales in the most recent quarter, although its profit spiked as costs went down.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter income from continuing operations of $461 million, compared to $407 million in Q4 2013.

Operating revenue decreased to $3.50 billion from $3.55 billion last year.

For the 2014 year, ITW had sales of $14.14 billion, a 2.5 percent increase from 2013. Profit soared 75 percent to $2.95 billion.

ITW expects organic revenue growth for the year to be 2.5 to 3.5 percent. Total revenue for the year is projected to decline 1 to 2 percent due to the impact of foreign currency translation. 

ITW has looked to shed its slower-growing assets recently, including its $3.2 billion sale of its industrial packaging business last year. Selling, administrative and research and development expenses declined 6.5 percent.

For the first quarter 2015, the company expects 2 to 3 percent organic revenue growth and total revenue to decline 2 to 3 percent due to the impact of currency translation.

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