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Eaton

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FY2016 Annual Report · Eaton
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2016 Annual Report

We make what matters work.*

We make a healthy planet work.*

We make on-demand energy work.*

We make neighborhoods work.*

At Eaton, we believe that power is a fundamental part of just about everything people 

do. Planes, hospitals, factories, data centers, vehicles, the electrical grid—these are 

things the world relies on every day. That’s why Eaton is dedicated to helping our 

customers find new ways to manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more 

efficiently, safely and sustainably. To improve people’s lives, the communities where 

we live and work and the planet our future generations depend upon. Because that’s 

what really matters. And we’re here to make sure it works.

We make what matters work.
Eaton.com/whatmatters

2016 Financial Highlights

NET SALES
(Billions of dollars)

$22.6

$20.9

$19.7

OPERATING EARNINGS PER 
ORDINARY SHARE (Dollars per share)1

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS
(Billions of dollars)1

NET-DEBT-TO-TOTAL-CAPITAL 
RATIO 2

$4.67

$4.30

$4.22

$2.5

$2.4

$2.6

33.5%

34.4%

33.6%

2014

2015

2016

2014

2015

2016

2014

2015

2016

2014

2015

2016

(In millions except for per share data)

Net sales
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders
Excluding acquisition integration charges (after-tax)

Operating earnings 

Operating earnings excluding litigation settlements and divestiture gain1 

Net income per shareattributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders–diluted 
Excluding per share impact of acquisition integration charges (after-tax)  

Operating earnings per ordinary share 

Operating earnings per ordinary share excluding litigation settlements and divestiture gain1 

Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding – diluted
Cash dividends declared per ordinary share

Total assets2
Total debt2
Eaton shareholders’ equity

2016

2015

2014

 $19,747 
$19,747 
1,922
1,922
3
3 
 $ 1,925
$ 1,925

$ 1,925
 $ 1,925

$    4.21
   $    4.21
0.01
0.01 
$    4.22
 $    4.22  

$    4.22
 $    4.22  

456.5
    456.5 
$      2.28
$      2.28

$ 30,419
$ 30,419
    8,277 
8,277
   14,897 
14,897

$ 20,855
1,979
31 
$ 2,010

$ 2,010  

$

$

$

4.23    
0.07    
4.30 

4.30 

  467.1 
2.20 
$

$ 30,966
  8,414 
  15,186 

$22,552
1,793
102
$ 1,895

$ 2,230

$     3.76
   0.21
$     3.97

$     4.67

  476.8
$     1.96

$ 33,487
    8,992
  15,786

1Operating earnings were $2,230 for 2014, excluding the pre-tax cost for two litigation settlements of $644, and a pre-tax gain from two Aerospace divestitures of $154. Operating earnings per 
ordinary share were $4.67 for 2014, excluding a $0.70 per share impact of the litigation settlements and the gain from the Aerospace divestitures. Operating cash flows were $2,532 for 2014, 
excluding $654 of payments made for the litigation settlements.

2 Total assets and Total debt for 2015 and 2014 have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of the company’s reclassification of debt issue costs upon the adoption of Accounting 
Standard Update 2015-03.

COMPANY STOCK PERFORMANCE

  Eaton        S&P 500 Index

$700

$600

$500

$400

$300

$200

$100

0

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

The above graph compares the cumulative total return to shareholders for Eaton and the S&P 500 Index on an initial $100 investment over the time period 2000 through 2016. The shareholder 
returns reflected on the graph assume dividends were reinvested as of the ex-dividend date.

EATON 2016 Annual Report                               3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
Among the year’s financial and operating highlights were:

We eliminated $210 million of structural costs, positioning the 
company well for the time when our markets turn up.

We improved safety – reducing our recordable incident rate by 
over 13 percent.

We reduced our environmental footprint by increasing the 
number of operating sites to 95 that do not place waste in 
landfills and reducing our energy use and water consumption.

We generated record cash from operations of $2.6 billion. 
Excluding capital expenditures of $0.5 billion, our free cash flow 
was $2.1 billion. Our free cash flow as a percentage of sales 
was a record 10.4 percent, and the ratio of free cash flow to net 
income was 107 percent.

We repurchased $730 million, or 11.8 million, of our shares.

A significant list of accomplishments, but we do understand that 

the biggest challenge we and other industrial companies face is 

how to accelerate growth. This is our top priority and each of our 

businesses had several notable accomplishments during the year:

Electrical: We continued to invest in intelligent products and 

software – such as PredictPulseTM remote monitoring and 

management services for data centers and EphesusTM wireless 

LED control systems for sporting and industrial environments – 

positioning Eaton to be successful for a future in which customers 

and their systems will become increasingly interconnected.

Hydraulics: Our focus on improving our cost position and 

revitalizing our manufacturing capabilities is paying off. Each of 

these actions puts us in a stronger position to support customers 

and to grow. We also continued to invest and evolve our core 

technologies, which has allowed us to secure future business with 

our partner OEMs and distributors. 

Aerospace: We’re winning on the most important military and 

commercial platforms by delivering the right technologies for our 

customers. Our efforts to improve our execution have resulted in 

better on-time delivery performance, which has been recognized 

by our customers.       

Vehicle: Our continued focus on power efficiency, emissions and 

compliance-related solutions is paying off with new business wins 

for our ProcisionTM dual-clutch automatic transmission, valve and 

powertrain products.

An enhanced strategy 

Building on our strong reputation as a power management 

company, we also made a number of important enhancements 

to our overall company strategy. This begins with a change in the 

way we talk about the company. We Make What Matters Work

is our new brand promise and we think it conveys a strong 

statement about the difference Eaton makes in the lives of 

our customers, our shareholders, our employees and in our 

communities every day.

This is my first year as chairman of Eaton, having assumed the 

position in June of last year. I am humbled and honored by the 

opportunity to lead this great company.

As you know, Sandy Cutler retired at the end of May 2016 after 

41 years at Eaton, 16 years as Chairman and CEO. Our company 

was transformed under his leadership and he handed me a strong 

company and one well suited for the challenges ahead.  

Perhaps the most noteworthy of these challenges continues to 

be softness in most of our markets.  While we thought we had 

planned conservatively for 2016, our markets turned out to be a bit 

softer than we had anticipated.

Executing well in a challenging environment

The good news for us is we know how to operate in this 

environment. Our company is over 100 years old and has 

survived for a reason – we are true to our values but willing to 

adapt our business strategy and priorities as the need arises. 

We took decisive action during 2016 to adjust to these ongoing 

headwinds and our management team rose to the occasion. It is 

never easy to move a large organization in response to a changing 

environment, but we were able to make significant adjustments as 

the year went on. Overall, we are pleased with how well our team 

performed, creating strong momentum as we go into 2017.  

4

EATON 2016 Annual Report

I strongly believe that the key to how well we deliver on our 

Lastly, we will continue to be disciplined in the way we 

promises begins with our employees, all 95,000 of them. As a 

manage capital. First, we will invest aggressively to win in all 

part of refreshing our strategy, we are clarifying what we expect 

of our businesses. Second, we will consistently return cash to 

from our employees. We expect our employees to be ethical, 

shareholders through a dividend that grows with earnings and 

passionate, accountable, transparent, efficient and to continue 

through a consistent program of share buybacks. Our $3.0 billion 

to learn. These expectations are clear, simple and have been 

share buyback program covering the period 2015-2018 has thus 

enthusiastically embraced by our employees. They represent the 

far repurchased $1.4 billion of shares, placing us on track to 

new criteria we use when determining how we recruit, develop 

complete the program as we have outlined it. And third, we will 

and promote Eaton leaders.              

make strategic additions when merited while ensuring that our 

existing portfolio of businesses continues to create the highest 

As part of this new beginning, we also set new five-year financial 

value for our shareholders.  

goals – to deliver 2-4 percent revenue growth, expand our 

corporate and segment margins by 200-300 basis points and 

Looking forward to a powerful future

deliver greater than 10 percent free cash flow as a percentage 

of sales, with all of this yielding 8-9 percent annual EPS growth. 

As we look toward the future, we remain optimistic and excited 

While important, we also understand that you don’t lift and excite 

by our prospects. We continue to see powerful megatrends 

an organization of 95,000 people with only financial goals. So we 

that will create enormous opportunities for years to come – a 

also established a set of aspirational goals: 

growing global population, investments in vital infrastructure in 

1. To be our customers’ and channel partners’ preferred supplier

environment and rapidly changing technology in an increasingly 

2.    To make work exciting, engaging and meaningful for our 

connected world.   

the U.S. and around the world, the importance of protecting the 

     employees

3. To ensure the safety, health and wellness of our employees

4. To be a model of inclusion and diversity in our industry

These trends are creating and will continue to create large growth 

opportunities for Eaton.

5. To make our communities stronger

Just as important, we believe we have the right strategy. Over the 

6. To be active stewards of the environment

last few years we have been busy – lowering our structural costs 

and improving our ability to execute within our operations – and 

These six aspirational goals will guide our company as we deliver 

building value propositions that are compelling for customers. 

on our brand promise and create value for you, our shareholders.   

This is what makes Eaton unique, this is what we do best. We 

develop products and solutions that are safe, reliable and efficient 

We also modified our corporate strategy to bring additional focus 

– solutions that solve our customers’ most complex and mission 

to organic growth, margin expansion and capital deployment. 

critical challenges.    

Organic growth will continue to play a central role in how we 

define success across our company and measure our leaders. To 

Our company is moving forward and getting better every day. And 

drive growth, we plan to capitalize on technology differentiation, 

when markets begin to recover – as they always have – all of the 

leverage our channel and service strengths and deliver superior 

hard work our team has done over the last couple of years will 

value for our customers. You should also rest assured that Eaton 

yield significant benefits. 

is well positioned to win in the increasingly connected world in 

which we live. In the Internet of Things (IoT) space, we make 

I would like to thank our shareholders, customers and employees 

"the things." It is our electrical, aerospace, hydraulic and vehicle 

for your faith in Eaton over the past years. We will continue to 

components that do the sensing and provide data to the internet. 

provide attractive returns, outstanding products and a great 

Each of our businesses is investing heavily and will be ready for 

environment for our employees to work and prosper.  

today’s and tomorrow’s internet opportunities.           

We have also put in place a multi-year plan to expand our margins 

by reducing structural costs and improving our operations. In our 

three-year restructuring program, covering 2015-2017, we will 

spend an estimated $440 million and will generate estimated 

savings per year of $518 million. We also intend to put additional 

emphasis on our product portfolio, accelerating growth where 

Thank you for your ongoing support.  

we have good margins and fixing or exiting products that have 

Craig Arnold, Chairman and CEO

substandard margins.  

EATON 2016 Annual Report                               5

We make what matters work.
But how we make it matters, too.*

*Working more efficiently. Using fewer resources. Reducing our impact. At Eaton, helping to improve people’s lives

and the environment around us is what matters most—for our employees and customers and for future generations.

Emitting less
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) like CO2 trap heat in the
atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Because

electricity, transportation and manufacturing are some

of the biggest contributors of CO2, we continue to drive
reductions in GHGs at our facilities.

95 facilities are zero waste

During 2016, 25 Eaton facilities achieved zero

waste-to-landfill status. By the end of 2016, 95 Eaton

locations were zero waste-to-landfill, including

86 manufacturing sites.

51,000 metric tons

In 2016, we reduced the total amount

of GHG generated by our operations

by 51,000 metric tons.

This is the equivalent of 10,000 passenger cars

removed from the road for one year.

Using less
As global demand for water grows, all of us need to be

more careful with its use. While Eaton does not consume

large amounts of water, the water we do use is critical to

our operations—and vital to the communities in which

we operate.

63 energy reduction projects

In 2016, our facilities completed more than 63 

energy reduction projects, including lighting 

and machine efficiency upgrades, 

manufacturing process optimization and heat 

recovery. These projects eliminated 3,000 

metric tons of GHG throughout the year.

This is the equivalent of 300 

homes' energy use for one year.

Wasting less
Methane, a GHG associated with landfills, is twenty

times more potent than CO2. So reducing our waste has
significant impact. It also conserves valuable resources

and keeps the communities we serve cleaner.

6,479 metric tons

In 2016, we reduced waste sent to landfill 

by nearly 20%, a reduction of 6,479 tons.

This is the equivalent of more than 500 full

garbage trucks.

6.4% less water used

In 2016, we reduced our water

consumption by 6.4%, or 330,000

cubic meters.

This is the equivalent of 130

Olympic-sized swimming pools.

”

Every day, Eaton people are 
developing solutions that drive 
sustainable growth by efficiently 
using and conserving our natural 
resources, developing energy-
efficient products and protecting 
the health and safety of our 
employees and communities.” 

– Craig Arnold, Chairman and CEO

6

EATON 2016 Annual Report

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, 2016 

Commission file number 000-54863

EATON CORPORATION plc

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ireland
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

98-1059235
(IRS Employer Identification Number)

Eaton House, 30 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4, Ireland
(Address of principal executive offices)

D04 Y0C2
(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
Ordinary Shares ($0.01 par value)

Name of each exchange on which registered
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 

 No 

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 

 No 

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 

 No 

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 

 No 

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. 

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 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company 

(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 

 No 

The aggregate market value of Ordinary Shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2016 was $27.2 billion.

As of January 31, 2017, there were 449.7 million Ordinary Shares outstanding.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2017 annual shareholders meeting are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Part II

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Business .................................................................................................................................................................................................

Risk Factors ...........................................................................................................................................................................................

Unresolved Staff Comments ..................................................................................................................................................................

Properties ...............................................................................................................................................................................................

Legal Proceedings..................................................................................................................................................................................

Mine Safety Disclosures ........................................................................................................................................................................

Market for the Registrant's Ordinary Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities...............................................................................................................................................................
Selected Financial Data..........................................................................................................................................................................

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

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk................................................................................................................

Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

Part III

Item 10.

Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.

Part IV

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data......................................................................................................................................

Change in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure..................................................................

Controls and Procedures ........................................................................................................................................................................

Other Information ..................................................................................................................................................................................

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.....................................................................................................................

Executive Compensation .......................................................................................................................................................................
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters .............................................
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence ......................................................................................
Principal Accounting Fees and Services ................................................................................................................................................

Item 15.
Item 16.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ...............................................................................................................................................
Form 10-K Summary .............................................................................................................................................................................
SIGNATURES ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Exhibit Index
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

2

2

3

5

5

5

5

6

6

6

6

7

7

7

7

7

8

8

9
9
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9
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Part I

Item 1. Business.

Eaton Corporation plc (Eaton or the Company) is a power management company with 2016 net sales of $19.7 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 95,000 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 2016, 16% of these segments' sales were made to seven 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 2016, 11% 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 2016, 29% 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 
2016, 68% of this segment's sales were made to nine 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 2016, 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 without limitation patents, trade names, domain names, trademarks, 
confidential information, and trade secrets 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 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, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $4.0 billion and $4.1 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 2016, 2015 and 2014 were 
$589 million, $625 million, and $647 million, respectively. Over the past five years, the Company has invested approximately 
$2.9 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 
2017 and 2018. 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. With the Administration change in the United States, tax reform is anticipated. It is uncertain what, if any, impact this
reform may have to Eaton since proposals have not been reduced to legislative language at this time. 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. 

Additionally, existing free trade laws and regulations, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, provide certain 

beneficial duties and tariffs for qualifying imports and exports, subject to compliance with the applicable classification and 
other requirements. Changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, and in particular increased trade 
restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from countries where we manufacture products could have an impact on our business 
and financial results.

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 D04 Y0C2. The 
Company maintains manufacturing facilities at 330 locations in 42 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, 2016, there were 

17,627 holders of record of the Company's ordinary shares. Additionally, 21,235 current and former employees were 
shareholders through participation in the Eaton Savings Plan (ESP), Eaton Personal Investment Plan (EPIP), and the Eaton 
Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan.

Information regarding cash dividends paid, and the high and low market price per ordinary share, for each quarter in 2016 
and 2015 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. Effective January 1, 2018, shareholders that reside in the US who hold their
shares outside of a Depository Trust Company will be subject to Irish withholding tax on dividends unless 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 2016, 2.6 million ordinary shares were repurchased in the open market at a total cost of $163 

million. These shares were repurchased under the program approved by the Board on February 24, 2016. A summary of the 
shares repurchased in the fourth quarter of 2016 follows:

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)

— $
$
— $
$

2,635,546

2,635,546

—
61.63
—
—

2,635,546

— $
$
— $

2,635,546

2,015
1,853
1,853

Month
October
November
December
Total

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

Information regarding selected financial data is presented in the “Five-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.

6

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Information regarding market risk is presented in “Market Risk Disclosure” of this Form 10-K.

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 2016 and 2015 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 Craig Arnold - 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, 2016.

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, 2016 is included in Item 15 of this Form 10-K.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, 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.

Disclosure Pursuant to Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act

Set forth below is a description of all matters reported by us pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria 
Human Rights Act of 2012 and Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act. Concurrently with the filing of this Annual Report, we are 
filing a notice pursuant to Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act that such matters have been disclosed in this Annual Report. 

During the fourth quarter, we engaged in one transaction requiring disclosure under Section 13(r). On October 23, 2016, our 

wholly-owned non-U.S. subsidiary sold a plastic panel board to Pars Petrochemical Company, which is owned by the 
government of Iran. We received total net revenue of approximately 1,311 Euros and realized net profits of approximately 392 
Euros from the sale (approximately $1,426 and $426, respectively, at the exchange rates for U.S. dollars at the date of the sale
transactions). One or more of our non-U.S. subsidiaries intend to continue doing business in Iran under General License H in 
compliance with U.S. economic sanctions and export control laws, though the Company has no assets or employees in Iran.

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 17, 2017, 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, 2017, follows:

Name
Craig Arnold

Age Position (Date elected to position)
56

Chairman of Eaton Corporation plc (June 1, 2016 - present)
Chief Executive Officer of Eaton Corporation (June 1, 2016 - present)
Director of Eaton Corporation plc (September 1, 2015 - present)
President and Chief Operating Officer of Eaton Corporation
(September 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016)
Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer - Industrial Sector of Eaton Corporation
(February 1, 2009 - August 31, 2015)

Richard H. Fearon

60 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

49

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

53

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

55

Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Eaton Corporation

Mark M. McGuire

Thomas E. Moran

59

52

(March 1, 2012 - present)

Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Eaton Corporation
(December 1, 2005 - present)

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

55

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.

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 17, 
2017, and is incorporated by reference.

8

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 2016 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 who 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 17, 2017, 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 17, 2017, 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 17, 
2017, 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 17, 2017, 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 17, 2017, 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 17, 2017, 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 17, 2017, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - Years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9

(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.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.

Not applicable.

10

 
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.

SIGNATURES

EATON CORPORATION plc
Registrant

Date: February 22, 2017

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 22, 2017 

Signature

*
Craig Arnold

/s/ Ken D. Semelsberger
Ken D. Semelsberger

Title

Chairman, Principal Executive
Officer; Director

/s/ Richard H. Fearon
Richard H. Fearon

*

Principal Financial Officer,
Director

Principal Accounting Officer

Todd M. Bluedorn

Director

*
Christopher M. Connor Director

*
Charles E. Golden

*
Arthur E. Johnson

/s/ Gregory R. Page
Gregory R. Page

*

Director

Director

Director

*

Michael J. Critelli

Director

*

Linda A. Hill

Director

*
Deborah L. McCoy

*
Sandra Pianalto

*

Director

Director

Gerald B. Smith

Director

Dorothy C. Thompson

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, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016. 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, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for 
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, 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, 2016, 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 22, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
February 22, 2017

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, 2016. 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/ Craig Arnold
Principal Executive Officer

/s/ Richard H. Fearon
Principal Financial Officer

/s/ Ken D. Semelsberger
Principal Accounting Officer

February 22, 2017

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, 

2016, 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, 2016 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, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016 and our report dated February 22, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
February 22, 2017 

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, 2016. 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, 2016.

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, 2016. This report is included herein.

/s/ Craig Arnold
Principal Executive Officer

/s/ Richard H. Fearon
Principal Financial Officer

/s/ Ken D. Semelsberger
Principal Accounting Officer

February 22, 2017

15

EATON CORPORATION plc
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In millions except for per share data)

Net sales

Cost of products sold
Selling and administrative expense
Litigation settlements
Research and development expense
Interest expense - net
Other income - net

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income

Less net income for noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

Diluted

Basic

Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding

Diluted

Basic

$

$

$

Year ended December 31
2015
20,855

2016
19,747

$

$

2014
22,552

13,400
3,505
—
589
233
(107)
2,127
202
1,925
(3)
1,922

4.21

4.22

$

$

14,292
3,596
—
625
232
(35)
2,145
164
1,981
(2)
1,979

4.23

4.25

$

$

15,646
3,810
644
647
227
(183)
1,761
(42)
1,803
(10)
1,793

3.76

3.78

456.5

455.0

467.1

465.5

476.8

474.1

Cash dividends declared per ordinary share

$

2.28

$

2.20

$

1.96

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

16

EATON CORPORATION plc
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions)

Net income

Less net income for noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Currency translation and related hedging instruments
Pensions and other postretirement benefits
Cash flow hedges

Other comprehensive loss attributable to Eaton
   ordinary shareholders

Year ended December 31
2015

2014

2016

$

$

1,925
(3)
1,922

$

1,981
(2)
1,979

1,803
(10)
1,793

(570)
(6)
(9)

(585)

(1,078)
111
3

(1,019)
(315)
(5)

(964)

(1,339)

Total comprehensive income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

$

1,337

$

1,015

$

454

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

17

EATON CORPORATION plc
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)
Assets
Current assets

Cash
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable - net
Inventory
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Land and buildings
Machinery and equipment

Gross property, plant and equipment

Accumulated depreciation

Net property, plant and equipment

Other noncurrent assets

Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Deferred income taxes
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities
Short-term debt
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Accrued compensation
Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt
Pension liabilities
Other postretirement benefits liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Other noncurrent liabilities

Total noncurrent liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Ordinary shares (449.4 million outstanding in 2016 and 458.8 million in 2015)
Capital in excess of par value
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Shares held in trust

Total Eaton shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

18

December 31

2016

2015

$

$

$

$

$

$

543
203
3,560
2,254
381
6,941

2,369
5,670
8,039

(4,596)

3,443

13,201
5,514
360
960
30,419

14
1,552
1,718
379
1,822
5,485

6,711
1,659
368
321
934
9,993

5
11,845
7,498
(4,448)
(3)
14,897

44

14,941

$

30,419

$

268
177
3,479
2,323
369
6,616

2,383
5,501
7,884

(4,319)

3,565

13,479
6,014
362
960
30,996

426
242
1,758
366
1,833
4,625

7,746
1,586
440
390
978
11,140

5
11,701
7,346
(3,863)
(3)
15,186

45

15,231

30,996

EATON CORPORATION plc
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

Operating activities

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities

Depreciation and amortization

Deferred income taxes

Pension and other postretirement benefits expense

Contributions to pension plans

Contributions to other postretirement benefits plans

Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation

Gain on sale of businesses

Changes in working capital

Accounts receivable - net

Inventory

Accounts payable

Accrued compensation

Accrued income and other taxes

Other current assets

Other current liabilities

Other - net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities

Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment

Cash received from (paid for) acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

Sales (purchases) of short-term investments - net

Proceeds from sales of businesses

Other - net

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Payments on borrowings

Cash dividends paid

Exercise of employee stock options

Repurchase of shares

Excess tax benefit from equity-based compensation

Other - net

Net cash used in financing activities

Effect of currency on cash

Total increase (decrease) in cash

Cash at the beginning of the period

Cash at the end of the period

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

19

Year ended December 31

2016

2015

2014

$

1,925

$

1,981

$

1,803

929

(80)

235

(262)

(30)

(1)

—

(170)

25

—

20

30

(21)

(62)

14

2,552

(497)

1

(40)

—

7

(529)

631

(653)

(1,037)

74

(730)

1

(6)

925

(100)

323

(330)

(31)

(1)

—

5

(20)

(120)

(28)

(9)

7

(76)

(155)

2,371

(506)

(72)

37

1

(35)

(575)

425

(1,027)

(1,026)

52

(682)

1

(10)

983

(382)

293

(362)

(40)

(20)

(68)

(205)

(152)

49

(32)

(73)

73

8

3

1,878

(632)

2

522

282

(31)

143

—

(582)

(929)

54

(650)

20

(43)

(1,720)

(2,267)

(2,130)

(28)

275

268

543

$

(42)

(513)

781

268

$

(25)

(134)

915

781

$

 
 
EATON CORPORATION plc
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In millions)

Shares

Dollars

Ordinary shares

Capital
in
excess
of par
value

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

Retained
earnings

Shares
held in
trust

Total Eaton
shareholders'
equity

Noncontrolling
interests

Total
equity

Balance at January 1, 2014

475.1

$

Net income

Other comprehensive loss, net of
   tax

Cash dividends paid

Issuance of shares under equity-based

compensation plans - net (net of
income tax benefit of $20)

Purchase of additional noncontrolling 
interest of consolidated subsidiaries
Repurchase of shares

Balance at December 31, 2014

Net income

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Cash dividends paid

Issuance of shares under equity-based

compensation plans - net (net of
income tax benefit of $1)

Changes in noncontrolling interest of

consolidated subsidiaries - net

—

—

2.4

—

(9.6)

467.9

—

—

2.2

—

Repurchase of shares

Balance at December 31, 2015

(11.3)

458.8

Net income

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Cash dividends paid

Issuance of shares under equity-based
compensation plans - net (net of
income tax benefit of $1)

Changes in noncontrolling interest of

consolidated subsidiaries - net

—

—

2.4

—

Repurchase of shares

Balance at December 31, 2016

(11.8)

449.4

$

5

—

—

—

—

—

5

—

—

—

—

—

5

—

—

—

—

—

5

$ 11,483

$

6,866

$

(1,560) $

(3) $

16,791

$

—

1,793

—

—

(929)

136

(14)

—

11,605

—

—

99

(3)

—

11,701

—

—

144

—

—

(2)

—

(650)

7,078

1,979

(1,026)

(3)

—

(682)

7,346

1,922

(1,037)

(3)

—

(730)

(1,339)

—

—

—

—

(2,899)

—

(964)

—

—

—

—

(3,863)

—

(585)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(3)

—

—

—

—

—

(3)

—

—

—

—

—

1,793

(1,339)

(929)

134

(14)

(650)

15,786

1,979

(964)

(1,026)

96

(3)

(682)

15,186

1,922

(585)

(1,037)

141

—

(730)

$ 11,845

$

7,498

$

(4,448) $

(3) $

14,897

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

72

10

$16,863

1,803

— (1,339)

(5)

(934)

—

(24)

—

53

2

—

134

(38)

(650)

15,839

1,981

(964)

(9)

(1,035)

—

(1)

—

45

3

—

96

(4)

(682)

15,231

1,925

(585)

(2)

(1,039)

—

(2)

—

44

141

(2)

(730)

$14,941

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 2016 net sales of $19.7 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 95,000 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 2016, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 
835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs 
be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than an asset. The Company has 
applied this standard retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 resulted in the reclassification of $35 within the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, from Other noncurrent assets to a 
reduction in Long-term debt.

During 2016, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): 

Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) (ASU 2015-07). 
Topic 820 allows for investments to be valued at their net asset value if their share price is not published for current 
transactions (referred to as the practical expedient). Prior to ASU 2015-07, there has been diversity in practice related to how
investments measured using the practical expedient are categorized within the fair value hierarchy. With the adoption of ASU 
2015-07, these investments are no longer categorized in the fair value hierarchy, which eliminates the diversity in practice 
resulting from the way in which these investments were classified. In addition, ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to make 
certain disclosures for these investments. The Company retrospectively applied the requirements of ASU 2015-07 for all 
comparative periods presented in Note 7 resulting in investments measured using the net asset value practical expedient no 
longer being categorized in the fair value hierarchy.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

21

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.

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. 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 2016 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 around these assumptions in order to assess the reasonableness of the assumptions and the 
resulting estimated fair values. 

Goodwill impairment testing in 2015 was performed using 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 the qualitative 
analysis did not indicate a need to perform a quantitative analysis.

Based on a quantitative analysis performed in 2016 and a qualitative analysis performed in 2015, the fair value of Eaton's 

reporting units continue to substantially exceed their respective carrying amounts.

Indefinite life intangible assets consist of certain 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 2016 and 2015 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 2016 and 2015, the fair value of indefinite lived intangible
assets exceeded the respective carrying value.

For additional information about goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 5.

22

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, 2016, 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 certain 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 13 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.

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.

23

Equity-Based Compensation

Eaton recognizes equity-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the award. Awards with service 
conditions or both service and market 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 fair value of restricted stock awards (RSAs) and performance stock units (PSUs) 
with performance conditions are determined based on the closing market price of the Company’s ordinary shares at the date of 
grant. The Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of PSUs with market conditions, which 
incorporates assumptions regarding expected stock price volatility and the risk-free interest rate. 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 stock price 
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.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 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. 

A cross-functional implementation team has been established consisting of representatives from all of our business 
segments. The implementation team is working to analyze the impact of the standard on the Company's contract portfolio by 
reviewing current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the 
requirements of the new standard to revenue contracts. In addition, the Company is in the process of identifying and 
implementing the appropriate changes to business processes and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new 
standard. Eaton plans to adopt the standard as of the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective approach and will 
record a cumulative adjustment to equity for open contracts as of January 1, 2018. Certain revenues will move from point-in-
time or multiple elements to over time because of the continuous transfer of control to customers. Eaton is continuing to 
evaluate the impact of ASU 2014-09 and an estimate of the impact to the consolidated financial statements cannot be made at 
this time.

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (Topic 
842), (ASU 2016-02). This accounting standard requires that a lessee recognize a lease asset and a lease liability on its balance
sheet for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 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, 2018. Eaton is evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 and an estimate of the impact to the 
consolidated financial statements cannot be made at this time.

24

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Compensation-

Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, (ASU 2016-09). The 
standard is intended to simplify several areas of accounting for share-based compensation arrangements, including the income 
tax impact, classification on the statement of cash flows and forfeitures. The new standard eliminates the accounting for excess
tax benefits to be recognized in equity, and tax deficiencies recognized in either equity or the income tax provision. ASU 
2016-09 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt the 
new standard in the first quarter of 2017. Upon adoption, the Company anticipates recognizing deferred tax assets for all excess
tax benefits that had not been previously recognized. This will be accomplished through a cumulative-effect adjustment to 
retained earnings and is not expected to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

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 for the 12 months ended September 30, 2015 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 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2014 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.

Note 3.  ACQUISITION INTEGRATION CHARGES

Eaton incurs integration charges related to acquired businesses. A summary of these charges follows: 

Electrical Products

Electrical Systems and Services

Hydraulics

Total business segments

Corporate

   Total acquisition integration charges before income taxes

Income taxes
   Total after income taxes
Per ordinary share - diluted

2016

2015

2014

3

1

—

4

—

4

1
3
0.01

$

$
$

25

15

2

42

5

47

16
31
0.07

$

$
$

66

51

12

129

25

154

52
102
0.21

$

$
$

Business segment acquisition integration charges in 2016 related to the integration of Ephesus Lighting, Inc. and Oxalis 
Group Ltd., which were acquired in 2015. The charges associated with Ephesus were included in Cost of products sold and 
Selling and administrative expense, while the charges associated with Oxalis were included in Cost of products sold.  Business 
segment acquisition charges in 2015 related primarily to the integration of Cooper Industries plc, which was acquired in 2012. 
Business segment acquisition integration charges in 2014 related primarily to the integrations of Cooper and Polimer Kaucuk 
Sanayi ve Pazarlama A.S., which was acquired in 2012. The charges in 2015 and 2014 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. 

25

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.

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. Restructuring charges incurred under this plan were $211 in 2016 and $129 in 2015. The charges associated with 
restructuring activities are anticipated to be $100 in 2017.

A summary of restructuring charges by type follows:

Workforce reductions
Plant closings and other

Total

A summary of restructuring charges by segment follows:

Electrical Products

Electrical Systems & Services

Hydraulics

Aerospace

Vehicle

Corporate

Total

2016

2015

$

$

$

2016

$

$

$

177
34
211

44

49

67

4

35

12

2015

112
17
129

12

29

31

5

34

18

$

211

$

129

A summary of liabilities related to workforce reductions, plant closings and other associated costs announced in 2015 

follows:

Balance at December 31, 2014

Liability recognized

Payments

Other adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2015

Liability recognized
Payments

Other adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2016

Workforce
reductions

Plant closing
and other

Total

$

— $

— $

112
(59)
1
54

177
(116)
(2)
113

$

$

17
(3)
(14)
—

34
(13)
(20)
1

$

—

129
(62)
(13)
54

211
(129)
(22)
114

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.

26

Note 5.  GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment follow:

Electrical
Products

December 31, 2014

$

Additions
Reclassifications
Translation

December 31, 2015

Translation

December 31, 2016

$

6,940
31
(106)
(223)
6,642
(145)
6,497

Electrical
Systems
and Services
4,314
$
20
106
(161)
4,279
(76)
4,203

$

A summary of other intangible assets follows:

Intangible assets not subject to amortization

Trademarks

Intangible assets subject to amortization

Customer relationships

Patents and technology

Trademarks

Other

Total intangible assets subject to amortization

Hydraulics

Aerospace

Vehicle

Total

962
—
—
(6)
956
(18)
938

$

$

1,327
—
—
(68)
1,259
(38)
1,221

$

$

2016

13,893
51
—
(465)
13,479
(278)
13,201

350
—
—
(7)
343
(1)
342

$

$

2015

Historical
cost

Accumulated
amortization

Historical
cost

Accumulated
amortization

1,637

$

1,661

3,456

$

1,199

$

3,544

$

1,010

1,342

1,104

97

519

378

26

1,447

1,113

103

511

311

22

5,999

$

2,122

$

6,207

$

1,854

$

$

$

$

$

Amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization in 2016, and estimated amortization expense for 

each of the next five years, follows:

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

$

392

375

355

348

343

334

27

Note 6.  DEBT

A summary of long-term debt, including the current portion, follows: 

2016

2015

2.375% debentures due 2016
5.30% notes due 2017 ($150 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap)
6.10% debentures due 2017
1.50% senior notes due 2017 ($750 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap)
5.60% notes due 2018 ($415 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap)
4.215% Japanese yen notes due 2018
6.95% notes due 2019 ($300 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap)
3.875% debentures due 2020 ($150 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap)
3.47% notes due 2021 ($275 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap)
8.10% debentures due 2022
2.75% senior notes due 2022 ($1,400 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap)
3.68% notes due 2023 ($200 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap)
0.75% euro notes due 2024
6.50% debentures due 2025
7.65% debentures due 2029 ($50 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap)
4.00% senior notes due 2032
5.45% debentures due 2034 ($25 converted to floating rate by interest rate swap)
5.80% notes due 2037
4.15% senior notes due 2042
5.25% to 8.875% notes (maturities ranging from 2018 to 2035, including $50 converted to
   floating rate by interest rate swap)
Other

Total long-term debt

Less current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt less current portion

$

$

— $
250
289
1,000
450
86
300
239
300
100
1,600
300
580
145
200
700
136
240
1,000

239
109
8,263
(1,552)
6,711

$

240
250
289
1,000
450
83
300
239
300
100
1,600
300
—
145
200
700
136
240
1,000

239
177
7,988
(242)
7,746

On October 14, 2016, Eaton refinanced a $750, five-year revolving credit facility with a $750, five-year revolving credit 
facility that will expire October 14, 2021. Eaton also maintains a $500, four-year revolving credit facility that will expire on
October 3, 2018 and a $750, five-year credit facility that will expire October 3, 2019. This refinancing maintains 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, 2016 or 2015. 
The Company had available lines of credit of $823 from various banks primarily for the issuance of letters of credit, of which 
there was $285 outstanding at December 31, 2016. Borrowings outside the United States are generally denominated in local 
currencies.

The Company repaid the 2.375% debentures on January 15, 2016, for $240. 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.

Short-term debt was $14 all of which was outside the United States as of December 31, 2016.

28

On September 20, 2016, a subsidiary of Eaton issued euro denominated notes (Euro Notes) with a face value of €550 ($615 
based on the September 20, 2016 spot rate), in accordance with Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended. The Euro Notes mature in 2024 with interest payable annually at a rate of 0.75%. The issuer received proceeds 
totaling €544 ($609 based on the September 20, 2016 spot rate) from the issuance, net of financing costs and discounts. The 
senior Euro Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsubordinated, unsecured basis by Eaton and certain of its 
direct and indirect subsidiaries. The Euro Notes contain an optional redemption provision by which the Company may make an 
offer to purchase all or any part of the Euro Notes prior to June 20, 2024 at a purchase price of the greater of (a) 100% of the
principal amount of the respective Euro Notes being redeemed, or (b) the sum of the present values of the respective remaining 
scheduled payments of principal and interest, discounted to the redemption date on an annual basis at the benchmark Bund Rate 
plus 20 basis points. In each case, the redemption price will include any accrued and unpaid interest on the Euro Notes being 
redeemed. At any time on or after June 20, 2024, the Company may redeem the Euro Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption 
price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Euro Notes also contain a 
change of control provision which requires the Company to make an offer to purchase all or any part of the Euro Notes at a 
purchase price of 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The capitalized deferred financing fees and 
discounts are amortized in Interest expense - net over the respective terms of the Euro Notes. The Euro Notes are subject to 
customary non-financial covenants.

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 are similarly guaranteed on an
unsubordinated, unsecured basis by the identical group of guaranteeing entities. See Note 16 for additional information about 
the Senior Notes. 

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:

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Interest paid on debt follows:

2016

2015

2014

$

1,552

573

340

241

302

266

271

296

$

29

Note 7.  RETIREMENT BENEFITS PLANS

Eaton has defined benefits pension plans and other postretirement benefits plans.

Obligations and Funded Status

Funded status

Fair value of plan assets
Benefit obligations
Funded status

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
   Balance Sheets

Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Total

Amounts recognized in Accumulated other
   comprehensive loss (pretax)

Net actuarial loss

Prior service cost (credit)

Total

Change in Benefit Obligations

Balance at January 1

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial (gain) loss

Gross benefits paid

Currency translation
Plan amendments
Other

Balance at December 31

Accumulated benefit obligation

$

$

$

$

$

$

United States
pension liabilities
2015
2016

Non-United States
pension liabilities
2015
2016

Other postretirement
liabilities

2016

2015

$

2,969
(3,771)

2,934
(3,829)

$

$

1,478
(2,314)

$

1,472
(2,175)

(802) $

(895) $

(836) $

(703) $

$

74
(473)
(399) $

93
(575)
(482)

$

34
(24)
(812)
(802) $

$

11
(57)
(849)
(895) $

$

33
(22)
(847)
(836) $

$

57
(23)
(737)
(703) $

— $
(31)
(368)
(399) $

—
(42)
(440)
(482)

1,232

3

1,235

$

$

1,322

5

1,327

$

$

771

8

779

$

$

644

9

653

$

$

$

21
(60)
(39) $

95
(74)
21

United States
pension liabilities

Non-United States
pension liabilities

Other postretirement
liabilities

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

$

3,829

$

4,047

$

2,175

$

2,337

$

575

$

71

72
(23)
(100)
(182)
—
—

4

17
(72)
(79)
1
—
27

676

6

24
(66)
(86)
(8)
(1)
30

2,175

$

473

$

575

2,049

111

125

52
(346)
—
—
—

123

156
(179)
(318)
—
—
—

$

$

3,771

3,620

$

$

3,829

3,672

$

$

63

62

355
(94)
(245)
2
(4)
2,314

2,189

$

$

30

Change in Plan Assets

Balance at January 1

Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Gross benefits paid
Currency translation
Other

Balance at December 31

United States
pension liabilities
2015
2016

Non-United States
pension liabilities
2015
2016

Other postretirement
liabilities

2016

2015

$

$

2,934
221
160
(346)
—
—
2,969

$

$

3,086
(55)
221
(318)
—
—
2,934

$

$

1,472
212
102
(94)
(211)
(3)
1,478

$

$

1,535
29
109
(100)
(101)
—
1,472

$

$

93
3
30
(79)
—
27
74

$

$

116
1
31
(86)
—
31
93

The components of pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31 follow:

Projected benefit obligation

Accumulated benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

United States
pension liabilities

Non-United States
pension liabilities

2016

2015

2016

2015

$

3,342

$

3,376

$

1,902

$

3,190

2,505

3,219

2,470

1,824

1,066

1,387

1,328

650

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

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Balance at January 1

$

1,327

$

1,382

$

653

$

706

$

21

$

Prior service cost arising during the year

Net loss (gain) arising during the year

Currency translation

Less amounts included in expense during the year

Net change for the year

Balance at December 31

Benefits Expense

—

81

—
(173)
(92)
1,235

$

—

138

—
(193)
(55)
1,327

$

2

235
(75)
(36)
126

$

779

$

—

47
(58)
(42)
(53)
653

$

—
(69)
1

8
(60)
(39) $

90
(1)
(62)
(4)
(2)
(69)
21

United States
pension benefit expense
2014
2015
2016

Non-United States
pension benefit expense
2014
2015
2016

Other postretirement
benefits expense
2015

2016

2014

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization

$

$

$

$

111
125
(250)
92
78

123
156
(262)
119
136

117
162
(246)
93
126

$

63
62
(92)
33
66

$

71
72
(99)
40
84

$

66
85
(98)
27
80

$

4
17
(6)
(9)
6

Settlements, curtailments 
   and other

Total expense

81
159

$

74
210

$

71
197

$

$

3
69

$

2
86

$

2
82

$

1
7

$

6
24
(5)
2
27

—
27

$

13
32
(6)
6
45

(31)
14

$

31

 
The estimated pretax net amounts that will be recognized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic 

benefit cost in 2017 follow:

Actuarial loss
Prior service cost (credit)

Total

Retirement Benefits Plans Assumptions

United States
pension liabilities

Non-United States
pension liabilities

Other postretirement
liabilities

$

$

142
1
143

$

$

54
1
55

$

$

2
(14)
(12)

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. In 2016, the Company updated its mortality assumption to use 2014 tables and a generational 
improvement scale that are based on MP-2016.

In 2016, the Company adopted a change in the method it uses to estimate the service and interest cost components of net 
periodic benefit cost for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Prior to 2016, 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 
used 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 was accounted for as a change in estimate and, accordingly,
was accounted for prospectively starting in 2016. The reductions in service cost and interest cost for 2016 associated with this
change in estimate were $3 and $42, respectively.

Pension Plans

United States
pension plans
2015

2016

2014

Non-United States
pension plans
2015

2016

2014

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at year-end

Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase

4.12% 4.22% 3.97% 2.63% 3.46% 3.33%
3.15% 3.18% 3.16% 3.13% 3.12% 3.13%

Assumptions used to determine expense

Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation
Discount rate used to determine service cost
Discount rate used to determine interest cost
Expected long-term return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

4.22% 3.97% 4.67% 3.46% 3.33% 4.20%
4.35% 3.97% 4.67% 4.13% 3.33% 4.20%
3.42% 3.97% 4.67% 3.07% 3.33% 4.20%
8.50% 8.50% 8.40% 6.62% 6.92% 7.00%
3.18% 3.16% 3.16% 3.12% 3.13% 3.12%

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 expected long-term rates of return on pension assets for United
States pension plans and Non-United States pension plans for 2017 are 7.90% and 6.30%, respectively. The discount rates were 
determined using appropriate bond data for each country.

32

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

2016

2014

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at year-end

Discount rate
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is achieved

Assumptions used to determine expense

Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation
Discount rate used to determine service cost
Discount rate used to determine interest cost
Initial health care cost trend rate
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is achieved

3.96% 4.04% 3.79%
7.35% 7.10% 6.31%
4.75% 4.75% 4.77%
2024
2025
2026

4.04% 3.79% 4.48%
4.26% 3.79% 4.48%
3.12% 3.79% 4.48%
7.10% 6.31% 6.64%
4.75% 4.77% 4.77%
2023
2024
2025

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:

Effect on total service and interest cost

Effect on other postretirement liabilities

Employer Contributions to Retirement Benefits Plans

1% increase

1% decrease

$

$

1

17

(1)
(15)

Contributions to pension plans that Eaton expects to make in 2017, and made in 2016, 2015 and 2014, follow:

United States plans

Non-United States plans

Total contributions

2017

2016

2015

2014

$

$

125

90

215

$

$

160

102

262

$

$

221

109

330

$

$

248

114

362

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 other postretirement
benefit payments

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022 - 2026

Estimated
United States
pension payments
309
$

Estimated
non-United States
pension payments
77
$

$

Gross

80

83

86

88

495

279

278

281

289

1,460

33

Medicare
prescription
drug subsidy

$

53

50

46

42

36

156

(5)
(5)
(4)
(4)
(3)
(9)

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 and 
other 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 57% 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 2016 target investment 
allocation is 53% diversified global equities and 47% fixed income securities held in a trust that invests primarily in exchange
traded funds. The fixed income allocation is primarily comprised of intermediate term, high quality, dollar denominated, fixed 
income instruments. The equity allocation is invested in diversified global equity index funds. 

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.

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been 

categorized in the fair value hierarchy and are being presented in the tables to permit a reconciliation to total plan assets.

34

Pension Plans

A summary of the fair value of pension plan assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015, follows:

2016
Common collective trusts

Non-United States equity and global equities
United States equity
Fixed income

$

Fixed income securities
United States treasuries
Bank loans
Real estate securities

Equity securities

Cash equivalents

Exchange traded funds

Other

Common collective and other trusts measured at net asset

value

Hedge funds measured at net asset value

Money market funds measured at net asset value

Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical
assets
(Level 1)

Total

Other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

Unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

— $
—
—
—
123
—
195

104

21

55

—

$

413
94
422
359
—
150
—

—

255

—

14

—
—
—
—
—
—
6

—

—

—

95

$

413
94
422
359
123
150
201

104

276

55

109

2,038

85

18

Total pension plan assets

$

4,447

$

498

$

1,707

$

101

35

 
 
2015
Common collective trusts

Non-United States equity and global equities
United States equity
Fixed income

$

Fixed income securities
United States treasuries
Bank loans
Real estate securities
Equity securities
Cash equivalents
Exchange traded funds

Other

Common collective and other trusts measured at net asset

value

Hedge funds measured at net asset value

Money market funds measured at net asset value

Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical
assets
(Level 1)

Total

Other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

Unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

— $
—
—
—
105
—
244
98
17
49

—

$

415
96
418
357
—
136
—
—
210
—

14

—
—
—
—
—
—
7
—
—
—

86

$

415
96
418
357
105
136
251
98
227
49

100

2,043

92

19

Total pension plan assets

$

4,406

$

513

$

1,646

$

93

The fair value measurement of plan assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) changed during 2015 and 2016 

due to the following:

Balance at December 31, 2014

Actual return on plan assets:

Gains (losses) relating to assets still held at year-end

Purchases, sales, settlements - net

Transfers into or out of Level 3

Balance at December 31, 2015
Actual return on plan assets:

Gains (losses) relating to assets still held at year-end
Purchases, sales, settlements - net

Transfers into or out of Level 3

Balance at December 31, 2016

Real estate
securities

6

1

—

—

7

—
(1)
—
6

$

$

Other

Total

$

60

$

(2)
37
(9)
86

(6)
15

—
95

$

$

66

(1)
37
(9)
93

(6)
14

—
101

36

 
 
 
 
Other Postretirement Benefits Plans

A summary of the fair value of other postretirement benefits plan assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015, follows:

Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical
assets
(Level 1)

Total

Other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

Unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

2016
Cash equivalents
Common collective and other trusts measured at net asset

value

Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$

$

8

$

8

$

— $

66

74

$

8

$

— $

—

—

Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical
assets
(Level 1)

Total

Other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

Unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

2015

Fixed income securities

United States treasuries

Cash equivalents
Common collective and other trusts measured at net asset

value

—

20

11

18

—

—

18

20

11

44

Total other postretirement benefits plan assets

$

93

$

31

$

18

$

—

—

—

—

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, 2016 and 2015.

Common collective and other 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. The investments in other trusts are predominantly in exchange traded funds 
for which the underlying securities are actively traded in public markets based upon readily measurable prices. Common 
collective and other trusts measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been 
categorized in the fair value hierarchy and are being presented in the tables above to permit a reconciliation of the fair value
hierarchy to the total plan assets.

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.

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, and repurchase agreements.

Exchange traded funds - Valued at the closing price of the exchange traded fund's shares.

Hedge funds - Consists of direct investments in hedge funds through limited partnership interests. Net asset 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. Hedge funds measured at fair value 
using the net asset value per share practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy and are being 
presented in the tables above to permit a reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the total plan assets.

Money market funds - Money market funds measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient 
have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy and are being presented in the tables above to permit a reconciliation of
the fair value hierarchy to the total plan assets.

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:

2016

2015

2014

$

72

137

141

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. Insurance may cover some of the 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. During the fourth 
quarter of 2016, the Company was able to resolve several insurance matters. In total, the income from insurance matters was 
$68.

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. The judgment was based 
on an alleged violation of an agency agreement between Raysul and Saturnia. At March 31, 2016, the Company had a total 
accrual of 100 Brazilian Reais related to this matter ($31 based on June 2016 exchange rates). In June 2016, Eaton signed a 
settlement agreement and resolved the matter, which did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

  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.

38

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 2016, the 
Company was involved with a total of 121 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, 2016 and 2015, the Company had an accrual totaling $124 and $131, 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.

Warranty Accruals

A summary of the current and long-term warranty accruals follows: 

Balance at January 1

Provision

Settled
Other

Balance at December 31

2016

2015

2014

195

$

213

$

117
(130)
(2)
180

$

104
(114)
(8)
195

$

189

125
(120)
19

213

$

$

39

Lease Commitments

Eaton leases certain real properties and equipment. A summary of minimum rental commitments at December 31, 2016 
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:

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

Total noncancelable lease commitments

A summary of rental expense follows:

2016
2015
2014

Note 9.  INCOME TAXES

$

$

$

163
127
85
58
40
63
536

220
225
244

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.

Income (loss) before income taxes
2015

2016

2014

Ireland
Foreign

Total income before income taxes

Current
Ireland
United States

Federal
State and local
Foreign - other

Total current income tax expense

Deferred
Ireland
United States

Federal
State and local
Foreign - other

Total deferred income tax benefit

Total income tax expense (benefit)

$

$

$

$

(923) $
3,050
2,127

$

(608) $
2,753
2,145

$

(332)
2,093
1,761

Income tax expense (benefit)

2016

2015

2014

2

$

8

$

(13)

95
(2)
209
304

2

(72)
(2)
(30)
(102)
202

$

88
22
240
358

1

(65)
(6)
(124)
(194)
164

$

87
41
239
354

2

(224)
(49)
(125)
(396)
(42)

40

Reconciliations of income taxes from the Ireland national statutory rate of 25% to the consolidated effective income tax rate 

follow:

Income taxes at the applicable statutory rate

Ireland operations

Ireland tax on trading income
Nondeductible interest expense

United States operations

United States (loss) income
Nondeductible goodwill - Aerospace divestitures
Credit for research activities
Other - net

Other foreign operations

United States foreign tax credit

Other foreign operations (earnings taxed at other than 
   the applicable statutory tax rate)

Other foreign operations - other items

Worldwide operations

Adjustments to tax liabilities

Adjustments to valuation allowances

Effective income tax expense (benefit) rate

2016

2015

2014

25.0 %

25.0 %

25.0 %

(0.3)%
11.5 %

0.2 %
— %
(0.8)%
2.5 %

(0.4)%
7.9 %

(0.4)%
— %
(0.8)%
5.4 %

(0.1)%
4.8 %

(2.8)%
1.4 %
(1.0)%
1.5 %

0.6 %

(0.8)%

(1.1)%

(26.8)%

0.9 %

(25.1)%

(0.5)%

(24.8)%

(1.0)%

(2.5)%

(0.8)%

9.5 %

(1.4)%

(1.2)%

7.7 %

(1.7)%

(2.6)%

(2.4)%

During 2016, income tax expense of $202 was recognized (an effective tax rate of 9.5%) compared to income tax expense 
of $164 for 2015 (an effective tax rate of 7.7%) and income tax benefit of $42 for 2014 (an effective tax benefit rate of 2.4%).
The 2016 effective tax rate increased from 2015 primarily due to greater levels of income earned in higher tax jurisdictions, 
partially offset by net decreases in worldwide tax liabilities. In 2014, 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, the effective tax rate
was 5.2%. The 2015 effective tax rate increased from 2014 due to greater levels of income earned in higher tax jurisdictions 
and net increases in worldwide tax liabilities.

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 $17.3 
billion at December 31, 2016, 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. 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, net of tax refunds, follow:

2016

2015

2014

$

272

302

258

41

Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities

Components of current and noncurrent deferred income taxes follow: 

Accruals and other adjustments

Employee benefits
Depreciation and amortization
Other accruals and adjustments

United States federal income tax loss carryforwards
United States federal income tax credit carryforwards
United States state and local tax loss carryforwards and 
   tax credit carryforwards
Other foreign tax loss carryforwards
Other foreign income tax credit carryforwards
Valuation allowance for income tax loss and income tax
   credit carryforwards

Other valuation allowances

Total deferred income taxes

2016
Noncurrent
assets and
liabilities

2015
Noncurrent
assets and
liabilities

$

$

$

761
(1,823)
796
51
182

63
1,715
63

(1,728)
(41)
39

$

808
(1,824)
717
20
183

63
2,265
70

(2,315)
(15)
(28)

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 $331 in 2016 
and $262 in 2015.

At December 31, 2016, certain Irish and non-United States subsidiaries had tax loss carryforwards and income tax credit 
carryforwards that are available to reduce future taxable income and tax liabilities. These carryforwards and their respective 
expiration dates are summarized below:

2017
through
2021

2022
through
2026

2027
through
2031

2032
through
2036

Not
subject to
expiration

Valuation
allowance

Ireland and Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards

$

652

$ 7,476

$

Ireland and Non-U.S. deferred income tax assets for

income tax loss carryforwards

Ireland and Non-U.S. income tax credit carryforwards

76

10

688

21

3

1

2

$

— $

3,685

$

—

—

—

950

(1,607)

30

(31)

42

At December 31, 2016, United States federal income tax loss carryforwards and income tax credit carryforwards are 
available to reduce future United States federal taxable income or tax liabilities. These carryforwards and their respective 
expiration dates are summarized below:

United States federal income tax loss

carryforwards

United States federal deferred income tax
assets for income tax loss carryforwards
United States federal deferred income tax
assets for income tax loss carryforwards
after ASU 2013-11

United States federal income tax credit

carryforwards

United States federal income tax credit
carryforwards after ASU 2013-11

2017
through
2021

2022
through
2026

2027
through
2031

2032
through
2036

2037
through
2041

Not
subject to
expiration

Valuation
allowance

$

— $

15

$

20

$

618

$

— $

— $

—

—

—

62

62

5

5

36

36

7

7

39

8

172

39

115

76

—

—

—

—

—

—

29

—

(12)

(12)

(44)

(44)

At December 31, 2016, United States state and local tax loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards are also available to 

reduce future taxable income or tax liabilities. The deferred tax assets for these carryforwards and their respective expiration
dates are summarized below:

United States state and local deferred

income tax assets for income tax loss
carryforwards - net of federal tax effect

United States state and local deferred

income tax assets for income tax loss
carryforwards - net of federal tax effect
after ASU 2013-11

United States state and local income tax

credit carryforwards - net of federal tax
effect

United States state and local income tax

credit carryforwards - net of federal tax
effect after ASU 2013-11

2017
through
2021

2022
through
2026

2027
through
2031

2032
through
2036

2037
through
2041

Not
subject to
expiration

Valuation
allowance

$

8

$

17

$

11

$

8

$

— $

— $

(17)

—

11

8

12

11

11

11

7

6

8

4

2

—

5

5

—

—

—

(17)

(17)

(17)

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.

43

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: 

Balance at January 1

Increases and decreases as a result of positions taken during prior years

Transfers from valuation allowances

Other increases, including currency translation

Other decreases, including currency translation

Balances related to acquired businesses

Increases as a result of positions taken during the current year

Decreases relating to settlements with tax authorities

Decreases as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations

Balance at December 31

$

2016

2015

2014

$

584

$

493

$

479

—

21
(24)
—

90
(19)
(23)
629

$

—

34
(34)
(1)
109

—
(17)
584

$

(3)
37
(3)
(3)
65
(51)
(28)
493

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 $529.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Eaton had accrued approximately $94 and $108, 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. With only few exceptions, 

Irish and non-United States subsidiaries of Eaton are no longer subject to examinations for years before 2007.

44

The United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its examination of Eaton Corporation and Includible 
Subsidiaries’ United States income tax returns for 2005 through 2010 and has issued Statutory Notices of Deficiency (Notices) 
as discussed below. The statute of limitations on these tax years remains open until the matters are resolved. The IRS is 
currently examining tax years 2011 through 2013. The statute of limitations for tax years 2011 through 2013 is open until April
30, 2018. Tax years 2014 and 2015 are still subject to examination by the IRS.

With respect to the BZ Holdings Inc. and Subsidiaries (the former U.S. holding company for Cooper Industries) final return 

period ended December 21, 2012, the statute of limitations closed on 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 and localities of the United States. 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 2012. 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 2012. 

In 2011, the IRS issued a Notice for Eaton Corporation and Includible Subsidiaries for the 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. 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 Tax 
Court’s decision in the case is now pending following a trial in 2015 and the completion of the parties’ briefing in 2016. 

In 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 for which the Tax Court’s decision is pending, as noted above. During 2007
through 2010, the Company set its transfer prices for products sold between its 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 all 
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. In 2016, litigation activities commenced for the separate
issue in the 2014 Notice regarding recognition of income for several of the Company’s controlled foreign corporations.

In 2014 and 2016, the Company resolved uncertain tax positions with a European government. The resolutions had minimal 

impact on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income in each respective year.

45

During 2010, the Company received a tax assessment of $51 (translated at the December 31, 2016 exchange rate), 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 2014, the Company received a tax assessment of $39 
(translated at the December 31, 2016 exchange rate), 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.

Note 10.  EATON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

There are 750 million Eaton ordinary shares authorized ($0.01 par value per share), 449.4 million and 458.8 million of 

which were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016 and 2015, and 10 million serial 
preferred shares ($0.01 par value per share), none of which is outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015. At December 31, 
2016, there were 17,627 holders of record of Eaton ordinary shares. Additionally, 21,235 current and former employees were 
shareholders through participation in the Eaton Savings Plan, Eaton Personal Investment Plan, or the Eaton Puerto Rico 
Retirement Savings Plan.

On October 22, 2013, Eaton's Board of Directors adopted a share repurchase program (the 2013 Program). Under the 2013 
Program, the ordinary shares were expected to be repurchased over time, depending on market conditions, the market price of 
ordinary shares, capital levels, and other considerations. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, 1.5 million, 11.3 million and 9.6 million
ordinary shares were repurchased under the 2013 Program in the open market at a total cost of $82, $682 and $650, 
respectively. On February 24, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program for share repurchases up 
to $2,500 of ordinary shares (2016 Program). Under the 2016 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 
2016, 10.3 million shares were purchased on the open market under the 2016 Program for a total cost of $648.

Eaton has deferral plans that permit certain employees and directors to defer a portion of their compensation. A trust 
contains $13 and $16 of ordinary shares and marketable securities, as valued at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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.

On February 22, 2017, Eaton's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per ordinary share, payable on 

March 17, 2017, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 06, 2017.

46

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):

2016

2015

2014

Currency translation and related hedging instruments

Pensions and other postretirement benefits

Prior service credit (cost) arising during the year
Net (loss) gain arising during the year
Currency translation
Other
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost
   reclassified to earnings

Cash flow hedges

Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

Changes in cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings

  Cash flow hedges, net of reclassification adjustments

Other comprehensive income (loss) income attributable to

Eaton ordinary shareholders

After-tax

Pre-tax
After-tax
$ (562) $ (570) $ (1,080) $ (1,078) $ (1,014) $ (1,019)

After-tax

Pre-tax

Pre-tax

(2)
(247)
74
—

201
26

(21)
8
(13)

(2)
(197)
62
(2)

133
(6)

(14)
5
(9)

1
(123)
62
—

237
177

20
(16)
4

1
(89)
46
(3)

156
111

13
(10)
3

82
(718)
56
—

168
(412)

(3)
(5)
(8)

51
(519)
47
(4)

110
(315)

(2)
(3)
(5)

$ (549) $ (585) $ (899) $ (964) $ (1,434) $ (1,339)

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, 2015

$

(2,492) $

(1,374) $

3

$

(3,863)

Other comprehensive (loss) income before
    reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other 
   comprehensive loss (income)

Net current-period Other comprehensive 
   (loss) income

Balance at December 31, 2016

(570)

—

(139)

133

(570)
(3,062) $

(6)
(1,380) $

$

(14)

5

(9)
(6) $

(723)

138

(585)
(4,448)

47

The reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss follow:

Amortization of defined benefit pension and other 
   postretirement benefits items

Actuarial loss and prior service cost
Tax benefit

Total, net of tax

Gains and (losses) on cash flow hedges

Currency exchange contracts
Tax benefit

Total, net of tax

Total reclassifications for the period

December 31, 2016

Consolidated Statements of
Income classification

$

$

1

(201)
68
(133)

(8) Cost of products sold
3
(5)

(138)

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)
Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

2016

2015

2014

$

1,922

$

1,979

$

1,793

Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - diluted
Less dilutive effect of equity-based compensation

Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding - basic

456.5
1.5
455.0

467.1
1.6
465.5

Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

Diluted
Basic

$

$

4.21
4.22

$

4.23
4.25

476.8
2.7
474.1

3.76
3.78

In 2016, 2015, and 2014, 1.7 million, 1.6 million, and 0.5 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.

48

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 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 2016 follows:

(Restricted stock units and awards in millions)

Non-vested at January 1

Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Non-vested at December 31

Information related to RSUs and RSAs follows: 

Pretax expense for RSUs and RSAs

After-tax expense for RSUs and RSAs

Fair value of vested RSUs and RSAs

Number of restricted
stock units and awards
2.1
1.6
(0.9)
(0.2)
2.6

Weighted-average fair
value per unit and award
65.06
$
52.80
64.11
59.89
57.87

$

2016

2015

2014

$

$

65

42

71

$

68

44

110

81

53

105

As of December 31, 2016, total compensation expense not yet recognized related to non-vested RSUs and RSAs was $87, 
and the weighted-average period in which the expense is expected to be recognized is 2.5 years. Excess tax benefit for RSUs 
and RSAs totaled $5 for 2014. There was no excess tax benefit for RSUs and RSAs in 2016 and 2015.

Performance Share Units

In February 2016, 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 total
shareholder return relative to that of a group of peers. Awards earned at the end of the three-year vesting period range from 0%
to 200% of the targeted number of PSUs granted based on the ranking of total shareholder return of the Company, assuming 
reinvestment of all dividends, relative to a defined peer group of companies. Equity-based compensation expense for these 
PSUs is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Upon 
vesting, dividends that have accumulated during the vesting period are paid on earned awards. 

The Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of PSUs with market conditions. The principal 
assumptions utilized in valuing these PSUs include the expected stock price volatility (based on the most recent 3-year period 
as of the grant date) and the risk-free interest rate (an estimate based on the yield of United States Treasury zero coupon bonds
with a 3-year maturity as of the grant date). A summary of the assumptions used in determining fair value of these PSUs 
follows:

Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate

Weighted-average fair value of PSUs granted

2016

24%
0.88%

76.41

$

49

A summary of the 2016 activity for these PSUs follows:

(Performance share units in millions)

Non-vested at January 1
  Granted1
  Vested
  Forfeited
Non-vested at December 31

Number of
performance
share units

Weighted-average fair
value per unit

— $
0.6
—
(0.1)
0.5

$

—
76.41
—
76.41
76.41

1 Performance shares granted assuming the Company will perform at target relative to peers. 

In February 2016 and 2015, performance share units were granted to certain employees that entitles the holder to receive 
one ordinary share for each PSU 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 the 2016 
activity for these PSUs follows:

(Performance share units in millions)

Non-vested at January 1

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Non-vested at December 31

Information related to PSUs follows:

Pretax expense for PSUs

After-tax expense for PSUs

Number of
performance
share units

Weighted-average fair
value per unit

$

$

$

0.8

0.1

—
(0.2)
0.7

13

8

71.72

56.55

—

71.72

68.23

2

1

2015

2016

$

As of December 31, 2016, total compensation expense not yet recognized related to non-vested PSUs was $30 and the 
weighted average period in which the expense is to be recognized is 2 years. There was no excess tax benefit for PSUs in 2016 
and 2015.

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.

50

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:

Expected volatility
Expected option life in years
Expected dividend yield
Risk-free interest rate
Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted

A summary of stock option activity follows: 

(Options in millions)

Outstanding at January 1, 2016

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited and canceled

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

Exercisable at December 31, 2016

Reserved for future grants at December 31, 2016

2016

2015

2014

27%
5.5
2.5%
1.2 to 1.5%

29%
5.5
2.6%
1.6 to 1.5%

34%
5.5
2.4%
1.7 to 1.5%

$

11.80

$

15.25

$

19.46

Weighted-average
exercise price per 
option

Options

Weighted-average
remaining
contractual life
in years

Aggregate
intrinsic
value

$

$

$

51.94

56.73

40.32

65.74

56.75

54.28

6.2

1.3
(1.9)
(0.1)
5.5

3.7

18.6

5.6 $

64.5

4.0 $

51.3

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total excess of the $67.09 closing price of Eaton ordinary 
shares on the last trading day of 2016 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.

Information related to stock options follows: 

Pretax expense for stock options

After-tax expense for stock options
Proceeds from stock options exercised

Income tax benefit related to stock options exercised

Tax benefit classified in operating activities in the Consolidated 
   Statements of Cash Flows
Excess tax benefit classified in financing activities in the 
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised

Total fair value of stock options vested

2016

2015

2014

14

9
74

5

1
42

14

$

$

12

8
52

4

1
44

12

$

$

12

8
54

4

15
55

12

$

$

Stock options exercised, in millions of options

1.9

1.4

1.5

As of December 31, 2016, total compensation expense not yet recognized related to non-vested stock options was $10.6, 

and the weighted-average period in which the expense is expected to be recognized is 1.9 years.

51

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:

2016
Cash
Short-term investments
Net derivative contracts

Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by
   interest rate swaps - net

2015

Cash

Short-term investments

Net derivative contracts

Long-term debt converted to floating interest rates by
   interest rate swaps - net

Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical
assets
(Level 1)

Total

Other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)

Unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)

$

$

$

$

543
203
(3)

(58)

268

177

86

(94)

543
203
—

—

268

177

—

—

$

— $
—
(3)

(58)

$

— $

—

86

(94)

—
—
—

—

—

—

—

—

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.

Other Fair Value Measurements

Long-term debt and the current portion of long-term debt had a carrying value of $8,263 and fair value of $8,477 at 
December 31, 2016 compared to $7,988 and $8,231, respectively, at December 31, 2015. 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:

Time deposits, certificates of deposit and demand deposits with banks
Money market investments

Total short-term investments

2016

2015

$

$

149
54

203

$

$

122
55

177

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. During 2016, Eaton recognized a gain of $7 associated with 
these commodity hedge contracts. Gains and losses associated with commodity hedge contracts are classified in Cost of 
products sold.

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 as non-derivative 
net investment hedging instruments on an after-tax basis was $86 and $83 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and 
designated on a pre-tax basis was $572 at December 31, 2016. 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 several forward
starting floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk on an anticipated debt refinancing in 2017.

53

A summary of interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2016, follows:

Fixed-to-Floating Interest Rate Swaps

$

Notional
amount

150
750
415
300
25
150
275
1,400
200
25
50
25

Fixed interest
rate received
5.30%
1.50%
5.60%
6.95%
8.88%
3.88%
3.47%
2.75%
3.68%
7.63%
7.65%
5.45%

Floating interest
rate paid
4.75%
0.95%
4.26%
5.85%
4.96%
2.61%
2.23%
1.07%
1.56%
3.55%
3.65%
1.36%

Forward Starting Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swaps

Notional
amount

$

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

Floating interest
rate to be received
—%

Fixed interest
rate to be paid
2.52%

—%

—%

—%

—%

—%

—%

—%

—%

2.38%

2.19%

2.19%

1.95%

1.80%

1.67%

1.66%

1.53%

Basis for contracted floating interest rate paid
1 month LIBOR + 4.26%
1 month LIBOR + 0.46%
6 month LIBOR + 3.18%
3 month LIBOR + 5.07%
6 month LIBOR + 3.84%
1 month LIBOR + 2.12%
1 month LIBOR + 1.74%
1 month LIBOR + 0.58%
1 month LIBOR + 1.07%
6 month LIBOR + 2.48%
6 month LIBOR + 2.57%
6 month LIBOR + 0.28%

Basis for contracted floating interest rate received

3 month LIBOR + 0.00%

3 month LIBOR + 0.00%

3 month LIBOR + 0.00%

3 month LIBOR + 0.00%

3 month LIBOR + 0.00%

3 month LIBOR + 0.00%

3 month LIBOR + 0.00%

3 month LIBOR + 0.00%

3 month LIBOR + 0.00%

54

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, 2016
Derivatives designated as hedges

Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 3,765
Forward starting floating-to-fixed
interest rate swaps
Currency exchange contracts

450
802

Total

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Currency exchange contracts
Commodity contracts

$ 5,333
10

Total

$

$

$

$

December 31, 2015
Derivatives designated as hedges

1

$

65

$

— $

8

Fair value

3 months to 18
years

19
1
85

$

—
11
12

31
2
33

—
22
22

85
—
85

$

$

$

1 Cash flow
17 Cash flow 1 to 36 months
26

11 years

$

1 to 12 months
1 to 12 months

Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps $ 3,715
Forward starting floating-to-fixed 
interest rate swaps
Currency exchange contracts
Commodity contracts

724
1

50

Total

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Currency exchange contracts

$ 4,198

Total

$ — $

96

$

— $

2

Fair value

2 to 19 years

$

—

18
—
18

27
27

$

$
$

—

1
—
97

$

$
  $

—

8
—
8

40
40

— Cash flow

12 years

6 Cash flow 1 to 36 months
— Cash flow 1 to 12 months
8

$

1 to 12 months

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.

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The impact of derivative instruments to the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income follow:

Gain (loss) recognized in
other comprehensive
(loss) income

2016

2015

Location of gain (loss)
reclassified from
Accumulated other
comprehensive loss

Gain (loss) reclassified
from Accumulated other
comprehensive loss
2015
2016

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges  
Forward starting floating-to-fixed interest
rate swaps
Currency exchange contracts

$

Total

$

Amounts recognized in net income follow:

$

18
(39)
(21) $

— Interest expense - net
20
Cost of products sold
20

$

$

— $
(8)
(8) $

—
16
16

Derivatives designated as fair value hedges

Fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps
Related long-term debt converted to floating interest
   rates by interest rate swaps

Gains and losses described above were recognized in Interest expense - net.

Note 14.  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND INVENTORY

Accounts Receivable

2016

2015

$

$

(36) $

36

— $

20

(20)
—

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 at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

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.

The components of inventory follow:

Raw materials

Work-in-process
Finished goods

Inventory at FIFO

Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost

Total inventory

2016

2015

880

$

396
1,074

2,350
(96)
2,254

$

885

412
1,131

2,428
(105)
2,323

$

$

Inventory at FIFO accounted for using the LIFO method was 44% and 43% at the end of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

56

 
 
 
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 renewable energy, marine, agriculture, oil and gas, 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.

Vehicle

The Vehicle segment is a leader in the design, manufacture, marketing, and supply of: drivetrain, 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 2016, 2015 or 2014, 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.

57

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 certain cash, short-term investments, deferred 
income taxes, certain accounts receivable, certain property, plant and equipment, and certain other assets.

Business Segment Information

Net sales

Electrical Products
Electrical Systems and Services
Hydraulics
Aerospace
Vehicle

Total net sales

Segment operating profit

Electrical Products

Electrical Systems and Services

Hydraulics

Aerospace

Vehicle

$

$

$

2016

2015

2014

6,957
5,662
2,222
1,753
3,153
19,747

$

$

6,976
5,931
2,459
1,807
3,682
20,855

$

$

7,254
6,457
2,975
1,860
4,006
22,552

1,240

$

1,156

$

1,184

711

198

335

474

776

246

310

645

843

367

273

645

Total segment operating profit

2,958

3,133

3,312

Corporate

Litigation settlements

Amortization of intangible assets

Interest expense - net

Pension and other postretirement benefits expense

Other corporate expense - net

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income

Less net income for noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

$

—
(392)
(233)
(60)
(146)
2,127

202

1,925
(3)
1,922

$

—
(406)
(232)
(130)
(220)
2,145

164

1,981
(2)
1,979

Business segment operating profit was reduced by acquisition integration charges as follows:

Electrical Products

Electrical Systems and Services
Hydraulics
Total

2016

2015

3

1
—

4

$

$

25

15
2

42

$

$

(644)
(431)
(227)
(138)
(111)
1,761
(42)
1,803
(10)
1,793

2014

66

51
12

129

$

$

$

Corporate acquisition integration charges totaled $5 and $25 in 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included above in 

Other corporate expense - net. There was no corporate acquisition integration charges in 2016. See Note 3 for additional 
information about acquisition integration charges.

58

2016

2015

2014

Identifiable assets

Electrical Products
Electrical Systems and Services
Hydraulics
Aerospace
Vehicle

Total identifiable assets

Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Corporate

Total assets

Capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment

Electrical Products
Electrical Systems and Services
Hydraulics

Aerospace

Vehicle

Total

Corporate

Total expenditures for property, plant and equipment

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Electrical Products

Electrical Systems and Services

Hydraulics

Aerospace

Vehicle

Total

Corporate

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,363
2,222
1,188
830
1,549
8,152
13,201
5,514
3,552
30,419

134
78
92

28

142

474

23

$

$

$

2,538
2,285
1,138
841
1,579
8,381
13,479
6,014
3,122
30,996

137
94
61

33

119

444

62

497

$

506

$

141

$

137

$

82

64

27

109

423

63

82

67

28

113

427

52

Total depreciation of property, plant and equipment

$

486

$

479

$

3,012
2,512
1,315
832
1,668
9,339
13,893
6,556
3,699
33,487

170
147
79

28

160

584

48

632

148

90

67

28

130

463

51

514

59

Geographic Region Information

Net sales are measured based on the geographic destination of sales. Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and 

equipment - net.

Net sales

United States
Canada
Latin America
Europe
Asia Pacific

Total

Long-lived assets

United States
Canada
Latin America
Europe

Asia Pacific

Total

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

$

$

10,937
898
1,448
4,228
2,236
19,747

1,924
19
281
681

538

$

$

$

11,396
969
1,726
4,379
2,385
20,855

1,982
19
243
734

587

$

3,443

$

3,565

$

11,701
1,113
1,988
5,074
2,676
22,552

1,988
25
306
799

632

3,750

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 2016 and 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.

60

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

Eaton
Corporation
plc

Eaton
Corporation

Guarantors

Other
subsidiaries

Consolidating
adjustments

Total

Net sales

$

— $

6,447

$

6,351

$

11,961

$

(5,012) $

19,747

Cost of products sold

Selling and administrative expense

Research and development expense

Interest expense (income) - net

Other expense (income) - net

Equity in loss (earnings) of 
   subsidiaries, net of tax

Intercompany expense (income) - net

Income (loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss)

Less net loss (income) for 
   noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss) attributable to
   Eaton ordinary shareholders

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Total comprehensive income 
(loss) attributable to Eaton 
   ordinary shareholders

$

$

—

141

—

—

(35)

(2,439)

411

1,922

—

1,922

—

5,078

1,155

235

230

(48)

(741)

(157)

695

34

661

—

4,686

760

186

18

42

(3,322)

1,230

2,751

28

2,723

—

8,649

1,449

168

(14)

(66)

(898)

(1,484)

4,157

139

4,018

(5,013)

—

—

(1)

—

7,400

—

(7,398)

1

(7,399)

13,400

3,505

589

233

(107)

—

—

2,127

202

1,925

(5)

2

(3)

1,922

$

661

$

2,723

$

4,013

$

(7,397) $

1,922

(585)

53

(567)

(803)

1,317

(585)

1,337

$

714

$

2,156

$

3,210

$

(6,080) $

1,337

61

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

$

6,659

$

12,533

$

(5,262) $

20,855

Cost of products sold

Selling and administrative expense

Research and development expense

Interest expense (income) - net

Other expense (income) - net

Equity in loss (earnings) of 
   subsidiaries, net of tax

Intercompany expense (income) - net

Income (loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss)

Less net loss (income) for 
   noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss) attributable to
   Eaton ordinary shareholders

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Total comprehensive income 
(loss) attributable to Eaton 
   ordinary shareholders

$

$

—

141

—

—

—

(2,456)

336

1,979

—

1,979

—

5,508

1,223

266

222

—

(789)

(425)

920

103

817

—

5,036

738

197

21

24

(3,285)

1,218

2,710

(69)

2,779

8,981

1,494

162

(13)

(59)

(689)

(1,129)

3,786

141

3,645

(5,233)

—

—

2

—

7,219

—

(7,250)

(11)

(7,239)

14,292

3,596

625

232

(35)

—

—

2,145

164

1,981

—

(3)

1

(2)

1,979

$

817

$

2,779

$

3,642

$

(7,238) $

1,979

(964)

6

(952)

(1,179)

2,125

(964)

1,015

$

823

$

1,827

$

2,463

$

(5,113) $

1,015

62

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

Selling and administrative expense

Litigation settlements

Research and development expense

Interest expense (income) - net

Other expense (income) - net

Equity in loss (earnings) of 
   subsidiaries, net of tax

Intercompany expense (income) - net

Income (loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss)

Less net loss (income) for 
   noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss) attributable to
   Eaton ordinary shareholders

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Total comprehensive income 
(loss) attributable to Eaton 
   ordinary shareholders

$

$

—

171

—

—

—

—

(2,191)

227

1,793

—

1,793

—

5,519

1,246

644

240

225

(17)

(657)

(263)

53

(100)

153

—

5,075

742

—

202

25

(81)

(2,660)

855

2,727

79

2,648

—

9,882

1,651

—

205

(29)

(85)

(295)

(819)

3,011

(14)

3,025

(8)

(4,830)

—

—

—

6

—

5,803

—

(5,823)

(7)

(5,816)

(2)

15,646

3,810

644

647

227

(183)

—

—

1,761

(42)

1,803

(10)

1,793

$

153

$

2,648

$

3,017

$

(5,818) $

1,793

(1,339)

(191)

(1,370)

(1,646)

3,207

(1,339)

454

$

(38) $

1,278

$

1,371

$

(2,611) $

454

63

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2016

Eaton
Corporation
plc

Eaton
Corporation

Guarantors

Other
subsidiaries

Consolidating
adjustments

Total

$

$

$

Assets
Current assets

Cash
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable - net
Intercompany accounts receivable
Inventory
Prepaid expenses and other
   current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment - net

Other noncurrent assets

Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Deferred income taxes
Investment in subsidiaries
Intercompany loans receivable
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and shareholders’ 
   equity
Current liabilities
Short-term debt
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Intercompany accounts payable
Accrued compensation
Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt
Pension liabilities
Other postretirement benefits 
   liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Intercompany loans payable
Other noncurrent liabilities

Total noncurrent liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Eaton shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

$

1
—
—
5
—

—
6

—

—
—
—
32,795
—
—
32,801

$

$

— $
—
1
281
—
1
283

—
—

—
—
17,621
—
17,621

92
—
536
954
342

77
2,001

857

1,355
169
904
13,743
7,605
491
27,125

$

$

— $

1,250
372
3,870
98
591
6,181

5,767
610

198
—
2,603
327
9,505

$

$

$

4
—
1,049
4,023
642

42
5,760

706

6,293
3,442
—
72,938
2,061
134
91,334

8
296
252
3,115
58
291
4,020

936
161

99
732
44,788
211
46,927

$

$

$

446
203
1,975
3,633
1,349

237
7,843

1,880

5,553
1,903
228
12,516
56,598
335
86,856

6
6
1,093
1,349
223
941
3,618

8
888

71
361
1,252
396
2,976

— $
—
—
(8,615)
(79)

25
(8,669)

—

—
—
(772)
(131,992)
(66,264)
—
(207,697) $

— $
—
—
(8,615)
—
(2)
(8,617)

—
—

—
(772)
(66,264)
—
(67,036)

543
203
3,560
—
2,254

381
6,941

3,443

13,201
5,514
360
—
—
960
30,419

14
1,552
1,718
—
379
1,822
5,485

6,711
1,659

368
321
—
934
9,993

14,897
—
14,897
32,801

$

11,439
—
11,439
27,125

$

40,387
—
40,387
91,334

$

80,224
38
80,262
86,856

$

(132,050)
6
(132,044)
(207,697) $

14,897
44
14,941
30,419

64

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2015

Eaton
Corporation
plc

Eaton
Corporation

Guarantors

Other
subsidiaries

Consolidating
adjustments

Total

$

$

$

Assets
Current assets

Cash
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable - net
Intercompany accounts receivable
Inventory
Prepaid expenses and other 
   current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment - net

Other noncurrent assets

Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Deferred income taxes
Investment in subsidiaries
Intercompany loans receivable
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and shareholders’ 
   equity
Current liabilities
Short-term debt
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Intercompany accounts payable
Accrued compensation
Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt
Pension liabilities
Other postretirement benefits 
   liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Intercompany loans payable
Other noncurrent liabilities

Total noncurrent liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Eaton shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

$

— $
—
—
1
—

—
1

—

—
—
—
29,627
—
—
29,628

$

— $
—
—
219
—
1
220

—
—

—
—
14,222
—
14,222

$

$

$

26
—
512
842
357

77
1,814

930

1,355
182
1,016
12,931
8,641
492
27,361

408
1
392
4,009
77
644
5,531

7,053
639

245
—
2,962
346
11,245

7
2
1,036
3,903
658

41
5,647

751

6,295
3,634
—
60,216
1,573
122
78,238

$

$

— $
240
266
2,380
53
319
3,258

675
165

118
818
36,436
200
38,412

$

$

$

235
175
1,931
3,033
1,388

228
6,990

1,884

5,829
2,198
218
9,968
44,835
346
72,268

18
1
1,100
1,171
236
874
3,400

17
782

77
444
1,429
432
3,181

— $
—
—
(7,779)
(80)

23
(7,836)

—

—
—
(872)
(112,742)
(55,049)
—
(176,499) $

— $
—
—
(7,779)
—
(5)
(7,784)

1
—

—
(872)
(55,049)
—
(55,920)

15,186
—
15,186
29,628

$

10,585
—
10,585
27,361

$

36,568
—
36,568
78,238

$

65,650
37
65,687
72,268

$

(112,803)
8
(112,795)
(176,499) $

268
177
3,479
—
2,323

369
6,616

3,565

13,479
6,014
362
—
—
960
30,996

426
242
1,758
—
366
1,833
4,625

7,746
1,586

440
390
—
978
11,140

15,186
45
15,231
30,996

65

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
DECEMBER 31, 2016

Eaton
Corporation
plc

Eaton
Corporation

Guarantors

Other
subsidiaries

Consolidating
adjustments

Total

$

(253) $

(215) $

(236) $

3,256

$

— $

2,552

Net cash provided by (used in)
   operating activities

Investing activities

Capital expenditures for property,
   plant and equipment
Cash received from (paid for)
   acquisitions of businesses, net of
   cash acquired
Sales (purchases) of short-term
investment - net

Investments in affiliates

(1,250)

Return of investments in affiliates

Loans to affiliates

Repayments of loans from affiliates

Other - net

—

—

—

—

Net cash provided by (used in)
    investing activities

(1,250)

—

—

—

—

—

Financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Payments on borrowings

Proceeds from borrowings from
   affiliates

Payments on borrowings from
   affiliates

Capital contribution from affiliates

Return of investments in affiliates

Other intercompany financing
   activities

Cash dividends paid

Cash dividends paid to affiliates

Exercise of employee stock options

Repurchase of shares

Excess tax benefit from equity-based
   compensation

Other - net

Net cash provided by (used in) 
   financing activities

(92)

(114)

(291)

1

2

(120)

47

(655)

—

41

—

(42)

(1,370)

—

(8,208)

5,893

(25)

—

—

—

2,740

(47)

9,200

(7,186)

—

(497)

1

(40)

—

—

—

—

7

(798)

(4,043)

4,707

(529)

—

—

—

—

(337)

1,293

(9)

855

21

(408)

610

(231)

3,843

4,045

1,120

(646)

(4,655)

—

—

—

(1,037)

—

74

(730)

—

—

—

—

422

—

—

—

—

1

—

(1,844)

1,370

—

10

—

—

—

—

—

(4)

—

(14)

192

(41)

1,370

(47)

(432)

—

—

—

—

—

(2)

—

—

(9,200)

7,186

(2,740)

47

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

631

(653)

—

—

—

—

—

(1,037)

—

74

(730)

1

(6)

1,504

(574)

1,031

1,026

(4,707)

(1,720)

Effect of currency on cash

Total increase (decrease) in cash

Cash at the beginning of the period

Cash at the end of the period

$

—

1

—

1

$

—

66

26

92

$

—

(3)

7

4

$

(28)

211

235

446

—

—

—

$

— $

(28)

275

268

543

66

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
DECEMBER 31, 2015

Eaton
Corporation
plc

Eaton
Corporation

Guarantors

Other
subsidiaries

Consolidating
adjustments

Total

$

(137) $

(46) $

(288) $

2,846

$

(4) $

2,371

—

—

—

(1,482)

—

—

—

—

(94)

(146)

(266)

—

—

—

(1,235)

342

—

(50)

(35)

(2)

(1,176)

(39)

359

—

47

(37)

39

(1,482)

(10,608)

7,148

1

(32)

—

—

—

4,140

11,882

(7,849)

—

—

(1,482)

(1,037)

(992)

(5,237)

8,173

(506)

(72)

37

—
—

—

1

(35)

(575)

—

—

408

(724)

3,322

6,885

(48)

—

—

(1,026)

—

52

(682)

—

—

1,618

—

(1)

1

(6,122)

1,176

(688)

—

—

—

—

1

—

936

—

(147)

173

—

(301)

997

(1,282)

1,482

378

—

—

—

—

—

—

17

(2)

—

—

425

(1,027)

678

(11,882)

(397)

1,482

7,849

(4,140)

310

—

(4)

—

—

—

(10)

—

—

4

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,026)

—

52

(682)

1

(10)

1,274

2,074

(8,169)

(2,267)

—

(6)

13

7

$

(42)

(359)

594

235

—

—

—

$

— $

(42)

(513)

781

268

Net cash provided by (used in)
   operating activities

Investing activities

Capital expenditures for property, 
   plant and equipment
Cash received from (paid for)
   acquisitions of businesses, net of
   cash acquired
Sales (purchases) of short-term
investments - net

Investments in affiliates

Loans to affiliates

Repayments of loans from affiliates

Proceeds from the sales
   of businesses

Other - net

Net cash provided by (used in)
    investing activities

Financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Payments on borrowings

Proceeds from borrowings from
   affiliates

Payments on borrowings from
   affiliates

Capital contribution from affiliates

Other intercompany financing
   activities

Cash dividends paid

Cash dividends received from
affiliates

Exercise of employee stock options

Repurchase of shares
Excess tax benefit from equity-based
   compensation

Other - net

Net cash provided by (used in)
   financing activities

Effect of currency on cash

Total increase (decrease) in cash

Cash at the beginning of the period

Cash at the end of the period

$

— $

26

$

67

Net cash provided by (used in) 
   operating activities

Investing activities

Capital expenditures for property, 
   plant and equipment
Cash received from (paid for)
   acquisitions of businesses, net of
   cash acquired
Sales (purchases) of short-term 
   investments - net
Investments in affiliates

Loans to affiliates

Repayments of loans from affiliates
Proceeds from the sales of 
   businesses
Other - net

Net cash provided by (used in) 
   investing activities

Financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Payments on borrowings
Proceeds from borrowings from 
   affiliates
Payments on borrowings from 
   affiliates
Issuance of stock to affiliates
Other intercompany financing 
   activities
Cash dividends paid

Cash dividends paid to affiliates

Exercise of employee stock options

Repurchase of shares

Excess tax benefit from equity-based 
   compensation

Other - net

Net cash provided by (used in) 
   financing activities

Effect of currency on cash

Total increase (decrease) in cash

Cash at the beginning of the period

Cash at the end of the period

$

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
DECEMBER 31, 2014

Eaton
Corporation
plc

Eaton
Corporation

Guarantors

Other
subsidiaries

Consolidating
adjustments

Total

$

(93) $

(411) $

(218) $

2,568

$

32

$

1,878

(127)

(168)

(337)

(2,808)

2,927

—

—

—

1,506

11,062

(9,641)

—

—

—

—

(11,062)

9,641

(1,506)

—

—

(32)

—

—

—

—

(632)

2

522

—

—

—

282

(31)

143

—

(582)

—

—

—

—

(929)

—

54

(650)

20

(43)

(2,959)

(2,130)

—

—

—

$

— $

(25)

(134)

915

781

2

389

(753)

(10,546)

8,451

14

(28)

—

(28)

27

(383)

753

(350)

—

32

—

—

—

(43)

8

(25)

(257)

851

594

—

—

—

(753)

—

—

—

—

(753)

—

—

2,628

(476)

—

217

(929)

—

54

(650)

—

—

844

—

(2)

3

1

—

133

—

(162)

212

175

44

234

—

(1)

808

(1,875)

753

302

—

—

—

—

—

—

(13)

—

3

10

13

$

—

—

—

(354)

978

93

(47)

543

—

(553)

7,599

(6,907)

—

(169)

—

—

—

—

20

—

(10)

—

122

51

$

173

$

68

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 2016 net sales of $19.7 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 95,000 employees in over 60 countries and sells 
products to customers in more than 175 countries.

Summary of Results of Operations

During 2016 and 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 the strengthening in the value of the U.S. dollar. Despite
the declining market conditions and unfavorable impact of currency translation, the Company generated solid operating 
margins and net income per share - diluted.  

During 2015, Eaton announced a multi-year restructuring initiative to reduce its cost structure and gain efficiencies in all 
business segments and at corporate in order to respond to declining market conditions. Restructuring charges in 2016 and 2015 
were $211 and $129, respectively. These charges were primarily comprised of severance costs. Restructuring charges are 
anticipated to be $100 in 2017. The projected annualized savings from these restructuring actions are expected to be $518, 
when 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:

Net sales

Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders - diluted

2016

2015

2014

$

$

19,747

1,922

4.21

$

$

20,855

1,979

4.23

$

$

22,552

1,793

3.76

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 to integration of Ephesus 
Lighting, Inc. and Oxalis Group Ltd. in 2016 and primarily Cooper Industries plc in 2015 and 2014. Management believes that 
these financial measures are useful to investors because they exclude certain transactions, 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.

69

Consolidated Financial Results

Net sales
Gross profit

Percent of net sales

Income before income taxes
Net income

Less net income for noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

Excluding acquisition integration charges,
   after-tax (Note 3)

Operating earnings

Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary
shareholders - diluted
Excluding per share impact of acquisition integration

charges, after-tax (Note 3)

Operating earnings per ordinary share

Net Sales

2016
$ 19,747
6,347

Change
from 2015

2015

Change
from 2014

2014

(5)% $ 20,855
6,563
(3)%

(8)% $ 22,552
6,906
(5)%

32.1%
2,127
1,925
(3)
1,922

3
1,925

4.21

0.01

4.22

$

$

$

31.5%

2,145
1,981
(2)
1,979

31
2,010

(1)%
(3)%

(3)%

(4)% $

30.6%

1,761
1,803
(10)
1,793

102
1,895

22 %
10 %

10 %

6 % $

— % $

4.23

13 % $

3.76

(2)% $

0.07

4.30

0.21

3.97

8 % $

Net sales in 2016 decreased by 5% compared to 2015 due to a decrease of 4% in organic sales and decrease of 1% from the 
impact of negative currency translation. Net sales in 2015 decreased by 8% compared to 2014 due to a decrease of 6% from the 
impact of negative currency translation and a decrease of 2% in organic sales. The decrease in organic sales in 2016 and 2015 
was primarily due to weakening demand in several of the Company's end markets. 

Gross Profit

Gross profit margin increased from 31.5% in 2015 to 32.1% in 2016. The increase in gross profit margin in 2016 was 
primarily due to savings from restructuring actions and other cost control measures, partially offset by lower sales volumes, 
unfavorable product mix, and higher restructuring charges. Gross profit 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.

Income Taxes

During 2016, an income tax expense of $202 was recognized (an effective tax rate of 9.5%) compared to income tax 
expense of $164 in 2015 (an effective tax rate of 7.7%). The 2016 effective tax rate increased from 2015 primarily due to 
greater levels of income earned in higher tax jurisdictions, partially offset by net decreases in worldwide tax liabilities.

During 2015, an income tax expense of $164 was recognized (an effective tax rate of 7.7%) compared to income tax benefit 

of $42 for 2014 (an effective tax benefit rate of 2.4%). In 2014, 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, the effective tax rate
was 5.2%. The 2015 effective tax rate increased from 2014 primarily due to greater levels of income earned in higher tax 
jurisdictions and net increases in worldwide tax liabilities.

70

Net Income

Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders of $1,922 in 2016 decreased 3% compared to $1,979 in 2015. The 
decrease in 2016 was primarily due to lower sales volumes, unfavorable product mix, and higher restructuring charges, partially
offset by savings from restructuring actions, other cost control measures, a decrease in pension and other postretirement 
benefits expense, and income from several insurance matters of $68 during the fourth quarter of 2016. Net income attributable 
to Eaton ordinary shareholders of $1,979 in 2015 increased 10% compared to Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary 
shareholders of $1,793 in 2014. The increase 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, net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders declined in 2015 due 
to lower sales volume, the negative impact of currency translation, a higher tax rate, and higher restructuring charges incurred
in 2015, offset by savings resulting from the 2015 restructuring actions and other cost control measures.

Operating Earnings

Operating earnings of $1,925 in 2016 decreased 4% compared to Operating earnings of $2,010 in 2015. The decrease was 

due to lower Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders and lower acquisition integration charges. Operating 
earnings of $2,010 in 2015 increased 6% compared to 2014 Operating earnings of $1,895. The increase was due to higher Net 
income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders, partially offset by lower acquisition integration charges.

Operating earnings per ordinary share decreased by 2% to $4.22 in 2016 compared to $4.30 in 2015. The decrease in 
Operating earnings per ordinary share in 2016 was due to lower Operating earnings, partially offset by the impact of the 
Company's share repurchases in 2016. Operating earnings per ordinary share of $4.30 in 2015 increased 8% from $3.97 in 
2014. The increase in Operating earnings per ordinary share in 2015 was due to higher Operating earnings and the impact of the 
Company's share repurchases in 2015.

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 acquisition integration charges see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Electrical Products

Net sales

Operating profit

Operating margin

Acquisition integration charges

Before acquisition integration charges

Operating profit
Operating margin

2016

6,957

1,240

17.8%

Change
from 2015

2015

Change
from 2014

2014

— % $

6,976

(4)% $

7,254

7 % $

1,156

(2)% $

1,184

16.6%

16.3%

3

$

25

$

66

1,243
17.9%

5 % $

1,181
16.9%

(6)% $

1,250
17.2%

$

$

$

$

Net sales were broadly flat in 2016 compared to 2015 due to an increase of 1% in organic sales, offset by a decrease of 1% 

from the impact of negative currency translation. By region, organic sales grew in 2016 in the Americas and Europe, while 
organic sales declined in Asia Pacific. Net sales decreased 4% in 2015 compared to 2014 due to a decrease of 5% from the 
impact of negative currency translation, partially offset by an increase of 1% in organic sales. Organic sales in 2015 were 
positively impacted by North American markets.

71

Operating margin increased from 16.6% in 2015 to 17.8% in 2016. The increase in operating margin in 2016 was primarily 
due to savings from restructuring actions, other cost control measures, and lower acquisition integration charges, partially offset
by higher restructuring charges and unfavorable product mix. Operating margin increased from 16.3% in 2014 to 16.6% in 
2015. The increase in operating margin in 2015 was primarily due to savings from restructuring actions, other cost control 
measures, and lower acquisition integration charges, partially offset by lower sales volumes, unfavorable product mix and 
restructuring charges incurred in 2015.

Operating margin before acquisition integration charges increased from 16.9% in 2015 to 17.9% in 2016. The increase in 
operating margin before acquisition integration charges in 2016 was primarily due to an increase in operating margin, partially
offset by lower acquisition integration charges. Operating margin before acquisition integration charges decreased from 17.2% 
in 2014 to 16.9% in 2015. The decrease in operating margin before acquisition integration charges in 2015 was primarily due to 
lower acquisition integration charges, partially offset by an increase in operating margin.

Electrical Systems and Services

Net sales

Operating profit
Operating margin

Acquisition integration charges

Before acquisition integration charges

Operating profit

Operating margin

2016
5,662

711
12.6%

Change
from 2015

(5)% $

(8)% $

2015
5,931

776
13.1%

Change
from 2014

(8)% $

(8)% $

2014
6,457

843
13.1%

1

$

15

$

51

712

12.6%

(10)% $

791

(12)% $

894

13.3%

13.8%

$

$

$

$

Net sales decreased 5% in 2016 compared to 2015 due to a decrease of 3% in organic sales and a decrease of 2% from the 
impact of negative currency translation. The organic sales decline in 2016 was primarily due to continued weakness in oil and 
gas markets and large industrial projects, partially offset by growth in data centers and commercial construction markets. Net 
sales decreased 8% in 2015 compared to 2014 due to a decrease of 4% in organic sales and a decrease 4% from the impact of 
negative currency translation. The organic sales decline in 2015 was primarily due to weakness in global oil and gas and other 
industrial markets.

Operating margin decreased from 13.1% in 2015 to 12.6% in 2016. Operating margin decreased in 2016 primarily due to 
lower sales volumes, unfavorable product mix, and higher restructuring charges, partially offset by savings from restructuring 
actions and other cost control measures. Operating margin was flat at 13.1% in 2014 and 2015, as lower acquisition integration 
charges and savings from restructuring actions and other cost control measures was offset by restructuring charges incurred in 
2015 and unfavorable product mix.

Operating margin before acquisition integration charges decreased from 13.3% in 2015 to 12.6% in 2016. The decrease in 

operating margin was primarily due to lower operating margins and lower acquisition integration charges. 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 lower acquisition integration charges.

72

Hydraulics

Net sales

Operating profit
Operating margin

Acquisition integration charges

Before acquisition integration charges

Operating profit
Operating margin

$

$

$

$

2016
2,222

198
8.9%

—

198
8.9%

Change
from 2015

(10)% $

(20)% $

2015
2,459

246
10.0%

Change
from 2014

(17)% $

(33)% $

2014
2,975

367
12.3%

$

2

$

12

(20)% $

248
10.1%

(35)% $

379
12.7%

Net sales in 2016 decreased 10% compared to 2015 due to a decrease in organic sales of 9% and a decrease of 1% from the 

impact of negative currency translation. The decrease in organic sales was due to continued weakness in both the mobile and 
industrial markets. 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 negative currency translation. The decrease in organic sales was due to broad weakness in global 
hydraulics markets.

Operating margin decreased from 10.0% in 2015 to 8.9% in 2016. The decrease in operating margin in 2016 was primarily 

due to lower sales volumes and higher restructuring costs, partially offset by savings from restructuring actions and other cost
control measures. Operating margin decreased from 12.3% in 2014 to 10.0% in 2015. The decrease in operating margin during 
2015 was primarily due to lower sales volumes and restructuring charges incurred in 2015, partially offset by savings from 
2015 restructuring actions, other cost control measures, and efficiencies generated from certain restructuring activities taken in 
2014.

Operating margin before acquisition integration charges decreased from 10.1% in 2015 to 8.9% in 2016. The decrease in 
operating margin before acquisition integration charges was primarily due to lower operating margins. Operating margin before 
acquisition integration charges decreased from 12.7% in 2014 to 10.1% in 2015. The decrease in operating margin before 
acquisition integration charges in 2015 was primarily due to lower operating margins and lower acquisition integration charges.

Aerospace

Net sales

Operating profit

Operating margin

$

$

2016

1,753

335

19.1%

Change
from 2015

2015

Change
from 2014

2014

(3)% $

1,807

(3)% $

1,860

8 % $

310

14 % $

273

17.2%

14.7%

Net sales in 2016 decreased 3% compared to 2015 due to a decrease of 2% from the impact of negative currency translation 

and a decrease in organic sales of 1%. The decrease in organic sales during 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in military 
OEM markets and lower cost reimbursements on certain engineering programs, partially offset by growth in commercial 
markets. Net sales in 2015 decreased 3% compared to 2014 due to a decrease of 2% from the impact of negative 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. 

Operating margin increased from 17.2% in 2015 to 19.1% in 2016. The increase was primarily due to savings from 
restructuring actions, other cost control measures and reduced program development spending. Operating margin increased 
from 14.7% in 2014 to 17.2% in 2015. The increase was primarily due to favorable product mix, savings from restructuring 
actions and other cost control measures, partially offset by restructuring charges incurred in 2015.

73

Vehicle

Net sales

Operating profit
Operating margin

$

$

2016
3,153

474
15.0%

Change
from 2015

(14)% $

(27)% $

2015
3,682

645
17.5%

Change
from 2014

(8)% $

— % $

2014
4,006

645
16.1%

Net sales decreased 14% in 2016 compared to 2015 due to a decrease in organic sales of 13% and a decrease of 1% from 

the impact of negative currency translation. The decrease in organic sales in 2016 was primarily due to the lower North 
American Class 8 truck market. Net sales decreased 8% in 2015 compared to 2014 due to a decrease of 8% from the impact of 
negative 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. 

Operating margin decreased from 17.5% in 2015 to 15.0% in 2016. The decrease in operating margin in 2016 was primarily 

due to lower sales volumes and unfavorable product mix, partially offset by savings from restructuring actions and other cost 
control measures. 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, savings from restructuring actions and other cost control measures, partially offset by 
lower sales volume and restructuring charges incurred in 2015.

Corporate Expense

Litigation settlements

Amortization of intangible assets

Interest expense - net

Pension and other postretirement benefits expense

Gain on divestiture of Aerospace businesses

Other corporate expense - net

Total corporate expense

2016

Change
from 2015

2015

Change
from 2014

2014

$

$

—

392

233

60

—

146

831

NM $

(3)%

— %

(54)%

NM

(34)%

(16)% $

—

406

232

130

—

220

988

NM $

(6)%

2 %

(6)%

NM

(17)%

644

431

227

138
(154)
265

(36)% $

1,551

Total Corporate expense decreased 16% in 2016 to $831 from $988 in 2015 primarily due to a decrease in pension and other 

postretirement benefits expense, and income from several insurance matters of $64 during the fourth quarter of 2016. The 
decrease in pension and other postretirement benefits expense is resulting from a change to the spot rate approach for 
measuring service and interest costs, higher discount rates and updated mortality tables. 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.

74

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 $2,000 commercial paper program. On October 14, 2016, Eaton refinanced a $750, five-
year revolving credit facility with a $750, five-year revolving credit facility that will expire October 14, 2021. Eaton also 
maintains a $500, four-year revolving credit facility that will expire on October 3, 2018 and a $750, five-year credit facility that 
will expire October 3, 2019. This refinancing maintains 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, 2016 or 2015. The Company had available lines of credit of $823 from 
various banks primarily for the issuance of letters of credit, of which there was $285 outstanding at December 31, 2016. 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.

On September 20, 2016, a subsidiary of Eaton issued Euro denominated notes (Euro Notes) with a face value of €550 ($615 

based on the September 20, 2016 spot rate), in accordance with Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended. The Euro Notes mature in 2024 with interest payable annually at a rate of 0.75%. After financing costs and discounts, 
the issuer received proceeds totaling €544 ($609 based on the September 20, 2016 spot rate) from the issuance. 

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 $2,552 in 2016, an increase of $181 compared to $2,371 in 2015. The 

increase was driven by lower pension contributions and lower working capital balances compared to 2015.

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.

For additional information on litigation settlements, see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investing Cash Flow

Net cash used in investing activities was $529 in 2016, a decrease in the use of cash of $46 compared to $575 in 2015. The 

decrease in 2016 was primarily driven by no business acquisitions completed in 2016 and lower capital expenditures in 2016 
compared to 2015, partially offset by purchases of short-term investments of $40 in 2016 compared to sales of $37 in 2015. 
Capital expenditures were $497 in 2016 compared to $506 in 2015. Eaton expects approximately $525 in capital expenditures 
in 2017.

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.

Financing Cash Flow

Net cash used in financing activities was $1,720 in 2016, a decrease in the use of cash of $547 compared to $2,267 in 2015. 

The decrease in the use of cash was primarily due to lower payments on borrowings of $653 in 2016 compared to $1,027 in 
2015 and higher proceeds from borrowings of $631 in 2016 compared to $425 in 2015, partially offset by higher share 
repurchases of $730 in 2016 compared to $682 in 2015.

75

Net cash used in financing activities was $2,267 in 2015, an increase in use of cash of $137 compared to $2,130 in 2014. 
The increase in the use of cash was primarily due to higher payments 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.

Credit Ratings

Eaton's debt has been assigned the following credit ratings:

Credit Rating Agency (long- /short-term rating)
Standard & Poor's
Moody's
Fitch

Defined Benefits Plans

Pension Plans

Rating
A-/A-2
Baa1/P-2
BBB+/F2

Outlook
Negative outlook
Stable outlook
Stable outlook

During 2016, the fair value of plan assets in the Company’s employee pension plans increased $41 to $4,447 at 
December 31, 2016. The increase in plan assets was primarily due to better than expected return on plan assets and the 
Company's contributions to the pension plans, partially offset by the impact of negative currency translation. At December 31, 
2016, the net unfunded position of $1,638 in pension liabilities consisted of $665 in the U.S. qualified pension plans, $850 in
plans that have no minimum funding requirements, and $190 in all other plans that require minimum funding, partially offset 
by $67 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 2016, $262 was contributed to the pension plans. The Company contributed $100 to U.S. 
qualified pension plans in early 2017 and anticipates making an additional $115 of contributions to certain pension plans during
2017. The funded status of the Company’s pension plans at the end of 2017, 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 2016.

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. 

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.

76

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 2016 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.

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.

Based on a quantitative analysis performed in 2016 and qualitative analyses performed in 2015 and 2014, the fair values of 

Eaton's reporting units continue to substantially exceed the respective carrying amounts.

Indefinite Life Intangible Assets

Indefinite life intangible assets consist of certain 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 2016 and 2015 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 2016 and 2015, the fair value of indefinite lived intangible assets exceeded the respective carrying value.

77

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. 

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.

78

In 2016, the Company adopted a change in the method it uses to estimate the service and interest cost components of net 
periodic benefit cost for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Prior to 2016, 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 
used 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 was accounted for as a change in estimate and, accordingly,
was accounted for prospectively starting in 2016. The reductions in service cost and interest cost for 2016 associated with this
change in estimate were $3 and $42, respectively.

 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 $43 effect on
pension expense. Likewise, a 1-percentage point change in the discount rate is estimated to have approximately a $70 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. 

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, 2016 and 2015, $124 and $131, 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. 

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, 2016, 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 2016, a 100 basis-point increase in short-term interest rates
would have increased the Company’s net, pretax interest expense by $36. 

79

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, 2016, the market value of the Company’s debt and interest rate swap portfolio,
in aggregate, would increase by $435.

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, 2016 follows: 

Long-term debt, including current portion(1)
Interest expense related to long-term debt

$

$

1,552
295

$

913
473

2017

2018
to
2019

2020
to
2021

Reduction of interest expense from interest rate
swap agreements related to long-term debt

Operating leases

Purchase obligations

Other obligations

Total

(44)
163

778

231

(36)
212

87

15

$

Thereafter
5,169
1,755

$

Total

8,177
2,938

(58)
63

—

21

(150)
536

869

281

543
415

(12)
98

4

14

$

2,975

$

1,664

$

1,062

$

6,950

$

12,651

(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 $215 to pension plans in 2017 and $58 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, 2016, the gross
liability for unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $629 and interest and penalties were $94. 

80

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report to Shareholders contains forward-looking statements concerning litigation and regulatory 

developments, expected pension or other post-retirement benefit payments, capital expenditures and the costs and benefits of 
restructuring actions, 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.

81

QUARTERLY DATA (unaudited)

Quarter ended in 2016

Quarter ended in 2015

(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

Gross profit

$ 4,867

$

4,987

$ 5,080

$ 4,813

$ 5,057

$

5,203

$ 5,372

$ 5,223

1,548

1,616

1,661

1,522

1,630

1,606

1,697

1,630

Percent of net sales

31.8%

32.4%

32.7%

31.6%

32.2%

30.9%

31.6%

31.2%

Income before income taxes

Net income

Less net (income) loss for 
   noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Eaton
ordinary shareholders

Net income per share attributable to
Eaton ordinary shareholders

559

508

(4)

573

522

1

553

492

(1)

442

403

1

555

534

(2)

487

445

1

598

535

—

505

467

(1)

$

504

$

523

$

491

$

404

$

532

$

446

$

535

$

466

Diluted

Basic

$

1.12

$

1.12

1.15

1.15

$

1.07

1.08

$

0.88

0.88

$

1.15

1.15

$

0.96

0.96

$

1.14

1.14

$

0.99

1.00

Cash dividends declared per 
   ordinary share

Market price per ordinary share

$

0.57

$

0.57

$

0.57

$

0.57

$

0.55

$

0.55

$

0.55

$

0.55

High

Low

$ 70.00

$

68.20

$ 63.98

$ 63.99

$ 58.59

$

68.23

$ 73.82

$ 72.78

59.07

58.28

54.30

46.19

49.46

49.21

66.86

62.80

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:

Acquisition integration charges

$

1

$

1

$

1

$

1

$

14

$

10

$

12

$

11

Quarter ended in 2016

Quarter ended in 2015

Dec. 31

Sept. 30

June 30

Mar. 31

Dec. 31

Sept. 30

June 30

Mar. 31

FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (unaudited)

(In millions except for per share data)

Net sales

Income before income taxes

Net income

Less net income for noncontrolling interests

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$19,747

$20,855

$22,552

$22,046

$16,311

2,127

1,925

2,145

1,981

1,761

1,803

1,884

1,873

1,251

1,220

(3)

(2)

(10)

(12)

(3)

Net income attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

$ 1,922

$ 1,979

$ 1,793

$ 1,861

$ 1,217

Net income per share attributable to Eaton ordinary shareholders

Diluted

Basic

Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding

Diluted

Basic

Cash dividends declared
   per ordinary share

Total assets (1)
Long-term debt (1)
Total debt (1) 

Eaton shareholders' equity

Eaton shareholders' equity
   per ordinary share

$

4.21

$

4.23

$

3.76

$

3.90

$

3.46

4.22

4.25

3.78

3.93

3.54

456.5

455.0

467.1

465.5

476.8

474.1

476.7

473.5

350.9

347.8

$

2.28

$

2.20

$

1.96

$

1.68

$

1.52

$30,419

$30,996

$33,487

$35,442

$35,746

6,711

8,277

7,746

8,414

7,982

8,992

8,920

9,500

9,711

10,772

14,897

15,186

15,786

16,791

15,113

$ 33.15

$ 33.10

$ 33.74

$ 35.34

$ 32.11

Ordinary shares outstanding

449.4

458.8

467.9

475.1

470.7

(1) Certain amounts for the years 2012 through 2015 have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective application of the Company's 
reclassification of debt issuance costs upon the adoption of Accounting Standard Update 2015-03, as described in Note 1 to the consolidated
financial statements.

Eaton Corporation plc
2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K
Exhibit Index

3 (i)

3 (ii)

4 (a)

Certificate of Incorporation - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012

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

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)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

(l)

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

Deferred Incentive Compensation Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year
ended December 31, 2007

First Amendment to Deferred Incentive Compensation Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8
filed November 30, 2012

Excess Benefits Plan II (2008 restatement) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the
year ended December 31, 2007

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

Incentive Compensation Deferral Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year
ended December 31, 2007

First Amendment to Incentive Compensation Deferral Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8
filed November 30, 2012

Limited Eaton Service Supplemental Retirement Income Plan II - Incorporated by reference to the Form
10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2007

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

Supplemental Benefits Plan II (2008 restatement) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for
the year ended December 31, 2007

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

Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year
ended December 31, 2015

(m)

Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the
year ended December 31, 2015

(n)

(o)

(p)

(q)

(r)

(s)

Form of Restricted Share Agreement (Non-Employee Directors) - Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-
K Report filed February 1, 2010

Form of Directors' Restricted Share Unit Agreement - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K report
for the year ended December 31, 2012

Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executives - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for
the year ended December 31, 2015

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

Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30,
2012

Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30,
2012

(t)

(u)

(v)

(w)

(x)

(y)

Amended and Restated 2008 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30,
2012

Second Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to Form S-8 filed November
30, 2012

Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form S-8 filed November 30,
2012

Amendment to Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K
Report for the year ended December 31, 2012

First Amendment to 2005 Non-Employee Director Fee Deferral Plan - Incorporated by reference to the
Form S-8 filed November 30, 2012

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)

(bb)

(cc)

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

Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with directors - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-
K Report for the year ended December 31, 2012

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)

(ff)

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

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)

(jj)

(kk)

(ll)

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

Amendment to Excess Benefits Plan - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year
ended December 31, 2012

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

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 - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for
the year ended December 31, 2015

(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 - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year
ended December 31, 2015

(qq)

Eaton Personal Investment Plan 2015 Restatement - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for 
the year ended December 31, 2015

(rr)

(ss)

(tt)

Performance Share Award Agreement - Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year
ended December 31, 2015

Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into with officers of Eaton Corporation - Incorporated by
reference to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2015

Amendment to Limited Eaton Service Supplemental Retirement Income Plan I- Incorporated by reference
to the Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2015

(uu)

First Amendment to Eaton Savings Plan - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

(vv)

Second Amendment to Eaton Savings Plan - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

(ww) First Amendment to Eaton Personal Investment Plan - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

(xx)

Second Amendment to Eaton Personal Investment Plan - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report
*

(yy) Amendment to Eaton Corporation Excess Benefit Plan - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

(zz) Amendment to Eaton Corporation Supplemental Benefits Plan - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K

Report *

(aaa) Second Amendment to Eaton Corporation Excess Benefit Plan II - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-

K Report *

(bbb) Second Amendment to Limited Eaton Service Supplemental Retirement Income Plan II - Filed in

conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

(ccc) Second Amendment to Eaton Corporation Supplemental Benefits Plan II - Filed in conjunction with this

Form 10-K Report *

(ddd) 2016 RSU Grant Agreement - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

(eee) 2016 Performance Share Grant Agreement - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

(fff)

Special 2016 Performance Share Grant Agreement - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

12

14

21

23

24

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

Code of Ethics - Incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 14, 2008

Subsidiaries of Eaton Corporation plc - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K
Report *

Power of Attorney - Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

Certification of Principal Executive Officer (Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 302) -
Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

Certification of Principal Financial Officer (Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 302) -
Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

Certification of Principal Executive Officer (Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 906) -
Filed in conjunction with this Form 10-K Report *

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, 2016, 2015 and 2014, (ii) Consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 
2014, (v) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and (vi) 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Eaton Corporation plc
2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K
Item 15(b)
Exhibit 31.1
Certification

I, Craig Arnold, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Eaton Corporation plc;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact

necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in 
all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 

procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as 
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed 
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is 
being prepared;

b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be 

designed under our supervision, 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;

c)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 

conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by 
this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has 
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; 
and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons 
performing the equivalent functions):

a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 

reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and 
report financial information; and

b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 22, 2017

/s/ Craig Arnold
Craig Arnold
Principal Executive Officer

 
 
 
Eaton Corporation plc
2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K
Item 15(b)
Exhibit 31.2
Certification

I, Richard H. Fearon, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Eaton Corporation plc;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact

necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in 
all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
presented in this report;

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 

procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as 
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed 
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is 
being prepared;

b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be 

designed under our supervision, 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;

c)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 

conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by 
this report based on such evaluation; and

d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has 
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; 
and

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons 
performing the equivalent functions):

a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 

reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and 
report financial information; and

b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 22, 2017

/s/ Richard H. Fearon
Richard H. Fearon 
Principal Financial Officer

 
 
 
Eaton Corporation plc
2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K
Item 15(b)
Exhibit 32.1
Certification

This written statement is submitted in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. It accompanies 

Eaton Corporation plc’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“10-K Report”).

I hereby certify that, based on my knowledge, the Report on Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13

(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C 78m), and information contained in the 10-K Report fairly 
presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Eaton Corporation plc and its consolidated
subsidiaries.

Date: February 22, 2017

/s/ Craig Arnold
Craig Arnold
Principal Executive Officer

 
 
 
Eaton Corporation plc
2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K
Item 15(b)
Exhibit 32.2
Certification

This written statement is submitted in accordance with Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. It accompanies 

Eaton Corporation plc’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (“10-K Report”).

I hereby certify that, based on my knowledge, the Report on Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13

(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C 78m), and information contained in the 10-K Report fairly 
presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Eaton Corporation plc and its consolidated
subsidiaries.

Date: February 22, 2017

/s/ Richard H. Fearon  
Richard H. Fearon 
Principal Financial Officer 

 
 
 
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Shareholder Information

              This content was not included in our 10-K SEC filing.

Eaton Shareholder 
Contact Information

Annual General Meeting 
of Shareholders

Annual Report to Shareholders

Annual Certifications

Quarterly Financial Releases

Common Shares
Transfer Agent, Registrar, 
Dividend Disbursement Agent 
and Dividend Reinvestment 
Agent

Dividend Reinvestment and 
Direct Stock Purchase Plan

Investor Relations, Eaton, 1000 Eaton Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44122 USA
+1 888.328.6647 +1 440.523.5000 www.eaton.com

The company’s 2017 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 8:00 a.m., Dublin time, on 
Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at Eaton House, 30 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4, Ireland. Formal notice of the 
meeting will be made available on or about March 17, 2017, to each shareholder of record as of 
February 27, 2017.

Most Eaton shareholders will not receive a mailed copy of the Proxy Statement and Annual Report to 
Shareholders, but rather a notice that these materials are available online. Eaton shareholders who 
currently receive paper copies, due to a prior election or due to participation in an employee benefit 
plan, can register for electronic delivery of these materials as well as online proxy voting, at http://
enroll.icsdelivery.com/etn.

This 2016 Annual Report to Shareholders is available online at www.eaton.com/annualreport. Any 
shareholder may obtain at no charge a printed copy of this Annual Report upon written request to the 
address shown above. Other public financial reports also are available on Eaton's website at www.
eaton.com. 

The most recent certifications required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
were filed as Exhibits 31.1,31.2, 32.1 and 32.2 to Eaton’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2016. 
Additionally, Eaton submitted to the New York Stock Exchange its 2016 Chief Executive Officer 
Certification regarding Eaton’s compliance with the corporate governance listing standards of the 
Exchange.

Eaton’s financial results are available approximately four weeks after the end of each quarter. 
Releases are available on Eaton’s website at www.eaton.com. Copies may also be obtained by 
calling +1 440.523.4254.

Listed for trading: New York Stock Exchange (Ticker Symbol: ETN)

Computershare Inc.
First Class/Registered Mail: P.O. Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842-3170
Courier Packages: 211 Quality Circle, Suite 210, College Station, TX 77845
Toll-free: +1 888.597.8625 +1 312.588.4141 (outside the U.S.)
TDD: +1 800.952.9245 (hearing impaired inside the U.S.)
TDD: +1 781.575.4592 (hearing impaired outside the U.S.)
Computershare may also be contacted via its website at www.computershare.com/investor.

A dividend reinvestment plan is available at no charge to shareholders of record of Eaton Ordinary 
Shares. Through the plan, shareholders of record may buy additional shares by reinvesting their cash 
dividends or investing additional cash up to $60,000 per year. Also, new investors may buy Eaton 
shares under this plan. Interested shareholders of record or new investors should contact 
Computershare, as shown above.

Direct Deposit of Dividends

Shareholders of record may have their dividends directly deposited to their bank accounts. 
Interested shareholders of record should contact Computershare, as shown above.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report to Shareholders, including the Chairman’s letter, contains forward-looking 
statements concerning our five year goals, our 2015-2018 restructuring program and our share 
repurchase program, in addition to the forward-looking statements made in the Form 10-K included 
in this Annual Report.  These statements should be used with caution and are subject to various risks 
and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Eaton’s control.  Please see the factors described 
in the paragraph under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements” on page 81 of the Form 10-K 
included in this Annual Report to Shareholders for a discussion of the factors that could cause actual 
results to differ materially from  these forward-looking statements.

This publication was printed at an FSC®-certified printer. The FSC Logo identifies products that 
contain wood from well-managed forests certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest 
Stewardship Council®. Soy-based inks and elemental chlorine-free, acid-free, recycled and 
recyclable papers were employed throughout this publication. 

Directors and Leadership Team

As of March 1, 2017

Directors, Eaton Corporation plc

Craig Arnold

Chairman, Eaton Corporation plc, 
Dublin, Ireland, a power management 
company

Todd M. Bluedorn 2, 3
Chief Executive Officer, Lennox 
International Inc., Richardson, Texas, 
a global provider of climate control 
solutions for heating, air conditioning 
and refrigeration markets

Christopher M. Connor  2*, 3
Executive Chairman, The Sherwin-
Williams Company, Cleveland, Ohio, 
a global manufacturer of paint, 
architectural coatings, industrial 
finishes and associated supplies

Board Committees

Michael J. Critelli  2, 4
Retired Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer, Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, 
Connecticut, a global mailstream 
solutions company

Richard H. Fearon

Vice Chairman and Chief Financial 
Planning Officer, Eaton Corporation, 
a subsidiary of the company

Charles E. Golden  2, 4
Retired Former Executive Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer and Director, 
Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, 
a pharmaceutical company

Linda A. Hill  2, 4
Professor of Business Administration, 
Harvard Business School, Cambridge, 
Massachusetts

Arthur E. Johnson  2, 4*
Retired Former Senior Vice President, 
Corporate Strategic Development, 
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, 
Maryland, a manufacturer of advanced 
technology systems, products and services

Deborah L. McCoy 1, 4
Independent consultant. Former Senior 
Vice President, Flight Operations, 
Continental Airlines Inc., Houston, Texas, 
a commercial airline

Gregory R. Page 1, 4
Retired Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer, Cargill Incorporated, Minneapolis, 
Minnesota, an international marketer, 
processor and distributor of agricultural, 
food, financial and industrial products 
and services

Sandra Pianalto  1, 3*
Retired Former President and Chief 
Executive Officer of the Federal Reserve 
Bank of Cleveland

Gerald B. Smith 1*,3
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 
Smith, Graham & Company, Houston, Texas, 
an investment advisory firm

Dorothy C. Thompson 1,3
Chief Executive, Drax Group plc, London, 
England, a power generation company

Each of the non-employee directors serves a four-month term on the Executive Committee. Alexander M. Cutler served as Committee 
Chair until his retirement on May 31, 2016. Craig Arnold serves as Committee Chair from June 1, 2016 through April 26, 2017.

January 1, 2016  – 
April 26, 2016
Charles E. Golden
Deborah L. McCoy
Gregory R. Page
Gerald B. Smith

April 27, 2016 – 
Aug. 31, 2016
Todd M. Bluedorn
Michael J. Critelli
Sandra Pianalto
Dorothy C. Thompson

Sept. 1, 2016 – 
Dec. 31, 2016
Christopher M. Connor
Linda A. Hill
Arthur E. Johnson
Ned C. Lautenbach

Jan. 1, 2017 – 
April 26, 2017
Charles E. Golden
Deborah L. McCoy
Gregory R. Page
Gerald B. Smith

1 Audit Committee
2 Compensation and Organization Committee
3 Finance Committee
4 Governance Committee
5 Executive Committee
* Denotes Committee Chair

Eaton Global Leadership Team

Craig Arnold

Chief Executive Officer

Curtis J. Hutchins

Donald H. Bullock

Thomas E. Moran*

President–Hydraulics Group

Senior Vice President– Investor Relations  

Senior Vice President and Secretary 

Richard H. Fearon

Nanda Kumar

Harold V. Jones

Molly A. Murphy

Vice Chairman and Chief Financial 
and Planning Officer

Revathi Advaithi

Chief Operating Officer, Electrical Sector      

Uday Yadav

Chief Operating Officer, Industrial Sector   

Brian S. Brickhouse 

President–Asia Pacific Region, 
Electrical Sector 

President–Aerospace Group 

Mark M. Eubanks

President–Electrical Products Group

William J. Vanlandingham

President–Electrical Systems 
and Services Group

William W. Blausey Jr.
Senior Vice President and Chief 
Information Officer    

Frank C. Campbell

President– Europe, Middle East and Africa 
Region, Corporate and Electrical Sector 

Cynthia K. Brabander

Executive Vice President and Chief 
Human Resources Officer   

Kenneth F. Davis

President–Vehicle Group 

Rogerio Branco

Senior Vice President–Supply Chain 
Management    

Senior Vice President– Environment, 
Health and Safety

Staci Kroon
Executive Vice President – Eaton Business 
System

John J. Matejka
Senior Vice President – Internal Audit

Heath B. Monesmith

Executive Vice President and General 
Counsel

Trent M. Meyerhoefer

Senior Vice President– Treasury

Mary Kim Elkins

Senior Vice President – Taxes

Senior Vice President– Sales and Marketing

Ramanath Ramakrishnan

Executive Vice President and Chief 
Technology Officer

Harpreet Saluja

Senior Vice President – Corporate 
Development and Planning

Ken D. Semelsberger

Senior Vice President and Controller 

Deborah R. Severs

Senior Vice President – Global Ethics and 
Compliance      

Taras G. Szmagala

Senior Vice President – Public and 
Community Affairs

*Officer of Eaton Corporation plc. Other leaders are officers of various Eaton affiliates.

We make sunnier skylines work.*

We make on-demand energy work.*

We make neighborhoods work.*

We make what matters work.

Eaton.com/whatmatters

Eaton Corporation plc
Eaton House
30 Pembroke Road
Dublin 4, Ireland
www.eaton.com

© 2017 Eaton
All Rights Reserved
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of their respective owners.

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