Document


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
 
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 25, 2017
 
HUBBELL INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
CONNECTICUT
 
1-2958
06-0397030
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
 
40 Waterview Drive
Shelton, Connecticut
 
 
06484
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (475) 882-4000
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
 
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

¨
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
¨
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
¨
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ¨
 
 
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. ¨

 





ITEM 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On April 25, 2017, Hubbell Incorporated (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.
The full text of the press release issued in connection with the announcement is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and hereby incorporated in this Item 2.02 by reference.
INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS — Certain of the statements contained in this report and the exhibit attached hereto, including, without limitation, statements as to management’s good faith expectations and belief are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s expectations and belief concerning future developments and their potential effect upon the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management’s expectations or that the effect of future developments on the Company will be those anticipated by management.
ITEM 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
 
EXHIBIT NO.
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
99.1
Press Release dated April 25, 2017 pertaining to the financial results of the Company for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
HUBBELL INCORPORATED
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Joseph A. Capozzoli
 
 
Name:
Joseph A. Capozzoli
 
 
Title:
Vice President, Controller
Date: April 25, 2017





EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO.
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
99.1
Press Release dated April 25, 2017 pertaining to the financial results of the Company for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.


Exhibit

Exhibit 99.1
 https://cdn.kscope.io/bf7479438b3bdcad3ecd29eafd212ca5-g667334img1a01a02.jpg        
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 25, 2017
  
NEWS RELEASE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Hubbell Incorporated
40 Waterview Drive
Shelton, CT 06484
475-882-4000
 
HUBBELL REPORTS FIRST QUARTER RESULTS;
NET SALES OF $852 MILLION AND EARNINGS PER DILUTED SHARE OF $1.13 INCLUDING $0.10 OF RESTRUCTURING AND RELATED COSTS (1) 

Net sales up 2% (acquisitions +1%, organic +1%, FX <-1%)
Adjusted diluted EPS(1) up 6% to $1.23
Share repurchases of $53 million and acquisitions of ~$110 million through April
FY 2017 diluted EPS expectation revised to $5.40 to $5.60

SHELTON, CT. (April 25, 2017) – Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB) today reported operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.
Net sales in the first quarter of 2017 were $852 million, an increase of 2% compared to the $835 million reported in the first quarter of 2016. Operating income in the quarter was $104 million as compared to $102 million in the same period of 2016. Excluding restructuring and related costs in both periods, adjusted operating income was $112 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $109 million in the first quarter of 2016 (1). Net income attributable to Hubbell in the first quarter of 2017 was $63 million compared to $61 million reported in the comparable period of 2016. Earnings per diluted share for the first quarter of 2017 were $1.13 compared to $1.08 reported in the first quarter of 2016. Excluding restructuring and related costs in both periods, adjusted earnings per diluted share were $1.23 in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $1.16 in the first quarter of 2016 (1).


1


Net cash provided from operating activities was $63 million in the first quarter of 2017 versus $62 million in the comparable period of 2016. Free cash flow (defined as cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures) was $49 million in the first quarter of 2017 versus $47 million reported in the comparable period of 2016 (3).


OPERATIONS REVIEW
"Sales growth from end markets in the quarter was complemented by our acquisition activity," said David G. Nord, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "While performance was more consistent across end markets than it had been over the past several quarters, we continued to see commercial construction and residential markets outgrow higher margin oil and core industrial markets. Notably, global oil markets showed signs of stabilization while the North American luminaire lighting market was soft. Electrical T&D markets expanded in the quarter, driven by distribution.
"Acquisitions remain an important contributor to our growth strategy, and in April, we acquired two businesses. The first is Advance Engineering Corporation (AEC), a gas components manufacturer that complements our existing offering in the natural gas distribution vertical. AEC joins our recent acquisitions of GasBreaker and Lyall to bolster our leadership position in main-to-meter mechanical solutions in this area. The second acquisition is iDevices, a developer with embedded firmware and app development expertise with custom-built Internet of Things Cloud infrastructure. iDevices accelerates our capabilities and expertise in IoT technology, propelling us more quickly toward our vision of providing Tier 3 energy management solutions via connected hardware with a software front-end. Both acquisitions provide tremendous opportunity to differentiate and enhance our broad base of products and solutions in growing markets.
"Operating with discipline also continues to be a focus area," commented Mr. Nord. "Adjusted operating margins in the quarter improved year-over-year, despite price and material cost headwinds across the Company. Strong performance at Power more than offset softness at Electrical. We invested $0.10 of diluted EPS in the quarter in cost reduction actions, and while the necessary restructuring efforts resulted in temporary inefficiencies in Lighting's distribution and manufacturing capabilities, our realized savings are on track with our full year outlook." Mr. Nord added, "We also repurchased $53 million of shares in the quarter."


2




SEGMENT REVIEW
The comments and year-over-year comparisons in this segment review are based on first quarter results in 2017 and 2016.
Electrical segment net sales in the first quarter of 2017 increased 1% to $588 million compared to $583 million reported in the first quarter of 2016. Organic sales grew 1% in the quarter while acquisitions added 1% and offset foreign currency headwind. Operating income was $50 million, or 8.5% of net sales, compared to $55 million, or 9.5% of net sales, in the same period of 2016. Excluding restructuring and related costs, adjusted operating income was $57 million, or 9.7% of net sales compared to $62 million, or 10.6% of net sales in the same period of 2016 (1). The decreases in adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin were primarily due to unfavorable price, material costs and mix, partially offset by savings from cost actions(1).
Power segment net sales in the first quarter of 2017 increased 5% to $265 million compared to $252 million reported in the first quarter of 2016. Acquisitions added 4% to net sales in the quarter, while organic sales grew 1% and the impact of foreign currency translation was immaterial. Compared to the first quarter of 2016, operating income increased 16% to $54 million, or 200 basis points to 20.4% of net sales. Excluding restructuring and related costs, adjusted operating income was $56 million, or 21.0% of net sales compared to $47 million, or 18.6% of net sales in the same period of 2016 (1). Changes in adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin were primarily due to productivity in excess of cost increases.



3



SUMMARY & OUTLOOK

For the full year 2017, Hubbell anticipates end markets will grow approximately 2% to 3% in the aggregate and acquisitions completed to date will contribute approximately 2% to net sales. This end market outlook includes growth in the oil and gas, as well as industrial, markets of 2% to 4%, compared with 0% to 2% previously; expectations for the other markets are unchanged at 4% to 6% growth for residential, 2% to 4% growth for non-residential, and flat to 2% growth for Electrical T&D. This higher growth is expected to partially offset the restructuring-driven inefficiencies at Lighting. In addition, the Company expects its recent iDevices acquisition will be approximately $0.10 dilutive to 2017 EPS.
In light of the headwind at Lighting and the acquisitions completed to date, including the investment in IoT capabilities via iDevices, the Company is reducing its expectation for 2017 diluted earnings per share by $0.20 to $5.40 to $5.60. This expectation still anticipates approximately $0.25 of restructuring and related costs and $0.20 of incremental savings from restructuring and related actions. Hubbell continues to expect free cash flow to equal net income in 2017.
"We are encouraged by the improved outlook in our end markets, while we continue to experience softness at Lighting as we work through costs related to restructuring initiatives, including facility consolidations and supply chain management, over the next several months. Fixing Lighting's challenges is a critical priority in the near-term, and we have dedicated resources working to develop and implement action plans," Mr. Nord added. "While our recent iDevices acquisition is expected to be dilutive to 2017 EPS, we are confident that our investment in IoT engineering and R&D resources and know-how will drive significant value over time. Our product innovation, customer relationships and complementary acquisitions position us well to capitalize on expanding end markets. Combined with savings from cost actions and effective capital deployment, we are focused on delivering significant shareholder value over the long-term."



4



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements about expectations regarding our financial results and outlook, outperforming end markets, capital deployment, restructuring actions, market conditions, foreign exchange rates, shareholder value creation, and other statements that are not strictly historic in nature. In addition, all statements regarding anticipated growth or improvement in operating results, anticipated market conditions, and economic recovery are forward-looking. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "target", "believe", "continues", "improved", "leading", "improving", "continuing growth", "continued", "ranging", "contributing", "primarily", "plan", "expect", "anticipated", "expected", "expectations", "should result", "uncertain", "goals", "projected", "on track", "likely", "intend" and others. Such forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual and future performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: achieving sales levels to fulfill revenue expectations; unexpected costs or charges, certain of which may be outside the control of the Company; expected benefits of productivity improvements and cost reduction actions; pension expense; effects of unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates; price and material costs; general economic and business conditions; the impact of and the ability to complete strategic acquisitions and integrate acquired companies; the ability to effectively develop and introduce new products, expand into new markets and deploy capital; and other factors described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the "Business", "Risk Factors", and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" Sections in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

5



About the Company
Hubbell Incorporated is an international manufacturer of quality electrical and electronic products for a broad range of non-residential and residential construction, industrial and utility applications. With 2016 revenues of $3.5 billion, Hubbell Incorporated operates manufacturing facilities in the United States and around the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Shelton, CT.


Contact:    
Steve Beers
Hubbell Incorporated
40 Waterview Drive
P.O. Box 1000
Shelton, CT 06484
(475) 882-4000
 
 
 
 

#######
 

6



HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
(unaudited)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
$
852.3

 
$
834.8

Cost of goods sold
590.5

 
574.9

Gross profit
261.8

 
259.9

Selling & administrative expenses
157.7

 
158.0

Operating income
104.1

 
101.9

Operating income as a % of Net sales
12.2
%
 
12.2
%
Interest expense, net
(11.1
)
 
(9.0
)
Other income (expense), net
(2.1
)
 
(1.3
)
Total other expense, net
(13.2
)
 
(10.3
)
Income before income taxes
90.9

 
91.6

Provision for income taxes
27.0

 
29.6

Net income
63.9

 
62.0

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
1.1

 
1.1

Net income attributable to Hubbell
$
62.8

 
$
60.9

Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.13

 
$
1.08

Diluted
$
1.13

 
$
1.08

Cash dividends per common share
$
0.70

 
$
0.63


7



HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(unaudited)
(in millions)
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
381.0

 
$
437.6

Short-term investments
9.8

 
11.2

Accounts receivable, net
545.0

 
530.0

Inventories, net
547.8

 
532.4

Other current assets
34.0

 
40.1

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
1,517.6

 
1,551.3

Property, plant and equipment, net
437.8

 
439.8

Investments
59.2

 
56.4

Goodwill
1,000.5

 
991.0

Intangible assets, net
427.3

 
431.5

Other long-term assets
52.2

 
55.0

TOTAL ASSETS
$
3,494.6

 
$
3,525.0

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$
5.1

 
$
3.2

Accounts payable
300.1

 
291.6

Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits
65.3

 
82.8

Accrued insurance
60.0

 
55.8

Other accrued liabilities
145.5

 
156.2

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
576.0

 
589.6

Long-term debt
990.9

 
990.5

Other non-current liabilities
338.9

 
341.7

TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,905.8

 
1,921.8

Hubbell Shareholders’ Equity
1,578.7

 
1,592.8

Noncontrolling interest
10.1

 
10.4

TOTAL EQUITY
1,588.8

 
1,603.2

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
3,494.6

 
$
3,525.0


8



HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
(in millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Hubbell
$
62.8

 
$
60.9

Depreciation and amortization
24.2

 
22.7

Stock-based compensation expense
4.2

 
4.6

Deferred income taxes
0.7

 
0.5

Changes in working capital
(35.1
)
 
(40.0
)
Contributions to defined benefit pension plans
(0.4
)
 
(0.5
)
Other, net
6.6

 
14.1

Net cash provided by operating activities
63.0

 
62.3

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(13.6
)
 
(15.3
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
(19.2
)
 
(172.2
)
Net change in investments
(0.9
)
 
(1.0
)
Other, net
0.8

 
0.5

Net cash used in investing activities
(32.9
)
 
(188.0
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 
 
Long-term debt issuance, net

 
397.0

Short-term debt borrowings, net
2.0

 
(48.2
)
Payment of dividends
(38.8
)
 
(35.5
)
Repurchase of common shares
(52.6
)
 
(201.8
)
Other, net
(4.7
)
 
(7.0
)
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
(94.1
)
 
104.5

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
7.4

 
(1.5
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(56.6
)
 
(22.7
)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
Beginning of period
437.6

 
343.5

End of period
$
381.0

 
$
320.8

 

9



HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Restructuring and Related Costs Included in Consolidated Results
(unaudited)
(in millions, except per share amounts)


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
2016

2017
2016

2017
2016
 
Cost of goods sold
 
S&A expense
 
Total
Restructuring costs
$
4.2

$
1.8

 
$
1.3

$
4.0

 
$
5.5

$
5.8

Restructuring related costs
0.7

0.4

 
2.1

0.5

 
2.8

0.9

Restructuring and related costs (non-GAAP measure) (1)
$
4.9

$
2.2

 
$
3.4

$
4.5

 
$
8.3

$
6.7


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Restructuring and related costs included in Cost of goods sold
 
 
 
Electrical
$
4.4

 
$
2.2

Power
0.5

 

Total
$
4.9

 
$
2.2

Restructuring and related costs included in Selling & administrative expenses
 
 
 
Electrical
$
2.5

 
$
4.1

Power
0.9

 
0.4

Total
$
3.4

 
$
4.5

 
 
 
 
Impact on income before income taxes
$
8.3

 
$
6.7

Impact on Net income available to Hubbell common shareholders
5.6

 
4.5

Impact on Diluted earnings per share
$
0.10

 
$
0.08







10



HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Earnings Per Share
(unaudited)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Net income attributable to Hubbell (GAAP measure)
$
62.8

 
$
60.9

 
3
%
Restructuring and related costs, net of tax
5.6

 
4.5

 
 
Adjusted Net Income (1)
$
68.4

 
$
65.4

 
5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Hubbell (GAAP measure)
$
62.8

 
$
60.9

 
 
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders (GAAP measure) [a]
$
62.6

 
$
60.7

 
3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Net Income (1)
$
68.4

 
$
65.4

 
 
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
 
Adjusted net income available to common shareholders (1) [b]
$
68.2

 
$
65.2

 
5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
Average number of common shares outstanding [c]
55.2

 
56.3

 
 
Potential dilutive shares
0.4

 
0.2

 
 
Average number of diluted shares outstanding [d]
55.6

 
56.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share (GAAP measure):
 
 
 
 
 
Basic [a] / [c]
$
1.13

 
$
1.08

 
 
Diluted [a] / [d]
$
1.13

 
$
1.08

 
5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted earnings per diluted share (1) [b] / [d]
$
1.23

 
$
1.16

 
6
%


 
Full Year 2017
Earnings per diluted share (GAAP measure)
$5.40 - $5.60
Restructuring and related costs
$0.25
Adjusted earnings per diluted share (1)
$5.65 - $5.85




11



HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Segment Information
(unaudited)
(in millions)

Hubbell Incorporated
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Net Sales [a]
$
852.3

 
$
834.8

 
2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP measure [b]
$
104.1

 
$
101.9

 
2
%
Restructuring and related costs
8.3

 
6.7

 
 
Adjusted operating income (1) [c]
$
112.4

 
$
108.6

 
3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating margin
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP measure [b] / [a]
12.2
%
 
12.2
%
 
0 bps

Adjusted operating margin (1)  [c] / [a]
13.2
%
 
13.0
%
 
+20 bps


Electrical segment
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Net Sales [a]
$
587.5

 
$
582.7

 
1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP measure [b]
$
50.0

 
$
55.4

 
(10
)%
Restructuring and related costs
6.9

 
6.3

 
 
Adjusted operating income (1) [c]
$
56.9

 
$
61.7

 
(8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating margin
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP measure [b] / [a]
8.5
%
 
9.5
%
 
-100 bps

Adjusted operating margin (1) [c] / [a]
9.7
%
 
10.6
%
 
-90 bps


Power segment
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Net Sales [a]
$
264.8

 
$
252.1

 
5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP measure [b]
$
54.1

 
$
46.5

 
16
%
Restructuring and related costs
1.4

 
0.4

 
 
Adjusted operating income (1) [c]
$
55.5

 
$
46.9

 
18
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating margin
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP measure [b] / [a]
20.4
%
 
18.4
%
 
+200 bps

Adjusted operating margin (1) [c] / [a]
21.0
%
 
18.6
%
 
+240 bps


12



HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Additional Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(unaudited)
(in millions)
Ratios of Total Debt to Total Capital and Net Debt to Total Capital
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Total Debt
$
996.0

 
$
993.7

Total Hubbell Shareholders’ Equity
1,578.7

 
1,592.8

Total Capital
$
2,574.7

 
$
2,586.5

Total Debt to Total Capital
39
%
 
38
%
Less:     Cash and Investments
$
450.0

 
$
505.2

Net Debt (2)
$
546.0

 
$
488.5

Net Debt to Total Capital (2)
21
%
 
19
%

Free Cash Flow Reconciliation
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Net cash provided by operating activities(a)
$
63.0

 
$
62.3

Less:    Capital expenditures
(13.6
)
 
(15.3
)
Free cash flow (3)
$
49.4

 
$
47.0

(a) Comparable period has been recast to reflect the adoption of the new accounting pronouncement for share-based payment (ASU 2016-09) as of January 1, 2017.






13



HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Footnotes

(1) In order to provide a comparison that we believe provides investors with useful information regarding our underlying performance from period to period and to allow investors to assess the impact of restructuring activities and business transformation initiatives on our results of operations, the Company refers to adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted net income available to common shareholders, and adjusted earnings per diluted share, each of which excludes restructuring and related costs. Management uses these non-GAAP measures when assessing the performance of the business.

Restructuring costs support our cost reduction efforts involving the consolidation of manufacturing and distribution facilities, workforce reductions and the sale or exit of business units we determine to be non-strategic and is a GAAP measure. Restructuring costs may include severance and employee benefits, asset impairments, as well as facility closure, contract termination and certain pension costs that are directly related to restructuring actions. Restructuring-related costs are costs associated with our business transformation initiatives, including the consolidation of back-office functions and streamlining our processes, and certain other costs and gains associated with restructuring actions. We refer to these costs on a combined basis as "restructuring and related costs", which is a non-GAAP measure.

Each of the adjusted operating measures, which exclude the impact of restructuring and related costs, are non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations of each of these adjusted operating measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure can be found in the tables within this press release.

(2) Net debt to total capital is a non-GAAP measure and we believe is a useful measure for evaluating the Company's financial leverage and the ability to meet its funding needs.

(3) Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure that we believe provides useful information regarding the Company's ability to generate cash without reliance on external financing. In addition, management uses free cash flow to evaluate the resources available for investments in the business, strategic acquisitions and further strengthening the balance sheet.


14