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Snap-on

sna · NYSE Industrials
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Ticker sna
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Sector Industrials
Industry Manufacturing - Tools & Accessories
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2017 Annual Report · Snap-on
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R O O T E D   I N 

T H E  D I G N I T Y 

O F   W O R K

D R I V E N   B Y   T H E   N E E D S   O F 

T H E  S E R I O U S

G U I D E D   W I T H 

T H E  I N S I G H T   

S H A P E D   B Y   E X P E R I E N C E

2 0 1 7   

A N N U A L   R E P O R T

R O O T E D  

I N   T H E   D I G N I T Y   O F   W O R K 

D R I V E N  

B Y   T H E   N E E D S  

O F   T H E   S E R I O U S 

G U I D E D  

W I T H   T H E   I N S I G H T  

S H A P E D   B Y   E X P E R I E N C E

Net sales in $ billions 

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

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$3.06

$3.28

$3.35

$3.43

$3.69

$5.93

$7.14

$8.10

$9.20

$9.52

$10.12*

*As adjusted. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial 
Measures” on page 8 for a definition of and further 
explanation about, earnings per diluted share, as 
adjusted, to exclude certain legal and tax charges.

 Since 1939, paid without interruption or reduction

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

$1.58

$1.85

$2.20

$2.54

$2.95

36% 
Snap-on  
Tools Group

6% 
Financial 
Services 

30% 
Repair Systems & 
Information Group

28% 
Commercial &  
Industrial Group

E
R
A
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S

R
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P

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D
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2017 Revenues by Segment 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on makes work 

easier for serious 

professionals 

performing 

critical tasks of 

consequence around 

the world, providing 

a broad array of 

unique productivity 

solutions. 

Snap-on facts 

Founded in 1920 

Serves Professionals  

in over 130 Countries

12,600 Associates   

S&P 500 Company   

2017 Net Sales of $3.7 Billion   

NYSE: SNA  

T O   O U R 
S N A P ‑ O N   
S H A R E H O L D E R S

Snap-on is rooted in the dignity of work. From our founding 98 years ago,  

we have been dedicated to this timeless principle. We celebrate the work 

and we celebrate our customers, the makers and the fixers, who perform 

day in and day out to move the world forward.

This strong connection is reflected in working men and women 

Furthermore, through our Snap-on Value Creation 

proudly displaying the Snap-on logo as a badge of their 

Processes, we remain committed to improvement in the 

professionalism, calling our name their own. Snap-on is driven by 
the needs of the serious. Our customers are serious professionals 
and their work entails tasks of consequence, often in harsh and 

areas of safety, quality, customer connection, innovation 

and rapid continuous improvement (RCI). The ongoing 

potential of these runways for improvement continued to 

punishing conditions, where the cost of failure is high. Snap-on 

manifest itself in a variety of ways in 2017. For example, 

strives to provide them with the repeatability and reliability they 

Snap-on again was honored to receive product awards from 

need to get the job done. Finally, Snap-on is guided with the 
insight shaped by experience. We call on our customers where 
they perform their work. This presence, coupled with a broad  

and rich repository of data and knowledge gained from years of 

experience, has enabled us to develop a deep understanding  

of the challenges raised in the workplaces of today. We use this 

understanding to equip our customers with unique productivity 

solutions to successfully complete their tasks.

both MOTOR Magazine and Professional Tool & Equipment News, 

reflecting our ability to translate our deep understanding of 

professionals’ work into winning innovations. 

Our RCI framework is a structured set of tools and processes used 

across the corporation to eliminate waste and improve operations. 

Since its establishment at Snap-on in 2005, RCI has enabled us  

to deliver a significant improvement in operating margin before 

financial services. Our work on this front, however, is never done. 

Since the 1920 invention of the original Snap-on interchangeable 

For example, while acquisitions made over the last several years 

socket set, our principle value-creating mechanism has been to 

have no doubt expanded our capabilities in providing solutions that 

observe work, translate insights gained and create solutions to 

address the critical tasks in professional workplaces, they have also 

make tasks easier. Opportunities to leverage this approach, both 

served to attenuate operating margins in the near term, including  

within and beyond vehicle repair, are embodied in our runways for 

by 50 basis points in 2017. These acquisitions are fertile ground  

growth: enhance the franchise network, expand with repair shop 

not only for the cultivation of RCI, but for the whole of our Snap-on 

owners and managers, extend in critical industries and build in 

Value Creation Processes. 

emerging markets. In 2017, we continued to invest and make 

progress in each of these strategically decisive areas. 

2

T O   O U R 

S N A P ‑ O N   

S H A R E H O L D E R S

Snap-on associates (from left to right) Nick Drummer (Snap-on Corporate), 

New complexities, including aluminum and multi‑

Michael Bond (Snap-on Industrial), Brittany Beaumier (Snap-on Tools 

metal vehicles, along with the advanced electronics 

Group), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Nick Pinchuk, and Francesco 

of lane departure, collision avoidance and other 

Frezza (Snap-on Equipment) discuss a variety of the unique productivity 

systems, increase the criticality of collision repair.  

solutions which enable vehicle repair shops and technicians to effectively 

Car-O-Liner, a 2016 acquisition, offers complete solutions for collision repair 

address the challenges that come with increasing and changing vehicle 

facilities to effectively address trends in the collision repair arena, including 

technologies and complexity. 

the need for greater precision in complex systems, requirements in 

accommodating new materials and higher emphasis on shop efficiency.

3

Increasing and changing vehicle technolog y 

torque wrench on a wider array of vehicles and applications. With more SUVs  

generates the need for new tools, even w ithin 

and pick-ups on the road, technicians encounter increased instances of torque 

categories that have been in existence for 

requirements above 250 ft. lbs. (4) As some vehicles become smaller and lighter, 

decades.  (1) The extra-long flex head ratchet utilizes length to get  

access is often sacrificed. Our 3/8" cordless long neck ratchet addresses  

into compact locations and provides extra leverage for stubborn fasteners.  

these access challenges, where until now only a hand ratchet could be used.  

(2) The 3/8" drive 17mm sensor socket is designed to efficiently remove 

(5) The extended reach needle nose pliers provide much needed access in today’s 

EPA-required particulate matter sensors, exhaust gas temperature sensors  

compact engine compartments. 

and nitrogen oxide sensors on all 2007 and newer vehicles. (3) With an  

expanded range of 15-300 ft. lbs., technicians can use this ½" drive electronic  

2  

3

1

4

5

T he John Bean® B600 high 

performance wheel ba lancing 

system (1) is designed for high volume shops. 

Its intuitive user interface and ergonomic 

touchscreen reduce complexity and offer  

short cycle times, contributing to better 

throughput and shop performance. 

T he Polar tek ® Series   

air conditioning ser vice 

eq uipment line (2) recently launched  

by Ecotechnics, a 2015 acquisition, provides  

solutions that can service all current vehicle 

refrigerant requirements.  

4

1  

2

We were encouraged that our results for 2017 reflected our ability  

relatively newer areas remain compelling. As such, we’re committed  

to leverage both our runways for growth and improvement, and 

to strengthening our position in this arena, as evidenced by a 

once again demonstrated our ability to make work easier for 

continuing array of new product introductions aimed at solving  

serious professionals performing critical tasks around the world. 

the critical tasks faced by professionals in industries like aviation  

Net sales of $3,686.9 million increased 7.5%, reflecting a $115.0 

and aerospace, oil and gas, mining, power generation and  

million, or 3.4%, organic sales gain (a non-GAAP financial 

the military. 

measure that excludes acquisition-related sales and the impact  

of foreign currency translation) and $141.5 million of acquisition-

related sales. Conditions in our industrial end markets improved 

over 2016 and we saw continued strength in automotive repair,  

as evidenced by strong sales in our businesses that serve repair 

shop owners and managers. These strengths were tempered 

somewhat by lower sales in our mobile tool distribution business 

serving primarily vehicle repair technicians. 

In the fourth quarter, our European-based hand tools business 

realized its 17th consecutive quarter of sales growth. One of the 

many ways this business has been successfully capturing more 

customers is through the Bahco® ERGO™ Tool Management System,  

a suite of customized tool storage solutions which, through 

customer connection with end users, are configured from a  

broad line of options and matched to a customer’s particular 

specifications. We continued to expand our capabilities in our  

With respect to profitability, our commitment to operating 

Asia/Pacific operations with the launch of our new RED BOX PLUS 

improvement through our Snap-on Value Creation processes 

diagnostics platform. Produced for the Asian market, this latest 

enabled us to overcome certain legal and tax charges and deliver 

diagnostic tool includes features that aid repairs on vehicles 

reported diluted earnings per share of $9.52, up 3.5% year over 

prominent in China.

year. Excluding these charges, diluted earnings per share, as 

adjusted, was $10.12, up 10.0%. Operating margin before 

financial services of 18.0%, including 130 basis points of negative 

impact from the legal and tax charges, declined 110 basis points 

from 2016. Excluding these charges, operating margin before 

financial services, as adjusted, of 19.3% improved 20 basis  

points year over year. (See page 8 for a definition of, and further 

explanation about, these non-GAAP financial measures that are 

adjusted to exclude certain legal and tax charges.)

In our Commercial & Industrial Group (C&I), we serve a broad 
range of industrial and commercial customers, including 

professionals in critical industries and emerging markets, 

primarily through direct and distributor channels. Segment net 

sales of $1,265.0 million increased 10.2%, reflecting a $52.0 

million, or 4.5%, organic sales gain and $65.5 million of 

acquisition-related sales, partially offset by $0.8 million of 

unfavorable foreign currency translation. The organic sales 

increase included higher sales to customers in critical industries 

and in our European-based hand tools business, partially offset  

by lower sales in the power tools operation. Operating margin of 

14.6% was consistent with the prior year. 

The operating environment for C&I, which has our greatest 

international presence and includes businesses that serve critical 

industries, meaningfully improved in 2017 when compared to 

2016. High single-digit organic growth in sales to customers in 

critical industries was broad-based across our end markets and  

we believe the long-term opportunities to further penetrate these 

In May 2017, we acquired Norbar Torque Tools (“Norbar”), a leading 

European manufacturer of a full range of torque products, including 

wrenches, multipliers and calibrators, and which has a strong 

presence in critical industries, including power generation, oil and 

gas, mining and railroad. The acquisition of Norbar complements 

and expands Snap-on’s existing torque offering to critical industries, 

particularly in higher capacity torque products.

In the Snap‑on Tools Group, our franchised mobile van network 
primarily serving vehicle repair technicians, segment net sales  

of $1,625.1 million decreased 0.5%, reflecting a $6.9 million, or  

0.4%, organic sales decline and $1.9 million of unfavorable foreign 

currency translation. The organic sales decrease includes lower 

sales in our U.S. franchise operation, partially offset by gains  

in our international franchise operations. Operating margin of  

16.9% compared to 17.2% in 2016, including 40 basis points  

of unfavorable foreign currency effects. 

We do not believe the 2017 results for the Snap-on Tools Group 

necessarily indicate a softening marketplace. In fact, based on what 

we hear from our franchisees and customers, as well as market data, 

we believe vehicle repair remains a favorable place to operate and 

that Snap-on is well-positioned to benefit in the long run from the 

market opportunities. Furthermore, our franchisees’ confidence in 

their businesses is evident in our franchisee metrics. These financial 

and physical indicators remain favorable and robust with franchisee 

turnover at historically low levels. We believe the 2017 results reflect 

a number of company-specific headwinds including lower tool 

5

storage sales. Efforts underway to reinvigorate sales growth 

products for diagnostics, complex repair, parts catalogs and  

include enhancing the product line and refreshing our fleet  

shop management, RS&I is making work easier in repair shops 

of Rock N’ Roll Cab Express™ vans which serve as sales 

across the industry.

demonstration vehicles for the tool storage product line. 

Two new diagnostics platforms introduced in 2017 illustrate RS&I’s 

We continue to introduce initiatives aimed at helping our franchisees 

advantages in this regard. The new ETHOS® Edge is a full-function 

be more successful. In 2017, we introduced a 20' model for the 

scan tool designed to meet the needs of technicians who are 

standard program van, replacing the 16' model. This new van is 

performing more routine maintenance tasks and light repairs which 

configured to increase and optimize the product display area,  

increasingly require the use of a diagnostic tool for completion. 

and is designed with enhanced space to allow for dual transaction 

Providing coverage for 100 vehicle systems such as tire pressure 

points by two different people, as more of our franchisees have 

elected to hire assistants. The new van also has an additional 

monitoring, hybrid power, and collision avoidance, the ETHOS Edge 
helps technicians get jobs done faster and more accurately. Later  

passenger seat for the added safety and convenience of franchise 

in 2017, we also launched the Zeus™ Diagnostic and Information 

field team staff riding with our franchisees. 

System as the new flagship platform of our diagnostic line-up. The 

In 2017, we again received external recognition that a Snap-on Tools 

franchise provides significant opportunities for entrepreneurs to 

build a successful and sustainable business. Entrepreneur Magazine 
ranked Snap-on 13th in its “America’s Top Global” listing of 200 

franchises with global presence. In addition, Snap-on reached  

#2 among all franchises evaluated in the same publication’s  

“Top Franchises for Veterans.” Snap-on was also inducted into the 

Franchise Business Review Hall of Fame. The exclusive membership, 
totaling only 31 franchisors, consists of companies that have 

first platform to feature Snap-on® Intelligent Diagnostics software, 

Zeus provides all the functions and repair tips a technician needs to 
diagnose, repair and manage any issue. Unlike any platform before, 

it practically anticipates the next move by guiding the technician 

through the best path of repair, saving substantial time. 

Financial Services operating earnings of $217.5 million on revenue  
of $313.4 million compared to operating earnings of $198.7 million  

on revenue of $281.4 million a year ago. Originations of $1,072.0 

million declined slightly, reflecting lower sales growth in the 

appeared in Franchise Business Review’s annual list of top 
franchises, based on franchisee satisfaction, for at least 10 years. 

Snap-on Tools Group. Financial Services expenses were higher in 

2017 primarily due to increases in both the provisions for credit 

In the Repair Systems & Information Group (RS&I), which serves 
owners and managers of independent and OEM dealership service 

and repair shops, segment net sales of $1,347.2 million increased 

14.2%, reflecting an $89.6 million, or 7.6%, organic sales gain, 

$76.0 million of acquisition-related sales and $1.7 million of 

favorable foreign currency translation. The organic increase reflects 

losses and in the size of the portfolio. Aimed at supporting essential 

big ticket purchases by technicians and shops as well as enabling 

our franchisees’ investments in their businesses, our Financial 

Services operation, with a strong connection to the Snap-on Tools 

Group, has a decades-long track record of providing financing to 

these particular constituencies in a variety of economic environments. 

gains in sales to OEM dealerships and of undercar equipment,  

In August 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a new share 

as well as higher sales of diagnostics and repair information 

repurchase program for up to $500 million of common stock. During 

products to independent repair shop owners and managers. 

2017 we repurchased 1.82 million shares for $287.9 million.  

Operating margin of 24.8%, including 100 basis points of negative 

As of 2017 year end, total share repurchase availability under all 

impact from acquisitions, compared to 25.2% in 2016.

authorizations stood at approximately $390.7 million. In November 

Sales growth across RS&I in 2017 demonstrates the Group’s broad 

and deep capabilities in helping shop owners and managers 

enhance not only their technical competency in vehicle repair,  

but also their business acumen in operating repair facilities. 

Strength in both areas is increasingly important for our customers,  

in light of rising vehicle complexity and changing technologies 

coupled with an increasing focus on facility profitability and 

efficiency in the vehicle repair industry. From equipment for wheel, 

brake, air conditioning and collision service to information-based 

2017, our Board of Directors raised Snap-on’s quarterly cash 

dividend 15.5% to $0.82 per share. This is the eighth consecutive 

year with a dividend increase. Snap-on has paid consecutive 

quarterly cash dividends, without interruption or reduction, since 

1939. These share repurchase and dividend actions reinforce  

our commitment to create long-term value for our shareholders.  

At the same time, our priorities for capital allocation remain to 

strategically invest, both organically and through acquisitions, 

along our defined runways for growth and improvement.

6

  
Snap‑on’s value proposition is to make work easier for 

serious professionals performing tasks of consequence 
where the costs of failure are high. We believe vehicle repair, 
where we began and which still today is our largest end market, 

exhibits characteristics that are quite conducive to this value 

proposition. Vehicle repair technicians and repair shop  

owners and managers are faced with ever-increasing  

vehicle complexity and changing vehicle technologies. 

There’s a great deal of speculation today about what  

the future holds for the structure of the vehicle repair 

market and where new and emerging vehicle 

technologies will take it. While it’s impossible to 

know exactly what will happen in the future, we 

believe Snap-on, as has been the case over the 

course of our history, is uniquely positioned to take 

advantage of the opportunities future change will 

bring. Our strong relationships with OEMs gives us 

visibility into the trajectory of vehicle technology. At 

the same time, our strong presence in OEM dealership 

service centers and aftermarket repair shops allows us to 

observe our customers’ challenges first-hand. The result  

is that we take the insights gained from these linkages to 

provide the unique productivity solutions our customers require 

to perform their work. While the nature of those tasks can and  

do change over time, we believe the need for Snap-on as a 

trusted partner in solving the critical will only expand.

In 2018, we expect to make continued progress along our 

runways for improvement, the Snap‑on Value Creation 

Processes and, at the same time, advance further along  

each of our runways for growth: enhance the franchise 

network, expand with repair shop owners and managers, 
extend in critical industries and build in emerging markets. 
Rooted in the dignity of work, driven by the needs of the serious, 

and guided by the insight shaped from experience, Snap-on 

remains uniquely positioned in the world of work. I thank  

our franchisees and associates around the world for their 

contributions and dedication, our Board of Directors for their 

support and counsel, and our customers and shareholders  

for their confidence and commitment.

Nicholas T. Pinchuk
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

3

1  

2

Technicians and repair facilities face   

ever‑increasing vehicle technolog y and 

complexit y, including a growing num ber of 

vehicle systems a n d a n i n cr ea si ng n eed for 

d i a g n os t i c platforms in completing repairs. 

Snap-on’s comprehensive line of diagnostic platforms help technicians  

and shops navigate this landscape and repair vehicles more quickly and 

accurately. The new ETHOS® Edge (1) is a full-function scan tool designed 

to meet the needs of technicians performing more routine maintenance 

tasks and light repairs. The Zeus™ Diagnostic and Information System (2), 

the new flagship platform of our diagnostic line-up, is the first unit to 

feature Snap-on® Intelligent Diagnostics software, providing all the 

functions and repair tips a technician needs to diagnose, repair and 

manage any issue; it’s the most sophisticated, most intuitive repair tool 

we’ve ever created. Our powerful software (3) is updated regularly to not 

only ensure the availability of the latest information for taking on the 

toughest jobs, but to provide the most comprehensive diagnostic coverage 

available, supporting 49 vehicle makes.

7

7

W H O   W E   A R E :   O U R   M I S S I O N

The most   

valued 

productivity 

solutions in   

the world

B E L I E F S

We deeply believe in:

Non-negotiable Product  
and Workplace Safety

Uncompromising Quality

Passionate Customer Care

Fearless Innovation

V A L U E S

Our behaviors  
define our success:

We demonstrate Integrity.

We tell the Truth.

We respect the Individual.

We promote Teamwork.

V I S I O N

To be acknowledged as the:

Brands of Choice

Employer of Choice

Franchisor of Choice

Business Partner of Choice

Investment of Choice

Rapid Continuous Improvement

We Listen.

S NA P ‑ O N   VA LU E   C R E AT I O N

Principles and 

processes we 

apply to  

create value

Founded on our mission and beliefs, these are strategic processes we use daily to create value 
across Snap‑on, with the strategic partners we embrace and in the acquisitions we make.

S A F E T Y   /   Q U A L I T Y   /   C U S T O M E R   C O N N E C T I O N   /   
I N N O VA T I O N   /   R A P I D   C O N T I N U O U S   I M P R O V E M E N T

R E C O N C I L I AT I O N   O F   N O N ‑ G A A P   F I NA N C I A L   M E A S U R E S

(Amounts in millions, except per share data) 

A S   R E P O R T E D  

2 0 1 7  

2 0 1 6

 ADJUSTED INFORMATION – NON‑GAAP 

2 0 1 7  

2 0 1 6  

Charges related to judgments in litigation  
matters that are being appealed (“legal charges”) 

 Pre-tax legal charges 

 Income tax expense 

 Legal charges, net of tax 

  $45.9  

   (17.5) 

  $28.4  

  $  —    

      —

  $  —   

Charge related to implementation of US 
tax legislation (“tax charge”) 

Tax charge 

   $7.0  

  $  —    

 1 )  Operating earnings before financial services 

   As reported 

Legal charges 

As adjusted to exclude legal charges 

   Operating earnings before financial services  
   as a percentage of sales 

   As reported 

As adjusted to exclude legal charges 

Weighted-average shares outstanding – diluted 

   58.6  

  59.4 

2 )  Net earnings attributable to Snap-on Incorporated 

 Diluted EPS – legal charges 

   $0.48  

  $  —    

   As reported 

Legal charges, after tax 

Diluted EPS – tax charge 

   $0.12  

  $  —   

Tax charge 

  $664.0  

  $655.5 

  45.9  

    —   

 $709.9  

 $655.5 

  18.0% 

  19.3% 

   19.1%

   19.1%

  $557.7  

  $546.4 

  28.4  

7.0  

     —   

     —   

As adjusted to exclude legal charges and tax charge 

  $593.1  

  $546.4 

For 2017, the company is including operating earnings before financial services, net earnings, and diluted 
earnings per share, all as adjusted. The adjustments exclude the impact of pre-tax $45.9 million of charges 
($28.4 million after-tax) related to judgments in litigation matters that are being appealed. The company 
is also including net earnings and diluted earnings per share, all as adjusted to exclude the impact of a 
$7.0 million charge related to the implementation of tax legislation. Management believes that these are 
unusual events and therefore the non-GAAP financial measures provide more meaningful year-over-year 
comparisons of the company’s 2017 operating performance.

3 )  Diluted EPS 

   As reported  

Legal charges, after tax 

Tax charge 

   $9.52  

    $9.20 

   0.48  

   0.12  

     —   

     —   

As adjusted to exclude legal charges and tax charge 

  $10.12  

    $9.20

8

  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

FORM 10-K 

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017, or 

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

Commission File Number 1-7724 

 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
(State of incorporation) 

39-0622040     

 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

2801 80th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

53143 
 (Zip code) 

(262) 656-5200 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of each class 
Common stock, $1.00 par value 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
New York Stock Exchange 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 

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 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 Website, 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 a definitive proxy or information statement 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, a smaller reporting company, or an 
emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” 
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.   
Large accelerated filer 

 Smaller reporting company 

 Emerging growth company 

  Non-accelerated filer 

  Accelerated filer 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new 
or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes 

  No 

The aggregate  market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates (excludes  564,907 shares held by directors and executive 
officers) computed by reference to the price ($158.00) at which common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently 
completed second fiscal quarter (July 1, 2017) was $9.0 billion.   

The number of shares of Common Stock ($1.00 par value) of the registrant outstanding as of February 9, 2018, was 56,721,048 shares.  

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 
Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporates by reference certain information that will be set forth in Snap-on’s Proxy Statement,  which is 
expected to first be mailed to shareholders on or about March 9, 2018, prepared for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for April 26, 2018. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

PART I 

Item  1 
Item   1A 
Item   1B 
Item   2 
Item   3 
Item   4 

PART II 

Item  5 

Item   6 
Item   7 

Item   7A 
Item   8 
Item   9 

Item  9A 
Item  9B 

PART III 

Item  10 
Item   11 
Item   12 

Item   13 
Item  14 

PART IV 

Item   15 
Item   16 

Business ................................................................................................................................ 4 
Risk Factors ........................................................................................................................ 12 
Unresolved Staff Comments ............................................................................................... 20 
Properties ............................................................................................................................ 20 
Legal Proceedings............................................................................................................... 22 
Mine Safety Disclosures ...................................................................................................... 22 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and  
  Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ............................................................................... 22 
Selected Financial Data ...................................................................................................... 26 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
 Results of Operations ......................................................................................................... 27 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk .............................................. 57 
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .................................................................. 59 

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and 
 Financial Disclosure ........................................................................................................... 59 
Controls and Procedures .................................................................................................... 59 
Other Information ................................................................................................................ 61 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance .................................................. 61 
Executive Compensation .................................................................................................... 62 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and 
  Related Stockholder Matters ............................................................................................. 62 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence .................. 63 
Principal Accounting Fees and Services ............................................................................. 63 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ............................................................................ 63 
Form 10-K Summary ........................................................................................................... 66 

Signatures ................................................................................................................................................... 118 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges ................................................................................... 120 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ..................................................................... 121 
Certifications ................................................................................................................................................ 122 

    2 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART I  

Safe Harbor    

Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including statements that (i) are in the future tense; (ii) include the 
words  “expects,”  “plans,”  “targets,”  “estimates,”  “believes,”  “anticipates,”  or  similar  words  that  reference  Snap-on 
Incorporated  (“Snap-on”  or  “the  company”)  or  its  management;  (iii)  are  specifically  identified  as  forward-looking;  or  (iv) 
describe Snap-on’s or management’s future outlook, plans, estimates, objectives or goals, are forward-looking statements 
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Snap-on cautions the reader that any forward-
looking  statements  included  in  this  document  that  are  based  upon  assumptions  and  estimates  were  developed  by 
management in good faith and are subject to risks, uncertainties or other factors that could cause (and in some cases have 
caused)  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  those  described  in  any  such  statement.  Accordingly,  forward-looking 
statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results or regarded as a representation by the company or 
its management that the projected results will be achieved.  For those forward-looking statements, Snap-on cautions the 
reader that numerous important factors, such as those listed below, as well as those factors discussed in this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K, particularly those in “Item 1A: Risk Factors,” could affect the company’s actual results and could cause its 
actual consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf 
of, Snap-on. 

These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, uncertainties related to estimates, statements, assumptions and 
projections generally, and the timing and progress with which Snap-on can attain value through its Snap-on Value Creation 
Processes, including its ability to realize efficiencies and savings  from  its  rapid continuous  improvement and  other  cost 
reduction initiatives, improve workforce productivity, achieve improvements in the company’s manufacturing footprint and 
greater efficiencies in its supply chain, and enhance machine maintenance, plant productivity and manufacturing line set-
up and change-over practices, any or all of which could result in production inefficiencies, higher costs and/or lost revenues.  
These  risks  also  include  uncertainties  related  to  Snap-on’s  capability  to  implement  future  strategies  with  respect  to  its 
existing businesses, its ability to refine its brand and franchise strategies, retain and attract franchisees, further enhance 
service and value to franchisees and thereby help improve their sales and profitability, introduce successful new products, 
successfully pursue, complete and integrate acquisitions, as well as its ability to withstand disruption arising from natural 
disasters (such as the recent hurricanes in the southern United States and the Caribbean), planned facility closures or other 
labor  interruptions,  the  effects  of  external  negative  factors,  including  adverse  developments  in  world  financial  markets, 
weakness  in  certain  areas  of  the  global  economy  (including  as  a  result  of  the  United  Kingdom’s  pending  exit  from  the 
European  Union),  and  significant  changes  in  the  current  competitive  environment,  inflation,  interest  rates  and  other 
monetary and market fluctuations, changes in tax rates, laws and regulations as well as uncertainty surrounding potential 
changes, and the impact of energy and raw material supply and pricing, including steel and gasoline, the amount, rate and 
growth of Snap-on’s general and administrative expenses, including health care and postretirement costs (resulting from, 
among  other  matters,  U.S.  health  care  legislation  and  its  ongoing  implementation  or  potential  reform),  continuing  and 
potentially  increasing  required  contributions  to  pension  and  postretirement  plans,  the  impacts  of  non-strategic  business 
and/or product line rationalizations, and the effects on business as a result of new legislation, regulations or government-
related developments or issues, risks associated with data security and technological systems and protections, potential 
reputational damages and costs related to litigation as well as an inability to assure that costs will be reduced or eliminated 
on appeal, and other world or local events outside Snap-on’s control, including terrorist disruptions. Snap-on disclaims any 
responsibility to update any forward-looking statement provided in this document, except as required by law.     

In  addition,  investors  should  be  aware  that  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  in  the  United  States  of  America 
(“GAAP”) prescribe when a company should reserve for particular risks, including litigation exposures. Accordingly, results 
for a given reporting period could be significantly affected if and when a reserve is established for a major contingency.  
Reported results, therefore, may appear to be volatile in certain accounting periods.   

Fiscal Year 

Snap-on’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday that is on or nearest to December 31.  Unless otherwise indicated, references 
in this document to “fiscal 2017” or “2017” refer to the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017; references to “fiscal 2016” or 
“2016” refer to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016; and references to “fiscal 2015” or “2015” refer to the fiscal year 
ended  January  2,  2016.  Snap-on’s  2017,  2016  and  2015  fiscal  years  each  contained  52  weeks  of  operating  results.   
References  in  this  document  to  2017,  2016  and  2015  year  end  refer  to  December  30,  2017,  December  31,  2016,  and 
January 2, 2016, respectively.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1: Business  

Snap-on was incorporated under the laws of the state of Wisconsin in 1920 and reincorporated under the laws of the state 
of Delaware in 1930.  Snap-on is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, 
repair  information  and  systems  solutions  for  professional  users  performing  critical  tasks.  Products  and  services  include 
hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other 
solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as for customers in industries, such as aviation and aerospace, 
agriculture, construction, government and military, mining, natural resources, power generation and technical education.  
Snap-on also derives income from various financing programs designed to facilitate the sales of its products and support 
its franchise business.  

Snap-on markets its products and brands worldwide through multiple sales distribution channels in more than 130 countries. 
Snap-on’s  largest  geographic  markets  include  the  United  States,  Europe,  Canada  and  Asia/Pacific.  Snap-on  reaches  its 
customers  through  the  company’s  franchisee,  company-direct,  distributor  and  internet  channels.    Snap-on  originated  the 
mobile tool distribution channel in the automotive repair market.   

The company began with the development of the original Snap-on interchangeable socket set in 1920 and subsequently 
pioneered  mobile  tool  distribution  in  the  automotive  repair  market,  where  fully  stocked  vans  sell  to  professional  vehicle 
technicians  at  their  place  of  business.  Today,  Snap-on  defines  its  value  proposition  more  broadly,  extending  its  reach 
“beyond the garage” to deliver a broad array of unique solutions that make work easier for serious professionals performing 
critical tasks.  The company’s “coherent growth” strategy focuses on developing and expanding its professional customer 
base in its legacy automotive market, as well as in adjacent markets, additional geographies and other areas, including in 
critical industries, where the cost and penalties for failure can be high.  In addition to its coherent growth strategy, Snap-on 
is committed to its “Value Creation Processes” – a set of strategic principles and processes designed to create value and 
employed  in  the  areas  of  (i)  safety;  (ii)  quality;  (iii)  customer  connection;  (iv)  innovation;  and  (v)  rapid  continuous 
improvement (“RCI”).  Snap-on’s RCI initiatives employ a structured set of tools and processes across multiple businesses 
and  geographies  intended  to  eliminate  waste  and  improve  operations.    Savings  from  Snap-on’s  RCI  initiatives  reflect 
benefits from a wide variety of ongoing efficiency, productivity and process improvements, including savings generated from 
product  design  cost  reductions,  improved  manufacturing  line  set-up  and  change-over  practices,  lower-cost  sourcing 
initiatives and facility consolidations.   

Snap-on’s primary customer segments include: (i) commercial and industrial customers, including professionals in critical 
industries and emerging markets; (ii) professional vehicle repair technicians who purchase products through the company’s 
mobile  tool  distribution  network;  and  (iii)  other  professional  customers  related  to  vehicle  repair,  including  owners  and 
managers  of  independent  and  original  equipment  manufacturer  (“OEM”)  dealership  service  and  repair  shops  (“OEM 
dealerships”).  Snap-on’s  Financial  Services  customer  segment  includes:  (i)  franchisees’  customers,  principally  serving 
vehicle repair technicians, and Snap-on customers who require financing for the purchase or lease of tools and diagnostics 
and equipment products on an extended-term payment plan; and (ii) franchisees who require financing for vehicle leases 
and business loans. 

Snap-on’s  business  segments  are  based  on  the  organization  structure  used  by  management  for  making  operating  and 
investment decisions and for assessing performance.  Snap-on’s reportable business segments are: (i) the Commercial & 
Industrial Group; (ii) the Snap-on Tools Group; (iii) the Repair Systems & Information Group; and (iv) Financial Services.  
The Commercial & Industrial Group consists of business operations serving a broad range of industrial and commercial 
customers  worldwide,  including  customers  in  the  aerospace,  natural  resources,  government,  power  generation, 
transportation  and  technical  education  market  segments  (collectively,  “critical  industries”),  primarily  through  direct  and 
distributor channels.  The Snap-on Tools Group consists of business operations primarily serving vehicle service and repair 
technicians through the company’s worldwide mobile tool distribution channel.  The Repair Systems & Information Group 
consists  of  business  operations  serving  other  professional  vehicle  repair  customers  worldwide,  primarily  owners  and 
managers of independent repair shops and OEM dealerships, through direct and distributor channels. Financial Services 
consists of the business operations of Snap-on Credit LLC (“SOC”), the company’s financial services business in the United 
States, and Snap-on’s  other  financial services subsidiaries in those international markets where Snap-on has franchise 
operations.  See  Note  18  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  information  on  business  segments  and  foreign 
operations.   

    4 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment revenues, including both external and 
intersegment net sales, and segment operating earnings.  Snap-on accounts for intersegment sales and transfers based 
primarily on standard costs with reasonable mark-ups established between the segments. Identifiable assets by segment 
are  those  assets  used  in  the  respective  reportable  segment’s  operations.  Corporate  assets  consist  of  cash  and  cash 
equivalents  (excluding  cash  held  at  Financial  Services),  deferred  income  taxes  and  certain  other  assets.  All  significant 
intersegment amounts are eliminated to arrive at Snap-on’s consolidated financial results.    

Recent Acquisitions 

On July 28, 2017, Snap-on acquired Torque Control Specialists Pty Ltd (“TCS”) for a cash purchase price of $3.6 million 
(or  $3.5  million,  net  of  cash  acquired).    TCS,  based  in  Adelaide,  Australia,  distributes  a  full  range  of  torque  products, 
including wrenches, multipliers and calibrators, for use in critical industries. The acquisition of TCS enhanced and expanded 
Snap-on’s capabilities in providing solutions that address torque requirements, which are increasingly essential to critical 
mechanical performance.  For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations and assets of TCS have been included 
in the Commercial & Industrial Group since the acquisition date. 

On May 4, 2017, Snap-on acquired Norbar Torque Tools Holdings Limited, along with its U.S. and Chinese joint ventures 
(“Norbar”), for a cash purchase price of $71.6 million (or $69.9 million, net of cash acquired). Norbar, based in Banbury, 
U.K., designs and manufactures a full range of torque products, including wrenches, multipliers and calibrators, for use in 
critical  industries.  The  acquisition  of  Norbar  enhanced  and  expanded  Snap-on’s  capabilities  in  providing  solutions  that 
address torque requirements.  For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations and assets of Norbar have been 
included in the Commercial & Industrial Group since the acquisition date. 

On January 30, 2017, Snap-on acquired BTC Global Limited (“BTC”) for a cash purchase price of $9.2 million. BTC, based 
in Crewe, U.K., designs and implements automotive vehicle inspection and management software for OEM franchise repair 
shops. The acquisition of BTC enhanced Snap-on’s capabilities to grow enterprise revenues and add increased productivity 
for repair workshops.  For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations and assets of BTC have been included in 
the Repair Systems & Information Group since the acquisition date. 

On November 16, 2016, Snap-on acquired Ryeson Corporation (d/b/a Sturtevant Richmont) for a cash purchase price of 
$13.0  million  (or  $12.6  million,  net  of  cash  acquired).    Sturtevant  Richmont,  based  in  Carol  Stream,  Illinois,  designs, 
manufactures and distributes mechanical and electronic torque wrenches as well as wireless torque error proofing systems 
for  a  variety  of  industrial  applications.    The  acquisition  of  Sturtevant  Richmont  enhanced  and  expanded  Snap-on’s 
capabilities  in  providing  solutions  that  address  torque  requirements.    For  segment  reporting  purposes,  the  results  of 
operations  and  assets  of  Sturtevant  Richmont  have  been  included  in  the  Commercial  &  Industrial  Group  since  the 
acquisition date. 

On October 31, 2016, Snap-on acquired Car-O-Liner Holding AB (“Car-O-Liner”) for a cash purchase price of $152.0 million 
(or $148.1 million, net of cash acquired).  Car-O-Liner, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, designs and manufactures collision 
repair  equipment,  and  information  and  truck  alignment  systems.   The  acquisition  of  Car-O-Liner  complemented  and 
increased Snap-on’s existing equipment and repair and service information product offerings, broadened its established 
capabilities in serving vehicle repair facilities and further expanded the company’s presence with repair shop owners and 
managers.  For segment reporting purposes, substantially all of Car-O-Liner’s results of operations and assets have been 
included in the Repair Systems & Information Group since the acquisition date, with the remaining portions included in the 
Commercial & Industrial Group.   

On July 27, 2015, Snap-on acquired the assets of Ecotechnics S.p.A. (“Ecotechnics”) for a cash purchase price of $11.8 
million.  Ecotechnics, based in Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, designs and manufactures vehicle air conditioning service equipment 
for  OEM  dealerships  and  the  automotive  aftermarket  worldwide.    The  acquisition  of  the  Ecotechnics  product  line 
complemented  and  increased  Snap-on’s  existing  equipment  product  offering  for  OEM  dealerships  and  independent 
automotive  repair  shops,  broadened  its  established  capabilities  in  serving  vehicle  repair  facilities,  and  expanded  the 
company’s presence with repair shop owners and managers. For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations 
and assets of Ecotechnics have been included in the Repair Systems & Information Group since the acquisition date.   

Pro forma financial information has not been presented for any of these acquisitions as the net effects, individually and 
collectively, were neither significant nor material to Snap-on’s results of operations or financial position. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Information Available on the Company’s Website 

Additional  information  regarding  Snap-on  and  its  products  is  available  on  the  company’s  website  at  www.snapon.com.  
Snap-on is not including the information contained on its website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Snap-on’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Proxy Statements 
on Schedule 14A and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments to those reports, are made available to 
the  public  at  no  charge,  other  than  an  investor’s  own  internet  access  charges,  through  the  Investors  section  of  the 
company’s website at www.snapon.com.  Snap-on makes such material available on its website as soon as reasonably 
practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). 
Copies of any materials the company files with the SEC can also be obtained free of charge through the SEC’s website at 
www.sec.gov.  The SEC’s Public Reference Room can be contacted at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or by 
calling  1-800-732-0330.    In  addition,  Snap-on’s  (i)  charters  for  the  Audit,  Corporate  Governance  and  Nominating,  and 
Organization and Executive Compensation Committees of the company’s Board of Directors; (ii) Corporate Governance 
Guidelines; and (iii) Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are available on the company’s website.  Snap-on will also post 
any  amendments  to  these  documents,  or  information  about  any  waivers  granted  to  directors  or  executive  officers  with 
respect to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, on the company’s website at www.snapon.com.   

Products and Services  

Tools; Diagnostics, Information and Management Systems; and Equipment   

Snap-on offers a broad line of products and complementary services that are grouped into three product categories: (i) 
tools; (ii) diagnostics, information and management systems; and (iii) equipment.  Further product line information is not 
presented as it is not practicable to do so.  The following table shows the consolidated net sales of these product categories 
for the last three years:   

(Amounts in millions)  
Product Category:  
  Tools  
Diagnostics, information and 
  management systems 
  Equipment  

 2017 

 Net Sales  
2016 

 2015  

  $  1,946.7 

  $  1,899.2 

  $  1,910.1 

800.4 
939.8 
  $  3,686.9 

748.2 
783.0 
  $  3,430.4 

689.6 
753.1 
  $  3,352.8  

The tools product category includes hand tools, power tools, tool storage products and other similar products. Hand tools 
include wrenches, sockets, ratchet wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, punches and chisels, saws and cutting tools, pruning 
tools, torque measuring instruments and other similar products.  Power tools include cordless (battery), pneumatic (air), 
hydraulic and corded (electric) tools, such as impact wrenches, ratchets, screwdrivers, drills, sanders, grinders and similar 
products.    Tool  storage  includes  tool  chests,  roll  cabinets  and  other  similar  products.  For  many  industrial  customers, 
Snap-on creates specific, engineered solutions, including facility-level tool control and asset management hardware and 
software, custom kits in a wide range of configurations, and custom-built tools designed to meet customer requirements. 
The majority of products are manufactured by Snap-on and, in completing the product offering, other items are purchased 
from external manufacturers.  

The  diagnostics,  information  and  management  systems  product  category  includes  handheld  and  PC-based  diagnostic 
products,  service  and  repair  information  products,  diagnostic  software  solutions,  electronic  parts  catalogs,  business 
management systems and services, point-of-sale systems, integrated systems for vehicle service shops, OEM purchasing 
facilitation  services,  and  warranty  management  systems  and  analytics  to  help  OEM  dealerships  manage  and  track 
performance.     

The equipment product category includes solutions for the service of vehicles and industrial equipment. Products include 
wheel  alignment  equipment,  wheel  balancers,  tire  changers,  vehicle  lifts,  test  lane  systems,  collision  repair  equipment, 
vehicle  air  conditioning  service  equipment,  brake  service  equipment,  fluid  exchange  equipment,  transmission 
troubleshooting equipment, safety testing equipment, battery chargers and hoists.   

    6 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on supports the sale of its diagnostics and vehicle service shop equipment by offering training programs as well as 
after-sales  support  for  its  customers,  primarily  focusing  on  the  technologies  and  the  application  of  specific  products 
developed and marketed by Snap-on.   

Products  are  marketed  under  a  number  of  brand  names  and  trademarks,  many  of  which  are  well  known  in  the  vehicle 
service and industrial markets served.  Some of the major trade names and trademarks and the products and services with 
which they are associated include the following:   

Names 

Snap-on 

ATI 

autoVHC 

BAHCO 

Blackhawk 

Blue-Point 

Cartec 

Products and Services 

Hand  tools,  power  tools,  tool  storage  products  (including  tool  control  software  and  hardware), 
diagnostics, certain equipment and related accessories, mobile tool  stores, websites, electronic 
parts catalogs, warranty analytics solutions, business management systems and services, OEM 
specialty tools and equipment development and distribution, and OEM facilitation services       

Aircraft hand tools and machine tools 

Vehicle inspection and training services 

Saw blades, cutting tools, pruning tools, hand tools, power tools and tool storage  

Collision repair equipment 

Hand tools, power tools, tool storage, diagnostics, certain equipment and related accessories 

Safety testing, brake testers, test lane equipment, dynamometers, suspension testers, emission 
testers and other equipment 

Car-O-Liner 

Collision repair equipment, and information and truck alignment systems 

CDI 

Torque tools 

Challenger                      Vehicle lifts 

Ecotechnics                    Vehicle air conditioning service equipment 

Fish and Hook  

Saw blades, cutting tools, pruning tools, hand tools, power tools and tool storage 

Hofmann 

Irimo 

John Bean 

Josam 

Lindström 

Mitchell1 

Nexiq 

Norbar 

Pro-Cut 

Sandflex 

ShopKey 

Sioux 

Wheel balancers, vehicle lifts, tire changers, wheel aligners, brake testers and test lane equipment 

Saw blades, cutting tools, hand tools, power tools and tool storage 

Wheel balancers, vehicle lifts, tire changers, wheel aligners, brake testers and test lane equipment 

Heavy duty alignment and collision repair solutions 

Hand tools 

Repair and service information, shop management systems and business services 

Diagnostic tools, information and program distributions for fleet and heavy duty equipment 

Torque tools 

On-car brake lathes, related equipment and accessories 

Hacksaw blades, bandsaws, saw blades, hole saws and reciprocating saw blades 

Repair and service information, shop management systems and business services 

Power tools 

Sturtevant Richmont 

Torque tools 

Sun 

TruckCam 

Williams 

Diagnostic tools, wheel balancers, vehicle lifts, tire changers, wheel aligners, air conditioning 
products and emission testers 

Commercial OEM factory solutions 

Hand tools, tool storage, certain equipment and related accessories      

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Services  

Snap-on also generates revenue from various financing  programs that include: (i) installment sales and lease contracts 
arising from franchisees’ customers and Snap-on customers who require financing for the purchase or lease of tools and 
diagnostic  and  equipment  products  on  an  extended-term  payment  plan;  and  (ii)  business  loans  and  vehicle  leases  to 
franchisees. The decision to finance through Snap-on or another financing source is solely election of the customer. When 
assessing  customers  for  potential  financing,  Snap-on  considers  various  factors  regarding  ability  to  pay,  including  the 
customers’ financial condition, debt-servicing ability, past payment experience, and credit bureau and proprietary Snap-on 
credit model information, as well as the value of the underlying collateral.   

Snap-on  offers  financing  through  SOC  and  the  company’s  international  finance  subsidiaries  in  those  markets  where 
Snap-on has franchise operations. Financing revenue from contract originations is recognized over the life of the underlying 
contracts, with interest computed primarily on the average daily balances of the underlying contracts.   

Sales and Distribution    

Snap-on  markets  and  distributes  its  products  and  related  services  principally  to  professional  tool  and  equipment  users 
around the world. The two largest market sectors are the vehicle service and repair sector and the industrial sector.  

Vehicle Service and Repair Sector  

The vehicle service and repair sector has three main customer groups: (i) professional technicians who purchase tools and 
diagnostic and equipment products for use in their work; (ii) other professional customers related to vehicle repair, including 
owners and managers of independent repair shops and OEM dealerships who purchase tools and diagnostic and equipment 
products for use by multiple technicians within a service or repair facility; and (iii) OEMs. 

Snap-on  provides  innovative  tool,  equipment  and  business  solutions,  as  well  as  technical  sales  support  and  training, 
designed to meet technicians’ evolving needs. Snap-on’s mobile tool distribution system offers technicians the convenience 
of purchasing quality tools at their place of business with minimal disruption of their work routine. Snap-on also provides 
owners and managers of repair shops, where technicians work, with tools, diagnostic equipment, and repair and service 
information,  including  electronic  parts  catalogs  and  shop  management  products.    Snap-on’s  OEM  facilitation  business 
provides  OEMs  with  products  and  services  including  special  and  essential  tools  as  well  as  consulting  and  facilitation 
services,  which  include  product  procurement,  distribution  and  administrative  support  to  customers  for  their  dealership 
equipment programs.   

The vehicle service and repair sector is characterized by an increasing rate of technological change within motor vehicles, 
vehicle population growth and increasing vehicle life, and the resulting effects of these changes on the businesses of both 
our suppliers and customers.  Snap-on believes it is a meaningful participant in the vehicle service and repair market sector.   

Industrial Sector   

Snap-on  markets  its  products  and  services  globally  to  a  broad  cross-section  of  commercial  and  industrial  customers, 
including maintenance and repair operations; manufacturing and assembly facilities; various government agencies, facilities 
and operations, including military operations; vocational and technical schools; aviation and aerospace operations; oil and 
gas  developers;  mining  operations;  energy  and  power  generation;  equipment  fabricators  and  operators;  railroad 
manufacturing and maintenance; customers in agriculture; infrastructure construction companies; and other customers that 
require instrumentation, service tools and/or equipment for their product and business needs.   

The industrial sector for Snap-on focuses on providing value-added products and services to an increasingly expanding 
global  base  of  customers  in  critical  industries.  Through  its  experienced  and  dispersed  sales  organization,  industrial 
“solutioneers” develop unique and highly valued productivity solutions for customers worldwide that leverage Snap-on’s 
product, service and development capabilities. 

The  industrial  sector  is  characterized  by  a  highly  competitive  environment  with  multiple  suppliers  offering  a  full  line  or 
industry  specific  portfolios  for  tools  and  equipment.  Industrial  customers  increasingly  require  specialized  solutions  that 
provide repeatability and reliability in performing tasks of consequence that are specific to the particular end market in which 
they operate.  Snap-on believes it is a meaningful participant in the industrial tools and equipment market sector.   

    8 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distribution Channels   

Snap-on serves customers primarily through the following channels of distribution: (i) the mobile van channel; (ii) company 
direct sales; (iii) distributors; and (iv) e-commerce. The following discussion summarizes Snap-on’s general approach for 
each channel and is not intended to be all-inclusive.  

Mobile Van Channel    

In the United States, a significant portion of sales to the vehicle service and repair sector is conducted through Snap-on’s 
mobile franchise van channel. Snap-on’s franchisees primarily serve vehicle repair technicians and vehicle service shop 
owners, generally providing weekly contact at the customer’s place of business.  Franchisees’ sales are concentrated in 
hand and power tools, tool storage products, shop equipment, and diagnostic and repair information products, which can 
easily be transported in a van or trailer and demonstrated during a brief sales call. Franchisees purchase Snap-on’s products 
at  a  discount  from  suggested  list  prices  and  resell  them  at  prices  established  by  the  franchisee.  U.S.  franchisees  are 
provided  a  list  of  calls  that  serves  as  the  basis  of  the  franchisee’s  sales  route.  Snap-on’s  franchisees  also  have  the 
opportunity to add a limited number of additional franchises.   

Snap-on  charges  nominal  initial  and  ongoing  monthly  franchise  fees. Franchise  fee  revenue,  including  nominal,  non-
refundable initial and ongoing monthly fees (primarily for sales and business training, and marketing and product promotion 
programs), is recognized as the fees are earned.  Franchise fee revenue totaled  $15.2 million, $13.9 million and $12.7 
million in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Snap-on also has a company-owned route program that is designed to: (i) provide another pool of potential field organization 
personnel;  (ii)  service  customers  in  select  new  and/or  open  routes  not  currently  serviced  by  franchisees;  and  (iii)  allow 
Snap-on to pilot new sales and promotional ideas prior to introducing them to franchisees. As of 2017 year end, company-
owned routes comprised less than 3% of the total route population; Snap-on may elect to increase or reduce the number of 
company-owned routes in the future.   

In addition to its mobile van channel in the United States, Snap-on has replicated its U.S. franchise distribution model in 
certain other countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, Germany, Netherlands, South Africa,  New 
Zealand, Belgium and Ireland.  In many of these markets, as in the United States, purchase decisions are generally made 
or influenced by professional vehicle service technicians as well as repair shop owners and managers.  As of 2017 year 
end, Snap-on’s worldwide route count was approximately 4,900, including approximately 3,500 routes in the United States. 

Through SOC, financing is available to U.S. franchisees, including financing for van leases, working capital loans and loans 
to help enable new franchisees to fund the purchase of the franchise.  In many international markets, Snap-on offers a 
variety of financing options to its franchisees and/or customer networks through its international finance subsidiaries. The 
decision to finance through Snap-on or another financing source is solely at the customer’s election. 

Snap-on supports its franchisees with a field organization of regional offices, franchise performance teams, customer care 
centers and distribution centers.  Snap-on also provides sales and business training, and marketing and product promotion 
programs, as well as customer and franchisee financing programs through SOC and the company’s international finance 
subsidiaries, all of which are designed to strengthen franchisee sales. National Franchise Advisory Councils in the United 
States,  the  United  Kingdom,  Canada  and  Australia,  composed  primarily  of  franchisees  that  are  elected  by  franchisees, 
assist Snap-on in identifying and implementing enhancements to the franchise program.   

Company Direct Sales   

A significant proportion of shop equipment sales in North America under the John Bean, Hofmann, Blackhawk, Car-O-Liner, 
Challenger and Pro-Cut brands, diagnostic products under the Snap-on brand and information products under the Mitchell1 
brand are made by direct and independent sales forces that have responsibility for national and other accounts.  As the 
vehicle service and repair sector consolidates (with more business conducted by national chains and franchised service 
centers),  Snap-on  believes  these  larger  organizations  can  be  serviced  most  effectively  by  sales  people  who  can 
demonstrate and sell the full line of diagnostic and equipment products and services. Snap-on also sells these products 
and services directly to OEMs and their franchised dealers.    

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on  brand  tools  and  equipment  are  marketed  to  industrial  and  governmental  customers  worldwide  through  both 
industrial  sales  associates  and  independent  distributors.  Selling  activities  focus  on  industrial  customers  whose  main 
purchase criteria are quality and integrated solutions. As of 2017 year end, Snap-on had industrial sales associates and 
independent distributors primarily in the United States and in various European, Latin American, Middle Eastern, Asian and 
African countries, with the United States representing the majority of Snap-on’s total industrial sales.   

Snap-on  also  sells  software,  services  and  solutions  to  the  automotive,  commercial,  heavy  duty,  agriculture,  power 
equipment and power sports segments. Products and services are marketed to targeted groups, including OEMs and their 
dealerships, fleets and individual repair shops. To effectively reach OEMs, which frequently have a multi-national presence, 
Snap-on has deployed focused business teams globally.   

Distributors   

Sales of certain tools and equipment are made through independent distributors who purchase the items from Snap-on and 
resell them to end users. Hand tools sold under the BAHCO, Fish and Hook, Irimo, Lindström, CDI, ATI, Norbar, Sioux, 
Sturtevant Richmont and Williams brands and trade names, for example, are sold through distributors worldwide.  Wheel 
service and other vehicle service equipment are sold through distributors primarily under brands including Hofmann, John 
Bean,  Car-O-Liner,  Challenger,  Pro-Cut,  Cartec,  Blackhawk  and  Ecotechnics.  Diagnostic  and  equipment  products  are 
marketed through distributors in South America and Asia, and through both a direct sales force and distributors in Europe 
under the Snap-on, Sun and Blue-Point brands.   

E-commerce   

Snap-on  offers  current  and  prospective  customers  online  access  to  research  and  purchase  products  through  its  public  
website at www.snapon.com.  The site features an online catalog of Snap-on hand tools, power tools, tool storage units 
and  diagnostic  equipment  available  to  customers  in  the  United  States,  the  United  Kingdom,  Canada  and  Australia. 
E-commerce and certain other system enhancement initiatives are designed to improve productivity and further leverage 
the  one-on-one  relationships  and  service  Snap-on  has  with  its  current  and  prospective  customers.    Sales  through  the 
company’s e-commerce distribution channel were not significant in any of the last three years. 

Competition  

Snap-on  competes  on  the  basis  of  its  product  quality  and  performance,  product  line  breadth  and  depth,  service,  brand 
awareness  and  imagery,  technological  innovation  and  availability  of  financing  (through  SOC  or  its  international  finance 
subsidiaries). While Snap-on does not believe that any single company competes with it across all of its product lines and 
distribution channels, various companies compete in one or more product categories and/or distribution channels.   

repair 

Snap-on believes it is a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional tools, tool storage, diagnostic and equipment 
products, and repair software and solutions, offering a broad line of these products to both vehicle service and industrial 
marketplaces. Various competitors target and sell to professional technicians in the vehicle service and repair sector through 
the mobile tool distribution channel.  Snap-on also competes with companies that sell tools and equipment to vehicle service 
and 
tool  supply 
warehouses/distributorships.  Within  the  power  tools  category  and  the  industrial  sector,  Snap-on  has  various  other 
competitors, including companies with offerings that overlap with other areas discussed herein. Major competitors selling 
diagnostics, shop equipment and information to vehicle dealerships and independent repair shops include OEMs and their 
proprietary  electronic  parts  catalogs  and  diagnostics  and  information  systems,  and  other  companies  that  offer  products 
serving this sector.  

retail  stores,  vehicle  parts  supply  outlets  and 

technicians  online  and 

through 

Raw Materials and Purchased Product  

Snap-on’s supply of raw materials and purchased components are generally and readily available from numerous suppliers.  
Snap-on believes it has secured an ample supply of both bar and coil steel for the near future to ensure stable supply to 
meet material demands. The company does not currently anticipate experiencing any significant impact in 2018 from steel 
pricing or availability issues.   

    10 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Patents, Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property 

Snap-on vigorously pursues and relies on patent protection to protect its intellectual property and position in its markets. As 
of 2017 year end, Snap-on and its subsidiaries held approximately 700 active and pending patents in the United States and 
approximately 1,600 active and pending patents outside of the United States.  Sales relating to any single patent did not 
represent a material portion of Snap-on’s revenues in any of the last three years.  

Examples of products that have features or designs that benefit from patent protection include hand tools (including sealed 
ratchets and ratcheting screwdrivers), power tools, wheel alignment systems, wheel balancers, tire changers, vehicle lifts, 
tool storage, tool control, collision measurement, test lanes, brake lathes, electronic torque instruments, emissions-sensing 
devices and diagnostic equipment.   

Much of the technology used in the manufacture of vehicle service tools and equipment is in the public domain.  Snap-on 
relies primarily on trade secret protection to protect proprietary processes used in manufacturing. Methods and processes 
are patented when appropriate. Copyright protection is also utilized when appropriate. 

Trademarks  used  by  Snap-on  are  of  continuing  importance  to  Snap-on  in  the  marketplace.  Trademarks  have  been 
registered  in  the  United  States  and  many  other  countries,  and  additional  applications  for  trademark  registrations  are 
pending. Snap-on vigorously polices proper use of its trademarks. Snap-on’s right to manufacture and sell certain products 
is  dependent  upon  licenses  from  others;  however,  these  products  under  license  do  not  represent  a  material  portion  of 
Snap-on’s net sales.  

Domain  names  have  become  a  valuable  corporate  asset  for  companies  around  the  world,  including  Snap-on.  Domain 
names often contain a trademark or service mark or even a corporate name and are often considered intellectual property. 
The recognition and value of the Snap-on name, trademark and domain name are core strengths of the company.   

Snap-on strategically licenses the Snap-on brand to carefully selected manufacturing and distribution companies for items 
such  as  apparel  and  a  variety  of  other  goods,  in  order  to  further  build  brand  awareness  and  market  presence  for  the 
company’s strongest brand.   

Environmental   

Snap-on  is  subject  to  various  environmental  laws,  ordinances,  regulations,  and  other  requirements  of  government 
authorities in the United States and other nations.  At Snap-on, these environmental liabilities are managed through the 
Snap-on Environmental, Health and Safety Management System (“EH & SMS”), which is applied worldwide.  The system 
is based upon continual improvement and is certified to ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007, verified through Det 
Norske Veritas (DNV) Certification, Inc.  

Snap-on believes that it complies with applicable environmental control requirements in its operations.  Expenditures on 
environmental matters through EH & SMS have not had, and Snap-on does not for the foreseeable future expect them to 
have, a material effect upon Snap-on’s capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.   

Employees  

Snap-on  employed  approximately  12,600  people at the end of January 2018; Snap-on employed approximately 12,100 
people at the end of January 2017.  The year-over-year increase in employees primarily reflects acquisitions during 2017. 

Approximately  2,700  employees,  or  21%  of  Snap-on’s  worldwide  workforce,  are  represented  by  unions  and/or  covered 
under collective bargaining agreements.  The number of covered union employees whose contracts expire over the next 
five years approximates  1,450 employees in 2018, 225 employees in 2019, 825 employees in 2020, 125 employees in 
2021, and 25 employees in 2022. In recent years, Snap-on has not experienced any significant work slowdowns, stoppages 
or other labor disruptions.  

There can be no assurance that these and other future contracts with Snap-on’s unions will be renegotiated upon terms 
acceptable to Snap-on.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Working Capital   

Most of Snap-on’s businesses are not seasonal and their inventory needs are relatively constant. Snap-on did not have a 
significant backlog of orders at 2017 year end.  In recent years, Snap-on has been using its working capital to fund, in part, 
the continued growth of the company’s financial services portfolio and the acquisitions discussed above.   

Snap-on’s liquidity and capital resources and use of working capital are discussed herein in “Part II, Item 7, Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  

As of 2017 year end, neither Snap-on nor any of its segments depend on any single customer, small group of customers or 
government for any material part of its revenues. 

Item 1A: Risk Factors   

In  evaluating  the  company,  careful  consideration  should  be  given  to  the  following  risk  factors,  in  addition  to  the  other 
information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related 
notes.    Each  of  these  risk  factors  could  adversely  affect  the  company’s  business,  operating  results,  cash  flows  and/or 
financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in the company’s common stock.  

Economic conditions and world events could affect our operating results.    

We, our franchisees and our customers, may be adversely affected by changing economic conditions, including conditions 
that may particularly impact specific regions. These conditions may result in reduced consumer and investor confidence, 
instability in the credit and financial markets, volatile corporate profits, and reduced business and consumer spending.  We, 
our franchisees and our customers, and the economy as a whole, also may be affected by future world or local events 
outside our control, such as acts of terrorism, developments in the war on terrorism, conflicts in international situations, 
weather events and natural disasters, as well as government-related developments or issues.  These factors may affect our 
results of operations by reducing our sales, margins and/or net earnings as a result of a slowdown in customer orders or 
order cancellations, impact the availability of raw materials and/or the supply chain, and could potentially lead to future 
impairment of our intangible assets. In addition, political and social turmoil related to international conflicts and terrorist acts 
may put pressure on economic conditions abroad. Unstable political, social and economic conditions may make it difficult 
for our franchisees, customers, suppliers and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. If such conditions 
persist, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively affected.  

In June 2016, the United Kingdom voted in a referendum to exit the European Union (“Brexit”), which resulted in significant 
currency exchange rate fluctuations and volatility.  Negotiations are underway to determine the terms of Brexit. Given the 
lack of comparable precedent and the status of the negotiations, the implications of Brexit, or how such implications might 
affect Snap-on, continue to remain unclear at this time. Brexit could, among other impacts, disrupt trade and the movement 
of goods, services and people between the United Kingdom and the European Union or other countries as well as create 
legal  and  global  economic  uncertainty.  These  and  other  potential  implications  could  adversely  affect  our  business  and 
results of operations. 

In  2017,  Canada,  Mexico  and  the  United  States  commenced  negotiations  to  potentially  modify  the  terms  of  the  North 
American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”).  It is difficult to predict what, if any, changes will be made to NAFTA as a result 
of  these  negotiations.    If  the  U.S.  were  to  withdraw  from  NAFTA  or  if  significant  changes  are  made  that,  among  other 
impacts, disrupt trade and the movement of goods and services between these countries, it could have a material adverse 
impact on our business.   

These and other matters significantly impacting the regulation of trade could adversely affect our business and results of 
operations. 

    12 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw material and energy price fluctuations and shortages (including steel and various fuel sources) could adversely affect 
the ability to obtain needed manufacturing materials and could adversely affect our results of operations.  

The  principal  raw  material  used  in  the  manufacture  of  our  products  is  steel,  which  we  purchase  in  competitive,  price-
sensitive  markets.  To  meet  Snap-on’s  high  quality  standards,  our  steel  needs  range  from  specialized  alloys,  which  are 
available only from a limited group of approved suppliers, to commodity types of alloys. These raw materials have historically 
exhibited  price  and  demand  cyclicality.  Some  of  these  materials  have  been,  and  in  the  future  may  be,  in  short  supply, 
particularly in the event of mill shutdowns or production cut backs. As some steel alloys require specialized manufacturing 
procedures, we could experience inventory shortages if we were required to use an alternative manufacturer on short notice.  
Additionally, unexpected price increases for raw materials could result in higher prices to our customers or an erosion of 
the margins on our products.   

We believe our ability to sell our products is also dependent on the number of vehicles on the road, the number of miles 
driven  and  the  general  aging  of  vehicles.  These  factors  affect  the  frequency,  type  and  amount  of  service  and  repair 
performed  on  vehicles  by  technicians,  and  therefore affect  the  demand  for  the  number  of  technicians,  the  prosperity  of 
technicians  and,  consequently,  the  demand  technicians  have  for  our  tools,  other  products  and  services,  and  the  value 
technicians place on those products and services. The use of other methods of transportation, including more frequent use 
of  public  transportation,  could  result  in  a  decrease  in  the  use  of  privately  operated  vehicles.    A  decrease  in  the  use  of 
privately operated vehicles may lead to fewer repairs and less demand for our products. 

We use various energy sources to transport, produce and distribute products, and some of our products have components 
that are petroleum based.  Petroleum and energy prices have periodically increased significantly over short periods of time; 
future volatility and changes may be caused by market fluctuations, supply and demand, currency fluctuations, production 
and transportation disruptions, world events and changes in governmental programs. Energy price increases raise both our 
operating costs and the costs of our materials, and we may not be able to increase our prices enough to offset these costs.  
Higher prices also may reduce the level of future customer orders and our profitability. 

The performance of Snap-on’s mobile tool distribution business depends on the success of its franchisees.  

Approximately 41% of our consolidated net revenues in 2017 were generated by the Snap-on Tools Group, which consists 
of Snap-on’s business operations primarily serving vehicle service and repair technicians through the company’s worldwide 
mobile tool distribution channel.   Snap-on’s success is dependent on its relationships with franchisees, individually and 
collectively, as they are the primary sales and service link between the company and vehicle service and repair technicians, 
who are an important class of end users for Snap-on’s products and services. If our franchisees are not successful, or if we 
do not maintain an effective relationship with our franchisees, the delivery of products, the collection of receivables and/or 
our relationship with end users could be adversely affected and thereby negatively impact our business, financial condition, 
results of operations and cash flows.  

In addition, if we are unable to maintain effective relationships with franchisees, Snap-on or the franchisees may choose to 
terminate the relationship, which may result in (i) open routes, in which end-user customers are not provided reliable service; 
(ii) litigation resulting from termination; (iii) reduced collections or increased write-offs of franchisee receivables owed to 
Snap-on; and/or (iv) reduced collections or increased write-offs of finance and contract receivables.   

Exposure to credit risks of customers and resellers may make it difficult to collect receivables and could adversely affect 
operating results and financial condition.   

The size of our financial services portfolio has increased significantly in recent years.  A decline in industry and/or economic 
conditions could have the potential to weaken the financial position of some of our customers. If circumstances surrounding 
our customers’ ability to repay their credit obligations were to deteriorate and result in the write-down or write-off of such 
receivables, it would negatively affect our operating results for the period in which they occur and, if large, could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our inability to provide acceptable financing alternatives to end-user customers and franchisees could adversely impact our 
operating results.  

An integral component of our business and profitability is our ability to offer competitive financing alternatives to end-user 
customers and franchisees. The lack of our ability to offer such alternatives or obtain capital resources or other financing to 
support our receivables on terms that we believe are attractive, whether resulting from the state of the financial markets, 
our  own  operating  performance,  or  other  factors,  would  negatively  affect  our  operating  results  and  financial  condition.  
Adverse fluctuations in interest rates and/or our ability to provide competitive financing programs could also have an adverse 
impact on our revenue and profitability.   

Changes to legislation and regulations may affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.  

Significant changes to legislative and regulatory activity and compliance burdens, including those associated with sales to 
our  government,  military  and  defense  contractor  customers,  as  well  as  the  manner  in  which  they  are  applied,  could 
significantly impact our business and the economy as a whole.  

Financial services businesses of all kinds are subject to significant and complex regulations and enforcement. In addition 
to potentially increasing the costs of doing business due to compliance obligations, new laws and regulations, or changes 
to existing laws and regulations, as well as the enforcement thereof, may affect the relationships between creditors and 
debtors, inhibit the rights of creditors to collect amounts owed to them, expand liability for certain actions or inactions, or 
limit the types of financial products or services offered, any or all of which could have a material adverse effect on our 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Failure to comply with any of these laws or regulations could also 
result  in  civil,  criminal,  monetary  and/or  non-monetary  penalties,  damage  to  our  reputation,  and/or  the  incurrence  of 
remediation costs. 

Snap-on’s results of operations could also be affected by changes in the company’s effective tax rate as a result of changes 
in statutory tax rates, laws and regulations, as well as related guidance.  The company is currently analyzing the impact of 
the December 2017 passage of “H.R.1”, formerly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the United States (the “Tax Act”), 
which made significant changes to the U.S. Tax Code and affects, among other items, the company’s tax rate, previously 
unremitted foreign earnings and valuations of deferred tax assets and liabilities.  If new guidance is issued on the recently 
enacted tax revisions, depending on the circumstances, this (and other) tax legislation could adversely affect our results of 
operations. 

These developments, and other potential future legislation and regulations, as well as the factors in the strict regulatory 
environment, including the growing international regulation of privacy rights, may also adversely affect the customers to 
which,  and  the  markets  into  which,  we  sell  our  products,  and  increase  our  costs  and  otherwise  negatively  affect  our 
business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition, including in ways that cannot yet be foreseen.   

Failure  to  achieve  expected  investment  returns  on  pension  plan  assets,  as  well  as  changes  in  interest  rates  or  plan 
demographics, could adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.   

Snap-on  sponsors  various  defined  benefit  pension  plans  (the  “pension  plans”).  The  assets  of  the  pension  plans  are 
diversified in an attempt to mitigate the risk of a large loss. Required funding for the company’s domestic defined benefit 
pension plans is determined in accordance with guidelines set forth in the federal Employee Retirement Income Security 
Act (“ERISA”); foreign defined benefit pension plans are funded in accordance with local statutes or practice. Additional 
contributions to enhance the funded status of the pension plans can be made at the company’s discretion. However, there 
can be no assurance that the value of the pension plan assets, or the investment returns on those plan assets, will be 
sufficient to meet the future benefit obligations of such plans.  In addition, during periods of adverse investment market 
conditions and declining interest rates, the company may be required to make additional cash contributions to the pension 
plans  that  could  reduce  our  financial  flexibility.  Changes  in  plan  demographics,  including  an  increase  in  the  number  of 
retirements  or  changes  in  life  expectancy  assumptions,  may  also  increase  the  costs  and  funding  requirements  of  the 
obligations related to the company’s pension plans. 

    14 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our pension plan obligations are affected by changes in market interest rates. Significant fluctuations in market interest 
rates have added, and may further add, volatility to our pension plan obligations. In periods of declining market interest 
rates,  our  pension  plan  obligations  generally  increase;  in  periods  of  increasing  market  interest  rates,  our  pension  plan 
obligations generally decrease.  While our plan assets are broadly diversified, there are inherent market risks associated 
with investments; if adverse market conditions occur, our plan assets could incur significant or material losses.  Since we 
may need to make additional contributions to address changes in obligations and/or a loss in plan assets, the combination 
of declining market interest rates, past or future plan asset investment losses, and/or changes in plan demographics could 
adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

The company’s pension plan expense is comprised of the following factors: (i) service cost; (ii) interest on projected benefit 
obligations; (iii) expected return on plan assets; (iv) the amortization of prior service costs and credits; (v) effects of actuarial 
gains  and  losses;  and  (vi)  settlement/curtailment  costs,  when  applicable.  The  accounting  for  pensions  involves  the 
estimation  of  a  number  of  factors  that  are  highly  uncertain. Certain  factors,  such  as  the  interest  on  projected  benefit 
obligations and the expected return on plan assets, are impacted by changes in market interest rates and the value of plan 
assets.  A significant decrease in market interest rates and a decrease in the fair value of plan assets would increase net 
pension expense and may adversely affect the company’s future results of operations. See Note 11 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for further information on the company’s pension plans. 

Adverse developments in the credit and financial markets could negatively impact the availability of credit that we and our 
customers need to operate our businesses.    

We  depend  upon  the  availability  of  credit  to  operate  our  business,  including  the  financing of  receivables  from  end-user 
customers that are originated by our financial services businesses. Our end-user customers, franchisees and suppliers also 
require access to credit for their businesses. At times, world financial markets have been unstable and subject to uncertainty. 
Adverse  developments  in  the  credit  and  financial  markets,  or  unfavorable  changes  in  Snap-on’s  credit  rating,  could 
negatively impact the availability of future financing and the terms on which it might be available to Snap-on, its end-user 
customers, franchisees and suppliers. Inability to access credit or capital markets, or a deterioration in the terms on which 
financing might be available, could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
cash flows.   

Increasing our financial leverage could affect our operations and profitability.   

The maximum available credit under our multi-currency revolving credit facility is  $700 million. The company’s leverage 
ratio may affect both our availability of additional capital resources as well as our operations in several ways, including: 

(cid:120)  The terms on which credit may be available to us could be less attractive, both in the economic terms of the credit 

and the covenants stipulated by the credit terms; 

(cid:120)  The possible lack of availability of additional credit or access to the commercial paper market; 
(cid:120)  The potential for higher levels of interest expense to service or maintain our outstanding debt; 
(cid:120)  The possibility of additional borrowings in the future to repay our indebtedness when it comes due; and 
(cid:120)  The possible diversion of capital resources from other uses.   

While we believe we will have the ability to service our debt and obtain additional resources in the future if and when needed, 
that will depend upon our results of operations and financial position at the time, the then-current state of the credit and 
financial markets, and other factors that may be beyond our control.  Therefore, we cannot give assurances that credit will 
be available on terms that we consider attractive, or at all, if and when necessary or beneficial to us. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Data security and information technology infrastructure and security are critical to supporting business objectives; failure of 
our systems to operate effectively could adversely affect our business and reputation.   

We depend heavily on information technology infrastructure to achieve our business objectives and to protect sensitive 
information,  and  continually  invest  in  improving  such  systems.  Problems  that  impair  or  compromise  this  infrastructure, 
including natural disasters, power outages, major network failures, security breaches or malicious attacks, or during system 
upgrades and/or new system implementations, could impede our ability to record or process orders, manufacture and ship 
in a timely manner, account for and collect receivables, protect sensitive data of the company, our customers, our suppliers 
and business partners, or otherwise carry on business in the normal course.  Any such events, if significant, could cause 
us to lose customers and/or revenue and could require us to incur significant expense to remediate, including as a result of 
legal or regulatory claims or proceedings, and could also damage our reputation.  While we have taken steps to maintain 
adequate data security and address these risks and uncertainties by implementing security technologies, internal controls, 
network  and  data  center  resiliency,  and  redundancy  and  recovery  processes,  as  well  as  by  securing  insurance,  these 
measures may be inadequate. 

In association with initiatives to better integrate business units, rationalize operating footprint and improve responsiveness 
to  franchisees  and  customers,  Snap-on  is  continually  replacing  and  enhancing  its  global  Enterprise  Resource  Planning 
(ERP) management information systems.  As we integrate, implement and deploy new information technology processes 
and enhance our common information infrastructure across our global operations, we could experience disruptions in our 
business that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.   

Failure  to  maintain  effective  distribution  of  products  and  services  could  adversely  impact  revenue,  gross  margin  and 
profitability.  

We use a variety of distribution methods to sell our products and services. Successfully managing the interaction of our 
distribution  efforts  to  reach  various  potential  customer  segments  for  our  products  and  services  is  a  complex  process. 
Moreover, since each distribution method has distinct risks, costs and gross margins, our failure to implement the most 
advantageous balance in the delivery model for our products and services could adversely affect our revenue and gross 
margins and therefore our profitability.  

Risks associated with the disruption of manufacturing operations could adversely affect profitability or competitive position.  

We manufacture a significant portion of the products we sell. Any prolonged disruption in the operations of our existing 
manufacturing facilities, whether due to technical or labor difficulties, facility consolidation or closure actions, lack of raw 
material or component availability, destruction of or damage to any facility (as a result of natural disasters, weather events, 
use and storage of hazardous materials, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism, or other events), or other reasons, could have 
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  

The inability to continue to introduce new products that respond to customer needs and achieve market acceptance could 
result in lower revenues and reduced profitability.    

Sales  from  new  products  represent  a  significant  portion  of  our  net  sales  and  are  expected  to  continue  to  represent  a 
significant component of our future net sales.  We may not be able to compete effectively unless we continue to enhance 
existing products or introduce new products to the marketplace in a timely manner. Product improvements and new product 
introductions  require  significant  financial  and  other  resources,  including  significant  planning,  design,  development,  and 
testing  at  the  technological,  product  and  manufacturing  process  levels. Our  competitors’  new  products  may  beat  our 
products to market, be more effective with more features, be less expensive than our products, and/or render our products 
obsolete. Any new products that we develop may not receive market acceptance or otherwise generate any meaningful net 
sales or profits for us relative to our expectations based on, among other things, existing and anticipated investments in 
manufacturing  capacity  and  commitments  to  fund  advertising,  marketing,  promotional  programs  and  research  and 
development. 

    16 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
The global tool, equipment, and diagnostics and repair information industries are competitive.   

We face strong competition in all of our market segments. Price competition in our various industries is intense and pricing 
pressures from competitors and customers are increasing. In general, as a manufacturer and marketer of premium products 
and services, the expectations of Snap-on’s customers and its franchisees are high and continue to increase.  Any inability 
to maintain customer satisfaction could diminish Snap-on’s premium image and reputation and could result in a lessening 
of our ability to command premium pricing. We expect that the level of competition will remain high in the future, which could 
limit our ability to maintain or increase market share or profitability. 

Product liability claims and litigation could affect our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations and cash 
flows.   

The products that we design and/or manufacture, and/or the services we provide, can lead to product liability claims or other 
legal claims being filed against us.  To the extent that plaintiffs are successful in showing that a defect in a product’s design, 
manufacture or warnings led to personal injury or property damage, or that our provision of services resulted in similar injury 
or damage, we may be subject to claims for damages.  Although we are insured for damages above a certain amount, we 
bear  the  costs  and  expenses  associated  with  defending  claims,  including  frivolous  lawsuits,  and  are  responsible  for 
damages up to the insurance retention amount.  In addition to claims concerning individual products, as a manufacturer, 
we can be subject to costs, potential negative publicity and lawsuits related to product recalls, which could adversely impact 
our results of operations and damage our reputation.   

Legal disputes could adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  

From time to time we are subject to legal disputes that are being litigated and/or settled in the ordinary course of business. 
Disputes or future lawsuits could result in the diversion of management’s time and attention away from business operations. 
Additionally, negative developments with respect to legal disputes and the costs incurred in defending ourselves, even if 
successful, could have an adverse impact on the company and its reputation. Successful outcomes, at trial or on appeal, 
can never be assured. Adverse outcomes or settlements could also require us to pay damages, potentially in excess of 
amounts reserved, or incur liability for other remedies that could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

Failure to adequately protect intellectual property, or claims of infringement, could adversely affect our business, reputation, 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  

Intellectual  property  rights  are  an  important  and  integral  component  of  our  business  and  failure  to  obtain  or  maintain 
adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business.  
We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret 
laws, as well as licensing agreements and third-party nondisclosure and assignment agreements. In addition, we have been 
and in the future may be subject to claims of intellectual property infringement against us by third parties; whether or not 
these  claims  have  merit,  we  could  be  required  to  expend  significant  resources  in  defense  of  those  claims.    Adverse 
determinations  in  a  judicial  or  administrative  proceeding  could  prevent  us  from manufacturing  and  selling  our  products, 
prevent us from stopping others from manufacturing and selling competing products, and/or result in payments for damages. 
In the event of an infringement claim, we may also be required to spend significant resources to develop alternatives or 
obtain  licenses  which  may  not  be  available  on  reasonable  terms  or  at  all,  and  may  reduce  our  sales  and  disrupt  our 
production.  Failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a 
material adverse effect on our business.  

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Foreign operations are subject to political, economic, currency exchange and other risks that could adversely affect our 
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  

Approximately 32% of our revenues in 2017 were generated outside of the United States.  Future growth rates and success 
of our business depends in large part on continued growth in our non-U.S. operations, including growth in emerging markets 
and  critical  industries.  Numerous  risks  and  uncertainties  affect  our  non-U.S. operations.  These  risks  and  uncertainties 
include  political,  economic  and  social  instability,  such  as  acts  of  war,  civil  disturbance  or  acts  of  terrorism,  local  labor 
conditions, changes in government policies and regulations, including imposition or increases in withholding and other taxes 
on remittances and other payments by international subsidiaries, as well as the exposure to liabilities under anti-corruption 
laws  in  various  countries,  such  as  the  U.S.  Foreign  Corrupt  Practices  Act,  currency  volatility,  transportation  delays  or 
interruptions, sovereign debt uncertainties and difficulties in enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights, as well 
as natural disasters.  Should the economic environment in our non-U.S. markets deteriorate from current levels, our results 
of operations and financial position could be materially impacted, including as a result of the effects of potential impairment 
write-downs of goodwill and/or other intangible assets related to these businesses. 

The reporting currency for Snap-on’s consolidated financial statements is the U.S. dollar. Certain of the company’s assets, 
liabilities,  expenses  and  revenues  are  denominated  in  currencies  other  than  the  U.S.  dollar.  In  preparing  Snap-on’s 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  those  assets,  liabilities,  expenses  and  revenues  are  translated  into  U.S.  dollars  at 
applicable exchange rates. Increases or decreases in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies affect 
the U.S. dollar value of those items, as reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Substantial fluctuations in the 
value of the U.S. dollar could have a significant impact on the company’s financial condition and results of operations. 

We are also affected by changes in inflation rates and interest rates. Additionally, cash generated in non-U.S. jurisdictions 
may be difficult to repatriate to the United States in a tax-efficient manner.  Our foreign operations are also subject to other 
risks and challenges, such as the need to staff and manage diverse workforces, respond to the needs of multiple national 
and international marketplaces, and differing business climates and cultures in various countries.   

We may not successfully integrate businesses we acquire, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.   

The pursuit of growth through acquisitions, including participation in joint ventures, involves significant risks that could have 
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  These risks include: 

Inability to integrate successfully the acquired businesses’ operations; 
Inability to coordinate management and integrate and retain employees of the acquired businesses; 

(cid:120)  Loss of the acquired businesses’ customers; 
(cid:120) 
(cid:120) 
(cid:120)  Unforeseen or contingent liabilities of the acquired businesses;   
(cid:120)  Large write-offs or write-downs, or the impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets; 
(cid:120)  Difficulties in implementing and maintaining consistent standards, controls, procedures, policies and information 

systems; 

(cid:120)  Failure to realize anticipated synergies, economies of scale or other anticipated benefits, or to maintain operating 

margins; 

(cid:120)  Strain on our personnel, systems and resources, and diversion of attention from other priorities; 
(cid:120) 
(cid:120)  The dilutive effect in the event of the issuance of additional equity securities. 

Incurrence of additional debt and related interest expense; and 

    18 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The recognition of impairment charges on goodwill or other intangible assets would adversely impact our future financial 
condition and results of operations.  

We  have  a  substantial  amount  of  goodwill  and  purchased  intangible  assets,  almost  all  of  which  are  booked  in  the 
Commercial & Industrial Group and in the Repair Systems & Information Group.  We are required to perform impairment 
tests on our goodwill and other intangibles annually or at any time when events occur that could impact the value of our 
business  segments.  Our  determination  of  whether  impairment  has  occurred  is  based  on  a  comparison  of  each  of  our 
reporting units’ fair market value with its carrying value. Significant and unanticipated changes in circumstances, such as 
significant and long-term adverse changes in business climate, adverse actions by regulators, unanticipated competition, 
the loss of key customers, and/or changes in technology or markets, could require a provision for impairment in a future 
period that could substantially impact our reported earnings and reduce our consolidated net worth and shareholders’ equity. 
Should the economic environment in these markets deteriorate, our results of operations and financial position could be 
materially  impacted,  including  as  a  result  of  the  effects  of  potential  impairment  write-downs  of  goodwill  and/or  other 
intangible assets related to these businesses.   

Our operations expose us to the risk of environmental liabilities, costs, litigation and violations that could adversely affect 
our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.  

Certain of our operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, which 
impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the ground, air and water and establish standards for the generation, 
treatment, use, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes. We must also comply with various health and safety regulations 
in the United States and abroad in connection with our operations.  Failure to comply with any of these laws could result in 
civil and criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties and damage to our reputation. In addition, we may incur costs 
related to remedial efforts or alleged environmental damage associated with past or current waste disposal practices. We 
cannot provide assurance that our costs of complying with current or future environmental protection and health and safety 
laws will not exceed our estimates.   

The inability to successfully defend claims from taxing authorities could adversely affect our financial condition, results of 
operations and cash flows.  

We conduct business in many countries, which requires us to interpret the income tax laws and rulings in each of those 
taxing  jurisdictions.  Due  to  the  subjectivity  of  tax  laws  between  those  jurisdictions,  as  well  as  the  subjectivity  of  factual 
interpretations, our estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from actual payments or assessments. Claims from taxing 
authorities related to these differences could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and 
cash flows.  

Failure to attract and retain qualified personnel could lead to a loss of revenue and/or profitability.  

Snap-on’s success depends, in part, on the efforts and abilities of its senior management team and other key employees. 
Their skills, experience and industry contacts significantly benefit our operations and administration.  The failure to attract 
and retain members of our senior management team and other key employees could have a negative effect on our operating 
results.  In addition, transitions of important responsibilities to new individuals inherently include the possibility of disruptions 
to our business and operations, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and 
cash flows. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The steps taken to restructure operations, rationalize operating footprint, lower operating expenses and achieve greater 
efficiencies in the supply chain could disrupt business. 

We have taken steps in the past, and expect to take additional steps in the future, intended to improve customer service 
and  drive  further  efficiencies  and  reduce  costs,  some  of  which  could  be  disruptive  to  our  business.    These  actions, 
collectively across our operating groups, are focused on the following: 

(cid:120)  Continuing to invest in initiatives focused on building a strong sales and operating presence in emerging growth 

markets; 

(cid:120)  Continuing to enhance service and value to our franchisees and customers; 
(cid:120)  Continuing to implement efficiency and productivity initiatives throughout the company to drive further efficiencies 

and reduce costs; 

(cid:120)  Continuing on the company’s existing path to improve and transform global manufacturing and the supply chain 

into a market-demand-based replenishment system with lower costs; 

(cid:120)  Continuing  to  invest  in  developing  and  marketing  new,  innovative,  higher-value-added  products  and  advanced 

technologies;  

(cid:120)  Extending our products and services into additional and/or adjacent markets or to new customers; and 
(cid:120)  Continuing to provide financing for, and grow our portfolio of, receivables within our financial services businesses. 

A failure to succeed in the implementation of any or all of these actions could result in an inability to achieve our financial 
goals and could be disruptive to the business. 

In  addition,  any  future  reductions  to  headcount  and  other  cost  reduction  measures  may  result  in  the  loss  of  technical 
expertise  and  could  adversely  affect  our  research  and  development  efforts  as  well  as  our  ability  to  meet  product 
development schedules. Efforts to reduce components of expense could result in the recording of charges for inventory and 
technology-related write-offs, workforce reduction costs or other charges relating to the consolidation or closure of facilities. 
If we were to incur a substantial charge to further these efforts, our earnings per share would be adversely affected in such 
period.  If we are unable to effectively manage our cost reduction and restructuring efforts, our business, financial condition, 
results of operations and cash flows could be negatively affected.  

Item 1B:  Unresolved Staff Comments 

None. 

Item 2:   Properties  

Snap-on  maintains  leased  and  owned  manufacturing,  software  development,  warehouse,  distribution,  research  and 
development and office facilities throughout the world.  Snap-on believes that its facilities currently in use are suitable and 
have adequate capacity to meet its present and foreseeable future demand.  Snap-on’s facilities in the United States occupy 
approximately 3.4 million square feet, of which 73% is owned, including its corporate and general office facility located in 
Kenosha, Wisconsin. Snap-on’s facilities outside the United States occupy approximately 4.5 million square feet, of which 
approximately 73% is owned. Certain Snap-on facilities are leased through operating and capital lease agreements. See 
Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the company’s operating and capital leases. Snap-on 
management continually monitors the company’s capacity needs and makes adjustments as dictated by market and other 
conditions.  

    20 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
The following table provides information about our corporate headquarters and financial services operations, and each of 
Snap-on’s  principal  active  manufacturing  locations,  distribution  centers  and  software  development  locations  (exceeding 
50,000 square feet) as of 2017 year end:  

Location 

Principal Property Use 

Owned/Leased 

Segment* 

U.S. Locations: 
  Elkmont, Alabama 
  Conway, Arkansas  
  City of Industry, California  
  Poway, California 
  San Jose, California  
  Columbus, Georgia  
  Crystal Lake, Illinois  
  Libertyville, Illinois 
  Algona, Iowa  
  Louisville, Kentucky 
  Olive Branch, Mississippi  
  Carson City, Nevada  
  Murphy, North Carolina 
  Richfield, Ohio 
  Robesonia, Pennsylvania  
  Elizabethton, Tennessee  
  Kenosha, Wisconsin  
  Milwaukee, Wisconsin  

Non-U.S. Locations: 
  Santo Tome, Argentina  
  New South Wales, Australia  
  Minsk, Belarus  
  Santa Bárbara d'Oeste, Brazil  
  Calgary, Canada  
  Mississauga, Canada  
Beijing, China 
  Kunshan, China 
  Xiaoshan, China 
  Banbury, England 
  Bramley, England  
  Kettering, England  
  Sopron, Hungary  
  Correggio, Italy  
  Tokyo, Japan 
  Helmond, Netherlands 
  Vila do Conde, Portugal 
  Irun, Spain  
  Placencia, Spain  
  Vitoria, Spain  
  Bollnäs, Sweden  
  Edsbyn, Sweden  
Kungsör, Sweden 
  Lidköping, Sweden  

  Manufacturing 
  Manufacturing and distribution 
  Manufacturing 
  Software development 
  Software development 
  Distribution 
  Distribution 
   Financial services 
  Manufacturing and distribution 
  Manufacturing and distribution 
  Distribution 
  Distribution 
  Manufacturing and distribution 
  Software development 
  Distribution 
  Manufacturing 
  Distribution and corporate 
  Manufacturing 

  Manufacturing 
  Distribution and financial services 
  Manufacturing 
  Manufacturing and distribution 
  Distribution 
  Distribution 
  Manufacturing and distribution 
  Manufacturing 
  Manufacturing 
  Manufacturing and distribution 
  Manufacturing  
  Distribution and financial services 
  Manufacturing 
  Manufacturing 
  Distribution 
  Distribution 
  Manufacturing 
  Manufacturing 
  Manufacturing 
  Manufacturing and distribution 
  Manufacturing 
  Manufacturing 
  Manufacturing and distribution 
  Manufacturing 

  Owned 
  Owned 
Leased 
Leased 
Leased 
  Owned 
  Owned and leased  

Leased 
  Owned 
Leased 
  Owned 
  Owned and leased 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 

  Owned 
Leased 
  Owned  
  Owned 
Leased 
Leased 
Leased 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned and leased 
  Owned 
  Owned 
Leased 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 
  Owned 

  SOT 
  RS&I 
  C&I 
  RS&I 
  RS&I 
  C&I 
  SOT 
  FS 
  SOT 
  RS&I 
  SOT 
  SOT 
  C&I 
  RS&I 
  SOT 
  SOT 
  SOT, C&I, RS&I 
  SOT 

  C&I 
  SOT, FS 
  C&I 
  RS&I 
  SOT 
  SOT, RS&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  SOT, C&I, FS 
  RS&I 
  RS&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  C&I 
  RS&I 
  C&I 

* Segment abbreviations: 
  C&I – Commercial & Industrial Group 
  SOT – Snap-on Tools Group 
  RS&I – Repair Systems & Information Group 
  FS – Financial Services 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3:  Legal Proceedings  

Snap-on is involved in various legal matters that are being litigated and/or settled in the ordinary course of business.  Although 
it is not possible to predict the outcome of these legal matters, management believes that the results of these legal matters will 
not have a material impact on Snap-on’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  

Item 4:  Mine Safety Disclosures  

Not applicable. 

PART II 

Item  5:  Market  for  Registrant’s  Common  Equity,  Related  Stockholder  Matters  and  Issuer  Purchases  of  Equity 
Securities   

Snap-on had 56,690,249 shares of common stock outstanding as of 2017 year end.  Snap-on’s stock is listed on the New 
York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SNA.”  At February 9, 2018, there were 4,884 registered holders of Snap-on 
common stock. 

The high and low closing prices of Snap-on’s common stock during each fiscal quarter for the last two years were as follows: 

Common Stock High/Low Prices 

 2017 

2016 

Quarter 

First  
Second  
Third  
Fourth  

 High  
$   181.53 
  175.26 
  159.02 
  175.88 

 Low  
$   164.91 
153.24 
141.51 
147.90 

 High  
$   168.53 
  164.39 
  162.70 
  176.20 

 Low  
$   135.41 
148.03 
146.76 
145.97 

Snap-on has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends, without interruption or reduction, since 1939.  Quarterly dividends 
in 2017 were $0.82 per share in the fourth quarter and $0.71 per share in each of the first three quarters ($2.95 per share 
for the year).  Quarterly dividends in 2016 were $0.71 per share in the fourth quarter and $0.61 per share in each of the first 
three quarters ($2.54 per share for the year).  Cash dividends paid in 2017 and 2016 totaled $169.4 million and $147.5 
million, respectively. Snap-on’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) monitors and evaluates the company’s dividend practice 
quarterly and the Board may elect to increase, decrease or not pay a dividend on Snap-on common stock based upon the 
company’s financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements and future prospects of Snap-on and other factors 
deemed relevant by the Board. 

See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on securities authorized for issuance under equity 
compensation plans. 

    22 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   

The following chart discloses information regarding the shares of Snap-on’s common stock repurchased by the company 
during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, all of which were purchased pursuant to the Board’s authorizations that the company 
has publicly announced. Snap-on has undertaken stock repurchases from time to time to offset dilution created by shares 
issued for employee and franchisee stock purchase plans, and equity plans, and for other corporate purposes, as well as 
when the company believes market conditions are favorable. The repurchase of Snap-on common stock is at the company’s 
discretion, subject to prevailing financial and market conditions. 

 Period  

10/01/17 to 10/28/17 
10/29/17 to 11/25/17 
11/26/17 to 12/30/17 

Shares 
purchased 
80,000 
330,000 
62,000 

Average 
price 
per share 
    $160.86  
    $157.89  
     $166.34  

Shares purchased as 
part of publicly 
announced plans or 
programs 
80,000 
330,000 
62,000 

Approximate 
value of shares 
that may yet be 
purchased under 
publicly 
announced plans 
or programs* 
$427.2 million 
$375.9 million 
$390.7 million 

Total/Average  

472,000 

    $159.50  

472,000 

N/A  

N/A:  Not applicable 

* Subject to further adjustment pursuant to the 1996 Authorization described below, as of December 30, 2017, the approximate value of shares that may yet     
  be purchased pursuant to the two outstanding Board authorizations discussed below is $390.7 million. 

(cid:120) 

In 1996, the Board authorized the company to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock from time to time in the open market or in privately 
negotiated transactions (“the 1996 Authorization”).  The 1996 Authorization allows the repurchase of up to the number of shares issued or delivered 
from treasury from time to time under the various plans the company has in place that call for the issuance of the company’s common stock.  Because 
the number of shares that are purchased pursuant to the 1996 Authorization will change from time to time as (i) the company issues shares under 
its various plans; and (ii) shares are repurchased pursuant to this authorization, the number of shares authorized to be repurchased will vary from 
time to time.  The 1996 Authorization will expire when terminated by the Board.  When calculating the approximate value of shares that the company 
may yet purchase under the 1996 Authorization, the company assumed a price of $158.45, $159.70 and $174.30 per share of common stock as of 
the end of the fiscal 2017 months ended October 28, 2017, November 25, 2017, and December 30, 2017, respectively. 

(cid:120) 

In 2017, the Board authorized the repurchase of an aggregate of up to $500 million of the company’s common stock (“the 2017 Authorization”). 
The 2017 Authorization will expire when the aggregate repurchase price limit is met, unless terminated earlier by the Board.  

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Purchases or Sales of Equity Securities    

The following chart discloses information regarding transactions in shares of Snap-on’s common stock by Citibank, N.A. 
(“Citibank”) during the fourth quarter of 2017 pursuant to a prepaid equity forward agreement (the “Agreement”) with Citibank 
that  is  intended  to  reduce  the  impact  of  market  risk  associated with  the  stock-based  portion  of  the company’s  deferred 
compensation plans. The company’s stock-based deferred compensation liabilities, which are impacted by changes in the 
company’s stock price, increase as the company’s stock price rises and decrease as the company’s stock price declines. 
Pursuant to the Agreement, Citibank may purchase or sell shares of the company’s common stock (for Citibank’s account) 
in the market or in privately negotiated transactions. The Agreement has no stated expiration date and does not provide for 
Snap-on to purchase or repurchase its shares.  

Citibank Sales of Snap-on Stock   

Period  

Shares sold 

10/01/17 to 10/28/17 
10/29/17 to 11/25/17 
11/26/17 to 12/30/17 

Total/Average 

– 
– 
18,600 

18,600 

Average 
price 
per share 
– 
– 
  $ 167.53 

  $ 167.53 

    24 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five-year Stock Performance Graph  

The  graph  below  illustrates  the  cumulative  total  shareholder  return  on  Snap-on  common  stock  since  December  31,  2012, 
assuming that dividends were reinvested. The graph compares Snap-on’s performance to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500 
Industrials Index (“S&P 500 Industrials”) and Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”).  

Snap-on Incorporated Total Shareholder Return (1)         

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED

S&P 500 Industrials

S&P 500

250

200

150

100

S
R
A
L
L
O
D

50

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Fiscal Year Ended (2) 
December 31, 2012 
December 31, 2013 
December 31, 2014 
December 31, 2015 
December 31, 2016 
December 31, 2017 

  $ 

Snap-on 
Incorporated 
100.00 
141.06 
178.82 
227.32 
230.82 
239.25 

  $ 

S&P 500 
Industrials 
100.00 
140.68 
154.50 
150.59 
178.99 
216.64 

  $ 

S&P 500 
100.00 
132.39 
150.51 
152.59 
170.84 
208.14 

(1)  Assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2012, and that dividends were reinvested quarterly. 

(2)  The company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday that is on or nearest to December 31 of each year; for ease of calculation, the fiscal year end is 

assumed to be December 31.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6: Selected Financial Data  

The selected financial data presented below has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the respective 
historical consolidated financial statements of the company, including the notes thereto, and “Part II, Item 7, Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  

Five-year Data  
(Amounts in millions, except per share data) 
Results of Operations 
  Net sales  
  Gross profit 
  Operating expenses  
  Operating earnings before financial services 
  Financial services revenue   
  Financial services expenses  
  Operating earnings from financial services 
  Operating earnings  
  Interest expense  
  Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings  
  Income tax expense  
  Earnings before equity earnings  
  Equity earnings, net of tax  
  Net earnings  
  Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 
  Net earnings attributable to Snap-on 

Financial Position  
  Cash and cash equivalents  
  Trade and other accounts receivable – net  
  Finance receivables – net (current) 
  Contract receivables – net (current) 
  Inventories – net 
  Property and equipment – net  
  Long-term finance receivables – net 
  Long-term contract receivables – net 
  Total assets  
  Notes payable and current maturities of   
    long-term debt 
  Accounts payable  
  Long-term debt  
  Total debt  
  Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Snap-on 

Common Share Summary  
  Weighted-average shares outstanding – diluted 
  Net earnings per share attributable to Snap-on: 
    Basic  
    Diluted  
  Cash dividends paid per share  
  Shareholders’ equity per basic share 

 2017 

 2016 

 2015 

 2014 

 2013 

$  3,686.9 
1,824.9 
1,160.9 
664.0 
313.4 
95.9 
217.5 
881.5 
52.4 
821.9 
250.9 
571.0 
1.2 
572.2 
(14.5) 
557.7 

$ 

$ 

92.0 
675.6 
505.4 
96.8 
638.8 
484.4 
1,039.2 
322.6 
5,249.1 

433.2 
178.2 
753.6 
1,186.8 
2,953.9 

58.6 

9.72 
9.52 
2.95 
51.46 

$  3,430.4 
1,709.6 
1,054.1 
655.5 
281.4 
82.7 
198.7 
854.2 
52.2 
801.4 
244.3 
557.1 
2.5 
559.6 
(13.2) 
546.4 

$ 

$ 

77.6 
598.8 
472.5 
88.1 
530.5 
425.2 
934.5 
286.7 
4,723.2 

301.4 
170.9 
708.8 
1,010.2 
2,617.2 

59.4 

9.40 
9.20 
2.54 
45.05 

$  3,352.8 
1,648.3 
1,053.7 
594.6 
240.3 
70.1 
170.2 
764.8 
51.9 
710.5 
221.2 
489.3 
1.3 
490.6 
(11.9) 
478.7 

$ 

$ 

92.8 
562.5 
447.3 
82.1 
497.8 
413.5 
772.7 
266.6 
4,331.1 

18.4 
148.3 
861.7 
880.1 
2,412.7 

59.1 

8.24 
8.10 
2.20 
41.53 

$  3,277.7 
1,584.3 
1,048.7 
535.6 
214.9 
65.8 
149.1 
684.7 
52.9 
630.9 
199.5 
431.4 
0.7 
432.1 
(10.2) 
421.9 

$ 

$ 

132.9 
550.8 
402.4 
74.5 
475.5 
404.5 
650.5 
242.0 
4,162.0 

56.6 
145.0 
862.7 
919.3 
2,207.8 

59.1 

7.26 
7.14 
1.85 
38.00 

$  3,056.5 
1,472.9 
1,012.4 
460.5 
181.0 
55.3 
125.7 
586.2 
56.1 
526.2 
166.7 
359.5 
0.2 
359.7 
(9.4) 
350.3 

$ 

$ 

217.6 
531.6 
374.6 
68.4 
434.4 
392.5 
560.6 
217.1 
3,994.5 

113.1 
155.6 
858.9 
972.0 
2,113.2 

59.1 

6.02 
5.93 
1.58 
36.31 

    26 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
               
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Item 7:  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Management Overview    

References in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to “organic 
sales” refer to sales from continuing operations calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in 
the United States of America (“GAAP”), excluding acquisition-related sales and the impact of foreign currency translation.  
Management evaluates the company’s sales performance based on organic sales growth, which primarily reflects growth 
from the company’s existing businesses as a result of increased output, customer base and geographic expansion, new 
product development and/or pricing, and excludes sales contributions from acquired operations the company did not own 
as  of  the  comparable  prior-year  reporting  period.    The  company’s  organic sales  disclosures  also  exclude  the  effects  of 
foreign  currency  translation  as  foreign  currency  translation  is  subject  to  volatility  that  can  obscure  underlying  business 
trends.    Management  believes  that  the  non-GAAP  financial  measure  of  organic  sales  is  meaningful  to  investors  as  it 
provides  them  with  useful  information  to  aid  in  identifying  underlying  growth  trends  in  our  businesses  and  facilitating 
comparisons of our sales performance with prior periods.   

We believe our operating results in 2017 demonstrate Snap-on’s continued progress in providing repeatability and reliability 
to a wide range of professional customers performing critical tasks in workplaces of consequence.  Leveraging capabilities 
already demonstrated in the automotive repair arena, our “coherent growth” strategy focuses on developing and expanding 
our professional customer base, not only in automotive repair, but in adjacent markets, additional geographies and other 
areas, including in critical industries, where the cost and penalties for failure can be high.  

We also believe our 2017 operating results provide continued evidence that Snap-on’s value proposition of making work 
easier  for  serious  professionals  in  workplaces  of  consequence  is  an  ongoing  strength  as  we  move  forward  along  our 
runways for coherent growth: 

(cid:120)  Enhancing  the  franchise  network,  where  we  continued  to  focus  on  helping  our  franchisees  extend  their  reach 
through innovative selling processes and productivity initiatives that break the traditional time and space barriers 
inherent in a mobile van;  

(cid:120)  Expanding in the vehicle repair garage, where we continued to make progress in connecting with customers and 

translating the resulting insights into innovation that solves specific challenges in the repair facility; 

(cid:120)  Further extending in critical industries, where we continued to grow our lines of products customized for specific 

industries, including through acquisitions (as discussed below); and 

(cid:120)  Building  in  emerging  markets,  where  we  continued  to  build  manufacturing  capacity,  focused  product  lines  and 

distribution capability. 

Our strategic priorities and plans for 2018 will continue to build on our Snap-on Value Creation Processes – our suite of 
strategic principles and processes we employ every day designed to create value, and employed in the areas of safety, 
quality, customer connection, innovation and rapid continuous improvement (“Rapid Continuous Improvement” or “RCI”).  
We expect to continue to deploy these processes in our existing operations as well as into our newly acquired businesses. 

Snap-on’s  RCI  initiatives  employ  a  structured  set  of  tools  and  processes  across  multiple  businesses  and  geographies 
intended to eliminate waste and improve operations. Savings from Snap-on’s RCI initiatives reflect benefits from a wide 
variety of ongoing efficiency, productivity and process improvements, including savings generated from product design cost 
reductions,  improved  manufacturing  line  set-up  and  change-over  practices,  lower-cost  sourcing  initiatives  and  facility 
consolidations.    Unless  individually  significant,  it  is  not  practicable  to  disclose  each  RCI  activity  that  generated  savings 
and/or segregate RCI savings embedded in sales volume increases.   

Our global financial services operations continue to serve a significant strategic role  in  offering financing options  to our 
franchisees, to their customers, and to customers in other parts of our business.  We expect that our global financial services 
business,  which  includes  both  Snap-on  Credit  LLC  (“SOC”)  in  the  United  States  and  our  other  international  finance 
subsidiaries, will continue to be a meaningful contributor to our operating earnings going forward. 

Snap-on has significant international operations and is subject to risks inherent with foreign operations, including foreign 
currency translation fluctuations. 

 2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Recent Acquisitions 

On July 28, 2017, Snap-on acquired Torque Control Specialists Pty Ltd (“TCS”) for a cash purchase price of $3.6 million 
(or  $3.5  million,  net  of  cash  acquired).    TCS,  based  in  Adelaide,  Australia,  distributes  a  full  range  of  torque  products, 
including wrenches, multipliers and calibrators, for use in critical industries. The acquisition of TCS enhanced and expanded 
Snap-on’s capabilities in providing solutions that address torque requirements, which are increasingly essential to critical 
mechanical performance.  For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations and assets of TCS have been included 
in the Commercial & Industrial Group since the acquisition date. 

On May 4, 2017, Snap-on acquired Norbar Torque Tools Holdings Limited, along with its U.S. and Chinese joint ventures 
(“Norbar”), for a cash purchase price of $71.6 million (or $69.9 million, net of cash acquired).  Norbar, based in Banbury, 
U.K., designs and manufactures a full range of torque products, including wrenches, multipliers and calibrators, for use in 
critical  industries.    The  acquisition  of  Norbar  enhanced  and  expanded  Snap-on’s  capabilities  in  providing  solutions  that 
address torque requirements.  For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations and assets of Norbar have been 
included in the Commercial & Industrial Group since the acquisition date. 

On January 30, 2017, Snap-on acquired BTC Global Limited (“BTC”) for a cash purchase price of $9.2 million.  BTC, based 
in Crewe, U.K., designs and implements automotive vehicle inspection and management software for original equipment 
manufacturer (“OEM”) franchise repair shops.  The acquisition of BTC enhanced Snap-on’s capabilities to grow enterprise 
revenues and add increased productivity for repair workshops.  For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations 
and assets of BTC have been included in the Repair Systems & Information Group since the acquisition date. 

On November 16, 2016, Snap-on acquired Ryeson Corporation (d/b/a Sturtevant Richmont) for a cash purchase price of 
$13.0  million  (or  $12.6  million,  net  of  cash  acquired).    Sturtevant  Richmont,  based  in  Carol  Stream,  Illinois,  designs, 
manufactures and distributes mechanical and electronic torque wrenches as well as wireless torque error proofing systems 
for  a  variety  of  industrial  applications.    The  acquisition  of  Sturtevant  Richmont  enhanced  and  expanded  Snap-on’s 
capabilities  in  providing  solutions  that  address  torque  requirements.    For  segment  reporting  purposes,  the  results  of 
operations  and  assets  of  Sturtevant  Richmont  have  been  included  in  the  Commercial  &  Industrial  Group  since  the 
acquisition date. 

On October 31, 2016, Snap-on acquired Car-O-Liner Holding AB (“Car-O-Liner”) for a cash purchase price of $152.0 million 
(or $148.1 million, net of cash acquired).  Car-O-Liner, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, designs and manufactures collision 
repair  equipment,  and  information  and  truck  alignment  systems.    The  acquisition  of  Car-O-Liner  complemented  and 
increased Snap-on’s existing equipment and repair and service information product offerings, broadened its established 
capabilities in serving vehicle repair facilities and further expanded the company’s presence with repair shop owners and 
managers.  For segment reporting purposes, substantially all of Car-O-Liner’s results of operations and assets have been 
included in the Repair Systems & Information Group since the acquisition date, with the remaining portions included in the 
Commercial & Industrial Group.   

On July 27, 2015, Snap-on acquired the assets of Ecotechnics S.p.A. (“Ecotechnics”) for a cash purchase price of $11.8 
million.  Ecotechnics, based in Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, designs and manufactures vehicle air conditioning service equipment 
for  OEM  dealerships  and  the  automotive  aftermarket  worldwide.  The  acquisition  of  the  Ecotechnics  product  line 
complemented  and  increased  Snap-on’s  existing  equipment  product  offering  for  OEM  dealerships  and  independent 
automotive  repair  shops,  broadened  its  established  capabilities  in  serving  vehicle  repair  facilities,  and  expanded  the 
company’s presence with repair shop owners and managers. For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations 
and assets of Ecotechnics have been included in the Repair Systems & Information Group since the acquisition date.   

Pro forma financial information has not been presented for any of these acquisitions as the net effects, individually and 
collectively, were neither significant nor material to Snap-on’s results of operations or financial position. 

    28 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated net sales of $3,686.9 million in 2017 increased $256.5 million, or 7.5%, from 2016 levels, reflecting a $115.0 
million, or 3.4%, increase in organic sales (a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes acquisition-related sales and the 
impact of foreign currency translation) and $141.5 million of acquisition-related sales.  Foreign currency translation had no 
effect on net sales in 2017. 

Operating earnings before financial services of $664.0 million in 2017, including $8.6 million of unfavorable foreign currency 
effects,  increased  $8.5  million,  or  1.3%,  as  compared  to  $655.5  million  last  year.    Fiscal  2017  results  included  a  $30.9 
million charge related to a judgment in a patent-related litigation matter and a $15.0 million charge related to a judgment in 
an employment-related litigation matter brought by an individual (collectively, the “legal matters”); both judgments are being 
appealed.    The  company  can  provide  no  assurance  as  to  the  results  of  these  appeals.    As  a  percentage  of  net  sales, 
operating earnings before financial services of 18.0% in 2017 compared to 19.1% last year.  

Operating earnings of $881.5 million in 2017, including $45.9 million of expense related to the legal matters and $9.0 million 
of unfavorable foreign currency effects, increased $27.3 million, or 3.2%, from $854.2 million last year.  As a percentage of 
revenues (net sales plus financial services revenue), operating earnings of 22.0% in 2017 compared to 23.0% last year.   

In 2017, net earnings attributable to Snap-on were $557.7 million, or $9.52 per diluted share, including $28.4 million, or 
$0.48 per diluted share, for the after-tax expense related to the legal matters, and $7.0 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, 
of tax expense as a result of the implementation of “H.R.1”, formerly known as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax 
Act”).  Net earnings attributable to Snap-on Incorporated in 2016 were $546.4 million or $9.20 per diluted share.    

Impact of the Tax Act 

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government passed the Tax Act.  The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the 
U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to:  (i) reducing the future U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 
percent; (ii) requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries; and 
(iii) bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property. 

The Tax Act also established new tax laws that will affect 2018, including, but not limited to: (i) the reduction of the U.S. 
federal corporate tax rate discussed above; (ii) a general elimination of U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign 
subsidiaries; (iii) a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”); (iv) the repeal of the domestic 
production activity deductions; (v) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation; (vi) limitations on the 
use of foreign tax credits to reduce the U.S. income tax liability; and (vii) a new provision that allows a domestic corporation 
an immediate deduction for a portion of its foreign derived intangible income (“FDII”). 

The Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118, which provides guidance on 
accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one 
year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the related accounting under ASC 740, Accounting for 
Income Taxes.  In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax 
Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete.  To the extent that a company’s accounting for a certain income 
tax effect of the Tax Act is incomplete, but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate 
in the financial statements.  If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, 
it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the 
enactment of the Tax Act. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

The company’s accounting for certain elements of the Tax Act is incomplete.  However, the company was able to make 
reasonable estimates of the effects and, therefore, recorded provisional estimates for these items. In connection with its 
initial analysis of the impact of the Tax Act, the company has recorded a provisional discrete net tax expense of $7.0 million 
in the period ended December 30, 2017.  This provisional estimate consists of a net expense of $13.7 million for the one-
time transition tax and a net benefit of $6.7 million related to revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, caused by the 
new  lower  corporate  tax  rate.    To  determine  the  transition  tax,  the  company  must  determine  the  amount  of  post-1986 
accumulated earnings and profits of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such 
earnings.    While  the  company  was  able  to  make  a  reasonable  estimate  of  the  transition  tax,  it  is  continuing  to  gather 
additional  information  to  more  precisely  compute  the  final  amount.    Likewise,  while  the  company  was  able  to  make  a 
reasonable estimate of the impact of the reduction to the corporate tax rate, it may be affected by other analyses related to 
the Tax Act, including, but not limited to, the state tax effect of adjustments made to federal temporary differences.  Due to 
the  complexity  of  the  new  GILTI  tax  rules,  the  company  is  continuing  to  evaluate  this  provision  of  the  Tax  Act  and  the 
application of ASC 740.  Under GAAP, the company is allowed to make an accounting policy choice to either: (1) treat taxes 
due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred (the “period 
cost method”); or (2) factor in such amounts into a company’s measurement of its deferred taxes (the “deferred method”).  
The company’s selection of an accounting policy with respect to the new GILTI tax rules is dependent on additional analysis 
and potential future modifications to existing structure, which are not currently known.  Accordingly, the company has not 
made  any  adjustments  related  to  potential  GILTI  tax  in  our  financial  statements  and  have  not  made  a  policy  decision 
regarding whether to record deferred taxes on GILTI.  The company will continue to analyze the full effects of the Tax Act 
on its financial statements.  The impact of the Tax Act may differ  from the current estimate, possibly materially, due to 
changes in interpretations and assumptions the company has made, future guidance that may be issued and actions the 
company may take as a result of the law. 

The Commercial & Industrial Group consists of business operations serving a broad range of industrial and commercial 
customers worldwide, including customers in the aerospace, natural resources, government, power generation, transportation 
and technical education market segments (collectively, “critical industries”), primarily through direct and distributor channels.  
Segment net sales of $1,265.0 million in 2017 increased $116.7 million, or 10.2%, from 2016 levels, reflecting a $52.0 million, 
or 4.5%, organic sales gain and $65.5 million of acquisition-related sales, partially offset by $0.8 million of unfavorable foreign 
currency translation.  The organic sales increase includes higher sales to customers in critical industries and in the segment’s 
European-based  hand  tools  business,  partially  offset  by  lower  sales  in  the  segment’s  power  tools  operation.    Operating 
earnings of $185.3 million in 2017 increased $17.3 million, or 10.3%, from 2016 levels, primarily due to increased organic sales 
volume, acquisitions, and $0.4 million of favorable foreign currency effects.  

The Commercial & Industrial Group intends to continue building on the following strategic priorities in 2018: 

(cid:120)  Continuing to invest in emerging market growth initiatives; 
(cid:120)  Expanding our business with existing customers and reaching new customers in critical industries and other market 

segments; 

(cid:120)  Broadening our product offering and engineered solutions designed particularly for critical industry segments;  
(cid:120) 
(cid:120) 

Increasing our customer-connection-driven understanding of work across multiple industries; 
Investing  in  innovation  that,  guided  by  that  understanding  of  work,  delivers  an  ongoing  stream  of  productivity-
enhancing solutions; and 

(cid:120)  Continuing to reduce structural and operating costs through RCI initiatives. 

The Snap-on Tools Group consists of business operations primarily serving vehicle service and repair technicians through 
the company’s worldwide mobile tool distribution channel.  Segment net sales of $1,625.1 million in 2017 decreased $8.8 
million, or 0.5%, from 2016 levels, reflecting a $6.9 million, or 0.4%, organic sales decline and $1.9 million of unfavorable 
foreign currency translation.  The organic sales decrease includes a decline in the company’s U.S. franchise operations 
that was partially offset by higher sales in the international franchise operations. Operating earnings of $274.5 million in 
2017 decreased $6.6 million, or 2.3%, from 2016 levels primarily due to $7.9 million of unfavorable foreign currency effects, 
partially offset by lower operating expenses. 

    30 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Despite  the  net  sales  challenges  in  2017,  the  Snap-on  Tools  Group  remained  focused  on  its  fundamental,  strategic 
initiatives  to  strengthen  the  franchise  network  and  enhance  franchisee  profitability.  In  2018,  the  Snap-on  Tools  Group 
intends to continue these initiatives, with specific focus on the following: 

(cid:120)  Continuing to improve franchisee satisfaction, productivity, profitability and commercial health;  
(cid:120)  Developing  new  programs  and  products  to  expand  market  coverage,  reaching  new  technicians  and  increasing 

(cid:120) 
(cid:120) 

penetration with existing customers;  
Increasing investment in new product innovation and development; and 
Increasing customer service levels and productivity in back office support functions, manufacturing and the supply 
chain through RCI initiatives and investment. 

By focusing on these areas, we believe that Snap-on, as well as its franchisees, will have the opportunity to continue to 
serve customers more effectively, more profitably and with improved satisfaction.  

The  Repair  Systems  &  Information  Group  consists  of  business  operations  serving  other  professional  vehicle  repair 
customers worldwide, primarily owners and managers of independent repair shops and OEM dealerships through direct and 
distributor channels.  Segment net sales of $1,347.2 million in 2017 increased $167.3 million, or 14.2%, from 2016 levels, 
reflecting an $89.6 million, or 7.6%, organic sales gain, $76.0 million of acquisition-related sales and $1.7 million of favorable 
foreign  currency  translation.    The  organic  sales  increase  primarily  reflects  higher  sales  to  OEM  dealerships,  as  well  as 
increased sales to independent repair shop owners and managers, including higher sales of diagnostic and repair information 
products, and increased sales of undercar equipment.  Operating earnings of $333.8 million in 2017 increased $36.0 million, 
or 12.1%, from 2016 levels, primarily due to higher sales, including acquisition-related sales, and savings from RCI initiatives, 
partially offset by $1.1 million of unfavorable foreign currency effects. 

The Repair Systems & Information Group intends to focus on the following strategic priorities in 2018:  

(cid:120)  Expanding the product offering with new products and services, thereby providing more to sell to repair shop owners 

and managers;  

(cid:120)  Continuing software and hardware upgrades to further improve functionality, performance and efficiency; 
(cid:120)  Leveraging integration of software solutions;  
(cid:120)  Continuing productivity advancements through RCI initiatives and leveraging of resources; and 
(cid:120) 

Increasing penetration in geographic markets, including emerging markets. 

Financial Services revenue was $313.4 million in 2017 and $281.4 million in 2016; originations of $1,072.0 million in 2017 
decreased $3.7 million, or 0.3%, from 2016 levels.  In 2017, operating earnings from financial services of $217.5 million, 
including $0.4 million of unfavorable foreign currency effects, increased $18.8 million, or 9.5%, from $198.7 million last year. 
In  recent  years,  Snap-on  has  steadily  grown  its  financial  services  portfolio  by  providing  financing  for  new  finance  and 
contract receivables originated by our global financial services operations. 

Financial Services intends to focus on the following strategic priorities in 2018: 

(cid:120)  Delivering  financial  products  and  services  that  attract  and  sustain  profitable  franchisees  and  support  Snap-on’s 

(cid:120) 

strategies for expanding market coverage and penetration; 
Improving productivity levels and ensuring high quality in all financial products and processes through the use of 
RCI initiatives; and 

(cid:120)  Maintaining healthy portfolio performance levels. 

Cash Flows  

Net cash provided by operating activities of $608.5 million in 2017 increased $32.4 million from $576.1 million in 2016.  The 
$32.4 million increase is primarily due to $12.6 million of higher net earnings and $14.9 million of cash proceeds from the 
settlement of a treasury lock.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $507.2 million in 2015.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Net cash used by investing activities of $341.4 million in 2017 included additions to finance receivables of $892.0 million, 
partially  offset  by  collections  of  $712.7  million,  as  well  as  $82.9  million  (net  of  $1.8  million  of  cash  acquired)  for  the 
acquisitions  of  BTC,  Norbar,  and  TCS,  and  working  capital  adjustments  for  the  Car-O-Liner  and  Sturtevant  Richmont 
acquisitions. Net cash used by investing activities of  $473.4 million in 2016 included additions to finance receivables of 
$915.0 million, partially offset by collections of $671.7 million, as well as, on a preliminary basis, a total of $160.4 million 
(net  of  $4.3  million  of  cash  acquired)  for  the  acquisitions  of  Car-O-Liner  and  Sturtevant  Richmont.    Net  cash  used  by 
investing activities of $306.4 million in 2015 included additions to finance receivables of $844.2 million, partially offset by 
collections of $624.8 million, as well as $11.8 million for the acquisition of Ecotechnics. Capital expenditures in 2017, 2016 
and 2015 totaled $82.0 million, $74.3 million and $80.4 million, respectively.  Capital expenditures in all three years included 
investments to support the company’s execution of its strategic growth initiatives and Value Creation Processes around 
safety, quality, customer connection, innovation and savings from the company’s RCI initiatives. 

Net cash used by financing activities of $256.1 million in 2017 included the January 2017 repayment of $150 million of 5.5% 
unsecured notes upon maturity (the “2017 Notes”).  These amounts were partially offset by Snap-on’s sale, on February 
15, 2017, of $300 million of unsecured 3.25% notes that mature on March 1, 2027 (the “2027 Notes”) at a discount, from 
which  Snap-on  received  $297.8  million  of  net  proceeds,  reflecting  $1.9  million  of  transaction  costs.  Net  cash  used  by 
financing activities in 2017 also included $287.9 million for the repurchase of 1,820,000 shares of Snap-on’s common stock 
and $169.4 million for dividend payments to shareholders, partially offset by $46.2 million of proceeds from stock purchase 
and  option  plan  exercises  and  $30.6  million  of  proceeds  from  a  net  increase  in  notes  payable  and  other  short-term 
borrowings.  Net cash used by financing activities of $116.0 million in 2016 included $147.5 million for dividend payments 
to shareholders and $120.4 million for the repurchase of 758,000 shares of Snap-on’s common stock, partially offset by 
$134.2  million  of  proceeds  from  a  net  increase  in  notes  payable  and  other  short-term  borrowings  and  $41.8  million  of 
proceeds from stock purchase and option plan exercises.  Net cash used by financing activities of $236.7 million in 2015 
included  $127.9  million  for  dividend  payments  to  shareholders,  $110.4  million  for  the  repurchase  of  723,000  shares  of 
Snap-on’s common stock and $34.0 million from a net decrease in notes payable and other short-term borrowings, partially 
offset by $41.6 million of proceeds from stock purchase and option plan exercises.        

Fiscal Year  

Snap-on’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday that is on or nearest to December 31. Unless otherwise indicated, references 
in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to “fiscal 2017” or “2017” 
refer  to  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  30,  2017;  references  to  “fiscal  2016”  or  “2016”  refer  to  the  fiscal  year  ended 
December 31, 2016; and references to “fiscal 2015” or “2015” refer to the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016.  References 
in this document to 2017, 2016 and 2015 year end refer to December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016, 
respectively. 

Snap-on’s 2017, 2016 and 2015 fiscal years each contained 52 weeks of operating results.   

    32 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Results of Operations  

2017 vs. 2016  

Results of operations for 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions) 

Net sales  

Cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 

Operating expenses 

2017 

2016 

Change 

$   3,686.9 

 100.0% 

  $   3,430.4 

 100.0% 

  $  256.5 

  7.5% 

   (1,862.0) 

  -50.5% 

   (1,720.8) 

  -50.2% 

(141.2) 

-8.2% 

  1,824.9 

  49.5% 

  1,709.6 

  49.8% 

  115.3 

  6.7% 

  (1,160.9) 

  -31.5% 

  (1,054.1) 

  -30.7% 

(106.8) 

  -10.1% 

Operating earnings before financial services 

664.0 

  18.0% 

655.5 

  19.1% 

8.5 

  1.3% 

Financial services revenue  

Financial services expenses 

313.4 

 100.0% 

281.4 

 100.0% 

32.0 

  11.4% 

(95.9) 

  -30.6% 

(82.7) 

  -29.4% 

(13.2) 

  -16.0% 

Operating earnings from financial services 

217.5 

  69.4% 

198.7 

  70.6% 

18.8 

  9.5% 

Operating earnings  

Interest expense  
Other income (expense) – net  

881.5 

  22.0% 

854.2      23.0% 

27.3 

  3.2% 

(52.4) 

-1.3% 

(52.2) 

-1.4% 

(7.2) 

    -0.2% 

(0.6) 

      – 

(0.2) 

(6.6) 

-0.4% 

NM 

Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings  

821.9 

  20.5% 

801.4 

  21.6% 

20.5 

  2.6% 

Income tax expense 

(250.9) 

-6.2% 

(244.3) 

-6.6% 

(6.6) 

-2.7% 

Earnings before equity earnings  

571.0 

  14.3% 

557.1 

  15.0% 

13.9 

  2.5% 

Equity earnings, net of tax  

1.2 

      – 

2.5 

     0.1% 

(1.3) 

NM 

Net earnings  

572.2 

  14.3% 

559.6 

  15.1% 

12.6 

  2.3% 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 

(14.5) 

-0.4% 

(13.2) 

-0.4% 

(1.3) 

-9.8% 

Net earnings attributable to Snap-on Inc. 

$ 

557.7 

  13.9% 

  $ 

546.4 

  14.7% 

  $  11.3 

  2.1% 

NM:  Not meaningful 

Percentage Disclosure:  All income statement line item percentages below “Operating earnings from financial services” are calculated as a percentage of the 
sum of Net sales and Financial services revenue. 

Net sales of $3,686.9 million in 2017 increased $256.5 million, or 7.5%, from 2016 levels, reflecting a $115.0 million, or 
3.4%, organic sales gain and $141.5 million of acquisition-related sales.  Foreign currency translation had no effect on net 
sales in 2017. 

Gross profit of $1,824.9 million in 2017 compared to $1,709.6 million last year.  Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage 
of net sales) of 49.5% in 2017 decreased 30 basis points (100 basis points (“bps”) equals 1.0 percent) from 49.8% last year 
primarily due to 20 bps of unfavorable foreign currency effects and a 20 bps impact from acquisitions, partially offset by RCI 
savings.  Restructuring costs included in gross profit were $0.8 million in 2016.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Operating expenses of $1,160.9 million in 2017 compared to $1,054.1 million last year, as 2017 included $45.9 million of 
charges related to the legal matters.  The operating expense margin (operating expenses as a percentage of net sales) of 
31.5% in 2017 increased 80 bps from 30.7% last year as 130 bps for the legal matters and 30 bps of operating expenses 
from acquisitions were partially offset by benefits from sales volume leverage. Restructuring costs included in operating 
expenses were $0.1 million in 2016.  

Operating earnings before financial services of $664.0 million in 2017, including $45.9 million of expense related to the legal 
matters and $8.6 million of unfavorable foreign currency effects, increased $8.5 million, or 1.3%, as compared to $655.5 
million last year.  As a percentage of net sales, operating earnings before financial services of 18.0%, including 130 bps 
impact from the legal matters, compared to 19.1% last year.   

Financial services revenue of $313.4 million in 2017 compared to revenue of $281.4 million last year.  Financial services 
operating earnings of $217.5 million in 2017 increased $18.8 million, or 9.5%, as compared to $198.7 million last year, 
including $0.4 million of unfavorable foreign currency effects.  The year-over-year increases in both revenue and operating 
earnings primarily reflect continued growth of the company’s financial services portfolio. 

Operating earnings of $881.5 million in 2017, including $45.9 million of expense related to the legal matters and $9.0 million 
of unfavorable foreign currency effects, increased $27.3 million, or 3.2%, from $854.2 million last year.  As a percentage of 
revenues, operating earnings of 22.0% compared to 23.0% last year. 

Interest expense of $52.4 million in 2017 increased $0.2 million from $52.2 million last year.  See Note 9 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for information on Snap-on’s debt and credit facilities.   

Other income (expense) – net was expense of $7.2 million and $0.6 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Other income 
(expense) – net reflects net losses and gains associated with hedging and currency exchange rate transactions, and interest 
income.  See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on other income (expense) – net. 

Snap-on’s effective income tax rate on earnings attributable to Snap-on was 31.1% in 2017, including a 0.4% benefit from 
the  legal  matters,  compared  to  31.0%  in  2016.    The  2017  tax  rate  includes  a  $7.0  million,  or  90  bps,  impact  from  the 
implementation  of  the  Tax  Act,  including  the  estimated  transition  tax  of  $13.7  million  on  previously  unremitted  foreign 
earnings, partially offset by a $6.7 million estimated tax benefit related to revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities.  
See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on income taxes. 

Net earnings attributable to Snap-on of $557.7 million, or $9.52 per diluted share, in 2017, including $28.4 million, or $0.48 
per diluted share, for the after-tax expense related to the legal matters, and $7.0 million, or $0.12 per diluted share related 
to the Tax Act, increased $11.3 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, from 2016 levels.  Net earnings attributable to Snap-on 
in 2016 were $546.4 million or $9.20 per diluted share.     

Segment Results  

Snap-on’s  business  segments  are  based  on  the  organization  structure  used  by  management  for  making  operating  and 
investment decisions and for assessing performance.  Snap-on’s reportable business segments are: (i) the Commercial & 
Industrial Group; (ii) the Snap-on Tools Group; (iii) the Repair Systems & Information Group; and (iv) Financial Services.  
The Commercial & Industrial Group consists of business operations serving a broad range of industrial and commercial 
customers  worldwide,  including  customers  in  the  aerospace,  natural  resources,  government,  power  generation, 
transportation  and  technical  education  market  segments  (collectively,  “critical  industries”),  primarily  through  direct  and 
distributor channels.  The Snap-on Tools Group consists of business operations primarily serving vehicle service and repair 
technicians through the company’s worldwide mobile tool distribution channel.  The Repair Systems & Information Group 
consists  of  business  operations  serving  other  professional  vehicle  repair  customers  worldwide,  primarily  owners  and 
managers of independent repair shops and OEM dealerships through direct and distributor channels.  Financial Services 
consists of the business operations of Snap-on’s finance subsidiaries.     

Snap-on evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment revenues, including both external and 
intersegment net sales, and segment operating earnings.  Snap-on accounts for intersegment sales and transfers based 
primarily on standard costs with reasonable mark-ups established between the segments.  Identifiable assets by segment 
are  those  assets  used  in  the  respective  reportable  segment’s  operations.  Corporate  assets  consist  of  cash  and  cash 
equivalents (excluding cash held at Financial Services), deferred income taxes and certain other assets.  All significant 
intersegment amounts are eliminated to arrive at Snap-on’s consolidated financial results.    

    34 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial & Industrial Group  

(Amounts in millions) 

External net sales  

Intersegment net sales  

Segment net sales  

Cost of goods sold  

Gross profit  

Operating expenses  

2017 

2016 

Change 

$ 

986.1 

278.9 

78.0% 

22.0% 

$ 

863.0 

285.3 

75.2% 

24.8% 

    1,265.0 

100.0% 

    1,148.3 

100.0% 

(766.9) 

-60.6% 

(698.3) 

-60.8% 

498.1 

39.4% 

450.0 

39.2% 

$  123.1 

(6.4) 

116.7 

(68.6) 

48.1 

14.3% 

-2.2% 

10.2% 

-9.8% 

10.7% 

(312.8) 

-24.8% 

(282.0) 

-24.6% 

(30.8) 

-10.9% 

Segment operating earnings 

$ 

185.3 

14.6% 

$ 

168.0 

14.6% 

$ 

17.3 

10.3% 

Segment  net  sales  of  $1,265.0  million in  2017  increased  $116.7  million,  or  10.2%,  from  2016  levels,  reflecting  a  $52.0 
million or 4.5%, organic sales gain and $65.5 million of acquisition-related sales, partially offset by $0.8 million of unfavorable 
foreign currency translation. The organic sales increase primarily includes a high single-digit gain in sales to customers in 
critical industries, and a mid single-digit gain in the segment’s European-based hand tools business.  These organic sales 
gains were partially offset by a low single-digit decline in sales in the segment’s power tools operations.   

Segment  gross  profit  of  $498.1  million  in  2017  compared  to  $450.0  million  last  year.    Gross  margin  of  39.4%  in  2017 
improved 20 bps from 39.2% last year primarily due to savings from RCI and other cost reduction initiatives.  

Segment operating expenses of $312.8 million in 2017 compared to $282.0 million last year.  The operating expense margin 
of 24.8% in 2017 increased 20 bps from 24.6% last year as 40 bps of operating expenses from acquisitions and increased 
costs for research and engineering activities were partially offset by benefits from sales volume leverage. 

As a result of these factors, segment operating earnings of $185.3 million in 2017, including $0.4 million of favorable foreign 
currency effects, increased $17.3 million from 2016 levels.  Operating margin (segment operating earnings as a percentage 
of segment net sales) for the Commercial & Industrial Group was 14.6% in both years. 

Snap-on Tools Group   

(Amounts in millions) 

Segment net sales  

Cost of goods sold  

Gross profit  

Operating expenses 

2017 

2016 

Change 

$  1,625.1 

100.0% 

$  1,633.9 

100.0% 

$ 

(8.8) 

(930.9) 

-57.3% 

(929.8) 

-56.9% 

694.2 

42.7% 

704.1 

43.1% 

(419.7) 

-25.8% 

(423.0) 

-25.9% 

(1.1) 

(9.9) 

3.3 

Segment operating earnings  

$ 

274.5 

16.9% 

$ 

281.1 

17.2% 

$ 

(6.6) 

-0.5% 

-0.1% 

-1.4% 

0.8% 

-2.3% 

Segment net sales of $1,625.1 million in 2017 decreased $8.8 million, or 0.5%, from 2016 levels, reflecting a $6.9 million, 
or 0.4%, organic sales decrease and $1.9 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.  The organic sales decrease 
reflects a low single-digit decline in the company’s U.S. franchise operations partially offset by a high single-digit gain in the 
international franchise operations.  

Segment  gross  profit  of  $694.2  million  in  2017  compared  to  $704.1  million  last  year.    Gross  margin  of  42.7%  in  2017 
decreased from 43.1% last year due to 40 bps of unfavorable foreign currency effects. 

Segment operating expenses of $419.7 million in 2017 compared to $423.0 million last year.  The operating expense margin 
of 25.8% in 2017 improved 10 bps from 25.9% last year.     

As a result of these factors, segment operating earnings of $274.5 million in 2017, including $7.9 million of unfavorable 
foreign currency effects, decreased $6.6 million from 2016 levels.  Operating margin for the Snap-on Tools Group of 16.9% 
in 2017 compared to 17.2% last year. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Repair Systems & Information Group  

(Amounts in millions) 

External net sales  

Intersegment net sales  

Segment net sales  

Cost of goods sold  

Gross profit  

Operating expenses  

2017 

2016 

Change 

$  1,075.7 

271.5 

79.8% 

20.2% 

$ 

933.5 

246.4 

79.1% 

20.9% 

    1,347.2 

100.0% 

   1,179.9 

100.0% 

$  142.2 

25.1 

167.3 

15.2% 

10.2% 

14.2% 

(714.6) 

-53.0% 

(624.4) 

-52.9% 

(90.2) 

-14.4% 

632.6 

47.0% 

555.5 

47.1% 

77.1 

13.9% 

(298.8) 

-22.2% 

(257.7) 

-21.9% 

(41.1) 

-15.9% 

Segment operating earnings  

$ 

333.8 

24.8% 

$ 

297.8 

25.2% 

$ 

36.0 

12.1% 

Segment net sales of $1,347.2 million in 2017 increased $167.3 million, or 14.2%, from 2016 levels, reflecting an $89.6 million, 
or 7.6%, organic sales gain, $76.0 million of acquisition-related sales and $1.7 million of favorable foreign currency translation.  
The  organic  sales  increase  includes  a  double-digit  gain  in  sales  to  OEM  dealerships,  a  high  single-digit  gain  in  sales  of 
diagnostic and repair information products to independent repair shop owners and managers, and mid single-digit increases 
in sales of undercar equipment.  

Segment gross profit of $632.6 million in 2017 compared to $555.5 million last year.  Gross margin of 47.0% in 2017 decreased 
10 bps from 47.1% last year, as the impact from higher sales of lower gross margin products were partially offset by savings 
from RCI initiatives and 20 bps of benefits from acquisitions.  Restructuring costs included in gross profit were $0.8 million in 
2016.          

Segment operating expenses of $298.8 million in 2017 compared to $257.7 million last year.  The operating expense margin 
of 22.2% in 2017 increased 30 bps from 21.9% last year primarily due to a 120 bps impact from acquisitions, partially offset 
by benefits from sales volume leverage. Restructuring costs included in operating expenses were $0.1 million in 2016.  

As a result of these factors, segment operating earnings of $333.8 million in 2017, including $1.1 million of unfavorable foreign 
currency effects, increased $36.0 million from 2016 levels.  Operating margin for the Repair Systems & Information Group of 
24.8% in 2017 compared to 25.2% last year.   

Financial Services 

(Amounts in millions) 

2017 

2016 

Change 

Financial services revenue  

$ 

313.4 

  100.0% 

$ 

281.4 

  100.0% 

$  32.0 

Financial services expenses  

(95.9) 

-30.6% 

(82.7) 

-29.4% 

(13.2) 

Segment operating earnings 

$ 

217.5 

69.4% 

$ 

198.7 

70.6% 

$  18.8 

11.4% 

-16.0% 

9.5% 

Financial services revenue of $313.4 million in 2017 increased $32.0 million, or 11.4%, from $281.4 million last year primarily 
reflecting  $34.9  million  of  higher  revenue  as  a  result  of  continued  growth  of  the  company’s  financial  services  portfolio, 
partially offset by $2.9 million of decreased revenue from lower average yields on finance and contract receivables.  In 2017 
and 2016, the respective average yields on finance receivables were 17.9% and 18.0%, and the respective average yield 
on contract receivables were 9.2% and 9.4%.  Originations of $1,072.0 million in 2017 decreased $3.7 million, or 0.3%, 
from 2016 levels.   

Financial  services  expenses  primarily  include  personnel-related  and  other  general  and  administrative  costs,  as  well  as 
provisions for credit losses. These expenses are generally more dependent on changes in the financial services portfolio 
than they are on the revenue of the segment.  Financial services expenses of $95.9 million in 2017 increased from $82.7 
million  last  year  primarily  due  to  changes  in  both  the  provisions  for  credit  losses  and  in  the  size  of  the  portfolio.  As  a 
percentage of the average financial services portfolio, financial services expenses were 5.0% and 4.9% in 2017 and 2016, 
respectively.  

Financial services operating earnings of $217.5 million in 2017, including $0.4 million of unfavorable foreign currency effects, 
increased $18.8 million, or 9.5%, from 2016 levels.   

See Note 1 and Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on financial services. 

    36 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate 

Snap-on’s general corporate expenses in 2017 of $129.6 million increased $38.2 million from $91.4 million last year.  The 
year-over-year  increase  in  general  corporate  expenses  primarily  reflects  $45.9  million  of  expense  related  to  the  legal 
matters, partially offset by lower performance-based compensation costs and lower pension expenses. 

Fourth Quarter  

Results of operations for the fourth quarters of 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions) 

Net sales  

Cost of goods sold  

Gross profit 

Operating expenses 

Fourth Quarter 

2017 

2016 

Change 

$   974.6 

 100.0% 

    $  889.8 

 100.0% 

  $  84.8 

9.5% 

(509.3) 

  -52.3% 

(445.9) 

  -50.1% 

(63.4) 

  -14.2% 

465.3 

  47.7% 

443.9 

  49.9% 

21.4 

4.8% 

(307.6) 

  -31.5% 

(267.8) 

  -30.1% 

(39.8) 

  -14.9% 

Operating earnings before financial services 

157.7 

  16.2% 

176.1 

  19.8% 

(18.4) 

  -10.4% 

Financial services revenue  

Financial services expenses 

79.9 

 100.0% 

74.2 

 100.0% 

5.7 

7.7% 

(25.5) 

  -31.9% 

(22.6) 

  -30.5% 

(2.9) 

  -12.8% 

Operating earnings from financial services 

54.4 

  68.1% 

51.6 

  69.5% 

2.8 

5.4% 

Operating earnings  

Interest expense  

212.1 

  20.1% 

227.7 

  23.6% 

(13.6) 

-1.3% 

(13.1) 

-1.4% 

Other income (expense) – net  

(1.5) 

    -0.1% 

(0.3) 

      – 

Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings  

197.0 

  18.7% 

214.3 

  22.2% 

Income tax expense 

(63.8) 

-6.1% 

(64.9) 

-6.7% 

(15.6) 

(0.5) 

(1.2) 

(17.3) 

1.1 

-6.9% 

-3.8% 

  NM 

-8.1% 

1.7% 

Earnings before equity earnings  

133.2 

  12.6% 

149.4 

  15.5% 

(16.2) 

  -10.8% 

Equity earnings, net of tax  

      – 

      – 

0.3 

      – 

(0.3) 

       NM 

Net earnings 

133.2 

  12.6% 

149.7 

  15.5% 

(16.5) 

  -11.0% 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 

(3.7) 

-0.3% 

(3.4) 

-0.3% 

(0.3) 

-8.8% 

Net earnings attributable to Snap-on Inc. 

$ 

129.5 

  12.3% 

    $  146.3 

  15.2% 

  $ 

(16.8) 

  -11.5% 

NM:  Not meaningful 

Percentage Disclosure:  All income statement line item percentages below “Operating earnings from financial services” are calculated as a percentage of the 
sum of Net sales and Financial services revenue. 

Net sales of $974.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 increased $84.8 million, or 9.5%, from 2016 levels, reflecting a 
$38.9 million, or 4.3%, organic sales gain, $29.7 million of acquisition-related sales, and $16.2 million of favorable foreign 
currency translation.   

Gross profit of $465.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $443.9 million last year.  Gross margin of 47.7% in 
the quarter declined 220 bps from 49.9% last year primarily due to higher sales of lower gross margin products, 60 bps of 
lower gross margins on acquisition-related sales, and 20 bps of unfavorable foreign currency effects.      

Operating expenses of $307.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $267.8 million last year, as 2017 included 
a $30.9 million legal charge discussed above.  The operating expense margin of 31.5% in the quarter increased 140 bps 
from 30.1% last year as 320 bps related to the legal charge were partially offset by benefits from sales volume leverage 
and a 40 bps benefit from operating expenses for acquisitions.      

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
      
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Operating  earnings  before  financial  services  of  $157.7  million  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017,  including  $30.9  million  of 
expense related to the legal charge, decreased $18.4 million, or 10.4%, as compared to $176.1 million last year.  As a 
percentage of net sales, operating earnings before financial services of 16.2% in the quarter, including the legal charge, 
compared to 19.8% last year.   

Financial services revenue of $79.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to revenue of $74.2 million last year.  
Financial services operating earnings of $54.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, including $0.3 million of favorable foreign 
currency effects, increased $2.8 million, or 5.4%, as compared to $51.6 million last year.  The year-over-year increases in 
both revenue and operating earnings primarily reflect continued growth of the company’s financial services portfolio. 

Operating earnings of $212.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, including $1.8 million of favorable foreign currency effects 
and $30.9 million of expense for the legal charge, decreased $15.6 million, or 6.9%, from $227.7 million last year.  As a 
percentage of revenues, operating earnings of 20.1% in the quarter compared to 23.6% last year. 

Interest expense of $13.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 increased $0.5 million from $13.1 million last year.  See Note 
9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on Snap-on’s debt and credit facilities.     

Other income (expense) – net was expense of $1.5 million and $0.3 million in the respective fourth quarters of 2017 and 
2016.  See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on other income (expense) – net. 

Snap-on’s fourth quarter effective income tax rate on earnings attributable to Snap-on was 33.0%, including a 1.2% benefit 
from the legal charge, in 2017 compared to 30.8% in 2016.  The 2017 rate includes a $7.0 million, or 360 bps, impact related 
to the implementation of the Tax Act, including the estimated transition tax of $13.7 million on previously unremitted foreign 
earnings, partially offset by a $6.7 million estimated tax benefit related to revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities.  
See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on income taxes. 

Net earnings attributable to Snap-on of $129.5 million, or $2.24 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2017, including 
$19.1 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the after-tax expense related to the legal charge, and $7.0 million, or $0.12 per 
diluted share related to the Tax Act, decreased $16.8 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, from 2016 levels.  Net earnings 
attributable to Snap-on in the fourth quarter of 2016 were $146.3 million or $2.47 per diluted share.     

Segment Results   

Commercial & Industrial Group  

(Amounts in millions) 

External net sales  

Intersegment net sales  

Segment net sales  

Cost of goods sold  

Gross profit  

Operating expenses  

Fourth Quarter 

2017 

2016 

Change 

$ 

273.2 

68.5 

80.0% 

20.0% 

$ 

218.5 

67.8 

76.3% 

23.7% 

341.7 

100.0% 

286.3 

100.0% 

$ 

54.7 

0.7 

55.4 

25.0% 

1.0% 

19.4% 

(207.7) 

-60.8% 

(170.9) 

-59.7% 

(36.8) 

-21.5% 

134.0 

39.2% 

115.4 

40.3% 

18.6 

16.1% 

(83.1) 

-24.3% 

(71.5) 

-25.0% 

(11.6) 

-16.2% 

Segment operating earnings  

$ 

50.9 

14.9% 

$ 

43.9 

15.3% 

$ 

7.0 

15.9% 

Segment net sales of $341.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 increased $55.4 million, or 19.4%, from 2016 levels, reflecting 
a $29.5 million, or 10.1%, organic sales gain, $19.1 million of acquisition-related sales and $6.8 million of favorable foreign 
currency translation.  The organic sales increase primarily includes double-digit gains in both sales to customers in critical 
industries and the segment’s European-based hand tools business, as well as low single-digit gains in both the segment’s 
power tools and Asia/Pacific operations.     

    38 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment gross profit of $134.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $115.4 million last year.  Gross margin of 
39.2% in the quarter declined 110 bps from 40.3% last year due to higher sales of lower gross margin products and 50 bps of 
unfavorable foreign currency effects.     

Segment  operating  expenses  of  $83.1  million  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017  compared  to  $71.5  million  last  year.    The 
operating expense margin of 24.3% in the quarter improved 70 bps from 25.0% last year primarily due to the benefits of 
sales volume leverage, partially offset by 50 bps of operating expenses from acquisitions.   

As a result of these factors, segment operating earnings of $50.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, including $0.6 million 
of unfavorable foreign currency effects, increased $7.0 million from 2016 levels.  Operating margin for the Commercial & 
Industrial Group of 14.9% in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 15.3% last year. 

Snap-on Tools Group 

(Amounts in millions) 

Segment net sales  

Cost of goods sold  

Gross profit  

Operating expenses 

Fourth Quarter 

2017 

2016 

Change 

$ 

409.2 

100.0% 

$ 

417.5 

100.0% 

$ 

(8.3) 

(239.9) 

-58.6% 

(242.0) 

-58.0% 

169.3 

41.4% 

175.5 

42.0% 

2.1 

(6.2) 

-2.0% 

0.9% 

-3.5% 

(102.0) 

-25.0% 

(102.0) 

-24.4% 

          – 

        – 

Segment operating earnings  

$ 

67.3 

16.4% 

$ 

73.5 

17.6% 

$ 

(6.2)  

-8.4% 

Segment net sales of $409.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased $8.3 million, or 2.0%, from 2016 levels, reflecting 
a $12.6 million, or 3.0%, organic sales decline, partially offset by $4.3 million of favorable foreign currency translation.  The 
organic sales decrease reflects a mid single-digit decline in the company’s U.S. franchise operations, partially offset by a 
mid single-digit gain in the international franchise operations. 

Segment gross profit of $169.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $175.5 million last year.  Gross margin of 
41.4% in the quarter declined 60 bps from 42.0% due to the lower volume and related costs.   

Segment operating expenses of $102.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 was unchanged from last year.  The operating 
expense margin of 25.0 % in the quarter increased 60 bps from 24.4% last year primarily due to the effect of lower sales. 

As a result of these factors, segment operating earnings of $67.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, including $1.3 million of 
favorable foreign currency effects, decreased $6.2 million from 2016 levels.  Operating margin for the Snap-on Tools Group 
of 16.4% in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 17.6% last year. 

Repair Systems & Information Group 

(Amounts in millions) 

External net sales  

Intersegment net sales  

Segment net sales  

Cost of goods sold  

Gross profit  

Operating expenses  

Fourth Quarter 

2017 

2016 

Change 

$ 

292.2 

64.6 

81.9% 

18.1% 

$ 

253.8  

66.0 

79.4% 

20.6% 

356.8 

100.0% 

319.8 

100.0% 

$ 

38.4 

(1.4) 

37.0 

15.1% 

-2.1% 

11.6% 

(194.8) 

-54.6% 

(166.8) 

-52.2% 

(28.0) 

-16.8% 

162.0 

45.4% 

153.0 

47.8% 

(72.2) 

-20.2% 

(70.5) 

-22.0% 

9.0 

(1.7) 

5.9% 

-2.4% 

8.8% 

Segment operating earnings  

$ 

89.8 

25.2% 

$ 

82.5 

25.8% 

$ 

7.3 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Segment  net  sales  of  $356.8  million  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2017  increased  $37.0  million,  or  11.6%,  from  2016  levels, 
reflecting a $20.2 million, or 6.2%, organic sales gain, $10.6 million of acquisition-related sales and $6.2 million of favorable 
foreign currency translation.  The organic sales increase includes a double-digit gain in sales to OEM dealerships, and a 
low single-digit gain in sales of diagnostic and repair information products to independent repair shop owners and managers.   

Segment gross profit of $162.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $153.0 million last year. Gross margin of 
45.4% in the quarter decreased 240 bps from 47.8% last year as a 110 bps impact from acquisitions, higher sales of lower 
gross  margin  products,  and  10  bps  of  unfavorable  foreign  currency  impacts  were  partially  offset  by  savings  from  RCI 
initiatives.         

Segment operating expenses of $72.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to $70.5 million last year. The operating 
expense margin of 20.2% improved 180 bps from 22.0% last year due to the higher sales volume and 80 bps of benefits 
from acquisitions, partially offset by 10 bps of unfavorable foreign currency effects. 

As a result of these factors, segment operating earnings of $89.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, including $0.8 million 
of favorable foreign currency effects, increased $7.3 million from 2016 levels.  Operating margin for the Repair Systems & 
Information Group of 25.2% in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to 25.8% last year.   

Financial Services 

Fourth Quarter 

(Amounts in millions) 

2017 

2016 

Change 

Financial services revenue  

$ 

79.9 

100.0% 

$ 

74.2 

100.0% 

$ 

5.7 

7.7% 

Financial services expenses  

(25.5) 

-31.9% 

(22.6) 

-30.5% 

(2.9) 

-12.8% 

Segment operating earnings  

$ 

54.4 

68.1% 

$ 

51.6 

69.5% 

$ 

2.8 

5.4% 

Financial services revenue of $79.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 increased $5.7 million, or 7.7%, from $74.2 million 
last year primarily reflecting $7.7 million of higher revenue as a result of continued growth of the company’s financial services 
portfolio, partially offset by $2.0 million of decreased revenue from lower average yields on finance and contract receivables.  
In the fourth quarters of 2017 and 2016, the respective average yields on finance receivables were 17.8% and 18.2%, and 
the respective average yields on contract receivables were 9.2% and 9.3%.  Originations of $265.0 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2017 increased $4.7 million, or 1.8%, from 2016 levels.   

Financial  services  expenses  primarily  include  personnel-related  and  other  general  and  administrative  costs,  as  well  as 
provisions for credit losses. These expenses are generally more dependent on changes in the financial services portfolio 
than they are on the revenue of the segment.  Financial services expenses of $25.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 
increased from $22.6 million last year primarily due to changes in both the provisions for credit losses and in the size of the 
portfolio. As a percentage of the average financial services portfolio, financial services expenses were 1.3% for both the 
fourth quarters of 2017 and 2016.  

Financial services operating earnings of $54.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, including $0.3 million of favorable foreign 
currency effects, increased $2.8 million, or 5.4%, from 2016 levels.   

See Note 1 and Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on financial services.  

Corporate   

Snap-on’s fourth quarter 2017 general corporate expenses of $50.3 million increased $26.5 million from $23.8 million last 
year primarily due to the $30.9 million legal charge, partially offset by lower performance-based compensation costs.      

    40 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 vs. 2015  

Results of operations for 2016 and 2015 are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions) 

Net sales  

Cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 

Operating expenses 

2016 

2015 

Change 

$  3,430.4 

 100.0% 

  $  3,352.8 

 100.0% 

  $  77.6 

  2.3% 

(1,720.8) 

  -50.2% 

   (1,704.5) 

  -50.8% 

(16.3) 

-1.0% 

  1,709.6 

  49.8% 

  1,648.3 

  49.2% 

61.3 

  3.7% 

(1,054.1) 

  -30.7% 

  (1,053.7) 

  -31.5% 

(0.4) 

      – 

Operating earnings before financial services 

655.5 

  19.1% 

594.6 

  17.7% 

60.9 

  10.2% 

Financial services revenue  

Financial services expenses 

281.4 

 100.0% 

240.3 

 100.0% 

41.1 

  17.1% 

(82.7) 

  -29.4% 

(70.1) 

  -29.2% 

(12.6) 

  -18.0% 

Operating earnings from financial services 

198.7 

  70.6% 

170.2 

  70.8% 

28.5 

  16.7% 

Operating earnings  

Interest expense  
Other income (expense) – net  

854.2 

  23.0% 

764.8      21.3% 

89.4 

  11.7% 

(52.2) 

-1.4% 

(51.9) 

-1.4% 

(0.3) 

-0.6% 

(0.6) 

      – 

(2.4) 

    -0.1% 

1.8 

NM 

Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings  

801.4 

  21.6% 

710.5 

  19.8% 

90.9 

  12.8% 

Income tax expense 

(244.3) 

-6.6% 

(221.2) 

-6.2% 

(23.1) 

  -10.4% 

Earnings before equity earnings  

557.1 

  15.0% 

489.3 

  13.6% 

67.8 

  13.9% 

Equity earnings, net of tax  

2.5 

     0.1% 

1.3 

      – 

1.2 

NM 

Net earnings  

559.6 

  15.1% 

490.6 

  13.6% 

69.0 

  14.1% 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 

(13.2) 

-0.4% 

(11.9) 

-0.3% 

(1.3) 

  -10.9% 

Net earnings attributable to Snap-on Inc. 

$ 

546.4 

  14.7% 

  $ 

478.7 

  13.3% 

  $  67.7 

  14.1% 

NM:  Not meaningful 

Percentage Disclosure:  All income statement line item percentages below “Operating earnings from financial services” are calculated as a percentage of the 
sum of Net sales and Financial services revenue. 

Net sales of $3,430.4 million in 2016 increased $77.6 million, or 2.3%, from 2015 levels, reflecting a $96.2 million, or 2.9%, 
organic  sales  gain  and  $32.9  million  of  acquisition-related  sales,  partially  offset  by  $51.5  million  of  unfavorable  foreign 
currency translation.     

Gross profit of $1,709.6 million in 2016 compared to $1,648.3 million in 2015.  Gross margin of 49.8% in 2016 improved 60 
basis points from 49.2% in 2015 as benefits from higher sales and savings from RCI initiatives were partially offset by 20 
bps of unfavorable foreign currency effects.  Restructuring costs included in gross profit were $0.8 million and zero in 2016 
and 2015, respectively.   

Operating expenses of $1,054.1 million in 2016 compared to $1,053.7 million in 2015.  The operating expense margin of  
30.7% in 2016 improved 80 bps from 31.5% in 2015 primarily due to sales volume leverage and savings from RCI initiatives, 
30 bps of lower stock-based (mark-to-market) compensation and other expenses, including lower costs associated with the 
company’s employee and franchisee stock purchase plans, and  20 bps of lower pension expense.  Restructuring costs 
included in operating expenses were $0.1 million and zero in 2016 and 2015, respectively.  

Operating  earnings  before  financial  services  of  $655.5  million  in  2016,  including  $21.5  million  of  unfavorable  foreign 
currency effects, increased $60.9 million, or 10.2%, as compared to $594.6 million in 2015.  As a percentage of net sales, 
operating earnings before financial services of 19.1% in 2016 improved 140 bps from 17.7% in 2015.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Financial services revenue of $281.4 million in 2016 compared to revenue of $240.3 million in 2015.  Financial services 
operating earnings of $198.7 million in 2016, including $1.8 million of unfavorable foreign currency effects, increased $28.5 
million, or 16.7%, as compared to $170.2 million  in 2015.  The year-over-year increases in both revenue and operating 
earnings primarily reflect continued growth of the company’s financial services portfolio. 

Operating  earnings  of  $854.2  million  in  2016,  including  $23.3  million  of  unfavorable  foreign  currency  effects,  increased 
$89.4 million, or 11.7%, from $764.8 million in 2015.  As a percentage of revenues, operating earnings of 23.0% in 2016 
improved 170 bps from 21.3% in 2015. 

Interest expense of $52.2 million in 2016 increased $0.3 million from $51.9 million in 2015.  See Note 9 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for information on Snap-on’s debt and credit facilities.   

Other income (expense) – net was expense of $0.6 million and $2.4 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.  See Note 16 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on other income (expense) – net. 

Snap-on’s effective income tax rate on earnings attributable to Snap-on was 31.0% in 2016 and 31.7% in 2015. See Note 
8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on income taxes. 

Net earnings attributable to Snap-on of $546.4 million, or $9.20 per diluted share, in 2016 increased $67.7 million, or $1.10 
per diluted share, from 2015 levels.  Net earnings attributable to Snap-on in 2015 were $478.7 million or $8.10 per diluted 
share.     

Segment Results  

Commercial & Industrial Group  

(Amounts in millions) 

External net sales  

Intersegment net sales  

Segment net sales  

Cost of goods sold  

Gross profit  

Operating expenses  

2016 

2015 

Change 

$ 

863.0 

285.3 

75.2% 

24.8% 

$ 

895.5 

268.1 

77.0% 

23.0% 

    1,148.3 

100.0% 

    1,163.6 

100.0% 

(698.3) 

-60.8% 

(717.1) 

-61.6% 

450.0 

39.2% 

446.5 

38.4% 

(282.0) 

-24.6% 

(277.1) 

-23.8% 

$ 

(32.5) 

17.2 

(15.3) 

18.8 

3.5 

(4.9) 

Segment operating earnings 

$ 

168.0 

14.6% 

$ 

169.4 

14.6% 

$ 

(1.4) 

-3.6% 

6.4% 

-1.3% 

2.6% 

0.8% 

-1.8% 

-0.8% 

Segment net sales of $1,148.3 million in 2016 decreased $15.3 million, or 1.3%, from 2015 levels, reflecting $20.6 million 
of unfavorable foreign currency translation partially offset by $4.2 million of acquisition-related sales and a $1.1 million, or 
0.1%, organic sales gain.  The organic sales increase primarily includes a mid single-digit gain in the segment’s European-
based hand tools business and low single-digit increases in both the segment’s Asia/Pacific and power tools operations.  
These  organic  sales  gains  were  largely  offset  by  a  mid  single-digit  decline  in  sales  to  customers  in  critical  industries, 
primarily in the international aerospace and natural resources market segments.   

Segment gross profit of $450.0 million in 2016 compared to $446.5 million in 2015.  Gross margin of 39.2% in 2016 improved 
80 bps from 38.4% in 2015 primarily due to savings from RCI and other cost reduction initiatives, and 20 bps of favorable 
foreign currency effects.       

Segment operating expenses of $282.0 million in 2016 compared to $277.1 million in 2015.  The operating expense margin 
of  24.6%  in  2016  increased  80  bps  from  23.8%  in  2015  primarily  due  to  higher  costs,  including  costs  associated  with 
continued expansion initiatives in Asia, a 20 bps benefit realized in 2015 from a gain on the sale of a former manufacturing 
facility, and 10 bps of unfavorable foreign currency effects. 

As a result of these factors, segment operating earnings of $168.0 million in 2016, including $1.1 million of unfavorable 
foreign currency effects, decreased $1.4 million from 2015 levels.  Operating margin for the Commercial & Industrial Group 
was 14.6% in both years. 

    42 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on Tools Group   

(Amounts in millions) 

Segment net sales  

Cost of goods sold  

Gross profit  

Operating expenses 

2016 

2015 

Change 

$  1,633.9 

100.0% 

$  1,568.7 

100.0% 

$ 

65.2 

(929.8) 

-56.9% 

(885.7) 

-56.5% 

704.1 

43.1% 

683.0 

43.5% 

(423.0) 

-25.9% 

(427.0) 

-27.2% 

(44.1) 

21.1 

4.0 

Segment operating earnings  

$ 

281.1 

17.2% 

$ 

256.0 

16.3% 

$ 

25.1  

4.2% 

-5.0% 

3.1% 

0.9% 

9.8% 

Segment net sales of $1,633.9 million in 2016 increased $65.2 million, or 4.2%, from 2015 levels, reflecting an $86.4 million, 
or 5.6%, organic sales gain partially offset by $21.2 million of unfavorable foreign currency translation.  The organic sales 
increase includes mid single-digit gains in both the company’s U.S. and international franchise operations.  

Segment gross profit of $704.1 million in 2016 compared to $683.0 million in 2015.  Gross margin of 43.1% in 2016 declined 
40 bps from 43.5% in 2015 as 70 bps of unfavorable foreign currency effects were partially offset by benefits from higher 
sales.     

Segment operating expenses of $423.0 million in 2016 compared to $427.0 million in 2015.  The operating expense margin 
of 25.9% in 2016 improved 130 bps from 27.2% in 2015 primarily due to sales volume leverage and savings from RCI and 
other cost reduction initiatives, as well as 20 bps of lower stock-based costs associated with the company’s franchisee stock 
purchase plan.     

As a result of these factors, segment operating earnings of $281.1 million in 2016, including $15.3 million of unfavorable 
foreign currency effects, increased $25.1 million from 2015 levels.  Operating margin for the Snap-on Tools Group of 17.2% 
in 2016 improved 90 bps from 16.3% in 2015. 

Repair Systems & Information Group  

(Amounts in millions) 

External net sales  

Intersegment net sales  

Segment net sales  

Cost of goods sold  

Gross profit  

Operating expenses  

2016 

2015 

Change 

$ 

933.5 

246.4 

79.1% 

20.9% 

$ 

888.6 

224.6 

79.8% 

20.2% 

    1,179.9 

100.0% 

   1,113.2 

100.0% 

(624.4) 

-52.9% 

(594.4) 

-53.4% 

555.5 

47.1% 

518.8 

46.6% 

(257.7) 

-21.9% 

(245.4) 

-22.0% 

$ 

44.9 

21.8 

66.7 

(30.0) 

36.7 

(12.3) 

Segment operating earnings  

$ 

297.8 

25.2% 

$ 

273.4 

24.6% 

$ 

24.4 

5.1% 

9.7% 

6.0% 

-5.0% 

7.1% 

-5.0% 

8.9% 

Segment net sales of $1,179.9 million in 2016 increased $66.7 million, or 6.0%, from 2015 levels, reflecting a $52.1 million, or 
4.7%, organic sales gain and $28.7 million of acquisition-related sales, partially offset by $14.1 million of unfavorable foreign 
currency translation.  The organic sales increase includes a high single-digit gain in sales of diagnostic and repair information 
products to independent repair shop owners and managers, and low single-digit increases in both sales of undercar equipment 
and sales to OEM dealerships.     

Segment gross profit of $555.5 million in 2016 compared to $518.8 million in 2015.  Gross margin of 47.1% in 2016 improved 
50 bps from 46.6% in 2015, as benefits from higher sales and savings from RCI initiatives were partially offset by 10 bps of 
unfavorable  currency  effects.    Restructuring  costs  included  in  gross  profit  were  $0.8  million  and  zero  in  2016  and  2015, 
respectively.          

Segment operating expenses of $257.7 million in 2016 compared to $245.4 million in 2015.  The operating expense margin of 
21.9% in 2016 improved 10 bps from 22.0% in 2015 primarily due to sales volume leverage and savings from RCI initiatives, 
partially offset by 20 bps of impact from the Car-O-Liner acquisition. Restructuring costs included in operating expenses were 
$0.1 million and zero in 2016 and 2015, respectively.  

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

As a result of these factors, segment operating earnings of $297.8 million in 2016, including $5.1 million of unfavorable foreign 
currency effects, increased $24.4 million from 2015 levels.  Operating margin for the Repair Systems & Information Group of 
25.2% in 2016 improved 60 bps from 24.6% in 2015.   

Financial Services 

(Amounts in millions) 

2016 

2015 

Change 

Financial services revenue  

$ 

281.4 

  100.0% 

$ 

240.3 

  100.0% 

$  41.1 

Financial services expenses  

(82.7) 

-29.4% 

(70.1) 

-29.2% 

(12.6) 

Segment operating earnings 

$ 

198.7 

70.6% 

$ 

170.2 

70.8% 

$  28.5 

17.1% 

-18.0% 

16.7% 

Financial services revenue of $281.4 million in 2016 increased $41.1 million, or 17.1%, from $240.3 million in 2015 primarily 
reflecting $38.1 million of higher revenue as a result of continued growth of the company’s financial services portfolio and 
$2.7 million of increased revenue from higher average yields on finance receivables.  In 2016 and 2015, the respective 
average yield on finance receivables was 18.0% and 17.8%, and the respective average yield on contract receivables was 
9.4% and 9.5%.  Originations of $1,075.7 million in 2016 increased $82.0 million, or 8.3%, from 2015 levels.   

Financial  services  expenses  primarily  include  personnel-related  and  other  general  and  administrative  costs,  as  well  as 
provisions for credit losses. These expenses are generally more dependent on changes in the financial services portfolio 
than they are on the revenue of the segment.  Financial services expenses of $82.7 million in 2016 increased from $70.1 
million  in  2015  primarily  due  to  changes  in  both  the  size  of  the  portfolio  and  in  the  provisions  for  credit  losses.  As  a 
percentage of the average financial services portfolio, financial services expenses were 4.9% and 4.8% in 2016 and 2015, 
respectively.  

Financial services operating earnings of $198.7 million in 2016, including $1.8 million of unfavorable foreign currency effects, 
increased $28.5 million, or 16.7%, from 2015 levels.   

See Note 1 and Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on financial services. 

Corporate 

Snap-on’s general corporate expenses in 2016 of $91.4 million decreased $12.8 million from $104.2 million in 2015.  The 
year-over-year decrease in general corporate expenses primarily reflects $6.9 million of lower pension expense, $6.4 million 
of lower stock-based (mark-to-market) compensation expense and $2.3 million of lower stock-based costs associated with 
the company’s employee stock purchase plan, partially offset by $2.8 million of higher acquisition-related and other costs. 

Non-GAAP Supplemental Data     

The following non-GAAP supplemental data is presented for informational purposes to provide readers with insight into the 
information  used  by  management  for  assessing  the  operating  performance  of  Snap-on  Incorporated’s  (“Snap-on”)  non-
financial services (“Operations”) and “Financial Services” businesses.   

The supplemental Operations data reflects the results of operations and financial position of Snap-on’s tools, diagnostic 
and equipment products, software and other non-financial services operations with Financial Services on the equity method. 
The supplemental Financial Services data reflects the results of operations and financial position of Snap-on’s U.S. and 
international  financial  services  operations.  The  financing  needs  of  Financial  Services  are  met  through  intersegment 
borrowings  and  cash  generated  from  Operations;  Financial  Services  is  charged  interest  expense  on  intersegment 
borrowings  at  market  rates.  Income  taxes  are  charged  to  Financial  Services  on  the  basis  of  the  specific  tax  attributes 
generated by the U.S. and international financial services businesses. Transactions between the Operations and Financial 
Services businesses were eliminated to arrive at the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

    44 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-GAAP Supplemental Consolidating Data – Supplemental Statements of Earnings information for 2017, 2016 and 2015 
is as follows:   

(Amounts in millions) 

Net sales 

Cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 

Operating expenses 

Operations* 

Financial Services 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2017 

2016 

2015 

$  3,686.9 

  $  3,430.4 

$  3,352.8 

$ 

  (1,862.0) 

  (1,720.8) 

  (1,704.5) 

  1,824.9 

  1,709.6 

  1,648.3 

  (1,160.9) 

  (1,054.1) 

  (1,053.7) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

  $ 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

$ 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Operating earnings before financial services 

664.0 

655.5 

594.6 

Financial services revenue 

Financial services expenses 

Operating earnings from financial services 

Operating earnings  

Interest expense 

Intersegment interest income (expense) – net 

Other income (expense) – net  

Earnings before income taxes  
  and equity earnings 

Income tax expense 

Earnings before equity earnings  

Financial services – net earnings   
  attributable to Snap-on                                    

Equity earnings, net of tax  

Net earnings  
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling        

– 

– 

– 

664.0 

(52.1) 

70.8 

(7.2) 

675.5 

(196.8) 

478.7 

92.3 

1.2 

572.2 

– 

– 

– 

655.5 

(51.9) 

72.2 

(0.7) 

675.1 

(197.7) 

477.4 

79.7 

2.5 

559.6 

– 

– 

– 

  313.4 

  281.4 

  240.3 

(95.9) 

(82.7) 

(70.1) 

  217.5 

  198.7 

  170.2 

594.6 

  217.5 

  198.7 

  170.2 

(51.4) 

62.7 

(2.4) 

(0.3) 

(70.8) 

– 

(0.3) 

(72.2) 

0.1 

(0.5) 

(62.7) 

– 

603.5 

  146.4 

  126.3 

  107.0 

(181.9) 

421.6 

67.7 

1.3 

490.6 

(54.1) 

92.3 

(46.6) 

79.7 

(39.3) 

67.7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

92.3 

79.7 

67.7 

interests 

(14.5) 

(13.2) 

(11.9) 

– 

– 

– 

Net earnings attributable to Snap-on                 $  557.7 

  $  546.4 

$  478.7 

$  92.3 

  $  79.7 

$  67.7 

* Snap-on with Financial Services on the equity method. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Non-GAAP Supplemental Consolidating Data – Supplemental Balance Sheet Information as of 2017 and 2016 year end is 
as follows:  

Operations* 

Financial Services 

2017 

2016 

2017 

2016 

(Amounts in millions) 

ASSETS 

  Current assets: 

  Cash and cash equivalents 

  Intersegment receivables 

  Trade and other accounts receivable – net 

  Finance receivables – net 

  Contract receivables – net 

  Inventories – net 

  Prepaid expenses and other assets 

  $ 

91.8 

17.1 

674.9 

– 

9.4 

638.8 

117.6 

  $ 

77.5 

15.0 

598.2 

– 

7.9 

530.5 

122.4 

    Total current assets 

  1,549.6 

  1,351.5 

  Property and equipment – net 

  Investment in Financial Services 

  Deferred income tax assets 

  Intersegment long-term notes receivable 

  Long-term finance receivables – net 

  Long-term contract receivables – net 

  Goodwill 

  Other intangibles – net  

  Other assets 

Total assets 

* Snap-on with Financial Services on the equity method. 

482.4 

317.4 

25.2 

583.7 

– 

13.2 

924.1 

253.7 

  $ 

0.2 

  $ 

– 

0.7 

505.4 

87.4 

– 

0.7 

594.4 

2.0 

– 

26.8 

– 

423.8 

288.7 

49.1 

584.7 

11.2 

895.5 

184.6 

– 

  1,039.2 

309.4 

– 

– 

– 

0.1 

– 

0.6 

472.5 

80.2 

– 

1.1 

554.5 

1.4 

– 

23.7 

– 

934.5 

275.5 

– 

– 

0.1 

63.1 
  $  4,212.4 

47.9 
  $  3,837.0 

  $  1,971.8 

  $  1,789.7 

    46 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-GAAP Supplemental Consolidating Data – Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (continued): 

(Amounts in millions) 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 

  Current liabilities:  

  Notes payable and current maturities of 
    long-term debt 

  Accounts payable 

  Intersegment payables 

  Accrued benefits 

  Accrued compensation 

  Franchisee deposits 

  Other accrued liabilities 

    Total current liabilities 

  Long-term debt and intersegment long-term debt 

  Deferred income tax liabilities 

  Retiree health care benefits 

  Pension liabilities 

  Other long-term liabilities 

    Total liabilities 

Operations* 

Financial Services 

2017 

2016 

2017 

2016 

  $ 

183.2 

  $ 

151.4 

$ 

250.0 

  $ 

150.0 

177.1 

170.3 

– 

55.8 

67.8 

66.5 

366.0 

916.4 

– 

28.4 

36.0 

158.9 

100.4 

– 

52.8 

85.7 

66.7 

292.1 

819.0 

– 

13.1 

36.7 

246.5 

86.5 

1.1 

17.1 

– 

3.7 

– 

29.7 

301.6 

0.6 

15.0 

– 

4.1 

– 

22.8 

192.5 

  1,337.3 

  1,293.5 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

15.5 

15.0 

  1,240.1 

  1,201.8 

  1,654.4 

  1,501.0 

 Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Snap-on 

  2,953.9 

  2,617.2 

18.4 

18.0 

  2,972.3 

  2,635.2 

  $  4,212.4       $  3,837.0 

317.4 
  $  1,971.8 

317.4 

– 

288.7 

– 

288.7 

  $  1,789.7 

 Noncontrolling interests 

    Total equity 

Total liabilities and equity 

* Snap-on with Financial Services on the equity method. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Liquidity and Capital Resources  

Snap-on’s growth has historically been funded by a combination of cash provided by operating activities and debt financing.  On 
January 16, 2018, Snap-on repaid $250 million of unsecured 4.25% notes (the “2018 Notes”), upon maturity with available cash 
and cash generated from issuances of commercial paper.  Snap-on believes that its cash from operations and collections of 
finance  receivables,  coupled  with  its  sources  of  borrowings  and  available  cash  on  hand,  are  sufficient  to  fund  its  currently 
anticipated requirements for scheduled debt repayments (including the repayment of $200 million of unsecured 6.70% notes, 
due March 1, 2019 (the “2019 Notes”)), payments of interest and dividends, new receivables originated by our financial services 
businesses,  capital  expenditures,  working  capital,  the  funding  of  pension  plans,  and  funding  for  share  repurchases  and 
acquisitions, if and as they arise.    

Due to Snap-on’s credit rating over the years, external funds have been available at an acceptable cost.  As of the close of 
business on February 9, 2018, Snap-on’s long-term debt and commercial paper were rated, respectively, A2 and P-1 by Moody’s 
Investors Service; A- and A-2 by Standard & Poor’s; and A and F1 by Fitch Ratings. Snap-on believes that its current credit 
arrangements are sound and that the strength of its balance sheet affords the company the financial flexibility, including through 
access to financial markets for potential new financing, to respond to both internal growth opportunities and those available 
through acquisitions.  However, Snap-on cannot provide any assurances of the availability of future financing or the terms on 
which it might be available, or that its debt ratings may not decrease.  

The following discussion focuses on information included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.   

As of 2017 year end, working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $926.0 million increased $31.5 million from $894.5 
million as of 2016 year end primarily as a result of other net changes in working capital discussed below.  As of 2016 year end, 
the  2018  Notes  were  included  in  “Long-term  debt”  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  as  their  scheduled 
maturity was in excess of one year of the 2016 year-end balance sheet date.  

The following represents the company’s working capital position as of 2017 and 2016 year end: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other accounts receivable – net  
Finance receivables – net  
Contract receivables – net  
Inventories – net 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Total current assets 

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt 
Accounts payable 
Other current liabilities 
Total current liabilities 
Working capital 

2017 

2016 

  $ 

92.0 
675.6 
505.4 
96.8 
638.8 
110.7 
   2,119.3 

  $ 

77.6 
598.8 
472.5 
88.1 
530.5 
116.5 
   1,884.0 

(433.2) 
(178.2) 
(581.9) 
   (1,193.3) 
926.0 

  $ 

  $ 

(301.4) 
(170.9) 
(517.2) 
(989.5) 
894.5 

Cash and cash equivalents of $92.0 million as of 2017 year end increased $14.4 million from 2016 year-end levels primarily 
due to (i) $712.7 million of cash from collections of finance receivables; (ii) $608.5 million of cash generated from operations, 
net  of  $60.0  million  of  discretionary  cash  contributions  to  the  company’s  domestic  pension  plans;  (iii)  $297.8  million  of  net 
proceeds from the 2027 Notes; (iv) $46.2 million of cash proceeds from stock purchase and option plan exercises; and (v) $30.6 
million of net proceeds from notes payable and other short-term borrowings. These increases in cash and cash equivalents 
were partially offset by (i) the funding of $892.0 million of new finance receivables; (ii) the repurchase of 1,820,000 shares of the 
company’s common stock for $287.9 million; (iii) dividend payments to shareholders of $169.4 million; (iv) the January 2017 
repayment of $150 million of the 2017 Notes; (v) the funding of $82.9 million for acquisitions; and (vi) the funding of $82.0 million 
of capital expenditures.       

    48 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Of the $92.0 million of cash and cash equivalents as of 2017 year end, $72.1 million was held outside of the United States.  
Snap-on maintains non-U.S. funds in its foreign operations to: (i) provide adequate working capital; (ii) satisfy various regulatory 
requirements; and/or (iii) take advantage of business expansion opportunities as they arise.  The repatriation of cash from certain 
foreign subsidiaries could have adverse net tax consequences on the company should Snap-on be required to pay and record 
U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on such funds. Alternatively, the repatriation of cash from certain other foreign 
subsidiaries  could  result  in  favorable  net  tax  consequences  for  the  company.  Snap-on  periodically  evaluates  its  cash  held 
outside the United States and may pursue opportunities to repatriate certain foreign cash amounts to the extent that it does not 
incur unfavorable net tax consequences. 

Trade and other accounts receivable – net of $675.6 million as of 2017 year end increased $76.8 million from 2016 year-
end levels primarily due to higher sales, $21.7 million of foreign currency translation and $9.5 million of receivables related 
to the Norbar, BTC and TCS acquisitions.  Days sales outstanding (trade and other accounts receivable – net as of the 
respective period end, divided by the respective trailing 12 months sales, times 360 days) was 66 days at 2017 year end 
and 63 days at 2016 year end. 

The current portions of net finance and contract receivables of $602.2 million as of 2017 year end compared to $560.6 
million at 2016 year end.  The long-term portions of net finance and contract receivables of $1,361.8 million as of 2017 year 
end compared to $1,221.2 million at 2016 year end.  The combined $182.2 million increase in net current and long-term 
finance and contract receivables over 2016 year-end levels is primarily due to continued growth of the company’s financial 
services portfolio and $17.5 million of foreign currency translation.        

Inventories – net of $638.8 million as of 2017 year end increased $108.3 million from 2016 year-end levels primarily to 
support continued higher customer demand in certain segments and new product introductions, as well as from $23.9 million 
of foreign currency translation and $5.7 million of inventories related to the Norbar and TCS acquisitions.  As of 2017 and 
2016 year end, inventory turns (trailing 12 months of cost of goods sold, divided by the average of the beginning and ending 
inventory balance for the trailing 12 months) were 3.2 turns and 3.3 turns, respectively.  Inventories accounted for using the 
first-in,  first-out  (“FIFO”)  method  as  of  2017  and  2016  year  end  approximated  61%  and  59%,  respectively,  of  total 
inventories.  All other inventories are accounted for using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method.  The company’s LIFO reserve 
was $75.1 million and $73.2 million as 2017 and 2016 year end, respectively.     

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt of $433.2 million as of 2017 year end consisted of $250 million of 
the 2018 Notes (which were subsequently repaid), $151 million of commercial paper borrowings and $32.2 million of other 
notes.  Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt of $301.4 million as of 2016 year end consisted of $150 
million of the 2017 Notes, $130 million of commercial paper borrowings and $21.4 million of other notes.  As of 2016 year 
end,  the  2018  Notes  were  included  in  “Long-term  debt”  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  as  their 
scheduled maturity was in excess of one year of the 2016 year-end balance sheet date. 

Average notes payable outstanding, including commercial paper borrowings, were $126.8 million and $49.3 million in 2017 
and 2016, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate of 2.45% in 2017 decreased from 7.09% last year.  This reflects 
the impact of the higher commercial paper borrowings which generally have lower interest rates than other notes payable 
outstanding.  Average commercial paper borrowings were $103.3 million and $26.6 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, 
and the weighted-average interest rate of 1.14% in 2017 increased from 0.73% last year.  At 2017 year end, the weighted-
average interest rate on outstanding notes payable of 2.34% compared with 2.85% at 2016 year end.  The 2017 year-end 
rate benefited from lower interest rates on international borrowings.  The 2016 year-end rate benefited from lower interest 
rates on commercial paper borrowings.   

Accounts payable of $178.2 million as of 2017 year end increased $7.3 million from 2016 year-end levels primarily due to 
the timing of payments, partially offset by $6.8 million of foreign currency translation.     

Other accrued liabilities of $388.1 million as of 2017 year end increased $80.2 million from 2016 year-end levels primarily 
due to higher income tax accruals, $45.9 million in legal matters and $10.1 million of foreign currency translation.       

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Long-term debt of $753.6 million as of 2017 year end consisted of: (i) $200 million of the 2019 Notes; (ii) $250 million of 
unsecured 6.125% notes that mature in 2021; (iii) $300 million the 2027 Notes; and (iv) $3.6 million of other long-term debt, 
including fair value adjustments related to interest rate swaps.   

Snap-on has a five-year, $700 million multi-currency revolving credit facility that terminates on December 15, 2020 (the 
“Credit Facility”); no amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility as of December 30, 2017.  Borrowings under the 
Credit Facility bear interest at varying rates based on Snap-on’s then-current, long-term debt ratings. The Credit Facility’s 
financial covenant requires that Snap-on maintain, as of each fiscal quarter end, either (i) a ratio not greater than 0.60 to 
1.00 of consolidated net debt (consolidated debt net of certain cash adjustments) to the sum of such consolidated net debt 
plus total equity and less accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (the “Debt Ratio”); or (ii) a ratio not greater than 
3.50 to 1.00 of such consolidated net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain other 
adjustments for the preceding four fiscal quarters then ended (the “Debt to EBITDA Ratio”).  Snap-on may, up to two times 
during any five-year period during the term of the Credit Facility (including any extensions thereof), increase the maximum 
Debt Ratio to 0.65 to 1.00 and/or increase the maximum Debt to EBITDA Ratio to 3.75 to 1.00 for four consecutive fiscal 
quarters in connection with certain material acquisitions (as defined in the related credit agreement).  As of 2017 year end, 
the company’s actual ratios of 0.26 and 1.16, respectively, were both within the permitted ranges set forth in this financial 
covenant.  Snap-on generally issues commercial paper to fund its financing needs on a short-term basis and uses the Credit 
Facility as back-up liquidity to support such commercial paper issuances.   

Snap-on’s  Credit  Facility  and  other  debt  agreements  also  contain  certain  usual  and  customary  borrowing,  affirmative, 
negative and maintenance covenants. As of 2017 year end, Snap-on was in compliance with all covenants of its Credit 
Facility and other debt agreements. 

Snap-on believes it has sufficient available cash and access to both committed and uncommitted credit facilities to cover 
its expected funding needs on both a short-term and long-term basis. Snap-on manages its aggregate short-term borrowings 
so as not to exceed its availability under the revolving Credit Facility. Snap-on believes that it can access short-term debt 
markets, predominantly through commercial paper issuances and existing lines of credit, to fund its short-term requirements 
and to ensure near-term liquidity.  Snap-on regularly monitors the credit and financial markets and may take advantage of 
what it believes are favorable market conditions to issue long-term debt to further improve its liquidity and capital resources.  
Near-term liquidity requirements for Snap-on include scheduled debt payments (including the repayment of the 2019 Notes; 
as noted above, the 2018 Notes were repaid on January 16, 2018), payments of interest and dividends, funding to support 
new  receivables  originated  by  our  financial  services  businesses,  capital  expenditures,  working  capital,  the  funding  of 
pension  plans,  and  funding  for  share  repurchases  and  acquisitions,  if  and  as  they  arise.  Snap-on  intends  to  make 
contributions of $9.7 million to its foreign pension plans and $2.4 million to its domestic pension plans in 2018, as required 
by law.  Depending on market and other conditions, Snap-on may make additional discretionary cash contributions to its 
pension plans in 2018.   

Snap-on’s long-term financing strategy is to maintain continuous access to the debt markets to accommodate its liquidity 
needs, including the use of commercial paper, additional fixed-term debt and/or securitizations. 

The following discussion focuses on information included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 

Operating Activities 

Net cash provided by operating activities of $608.5 million in 2017 increased $32.4 million from $576.1 million in 2016.  The 
$32.4 million increase is primarily due to $12.6 million of higher net earnings and $14.9 million of cash proceeds from the 
settlement of a treasury lock.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $507.2 million in 2015.   

Depreciation expense was $65.6 million in 2017, $61.4 million in 2016 and $57.8 million in 2015.  Amortization expense 
was  $27.6  million  in  2017,  $24.2  million  in  2016  and  $24.7  million  in  2015.  See  Note  6  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements for information on goodwill and other intangible assets. 

    50 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities 

Net cash used by investing activities of $341.4 million in 2017 included additions to finance receivables of $892.0 million, 
partially offset by collections of $712.7 million.  Net cash used by investing activities of $473.4 million in 2016 included 
additions to finance receivables of $915.0 million, partially offset by collections of $671.7 million.  Net cash used by investing 
activities of $306.4 million in 2015 included additions to finance receivables of $844.2 million, partially offset by collections 
of $624.8 million.  Finance receivables are comprised of extended-term installment payment contracts to both technicians 
and independent shop owners (i.e., franchisees’ customers) to enable them to purchase tools and diagnostic and equipment 
products on an extended-term payment plan, generally with average payment terms approaching four years.   

Net cash used by investing activities in 2017 also included a total of $82.9 million (net of $1.8 million of cash acquired) for 
the  acquisitions  of  BTC,  Norbar  and  TCS,  as  well  as  working  capital  adjustments  for  the  Car-O-Liner  and  Sturtevant 
Richmont acquisitions.  Net cash used by investing activities in 2016 included, on a preliminary basis, a total of $160.4 
million (net of $4.3 million of cash acquired) for the acquisitions of Car-O-Liner and Sturtevant Richmont.  Net cash used by 
investing  activities  in  2015  included  $11.8  million  for  the  acquisition  of  Ecotechnics.    See  Note  2  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements for information on acquisitions.   

Capital expenditures in 2017, 2016 and 2015 totaled $82.0 million, $74.3 million and $80.4 million, respectively. Capital 
expenditures in all three years included continued investments related to the company’s execution of its strategic Value 
Creation Processes and strategic growth initiatives.  The company also invested in: (i) new product, efficiency, safety and 
cost  reduction  initiatives  that  are  intended  to  expand  and  improve  its  manufacturing  capabilities  worldwide;  (ii)  new 
production and machine tooling to enhance manufacturing operations, as well as ongoing replacements of manufacturing 
and  distribution  equipment,  particularly  in  the  United  States;  (iii)  the  ongoing  replacement  and  enhancement  of  the 
company’s  global  enterprise  resource  planning  (ERP)  management  information  systems;  and  (iv)  improvements  to  the 
company’s research and development facilities and corporate headquarters in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  Capital expenditures 
in 2015 also included the purchase of a previously leased manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom.  Snap-on believes 
that its cash generated from operations, as well as its available cash on hand and funds available from its credit facilities 
will be sufficient to fund the company’s capital expenditure requirements in 2018.    

Financing Activities 

Net cash used by financing activities of $256.1 million in 2017 included the January 2017 repayment of $150 million of the 
2017 Notes, and the other items discussed below.  These amounts were partially offset by Snap-on’s sale, on February 15, 
2017, of $300 million of the 2027 Notes at a discount, from which Snap-on received $297.8 million of net proceeds, reflecting 
$1.9 million of transaction costs, and $30.6 million of net proceeds from notes payable and other short-term borrowings.  
Net cash used by financing activities of $116.0 million in 2016 included $134.2 million of proceeds from a net increase in 
notes payable and other short-term borrowings.  Net cash used by financing activities of $236.7 million in 2015 included the 
net repayment of $34.0 million of notes payable and other short-term borrowings.       

Proceeds from stock purchase and option plan exercises totaled $46.2 million in 2017, $41.8 million in 2016 and $41.6 
million in 2015. Snap-on has undertaken stock repurchases from time to time to offset dilution created by shares issued for 
employee and franchisee stock purchase plans, stock options and other corporate purposes. In 2017, Snap-on repurchased 
1,820,000 shares of its common stock for $287.9 million under its previously announced share repurchase programs.  As 
of 2017 year end, Snap-on had remaining availability to repurchase up to an additional $390.7 million in common stock 
pursuant to its Board of Directors’ (the “Board”) authorizations. The purchase of Snap-on common stock is at the company’s 
discretion, subject to prevailing financial and market conditions.  Snap-on repurchased 758,000 shares of its common stock 
for  $120.4  million  in  2016  and  Snap-on  repurchased  723,000  shares  of  its  common  stock  for  $110.4  million  in  2015.  
Snap-on  believes  that  its  cash  generated  from  operations,  available  cash  on  hand,  and  funds  available  from  its  credit 
facilities, will be sufficient to fund the company’s share repurchases, if any, in 2018. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Snap-on has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends, without interruption or reduction, since 1939.  Cash dividends paid 
in 2017, 2016 and 2015 totaled $169.4 million, $147.5 million and $127.9 million, respectively. On November 6, 2017, the 
company announced that its Board increased the quarterly cash dividend by 15.5% to $0.82 per share ($3.28 per share 
annualized). Quarterly dividends in 2017 were $0.82 per share in the fourth quarter and $0.71 per share in the first three 
quarters ($2.95 per share for the year).  Quarterly dividends in 2016 were $0.71 per share in the fourth quarter and $0.61 
per share in the first three quarters ($2.54 per share for the year).  Quarterly dividends in 2015 were $0.61 per share in the 
fourth quarter and $0.53 per share in the first three quarters ($2.20 per share for the year).    

Cash dividends paid per common share  
Cash dividends paid as a percent of prior-year 
  retained earnings 

2017 

  $  2.95  

2016 
  $  2.54 

2015 
  $  2.20 

5.0% 

4.9% 

4.8% 

Snap-on believes that its cash generated from operations, available cash on hand and funds available from its credit facilities 
will be sufficient to pay dividends in 2018.    

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements  

Except  as  included  below  in  the  section  labeled  “Contractual  Obligations  and  Commitments”  and  Note  15  to  the 
Consolidated Financial Statements, the company had no off-balance-sheet arrangements as of 2017 year end. 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments    

A summary of Snap-on’s future contractual obligations and commitments as of 2017 year end are as follows:    

Total  

(Amounts in millions)  
Contractual obligations:  
   Notes payable and current 
      maturities of long-term debt    $  433.2 
753.6 
   Long-term debt  
161.5 
   Interest on fixed rate debt  
84.8 
   Operating leases 
18.1 
   Capital leases 
   Purchase obligations 
60.4 
  $  1,511.6 
Total 

2018 

  2019 – 2020 

2021 – 2022    

2023 and 
 thereafter  

  $  433.2 

– 
38.9 
25.5 
3.6 
55.0 
  $  556.2 

  $ 

– 
200.0 
52.3 
33.7 
6.2 
5.3 
  $  297.5 

  $ 

– 
250.0 
29.7 
17.7 
4.8 
0.1 
  $  302.3 

  $ 

– 
303.6 
40.6 
7.9 
3.5 
– 

  $  355.6 

On January 16, 2018, Snap-on repaid the 2018 Notes (included in “Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt” in 
the table above) upon maturity with available cash and cash generated from issuances of commercial paper. 

Snap-on intends to make contributions of $9.7 million to its foreign pension plans and $2.4 million to its domestic pension 
plans in 2018, as required by law. Depending on market and other conditions, Snap-on may make additional discretionary 
cash contributions to its pension plans in 2018.  Snap-on has not presented estimated pension and postretirement funding 
contributions in the table above as the funding can vary from year to year based on changes in the fair value of the plan 
assets and actuarial assumptions; see Note 11 and Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the 
company's benefit plans and payments.   

Due to the uncertainty of the timing of settlements with taxing authorities, Snap-on is unable to make reasonably reliable 
estimates of the period of cash settlement of unrecognized tax benefits for its remaining uncertain tax liabilities. As a result, 
$7.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been excluded from the table above; see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements for information on income taxes.   

    52 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental Matters  

Snap-on is subject to various federal, state and local government requirements regulating the discharge of materials into 
the  environment  or  otherwise  relating  to  the  protection  of  the  environment.  Snap-on’s  policy  is  to  comply  with  these 
requirements  and  the  company  believes  that,  as  a  general  matter,  its  policies,  practices  and  procedures  are  properly 
designed to prevent unreasonable risk of environmental damage, and of resulting financial liability, in connection with its 
business. Some risk of environmental damage is, however, inherent in some of Snap-on’s operations and products, as it is 
with other companies engaged in similar businesses. 

Snap-on  is  and  has  been  engaged  in  the  handling,  manufacture,  use  and  disposal  of  many  substances  classified  as 
hazardous  or  toxic  by  one  or  more  regulatory  agencies.  Snap-on  believes  that,  as  a  general  matter,  its  handling, 
manufacture,  use  and  disposal  of  these  substances  are  in  accordance  with  environmental  laws  and  regulations.  It  is 
possible, however, that future knowledge or other developments, such as improved capability to detect substances in the 
environment or increasingly strict environmental laws and standards and enforcement policies, could bring into question 
the company’s handling, manufacture, use or disposal of these substances. 

New Accounting Standards 

See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on new accounting standards. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates  

The Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes contain information that is pertinent to management’s discussion 
and analysis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of 
assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported 
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are generally based on historical experience, 
current conditions and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results 
of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available 
from  other  sources,  as  well  as  identifying  and  assessing  our  accounting  treatment  with  respect  to  commitments  and 
contingencies.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.   

In addition to the company’s significant accounting policies described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, 
Snap-on considers the following policies and estimates to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved 
in the preparation of the company’s consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact the company’s 
financial position, results of operations and cash flows.     

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets: Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets 
are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might 
be impaired.  Annual impairment tests are performed by the company in the second quarter of each year using information 
available as of fiscal April month end.   

Snap-on evaluates the recoverability of goodwill by estimating the future discounted cash flows of the businesses to which 
the goodwill relates. Estimated cash flows and related goodwill are grouped at the reporting unit level. The company has 
determined that its reporting units for testing goodwill impairment are its operating segments or components of an operating 
segment that constitute a business for which discrete financial information is available and for which segment management 
regularly  reviews  the  operating  results.  Within  its  four  reportable  operating  segments,  the  company  has  identified  11 
reporting units.     

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Snap-on evaluates the recoverability of goodwill by utilizing an income approach that estimates the fair value of the future 
discounted cash flows of the reporting units to which the goodwill relates. The future projections, which are based on both 
past performance and the projections and assumptions used in the company’s operating plans, are subject to change as a 
result  of  changing  economic  and  competitive  conditions.  This  approach  reflects  management’s  internal  outlook  at  the 
reporting units, which management believes provides the best determination of value due to management’s insight and 
experience with the reporting units. Significant estimates used by management in the discounted cash flows methodology 
include estimates of future cash flows based on expected growth rates, price increases, working capital levels, expected 
benefits from RCI initiatives, and a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects the specific risk profile of the reporting unit 
being tested. The company’s methodologies for valuing goodwill are applied consistently on a year-over-year basis; the 
assumptions used in performing the second quarter 2017 impairment calculations were evaluated in light of then-current 
market and business conditions. Snap-on continues to believe that the future discounted cash flow valuation model provides 
the  most  reasonable  and  meaningful  fair  value  estimate  based  upon  the  reporting  units’  projections  of  future  operating 
results  and  cash  flows  and  replicates  how  market  participants  would  value  the  company’s  reporting  units  in  an  orderly 
transaction.  

In the event the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, including goodwill, the company would then 
record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting units carrying amount over its fair value. 

Snap-on also evaluates the recoverability of its indefinite-lived trademarks by utilizing an income approach that estimates 
the fair value of the future discounted cash flows of each of its trademarks. The future projections, which are based on both 
past performance and the projections and assumptions used in the company’s operating plans, are subject to change as a 
result of changing economic and competitive conditions. Significant estimates used by management in the discounted cash 
flows methodology include estimates of future cash flows based on expected growth and royalty rates, expected synergies, 
and a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects the specific risk profile of the trademark being tested. The company’s 
methodologies  for  valuing  trademarks  are  applied  consistently  on  a  year-over-year  basis;  the  assumptions  used  in 
performing the second quarter 2017 impairment calculations were evaluated in light of then-current market and business 
conditions. Snap-on continues to believe that the future discounted cash flow valuation model provides the most reasonable 
and  meaningful  fair  value  estimate  based  upon  the  trademarks’  projected  future  cash  flows  and  replicates  how  market 
participants would value the company’s trademarks in an orderly transaction.  

Inherent in fair value determinations are significant judgments and estimates, including material assumptions about future 
revenue, profitability and cash flows, the company’s operational plans and its interpretation of current economic indicators. 
Should the operations of the businesses with which goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets are associated incur 
significant declines in profitability and cash flow due to significant and long-term deterioration in macroeconomic, industry 
and market conditions, the loss of key customers, changes in technology or markets, significant changes in key personnel 
or  litigation,  a  significant  and  sustained  decrease  in  share  price  and/or  other  events,  including  effects  from  the  sale  or 
disposal of a reporting unit, some or all of the recorded goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets could be subject 
to impairment and could result in a material adverse effect on Snap-on’s financial position or results of operations.    

Snap-on  completed  its  annual  impairment  testing  of  goodwill  and  other  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  in  the  second 
quarter of 2017, the results of which did not result in any impairment. As of 2017 year end, the company has no accumulated 
impairment  losses.  Although  the  company  consistently  uses  the  same  methods  in  developing  the  assumptions  and 
estimates underlying the fair value calculations, such estimates are uncertain by nature and can vary from actual results. In 
performing its annual impairment testing the company performed a sensitivity analysis on the material assumptions used in 
the discounted cash flow valuation models for each of its 11 reporting units.  Based on the company’s second quarter 2017 
impairment testing and assuming a hypothetical 10% decrease in the estimated fair values of each of its 11 reporting units, 
the hypothetical fair value of each of the company’s 11 reporting units would have been greater than its carrying value. See 
Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about goodwill and other intangible assets.   

Pension Benefits: The pension benefit obligation and related pension expense are calculated in accordance with GAAP and 
are impacted by certain actuarial assumptions. Changes in these assumptions are primarily influenced by factors outside 
of Snap-on’s control, such as changes in economic conditions, and can have a significant effect on the amounts reported 
in the financial statements.  Snap-on believes that the two most critical assumptions are (i) the expected return on plan 
assets; and (ii) the assumed discount rate.    

    54 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on’s domestic pension plans have a long-term investment horizon and a total return strategy that emphasizes a capital 
growth objective. In 2017, the long-term investment performance objective for Snap-on’s domestic plans’ assets was to 
achieve  net  of  expense  returns  that  met  or  exceeded  the  7.5%  domestic  expected  return  on  plan  assets  assumption. 
Snap-on uses a three-year, market-related value asset method of amortizing the difference between actual and expected 
returns  on  its  domestic  plans’  assets.    As  of  2017  year  end,  Snap-on’s  domestic  pension  plans’  assets  comprised 
approximately 86% of the company’s worldwide pension plan assets. 

Based on forward-looking capital market expectations, Snap-on selected an expected return on plan assets assumption for 
its U.S. pension plans of 7.45%, a decrease of 5 bps from 2017, to be used in determining pension expense for 2018.  In 
estimating the domestic expected return on plan assets, Snap-on utilizes a nominal returns forecasting method.  For each 
asset class, future returns are estimated by identifying the premium of riskier asset classes over lower risk alternatives.  The 
methodology constructs expected returns using a “building block” approach to the individual components of total return.  
These  forecasts  are  stated  in  both  nominal  and  real  (after  inflation)  terms.    This  process  first  considers  the  long-term 
historical return premium based on the longest set of data available for each asset class.  These premiums, calculated 
using the geometric mean, are then adjusted based on current relative valuation levels, macro-economic conditions, and 
the expected alpha related to active investment management. The asset return assumption is also adjusted by an implicit 
expense load for estimated administrative and investment-related expenses. Since asset allocation is a key determinant of 
expected investment returns, the current and expected mix of plan assets are also considered when setting the assumption. 

Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on plan assets decreases. Lowering the expected rate of return 
assumption  for  Snap-on’s  domestic  pension  plans’  assets  by  50  bps  would  have  increased  Snap-on’s  2017  domestic 
pension expense by approximately $5.0 million.  

The objective of Snap-on’s discount rate assumption is to reflect the rate at which the pension benefits could be effectively 
settled. In  making  this  determination,  the  company  takes  into  account  the  timing  and  amount  of  benefits  that  would  be 
available under the plans. The domestic discount rate as of 2017 and 2016 year end was selected based on a cash flow 
matching methodology developed by the company’s outside actuaries and which incorporates a review of current economic 
conditions.  This  methodology  matches  the  plans’  yearly  projected  cash  flows  for  benefits  and  service  costs  to  those  of 
hypothetical bond portfolios using high-quality, AA rated or better, corporate bonds from either Moody’s Investors Service 
or Standard & Poor’s credit rating agencies available at the measurement date. This technique calculates bond portfolios 
that produce adequate cash flows to pay the plans’ projected yearly benefits and then selects the portfolio with the highest 
yield and uses that yield as the recommended discount rate.  

The  selection  of  the  3.9%  weighted-average  discount  rate  for  Snap-on’s  domestic  pension  plans  as  of  2017  year  end 
(compared to 4.5% as of 2016 year end) represents the single rate that produces the same present value of cash flows as 
the  estimated  benefit  plan  payments.  Lowering  Snap-on’s  domestic  discount  rate  assumption  by  50  bps  would  have 
increased Snap-on’s 2017 domestic pension expense and projected benefit obligation by approximately $4.3 million and 
$71.3 million, respectively. As of 2017 year end, Snap-on’s domestic projected benefit obligation comprised approximately 
83% of Snap-on’s worldwide projected benefit obligation. The weighted-average discount rate for Snap-on’s foreign pension 
plans of 2.7% (compared to 2.9% as of 2016 year end) represents the single rate that produces the same present value of 
cash flows as the estimated benefit plan payments. Lowering Snap-on’s foreign discount rate assumption by 50 bps would 
have increased Snap-on’s 2017 foreign pension expense and projected benefit obligation by approximately $1.8 million and 
$24.4 million, respectively.    

Actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value 
of assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active participants or over the 
average remaining life expectancy for plans with primarily inactive participants. Prior service costs and credits resulting from 
plan amendments are amortized in equal annual amounts over the average remaining service period of active participants 
or over the average remaining life expectancy for plans with primarily inactive participants.  

To determine the 2018 net periodic benefit cost, Snap-on is using weighted-average discount rates for its domestic and 
foreign pension plans of 3.9% and 2.7%, respectively, and an expected return on plan assets for its domestic pension plans 
of 7.45%.  The expected returns on plan assets for foreign pension plans ranged from 1.9% and 6.1% as of 2017 year end.  
The net change in these two key assumptions from those used in 2017 is expected to increase pension expense in 2018. 
Other factors, such as changes in plan demographics and discretionary contributions, may further increase or decrease 
pension expense in 2018. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on pension plans.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued) 

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts on Finance and Contract Receivables: The allowances for doubtful accounts on finance 
and contract receivables are maintained at levels management believes are adequate to cover probable losses inherent in 
Snap-on’s  finance  and  contract  receivables  portfolios  as  of  the  measurement  date.  The  allowances  represent 
management’s estimate of the losses inherent in the company’s receivables portfolios based on ongoing assessments and 
evaluations  of  collectability  and  historical  loss  experience.    Determination  of  the  proper  level  of  allowances  by  portfolio 
requires management to exercise significant judgment about the timing, frequency and severity of credit losses that could 
materially  affect  the  provision  for  credit  losses  and,  as  a  result,  net  earnings.    The  allowances  take  into  consideration 
numerous  quantitative  and  qualitative  factors  that  include  receivable  type,  historical  loss  experience,  loss  migration, 
delinquency trends, collection experience, current economic conditions and credit risk characteristics. Some of these factors 
are influenced by items such as the customers’ financial condition,  debt-servicing ability, past payment experience, and 
credit bureau and proprietary Snap-on credit model information, as well as the value of the underlying collateral.  Changes 
in economic conditions and assumptions, including the resulting credit quality metrics relative to the performance of the 
finance  and  contract  receivables  portfolios,  create  uncertainty  and  could  result  in  changes  to  both  the  allowances  and 
provision for credit losses.   

Management utilizes established policies and procedures in an effort to ensure the estimates and assumptions are well 
controlled, reviewed and consistently applied.  As of December 30, 2017, the ratios of the allowances for doubtful accounts 
to finance and contract receivables (the “allowance ratios”) were 3.53% and 1.08%, respectively.  As of December 31, 2016, 
the respective allowance ratios were 3.34% and 1.03%.  While management believes it exercises prudent judgment and 
applies reasonable assumptions in establishing its estimates for allowances for finance and contract receivables, there can 
be no assurance that changes in economic conditions or other factors would not adversely impact the financial health of 
our customers and result in changes to the estimates used in the allowance calculations.  For reference, a 100 bps increase 
in the allowance ratios for both finance and contract receivables as of December 30, 2017, would have increased Snap-on’s 
2017  provision  expense  and  related  allowances  for  doubtful  accounts  by  approximately  $16.0  million  and  $4.2  million, 
respectively.   

For  additional  information  on  Snap-on’s  allowances  for  doubtful  accounts,  see  Note  1  and  Note  3  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements.   

Outlook      

Snap-on expects to make continued progress in 2018 along its defined runways for coherent growth, leveraging capabilities 
already demonstrated in the automotive repair arena and developing and expanding its professional customer base, not 
only in automotive repair, but in adjacent markets, additional geographies and other areas, including extending in critical 
industries, where the cost and penalties for failure can be high. In pursuit of these initiatives, Snap-on expects that capital 
expenditures in 2018 will be in a range of $90 million to $100 million.  

As a result of the recently enacted Tax Act, Snap-on currently anticipates that its full year 2018 effective income tax rate 
will be in the range of 24% to 25%.  This compares to a full year 2017 effective tax rate of 31.1%.   

    56 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  

Market, Credit and Economic Risks 

Market risk is the potential economic loss that may result from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. Snap-on 
is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.  Snap-on is also exposed to 
market risk associated with the stock-based portion of its deferred compensation plans.  Snap-on monitors its exposure to these 
risks and attempts to manage the underlying economic exposures through the use of financial instruments such as foreign 
currency forward contracts, interest rate swap agreements, treasury lock agreements and prepaid equity forward agreements 
(“equity forwards”).  Snap-on does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  Snap-on’s broad-based 
business activities help to reduce the impact that volatility in any particular area or related areas may have on its operating 
earnings as a whole.  Snap-on’s management takes an active role in the risk management process and has developed policies 
and procedures that require specific administrative and business functions to assist in the identification, assessment and control 
of various risks. 

Foreign Currency Risk Management 

Snap-on  has  significant  international  operations  and  is  subject  to  certain  risks  inherent  with  foreign  operations  that  include 
currency fluctuations.  Foreign currency exchange risk exists to the extent that Snap-on has payment obligations or receipts 
denominated in currencies other than the functional currency, including intercompany loans denominated in foreign currencies. 
To manage these exposures, Snap-on identifies naturally offsetting positions and then purchases hedging instruments to protect 
the residual net exposures. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on foreign currency risk 
management.  

Interest Rate Risk Management 

Snap-on aims to control funding costs by managing the exposure created by the differing maturities and interest rate structures 
of Snap-on’s borrowings through the use of interest rate swap agreements.  Treasury lock agreements are used from time to 
time to manage the potential change in interest rates in anticipation of the possible issuance of fixed rate debt. See Note 10 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on interest rate risk management.   

Snap-on utilizes a Value-at-Risk (“VAR”) model to determine the potential one-day loss in the fair value of its interest rate 
and foreign exchange-sensitive financial instruments from adverse changes in market factors.  The VAR model estimates 
were made assuming normal market conditions and a 95% confidence level. Snap-on’s computations are based on the 
inter-relationships  among  movements  in  various  currencies  and  interest  rates  (variance/co-variance  technique).   These 
inter-relationships were determined by observing interest rate and foreign currency market changes over the preceding 
quarter. 

The estimated maximum potential one-day loss in fair value, calculated using the VAR model, as of 2017 and 2016 year end 
was $1.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, on interest rate-sensitive financial instruments, and $0.1 million and $0.8 million, 
respectively, on foreign currency-sensitive financial instruments.  The VAR model is a risk management tool and does not purport 
to represent actual losses in fair value that will be incurred by Snap-on, nor does it consider the potential effect of favorable 
changes in market factors. 

Stock-based Deferred Compensation Risk Management  

Snap-on aims to manage market risk associated with the stock-based portion of its deferred compensation plans through 
the use of equity forwards.  Equity forwards are used to aid in offsetting the potential mark-to-market effect on stock-based 
deferred  compensation  from  changes  in  Snap-on’s  stock  price.    Since  stock-based  deferred  compensation  liabilities 
increase as the company’s stock price rises and decrease as the company’s stock price declines, the equity forwards are 
intended to mitigate the potential impact on compensation expense that may result from such mark-to-market changes.  
See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on stock-based deferred compensation 
risk management.  

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit Risk  

Credit risk is the possibility of loss from a customer’s failure to make payments according to contract terms.  Prior to extending 
credit, each customer is evaluated, taking into consideration various factors, including the customer’s financial condition, debt-
servicing ability, past payment experience, credit bureau information, and other financial and qualitative factors that may affect 
the customer’s ability to repay, as well as the value of the underlying collateral.  Credit risk is also monitored regularly through 
the use of internal proprietary custom scoring models to evaluate each transaction at the time of the application for credit and 
by periodically updating those credit scores for ongoing monitoring purposes. Snap-on evaluates credit quality through the use 
of an internal proprietary measuring system that provides a framework to analyze finance and contract receivables on the basis 
of risk factors of the individual obligor as well as transaction specific risk.  The finance and contract receivables are typically 
monitored through an asset quality review process that closely monitors past due accounts and initiates a progressive collection 
action process when appropriate.    

Counterparty Risk   

Snap-on  is  exposed  to  credit  losses  in  the  event  of  non-performance  by  the  counterparties  to  its  various  financial 
agreements, including its foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate swap agreements, treasury lock agreements and 
prepaid equity forward agreements.  Snap-on does not obtain collateral or other security to support financial instruments 
subject  to  credit  risk,  but  monitors  the  credit  standing  of  the  counterparties  and  generally  enters  into  agreements  with 
financial institution counterparties with a credit rating of A- or better.  Snap-on does not anticipate non-performance by its 
counterparties, but cannot provide assurances. 

Economic Risk 

Economic risk is the possibility of loss resulting from economic instability in certain areas of the world. Snap-on continually 
monitors its exposure in these markets; for example, the company is monitoring the potential effects of the United Kingdom’s 
pending exit from the European Union, although it is too soon to know what effects this might have on the world economy 
or the company.  Inflation has not had a significant impact on the company. 

As a result of the above market, credit and economic risks, net earnings and revenues in any particular period may not be 
representative of full-year results and may vary significantly from year to year.  

Commodity Risk    

Snap-on is a purchaser of certain commodities such as steel, natural gas and electricity. The company is also a purchaser 
of components and parts that are integrated into the company’s end products, as well as the purchaser of certain finished goods, 
all of which may contain various commodities including steel, aluminum, nickel, copper and others. Snap-on’s supply of raw 
materials and purchased components are generally and readily available from numerous suppliers.   

The principal raw material used in the manufacture of the company’s products is steel, which the company purchases in 
competitive,  price-sensitive  markets.  To  meet  Snap-on’s  high  quality  standards,  the  company’s  steel  needs  range  from 
specialized alloys, which are available only from a limited group of approved suppliers, to commodity types of alloys. These 
raw materials have historically exhibited price and demand cyclicality. Some of these materials have been, and in the future 
may be, in short supply, particularly in the event of mill shutdowns or production cut backs. As some steel alloys require 
specialized  manufacturing  procedures,  Snap-on  could  experience  inventory  shortages  if  it  were  required  to  use  an 
alternative manufacturer on short notice. Additionally, unexpected price increases for raw materials could result in higher 
prices to Snap-on’s customers or an erosion of the margins on its products.  

Snap-on believes its ability to sell product is also dependent on the number of vehicles on the road, the number of miles 
driven  and  the  general  aging  of  vehicles.  These  factors  affect  the  frequency,  type  and  amount  of  service  and  repair 
performed on vehicles by technicians, and therefore affect the demand for the number of technicians, the prosperity of the 
technicians and, consequently, the demand technicians have for the company’s tools, other products and services, and the 
value technicians place on those products and services. The use of other methods of transportation, including more frequent 
use of public transportation, could result in a decrease in the use of privately operated vehicles. A decrease in the use of 
privately operated vehicles may lead to fewer repairs and less demand for the company’s products.    

To the extent that commodity prices increase and the company does not have firm pricing agreements with its suppliers, the 
company may experience margin declines to the extent that it is not able to increase the selling prices of its products. 

    58 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8:   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

The financial statements and schedules are listed in Item 15(a) and are incorporated by reference into this Item 8. 

Item 9:   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure  

None. 

Item 9A:  Controls and Procedures  

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures  

Snap-on maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that 
material information relating to the company and its consolidated subsidiaries is timely communicated to the officers who certify 
Snap-on’s financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board, as appropriate. 

In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the company’s management 
evaluated, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and 
operation  of  the  company’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  Rules  13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e)  under  the 
Exchange Act) as of December 30, 2017.  Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief 
Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  concluded  that  the  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were  effective  as  of 
December 30, 2017, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports it files or submits under 
the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time period specified in the Securities and 
Exchange Commission rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports 
it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its 
principal  executive  and  principal  financial  officers,  or  persons  performing  similar  functions,  as  appropriate,  to  allow  timely 
decisions regarding required disclosure. 

Changes in Internal Control 

During the quarter ended December 30, 2017, the company implemented a plan that calls for modifications and additions 
to internal control over financial reporting related to the accounting for revenues as a result of the new revenue recognition 
standard,  ASC  606.    The  modified  and  new  controls  have  been  designed  to  address  risks  associated  with  recognizing 
revenue under the new standard.  The company has added additional controls over financial reporting by enhancing the 
contract review process to include the attributes related to revenue recognition as well as to provide for the gathering of the 
disclosure information needed under the new requirements.  There were no other changes in internal controls during the 
quarter ended December 30, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s 
internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)). 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Our  management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  (as 
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).  Under 
the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013).  
Based on this assessment, the company’s management believes that, as of December 30, 2017, our internal control over 
financial reporting was effective at a reasonable assurance level. The company’s internal control over financial reporting as 
of December 30, 2017, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as 
stated in its attestation report, which is included herein.  

Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our internal control 
over  financial  reporting  will  prevent  all  error  or  fraud.  Because  of  inherent  limitations,  a  system  of  internal  control  over 
financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because 
of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Snap-on Incorporated: 

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Snap-on Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as 
of  December  30,  2017,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  —  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, 
in  all  material  respects,  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  30,  2017,  based  on  criteria 
established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 30, 2017, of the Company and 
our report dated February 15, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. 

Basis for Opinion  

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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are 
required  to  be  independent  with  respect  to  the  Company  in  accordance  with  the  U.S.  federal  securities  laws  and  the 
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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. 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

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. 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  
February 15, 2018   

    60 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
Item 9B: Other Information  

None. 

PART III   

Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

Incorporated by reference to sections entitled “Item 1: Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance Practices and Board 
Information” and “Other Information” in Snap-on’s 2017 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement, which is expected to be mailed to 
shareholders on or about March 9, 2018 (the “2018 Proxy Statement”).   

The Section 16(a) filing compliance disclosure pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is contained in Snap-on’s 2018 Proxy 
Statement  in  the  section  entitled  “Other  Information  –  Section  16(a)  Beneficial  Ownership  Reporting  Compliance,”  and  is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

Information regarding Snap-on’s executive officers, including their ages, business experience (for at least the last five years) 
and titles as of December 30, 2017, is presented below: 

Nicholas  T.  Pinchuk  (71)  –  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  since  2009,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  since 
December 2007 and President and Chief Operating Officer from April to December 2007. Senior Vice President and President 
– Worldwide Commercial & Industrial Group from 2002 to 2007.  Prior to joining Snap-on, Mr. Pinchuk held various positions, 
including President of Global Refrigeration Operations and President of  Asia Pacific Operations, at Carrier Corporation, a 
producer of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems, and a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation.  Mr. 
Pinchuk serves on the board of directors of Columbus McKinnon Corporation. 

Aldo J. Pagliari (63) – Senior Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer since 2010.       

Anup R. Banerjee (67) – Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief Development Officer since 2015, and President, 
Commercial Group from 2011 to 2015. 

Iain Boyd (55) – Vice President, Operations Development since 2015.  Vice President – Human Resources from 2007 to 2015.    

Thomas L. Kassouf (65) – Senior Vice President and President – Snap-on Tools Group since 2010.     

June C. Lemerand (55) – Vice President and Chief Information Officer since 2017.  Vice President of Information Technology 
Services from 2015 to 2017, and Senior Director, Information Technology Sales and Marketing Applications from 2005 to 
2015.  

Irwin M. Shur (59) – Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since 2008.   

Richard K. Strege (60) – Vice President and Controller since 2017.  Vice President, Internal Audit, Controls and Compliance 
from 2007 to 2017.   

Thomas J. Ward (65) – Senior Vice President and President – Repair Systems & Information Group since 2010.     

There is no family relationship among the executive officers and there has been no involvement in legal proceedings during 
the past ten years that would be material to the evaluation of the ability or integrity of any of the executive officers.  Executive 
officers may either be elected by the Board or may be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer at the regular meeting of the 
Board that follows the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, which is ordinarily held in April each year, or at such other times as new 
positions are created or vacancies must be filled. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Code of Ethics and Website Disclosure 

Snap-on has adopted a written code of ethics that applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President 
and Controller, and all other financial officers and executives performing similar functions.  Snap-on has posted a copy of the 
code of ethics in the Investors/Corporate Governance section on the company’s website at www.snapon.com.  Snap-on will 
also post any amendments to these documents, or information about any waivers granted to directors or executive officers 
with respect to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, on the company’s website at www.snapon.com.   

Snap-on intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, 
the code of ethics by posting such information in the “Investors” section of its corporate website at www.snapon.com. 

Item 11: Executive Compensation  

The  information  required  by  Item  11  is  contained  in  Snap-on’s  2018  Proxy  Statement  in  the  sections  entitled  “Executive 
Compensation,”  “Board  Compensation,”  “Compensation  Committee  Report,”  and  “Other  Information”  and  is  incorporated 
herein by reference. 

Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters  

The following table sets forth information about Snap-on’s equity compensation plans at 2017 year end: 

  Number of securities to 

be issued upon 
exercise of outstanding 
options, warrants and 
rights 
(a) 

Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 
(b) 

  Number of securities remaining 

available for future issuance 
under equity compensation 
plans (excluding securities 
reflected in column (a)) 
(c) 

3,606,096 (1) 

$117.66 (2) 

4,219,539 (3) 

62,807 (4) 

3,668,903 

Not Applicable 
$117.66 (2) 

  – 

(5) 
4,219,539 (5) 

Plan category 

Equity compensation  
  plans approved by  
  security holders 

Equity compensation  
   plans not approved by 
   security holders 

Total 

(1)  Includes  (i)  options  to  acquire  476,028  shares  granted  under  the  2001  Incentive  Stock  and  Awards  Plan  (the  “2001  Plan”);  (ii)  options  and  stock 
appreciation rights to acquire 3,081,885 shares granted under the 2011 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “2011 Plan,” and collectively with the 
2001 Plan, the “Incentive Plans”); and (iii) 48,183 shares represented by deferred share units under the Directors’ Fee Plan. Excludes 50,528 shares 
issuable in connection with the vesting of restricted stock units and restricted stock under the 2001 Plan, and 207,335 shares issuable in connection 
with the vesting of performance share awards, restricted stock units and restricted stock under the 2011 Plan.  Also excludes shares of common stock 
that may be issuable under the employee and franchisee stock purchase plans.  

(2)  Reflects only the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the Incentive Plans and 
does not include shares represented by deferred share units under the Directors’ Fee Plan and shares issuable  in connection with the vesting of 
restricted stock units or performance units under the Incentive Plans for which there are no exercise prices.  Also excludes shares of common stock 
that may be issuable under the employee and franchisee stock purchase plans. 

(3)  Includes (i) 3,296,859 shares reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan; (ii) 169,080 shares reserved for issuance under the Directors’ Fee Plan; and 

(iii) 753,600 shares reserved for issuance under the employee stock purchase plan.   

(4)  Consists of deferred share units under Snap-on’s Deferred Compensation Plan, which allows elected and appointed officers of Snap-on to defer all or 
a percentage of their respective annual salary and/or incentive compensation. The deferred share units are payable in shares of Snap-on common 
stock on a one-for-one basis and are calculated at fair market value. Shares of common stock delivered under the Deferred Compensation Plan are 
previously issued shares reacquired and held by Snap-on. 

(5)  The Deferred Compensation Plan provides that Snap-on will make available, as and when required, a sufficient number of shares of common stock to 

meet the needs of the plan.  It further provides that such shares shall be previously issued shares reacquired and held by Snap-on.  

    62 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
The  additional  information  required  by  Item  12  is  contained  in  Snap-on’s  2018  Proxy  Statement  in  the  sections  entitled 
“Executive Compensation,” “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management,” and “Other Information,” 
and is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence  

Incorporated  by  reference  to  the  sections  entitled  “Corporate  Governance  Practices  and  Board  Information  –  Board 
Information” and “Other Information – Transactions with the Company” in Snap-on’s 2018 Proxy Statement.  

Item 14: Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

Incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Deloitte & Touche LLP Fee Disclosure” in Snap-on’s 2018 Proxy Statement. 

PART IV 

Item 15:   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules  

Item 15(a):  Documents Filed as Part of This Report: 

1.  List of Financial Statements 

Unless  otherwise  indicated,  references  to  “fiscal  2017”  or  “2017”  refer  to  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  30,  2017; 
references to “fiscal 2016” or “2016” refer to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016; and references to “fiscal 2015” or 
“2015” refer to the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016.  References to 2017, 2016 and 2015 year end refer to December 30, 
2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016, respectively.   

The following consolidated financial statements of Snap-on and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
thereon, are filed as part of this report: 

(cid:120)  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

(cid:120)  Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the 2017, 2016 and 2015 fiscal years. 

(cid:120)  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the 2017, 2016 and 2015 fiscal years. 

(cid:120)  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 2017 and 2016 year end. 

(cid:120)  Consolidated Statements of Equity for the 2017, 2016 and 2015 fiscal years. 

(cid:120)  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 2017, 2016 and 2015 fiscal years. 

(cid:120)  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

2.  Financial Statement Schedules 

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or the required information is included in the consolidated financial 
statements or notes thereto. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.  List of Exhibits (*) 

(3) 

(a)   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Snap-on Incorporated, as amended through April 25, 2013 (incorporated 
by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1  to  Snap-on’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarterly  period  ended 
September 28, 2013 (Commission File No. 1-7724)) 

(b)   Bylaws of Snap-on Incorporated, as amended and restated as of April 25, 2013 (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 3.2 to Snap-on’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2013 (Commission File No. 1-7724)) 

 (4) 

(a)  

Indenture, dated as of January 8, 2007, between Snap-on Incorporated and U.S. Bank National Association as
trustee  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit (4)(b)  to  Form  S-3  Registration  Statement  (Registration  No. 
333-139863)) 

(b)   Officer's  Certificate,  dated  as  of  February  24,  2009,  providing  for the  $200,000,000  6.70% Notes  due  2019 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Snap-on's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 19, 2009 
(Commission File No. 1-7724)) 

(c)   Officer's  Certificate,  dated  as  of  August  14,  2009,  providing  for  the  $250,000,000  6.125%  Notes  due  2021 
(incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit 4.1  to  Snap-on's  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  dated  August  11,  2009 
(Commission File No. 1-7724)) 

(d)   Officer's  Certificate,  dated  as  of  February  21,  2017,  providing  for the  $300,000,000  3.25% Notes  due  2027 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Snap-on's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2017 
(Commission File No. 1-7724)) 

Except for the foregoing, Snap-on and its subsidiaries have no unregistered long-term debt agreement for which the related 
outstanding debt exceeds 10% of consolidated total assets as of December 30, 2017.  Copies of debt instruments for which 
the related debt is less than 10% of consolidated total assets will be furnished to the Commission upon request. 

(10)   Material Contracts   

(a)   Amended and Restated Snap-on Incorporated 2001 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (Amended and Restated 
as  of  April  27,  2006,  as  further  amended  on  August  6,  2009)  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to 
Snap-on’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 3, 2009 (Commission File 
No. 1-7724))** (superseded except as to outstanding awards) 

(b)   Snap-on Incorporated 2011 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (As Amended and Restated)**  (Reflects non-

material changes finalized in November 2017.)  

(c)   Form  of  Restated  Executive  Agreement  between  Snap-on  Incorporated  and  each  of  its  executive  officers** 

(Reflects non-material changes finalized in November 2017.)    

(d)(1) Form of Indemnification Agreement between Snap-on Incorporated and certain executive officers (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Snap-on's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 
2011 (Commission File No. 1-7724))**   

(d)(2) Form of Indemnification Agreement between Snap-on Incorporated and directors (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 to Snap-on's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011 (Commission 
File No. 1-7724))** 

(e)(1) Amended and Restated Snap-on Incorporated Directors’ 1993 Fee Plan (as amended through August 5, 2010) 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Snap-on’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period 
ended October 2, 2010 (Commission File No. 1-7724))** 

(e)(2) Amendment  to  Amended  and  Restated  Snap-on  Incorporated  Directors'  1993  Fee  Plan (incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10(e)(2) to Snap-on’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 
2013 (Commission File No. 1-7724))** 

    64 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
(f)(1)  Snap-on  Incorporated  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  (as  amended  and  restated  as  of  September  1,  2011) 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to Snap-on’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2011 (Commission File No. 1-7724))** 

(f)(2)  Amendment  to  Snap-on  Incorporated  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit 
10(f)(2) to Snap-on’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013 (Commission 
File No. 1-7724))** 

(g)   Snap-on  Incorporated  Supplemental  Retirement  Plan  for  Officers  (as  amended  through  June  11,  2010) 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Snap-on’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period 
ended July 3, 2010 (Commission File No. 1-7724))** 

(h)   Form  of  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Agreement  under  the  2001  Incentive  Stock  and  Awards  Plan  (and 
accompanying  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Grant  Offer  Letter)  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to 
Snap-on’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007 (Commission File No. 
1-7724))** (superseded except as to outstanding awards) 

(i)  

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Directors under the 2001 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (and 
accompanying  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Offer  Letter)  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to  Snap-on’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 3, 2009 (Commission File No. 1-7724))** 
(superseded except as to outstanding awards) 

(j)    Form  of  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Agreement  under  the  2011  Incentive  Stock  and  Awards  Plan  (and 
accompanying  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Grant  Offer  Letter)  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to 
Snap-on’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 1, 2011 (Commission File 
No. 1-7724))** 

(k)   Form  of  Performance  Share  Unit  Award  Agreement  under  the  2011  Incentive  Stock  and  Awards  Plan 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Snap-on’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period 
ended March 31, 2012 (Commission File No. 1-7724))** 

(l)  

Form of Restricted Unit Award Agreement for Executive Officers under the 2011 Incentive Stock and Awards 
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Snap-on’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly 
period ended March 31, 2012 (Commission File No. 1-7724))** 

(m)   Form  of  Restricted  Unit  Award  Agreement  for  Directors  under  the  2011  Incentive  Stock  and  Awards  Plan 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Snap-on’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period 
ended March 31, 2012 (Commission File No. 1-7724))** 

(n)   Form  of  Restricted  Stock  Award  Agreement  for  Directors  under  the  2011  Incentive  Stock  and  Awards  Plan 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Snap-on’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period 
ended March 30, 2013 (Commission File No. 1-7724))** 

(o)  Second Amended and Restated Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2015, among Snap-on 
Incorporated and  the lenders and agents listed on the signature pages thereof, and J.P. Morgan Securities 
LLC,  Citigroup  Global  Markets  Inc.  and  U.S.  Bank  National  Association  as  joint  lead  arrangers  and  joint 
bookrunners  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  Snap-on’s  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  dated 
December 15, 2015 (Commission File No. 1-7724))  

(p)  Underwriting  Agreement,  dated  as  of  February  15,  2017,  among  Snap-on  Incorporated,  Citigroup  Global 
Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named therein. 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Snap-on’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 15, 2017 
(Commission File No. 1-7724))  

(12)    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges  

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
(14) 

Snap-on Incorporated Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10(aa) to Snap-on’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004 (Commission File No. 
1-7724))  

(21)    Subsidiaries of the Corporation  

(23)    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

(31.1)    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  

(31.2)    Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

(32.1)  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of 

the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  

(32.2)  Certification of  Principal  Financial  Officer  Pursuant  to  18  U.S.C. Section  1350,  as  Adopted  Pursuant  to Section 

906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  

(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*** 

* 

Filed electronically or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Copies of any materials the company files with 
the SEC can also be obtained free of charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.  The SEC’s Public Reference Room can be contacted at 
100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or by calling the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 1-800-732-0330.   

**  Represents a management compensatory plan or agreement. 

***   Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated 
Statements of Earnings for the twelve months ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016; (ii) Consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive Income for the twelve months ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016; (iii) Consolidated Balance 
Sheets as of December 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the twelve months ended December 30, 2017, 
December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twelve months ended December 30, 2017, December 
31, 2016, and January 2, 2016; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Item 16:    Form 10-K Summary 

None.  

    66 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Snap-on Incorporated: 

Opinion on the Financial Statements 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Snap-on  Incorporated  and  subsidiaries  (the 
"Company")  as  of  December  30,  2017,  and  December  31,  2016,  and the  related  consolidated  statements  of  earnings, 
comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2017, and the 
related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements").  In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, 
in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, and the 
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2017, in conformity 
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(“PCAOB”), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2017, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission and our report dated February 15, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control 
over financial reporting. 

Basis for Opinion 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on the Company's financial statements based on our audits.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB 
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and 
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  PCAOB.  Those  standards  require  that  we  plan  and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, 
whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of 
the  financial  statements,  whether  due  to  error  or  fraud,  and  performing  procedures  that  respond  to  those  risks.  Such 
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. 
Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well 
as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for 
our opinion. 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin   
February 15, 2018   

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2002. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Snap-on Incorporated - Consolidated Statements of Earnings 

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)  

Net sales  

Cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 

Operating expenses  

2017 

2016 

2015 

  $ 3,686.9 

  $ 3,430.4 

  $ 3,352.8 

  (1,862.0) 

  (1,720.8) 

  (1,704.5) 

  1,824.9 

  1,709.6 

  1,648.3 

  (1,160.9) 

  (1,054.1) 

  (1,053.7) 

Operating earnings before financial services 

664.0 

655.5 

594.6 

Financial services revenue  

Financial services expenses 

Operating earnings from financial services 

Operating earnings  

Interest expense  

Other income (expense) – net  

Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings  

Income tax expense  

Earnings before equity earnings  

Equity earnings, net of tax  

Net earnings  

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests 

313.4 

(95.9) 

217.5 

881.5 

(52.4) 

(7.2) 

821.9 

(250.9) 

571.0 

1.2 

572.2 

(14.5) 

281.4 

(82.7) 

198.7 

854.2 

(52.2) 

(0.6) 

801.4 

(244.3) 

557.1 

2.5 

559.6 

(13.2) 

240.3 

(70.1) 

170.2 

764.8 

(51.9) 

(2.4) 

710.5 

(221.2) 

489.3 

1.3 

490.6 

(11.9) 

Net earnings attributable to Snap-on Incorporated 

  $  557.7 

  $  546.4 

  $  478.7 

Net earnings per share attributable to     
  Snap-on Incorporated: 

  Basic  

  Diluted  

Weighted-average shares outstanding:  

      Basic  

     Effect of dilutive securities  

      Diluted  

  $ 

9.72 

  $ 

9.40 

  $ 

9.52 

9.20 

57.4 

1.2 

58.6 

58.1 

1.3 

59.4 

8.24 

8.10 

58.1 

1.0 

59.1 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

    68 

 SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on Incorporated - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 

(Amounts in millions) 

Comprehensive income (loss): 

  Net earnings 

  Other comprehensive income (loss): 

   Foreign currency translation*  

   Unrealized cash flow hedges, net of tax:  

      Other comprehensive income before reclassifications  

      Reclassification of cash flow hedges to net earnings 

   Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans:  

      Net prior service costs and credits and unrecognized gain (loss)  

      Income tax benefit (expense) 

      Net of tax 

      Amortization of net prior service costs and credits and  

        unrecognized loss included in net periodic benefit cost 

      Income tax benefit 

      Net of tax  

Total comprehensive income  

2017 

2016 

2015 

$ 

572.2   

$ 

559.6   

$ 

490.6   

135.2 

(99.2) 

(110.8) 

6.9 

(1.6) 

15.9 

(4.1) 

11.8 

26.6 

(9.4) 

17.2 

741.7 

8.8 

(0.3) 

(93.3) 

30.7 

(62.6) 

30.1 

(11.1) 

19.0 

425.3 

– 

(0.3) 

(48.3) 

19.4 

(28.9) 

38.0 

(14.0) 

24.0 

374.6 

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 

(14.5) 

(13.2) 

(11.9) 

Comprehensive income attributable to Snap-on Incorporated 

$ 

727.2 

$ 

412.1   

$ 

362.7 

* There is no reclassification adjustment as there was no sale or liquidation of any foreign entity during any period presented. 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

69 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on Incorporated - Consolidated Balance Sheets 

(Amounts in millions, except share data) 
ASSETS  
 Current assets:  
 Cash and cash equivalents  
 Trade and other accounts receivable – net  
 Finance receivables – net  
 Contract receivables – net  
 Inventories – net 
 Prepaid expenses and other assets  
  Total current assets  
 Property and equipment – net  
 Deferred income tax assets  
 Long-term finance receivables – net  
 Long-term contract receivables – net 
 Goodwill  
 Other intangibles – net  
 Other assets  
Total assets  

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  
 Current liabilities:  
 Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt 
 Accounts payable 
 Accrued benefits  
 Accrued compensation  
 Franchisee deposits  
 Other accrued liabilities  
  Total current liabilities  
 Long-term debt  
 Deferred income tax liabilities 
 Retiree health care benefits  
 Pension liabilities  
 Other long-term liabilities  
  Total liabilities  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) 

Equity  
  Shareholders’ equity attributable to Snap-on Incorporated: 
  Preferred stock (authorized 15,000,000 shares of $1 par value; none  
    outstanding)  
  Common stock (authorized 250,000,000 shares of $1 par value; issued 
  67,407,704 and 67,400,250 shares, respectively) 
  Additional paid-in capital  
  Retained earnings  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
  Treasury stock at cost (10,717,455 and 9,450,393 shares, respectively) 
  Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Snap-on Incorporated 
  Noncontrolling interests 
  Total equity 
Total liabilities and equity  

Fiscal Year End 

2017 

2016 

92.0 
675.6 
505.4 
96.8 
638.8 
110.7 
2,119.3 
484.4 
52.0 
1,039.2 
322.6 
924.1 
253.7 
53.8 
5,249.1 

433.2 
178.2 
55.8 
71.5 
66.5 
388.1 
1,193.3 
753.6 
28.4 
36.0 
158.9 
106.6 
2,276.8 

– 

67.4 
343.2 
3,772.3 
(329.0) 
(900.0) 
2,953.9 
18.4 
2,972.3 
5,249.1 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

77.6 
598.8 
472.5 
88.1 
530.5 
116.5 
1,884.0 
425.2 
72.8 
934.5 
286.7 
895.5 
184.6 
39.9 
4,723.2 

301.4 
170.9 
52.8 
89.8 
66.7 
307.9 
989.5 
708.8 
13.1 
36.7 
246.5 
93.4 
2,088.0 

– 

67.4 
317.3 
3,384.9 
(498.5) 
(653.9) 
2,617.2 
18.0 
2,635.2 
4,723.2 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

    70 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on Incorporated - Consolidated Statements of Equity 

(Amounts in millions, except share data)  
Balance at January 3, 2015 
  Net earnings for 2015 
  Other comprehensive loss 
  Cash dividends – $2.20 per share 
  Stock compensation plans 
  Share repurchases – 723,000 shares 
  Tax benefit from certain stock options 
  Dividend reinvestment plan and other 
Balance at January 2, 2016 
  Net earnings for 2016 
  Other comprehensive loss  
  Cash dividends – $2.54 per share 
  Stock compensation plans 
  Share repurchases – 758,000 shares 
  Other 
Balance at December 31, 2016 
  Net earnings for 2017 
  Other comprehensive income  
  Cash dividends – $2.95 per share 
  Stock compensation plans 
  Share repurchases – 1,820,000 shares 
  Other 
Balance at December 30, 2017 

Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to Snap-on Incorporated 

Common 
Stock 

67.4 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
67.4 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
67.4 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
67.4 

  $ 

  $ 

Additional 
Paid-in 
Capital 
 $  254.7 

– 
– 
– 
23.3 
– 
18.3 
– 

    296.3 

– 
– 
– 
21.0 
– 
– 
317.3 
– 
– 
– 
25.9 
– 
– 

$  343.2 

Retained 
Earnings 
 $  2,637.2 
478.7 
– 
(127.9) 
– 
– 
– 
(1.1) 
2,986.9 
546.4 
– 
(147.5) 
– 
– 
(0.9) 
3,384.9 
557.7 
– 
(169.4) 
– 
– 
(0.9) 
$  3,772.3 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss) 
(248.2) 
$ 
– 
(116.0) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(364.2) 
– 
(134.3) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(498.5) 
– 
169.5 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(329.0) 

$ 

Treasury 
Stock 
  $  (503.3) 

– 
– 
– 
40.0 
(110.4) 
– 
– 
(573.7) 
– 
– 
– 
40.2 
(120.4) 
– 
(653.9) 
– 
– 
– 
41.8 
(287.9) 
– 
(900.0) 

$ 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

$ 

Noncontrolling 
Interests 
17.5 
11.9 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(11.4) 
18.0  
13.2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(13.2) 
18.0 
14.5 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(14.1) 
18.4 

$ 

Total Equity 
$  2,225.3 
490.6 
(116.0) 
(127.9) 
63.3 
(110.4) 
18.3 
(12.5) 
2,430.7 
559.6 
(134.3) 
(147.5) 
61.2 
(120.4) 
(14.1) 
2,635.2 
572.2 
169.5 
(169.4) 
67.7 
(287.9) 
(15.0) 
$  2,972.3 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

71 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on Incorporated - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

(Amounts in millions)  
Operating activities:    
  Net earnings  
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided (used) by  
    operating activities: 
     Depreciation  
    Amortization of other intangibles  
  Provision for losses on finance receivables 
  Provision for losses on non-finance receivables 
     Stock-based compensation expense   
  Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation 
     Deferred income tax provision (benefit)   
     Loss (gain) on sales of assets  
  Settlement of treasury lock 
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: 

Increase in trade and other accounts receivable 
Increase in contract receivables 

     Increase in inventories  
     Increase in prepaid and other assets  
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable  
     Increase (decrease) in accruals and other liabilities  
Net cash provided by operating activities  

Investing activities: 
  Additions to finance receivables 
  Collections of finance receivables 
  Capital expenditures  
  Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired 
  Disposals of property and equipment  
  Other 
Net cash used by investing activities  

Financing activities: 
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 
  Repayment of long-term debt 

  Proceeds from notes payable 

  Repayments of notes payable 
  Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings 
  Cash dividends paid  
  Purchases of treasury stock  
  Proceeds from stock purchase and option plans  
  Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation 
  Other 
Net cash used by financing activities  

2017 

2016 

2015 

  $  572.2 

  $  559.6 

  $  490.6 

65.6 
27.6 
54.6 
10.5 
30.3 
– 
12.3 
(0.2) 
14.9 

(55.5) 
(41.8) 
(76.0) 
(10.0) 
(2.2) 
6.2 
   608.5 

   (892.0) 
   712.7 
(82.0) 
(82.9) 
1.5 
1.3 
   (341.4) 

   297.8 
   (150.0) 

16.8 

(4.5) 
18.3 
   (169.4) 
   (287.9) 
46.2 
– 
(23.4) 
   (256.1) 

61.4 
24.2 
44.0 
7.5 
31.0 
– 
1.3 
0.2 
– 

(41.0) 
(31.9) 
(32.7) 
(11.9) 
16.3 
(51.9) 
   576.1 

   (915.0) 
   671.7 
(74.3) 
   (160.4) 
2.2 
2.4 
   (473.4) 

– 
– 

4.5 

(5.3) 
   135.0 
   (147.5) 
   (120.4) 
41.8 
– 
(24.1) 
   (116.0) 

57.8 
24.7 
31.6 
13.6 
39.8 
(18.3) 
(5.1) 
(2.1) 
– 

(44.7) 
(34.6) 
(43.3) 
(28.2) 
4.7 
20.7 
   507.2 

   (844.2) 
   624.8 
(80.4) 
(11.8) 
3.5 
1.7 
   (306.4) 

– 
– 

7.1 

(6.3) 
(34.8) 
   (127.9) 
   (110.4) 
41.6 
18.3 
(24.3) 
   (236.7) 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  

3.4 
14.4 
77.6 
  $  92.0 

(1.9) 
(15.2) 
92.8 
  $  77.6 

(4.2) 
(40.1) 
   132.9 
  $  92.8 

Supplemental cash flow disclosures:  
  Cash paid for interest  
  Net cash paid for income taxes  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

  $ 

(51.2) 
   (228.1) 

  $   (51.0) 
   (247.3) 

  $   (50.8) 
   (191.9) 

    72 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Note 1: Summary of Accounting Policies  

Principles of consolidation and presentation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Snap-on 
Incorporated and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Snap-on” or “the company”).   

Snap-on accounts for investments in unconsolidated affiliates where Snap-on has a greater than 20% but less than 50% 
ownership interest under the equity method of accounting. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $18.6 million as of 
December  30,  2017,  and  $15.2  million  as  of  December  31,  2016,  are  included  in  “Other  assets”  on  the  accompanying 
Consolidated Balance Sheets; no equity investment dividends were received in any period presented. In the normal course 
of business, the company may purchase products or services from, or sell products or services to, unconsolidated affiliates.  
Purchases  from  unconsolidated  affiliates  were  $11.6  million,  $12.9  million  and  $13.4  million  in  2017,  2016  and  2015, 
respectively, and sales to unconsolidated affiliates were $0.5 million in 2017, $0.2 million in 2016 and zero in 2015. The 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  do  not  include  the  accounts  of  the  company’s  independent  franchisees.  Snap-on’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United 
States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.   

Fiscal year accounting period: Snap-on’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday that is on or nearest to December 31. The 
2017 fiscal year ended on December 30, 2017 (“2017”). The 2016 fiscal year ended on December 31, 2016 (“2016”). The 
2015 fiscal year ended on January 2, 2016 (“2015”).  The 2017, 2016, and 2015 fiscal years each contained 52 weeks of 
operating results.      

Use  of  estimates:  The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  GAAP  requires  management  to  make 
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets 
and  liabilities  at  the  date  of  the  financial  statements,  and  the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the 
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Financial  instruments:  The  fair  value  of  the  company’s  derivative  financial  instruments  is  generally  determined  using 
quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities.  The carrying value of the company’s non-derivative financial 
instruments either approximates fair value, due to their short-term nature, or the amount disclosed for fair value is based 
upon a discounted cash flow analysis or quoted market values.  See Note 10 for further information on financial instruments. 

Revenue recognition: Snap-on recognizes revenue from the sale of tools and diagnostic and equipment products when 
contract terms are met, the price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and a product is shipped or 
risk of ownership has been transferred to and accepted by the customer. For sales contingent upon customer acceptance, 
revenue recognition is deferred until such obligations are fulfilled.  Estimated product returns are recorded as a reduction 
in reported revenues at the time of sale based upon historical product return experience and gross profit margin adjusted 
for known trends. Provisions for customer volume rebates, discounts and allowances are also recorded as a reduction of 
reported  revenues  at  the  time  of  sale  based  on  historical  experience  and  known  trends.  Revenue  related  to  extended 
warranty and subscription agreements is recognized over the terms of the respective agreements.   

Snap-on  also  recognizes  revenue  related  to  multiple  element  arrangements,  including  sales  of  hardware,  software  and 
software-related services. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as hardware and software products 
and/or  services,  Snap-on  uses  the  relative  selling  price  method  to  allocate  revenues  between  hardware  and  software 
elements. For software elements that are not essential to the hardware’s functionality and related software post-contract 
customer  support,  vendor  specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value is used to further allocate revenue to each 
element based on its relative fair value and, when necessary, the residual method is used to assign value to the delivered 
elements  when  VSOE  only  exists  for  the  undelivered  elements.  The  amount  assigned  to  the  products  or  services  is 
recognized when the product is delivered and/or when the services are performed. In instances where the product and/or 
services are performed over an extended period, as is the case with subscription agreements or the providing of ongoing 
support, revenue is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement, which generally ranges 
from 12 to 60 months.   

Franchise fee revenue, including nominal, non-refundable initial fees, is recognized upon the granting of a franchise, which 
is when the company has performed substantially all initial services required by the franchise agreement.  Franchise fee 
revenue also includes ongoing monthly fees (primarily for sales and business training as well as marketing and product  
promotion programs) that are recognized as the fees are earned.  Franchise fee revenue totaled $15.2 million, $13.9 million 
and $12.7 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

73 

 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Financial services revenue: Snap-on also generates revenue from various financing programs that include: (i) installment 
sales  and  lease  contracts  arising  from  franchisees’  customers  and  Snap-on  customers  who  require  financing  for  the 
purchase or lease of tools and diagnostic and equipment products on an extended-term payment plan; and (ii) business 
loans and vehicle leases to franchisees. These financing programs are offered through Snap-on’s wholly owned finance 
subsidiaries. Financial services revenue consists primarily of interest income on finance and contract receivables and is 
recognized over the life of the underlying contracts, with interest computed primarily on the average daily balances of the 
underlying contracts. 

The  decision  to  finance  through  Snap-on  or  another  financing  source  is  solely  at  the  election  of  the  customer.  When 
assessing  customers  for  potential  financing,  Snap-on  considers  various  factors  regarding  ability  to  pay,  including  the 
customers’ financial condition, debt-servicing ability, past payment experience, and credit bureau and proprietary Snap-on 
credit model information, as well as the value of the underlying collateral. For finance and contract receivables, Snap-on 
assesses  these  factors  through  the  use  of  credit  quality  indicators  consisting  primarily  of  customer  credit  risk  scores 
combined with internal credit risk grades, collection experience and other internal metrics. 

Financial services lease arrangements: Snap-on accounts for its financial services leases as direct financing or sales-
type  leases.  The  company  determines  the  gross  investment  in  the  lease  as  the  present  value  of  the  minimum  lease 
payments using the interest rate implicit in the lease, net of amounts, if any, included therein for executor costs to be paid 
by Snap-on, together with any profit thereon. The difference between the gross investment in the lease and the  related 
undiscounted minimum lease payments for the leased property is reported as unearned finance charges. Unearned finance 
charges are amortized to income over the life of the contract. The default covenants included in the lease arrangements 
are  usual  and  customary,  consistent  with  industry  practice,  and  do  not  impact  the  lease  classification.  Except  in 
circumstances  where  the company  has  concluded  that  a  lessee’s  financial  condition  has  deteriorated,  the  other  default 
covenants under Snap-on’s lease arrangements are objectively determinable. 

Research and engineering: Snap-on incurred research and engineering costs of $60.9 million, $53.4 million and $49.3 
million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Research and engineering costs are included in “Operating expenses” on the 
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.     

Internally developed software: Costs incurred in the development of software that will ultimately be sold are capitalized 
from the time technological feasibility has been attained and capitalization ceases when the related product is ready for 
general  release.  During  2017,  2016  and  2015,  Snap-on  capitalized  $11.3  million,  $10.8  million  and  $14.9  million, 
respectively, of such costs. Amortization of capitalized software development costs, which is included in “Cost of goods 
sold” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings, was $14.7 million in 2017, $13.8 million in 2016 and 
$14.0 million in 2015. Unamortized capitalized software development costs of $43.6 million as of 2017 year end and $47.4 
million as of 2016 year end are included in “Other intangibles – net” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.   

Internal-use software: Costs that are incurred in creating software solutions and enhancements to those solutions are 
capitalized only for the application development stage of the project.     

Shipping and handling: Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included as a component of sales.  
Costs incurred by Snap-on for shipping and handling are included as a component of cost of goods sold when the costs 
relate to manufacturing activities. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, Snap-on incurred shipping and handling charges of $49.7 million, 
$43.1 million and $39.0 million, respectively, that were recorded in “Cost of goods sold” on the accompanying Consolidated 
Statements of Earnings. Shipping and handling costs incurred in conjunction with selling or distribution activities are included 
as a component of operating expenses.  Shipping and handling charges were $82.3 million in 2017, $81.2 million in 2016 
and  $78.5  million  in  2015;  these  charges  were  recorded  in  “Operating  expenses”  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated 
Statements of Earnings.  

Advertising and promotion: Production costs of future media advertising are deferred until the advertising occurs.  All 
other advertising and promotion costs are expensed when incurred.  For 2017, 2016 and 2015, advertising and promotion 
expenses totaled $55.7 million, $52.6 million and $54.9 million, respectively. Advertising and promotion costs are included 
in “Operating expenses” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.     

Warranties: Snap-on provides product warranties for specific product lines and accrues for estimated future warranty costs 
in the period in which the sale is recorded. See Note 15 for information on warranties. 

    74 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency: The financial statements of Snap-on’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and 
liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at current rates of exchange, and income and expense items are translated 
at the average exchange rates for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly into “Accumulated 
other  comprehensive  loss”  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  Foreign  exchange  transactions,  net  of 
foreign currency hedges, resulted in pretax losses of $7.0 million, $1.3 million and $2.7 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, 
respectively.  Foreign  exchange  transaction  gains  and  losses  are  reported  in  “Other  income  (expense)  –  net”  on  the 
accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. 

Income taxes: Current tax assets and liabilities are based upon an estimate of taxes refundable or payable for each of the 
jurisdictions  in  which  the  company  is  subject  to  tax.  In  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  there  is  inherent  uncertainty  in 
quantifying income tax positions. Snap-on assesses income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to 
examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting 
dates.  For  those  tax  positions  where  it  is  more-likely-than-not  that  a  tax  benefit  will  be  sustained,  Snap-on  records  the 
largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing 
authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-
not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized in the financial statements. When applicable, associated 
interest and penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties are included 
within the related tax asset or liability on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences arising from differences in bases of assets and liabilities for 
tax and financial reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes are recorded on temporary differences using enacted tax rates 
in effect for the year in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on 
deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets 
are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or 
all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See Note 8 for further information on income taxes. 

Per share data: Basic earnings per share calculations were computed by dividing net earnings attributable to Snap-on 
Incorporated by the corresponding weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The dilutive 
effect  of  the  potential  exercise  of  outstanding  options  and  stock-settled  stock  appreciation  rights  (“SARs”)  to  purchase 
common  shares  is  calculated  using  the  treasury  stock  method.  As  of  December  30,  2017,  there  were  722,715  awards 
outstanding  that  were  anti-dilutive;  as  of  both  December  31,  2016,  and  January  2,  2016,  there  were  1,600  awards 
outstanding  that  were  anti-dilutive.    Performance-based  equity  awards  are  included  in  the  diluted  earnings  per  share 
calculation based on the attainment of the applicable performance metrics to date. Snap-on had dilutive securities totaling 
1,207,285 shares, 1,307,914 shares and 1,016,969 shares, as of the end of 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 
13 for further information on equity awards. 

Stock-based  compensation:  Snap-on  recognizes  the  cost  of  employee  services  in  exchange  for  awards  of  equity 
instruments based on the grant date fair value of those awards. That cost, based on the estimated number of awards that 
are expected to vest, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period during which the employee is required to provide 
the service in exchange for the award. No compensation cost is recognized for awards for which employees do not render 
the requisite service. The grant date fair value of employee stock options and similar instruments is estimated using the 
Black-Scholes valuation model.   

The Black-Scholes valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock-based 
award and stock price volatility. The assumptions used are management’s best estimates, but the estimates involve inherent 
uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, the recorded 
stock-based compensation expense could have been materially different from that depicted in the financial statements.  See 
Note 13 for further information on stock-based compensation. 

Derivatives: Snap-on utilizes derivative financial instruments, including foreign currency forward contracts, interest rate 
swap agreements, treasury lock agreements and prepaid equity forward agreements to manage its exposures to foreign 
currency exchange rate risks, interest rate risks, and market risk associated with the stock-based portion of its deferred 
compensation plans. Snap-on accounts for its derivative instruments at fair value. Snap-on does not hold or issue financial 
instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  See Note 10 for further information on derivatives. 

Cash equivalents: Snap-on considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be 
cash equivalents.  There were no cash equivalents as of 2017 and 2016 year ends.  

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

75 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Receivables  and  allowances  for  doubtful  accounts:  All  trade,  finance  and  contract  receivables  are  reported  on  the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs and net of allowances for 
doubtful accounts. Finance and contract receivables also include accrued interest and contract acquisition costs, net of 
contract acquisition fees. 

Snap-on maintains allowances for doubtful accounts to absorb probable losses inherent in its portfolio of receivables.  The 
allowances for doubtful accounts represent management’s estimate of the losses inherent in the company’s receivables 
portfolio based on ongoing assessments and evaluations of collectability and historical loss experience. In estimating losses 
inherent in each of its receivable portfolios (trade, finance and contract receivables), Snap-on uses historical loss experience 
rates by portfolio and applies them to a related aging analysis. Determination of the proper level of allowances by portfolio 
requires management to exercise significant judgment about the timing, frequency and severity of credit losses that could 
materially  affect  the  provision  for  credit  losses  and,  as  a  result,  net  earnings.    The  allowances  take  into  consideration 
numerous  quantitative  and  qualitative  factors  that  include  receivable  type,  historical  loss  experience,  loss  migration, 
delinquency trends, collection experience, current economic conditions and credit risk characteristics as follows:     

(cid:120)  Snap-on  evaluates  the  collectability  of  receivables  based  on  a  combination  of  various  financial  and  qualitative 
factors that may affect its customers’ ability to pay. These factors may include customers’ financial condition, debt-
servicing ability, past payment experience, and credit bureau and proprietary Snap-on credit model information, as 
well as the value of the underlying collateral. 

(cid:120)  For  finance  and  contract  receivables,  Snap-on  assesses  quantitative  and  qualitative  factors  through  the  use  of 

credit quality indicators consisting primarily of collection experience and other internal metrics as follows: 

o  Collection experience – Snap-on conducts monthly reviews of credit and collection performance for each of its 
finance and contract receivable portfolios focusing on data such as delinquency trends, non-performing assets, 
and charge-off and recovery activity. These reviews allow for the formulation of collection strategies and potential 
collection policy modifications in response to changing risk profiles in the finance and contract receivable portfolios. 

o  Other  internal  metrics  –  Snap-on  maintains  a  system  that  aggregates  credit  exposure  by  customer,  risk 

classification and geographical area, among other factors, to further monitor changing risk profiles. 

Management performs detailed reviews of its receivables on a monthly and/or quarterly basis to assess the adequacy of 
the  allowances  based  on  historical  and  current  trends  and  other  factors  affecting  credit  losses  and  to  determine  if  any 
impairment has occurred. A receivable is impaired when it is probable that all amounts related to the receivable will not be 
collected  according  to  the  contractual  terms  of  the  agreement.  Additions  to  the  allowances  for  doubtful  accounts  are 
maintained through adjustments to the provision for credit losses, which are charged to current period earnings; amounts 
determined  to  be  uncollectable  are  charged  directly  against  the  allowances,  while  amounts  recovered  on  previously 
charged-off accounts increase the allowances. Net charge-offs include the principal amount of losses charged-off as well 
as charged-off interest and fees. Recovered interest and fees previously charged-off are recorded through the allowances 
for  doubtful  accounts  and  increase  the  allowances.  Finance  receivables  are  assessed  for  charge-off  when  an  account 
becomes 120 days past due and are charged-off typically within 60 days of asset repossession. Contract receivables related 
to equipment leases are generally charged-off when an account becomes 150 days past due, while contract receivables 
related to franchise finance and van leases are generally charged-off up to 180 days past the asset return date. For finance 
and contract receivables, customer bankruptcies are generally charged-off upon notification that the associated debt is not 
being reaffirmed or, in any event, no later than 180 days past due. 

Snap-on does not believe that its trade accounts, finance or contract receivables represent significant concentrations of 
credit  risk  because  of  the  diversified  portfolio  of  individual  customers  and  geographical  areas.  See  Note  3  for  further 
information on receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts. 

    76 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other accrued liabilities: Supplemental balance sheet information for “Other accrued liabilities” as of 2017 and 2016 year 
end is as follows: 

(Amounts in millions) 
Income taxes 
Accrued restructuring 
Accrued warranty 
Deferred subscription revenue 
Accrued property, payroll and other taxes 
Accrued selling and promotion expense 
Accrued legal matters 
Other   
Total other accrued liabilities 

2017 
41.6 
0.6 
17.2 
38.9 
45.4 
28.6 
45.9 
169.9 
388.1 

$ 

$ 

2016 
21.4 
2.8 
16.0 
43.0 
36.1 
24.7 
– 
163.9 
307.9 

  $ 

  $ 

Inventories:  Snap-on  values  its  inventory  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  market  and  adjusts  for  the  value  of  inventory  that  is 
estimated  to  be  excess,  obsolete  or  otherwise  unmarketable.  Snap-on  records  allowances  for  excess  and  obsolete 
inventory based on historical and estimated future demand and market conditions. Allowances for raw materials are largely 
based on an analysis of raw material age and actual physical inspection of raw material for fitness for use.  As part of 
evaluating the adequacy of allowances for work-in-progress and finished goods, management reviews individual product 
stock-keeping units (SKUs) by product category and product life cycle. Cost adjustments for each product category/product 
life-cycle state are generally established and maintained based on a combination of historical experience, forecasted sales 
and promotions, technological obsolescence, inventory age and other actual known conditions and circumstances. Should 
actual product marketability and raw material fitness for use be affected by conditions that are different from management 
estimates, further adjustments to inventory allowances may be required.   

Snap-on adopted the “last-in, first-out” (“LIFO”) inventory valuation method in 1973 for its U.S. locations. Snap-on’s U.S. 
inventories  accounted  for  on  a  LIFO  basis  consist  of  purchased  product  and  inventory  manufactured  at  the  company’s 
heritage U.S. manufacturing facilities (primarily hand tools and tool storage). Since Snap-on began acquiring businesses in 
the  1990’s,  the  company  has  used  the  “first-in,  first-out”  (“FIFO”)  inventory  valuation  methodology  for  acquisitions;  the 
company does not adopt the LIFO inventory valuation methodology for new acquisitions.  See Note 4 for further information 
on inventories. 

Property  and  equipment:  Property  and  equipment  is  stated  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and  amortization. 
Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives.  Major repairs that extend 
the useful life of an asset are capitalized, while routine maintenance and repairs are expensed  as incurred. Capitalized 
software included in property and equipment reflects costs related to internally developed or purchased software for internal 
use and is amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment 
when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be recoverable. See Note 
5 for further information on property and equipment. 

Goodwill and other intangible assets: Goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets are tested for impairment annually or 
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired.  Annual impairment tests 
are performed by the company in the second quarter of each year using information available as of fiscal April month end. 
Snap-on evaluates the existence of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment on the basis of whether the 
assets are fully recoverable from projected, discounted cash flows of the related reportable unit or asset. Intangible assets 
with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives using straight-line and accelerated methods depending on 
the nature of the particular asset. See Note 6 for further information on goodwill and other intangible assets. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

77 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

New accounting standards 

The following new accounting pronouncement was adopted in fiscal year 2017: 

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 
2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates the 
requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will 
record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. Snap-on early 
adopted this ASU in the second quarter of 2017 in conjunction with its annual impairment test. The amendments in this 
ASU  are  being  applied  on  a  prospective  basis  and  the  adoption  did  not  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  company’s 
consolidated financial statements. 

The following new accounting pronouncements, and related impacts on adoption, are being evaluated by the company: 

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Targeted Improvements to 
Accounting  for  Hedging  Activities,  which  improves  the  financial  reporting  of  hedging  relationships  to  better  portray  the 
economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. The amendments in this update also 
make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance in current GAAP. ASU 
No. 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal 
years;  the  ASU  allows  for  early  adoption  in  any  interim  period  after  issuance  of  the  update.  The  company  is  currently 
assessing the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. 

In  March  2017,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2017-07,  Compensation  –  Retirement  Benefits  (Topic  715)  –  Improving  the 
Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which provides additional guidance 
on the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs in the income statement and on the components 
eligible for capitalization. The amendments in this ASU require that an employer report the service cost component of the 
net  periodic  benefit  costs  in  the  same  income  statement  line  item  as  other  compensation  costs  arising  from  services 
rendered  by  employees  during  the  period.  The  non-service-cost  components  of  net  periodic  benefit  costs  are  to  be 
presented in the income statement separately from the service cost components and outside a subtotal of income from 
operations. The ASU also allows for the capitalization of the service cost components, when applicable (i.e., as a cost of 
internally manufactured inventory or a self-constructed asset). 

The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual 
periods.  The company will adopt this ASU at the beginning of its 2018 fiscal year, with the changes applied retrospectively. 
The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated income statement. 

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other 
Than Inventory. The ASU eliminates the requirement to defer the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an 
intra-entity  asset  transfer  until  the  asset  has  been  sold  to  an  outside  party.  Under  the  new  guidance,  an  entity  should 
recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. 
The company will adopt this ASU at the beginning of its 2018 fiscal year. The adoption of this ASU will not have a significant 
impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements. 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), which adds and/or clarifies 
guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is 
intended  to  reduce  diversity  in  practice  in  how  certain  transactions  are  classified  in  the  statement  of  cash  flows.  The 
company will adopt this ASU at the beginning of its 2018 fiscal year. The adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a 
significant  impact  to  the  designations  of  operating,  investing  and  financing  activities  on  the  company’s  consolidated 
statement of cash flows. 

    78 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  June  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  No.  2016-13,  Financial  Instruments  –  Credit  Losses  (Topic  326),  to  require  the 
measurement of expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, 
current conditions and reasonable forecasts. The main objective of this ASU is to provide financial statement users with 
more  decision-useful  information  about  the  expected  credit  losses  on  financial  instruments  and  other  commitments  to 
extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after 
December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years; the ASU allows for early adoption as of the beginning 
of an interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2018. The company is currently assessing the impact 
this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), to increase transparency and comparability 
among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information 
about leasing arrangements. The ASU is intended to represent an improvement over previous GAAP, which did not require 
lease  assets  and  lease  liabilities  to  be  recognized  for  most  leases.  This  ASU,  which  supersedes  most  current  lease 
guidance,  affects  any  entity  that  enters  into  a  lease  (as  that  term  is  defined  in  the  ASU),  with  some  specified  scope 
exemptions. ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods 
within those fiscal years; the ASU allows for early adoption as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The 
company is currently assessing the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements. 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), that, together with 
several subsequent updates, outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising 
from  contracts  with  customers  and  supersedes  most  current  revenue  recognition  guidance,  including  industry-specific 
guidance. Topic 606 is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or 
services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for 
those goods or services. Topic 606 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of 
revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. 

Entities  have  the  option  of  adopting  this  standard  using  either  a  full  retrospective  approach  or  a  modified  retrospective 
approach (i.e., through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings at the time of adoption). 

Snap-on commenced its assessment of Topic 606 during the second half of 2014 and developed a comprehensive project 
plan that included representatives from across the company’s business segments. The project plan included analyzing the 
standard’s impact on the company’s various revenue streams, comparing its historical accounting policies and practices to 
the requirements of the new standard, identifying potential differences from applying the requirements of the new standard 
to  its  contracts,  and  providing  updates  on  implementation  progress.  The  company  is  in  the  process  of  implementing 
appropriate changes to its business processes, systems and controls to support revenue recognition and disclosures under 
Topic 606. 

As of December 30, 2017, and subject to the company’s ongoing evaluation of new transactions and contracts, the company 
has substantially completed its evaluation of the expected impact of adopting Topic 606 and anticipates that the adoption 
of this standard will not have a significant impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements. The company believes 
that  the  adoption  will  result  in  the  recognition  of  an  inventory  asset  related  to  certain  product  returns  by  increasing  the 
returns liability and inventory for the anticipated value of the returns; the corresponding increase in the inventory asset and 
returns liability is expected to be approximately $24 million at the date of adoption. The adoption is also expected to result 
in  the  recognition  of  an  increase  in  the  inventory  obsolescence  reserve  related  to  the  anticipated  value  on  returns  of 
approximately $3 million and a $1 million increase in deferred income tax assets, with a corresponding adjustment to fiscal 
2018 beginning retained earnings. 

The company will adopt Topic 606 at the beginning of its 2018 fiscal year using the modified retrospective approach. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

79 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Note 2: Acquisitions   

On July 28, 2017, Snap-on acquired Torque Control Specialists Pty Ltd (“TCS”) for a cash purchase price of $3.6 million 
(or  $3.5  million,  net  of  cash  acquired).    TCS,  based  in  Adelaide,  Australia,  distributes  a  full  range  of  torque  products, 
including wrenches, multipliers and calibrators, for use in critical industries.  

In fiscal 2017, the company substantially completed the purchase accounting valuations for the acquired net assets of TCS.  
The $1.9 million excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded in “Goodwill” on the 
accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations and assets of TCS 
have been included in the Commercial & Industrial Group since the acquisition date. 

On May 4, 2017, Snap-on acquired Norbar Torque Tools Holdings Limited, along with its U.S. and Chinese joint ventures 
(“Norbar”), for a cash purchase price of $71.6 million (or $69.9 million, net of cash acquired). Norbar, based in Banbury, 
U.K., designs and manufactures a full range of torque products, including wrenches, multipliers and calibrators for use in 
critical industries. 

In  fiscal  2017,  the  company  substantially  completed  the  purchase  accounting  valuations  for  the  acquired  net  assets  of 
Norbar, including intangible assets. The $23.7 million excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired 
was  recorded  in  “Goodwill”  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  For  segment  reporting  purposes,  the 
results of operations and assets of Norbar have been included in the Commercial & Industrial Group since the acquisition 
date. 

On January 30, 2017, Snap-on acquired BTC Global Limited (“BTC”) for a cash purchase price of $9.2 million. BTC, based 
in Crewe, U.K., designs and implements automotive vehicle inspection and management software for original equipment 
manufacturer (“OEM”) franchise repair shops. 

In fiscal 2017, the company completed the purchase accounting valuations for the acquired net assets of BTC, including 
intangible assets. The $5.9 million excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded in 
“Goodwill” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For segment reporting purposes, the results of operations 
and assets of BTC have been included in the Repair Systems and Information Group since the acquisition date. 

On November 16, 2016, Snap-on acquired Ryeson Corporation (d/b/a Sturtevant Richmont) for a cash purchase price of 
$13.0  million  (or  $12.6  million,  net  of  cash  acquired).    Sturtevant  Richmont,  based  in  Carol  Stream,  Illinois,  designs, 
manufactures and distributes mechanical and electronic torque wrenches as well as wireless torque error proofing systems 
for a variety of industrial applications. 

In  fiscal  2017,  the  company  completed  the  purchase  accounting  valuations  for  the  acquired  net  assets  of  Sturtevant 
Richmont,  including  intangible  assets.  The  $5.0  million  excess  of  purchase  price  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  assets 
acquired was recorded in “Goodwill” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For segment reporting purposes, 
the results of operations and assets of Sturtevant Richmont have been included in the Commercial & Industrial Group since 
the acquisition date. 

On October 31, 2016, Snap-on acquired Car-O-Liner Holding AB (“Car-O-Liner”) for a cash purchase price of $152.0 million 
(or $148.1 million, net of cash acquired).  Car-O-Liner, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, designs and manufactures collision 
repair equipment, and information and truck alignment systems. 

In  fiscal  2017,  the  company  completed  the  purchase  accounting  valuations  for  the  acquired  net  assets  of  Car-O-Liner, 
including intangible assets. The $77.3 million excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired was 
recorded in “Goodwill” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For segment reporting purposes, substantially 
all of Car-O-Liner’s results of operations and assets have been included in the Repair Systems & Information Group since 
the acquisition date, with the remaining portions included in the Commercial & Industrial Group. 

    80 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  values  of  the  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  of  Car-O-Liner,  including 
adjustments recorded as of December 30, 2017, as a result of new information obtained about facts and circumstances that 
existed as of the October 31, 2016 acquisition date: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Assets acquired: 
Cash  
Trade and other accounts receivable         
Inventories 
Property and equipment  
Goodwill 
Other intangibles: 
  Customer relationships 
  Non-amortized trademarks 
Other assets 
Total assets acquired 

Liabilities assumed: 
Accounts payable 
Deferred income tax liabilities 
Accrued expenses 
Pension liabilities 
Total liabilities assumed 
Net assets acquired  

Amounts as of  
October 31, 2016 
(As Adjusted)  

$          3.9 
17.0 
18.3 
17.5 
77.3 

27.2 
27.7 
5.8 
194.7 

9.8 
14.8 
13.8 
4.3 
42.7 
152.0 

$ 

In fiscal 2017, Snap-on recognized expense of $0.5 million (of which $0.2 million was in “Cost of goods sold” and  $0.3 
million was in “Operating expenses”) in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings related to Car-O-Liner that 
would  have  been  recognized  in  2016  if  the  provisional  adjustments  identified  in  the  current  reporting  period  had  been 
recognized as of the October 31, 2016 acquisition date. 

On July 27, 2015, Snap-on acquired the assets of Ecotechnics S.p.A. (“Ecotechnics”) for a cash purchase price of $11.8 
million.  Ecotechnics  designs  and  manufactures  vehicle  air  conditioning  service  equipment  for  original  equipment 
manufacturer (“OEM”) dealerships and the automotive aftermarket worldwide.  For segment reporting purposes, the results 
of  operations  and  assets  of  Ecotechnics  have  been  included  in  the  Repair  Systems  &  Information  Group  since  the 
acquisition date.   

Pro forma financial information has not been presented for  any of these acquisitions as the net effects, individually and 
collectively, were neither significant nor material to Snap-on’s results of operations or financial position.  See Note 6 for 
further information on goodwill and other intangible assets. 

Note 3: Receivables 

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable 

Snap-on’s trade and other accounts receivable primarily arise from the sale of tools and diagnostic and equipment products 
to a broad range of industrial and commercial customers and to Snap-on’s independent franchise van channel on a non-
extended-term basis with payment terms generally ranging from 30 to 120 days.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

81 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

The components of Snap-on’s trade and other accounts receivable as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions) 
Trade and other accounts receivable 
Allowances for doubtful accounts   
Total trade and other accounts receivable – net 

Finance and Contract Receivables  

2017 
690.2 
(14.6) 
675.6 

2016 

612.8 
(14.0) 
598.8 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

$ 

Snap-on Credit LLC (“SOC”), the company’s financial services operation in the United States, originates extended-term 
finance and contract receivables on sales of Snap-on’s products sold through the U.S. franchisee and customer network 
and to certain other customers of Snap-on; Snap-on’s foreign finance subsidiaries provide similar financing internationally. 
Interest  income  on  finance  and  contract  receivables  is  included  in  “Financial  services  revenue”  on  the  accompanying 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings.  

Snap-on’s  finance  receivables  are  comprised  of  extended-term  installment  payment  contracts  to  both  technicians  and 
independent shop owners (i.e., franchisees’ customers) to enable them to purchase tools and diagnostic and equipment 
products  on  an  extended-term  payment  plan,  generally  with  average  payment  terms  approaching  four  years.    Contract 
receivables, with payment terms of up to 10 years, are comprised of extended-term installment payment contracts to a 
broad base of customers worldwide, including shop owners, both independents and national chains, for their purchase of 
tools  and  diagnostic  and  equipment  products.  Contract  receivables  also  include  extended-term  installment  loans  to 
franchisees to meet a number of financing needs, including working capital loans, loans to enable new franchisees to fund 
the purchase of the franchise and van leases. Finance and contract receivables are generally secured by the underlying 
tools and/or diagnostic or equipment products financed and, for installment loans to franchisees, other franchisee assets. 

The components of Snap-on’s current finance and contract receivables as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows:   

(Amounts in millions) 
Finance receivables, net of unearned finance charges  
   of $21.0 million and $17.0 million, respectively 

Contract receivables, net of unearned finance charges  
   of $17.6 million and $15.6 million, respectively 
Total  
Allowances for doubtful accounts: 
   Finance receivables 
   Contract receivables 
Total 
Total current finance and contract receivables – net  

Finance receivables – net 
Contract receivables – net  
Total current finance and contract receivables – net  

2017 

2016 

  $ 

523.1 

  $ 

488.1 

98.1 
621.2 

(17.7) 
(1.3) 
(19.0) 
602.2 

505.4 
96.8 
602.2 

89.3 
577.4 

(15.6) 
(1.2) 
(16.8) 
560.6 

472.5 
88.1 
560.6 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

    82 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The components of Snap-on’s finance and contract receivables with payment terms beyond one year as of 2017 and 2016 
year end are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions) 
Finance receivables, net of unearned finance charges  
   of $16.7 million and $13.0 million, respectively 

Contract receivables, net of unearned finance charges  
   of $25.5 million and $21.5 million, respectively 
Total 
Allowances for doubtful accounts: 
   Finance receivables 
   Contract receivables 
Total 
Total long-term finance and contract receivables – net  

Finance receivables – net 
Contract receivables – net 
Total long-term finance and contract receivables – net 

2017 

2016 

  $  1,078.0 

  $ 

967.5 

325.9 
1,403.9 

289.4 
1,256.9 

(38.8) 
(3.3) 
(42.1) 
  $  1,361.8 

(33.0) 
(2.7) 
(35.7) 
  $  1,221.2 

  $  1,039.2 
322.6 
  $  1,361.8 

  $ 

934.5 
286.7 
  $  1,221.2 

Long-term finance and contract receivables installments, net of unearned finance charges, as of 2017 and 2016 year end 
are scheduled as follows:  

(Amounts in millions)  
Due in Months: 
  13 – 24 
  25 – 36 
  37 – 48 
  49 – 60 
  Thereafter 
Total 

Finance 
Receivables 
415.1 
$ 
333.3 
225.5 
104.1 
– 

2017 

 Contract 
Receivables  

  $ 

  $ 

Finance 
Receivables 
380.9 
296.9 
196.8 
92.9 
– 
967.5 

2016 

 Contract 
Receivables  

  $ 

  $ 

69.5 
60.2 
49.7 
37.7 
72.3 
289.4 

77.6 
67.6 
56.5 
42.8 
81.4 
325.9 

$  1,078.0 

  $ 

  $ 

Delinquency is the primary indicator of credit quality for finance and contract receivables. The entire receivable balance of 
a contract is considered delinquent when contractual payments become 30 days past due.  Depending on the contract, 
payments for finance and contract receivables are due on a monthly or weekly basis.  Weekly payments are converted into 
a  monthly  equivalent  for  purposes  of  calculating  delinquency.    Delinquencies  are  assessed  at  the  end  of  each  month 
following the monthly equivalent due date.  Removal from delinquent status occurs when the cumulative number of monthly 
payments due has been received by the company. 

Finance receivables are generally placed on nonaccrual status (nonaccrual of interest and other fees) (i) when a customer 
is  placed  on  repossession  status;  (ii)  upon  receipt  of  notification  of  bankruptcy;  (iii)  upon  notification  of  the  death  of  a 
customer;  or  (iv)  in  other  instances  in  which  management  concludes  collectability  is  not  reasonably  assured.  Finance 
receivables that are considered nonperforming include receivables that are on nonaccrual status and receivables that are 
generally more than 90 days past due.  

Contract receivables are generally placed on nonaccrual status (i) when a receivable is more than 90 days past due or at 
the point a customer’s account is placed on terminated status regardless of its delinquency status; (ii) upon notification of 
the death of a customer; or (iii) in other instances in which management concludes collectability is not reasonably assured. 
Contract receivables that are considered nonperforming include receivables that are on nonaccrual status and receivables 
that are generally more than 90 days past due. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

83 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

The accrual of interest and other fees is resumed when the finance or contract receivable becomes contractually current 
and  collection  of  all  remaining  contractual  amounts  due  is  reasonably  assured.  Finance  and  contract  receivables  are 
evaluated for impairment on a collective basis.  A receivable is impaired when it is probable that all amounts related to the 
receivable  will  not  be  collected  according  to  the  contractual  terms  of  the  applicable  agreement.  Impaired  finance  and 
contract receivables are covered by the company’s respective allowances for doubtful accounts and are charged-off against 
the allowances when appropriate.  As of 2017 and 2016 year end, there were $28.0 million and $24.9 million, respectively, 
of impaired finance receivables, and there were $2.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of impaired contract receivables. 

It is the general practice of Snap-on’s financial services business to not engage in contract or loan modifications.  In limited 
instances, Snap-on’s financial services business may modify certain impaired receivables in troubled debt restructurings. 
The amount and number of restructured finance and contract receivables as of 2017 and 2016 year end were immaterial to 
both the financial services portfolio and the company’s results of operations and financial position. 

The aging of finance and contract receivables as of 2017 and 2016 year end is as follows: 

30-59 
Days Past 
Due 

60-90 
Days Past 
Due 

Greater 
Than 90 
Days Past 
Due  

Total Past 
Due 

Total Not 
Past Due 

Total  

Greater 
Than 90 
Days Past 
Due and 
Accruing 

$  19.3 
1.2 

  $  13.9 
0.6 

  $  20.1 
1.9 

  $  53.3 
3.7 

$  15.1 
1.4 

  $ 

9.8 
0.9 

  $  17.0 
1.4 

  $  41.9 
3.7 

  $ 1,547.8    $ 1,601.1    $  15.4 
0.6 

424.0   

420.3   

  $ 1,413.7    $ 1,455.6    $  13.2 
0.5 

378.7   

375.0   

(Amounts in millions)  
2017 year end:  
  Finance receivables 
  Contract receivables 

2016 year end:  
  Finance receivables 
  Contract receivables 

The amount of performing and nonperforming finance and contract receivables based on payment activity as of 2017 and 
2016 year end is as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  

Performing 

Nonperforming 

Total 

2017 

2016 

Finance 
Receivables 

 Contract 
Receivables  

Finance 
Receivables  

Contract 
Receivables 

$  1,573.1 

  $ 

421.7 

  $  1,430.7 

  $ 

376.7 

28.0 

2.3 

24.9 

2.0 

$  1,601.1 

  $ 

424.0 

  $  1,455.6 

  $ 

378.7 

The amount of finance and contract receivables on nonaccrual status as of 2017 and 2016 year end is as follows:   

(Amounts in millions)  

Finance receivables 

Contract receivables 

$ 

2017 

12.6 

1.7 

  $ 

2016 

11.7 

1.5 

    84 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following is a rollforward of the allowances for  doubtful accounts for finance and contract receivables for 2017 and 
2016: 

(Amounts in millions) 

2017 

2016 

Finance 
Receivables  

Contract 
Receivables 

Finance 
Receivables  

Contract 
Receivables 

Allowances for doubtful accounts: 
Beginning of year 

  $ 

  Provision 

  Charge-offs 

  Recoveries 

  Currency translation 

End of year 

  $ 

48.6  

54.6 

(53.3) 

6.6 

– 

  $ 

56.5 

  $ 

3.9 

2.7 

(2.5) 

0.4 

0.1 

4.6 

  $  

  $ 

 38.2 

44.0 

(39.8) 

6.2 

– 

48.6 

  $ 

  $ 

4.4 

1.0 

(1.8) 

0.4 

(0.1) 

3.9 

The  following  is  a  rollforward  of  the  combined  allowances  for  doubtful  accounts  related  to  trade  and  other  accounts 
receivable, as well as finance and contract receivables, for 2017, 2016 and 2015: 

(Amounts in millions) 

Allowances for doubtful accounts: 

  2017 

  2016 

  2015 

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year 

Expenses 

  Deductions (1) 

Balance at 
End of 
Year 

 $ 

66.5 

59.3 

52.4 

 $ 

65.1 

51.5 

45.1 

 $ 

(55.9) 

 $ 

(44.3) 

(38.2) 

75.7 

66.5 

59.3 

(1)  Represents write-offs of bad debts, net of recoveries, and the net impact of currency translation. 

Note 4: Inventories  

Inventories by major classification as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows:   

(Amounts in millions)  

Finished goods  

Work in progress  

Raw materials  

Total FIFO value  

Excess of current cost over LIFO cost  

2017 

2016 

  $ 

541.9 

  $ 

467.4 

49.3 

122.7 

713.9 

(75.1) 

42.7 

93.6 

603.7 

(73.2) 

Total inventories – net 

  $ 

638.8 

  $ 

530.5 

Inventories accounted for using the FIFO method approximated 61% and 59% of total inventories as of 2017 and 2016 year 
end,  respectively.  The  company  accounts  for  its  non-U.S.  inventory  on  the  FIFO  method.    As  of  2017  year  end, 
approximately 33% of the company’s U.S. inventory was accounted for using the FIFO method and 67% was accounted for 
using the LIFO method. There were no LIFO inventory liquidations in 2017, 2016 or 2015. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

85 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Note 5: Property and Equipment  

Property and equipment (which are carried at cost) as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  

Land  

2017 

2016 

  $ 

24.5 

  $ 

19.1 

Buildings and improvements  

Machinery, equipment and computer software  

Property and equipment – gross 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization  

357.4 

889.2 

1,271.1 

(786.7) 

309.4 

809.6 

1,138.1 

(712.9) 

Property and equipment – net  

  $ 

484.4 

  $ 

425.2 

The estimated service lives of property and equipment are principally as follows: 

Buildings and improvements  

 3 to 50 years  

Machinery, equipment and computer software  

 2 to 15 years  

The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment under capital leases as of 2017 and 2016 year end are 
as follows:   

(Amounts in millions)  

Buildings and improvements 

Accumulated depreciation 

Net book value   

2017 

21.4 

(14.0) 

2016 

  $ 

20.5 

(12.3) 

7.4 

  $ 

8.2 

$ 

$ 

Depreciation expense was $65.6 million, $61.4 million and $57.8 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Note 6: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets   

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Balance as of 2015 year end 
Currency translation  
Acquisitions  
Balance as of 2016 year end  
Currency translation 
Acquisitions  
Balance as of 2017 year end  

  $ 

 Commercial & 
Industrial Group  
253.1  
(16.4) 
5.7 
242.4 
30.3 
25.7 
298.4 

  $ 

  $ 

Snap-on 
Tools Group  
12.5 
– 
– 
12.5  
– 
– 
12.5 

  $ 

 $ 

  $ 

  $ 

Repair Systems & 
Information Group   
524.5 
(9.5) 
125.6 
640.6 
15.8 
(43.2) 
613.2 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

Total 
790.1 
(25.9) 
131.3 
895.5 
 46.1 
(17.5) 
924.1 

Goodwill  of  $924.1  million  as  of  2017  year  end  includes  the  following  from  2017  acquisitions:  (i)  $23.7  million,  on  a 
preliminary basis, from the acquisition of Norbar, (ii) $5.9 million from the acquisition of BTC, and (iii) $1.9 million, on  a 
preliminary basis, from the acquisition of TCS.  As of 2017 year end goodwill also includes, from 2016 acquisitions: (i) $77.3 
million from the acquisition of Car-O-Liner, and (ii) $5.0 million from the acquisition of Sturtevant Richmont.  

During 2017, the purchase accounting valuations for the acquired net assets, including intangible assets, of Car-O-Liner 
were completed, resulting in a reduction of goodwill of $50.8 million from 2016 year end, with a $49.1 million reduction in 
the Repair Systems & Information Group and $1.7 million in the Commercial & Industrial Group.  Additionally, purchase 
accounting for Sturtevant Richmont was also completed in 2017, resulting in a $1.8 million increase in goodwill from 2016 
year end.   

    86 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
The goodwill from the Car-O-Liner acquisition is distributed as follows:  $76.5 million in the Repair Systems & Information 
Group and $0.8 million in the Commercial & Industrial Group.  The goodwill from Norbar, TCS and Sturtevant Richmont is 
included in the Commercial & Industrial Group and the goodwill from the BTC acquisition is included in the Repair Systems 
& Information Group.  See Note 2 for additional information on acquisitions. 

As the purchase accounting for deferred taxes for the acquired net assets of Norbar and TCS were not complete as of 2017 
year end, the allocation of the respective purchase prices and resulting goodwill has been prepared on a preliminary basis and 
changes to the allocations will occur as the deferred taxes are determined.  The company is expected to complete the purchase 
accounting within one year of their respective acquisition dates.   

Additional disclosures related to other intangible assets as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Amortized other intangible assets: 
  Customer relationships 
  Developed technology 
  Internally developed software 
  Patents 
  Trademarks 
  Other 
Total  
Non-amortized trademarks  
Total other intangible assets 

2017 

2016 

 Gross Carrying 
Value  

Accumulated 
Amortization  

 Gross Carrying 
Value  

Accumulated 
Amortization  

$ 

$ 

175.2 
18.9 
177.0 
34.1 
3.0 
7.7 
415.9 
115.2 
531.1 

  $ 

  $ 

(98.2) 
(18.4) 
(133.4) 
(22.7) 
(2.0) 
(2.7) 
(277.4) 
– 
(277.4) 

  $ 

  $ 

142.6 
17.7 
165.7 
31.9 
2.8 
7.2 
367.9 
64.2 
432.1 

  $ 

  $ 

(86.0) 
(17.7) 
(118.3) 
(21.5) 
(1.8) 
(2.2) 
(247.5) 
– 
(247.5) 

The gross carrying value of customer relationships as of 2017 year end includes $28.8 million related to the Car-O-Liner 
acquisition, $1.2 million related to the BTC acquisition and $1.1 million related to the Norbar acquisition.  The gross carrying 
value of non-amortized trademarks as of 2017 year end includes $29.8 million related to the Car-O-Liner acquisition, $2.1 
million related to the BTC acquisition and $16.9 million related to the Norbar acquisition.   

Significant and unanticipated changes in circumstances, such as declines in profitability and cash flow due to significant 
and  long-term  deterioration  in  macroeconomic,  industry  and  market  conditions,  the  loss  of  key  customers,  changes  in 
technology or markets, significant changes in key personnel or litigation, a significant and sustained decrease in share price 
and/or other events, including effects from the sale or disposal of a reporting unit, could require a provision for impairment 
of  goodwill  and/or  other  intangible  assets  in  a  future  period.    As  of  2017  year  end,  the  company  had  no  accumulated 
impairment losses. 

The weighted-average amortization periods related to other intangible assets are as follows: 

Customer relationships 
Developed technology 
Internally developed software 
Patents 
Trademarks 
Other 

In Years 

15 
3 
4 
8 
6 
39 

Snap-on  is  amortizing  its  customer  relationships  on  both  an  accelerated  and  straight-line  basis  over  a  15  year  weighted-
average life; the remaining intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis. The weighted-average amortization period for all 
amortizable intangibles on a combined basis is 11 years.  

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

87 

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

The company’s customer relationships generally have contractual terms of three to five years and are typically renewed without 
significant cost to  the company. The weighted-average 15  year  life for customer relationships is based on  the company’s 
historical renewal experience.  Intangible asset renewal costs are expensed as incurred.    

The aggregate amortization expense was $27.6 million in 2017, $24.2 million in 2016 and $24.7 million in 2015. Based on 
current levels of amortizable intangible assets and estimated weighted-average useful lives, estimated annual amortization 
expense is expected to be $25.4 million in 2018, $21.8 million in 2019, $16.8 million in 2020, $14.4 million in 2021, and $13.4 
million in 2022. 

Note 7: Exit and Disposal Activities  

In  2017,  Snap-on  did  not  record  any  costs  for  exit  and  disposal  activities.    In  2016,  the  company’s  Repair  Systems  & 
Information Group recorded $0.9 million of severance costs for exit and disposal activities, all of which qualified for accrual 
treatment; no costs for exit and disposal activities were recorded in 2015.  The exit and disposal accrual of $0.6 million as 
of 2017 year end is expected to be fully utilized in 2018.  Snap-on anticipates funding the remaining cash requirements of 
its exit and disposal activities with available cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowings under the company’s 
existing credit facilities. The estimated costs for the exit and disposal activities were based on management’s best business 
judgment under prevailing circumstances.   

Note 8: Income Taxes   

The source of earnings before income taxes and equity earnings consisted of the following: 

(Amounts in millions)  
United States 
Foreign  
Total  

2017 
  $  645.5 
176.4 
  $  821.9 

2016 
  $  644.0 
157.4 
  $  801.4 

2015 
  $  578.4 
132.1 
  $  710.5 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Current:  
  Federal  
  Foreign  
  State  
Total current  

Deferred:  
  Federal 
  Foreign  
  State  
Total deferred  
Total income tax provision  

2017 

2016 

2015 

    $  166.9 
41.1 
30.6 
238.6 

    $  175.9 
39.9 
27.2  
243.0 

    $  165.8 
40.8 
19.7  
226.3 

8.7 
2.9 
0.7 
12.3 
    $  250.9 

6.3  
(6.7) 
1.7 
1.3 
    $  244.3 

(8.7)  
3.9 
(0.3) 
(5.1) 
    $  221.2 

    88 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to Snap-on’s effective tax rate:  

Statutory federal income tax rate  
Increase (decrease) in tax rate resulting from:  
  State income taxes, net of federal benefit  
  Noncontrolling interests 
  Repatriation of foreign earnings 
  Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 
  Adjustments to tax accruals and reserves  
  Foreign rate differences  
  Domestic production activities deduction 
  Excess tax benefits related to equity compensation 
  U.S. tax reform, net impact 
  Other  
Effective tax rate  

2017 
35.0% 

2016 

35.0% 

2015 

35.0% 

2.4 
(0.6) 
(1.2) 
0.1 
(0.3) 
(2.4) 
(2.1) 
(1.4) 
0.9 
0.1 
30.5% 

2.4 
(0.6) 
(0.1) 
(1.0) 
0.3 
(2.1) 
(1.9) 
(1.8) 
– 
0.3 
30.5% 

2.3 
(0.6) 
(3.0) 
0.1 
0.8 
(1.9) 
(1.9) 
– 
– 
0.3 
31.1% 

Snap-on’s effective income tax rate on earnings attributable to Snap-on Incorporated was 31.1% in 2017, 31.0% in 2016, 
and 31.7% in 2015.  The effective tax rate for 2017 included the one-time net tax costs associated with the newly enacted 
“H.R.1”, formerly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), which was signed into law in the fourth quarter of 
2017, as well as tax benefits associated with certain legal matters. The effective tax rate for 2016 included tax benefits from 
the reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowances that are now expected to be realized in future years, as well as tax 
benefits associated with the January 3, 2016 adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 
718)  –  Improvements  to  Employee  Share-Based  Payment  Accounting;  these  tax  benefits  were  partially  offset  by  tax 
contingency reserves established for certain non-U.S. tax audits.   

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government passed the Tax Act.  The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the 
U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to:  (i) reducing the future U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 
percent; (ii) requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries; and 
(iii) bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property. 

The Tax Act also established new tax laws that will affect 2018, including, but not limited to: (i) the reduction of the U.S. 
federal corporate tax rate discussed above; (ii) a general elimination of U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign 
subsidiaries; (iii) a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”); (iv) the repeal of the domestic 
production activity deductions; (v) limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation; (vi) limitations on the 
use of foreign tax credits to reduce the U.S. income tax liability; and (vii) a new provision that allows a domestic corporation 
an immediate deduction for a portion of its foreign derived intangible income (“FDII”). 

The Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118, which provides guidance on 
accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one 
year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the related accounting under ASC 740, Accounting for 
Income Taxes.  In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax 
Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete.  To the extent that a company’s accounting for a certain income 
tax effect of the Tax Act is incomplete, but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate 
in the financial statements.  If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, 
it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the 
enactment of the Tax Act. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

89 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

The company’s accounting for certain elements of the Tax Act is incomplete.  However, the company was able to make 
reasonable estimates of the effects and, therefore, recorded provisional estimates for these items. In connection with its 
initial analysis of the impact of the Tax Act, the company has recorded a provisional discrete net tax expense of $7.0 million 
in the period ended December 30, 2017.  This provisional estimate consists of a net expense of $13.7 million for the one-
time transition tax and a net benefit of $6.7 million related to revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, caused by the 
new  lower  corporate  tax  rate.    To  determine  the  transition  tax,  the  company  must  determine  the  amount  of  post-1986 
accumulated earnings and profits of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such 
earnings.    While  the  company  was  able  to  make  a  reasonable  estimate  of  the  transition  tax,  it  is  continuing  to  gather 
additional  information  to  more  precisely  compute  the  final  amount.    Likewise,  while  the  company  was  able  to  make  a 
reasonable estimate of the impact of the reduction to the corporate tax rate, it may be affected by other analyses related to 
the Tax Act, including, but not limited to, the state tax effect of adjustments made to federal temporary differences. Due to 
the  complexity  of  the  new  GILTI  tax  rules,  the  company  is  continuing  to  evaluate  this  provision  of  the  Tax  Act  and  the 
application of ASC 740.  Under GAAP, the company is allowed to make an accounting policy choice to either: (1) treat taxes 
due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current-period expense when incurred (the “period 
cost method”); or (2) factor in such amounts into a company’s measurement of its deferred taxes (the “deferred method”).  
The company’s selection of an accounting policy with respect to the new GILTI tax rules is dependent on additional analysis 
and potential future modifications to existing structure, which are not currently known.  Accordingly, the company has not 
made  any  adjustments  related  to  potential  GILTI  tax  in  our  financial  statements  and  have  not  made  a  policy  decision 
regarding whether to record deferred taxes on GILTI.  The company will continue to analyze the full effects of the Tax Act 
on its financial statements.  The impact of the Tax Act may differ  from the current estimate, possibly materially, due to 
changes in interpretations and assumptions the company has made, future guidance that may be issued and actions the 
company may take as a result of the law. 

Temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred income tax asset (liability) as of 2017, 2016 and 2015 year end are 
as follows:  

(Amounts in millions)  
Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities):  
  Inventories  
  Accruals not currently deductible  
  Tax credit carryforward  
  Employee benefits  
  Net operating losses  
  Depreciation and amortization 
  Valuation allowance  
  Equity-based compensation 
  Cash flow hedge 
  Other  
Net deferred income tax asset  

2017 

2016 

2015 

$  28.8 
61.7 
2.1 
56.8 
44.0 
(161.3) 
(25.2) 
17.1 
(0.3) 
(0.1) 
$  23.6 

$ 

$ 

33.3 
77.7 
15.1 
108.1 
42.8 
(209.8) 
(21.7) 
24.3 
(5.5) 
(4.6) 
59.7 

$ 

$ 

29.4 
71.1 
10.2 
101.2 
44.4 
(199.3) 
(32.0) 
22.7 
– 
(1.6) 
46.1 

As of 2017 year end, Snap-on had tax net operating loss carryforwards totaling $240.3 million as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Year of expiration:  
  2018 – 2022  
  2023 – 2027 
  2028 – 2032 
  2033 – 2037 
  Indefinite  
Total net operating loss carryforwards  

 State  

Federal 

 Foreign  

 Total  

  $ 

  $ 

0.1 
0.2 
107.1 
– 
– 

  $  107.4 

  $ 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

  $ 

45.8 
8.0 
38.1 
– 
41.0 
  $  132.9 

  $ 

45.9 
8.2 
145.2 
– 
41.0 
  $  240.3 

    90 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A  valuation  allowance  totaling  $25.2  million,  $21.7  million  and  $32.0  million  as  of  2017,  2016  and  2015  year  end, 
respectively, has been established for deferred income tax assets primarily related to certain subsidiary loss carryforwards 
that may not be realized.  For the year ended December 31, 2016, the net valuation allowance decreased by $10.3 million 
primarily due to a non-U.S. subsidiary having, in part, attained three years of cumulative pretax income and, as a result, 
management concluded there is sufficient positive evidence that it is more-likely-than-not that additional deferred taxes are 
realizable. Realization of the net deferred income tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to 
their expiration.  Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the net deferred 
income tax assets will be realized.  The amount of the net deferred income tax assets considered realizable, however, could 
change in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period fluctuate. 

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for 2017, 2016 and 2015: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year 
Gross increases – tax positions in prior periods 
Gross decreases – tax positions in prior periods 
Gross increases – tax positions in the current period 
Settlements with taxing authorities 
Lapsing of statutes of limitations 
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year 

2017 
9.4 
1.4 
– 
1.0 
(3.6) 
(0.5) 
7.7 

 $ 

 $ 

2016 
7.2 
2.5 
(0.3) 
0.5 
– 
(0.5) 
9.4 

 $ 

 $ 

2015 
6.4 
1.7 
(0.5) 
0.5 
– 
(0.9) 
7.2 

 $ 

 $ 

The unrecognized tax benefits of $7.7 million, $9.4 million and $7.2 million as of 2017, 2016 and 2015 year end, respectively, 
would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized.  As of December 30, 2017, unrecognized tax benefits of  $1.8 
million, $2.4 million and $3.5 million were included in “Deferred income tax assets,” “Other accrued liabilities” and “Other 
long-term  liabilities,”  respectively,  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet.    Interest  and  penalties  related  to 
unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in income tax expense.  As of 2017, 2016 and 2015 year end, the company had 
provided for $0.6 million, $0.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized 
tax  benefits.  During  2017,  the  company  decreased  the  reserve  attributable  to  interest  and  penalties  associated  with 
unrecognized tax benefits by a net $0.3 million.  As of December 30, 2017, $0.1 million and $0.5 million of accrued interest 
and penalties were included in “Other accrued liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities,” respectively, on the accompanying 
Consolidated Balance Sheet. 

Snap-on and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States and in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. 
It is reasonably possible that certain unrecognized tax benefits may either be settled with taxing authorities or the statutes 
of limitations for such items may lapse within the next 12 months, causing Snap-on’s gross unrecognized tax benefits to 
decrease by a range of zero to $3.2 million. Over the next 12 months, Snap-on anticipates taking certain tax positions on 
various tax returns for which the related tax benefit does not meet the recognition threshold.  Accordingly, Snap-on’s gross 
unrecognized tax benefits may increase by a range of zero to $1.3 million over the next 12 months for uncertain tax positions 
expected to be taken in future tax filings. 

With few exceptions, Snap-on is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state/local income tax examinations by tax authorities 
for years prior to 2012, and Snap-on is no longer subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years 
prior to 2012.   

The undistributed earnings of all non-U.S. subsidiaries totaled $876.7 million, $800.6 million and $624.1 million as of 2017, 
2016 and 2015 year end, respectively.  As a result of the Tax Act, the company is currently analyzing its global working 
capital and cash requirements and the potential tax liabilities attributable to any future repatriation, but the company has yet 
to  determine  whether  it  plans  to  change  its  prior  assertion  and  repatriate  earnings.  Accordingly,  the  company  has  not 
recorded any deferred taxes attributable to its investments in foreign subsidiaries. The company will record the tax effects 
of  any  change  in  its  prior  assertion  in  the  period  that  it  has  completed  the  analysis  and  is  able  to  make  a  reasonable 
estimate, and disclose any unrecognized deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to its foreign investments, if 
practicable. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

91 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Note 9: Short-term and Long-term Debt  

Short-term and long-term debt as of 2017 and 2016 year end consisted of the following: 

(Amounts in millions)  

2017 

2016 

5.50% unsecured notes due 2017 

  $ 

– 

  $ 

150.0 

4.25% unsecured notes due 2018 

6.70% unsecured notes due 2019 

6.125% unsecured notes due 2021 

3.25% unsecured notes due 2027 

Other debt* 

250.0 

200.0 

250.0 

300.0 

186.8 

250.0 

200.0 

250.0 

– 

160.2 

   1,186.8 

   1,010.2 

Less: notes payable and current maturities of 
  long-term debt: 

  Current maturities of long-term debt 

  $ 

(250.0) 

  $ 

(150.0) 

  Commercial paper borrowings 

  Other notes 

(151.0) 

(32.2) 

(433.2) 

(130.0) 

(21.4) 

(301.4) 

Total long-term debt  

  $ 

753.6 

 $ 

708.8 

* Includes fair value adjustments related to interest rate swaps. 

The annual maturities of Snap-on’s long-term debt and notes payable over the next five years are $433.2 million in 2018, 
(including $250 million of unsecured 4.25% notes due January 16, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”), that were repaid upon maturity), 
$200 million in 2019, no maturities in 2020, $250 million in 2021, and no maturities in 2022.  See Note 20 regarding the 
January 2018 repayment of the 2018 Notes. 

Average notes payable outstanding, including commercial paper borrowings, were $126.8 million and $49.3 million in 2017 
and 2016, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate of 2.45% in 2017 decreased from 7.09% last year.  This reflects 
the impact of the higher commercial paper borrowings which generally have lower interest rates than other notes payable 
outstanding.  Average commercial paper borrowings were $103.3 million and $26.6 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, 
and the weighted-average interest rate of 1.14% in 2017 increased from 0.73% last year.  At 2017 year end, the weighted-
average interest rate on outstanding notes payable of 2.34% compared with 2.85% at 2016 year end.  The 2017 year-end 
rate benefited from lower interest rates on international borrowings. The 2016 year-end rate benefited from lower interest 
rates on commercial paper borrowings. 

On February 15, 2017, Snap-on sold, at a discount, $300 million of unsecured 3.25% long-term notes that mature on March 
1, 2027 (the “2027 Notes”).  Interest on the 2027 Notes accrues at a rate of 3.25% per year and is payable semi-annually 
beginning September 1, 2017.  Snap-on used the $297.8 million of net proceeds from the sale of the 2027 Notes, reflecting 
$1.9 million of transaction costs, to repay a portion of its then-outstanding commercial paper borrowings and the remainder 
is  being  used  for  general  corporate  purposes,  which  may  include  working  capital,  capital  expenditures  and  possible 
acquisitions. 

    92 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on has a five-year, $700 million multi-currency revolving credit facility that terminates on December 15, 2020 (the 
“Credit Facility”); no amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility as of December 30, 2017.  Borrowings under the 
Credit Facility bear interest at varying rates based on Snap-on’s then-current, long-term debt ratings. The Credit Facility’s 
financial covenant requires that Snap-on maintain, as of each fiscal quarter end, either (i) a ratio not greater than 0.60 to 
1.00 of consolidated net debt (consolidated debt net of certain cash adjustments) to the sum of such consolidated net debt 
plus total equity and less accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (the “Debt Ratio”); or (ii) a ratio not greater than 
3.50 to 1.00 of such consolidated net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain other 
adjustments for the preceding four fiscal quarters then ended (the “Debt to EBITDA Ratio”).  Snap-on may, up to two times 
during any five-year period during the term of the Credit Facility (including any extensions thereof), increase the maximum 
Debt Ratio to 0.65 to 1.00 and/or increase the maximum Debt to EBITDA Ratio to 3.75 to 1.00 for four consecutive fiscal 
quarters in connection with certain material acquisitions (as defined in the related credit agreement). As of 2017 year end, 
the company’s actual ratios of 0.26 and 1.16, respectively, were both within the permitted ranges set forth in this financial 
covenant.  Snap-on generally issues commercial paper to fund its financing needs on a short-term basis and uses the Credit 
Facility as back-up liquidity to support such commercial paper issuances. 

Note 10: Financial Instruments 

Derivatives: All derivative instruments are reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements at fair value. Changes in the 
fair  value  of  derivatives  are  recorded  each  period  in  earnings  or  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets, 
depending  on  whether  the  derivative  is  designated  and  effective  as  part  of  a  hedged  transaction. Gains  or  losses  on 
derivative  instruments  recorded  in  Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  (“Accumulated  OCI”)  must  be 
reclassified to earnings in the period in which earnings are affected by the underlying hedged item and the ineffective portion 
of all hedges must be recognized in earnings in the period that such portion is determined to be ineffective. 

The  criteria  used  to  determine  if  hedge  accounting  treatment  is  appropriate  are:  (i)  the  designation  of  the  hedge  to  an 
underlying exposure; (ii) whether or not overall risk is being reduced; and (iii) if there is a correlation between the value of 
the  derivative  instrument  and  the  underlying  hedged  item.  On  the  date  a  derivative  contract  is  entered  into,  Snap-on 
designates the derivative as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, or a 
natural hedging instrument whose change in fair value is recognized as an economic hedge against changes in the value 
of the hedged item. Snap-on does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. 

The company is exposed to global market risks, including the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest 
rates, and the company’s stock price, and therefore uses derivatives to manage financial exposures that occur in the normal 
course of business.  The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are foreign currency risk, interest rate risk 
and stock-based deferred compensation risk. 

Foreign  currency  risk  management:  Snap-on  has  significant  international  operations  and  is  subject  to  certain  risks 
inherent with foreign operations that include currency fluctuations. Foreign currency exchange risk exists to the extent that 
Snap-on  has  payment  obligations  or  receipts  denominated  in  currencies  other  than  the  functional  currency,  including 
intercompany loans denominated in foreign currencies. To manage these exposures, Snap-on identifies naturally offsetting 
positions and then purchases hedging instruments to protect the residual net exposures. Snap-on manages most of these 
exposures  on  a  consolidated  basis,  which  allows  for  netting  of  certain  exposures  to  take  advantage  of  natural  offsets. 
Foreign currency forward contracts (“foreign currency forwards”) are used to hedge the net exposures. Gains or losses on 
net foreign currency hedges are intended to offset losses or gains on the underlying net exposures in an effort to reduce 
the earnings volatility resulting from fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates. Snap-on’s foreign currency forwards are 
typically not designated as hedges. The fair value changes of these contracts are reported in earnings as foreign exchange 
gain  or  loss,  which  is  included  in  “Other  income  (expense)  –  net”  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Earnings. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

93 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

As of 2017 year end, Snap-on had $53.8 million of net foreign currency forward buy contracts outstanding comprised of buy 
contracts including $64.9 million in euros, $15.4 million in Swedish kronor, $13.1 million in Hong Kong dollars, $11.3 million 
in Singapore dollars, $6.8 million in South Korean won, $5.7 million in Norwegian kroner, and $8.0 million in other currencies, 
and sell contracts comprised of $29.7 million in British pounds, $13.8 million in Canadian dollars, $11.8 million in Australian 
dollars, $6.0 million in Indian rupees, $3.4 million in Thai baht, and $6.7 million in other currencies.  As of 2016 year end, 
Snap-on had $144.4 million of net foreign currency forward buy contracts outstanding comprised of buy contracts including 
$55.0 million in euros, $53.6 million in British pounds, $47.0 million in Swedish kronor, $9.0 million in Hong Kong dollars, 
$7.0 million in South Korean won, $5.5 million in Singapore dollars, $4.9 million in Mexican pesos, $4.6 million in Norwegian 
kroner, and $6.4 million in other currencies, and sell contracts comprised of $16.6 million in Japanese yen, $11.8 million in 
Canadian dollars, $4.4 million in Australian dollars, $4.0 million in Brazilian real, and $11.8 million in other currencies.   

Interest rate risk management: Snap-on aims to control funding costs by managing the exposure created by the differing 
maturities and interest rate structures of Snap-on’s borrowings through the use of interest rate swap agreements (“interest 
rate swaps”) and treasury lock agreements (“treasury locks”).  

Interest rate swaps:  Snap-on enters into interest rate swaps to manage risks associated with changing interest rates related 
to the company’s fixed rate borrowings. Interest rate swaps are accounted for as fair value hedges. The differentials paid 
or received on interest rate swaps are recognized as adjustments to “Interest expense” on the accompanying Consolidated 
Statements of Earnings. The effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recorded in “Long-term debt” 
on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, while any ineffective portion is recorded as an adjustment to “Interest 
expense”  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Statements  of  Earnings.  The  notional  amount  of  interest  rate  swaps 
outstanding and designated as fair value hedges was $100 million as of both 2017 and 2016 year end.     

Treasury locks:  Snap-on entered into a $300 million treasury lock in November 2017 to manage the potential change in 
interest rates in anticipation of the possible issuance of fixed rate debt; the treasury lock expires on February 28, 2018.  
Treasury locks are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The effective differentials to be paid or received on treasury locks 
related to the anticipated issuance of fixed rate debt are initially recorded in Accumulated OCI.  As of 2017 year end, an 
unrecognized  gain  of  $0.8  million  has  been  recorded  in  Accumulated  OCI  on  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance 
Sheet.  Upon the issuance of debt, the related amount in Accumulated OCI will be released over the term of the debt and 
recognized as an adjustment to interest expense on the consolidated statements of earnings.  

The notional amount of treasury locks outstanding and designated as cash flow hedges was $300 million as of December 
30, 2017, and $250 million as of December 31, 2016.  In fiscal 2017, Snap-on  settled the $250 million treasury lock in 
conjunction with the February 2017 issuance of the 2027 Notes.  The $14.9 million gain on the settlement of the treasury 
lock  was  recorded  in  Accumulated  OCI  and  is  being  amortized  over  the  term  of  the  2027  Notes  and  recognized  as  an 
adjustment to interest expense on the consolidated statement of earnings.  There were no treasury locks settled in 2016 or 
2015.  

Stock-based deferred compensation risk management: Snap-on aims to manage market risk associated with the stock-
based portion of its deferred compensation plans through the use of prepaid equity forward agreements (“equity forwards”).  
Equity forwards are used to aid in offsetting the potential mark-to-market effect on stock-based deferred compensation from 
changes in Snap-on’s stock price. Since stock-based deferred compensation liabilities increase as the company’s stock 
price rises and decrease as the company’s stock price declines, the equity forwards are intended to mitigate the potential 
impact on deferred compensation expense that may result from such mark-to-market changes. As of 2017 and 2016 year 
end, Snap-on had equity forwards in place intended to manage market risk with respect to 102,300 shares and 104,400 
shares, respectively, of Snap-on common stock associated with its deferred compensation plans. 

    94 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair  value  measurements:  Snap-on  has  derivative  assets  and  liabilities  related  to  interest  rate  swaps,  treasury  locks, 
foreign currency forwards and equity forwards that are measured at Level 2 fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values 
of derivative instruments included within the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 2017 and 2016 year end 
are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions) 
Derivatives designated as   
hedging instruments:  

Balance Sheet Presentation 

Interest rate swaps 

   Treasury locks 

Other assets 

Other assets 

Derivatives not designated 
as hedging instruments: 
  Foreign currency forwards  Prepaid expenses and other assets   
  Foreign currency forwards  Other accrued liabilities 

   Equity forwards  

Prepaid expenses and other assets   

2017 

2016 

 Asset 
Derivatives 
Fair Value 

Liability 
Derivatives 
Fair Value 

Asset 
Derivatives 
Fair Value 

 Liability 
Derivatives 
Fair Value  

  $ 

7.3 

1.4 

8.7 

    $ 

– 

– 

– 

  $ 

9.8 

    $ 

14.3 

24.1 

– 

– 

– 

  $ 

4.1 

    $ 

– 

  $ 

4.4 

    $ 

– 

– 

17.8 

21.9 

6.5 

– 

6.5 

6.5 

– 

17.9 

22.3 

13.5 

– 

13.5 

  $  46.4 

    $  13.5 

   Total derivative instruments 

  $  30.6 

  $ 

As of 2017 and 2016 year end, the fair value adjustment to long-term debt related to the interest rate swaps was $7.3 million 
and $9.8 million, respectively.   

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
between participants at the measurement date. Level 2 fair value measurements for derivative assets and liabilities are 
measured using quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities. Interest rate swaps are valued based on 
the  six-month  LIBOR  swap  rate  for  similar  instruments.  Treasury  locks  are  valued  based  on  the  10-year  U.S.  treasury 
interest rate. Foreign currency forwards are valued based on exchange rates quoted by domestic and foreign banks for 
similar instruments. Equity forwards are valued using a market approach based primarily on the company’s stock price at 
the reporting date. The company did not have any derivative assets or liabilities measured at Level 1 or Level 3, nor did it 
implement any changes in its valuation techniques as of and for its 2017 and 2016 years ended. 

The effect of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges as included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings 
is as follows:   

(Amounts in millions) 
Derivatives designated as fair 
value hedges:  

Statement of 
Earnings 
Presentation 

Effective Portion of Gain Recognized in Income 

2017 

2016 

2015 

Interest rate swaps  

Interest expense 

$ 

2.8 

$ 

2.9 

$ 

3.7 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

95 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
     
 
   
     
       
 
 
   
     
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
   
     
 
   
     
   
     
 
   
     
       
 
 
   
     
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

The effect of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as included in Accumulated OCI on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Earnings is as follows: 

Effective Portion of Gain Recognized 
in Accumulated OCI 

2017 

2016 

2015 

Statement of 
Earnings 
Presentation  

Effective Portion of Gain Reclassified 
from Accumulated OCI into Income 

2017 

2016 

2015 

(Amounts in millions) 
Derivatives designated 
as cash flow hedges:  

  Treasury locks 

$  6.9 

$  8.8 

  $  – 

Interest expense 

  $  1.6 

$  0.3 

$  0.3 

The effects of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments as included in the Consolidated Statements of 
Earnings are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions) 
Derivatives not designated as 
hedging instruments: 

  Foreign currency forwards 

Statement of 
Earnings 
Presentation 

Other income 
(expense) – net 

 Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income  

2017 

2016 

2015 

$ 

(25.8) 

$ 

(7.4) 

$ 

(15.5) 

  Equity forwards 

Operating expenses 

0.9 

0.8 

4.7 

Snap-on’s foreign currency forwards are typically not designated as hedges for financial reporting purposes.  The fair value 
changes of foreign currency forwards not designated as hedging instruments are reported in earnings as foreign exchange 
gain or loss in “Other income (expense) – net” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. In 2017, the 
$25.8 million derivative loss was partially offset by transaction gains on net exposures of $18.8 million, resulting in a net 
foreign exchange loss of $7.0 million. In 2016, the $7.4 million derivative loss was partially offset by transaction gains on 
net exposures of $6.1 million, resulting in a net foreign exchange loss of $1.3 million. In 2015, the $15.5 million derivative 
loss was partially offset by transaction gains on net exposures of $12.8 million, resulting in a net foreign exchange loss of 
$2.7 million. The resulting net foreign exchange losses are included in “Other income (expense) – net” on the accompanying 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings. See Note 16 for additional information on “Other income (expense) – net.” 

Snap-on’s equity forwards are not designated as hedges for financial reporting purposes.  Fair value changes of both the 
equity  forwards  and  related  stock-based  (mark-to-market)  deferred  compensation  liabilities  are  reported  in  “Operating 
expenses” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The $0.9 million derivative gain recognized in 2017 
was primarily offset by $0.8 million of mark-to-market deferred compensation expense.  The $0.8 million derivative gain 
recognized in 2016 was partially offset by $0.3 million of mark-to-market deferred compensation expense.  The $4.7 million 
derivative gain recognized in 2015 was largely offset by $4.6 million of mark-to-market deferred compensation expense.  

As  of  2017  year  end,  the  maximum  maturity  date  of  any  fair  value  hedge  was  four  years. During  the  next  12  months, 
Snap-on expects to reclassify into earnings net gains from Accumulated OCI of approximately $1.0 million after tax at the 
time the underlying hedge transactions are realized.   

Counterparty risk: Snap-on is exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to its various 
financial  agreements,  including  its  foreign  currency  forward  contracts,  interest  rate  swap  agreements,  treasury  lock 
agreements and prepaid equity forward agreements. Snap-on does not obtain collateral or other security to support financial 
instruments subject to credit risk, but monitors the credit standing of the counterparties and generally enters into agreements 
with financial institution counterparties with a credit rating of A- or better. Snap-on does not anticipate non-performance by 
its counterparties, but cannot provide assurances. 

    96 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of financial instruments: The fair values of financial instruments that do not approximate the carrying values 
in the financial statements as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows:   

(Amounts in millions) 

Finance receivables – net 

Contract receivables – net 

Long-term debt, notes payable and      
   current maturities of long-term debt 

2017 

2016 

Carrying 
Value 
  $  1,544.6 
419.4 

Fair 
Value 

  $  1,791.5 

459.1 

Carrying 
Value 
  $  1,407.0 
374.8 

Fair 
Value 

  $  1,631.2 

409.7 

  1,186.8 

1,235.6 

  1,010.2 

1,076.7 

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of financial instruments: 

(cid:120)  Finance and contract receivables include both short-term and long-term receivables. The fair value estimates of 
finance and contract receivables are derived utilizing discounted cash flow analyses performed on groupings of 
receivables  that  are  similar  in  terms  of  loan  type  and  characteristics.  The  cash  flow  analyses  consider  recent 
prepayment trends where applicable. The cash flows are discounted over the average life of the receivables using 
a  current  market  discount  rate  of  a  similar  term  adjusted  for  credit  quality.  Significant  inputs  to  the  fair  value 
measurements of the receivables are unobservable and, as such, are classified as Level 3.   

(cid:120)  Fair  value  of  long-term  debt  and  current  maturities  of  long-term  debt  were  estimated,  using  Level  2  fair  value 
measurements, based on quoted market values of Snap-on’s publicly traded senior debt. The carrying value of 
long-term debt includes adjustments related to fair value hedges. The fair value of notes payable approximates 
such instruments’ carrying value due to their short-term nature. 

(cid:120)  The fair value of all other financial instruments, including trade and other accounts receivable, accounts payable 
and other financial instruments, approximates such instruments’ carrying value due to their short-term nature. 

Note 11: Pension Plans   

Snap-on has several non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering most U.S. employees and certain employees 
in  foreign  countries.  Snap-on  also  has  foreign  contributory  defined  benefit  pension  plans  covering  certain  foreign 
employees. Retirement benefits are generally provided based on employees’ years of service and average earnings or 
stated amounts for years of service. Normal retirement age is 65, with provisions for earlier retirement.     

The status of Snap-on’s pension plans as of 2017 and 2016 year end is as follows:   

(Amounts in millions)  
Change in projected benefit obligation:  
  Benefit obligation at beginning of year  
  Service cost  
  Interest cost  
  Plan participant contributions  
  Plan settlements 
  Benefits paid  
  Actuarial loss  
  Foreign currency impact  
Benefit obligation at end of year  

 2017 

 2016 

  $  1,361.4 
22.7 
56.1 
0.6 
(0.3) 
(66.6) 
69.5 
24.2 
  $  1,467.6 

  $  1,279.4 
19.3 
56.5 
1.0 
– 
(63.2) 
94.7 
(26.3) 
  $  1,361.4 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

97 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

(Amounts in millions)  

Change in plan assets:  

2017 

2016 

  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year  

  $  1,110.8 

  $  1,049.2 

  Actual return on plan assets  

  Employer contributions  

  Plan participant contributions  

  Plan settlements  

  Benefits paid  

  Foreign currency impact  

Fair value of plan assets at end of year  

Unfunded status at end of year 

175.7 

69.6 

0.6 

(0.3) 

(66.6) 

15.2 

73.5 

68.7 

1.0 

– 

(63.2) 

(18.4) 

  $  1,305.0 

  $  1,110.8 

  $ 

(162.6) 

  $ 

(250.6) 

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows:   

(Amounts in millions)  

Other assets  

Accrued benefits  

Pension liabilities  

Net liability  

 2017 

 2016 

  $ 

1.5 

  $ 

(5.2) 

(158.9) 

0.6 

(4.7) 

(246.5) 

  $ 

(162.6) 

  $ 

(250.6) 

Amounts included in Accumulated OCI on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 2017 and 2016 year end 
are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Net loss, net of tax of $146.4 million and $160.6 million, respectively 

Prior service credit, net of tax of $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively 

 2017 
(266.7) 

1.5 
(265.2) 

  $ 

  $ 

 2016 

  $ 

(297.0) 

2.2 
(294.8) 

  $ 

The accumulated benefit obligation for Snap-on’s pension plans as of 2017 and 2016 year end was $1,385.0 million and 
$1,283.1 million, respectively. 

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for Snap-on’s pension plans 
in which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as 
follows:   

(Amounts in millions)  
Projected benefit obligation  
Accumulated benefit obligation  
Fair value of plan assets  

 2017 

 2016 

  $  398.7 
378.1 
275.6 

  $  1,312.1 
   1,238.7 
   1,061.0 

    98 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The components of net periodic benefit cost and changes recognized in “Other comprehensive income (loss)” (“OCI”) are 
as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Net periodic benefit cost:  
  Service cost  
  Interest cost  
  Expected return on plan assets  
  Amortization of unrecognized loss  
  Amortization of prior service credit   
 Settlement loss 
Net periodic benefit cost  

 2017 

 2016  

 2015  

  $  22.7 
56.1 
(83.4) 
27.9 
(1.1) 
0.1 
  $  22.3 

  $  19.3 
56.5 
(81.0) 
31.3 
(1.1) 
– 

  $  20.0 
53.2 
(79.0) 
38.6 
(0.9) 
– 

  $  25.0 

  $   31.9 

Changes in benefit obligations recognized in OCI, net of tax: 
  Net (gain) loss  
  Prior service cost  
Total recognized in OCI 

  $ 

  $ 

(30.3) 
0.7 
(29.6) 

  $  43.3 
0.6 
  $  43.9 

  $ 

  $ 

6.3 
0.7 
7.0 

Amounts in Accumulated OCI that are expected to be amortized as net expense into net periodic benefit cost during 2018 
are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Amortization of unrecognized loss 
Amortization of prior service credit  
Total to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost  

Amount 
32.0 
(1.2) 
30.8 

  $ 

  $ 

The worldwide weighted-average assumptions used to determine Snap-on’s full-year pension costs are as follows: 

Discount rate  
Expected return on plan assets  
Rate of compensation increase  

 2017 
4.2% 
7.2% 
3.4% 

 2016  
4.5% 
7.4% 
3.6% 

 2015  
4.1% 
7.4% 
3.6% 

The worldwide weighted-average assumptions used to determine Snap-on’s projected benefit obligation as of 2017 and 
2016 year end are as follows: 

Discount rate  
Rate of compensation increase 

 2017 
3.7% 
3.4% 

 2016  
4.2% 
3.4% 

The objective of Snap-on’s discount rate assumption is to reflect the rate at which the pension benefits could be effectively 
settled. In  making  this  determination,  the  company  takes  into  account  the  timing  and  amount  of  benefits  that  would  be 
available under the plans. The domestic discount rate as of 2017 and 2016 year end was selected based on a cash flow 
matching methodology developed by the company’s outside actuaries and which incorporates a review of current economic 
conditions.  This  methodology  matches  the  plans’  yearly  projected  cash  flows  for  benefits  and  service  costs  to  those  of 
hypothetical bond portfolios using high-quality, AA rated or better, corporate bonds from either Moody’s Investors Service 
or Standard & Poor’s credit rating agencies available at the measurement date. This technique calculates bond portfolios 
that produce adequate cash flows to pay the plans’ projected yearly benefits and then selects the portfolio with the highest 
yield and uses that yield as the recommended discount rate.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

99 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

The weighted-average discount rate for Snap-on’s domestic pension plans of 3.9% represents the single rate that produces 
the same present value of cash flows as the estimated benefit plan payments. Lowering Snap-on’s domestic discount rate 
assumption by 50 basis points (100 basis points (“bps”) equals 1.0 percent) would have increased Snap-on’s 2017 domestic 
pension expense and projected benefit obligation by approximately $4.3 million and $71.3 million, respectively.  As of 2017 
year end, Snap-on’s domestic projected benefit obligation comprised approximately 83% of Snap-on’s worldwide projected 
benefit obligation. The weighted-average discount rate for Snap-on’s foreign pension plans of 2.7% represents the single 
rate  that  produces  the  same  present  value  of  cash  flows  as  the  estimated  benefit  plan  payments.  Lowering  Snap-on’s 
foreign discount rate assumption by 50 bps would have increased Snap-on’s 2017 foreign pension expense and projected 
benefit obligation by approximately $1.8 million and $24.4 million, respectively. 

Actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value 
of assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active participants or over the 
average remaining life expectancy for plans with primarily inactive participants. Prior service costs and credits resulting from 
plan amendments are amortized in equal annual amounts over the average remaining service period of active participants 
or over the average remaining life expectancy for plans with primarily inactive participants.   

As a practical expedient, Snap-on uses the calendar year end as the measurement date for its plans. Snap-on funds its 
pension plans as required by governmental regulation and may consider discretionary contributions as conditions warrant. 
Snap-on intends to make contributions of $9.7 million to its foreign pension plans and $2.4 million to its domestic pension 
plans  in  2018,  as  required  by  law.  Depending  on  market  and  other  conditions,  Snap-on  may  make  discretionary  cash 
contributions to its pension plans in 2018. 

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  

Amount 

Year: 

  2018 

  2019 

  2020 

  2021 

  2022 

  2023 – 2027 

  $ 

73.6 

75.2 

78.9 

81.5 

91.4 

462.3 

Snap-on’s domestic pension plans have a long-term investment horizon and a total return strategy that emphasizes a capital 
growth objective. The long-term investment performance objective for Snap-on’s domestic plans’ assets is to achieve net 
of expense returns that meet or exceed the 7.45% domestic long-term return on plan assets assumption used for reporting 
purposes.  Snap-on uses a three-year, market-related value asset method of amortizing the difference between actual and 
expected returns on its domestic plans’ assets.  As of 2017 year end, Snap-on’s domestic pension plans’ assets comprised 
approximately 86% of the company’s worldwide pension plan assets. 

The basis for determining the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption is a nominal returns forecasting 
method.  For each asset class, future returns are estimated by identifying the premium of riskier asset classes over lower 
risk  alternatives.  The  methodology  constructs  expected  returns  using  a  “building  block”  approach  to  the  individual 
components of total return. These forecasts are stated in both nominal and real (after inflation) terms. This process first 
considers the long-term historical return premium based on the longest set of data available for each asset class. These 
premiums, which are calculated using the geometric mean, are then adjusted based on current relative valuation levels, 
macro-economic  conditions,  and  the  expected  alpha  related  to  active  investment  management.    The  asset  return 
assumption is also adjusted by an implicit expense load for estimated administrative and investment-related expenses. 

For risk and correlation assumptions, the actual experience for each asset class is reviewed for the longest time period 
available.  Expected  relationships  for  a  10  to  20  year  time  horizon  are  determined  based  upon  historical  results,  with 
adjustments made for material changes.    

    100 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments are diversified to attempt to minimize the risk of large losses. Since asset allocation is a key determinant of 
expected investment returns, assets are periodically rebalanced to the targeted allocation to correct significant deviations 
from the asset allocation policy that are caused by market fluctuations and cash flow.  Asset/liability studies are conducted 
periodically to determine if any revisions to the strategic asset allocation policy are necessary.   

Snap-on’s domestic pension plans’ target allocation and actual weighted-average asset allocation by asset category and 
fair value of plan assets as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows:   

Asset category:  
  Equity securities 
  Debt securities and cash and cash equivalents   
  Real estate and other real assets  
  Hedge funds 
Total  

Target 
51% 
37% 
2% 
10% 
100% 

2017 
51% 
38% 
1% 
10% 
100% 

2016 
51% 
39% 
1% 
9% 
100% 

Fair value of plan assets (Amounts in millions) 

  $  1,122.7 

  $   957.1 

The fair value measurement hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest 
priority (“Level 1”) to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and the lowest priority 
(“Level 3”) to unobservable inputs. Fair value measurements primarily based on observable market information are given a 
“Level 2” priority. 

Certain equity and debt securities are valued at quoted per share or unit market prices for which an official close or last 
trade pricing on an active exchange is available and are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.  If quoted market 
prices are not readily available for specific securities, values are estimated using quoted prices of securities with similar 
characteristics and are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.  Insurance contracts are valued at the present 
value of the estimated future cash flows promised under the terms of the insurance contracts and are categorized as Level 
2 in the fair value hierarchy.   

Commingled equity securities and commingled multi-strategy funds are valued at the NAV per share or unit multiplied by 
the number of shares or units held as of the measurement date, as reported by the fund managers.  The share or unit price 
is  quoted  on  a  private  market  and  is  based  on  the  value  of  the  underlying  investments,  which  are  primarily  based  on 
observable inputs; such investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical 
expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. 

Private equity partnership funds, hedge funds, and real estate and other real assets are valued at the NAV as reported by 
the fund managers.  Private equity partnership funds, certain hedge funds, and certain real estate and other real assets are 
valued based on the proportionate interest or share of net assets held by the pension plan, which is based on the estimated 
fair market value of the underlying investments.  Certain other hedge funds and real estate and other real assets are valued 
at the NAV per share or unit multiplied by the number of shares or units held as of the measurement date, based on the 
estimated value of the underlying investments as reported by the fund managers.  These investments are measured at fair 
value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.  

The company regularly reviews fund performance directly with its investment advisor and the fund managers, and performs 
qualitative  analysis  to  corroborate  the reasonableness of  the reported NAVs.   For  funds  for  which  the company did  not 
receive a year-end NAV, the company recorded an estimate of the change in fair value for the latest period based on return 
estimates and other fund activity obtained from the fund managers.  

The columns labeled “Investments Measured at NAV” in the following tables reflect certain investments that are measured 
at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been categorized in the fair value 
hierarchy.  The fair value amounts presented in these tables are intended to permit a reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy 
to the pension plan assets. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

101 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

The following is a summary, by asset category, of the fair value and the level within the fair value hierarchy of Snap-on’s 
domestic pension plans’ assets as of 2017 year end:   

(Amounts in millions)  
Asset category:  
Cash and cash equivalents 
  Equity securities:  
    Domestic 
    Foreign 
    Commingled funds – domestic  
    Commingled funds – foreign  
    Private equity partnerships  
  Debt securities: 
    Government 
    Corporate bonds 
  Real estate and other real assets  
  Hedge funds  
Total  

Quoted 
Prices for 
Identical 
Assets 
(Level 1) 
20.6 

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 
– 

  $ 

  $ 

Investments 
Measured at 
NAV 
– 

  $ 

Total  
20.6 

  $ 

73.4 
   100.1 

– 
– 
– 

   152.8 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2.2 
   253.0 

– 
– 

  $  346.9 

  $  255.2 

– 
– 
225.0 
148.8 
27.5 

73.4 
   100.1 
   225.0 
   148.8 
27.5 

– 
– 
13.2 
106.1 
  $  520.6 

   155.0 
   253.0 
13.2 
   106.1 
  $ 1,122.7 

The following is a summary, by asset category, of the fair value and the level within the fair value hierarchy of Snap-on’s 
domestic pension plans’ assets as of 2016 year end:   

(Amounts in millions)  
Asset category:  
Cash and cash equivalents 
  Equity securities:  
    Domestic 
    Foreign 
    Commingled funds – domestic  
    Commingled funds – foreign  
    Private equity partnerships  
  Debt securities: 
    Government 
    Corporate bonds 
  Real estate and other real assets  
  Hedge funds  
Total  

Quoted 
Prices for 
Identical 
Assets 
(Level 1) 
20.4 

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 
– 

  $ 

  $ 

Investments 
Measured at 
NAV 
– 

  $ 

Total  
20.4 

  $ 

66.0 
74.7 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
191.3 
117.7 
34.2 

66.0 
74.7 
   191.3 
   117.7 
34.2 

   139.2 

– 
– 
– 

0.9 
   214.6 

– 
– 

  $  300.3 

  $  215.5 

– 
– 
10.4 
87.7 
  $  441.3 

   140.1 
   214.6 
10.4 
87.7 
  $  957.1 

Snap-on’s  primary  investment  objective  for  its  foreign  pension  plans’  assets  is  to  meet  the  projected  obligations  to  the 
beneficiaries over a long period of time, and to do so in a manner that is consistent with the company’s risk tolerance.  The 
foreign  asset  allocation  policies  consider  the  company’s  financial  strength  and  long-term  asset  class  risk/return 
expectations, since the obligations are long term in nature. The company believes the foreign pension plans’ assets, which 
are managed locally by professional investment firms, are well diversified. 

    102 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
The expected long-term rates of return on foreign plans’ assets, which ranged from 1.9% to 6.1% as of 2017 year end, 
reflect management’s expectations of long-term average rates of return on funds invested to provide benefits included in 
the plans’ projected benefit obligation. The expected returns are based on outlooks for inflation, fixed income returns and 
equity returns, asset allocations and investment strategies. Differences between actual and expected returns on foreign 
pension plans’ assets are recorded as an actuarial gain or loss and amortized accordingly. 

Snap-on’s foreign pension plans’ target allocation and actual weighted-average asset allocation by asset category and fair 
value of plan assets as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows:   

Asset category:  
  Equity securities*   
  Debt securities* and cash and cash equivalents 
  Insurance contracts and hedge funds 
Total  

Target 
35% 
40% 
25% 
100% 

2017 
36% 
42% 
22% 
100% 

2016 
41% 
36% 
23% 
100% 

Fair value of plan assets (Amounts in millions) 

     $  182.3 

     $  153.7 

* Includes commingled funds – multi-strategy 

The following is a summary, by asset category, of the fair value and the level within the fair value hierarchy of Snap-on’s 
foreign pension plans’ assets as of 2017 year end:  

(Amounts in millions)  
Asset category:  
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Commingled funds – multi-strategy  
  Debt securities: 
    Government 
    Corporate bonds 
  Insurance contracts 
  Hedge fund  
Total 

Quoted 
Prices for 
Identical 
Assets 
(Level 1) 
0.7 

   $ 

    – 

8.8 

    – 
– 
– 
9.5 

  $ 

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 
– 
– 

  $ 

Investments 
Measured at 
NAV 
– 
114.2 

  $ 

    – 

18.3 
24.2 
– 
42.5 

  $ 

    – 
    – 
– 
16.1 
  $  130.3 

  $ 

Total 
0.7 
114.2 

8.8 
18.3 
24.2 
16.1 
  $  182.3 

The following is a summary, by asset category, of the fair value and the level within the fair value hierarchy of Snap-on’s 
foreign pension plans’ assets as of 2016 year end:   

(Amounts in millions)  
Asset category: 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Commingled funds – multi-strategy  
  Insurance contracts 
  Hedge fund  
Total 

   $ 

  $ 

Quoted 
Prices for 
Identical 
Assets 
(Level 1) 
0.7 
– 
– 
– 
0.7 

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 
– 
– 
21.3 
– 
21.3 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

Investments 
Measured at 
NAV 
– 
117.4 
– 
14.3 
  $  131.7 

  $ 

Total 
0.7 
117.4 
21.3 
14.3 
  $  153.7 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

103 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Snap-on has several 401(k) plans covering certain U.S. employees. Snap-on’s employer match to the 401(k) plans is made 
with  cash  contributions.  For  2017,  2016  and  2015,  Snap-on  recognized  $8.9  million,  $8.2  million  and  $7.0  million, 
respectively, of expense related to its 401(k) plans. 

Note 12: Postretirement Plans 

Snap-on provides health care benefits for certain retired U.S. employees. Employees retiring prior to 1989 were eligible for 
retiree medical coverage upon reaching early retirement age, with no retiree contributions required.  Benefits are paid based 
on deductibles and percentages of covered expenses and take into consideration payments made by Medicare and other 
insurance coverage. 

Since 1989, U.S. retirees have been eligible for comprehensive major medical plans. Benefits are paid based on deductibles 
and  percentages  of  covered  expenses,  and  plan  provisions  allow  for  benefit  and  coverage  changes.   Most retirees  are 
required to pay the entire cost of the coverage, but Snap-on may elect to subsidize the cost of coverage under certain 
circumstances.   

Snap-on has a Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (“VEBA”) trust for the funding of existing postretirement health 
care benefits for certain non-salaried retirees in the United States; all other retiree health care plans are unfunded. 

The status of Snap-on’s U.S. postretirement health care plans as of 2017 and 2016 year end is as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Change in accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:  
  Benefit obligation at beginning of year  
  Service cost  
  Interest cost  
  Plan participant contributions  
  Benefits paid  
  Actuarial loss (gain)  
Benefit obligation at end of year  

Change in plan assets:  
  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year  
  Actual return on plan assets  
  Employer contributions 
  Plan participant contributions 
  Benefits paid  
Fair value of plan assets at end of year  
Unfunded status at end of year 

 2017 

 2016 

$  53.2 

– 
2.1 
0.4 
(4.3) 
1.1 
$  52.5 

$  13.2 
1.3 
2.8 
0.4 
(4.3) 
$  13.4 
$  (39.1) 

$  55.6 
0.1 
2.2 
0.5 
(4.4) 
(0.8) 
$  53.2 

$  13.7 
0.5 
2.9 
0.5 
(4.4) 
$  13.2 
$  (40.0) 

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows:  

(Amounts in millions)  
Accrued benefits 
Retiree health care benefits 
Net liability 

2017 

  $ 

(3.1) 
(36.0) 
  $  (39.1) 

  $ 

2016 
(3.3) 
(36.7) 
  $  (40.0) 

    104 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts included in Accumulated OCI on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 2017 and 2016 year end 
are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Net gain, net of tax of $2.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively 

 2017 
4.2 

$ 

 2016 
  $  4.8 

The components of net periodic benefit cost and changes recognized in OCI are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Net periodic benefit cost:  
  Service cost  
  Interest cost  
  Expected return on plan assets  
Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss  
Net periodic benefit cost  

 2017  

 2016  

 2015  

  $  – 

2.1 
(0.8) 
(0.3) 
  $  1.0 

$  0.1 
2.2 
(0.9) 
(0.1) 
$  1.3 

$  0.1 
2.2 
(1.0) 
0.3 
$  1.6 

Changes in benefit obligations recognized in OCI, net of tax: 
  Net (gain) loss  

  $  0.6 

$  (0.3) 

$  (2.1) 

Snap-on expects to recognize $0.3 million of prior unrecognized gains, included in Accumulated OCI on the accompanying 
2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet, in net periodic benefit cost during 2018. 

The weighted-average discount rate used to determine Snap-on’s postretirement health care expense is as follows: 

Discount rate  

 2017  

4.1% 

 2016  

4.1% 

 2015  

3.6% 

The weighted-average discount rate used to determine Snap-on’s accumulated benefit obligation is as follows:  

Discount rate  

 2017  

3.6% 

 2016  

4.1% 

The methodology for selecting the year-end 2017 and 2016 weighted-average discount rate for the company’s domestic 
postretirement  plans  was  to  match  the  plans’  yearly  projected  cash  flows  for  benefits  and  service  costs  to  those  of 
hypothetical bond portfolios using high-quality, AA rated or better, corporate bonds from either Moody’s Investors Service 
or Standard & Poor’s credit rating agencies available at the measurement date.  As a practical expedient, Snap-on uses 
the calendar year end as the measurement date for its plans. 

For 2018, the actuarial calculations assume a pre-65 health care cost trend rate of 5.8% and a post-65 health care cost 
trend rate of 6.5%, both decreasing gradually to 4.5% in 2038 and thereafter. As of 2017 year end, a one-percentage-point 
increase in the health care cost trend rate for future years would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 
by approximately $0.6 million and the aggregate of the service cost and interest cost components by less than $0.1 million. 
Conversely,  a  one-percentage-point  decrease  in  the  health  care  cost  trend  rate  for  future  years  would  decrease  the 
accumulated  postretirement  benefit  obligation  by  $0.6  million  and  the  aggregate  of  the  service  cost  and  interest  rate 
components by less than $0.1 million. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

105 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Year: 
  2018 
  2019 
  2020 
  2021 
  2022 
  2023 – 2027 

Amount 

$ 

4.1 
4.2 
4.3 
4.4 
4.5 
23.0 

The objective of the VEBA trust is to achieve net of expense returns that meet or exceed the 6.3% long-term return on plan 
assets assumption used for reporting purposes. Investments are diversified to attempt to minimize the risk of large losses. 
Since  asset  allocation  is  a  key  determinant  of  expected  investment  returns,  assets  are  periodically  rebalanced  to  the 
targeted allocation to correct significant deviations from the asset allocation policy that are caused by market fluctuations 
and cash flow.   

The basis for determining the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption is a nominal returns forecasting 
method. For each asset class, future returns are estimated by identifying the premium of riskier asset classes over lower 
risk  alternatives.  The  methodology  constructs  expected  returns  using  a  “building  block”  approach  to  the  individual 
components of total return. These forecasts are stated in both nominal and real (after inflation) terms. This process first 
considers the long-term historical return premium based on the longest set of data available for each asset class. These 
premiums, which are calculated using the geometric mean, are then adjusted based on current relative valuation levels and 
macro-economic  conditions.    The  asset  return  assumption  is  also  adjusted  by  an  implicit  expense  load  for  estimated 
administrative and investment-related expenses. 

Snap-on’s VEBA plan target allocation and actual weighted-average asset allocation by asset category and fair value of 
plan assets as of 2017 and 2016 year end are as follows: 

Asset category: 
  Debt securities and cash and cash equivalents 
  Equity securities  
  Hedge funds 
Total 

 Target  
46% 
29% 
25% 
100% 

2017 
42% 
29% 
29% 
100% 

2016 
45% 
28% 
27% 
100% 

Fair value of plan assets (Amounts in millions) 

  $ 

13.4 

  $ 

13.2 

The fair value measurement hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest 
priority (Level 1) to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and the lowest priority 
(Level 3) to unobservable inputs. Fair value measurements primarily based on observable market information are given a 
Level 2 priority. 

Debt securities are valued at quoted per share or unit market prices for which an official close or last trade pricing on an 
active exchange is available and are categorized as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.  

Equity  securities  are  valued  at  the  NAV  per  share  or  unit  multiplied  by  the  number  of  shares  or  units  held  as  of  the 
measurement date, as reported by the fund managers.  The share or unit price is quoted on a private market and is based 
on  the  value  of  the  underlying  investments,  which  are  primarily  based  on  observable  inputs;  such  investments  that  are 
measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair 
value hierarchy. 

    106 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedge funds are stated at the NAV per share or unit (based on the estimated fair market value of the underlying investments) 
multiplied by the number of shares or units held as of the measurement date, as reported by the fund managers.  These 
investments are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient and have not been 
classified in the fair value hierarchy. 

The company regularly reviews fund performance directly with its investment advisor and the fund managers, and performs 
qualitative  analysis  to  corroborate the reasonableness of  the reported NAVs.   For  funds  for  which  the company did not 
receive a year-end NAV, the company recorded an estimate of the change in fair value for the latest period based on return 
estimates and other fund activity obtained from the fund managers.      

The columns labeled “Investments Measured at NAV” in the following tables are measured at fair value using the NAV per 
share  (or  its  equivalent)  practical  expedient  and  have  not  been  categorized  in  the  fair  value  hierarchy.  The  fair  value 
amounts presented in these tables are intended to permit a reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the VEBA plan assets. 

The following is a summary, by asset category, of the fair value and the level within the fair value hierarchy of the VEBA 
plan assets as of 2017 year end:   

The following is a summary, by asset category, of the fair value and the level within the fair value hierarchy of the VEBA 
plan assets as of 2016 year end: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Asset category:  

Quoted 
Prices for 
Identical 
Assets 
(Level 1) 

Investments 
Measured at 
NAV 

  Cash and cash equivalents 

  $ 

  Debt securities 

  Equity securities  

  Hedge fund  

Total  

  $ 

0.2 

5.5 

– 

– 

  $ 

5.7 

  $ 

(Amounts in millions)  
Asset category:  

Quoted 
Prices for 
Identical 
Assets 
(Level 1) 

Investments 
Measured at 
NAV 

  Cash and cash equivalents 

  $ 

  Debt securities 

   Equity securities  

  Hedge fund  

Total  

  $ 

0.7 

5.3 

– 

– 

  $ 

6.0 

  $ 

  $ 

Total 

0.2 

5.5 

3.8 

3.9 

  $  13.4 

  $ 

Total 

0.7 

5.3 

3.6 

3.6 

  $  13.2 

– 

– 

3.8 

3.9 

7.7 

– 

– 

3.6 

3.6 

7.2 

Note 13: Stock-based Compensation and Other Stock Plans  

The 2011 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “2011 Plan”) provides for the grant of stock options, performance awards, 
stock  appreciation  rights  (“SARs”)  and  restricted  stock  awards  (which  may  be  designated  as  “restricted  stock  units”  or 
“RSUs”). No further grants are being made under its predecessor, the 2001 Incentive Stock and Awards Plan (the “2001 
Plan”), although outstanding awards under the 2001 Plan will continue in accordance with their terms.  As of 2017 year end, 
the 2011 Plan had 3,296,859 shares available for future grants. The company uses treasury stock to deliver shares under 
both the 2001 and 2011 Plans. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

107 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Net stock-based compensation expense was $30.3 million in 2017, $31.0 million in 2016 and $39.8 million in 2015.  Cash 
received from stock purchase and option plan exercises was $46.2 million in 2017, $41.8 million in 2016 and $41.6 million 
in  2015.  The  tax  benefit  realized  from  both  the exercise  and  vesting  of share-based  payment  arrangements  was  $20.9 
million in 2017, $24.8 million in 2016 and $26.4 million in 2015. 

Stock Options  

Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of a share of Snap-on’s common stock on the 
date  of  grant  and  have  a  contractual  term  of  ten  years.    Stock  option  grants  vest  ratably  on  the  first,  second  and  third 
anniversaries of the date of grant. 

The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The 
company uses historical data regarding stock option exercise and forfeiture behaviors for different participating groups to 
estimate the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatility is based on the historical 
volatility  of  the  company’s  stock  for  the  length  of  time  corresponding  to  the  expected  term  of  the  option.  The  expected 
dividend  yield  is  based  on  the  company’s  historical  dividend payments.  The  risk-free  interest  rate  is  based  on  the  U.S. 
treasury yield curve on the grant date for the expected term of the option.  

The following weighted-average assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of stock options granted during 2017, 
2016 and 2015, using the Black-Scholes valuation model:  

Expected term of option (in years) 
Expected volatility factor 
Expected dividend yield 
Risk-free interest rate 

2017 
5.15 
22.01% 
1.63% 
1.78% 

2016 
5.05 
22.17% 
1.77% 
1.04% 

2015 
4.76 
24.13% 
2.04% 
1.38% 

A summary of stock option activity during 2017 is presented below: 

Outstanding at beginning of year 
  Granted 
  Exercised 
  Forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at end of year 

Exercisable at end of year 

* Weighted-average 

Shares 
(in thousands) 
3,011 
655 
(396) 
(72) 
3,198 

1,990 

Exercise 
Price per 
Share* 
  $  100.78 
168.71 
86.29 
153.53 
115.30 

91.27 

  Remaining 
Contractual 
Term* 
(in years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value       

 (in millions) 

6.4 

5.1 

  $  188.7 

165.2 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted was $31.13 in 2017, $22.99 in 2016 and $25.64 in 2015.  
The intrinsic value of options exercised was $33.3 million in 2017, $35.2 million in 2016 and $37.6 million in 2015. The fair 
value of stock options vested was $14.0 million in 2017, $12.7 million in 2016 and $9.9 million in 2015. 

As of 2017 year end, there was $19.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options that 
is expected to be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.   

    108 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Awards 

Performance awards, which are granted as performance share units (“PSUs”) and performance-based RSUs, are earned 
and expensed using the fair value of the award over a contractual term of three years based on the company’s performance.  
Vesting of the performance awards is dependent upon performance relative to pre-defined goals for revenue growth and 
return on net assets for the applicable performance period.  For performance achieved above specified levels, the recipient 
may earn additional shares of stock, not to exceed 100% of the number of performance awards initially granted. 

The PSUs have a three-year performance period based on the results of the consolidated financial metrics of the company. 
The  performance-based  RSUs  have  a  one-year  performance  period  based  on  the  results  of  the  consolidated  financial 
metrics of the company followed by a two-year cliff vesting schedule, assuming continued employment.   

The fair value of performance awards is calculated using the market value of a share of Snap-on’s common stock on the 
date of grant and assumed forfeitures based on recent historical experience; in recent years, forfeitures have not been 
significant.  The weighted-average grant date fair value of performance awards granted during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was 
$168.70, $138.83 and $139.30, respectively. Vested PSUs totaled 50,316 shares as of 2017 year end, 61,149 shares as 
of 2016 year end and 94,186 shares as of 2015 year end. PSUs related to 60,980 shares, 94,186 shares and 130,764 
shares were paid out in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Earned PSUs are generally paid out following the conclusion 
of the applicable performance period upon approval by the Organization and Executive Compensation Committee of the 
company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). 

Based on the company’s 2017 performance, 13,648 RSUs granted in 2017 were earned; assuming continued employment, 
these RSUs will vest at the end of fiscal 2019. Based on the company’s 2016 performance, 45,502 RSUs granted in 2016 
were earned; assuming continued employment, these RSUs will vest at the end of fiscal 2018.  Based on the company’s 
2015 performance, 64,327 RSUs granted in 2015 were earned; these RSUs vested as of fiscal 2017 year end and were 
paid out shortly thereafter.  

Changes to the company’s non-vested performance awards in 2017 are as follows:  

Non-vested performance awards at beginning of year 

  Granted 

  Vested 

  Cancellations and other 

Non-vested performance awards at end of year 

* Weighted-average 

Shares 
(in thousands) 

207 

77 

(114) 

(38) 

132 

Fair Value 
Price per 
Share* 

  $  141.94 

168.70 

144.61 

159.80 

149.93 

As of 2017 year end, there was $9.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance awards 
that is expected to be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.   

Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) 

The company also issues stock-settled and cash-settled SARs to certain key non-U.S. employees.  SARs have a contractual 
term of ten years and vest ratably on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant.  SARs are granted with 
an exercise price equal to the market value of a share of Snap-on’s common stock on the date of grant. 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

109 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Stock-settled SARs are accounted for as equity instruments and provide for the issuance of Snap-on common stock equal 
to the amount by which the company’s stock has appreciated over the exercise price.  Stock-settled SARs have an effect 
on dilutive shares and shares outstanding as any appreciation of Snap-on’s common stock value over the exercise price 
will be settled in shares of common stock.  Cash-settled SARs provide for the cash payment of the excess of the fair market 
value of Snap-on’s common stock price on the date of exercise over the grant price.  Cash-settled SARs have no effect on 
dilutive shares or shares outstanding as any appreciation of Snap-on’s common stock over the grant price is paid in cash 
and not in common stock. 

The fair value of stock-settled SARs is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  The fair 
value of cash-settled SARs is revalued (mark-to-market) each reporting period using the Black-Scholes valuation model 
based  on  Snap-on’s  period-end  stock  price.  The  company  uses  historical  data  regarding  SARs  exercise  and  forfeiture 
behaviors for different participating groups to estimate the expected term of the SARs granted based on the period of time 
that similar instruments granted are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the 
company’s stock for the length of time corresponding to the expected term of the SARs.  The expected dividend yield is 
based on the company’s historical dividend payments.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury yield curve 
in  effect  as  of  the  grant  date  (for  stock-settled  SARs)  or  reporting  date  (for  cash-settled  SARs)  for  the  length  of  time 
corresponding to the expected term of the SARs.  

The following weighted-average assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of stock-settled SARs granted during 
2017, 2016 and 2015, using the Black-Scholes valuation model: 

Expected term of stock-settled SARs (in years) 
Expected volatility factor 
Expected dividend yield 
Risk-free interest rate 

2017 
3.99 
19.39% 
1.46% 
1.55% 

2016 
4.03 
20.09% 
1.66% 
1.11% 

2015 
4.72 
23.66% 
2.04% 
1.50% 

Changes to the company’s stock-settled SARs in 2017 are as follows:  

Stock-settled 
SARs 
(in thousands) 
303 
100 
(13) 
(30) 
360 
165 

Exercise 
Price per 
Share* 
  $  125.38 
168.73 
103.16 
121.53 
138.63 
119.46 

  Remaining 
Contractual 
Term* 
(in years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value       

 (in millions) 

7.6 
6.6 

  $ 

12.8 
9.1 

Outstanding at beginning of year 
  Granted 
  Exercised 
  Forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at end of year 
Exercisable at end of year 

* Weighted-average 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock-settled SARs granted was $24.13 in 2017, $19.47 in 2016 and $25.37 
in 2015. The intrinsic value of stock-settled SARs exercised was $0.9 million in 2017, $1.9 million in 2016 and $1.0 million 
in 2015. The fair value of stock-settled SARs vested was $2.1 million in both 2017 and 2016 and $1.4 million in 2015.   

As of 2017 year end there was $2.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock-settled SARs 
that is expected to be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.  

    110 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following weighted-average assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of cash-settled SARs granted during 
2017, 2016 and 2015, using the Black-Scholes valuation model:   

Expected term of cash-settled SARs (in years) 
Expected volatility factor 
Expected dividend yield 
Risk-free interest rate 

2017 
3.09 
19.93% 
1.59% 
1.98% 

2016 
3.11 
19.53% 
1.56% 
1.47% 

2015 
3.10 
18.14% 
1.69% 
1.31% 

The intrinsic value of cash-settled SARs exercised was $1.6 million in 2017, $3.3 million in 2016 and $11.0 million in 2015.  
The fair value of cash-settled SARs vested during both 2017 and 2016 was $0.2 million and was $4.6 million in 2015.   

Changes to the company’s non-vested cash-settled SARs in 2017 are as follows:  

Non-vested cash-settled SARs at beginning of year 
  Granted 
  Vested 
Non-vested cash-settled SARs at end of year 

* Weighted-average 

Cash-settled 
SARs 
(in thousands) 
7 
1 
(3) 
5 

  $ 

Fair Value 
Price per 
Share* 
40.83 
26.36 
46.16 
35.41 

As of 2017 year end there was $0.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested cash-settled SARs 
that is expected to be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.   

Restricted Stock Awards – Non-employee Directors 

The company awarded 6,966 shares, 7,145 shares and 8,640 shares of restricted stock to non-employee directors in 2017, 
2016 and 2015, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock awards is expensed over a one-year vesting period based 
on the fair value on the date of grant.  All restrictions for the restricted stock generally lapse upon the earlier of the first 
anniversary of the grant date, the recipient’s death or disability or in the event of a change in control, as defined in the 2011 
Plan.  If termination of the recipient’s service occurs prior to the first anniversary of the grant date for any reason other than 
death or disability, the shares of restricted stock would be forfeited, unless otherwise determined by the Board. 

Directors’ Fee Plan  

Under the Directors’ 1993 Fee Plan, as amended, non-employee directors may elect to receive up to 100% of their fees 
and retainer in shares of Snap-on’s common stock. Directors may elect to defer receipt of all or part of these shares. For 
2017,  2016  and  2015,  issuances  under  the  Directors’  Fee  Plan  totaled  1,800  shares,  2,579  shares  and  2,747  shares, 
respectively, of which  1,312 shares, 2,019 shares and 1,969 shares, respectively, were deferred. As of 2017 year end, 
shares reserved for issuance to directors under this plan totaled 169,080 shares. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

Substantially  all  Snap-on  employees  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  are  eligible  to  participate  in  an  employee  stock 
purchase plan. The purchase price of the company’s common stock to participants is the lesser of the mean of the high and 
low price of the stock on the beginning date (May 15) or ending date (the following May 14) of each plan year. For 2017, 
2016 and 2015, issuances under this plan totaled 26,963 shares, 27,156 shares and 57,324 shares, respectively. As of 
2017  year  end,  shares  reserved  for  issuance  under  this  plan  totaled  753,600  shares  and  Snap-on  held  participant 
contributions of approximately $2.5 million. Participants are able to withdraw from the plan at any time prior to the ending 
date and receive back all contributions made during the plan year. Compensation expense for plan participants was $0.1 
million in 2017, zero in 2016 and $2.3 million in 2015.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

111 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Franchisee Stock Purchase Plan 

All  franchisees  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  are  eligible  to  participate  in  a  franchisee  stock  purchase  plan.   The 
purchase price of the company’s common stock to participants is the lesser of the mean of the high and low price of the 
stock on the beginning date (May 15) or ending date (the following May 14) of each plan year. For 2017, 2016 and 2015, 
issuances under this plan totaled  47,314 shares, 42,867 shares and 74,001 shares, respectively. As of 2017 year end, 
shares  reserved  for  issuance  under  this  plan  totaled  566,155  shares  and  Snap-on  held  participant  contributions  of 
approximately $4.8 million.  Participants are able to withdraw from the plan at any time prior to the ending date and receive 
back all contributions made during the plan year.  The company recognized mark-to-market expense of $0.2 million in 2017, 
a mark-to-market benefit of $0.2 million in 2016, and mark-to-market expense of $2.9 million in 2015. 

Note 14: Capital Stock  

Snap-on  has  undertaken  repurchases  of  Snap-on  common  stock  from  time  to  time  to  offset  dilution  created  by  shares 
issued  for  employee  and  franchisee  stock  purchase  plans,  stock  awards  and  other  corporate  purposes.  Snap-on 
repurchased 1,820,000 shares, 758,000 shares and 723,000 shares in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of 2017 year 
end, Snap-on has remaining availability to repurchase up to an additional $390.7 million in common stock pursuant to Board 
authorizations. The purchase of Snap-on common stock is at the company’s discretion, subject to prevailing financial and 
market conditions.   

Cash dividends paid in 2017, 2016 and 2015 totaled $169.4 million, $147.5 million and $127.9 million, respectively.  Cash 
dividends  per  share  in  2017,  2016  and  2015  were  $2.95,  $2.54  and  $2.20,  respectively.    On  February  15,  2018,  the 
company’s Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, payable on March 10, 2018, to shareholders of record 
on February 24, 2018.   

Note 15: Commitments and Contingencies  

Snap-on leases facilities, office equipment and vehicles under non-cancelable operating and capital leases that extend for 
varying amounts of time.  Snap-on’s future minimum lease commitments under these leases, net of sub-lease rental income, 
are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions) 
Year: 
 2018  
 2019 
 2020 
 2021 
 2022 
 2023 and thereafter  
 Total minimum lease payments 

 Less: amount representing interest 
 Total present value of minimum capital lease payments 

Operating 
Leases 

Capital 
Leases 

$ 

$ 

25.5 
19.6 
14.1 
10.5 
7.2 
7.9 
84.8 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

3.6 
3.2 
3.0 
2.6 
2.2 
3.5 
18.1 

(1.2) 
16.9 

    112 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts  included  in  the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  for  the  present  value  of  minimum  capital  lease 
payments as of 2017 year end are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Other accrued liabilities 
Other long-term liabilities 
Total present value of minimum capital lease payments 

 2017 
3.2 
13.7 
16.9 

  $ 

  $ 

Rent expense for worldwide facilities, office equipment and vehicles, net of sub-lease rental income, was $35.2 million, 
$31.2 million and $29.4 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.   

Snap-on provides product warranties for specific product lines and accrues for estimated future warranty cost in the period 
in which the sale is recorded. Snap-on calculates its accrual requirements based on historic warranty loss experience that 
is periodically adjusted for recent actual experience, including the timing of claims during the warranty period and actual 
costs incurred.  Snap-on’s product warranty accrual activity for 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: 

(Amounts in millions)  
Warranty accrual:  
  Beginning of year  
  Additions  
  Usage 
  End of year  

 2017 

 2016 

 2015 

  $ 

  $ 

16.0 
15.2 
(14.0) 
17.2 

  $ 

  $ 

16.4 
12.8 
(13.2) 
16.0 

  $ 

  $ 

17.3 
13.3 
(14.2) 
16.4 

Approximately  2,700  employees,  or  21%  of  Snap-on’s  worldwide  workforce,  are  represented  by  unions  and/or  covered 
under collective bargaining agreements.  The number of covered union employees whose contracts expire over the next 
five years approximates  1,450 employees in 2018, 225 employees in 2019, 825 employees in 2020, 125 employees in 
2021, and 25 employees in 2022.  In recent years, Snap-on has not experienced any significant work slowdowns, stoppages 
or other labor disruptions. 

Snap-on is involved in various legal matters that are being litigated and/or settled in the ordinary course of business. The 
year ended December 30, 2017, included accruals for $30.9 million related to a judgment in a patent-related litigation matter, 
as  well  as  $15.0  million  related  to  a  judgment  in  an  employment-related  litigation  matter  brought  by  an  individual;  both 
judgments are being appealed.   

Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of these and other legal matters, management believes that the results of 
all legal matters will not have a material impact on Snap-on’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash 
flows.  

Note 16: Other Income (Expense) – Net  

“Other income (expense) – net” on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings consists of the following: 

(Amounts in millions) 
Interest income 
Net foreign exchange loss  
Other  
Total other income (expense) – net  

2017 
0.3 
(7.0) 
(0.5) 
(7.2) 

  $ 

  $ 

2016 
0.6 
(1.3) 
0.1 
(0.6) 

  $ 

  $ 

2015 
0.5 
(2.7) 
(0.2) 
(2.4) 

  $ 

  $ 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

113 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Note 17: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

The following is a summary of net changes in Accumulated OCI by component and net of tax for 2017 and 2016: 

(Amounts in millions) 
Balance as of 2015 year end 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before 
reclassifications 
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated OCI 
Net other comprehensive income (loss) 
Balance as of 2016 year end 
Other comprehensive income before 
reclassifications 
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated OCI 
Net other comprehensive income  
Balance as of 2017 year end 

Foreign 
Currency 
Translation 
(118.5) 
$ 

Cash Flow 
Hedges 
0.7 

  $ 

Defined 
Benefit 
Pension and 
Postretirement 
Plans 
(246.4) 

  $ 

(99.2) 
– 
(99.2) 
(217.7) 

135.2 
– 
135.2 
(82.5) 

$ 

$ 

8.8 
(0.3) 
8.5 
9.2 

6.9 
(1.6) 
5.3 
14.5 

(62.6) 
19.0 
(43.6) 
(290.0) 

11.8 
17.2 
29.0 
(261.0) 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

Total 

  $  (364.2) 

(153.0) 
18.7 
(134.3) 
  $  (498.5) 

153.9 
15.6 
169.5 
  $  (329.0) 

The reclassifications out of Accumulated OCI in 2017 and 2016 are as follows: 

(Amounts in millions) 
Gains on cash flow hedges: 
  Treasury locks 

Income tax expense 

  Net of tax 

  $ 

Amortization of net unrecognized losses and 
  prior service credits 
Income tax benefit  

  Net of tax 
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax 

  $ 

Amounts Reclassified from 
Accumulated OCI 

2017 

2016 

  Statement of Earnings 

Presentation 

1.6 
– 
1.6 

(26.6) 
9.4 
(17.2) 
(15.6) 

  $ 

  $ 

0.3 
– 
0.3 

(30.1) 
11.1 
(19.0) 
(18.7) 

Interest expense 
Income tax expense 

See footnote below* 
Income tax expense 

* These Accumulated OCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement health care costs; see Note 11 and  
   Note 12 for further information. 

Note 18: Segments  

Snap-on’s  business  segments  are  based  on  the  organization  structure  used  by  management  for  making  operating  and 
investment decisions and for assessing performance. Snap-on’s reportable business segments are: (i) the Commercial & 
Industrial Group; (ii) the Snap-on Tools Group; (iii) the Repair Systems & Information Group; and (iv) Financial Services.  
The Commercial & Industrial Group consists of business operations serving a broad range of industrial and commercial 
customers  worldwide,  including  customers  in  the  aerospace,  natural  resources,  government,  power  generation, 
transportation  and  technical  education  market  segments  (collectively,  “critical  industries”),  primarily  through  direct  and 
distributor channels. The Snap-on Tools Group consists of business operations primarily serving vehicle service and repair 
technicians through the company’s worldwide mobile tool distribution channel.  The Repair Systems & Information Group 
consists  of  business  operations  serving  other  professional  vehicle  repair  customers  worldwide,  primarily  owners  and 
managers of independent repair shops and OEM dealership service and repair shops (“OEM dealerships”), through direct 
and distributor channels.  Financial Services consists of the business operations of Snap-on’s finance subsidiaries.   

    114 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Snap-on evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment revenues, including both external and 
intersegment net sales, and segment operating earnings. Snap-on accounts for intersegment sales and transfers based 
primarily on standard costs with reasonable mark-ups established between the segments.  Identifiable assets by segment 
are  those  assets  used  in  the  respective  reportable  segment’s  operations.    Corporate  assets  consist  of  cash  and  cash 
equivalents (excluding cash held at Financial Services), deferred income taxes and certain other assets.  All significant 
intersegment amounts are eliminated to arrive at Snap-on’s consolidated financial results.   

Neither Snap-on nor any of its segments depend on any single customer, small group of customers or government for more 
than 10% of its revenues. 

Financial Data by Segment:  

(Amounts in millions) 
Net sales:  
  Commercial & Industrial Group  
  Snap-on Tools Group  
  Repair Systems & Information Group 
Segment net sales 
Intersegment eliminations  
Total net sales  
Financial Services revenue 
Total revenues 

2017 

2016 

2015 

$  1,265.0 
  1,625.1 
  1,347.2 
  4,237.3 
(550.4) 
$  3,686.9 
313.4 
$  4,000.3 

  $  1,148.3 
  1,633.9 
  1,179.9 
  3,962.1 
(531.7) 
  $  3,430.4 
281.4 
  $  3,711.8 

  $  1,163.6 
  1,568.7 
  1,113.2 
  3,845.5 
(492.7) 
  $  3,352.8 
240.3 
  $  3,593.1 

Operating earnings:  
  Commercial & Industrial Group  
  Snap-on Tools Group  
  Repair Systems & Information Group  
  Financial Services  
Segment operating earnings  
Corporate 
Operating earnings  
Interest expense  
Other income (expense) – net  
Earnings before income taxes and equity earnings  

  $  185.3 
274.5 
333.8 
217.5 
  1,011.1 
(129.6) 
881.5 
(52.4) 
(7.2) 
  $  821.9 

  $  168.0 
281.1 
297.8 
198.7 
945.6 
(91.4) 
854.2 
(52.2) 
(0.6) 
 801.4 

  $ 

  $  169.4 
256.0 
273.4 
170.2 
869.0 
(104.2) 
764.8 
(51.9) 
(2.4) 
  $  710.5 

(Amounts in millions)  
Assets:  
  Commercial & Industrial Group  
  Snap-on Tools Group  
  Repair Systems & Information Group  
  Financial Services  
Total assets from reportable segments  
Corporate 
Elimination of intersegment receivables  
Total assets  

2017 

2016 

  $  1,113.9 
714.3 
  1,314.3 
  1,971.8 
  5,114.3 
200.6 
(65.8) 
  $  5,249.1 

  $  907.1 
668.1 
  1,211.0 
  1,789.7 
  4,575.9 
212.3 
(65.0) 
  $  4,723.2 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

115 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 

Financial Data by Segment (continued): 

(Amounts in millions) 
Capital expenditures:  
  Commercial & Industrial Group  
  Snap-on Tools Group  
  Repair Systems & Information Group 
  Financial Services  
Total from reportable segments  
Corporate 
Total capital expenditures  

Depreciation and amortization:  
  Commercial & Industrial Group  
  Snap-on Tools Group  
  Repair Systems & Information Group  
  Financial Services  
Total from reportable segments  
Corporate 
Total depreciation and amortization  

Revenues by geographic region:*  
  United States  
  Europe  
  All other  
Total revenues  

(Amounts in millions) 
Long-lived assets:**  
  United States  
  Sweden  
  All other  
Total long-lived assets  

2017 

2016 

2015 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

22.6 
40.1 
13.4 
1.2 
77.3 
4.7 
82.0 

22.8 
29.1 
37.8 
0.6 
90.3 
2.9 
93.2 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

19.3 
38.3 
13.1 
0.6 
71.3 
3.0 
74.3 

20.7 
27.6 
33.9 
0.6 
82.8 
2.8 
85.6 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

31.0 
38.1 
9.0 
1.0 
79.1 
1.3 
80.4 

20.1 
24.9 
34.0 
0.7 
79.7 
2.8 
82.5 

  $  2,703.3 
748.8 
548.2 
  $  4,000.3 

  $  2,588.8 
654.4 
468.6 
  $  3,711.8 

  $  2,483.9  
635.0 
474.2 
  $  3,593.1 

2017 

2016 

  $  1,081.2 
252.6 
328.4 
  $  1,662.2 

  $  1,048.6 
218.8 
237.9 
  $  1,505.3 

*  Revenues are attributed to countries based on the origin of the sale. 

** Long-lived assets consist of Property and equipment – net, Goodwill, and Other intangibles – net.  

Products and Services: Snap-on derives net sales from a broad line of products and complementary services that are 
grouped into three categories: (i) tools; (ii) diagnostics, information and management systems; and (iii) equipment. The tools 
product  category  includes  hand  tools,  power  tools,  tool  storage  products  and  other  similar  products.  The  diagnostics, 
information and management systems product category includes handheld and PC-based diagnostic products, service and 
repair information products, diagnostic software solutions, electronic parts catalogs, business management systems and 
services, point-of-sale systems, integrated systems for vehicle service shops, OEM purchasing facilitation services, and 
warranty management systems and analytics to help OEM dealerships manage and track performance. The equipment 
product category includes solutions for the service of vehicles and industrial equipment. Snap-on supports the sale of its 
diagnostics and vehicle service shop equipment by offering training programs as well as after-sales service support to its 
customers.  Through  its  financial  services  businesses,  Snap-on  also  derives  revenue  from  various  financing  programs 
designed to facilitate the sales of its products and support its franchise business. Further product line information is not 
presented as it is not practicable to do so.  

    116 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table shows the consolidated net sales and revenues of these product groups in the last three years: 

(Amounts in millions)  

Net sales:  

  Tools 
  Diagnostics, information and  
    management systems 

  Equipment 

Total net sales  

2017 

2016 

2015 

  $  1,946.7 

  $  1,899.2 

  $  1,910.1 

800.4 

939.8 

748.2 

783.0 

689.6 

753.1 

  $  3,686.9 

  $  3,430.4 

  $  3,352.8 

Financial services revenue  

313.4 

281.4 

240.3 

Total revenues 

  $  4,000.3 

  $  3,711.8 

  $  3,593.1 

Note 19: Quarterly Data (unaudited)    

(Amounts in millions, except per share data) 

First 
Quarter  

Second 
Quarter  

Third 
Quarter  

Fourth 
Quarter  

 Total  

2017 

Net sales  

Gross profit  

Financial services revenue  

Financial services expenses 

Net earnings  

Net earnings attributable to Snap-on   
  Incorporated 

Earnings per share – basic  

Earnings per share – diluted  

Cash dividends paid per share  

2016 

Net sales  

Gross profit  

Financial services revenue  

Financial services expenses 

Net earnings  

Net earnings attributable to Snap-on   
  Incorporated 

Earnings per share – basic  

Earnings per share – diluted  

Cash dividends paid per share  

Note 20: Subsequent Event  

  $  887.1 

  $  921.4 

  $  903.8 

  $  974.6 

  $  3,686.9 

448.0 

76.8 

(24.3) 

145.1 

463.0 

77.7 

(23.1) 

156.8 

448.6 

79.0 

(23.0) 

137.1 

465.3 

79.9 

(25.5) 

133.2 

   1,824.9 

313.4 

(95.9) 

572.2 

141.6 

153.2 

133.4 

129.5 

557.7 

2.45 

2.39 

0.71 

2.65 

2.60 

0.71 

2.33 

2.29 

0.71 

2.28 

2.24 

0.82 

9.72 

9.52 

2.95 

First 
Quarter  

Second 
Quarter  

Third 
Quarter  

Fourth 
Quarter  

 Total  

  $  834.2 

  $  872.3 

  $  834.1 

  $  889.8 

  $  3,430.4 

415.3 

66.3 

(19.3) 

131.3 

431.3 

69.3 

(19.8) 

143.4 

419.1 

71.6 

(21.0) 

135.2 

443.9 

74.2 

(22.6) 

149.7 

   1,709.6 

281.4 

(82.7) 

559.6 

128.3 

140.1 

131.7 

146.3 

546.4 

2.21 

2.16 

0.61 

2.41 

2.36 

0.61 

2.27 

2.22 

0.61 

2.52 

2.47 

0.71 

9.40 

9.20 

2.54 

On January 16, 2018, Snap-on repaid the 2018 Notes upon maturity with an aggregate of $250 million of available cash 
and cash generated from issuances of commercial paper.   

2017 ANNUAL REPORT  

117 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Snap-on has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED     

By: 

/s/ Nicholas T. Pinchuk                                          
Nicholas T. Pinchuk, Chairman, President  
and Chief Executive Officer 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 
persons on behalf of Snap-on and in the capacities and on the date indicated. 

/s/ Nicholas T. Pinchuk                                          
Nicholas T. Pinchuk, Chairman, President  
and Chief Executive Officer 

/s/ Aldo J. Pagliari  
Aldo J. Pagliari, Principal Financial Officer, Senior 
Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer 

/s/ Richard K. Strege                                             
Richard K. Strege, Principal Accounting Officer, 
Vice President and Controller 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

  118 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 
persons on behalf of Snap-on and in the capacities and on the date indicated.    

SIGNATURES 

By: 

/s/ David C. Adams 
David C. Adams, Director 

By: 

/s/ Karen L. Daniel 
Karen L. Daniel, Director 

By: 

/s/ Ruth Ann M. Gillis 
Ruth Ann M. Gillis, Director 

By: 

/s/ James P. Holden 
James P. Holden, Director 

By: 

/s/ Nathan J. Jones 
Nathan J. Jones, Director 

By: 

/s/ Henry W. Knueppel  
Henry W. Knueppel, Director 

By: 

/s/ W. Dudley Lehman 
W. Dudley Lehman, Director 

By: 

/s/ Nicholas T. Pinchuk 
Nicholas T. Pinchuk, Director 

By: 

/s/ Gregg M. Sherrill 
Gregg M. Sherrill, Director 

By: 

/s/ Donald J. Stebbins 
Donald J. Stebbins, Director 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

Date: February 15, 2018 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

119 

 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 
(Dollars in millions) 

  EXHIBIT 12 

Earnings before income taxes  
  and equity earnings 

Fixed charges: 
  Interest on debt 
  Interest element of rentals 
Total fixed charges 
Total adjusted earnings available for  
  payment of fixed charges 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

  $  821.9 

  $  801.4 

  $  710.5 

  $  630.9 

  $  526.2 

$  51.8 
2.7 
$  54.5 

  $  51.5 
2.6 
  $  54.1 

  $  51.0 
2.7 
  $  53.7 

  $  51.8 
2.9 
  $  54.7 

  $  55.3 
2.7 
  $  58.0 

$  876.4 

$  855.5 

$  764.2 

$  685.6 

$  584.2 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 

16.1 

15.8 

14.2 

12.5 

10.1 

  120 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   

EXHIBIT 23 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 33-37924, 333-21285, and 333-208480 on Form 
S-3  and  Registration  Statement  Nos.  33-57898,  33-58939,  333-21277,  333-62098,  333-142412,  333-91712,  333-177794, 
333-177795  and  333-208479  on  Form  S-8  of  our  reports  dated  February  15,  2018,  relating  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements of Snap-on Incorporated and the effectiveness of Snap-on Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting, 
appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Snap-on Incorporated for the year ended December 30, 2017.   

/s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 
February 15, 2018 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

121 

 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

EXHIBIT 31.1 

I, Nicholas T. Pinchuk, certify that: 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Snap-on Incorporated; 

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 the 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 15, 2018  

/s/ Nicholas T. Pinchuk   
Nicholas T. Pinchuk 
Chief Executive Officer 

  122 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

EXHIBIT 31.2 

I, Aldo J. Pagliari, certify that: 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Snap-on Incorporated; 

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 the 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 15, 2018  

/s/ Aldo J. Pagliari 
Aldo J. Pagliari 
Principal Financial Officer 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

123 

 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer  
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, 
As Adopted Pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

EXHIBIT 32.1 

In connection with the Annual Report of Snap-on Incorporated (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended December 
30, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Nicholas T. Pinchuk as 
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of his knowledge, that: 

(1) 

(2) 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934; and 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and 
results of operations of the Company. 

/s/ Nicholas T. Pinchuk   
Nicholas T. Pinchuk  
Chief Executive Officer 
February 15, 2018 

  124 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer  
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, 
As Adopted Pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

EXHIBIT 32.2 

In connection with the Annual Report of Snap-on Incorporated (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended December 
30, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Aldo J. Pagliari as Principal 
Financial  Officer  of  the  Company,  hereby  certifies,  pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  §  1350,  as  adopted  pursuant  to  §  906  of  the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of his knowledge, that: 

(1) 

(2) 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934; and 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and 
results of operations of the Company. 

/s/ Aldo J. Pagliari 
Aldo J. Pagliari 
Principal Financial Officer 
February 15, 2018 

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 

125 

 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTOR INFORMATION 

EXCHANGE LISTING 
Snap-on Incorporated’s common stock is listed on the New 
York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SNA. 

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR 
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. 
462 South 4th Street 
Suite 1600  
Louisville, KY 40202, U.S.A. 

Shareholders  with  questions  may  call  our  transfer  agent, 
Computershare Trust Company, N.A., toll-free at 800-446-
2617 (in the United States) or 781-575-2723 (outside the 
United  States).    The  deaf  and  hearing  impaired  may  call 
800-952-9245.  An 
is 
available  24  hours  a  day,  every  day.  Operators  are 
available  Monday  through  Friday,  9  a.m.  to  5  p.m.  U.S. 
Eastern  Time.  More 
is  available  at 
www.computershare.com.  

interactive  automated  system 

information 

CERTIFICATE TRANSFERS 
By mail: 
Computershare Investor Services 
P.O. Box 505000 
Louisville, KY 40233-5000, U.S.A. 

By overnight mail or private courier: 
Computershare Investor Services 
462 South 4th Street 
Suite 1600 
Louisville, KY 40202, U.S.A. 

a 

through 

no-commission 

COMPUTERSHARE INVESTMENT PLAN 
Investors may purchase Snap-on stock and increase their 
investment 
dividend 
reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan sponsored by 
Computershare  Trust  Company,  N.A.  All 
fees  and 
brokerage commissions in connection with the purchase of 
stock,  as  well  as  most  administrative  costs,  are  paid  by 
Snap-on.  For information visit www.computershare.com or 
write to: 

Computershare Investor Services 
462 South 4th Street 
Suite 1600  
Louisville, KY 40202, U.S.A. 

ANTICIPATED DIVIDEND RECORD AND PAYMENT 
DATES FOR 2018 

Quarter 

First 
Second 
Third 
Fourth 

  Record Date 

  Payment Date 

  March 2 
  May 21 
  August 17 
  November 20 

  March 16 
June 8 

  September 10 
  December 10 

FINANCIAL PUBLICATIONS 
Publications  are  available  without  charge.  Contact  the 
Snap-on investor relations department at 2801 80th Street, 
Kenosha, WI 53143, visit our website, or send an e-mail to 
InvestorRelations@snapon.com.  

WEBSITE 
Snap-on’s  website  contains  Form  10-Qs,  Form  10-Ks, 
news releases, annual reports, proxy statements and other 
information  about  Snap-on.  Our  website  address  is 
www.snapon.com.   

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 
Deloitte & Touche LLP 
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1400 
Milwaukee, WI  53202-3824, U.S.A. 

INVESTOR RELATIONS 
Investors  and  other  interested  parties  should  direct 
inquiries to: 
Leslie H. Kratcoski 
Vice President, Investor Relations 
262-656-6121 or leslie.h.kratcoski@snapon.com 

ANNUAL MEETING   
The  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders  will  be  held  at  the 
IdeaForge located within the Snap-on Innovation Works at 
the Company’s headquarters, 2801 80th Street, Kenosha, 
WI 53143, at 10:00 a.m. U.S. Central Time on Thursday, 
April 26, 2018. 

CORPORATE OFFICES 
2801 80th Street  
Kenosha, WI  53143, U.S.A. 
262-656-5200 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-
LOOKING INFORMATION: 
Statements in this Report that are not historical facts are 
forward-looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  the 
Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.  Such 
statements  include  those  that  are  in  the  future  tense; 
include  the  words  “expect,”  “plan,”  “target,”  “estimate,” 
“believe,”  “anticipate,”  or  similar  words;  are  specifically 
identified  as  forward-looking;  or  describe  Snap-on’s  or 
management’s  outlook,  plans,  estimates,  objectives  or 
goals.    These  forward-looking  statements  are  subject  to 
uncertainties,  risks  and  other  factors  that  could  cause 
actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  those  described.  
Numerous important factors, such as those in the Annual 
Report on Form 10-K (forming part of this Report) in Part I 
under  "Safe  Harbor"  or  Item  1A:  "Risk  Factors,"  could 
affect Snap-on's actual results and could cause its actual 
results  to  differ  materially  from  those  expressed  in  any 
forward-looking statement. 

SNAP-ON INCORPORATED 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B O A R D   O F  D I R E C T O R S

Nicholas T. Pinchuk
Chairman of the Board  
and Chief Executive Officer
Snap-on Incorporated
Director since 2007

David C. Adams (c)
Chairman of the Board 
and Chief Executive Officer
Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Director since 2016 

Karen L. Daniel (a)
Division President  
and Chief Financial Officer 
Black & Veatch Corporation
Director since 2005

Ruth Ann M. Gillis (a)
Retired Executive Vice President 
and Chief Administrative Officer
Exelon Corporation
Director since 2014

Henry W. Knueppel (c)*
Retired Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
Regal Beloit Corporation
Director since 2011

James P. Holden (b)
Lead Director
Retired President  
and Chief Executive Officer
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Director since 2007

Nathan J. Jones (a)*
Retired President, Worldwide
Commercial & Consumer  
Equipment Division 
Deere & Company
Director since 2008

W. Dudley Lehman (c)
Retired Group President
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Director since 2003

Gregg M. Sherrill (b)*
Executive Chairman of the Board
Tenneco Inc.
Director since 2010

Donald J. Stebbins (b)
President and  
Chief Executive Officer
Superior Industries  
International, Inc.
Director since 2015 

B O A R D   C O M M I T T E E S :

(a)  Audit Committee

(b)  Organization and Executive 
Compensation Committee

(c)  Corporate Governance and 
Nominating Committee

 *   Denotes Chair

M A N A G E M E N T  T E A M
M A N A G E M E N T  T E A M

Eugenio Amador
President –
Car-O-Liner

Bennett L. Brenton
Vice President –
Innovation

Govind K. Arora
Vice President –
Worldwide Strategic 
Sourcing

Jesus Arregui
President –
SNA Europe

Anup R. Banerjee
Senior Vice President – 
Human Resources 
and Chief 
Development Officer

Steven K. Bartels
Vice President –  
Corporate Tax

Samuel E. Bottum
Vice President and
Chief Marketing Officer

Iain Boyd
Vice President –
Operations 
Development

Joseph J. Burger
President –
Snap-on Credit

Timothy L. Chambers
President –
Commercial Group

David Ellingen
President – 
Diagnostics and 
Mitchell 1

Michael G. Gentile
Vice President – 
Operations
Snap-on Tools Group

Robert J. Hamilton
Vice President – Finance
Snap-on Tools Group

Gary S. Henning
Vice President – 
Manufacturing Development

David T. Hietpas
Vice President and  
General Manager –
Specialty Tools

Jeffrey W. Howe
Vice President – 
North American Sales
Snap-on Tools Group

Thomas L. Kassouf
Senior Vice President 
and President – 
Snap-on Tools Group

Richard G. Kobor
President – 
Equipment 

Jeffrey F. Kostrzewa
Vice President 
and Treasurer

Leslie H. Kratcoski
Vice President – 
Investor Relations

June Lemerand
Vice President and 
Chief Information Officer

© 2018 Snap-on Incorporated; All rights reser ved

Snap-on as well as other marks are trademarks, registered  
in the United States and other countries, of Snap-on Incorporated.  
All other marks are marks of their respective holders. 

Manuel Macedo
Vice President – 
Operations 
SNA Europe

James Ng
President –
Snap-on Asia/Pacific

Benny Oh
Chairman – 
Snap-on Asia/Pacific

Aldo J. Pagliari
Senior Vice President – 
Finance and Chief 
Financial Officer

Nicholas T. Pinchuk
Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer

Christopher H. Potter
President –
Power Tools

Irwin M. Shur
Vice President,
General Counsel
and Secretary

Richard K. Strege
Vice President
and Controller

Irene S. Sudac
Vice President – 
Financial Services

Kevin L. Thatcher
Vice President – 
Business Development

David L. Thompson
Vice President – Finance
Repair Systems & 
Information Group

Thomas J. Ward
Senior Vice President 
and President – 
Repair Systems & 
Information Group

John A. Wolf
President – 
OEM Solutions

Barrie Young
President – 
Sales and Franchising
Snap-on Tools Group

 
 
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