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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 FORM 10-K 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the transition period from              to             
 Commission file number 1-4801
BARNES GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
barneslogo3dcmykjpga01a01a06.jpg
  
06-0247840
(State of incorporation)
 
  
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
123 Main Street, Bristol, Connecticut
 
  
06010
(Address of Principal Executive Office)
 
  
(Zip Code)
 
(860) 583-7070
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
 
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  x    No  ¨
 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x
 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  x    No  ¨
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
 Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer  x
 
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer   o
 
Smaller reporting company  o
 
 
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. ¨   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
The aggregate market value of the voting stock (Common Stock) held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the close of business on June 30, 2017 was approximately $2,914,055,542 based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date. The registrant does not have any non-voting common equity.
The registrant had outstanding 53,234,401 shares of common stock as of February 14, 2018.
 Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 4, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III.


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Barnes Group Inc.
Index to Form 10-K
Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
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.
Items 11-14.
 
 
 
Part IV
 
 
Item 15.
Item 16.


 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This Annual Report may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often address our expected future operating and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "plan," "estimate," "project," and similar terms. These forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These include, among others: difficulty maintaining relationships with employees, including unionized employees, customers, distributors, suppliers, business partners or governmental entities; failure to successfully negotiate collective bargaining agreements or potential strikes, work stoppages or other similar events; difficulties leveraging market opportunities; changes in market demand for our products and services; rapid technological and market change; the ability to protect intellectual property rights; introduction or development of new products or transfer of work; higher risks in global operations and markets; the impact of intense competition; acts of terrorism, cybersecurity attacks or intrusions that could adversely impact our businesses; uncertainties relating to conditions in financial markets; currency fluctuations and foreign currency exposure; future financial performance of the industries or customers that we serve; our dependence upon revenues and earnings from a small number of significant customers; a major loss of customers; inability to realize expected sales or profits from existing backlog due to a range of factors, including changes in customer sourcing decisions, material changes, production schedules and volumes of specific programs; the impact of government budget and funding decisions; the impact of new or revised tax laws and regulations; changes in raw material or product prices and availability; integration of acquired businesses; restructuring costs or


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savings; the continuing impact of prior acquisitions and divestitures; and any other future strategic actions, including acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, or strategic business realignments, and our ability to achieve the financial and operational targets set in connection with any such actions; the outcome of pending and future legal, governmental, or regulatory proceedings and contingencies and uninsured claims; product liabilities; future repurchases of common stock; future levels of indebtedness; and numerous other matters of a global, regional or national scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive, environmental, regulatory and public health nature; and other risks and uncertainties described in this Annual Report. The Company assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements.



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PART I

Item 1. Business
 
BARNES GROUP INC. (1) 

Barnes Group Inc. (the “Company”) is a global provider of highly engineered products, differentiated industrial technologies, and innovative solutions, serving a wide range of end markets and customers. Its specialized products and services are used in far-reaching applications including aerospace, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare and packaging. The Company’s skilled and dedicated employees around the globe are committed to the highest performance standards and achieving consistent, sustainable profitable growth.

Our Strategy

The Company’s strategy outlines the actions that we are executing to achieve our vision. Our strategy is comprised of four pillars:
1.
Build a World-class Company Focused on High Margin, High Growth Businesses - We pro-actively manage our business portfolio with a focus on multiple platforms and market channels, in end-markets where projected long-term growth and favorable macro-economic trends are present. By doing so, we expect to create superior value for our key stakeholders - our shareholders, customers, employees and the communities in which we operate.

2.
Leverage the Barnes Enterprise System (“BES”) as a Significant Competitive Advantage - BES is our integrated operating system that promotes a culture of employee engagement and empowerment and drives alignment across the organization around a common vision. BES standardizes our business processes to allow us to achieve commercial, operational and financial excellence in everything we do.

3.
Expand and Protect Our Core Intellectual Property to Deliver Differentiated Solutions - Driven by a passion for innovation, we embrace intellectual property as a core differentiator to create proprietary products, processes and systems. Through our Global Innovation Forum, we foster an environment that generates great ideas and shares best practices across the enterprise to maximize our collective strengths and create economies of scale in the development and commercialization of new and innovative products and services.

4.
Effectively Allocate Capital to Drive Top Quartile Total Shareholder Return - We strive to be good custodians of our shareholders’ capital and to drive maximum shareholder value. We do so by investing in our core businesses to fund profitable, organic growth and by employing a disciplined capital allocation process in the strategic acquisitions we undertake.

Structure

The Company operates under two global business segments: Industrial and Aerospace. The Industrial Segment includes the Molding Solutions, Nitrogen Gas Products and Engineered Components business units. The Aerospace segment includes the original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) business and the aftermarket business, which includes maintenance repair and overhaul (“MRO”) services and the manufacture and delivery of aerospace aftermarket spare parts.

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of the assets of the privately held Gammaflux L.P. business ("Gammaflux"), a leading supplier of hot runner temperature and sequential valve gate control systems to the plastics industry. Gammaflux, which is headquartered in Sterling, Virginia and has offices in Illinois and Germany, provides temperature control solutions for injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, and other applications. Its end markets include packaging, electronics, automotive, household products, medical, and tool building. Gammaflux is being integrated into the Industrial Segment, within our Molding Solutions business unit. See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

__________
(1)
As used in this annual report, “Company,” “Barnes Group,” “we” and “ours” refer to the registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries except where the context requires otherwise, and “Industrial” and “Aerospace” refer to the registrant’s segments, not to separate corporate entities.


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In the third quarter of 2016, the Company, through three of its subsidiaries, completed its acquisition of the molds business of Adval Tech Holding AG and Adval Tech Holdings (Asia) Pte. Ltd. ("FOBOHA"). FOBOHA is headquartered in Haslach, Germany and operates out of manufacturing facilities located in Germany and China. FOBOHA specializes in the development and manufacture of complex plastic injection molds for packaging, medical, consumer and automotive applications. FOBOHA has been integrated into the Industrial Segment, within our Molding Solutions business unit. See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of privately held Priamus System Technologies AG and two of its subsidiaries (collectively, "Priamus") from Growth Finance AG. Priamus, which is headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland and has direct sales and service offices in the U.S. and Germany. Priamus is a technology leader in the development of advanced process control systems for the plastic injection molding industry and services many of the world's highest quality plastic injection molders in the medical, automotive, consumer goods, electronics and packaging markets. Priamus has been integrated into the Industrial Segment, within our Molding Solutions business unit. See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In the third quarter of 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of the Thermoplay business ("Thermoplay") by acquiring all of the capital stock of privately held HPE S.p.A., the parent company through which Thermoplay operates. Thermoplay’s headquarters and manufacturing facility are located in Pont-Saint-Martin in Aosta, Italy, with technical service capabilities in China, India, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Portugal, and Brazil. Thermoplay specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of hot runner systems for plastic injection molding, primarily in the packaging, automotive, and medical end markets. Thermoplay has been integrated into the Industrial Segment, within our Molding Solutions business unit. See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
INDUSTRIAL

The Industrial segment is a global provider of highly-engineered, high-quality precision components, products and systems for critical applications serving a diverse customer base in end-markets such as transportation, industrial equipment, consumer products, packaging, electronics, medical devices, and energy. Focused on innovative custom solutions, Industrial participates in the design phase of components and assemblies whereby customers receive the benefits of application and systems engineering, new product development, testing and evaluation, and the manufacturing of final products. Products are sold primarily through its direct sales force and global distribution channels. Industrial's Molding Solutions businesses design and manufacture customized hot runner systems, advanced mold cavity sensors and process control systems, and precision high cavitation mold assemblies - collectively, the enabling technologies for many complex injection molding applications. Industrial's Nitrogen Gas Products business provides innovative cost effective force and motion solutions for sheet metal forming, heavy duty suspension and other selective niche markets for customers worldwide. Industrial's Engineered Components businesses manufacture and supply precision mechanical products used in transportation and industrial applications, including mechanical springs, high-precision punched and fine-blanked components and retention rings.

Industrial competes with a broad base of large and small companies engaged in the manufacture and sale of engineered products, precision molds, hot runner systems and precision components. Industrial competes on the basis of quality, service, reliability of supply, engineering and technical capability, geographic reach, product breadth, innovation, design, and price. Industrial has manufacturing, distribution and assembly operations in the United States, Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Industrial also has sales and service operations in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, China/Hong Kong, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Kingdom. Sales by Industrial to its three largest customers accounted for approximately 9% of its sales in 2017.

AEROSPACE

Aerospace is a global manufacturer of complex fabricated and precision machined components and assemblies for OEM turbine engine, airframe and industrial gas turbine builders, and the military. The Aerospace aftermarket business provides aircraft engine component MRO services, including services performed under our Component Repair Programs (“CRPs”), for many of the world’s major turbine engine manufacturers, commercial airlines and the military. The Aerospace aftermarket activities also include the manufacture and delivery of aerospace aftermarket spare parts, including revenue sharing programs (“RSPs”) under which the Company receives an exclusive right to supply designated aftermarket parts over the life of specific aircraft engine programs.
Aerospace’s OEM business supplements the leading aircraft engine OEM capabilities and competes with a large number of fabrication and machining companies. Competition is based mainly on quality, engineering and technical capability, product

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breadth, new product introduction, timeliness, service and price. Aerospace’s fabrication and machining operations, with facilities in Arizona, Connecticut, Mexico, Michigan, Ohio, Utah and Singapore, produce critical engine and airframe components through technologically advanced manufacturing processes.
The Aerospace aftermarket business supplements jet engine OEMs’ maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities, and competes with the service centers of major commercial airlines and other independent service companies for the repair and overhaul of turbine engine components. The manufacture and supply of aerospace aftermarket spare parts, including those related to the RSPs, are dependent upon the reliable and timely delivery of high-quality components. Aerospace’s aftermarket facilities, located in Connecticut, Ohio and Singapore, specialize in the repair and refurbishment of highly engineered components and assemblies such as cases, rotating life limited parts, rotating air seals, turbine shrouds, vanes and honeycomb air seals. Sales by Aerospace to its three largest customers, General Electric, Rolls-Royce and United Technologies Corporation, accounted for approximately 55%, 15% and 10% of its sales in 2017, respectively. Sales to its next three largest customers in 2017 collectively accounted for approximately 6% of its total sales.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
The backlog of the Company’s orders believed to be firm at the end of 2017 was $1,039 million as compared with $886 million at the end of 2016. Of the 2017 year-end backlog, $723 million was attributable to Aerospace and $316 million was attributable to Industrial. Approximately 62% of the Company's consolidated year-end backlog is scheduled to be shipped during 2018. The remainder of the Company’s backlog is scheduled to be shipped after 2018.
 
We have a global manufacturing footprint and a technical service network to service our worldwide customer base. The global economies have a significant impact on the financial results of the business as we have significant operations outside of the United States. For a summary of net sales, operating profit and long-lived assets by reportable business segment, as well as net sales by product and services and geographic area, see Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a discussion of risks attendant to the global nature of our operations and assets, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

RAW MATERIALS

The principal raw materials used to manufacture our products are various grades and forms of steel, from rolled steel bars, plates and sheets, to high-grade valve steel wires and sheets, various grades and forms (bars, sheets, forgings, castings and powders) of stainless steels, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, copper alloys, graphite, and iron-based, nickel-based (Inconels) and cobalt-based (Hastelloys) superalloys for complex aerospace applications. Prices for steel, titanium, Inconel, Hastelloys, as well as other specialty materials, have periodically increased due to higher demand and, in some cases, reduction of the availability of materials. If this occurs, the availability of certain raw materials used by us or in products sold by us may be negatively impacted.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
We conduct research and development activities in our effort to provide a continuous flow of innovative new products, processes and services to our customers. We also focus on continuing efforts aimed at discovering and implementing new knowledge that significantly improves existing products and services, and developing new applications for existing products and services. Our product development strategy is driven by product design teams and collaboration with our customers, particularly within Industrial’s Molding Solutions businesses, as well as within our Aerospace and our other Industrial businesses. Many of the products manufactured by us are custom parts made to customers’ specifications. Investments in research and development are important to our long-term growth, enabling us to stay ahead of changing customer and marketplace needs. We spent approximately $15 million, $13 million and $13 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, on research and development activities.
 
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
 
Patents and other proprietary rights, including trade secrets and unpatented know-how, are critical to certain of our business units. We are party to certain licenses of intellectual property and hold numerous patents, trademarks, and trade names that enhance our competitive position. The Company does not believe, however, that any of these licenses, patents, trademarks or trade names is individually significant to the Company or either of our segments. We maintain procedures to protect our intellectual property (including trade secrets, patents and trademarks). Risk factors associated with our intellectual property are discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors.
  


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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
 
For information regarding the Executive Officers of the Company, see Part III, Item 10 of this Annual Report.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL
 
Compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as those of other countries, which have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment has not had a material effect, and is not expected to have a material effect, upon our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position.

Our past and present business operations and past and present ownership and operations of real property and the use, sale, storage and handling of chemicals and hazardous products subject us to extensive and changing U.S. federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, as well as those of other countries, pertaining to the discharge of materials into the environment, enforcement, disposition of wastes (including hazardous wastes), the use, shipping, labeling, and storage of chemicals and hazardous materials, building requirements, or otherwise relating to protection of the environment. We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, costs to comply with environmental laws and regulations. In addition, new laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require us to incur costs or become subject to new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We use and generate hazardous substances and wastes in our operations. In addition, many of our current and former properties are or have been used for industrial purposes. Accordingly, we monitor hazardous waste management and applicable environmental permitting and reporting for compliance with applicable laws at our locations in the ordinary course of our business. We may be subject to potential material liabilities relating to any investigation and clean-up of our locations or properties where we delivered hazardous waste for handling or disposal that may be contaminated or which may have been contaminated prior to our purchase, and to claims alleging personal injury.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
Our Internet address is www.BGInc.com. Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports are available without charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). In addition, we have posted on our website, and will make available in print to any stockholder who makes a request, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, and the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Management Development Committee and Corporate Governance Committee (the responsibilities of which include serving as the nominating committee) of the Company’s Board of Directors. References to our website addressed in this Annual Report are provided as a convenience and do not constitute, and should not be viewed as, an incorporation by reference of the information contained on, or available through, the website. Therefore, such information should not be considered part of this Annual Report.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of the following risks. Please note that additional risks not presently known to us may also materially impact our business and operations.
 
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
 
We depend on revenues and earnings from a small number of significant customers. Any bankruptcy of or loss of or, cancellation, reduction or delay in purchases by these customers could harm our business. In 2017, our net sales to General Electric and its subsidiaries accounted for 18% of our total sales and approximately 55% of Aerospace's net sales. Aerospace's second and third largest customers, Rolls-Royce and United Technologies Corporation and their subsidiaries, accounted for 15% and 10%, respectively, of Aerospace's net sales in 2017. Approximately 6% of Aerospace's net sales in 2017 were to its next three largest customers. Approximately 9% of Industrial's sales in 2017 were to its three largest customers. Some of our success will depend on the business strength and viability of those customers. We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our largest customers. Some of our customers may in the future reduce their purchases due to economic conditions or shift their purchases from us to our competitors, in-house or to other sources. Some of our long-term sales agreements provide that until a firm order is placed by a customer for a particular product, the customer may unilaterally reduce or discontinue its projected purchases without penalty, or terminate for convenience. The loss of one or more of our largest

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customers, any reduction, cancellation or delay in sales to these customers (including a reduction in aftermarket volume in our RSPs), our inability to successfully develop relationships with new customers, or future price concessions we make to retain customers could significantly reduce our sales and profitability.

The global nature of our business exposes us to foreign currency fluctuations that may affect our future revenues, debt levels and profitability. We have manufacturing facilities and technical service, sales and distribution centers around the world, and the majority of our foreign operations use the local currency as their functional currency. These include, among others, the Brazilian real, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, Euro, Japanese yen, Korean won, Malaysian ringgit, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar, Swedish krona, Swiss franc and Thai baht. Since our financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies expose us to translation risk when the local currency financial statements are translated to U.S. dollars. Changes in currency exchange rates may also expose us to transaction risk. We may buy hedges in certain currencies to reduce or offset our exposure to currency exchange fluctuations; however, these transactions may not be adequate or effective to protect us from the exposure for which they are purchased. We have not engaged in any speculative hedging activities. Currency fluctuations may adversely impact our revenues and profitability in the future.

Our operations depend on our manufacturing, sales, and service facilities and information systems in various parts of the world which are subject to physical, financial, regulatory, environmental, operational and other risks that could disrupt our operations. We have a significant number of manufacturing facilities, technical service, and sales centers both within and outside the U.S. The global scope of our business subjects us to increased risks and uncertainties such as threats of war, terrorism and instability of governments; and economic, regulatory and legal systems in countries in which we or our customers conduct business.

Customer, supplier and our facilities are located in areas that may be affected by natural disasters, including earthquakes, windstorms and floods, which could cause significant damage and disruption to the operations of those facilities and, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, some of our manufacturing equipment and tooling is custom-made and is not readily replaceable. Loss of such equipment or tooling could have a negative impact on our manufacturing business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Although we have obtained property damage and business interruption insurance, a major catastrophe such as an earthquake, windstorm, flood or other natural disaster at any of our sites, or significant labor strikes, work stoppages, political unrest, or any of the events described above, in any of the areas where we conduct operations could result in a prolonged interruption of our business. Any disruption resulting from these events could cause significant delays in the manufacture or shipment of products or the provision of repair and other services that may result in our loss of sales and customers. Our insurance will not cover all potential risks, and we cannot assure you that we will have adequate insurance to compensate us for all losses that result from any insured risks. Any material loss not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We cannot assure you that insurance will be available in the future at a cost acceptable to us or at a cost that will not have a material adverse effect on our profitability, net income and cash flows.

The global nature of our operations and assets subject us to additional financial and regulatory risks. We have operations and assets in various parts of the world. In addition, we sell or may in the future sell our products and services to the U.S. and foreign governments and in foreign countries. As a global business, we are subject to complex laws and regulations in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate, and associated risks, including: U.S. imposed embargoes of sales to specific countries; foreign import controls (which may be arbitrarily imposed or enforced); import regulations and duties; export regulations (which require us to comply with stringent licensing regimes); reporting requirements regarding the use of "conflict" minerals mined from certain countries; anti-dumping regulations; price and currency controls; exchange rate fluctuations; dividend remittance restrictions; expropriation of assets; war, civil uprisings and riots; government instability; government contracting requirements including cost accounting standards, including various procurement, security, and audit requirements, as well as requirements to certify to the government compliance with these requirements; the necessity of obtaining governmental approval for new and continuing products and operations; and legal systems or decrees, laws, taxes, regulations, interpretations and court decisions that are not always fully developed and that may be retroactively or arbitrarily applied. We have experienced inadvertent violations of some of these regulations, including export regulations, safety and environmental regulations, regulations prohibiting sales of certain products and product labeling regulations, in the past, none of which has had or, we believe, will have a material adverse effect on our business. However, any significant violations of these or other regulations in the future could result in civil or criminal sanctions, and the loss of export or other licenses which could have a material adverse effect on our business. We are subject to state unclaimed property laws in the ordinary course of business, and are currently undergoing a multi-state unclaimed property audit, the timing and outcome of which cannot be predicted, and we may incur significant professional fees in conjunction with the audit. We may also be subject to unanticipated income taxes, excise duties, import taxes, export taxes, value added taxes, or other governmental assessments, and taxes may be

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impacted by changes in legislation in the tax jurisdictions in which we operate. In addition, our organizational and capital structure may limit our ability to transfer funds between countries without incurring adverse tax consequences. Any of these events could result in a loss of business or other unexpected costs that could reduce sales or profits and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Any disruption or failure in the operation of our information systems, including from conversions or integrations of information technology or reporting systems, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our information technology ("IT") systems are an integral part of our business. We depend upon our IT systems to help communicate internally and externally, process orders, manage inventory, make payments and collect accounts receivable. Our IT systems also allow us to purchase, sell and ship products efficiently and on a timely basis, to maintain cost-effective operations, and to help provide superior service to our customers. We are currently in the process of implementing enterprise resource planning ("ERP") platforms across certain of our businesses, and we expect that we will need to continue to improve and further integrate our IT systems, on an ongoing basis in order to effectively run our business. If we fail to successfully manage and integrate our IT systems, including these ERP platforms, it could adversely affect our business or operating results.

Further, in the ordinary course of our business, we store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, and personally identifiable information of our employees, in our data centers and on our networks. The secure maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our business operations. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, and regulatory penalties, disrupt our operations, and damage our reputation, which could adversely affect our business, revenues and competitive position.

We have significant indebtedness that could affect our operations and financial condition, and our failure to meet certain financial covenants required by our debt agreements may materially and adversely affect our assets, financial position and cash flows. At December 31, 2017, we had consolidated debt obligations of $532.6 million, representing approximately 30% of our total capital (indebtedness plus stockholders’ equity) as of that date. Our level of indebtedness, proportion of variable rate debt obligations and the significant debt servicing costs associated with that indebtedness may adversely affect our operations and financial condition. For example, our indebtedness could require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the amount of our cash flows available for working capital, capital expenditures, investments in technology and research and development, acquisitions, dividends and other general corporate purposes; limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the industries in which we compete; place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors, some of whom have lower debt service obligations and greater financial resources than we do; limit our ability to borrow additional funds; or increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions. In addition, a majority of our debt arrangements require us to maintain certain debt and interest coverage ratios and limit our ability to incur debt, make investments or undertake certain other business activities. These requirements could limit our ability to obtain future financing and may prevent us from taking advantage of attractive business opportunities. Our ability to meet the financial covenants or requirements in our debt arrangements may be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will satisfy such covenants and requirements. A breach of these covenants or our inability to comply with the restrictions could result in an event of default under our debt arrangements which, in turn, could result in an event of default under the terms of our other indebtedness. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our debt arrangements, after the expiration of any grace periods, our lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our debt arrangements, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. If this were to happen, we cannot assure you that our assets would be sufficient to repay in full the payments due under those arrangements or our other indebtedness or that we could find alternative financing to replace that indebtedness.

Conditions in the worldwide credit markets may limit our ability to expand our credit lines beyond current bank commitments. In addition, our profitability may be adversely affected as a result of increases in interest rates. At December 31, 2017, we and our subsidiaries had $532.6 million aggregate principal amount of consolidated debt obligations outstanding, of which approximately 61% had interest rates that float with the market (not hedged against interest rate fluctuations). A 100 basis point increase in the interest rate on the floating rate debt in effect at December 31, 2017 would result in an approximate $3.2 million annualized increase in interest expense.

Changes in the availability or price of materials, products and energy resources could adversely affect our costs and profitability. We may be adversely affected by the availability or price of raw materials, products and energy resources, particularly related to certain manufacturing operations that utilize steel, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, Hastelloys and other

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specialty materials. The availability and price of raw materials and energy resources may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, new laws or regulations, global economic or political events including strikes, terrorist attacks and war, suppliers’ allocations to other purchasers, interruptions in production by suppliers, changes in exchange rates and prevailing price levels. In some instances there are limited sources for raw materials and a limited number of primary suppliers for some of our products for resale. Although we are not dependent upon any single source for any of our principal raw materials or products for resale, and such materials and products have, historically, been readily available, we cannot assure you that such raw materials and products will continue to be readily available. Disruption in the supply of raw materials, products or energy resources or our inability to come to favorable agreements with our suppliers could impair our ability to manufacture, sell and deliver our products and require us to pay higher prices. Any increase in prices for such raw materials, products or energy resources could materially adversely affect our costs and our profitability.
 
We maintain pension and other postretirement benefit plans in the U.S. and certain international locations. Our costs of providing defined benefit plans are dependent upon a number of factors, such as the rates of return on the plans’ assets, exchange rate fluctuations, future governmental regulation, global fixed income and equity prices, and our required and/or voluntary contributions to the plans. Declines in the stock market, prevailing interest rates, declines in discount rates, improvements in mortality rates and rising medical costs may cause an increase in our pension and other postretirement benefit expenses in the future and result in reductions in our pension fund asset values and increases in our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. These changes have caused and may continue to cause a significant reduction in our net worth and without sustained growth in the pension investments over time to increase the value of the plans’ assets, and depending upon the other factors listed above, we could be required to increase funding for some or all of these pension and postretirement plans.

We carry significant inventories and a loss in net realizable value could cause a decline in our net worth. At December 31, 2017, our inventories totaled $242.0 million. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value based on management's judgments and estimates concerning future sales levels, quantities and prices at which such inventories will be sold in the normal course of business. Accelerating the disposal process or incorrect estimates of future sales potential may necessitate future reduction to inventory values. See “Part II - Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies”.
 
We have significant goodwill and an impairment of our goodwill could cause a decline in our net worth. Our total assets include substantial goodwill. At December 31, 2017, our goodwill totaled $690.2 million. The goodwill results from our prior acquisitions, representing the excess of the purchase price we paid over the net assets of the companies acquired. We assess whether there has been an impairment in the value of our goodwill during each calendar year or sooner if triggering events warrant. If future operating performance at one or more of our reporting units does not meet expectations or fair values fall due to significant stock market declines, we may be required to reflect a non-cash charge to operating results for goodwill impairment. The recognition of an impairment of a significant portion of goodwill would negatively affect our results of operations and total capitalization, the effect of which could be material. See “Part II - Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies”.
 
We may not realize all of the sales expected from our existing backlog or anticipated orders. At December 31, 2017, we had $1,039.0 million of order backlog, the majority of which related to aerospace OEM customers. There can be no assurances that the revenues projected in our backlog will be realized or, if realized, will result in profits. We consider backlog to be firm customer orders for future delivery. OEM customers may provide projections of components and assemblies that they anticipate purchasing in the future under existing programs. These projections may represent orders that are beyond lead time and are included in backlog when supported by a long term agreement. Our customers may have the right under certain circumstances or with certain penalties or consequences to terminate, reduce or defer firm orders that we have in backlog. If our customers terminate, reduce or defer firm orders, we may be protected from certain costs and losses, but our sales will nevertheless be adversely affected. Although we strive to maintain ongoing relationships with our customers, there is an ongoing risk that orders may be canceled or rescheduled due to fluctuations in our customers’ business needs or purchasing budgets.
 
Also, our realization of sales from new and existing programs is inherently subject to a number of important risks and uncertainties, including whether our customers execute the launch of product programs on time, or at all, the number of units that our customers actually produce, the timing of production and manufacturing insourcing decisions made by our customers. In addition, until firm orders are placed, our customers may have the right to discontinue a program or replace us with another supplier at any time without penalty. Our failure to realize sales from new and existing programs could have a material adverse effect on our net sales, results of operations and cash flows.


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We may not recover all of our up-front costs related to new or existing programs. New programs may require significant up-front investments for capital equipment, engineering, inventory, design and tooling. As OEMs in the transportation and aerospace industries have looked to suppliers to bear increasing responsibility for the design, engineering and manufacture of systems and components, they have increasingly shifted the financial risk associated with those responsibilities to the suppliers as well. This trend may continue and is most evident in the area of engineering cost reimbursement. We cannot assure you that we will have adequate funds to make such up-front investments or to recover such costs from our customers as part of our product pricing. In the event that we are unable to make such investments, or to recover them through sales or direct reimbursement from our customers, our profitability, liquidity and cash flows may be adversely affected. In addition, we incur costs and make capital expenditures for new program awards based upon certain estimates of production volumes and production complexity. While we attempt to recover such costs and capital expenditures by appropriately pricing our products, the prices of our products are based in part upon planned production volumes. If the actual production is significantly less than planned or significantly more complex than anticipated, we may be unable to recover such costs. In addition, because a significant portion of our overall costs is fixed, declines in our customers’ production levels can adversely affect the level of our reported profits even if our up-front investments are recovered.
 
We may not realize all of the intangible assets related to the Aerospace aftermarket businesses. We participate in aftermarket Revenue Sharing Programs ("RSPs") under which we receive an exclusive right to supply designated aftermarket parts over the life of the related aircraft engine program to our customer, General Electric ("GE"). As consideration, we pay participation fees, which are recorded as intangible assets and are recognized as a reduction of sales over the estimated life of the related engine programs. Our total investments in participation fees under our RSPs as of December 31, 2017 equaled $293.7 million, all of which have been paid. At December 31, 2017, the remaining unamortized balance of these participation fees was $185.6 million.

We entered into Component Repair Programs ("CRPs"), also with GE, during 2015, 2014 and 2013. The CRPs provide for, among other items, the right to sell certain aftermarket component repair services for CFM56, CF6, CF34 and LM engines directly to other customers over the life of the aircraft engine program as one of a few GE licensed suppliers. In addition, the CRPs extended certain contracts under which the Company currently provides these services directly to GE. Our total investments in CRPs as of December 31, 2017 equaled $111.8 million, all of which have been paid. At December 31, 2017, the remaining unamortized balance the CRPs was $95.3 million. We recorded the CRP payments as an intangible asset which is recognized as a reduction of sales over the remaining useful life of these engine programs.

The realizability of each asset is dependent upon future revenues related to the programs' aftermarket parts and services and is subject to impairment testing if circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. The potential exists that actual revenues will not meet expectations due to a change in market conditions, including, for example, the replacement of older engines with new, more fuel-efficient engines or our ability to maintain market share within the aftermarket business. A shortfall in future revenues may result in the failure to realize the net amount of the investments, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, profitability could be impacted by the amortization of the participation fees and licenses, and the expiration of the international tax incentives on these programs. See “Part II - Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies”.
 
We face risks of cost overruns and losses on fixed-price contracts. We sell certain of our products under firm, fixed-price contracts providing for a fixed price for the products regardless of the production or purchase costs incurred by us. The cost of producing products may be adversely affected by increases in the cost of labor, materials, fuel, outside processing, overhead and other factors, including manufacturing inefficiencies. Increased production costs may result in cost overruns and losses on contracts.
 
The departure of existing management and key personnel, a shortage of skilled employees or a lack of qualified sales professionals could materially affect our business, operations and prospects. Our executive officers are important to the management and direction of our business. Our future success depends, in large part, on our ability to retain or replace these officers and other key management personnel. Although we believe we will be able to attract and retain talented personnel and replace key personnel should the need arise, our inability to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Because of the complex nature of many of our products and services, we are generally dependent on an educated and highly skilled workforce, including, for example, our engineering talent. In addition, there are significant costs associated with the hiring and training of sales professionals. We could be adversely affected by a shortage of available skilled employees or the loss of a significant number of our sales professionals.
 
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights effectively, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. We own or are licensed under various intellectual property rights, including patents,

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trademarks and trade secrets. Our intellectual property rights may not be sufficiently broad or otherwise may not provide us a significant competitive advantage, and patents may not be issued for pending or future patent applications owned by or licensed to us. In addition, the steps that we have taken to maintain and protect our intellectual property may not prevent it from being improperly disclosed, challenged, invalidated, circumvented or designed-around, particularly in countries where intellectual property rights are not highly developed or protected. In some circumstances, enforcement may not be available to us because an infringer has a dominant intellectual property position or for other business reasons, or countries may require compulsory licensing of our intellectual property. We also rely on nondisclosure and noncompetition agreements with employees, consultants and other parties to protect, in part, confidential information, trade secrets and other proprietary rights. There can be no assurance that these agreements will adequately protect these intangible assets and will not be breached, that we will have adequate remedies for any breach, or that others will not independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information. Our failure to obtain or maintain intellectual property rights that convey competitive advantage, adequately protect our intellectual property or detect or prevent circumvention or unauthorized use of such property and the cost of enforcing our intellectual property rights could adversely impact our competitive position, financial condition and results of operations.

Any product liability, warranty, contractual or other claims in excess of insurance may adversely affect our financial condition. Our operations expose us to potential product liability risks that are inherent in the design, manufacture and sale of our products and the products we buy from third parties and sell to our customers, or to potential warranty, contractual or other claims. For example, we may be exposed to potential liability for personal injury, property damage or death as a result of the failure of an aircraft component designed, manufactured or sold by us, or the failure of an aircraft component that has been serviced by us or of the components themselves. While we have liability insurance for certain risks, our insurance may not cover all liabilities, including potential reputational impacts. Additionally, insurance coverage may not be available in the future at a cost acceptable to us. Any material liability not covered by insurance or for which third-party indemnification is not available for the full amount of the loss could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

From time to time, we receive product warranty claims, under which we may be required to bear costs of inspection, repair or replacement of certain of our products. Warranty claims may range from individual customer claims to full recalls of all products in the field. We vigorously defend ourselves in connection with these matters. We cannot, however, assure you that the costs, charges and liabilities associated with these matters will not be material, or that those costs, charges and liabilities will not exceed any amounts reserved for them in our consolidated financial statements. 

Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely impacted by strikes or work stoppages. Approximately 17% of our U.S. employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements and more than 39% of our non-U.S. employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements or statutory trade union agreements. The Company has a national collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) with certain unionized employees at the Bristol, Connecticut and Corry, Pennsylvania facilities of the Associated Spring business unit, covering approximately 300 employees. The current CBA will expire in August 2020, at which time we expect to negotiate a successor agreement. The local CBA for the Corry, Pennsylvania facility of the Associated Spring business unit will expire on June 14, 2018, and the local CBA for the Bristol, Connecticut facility of the Associated Spring business unit will expire on October 15, 2018, at which time we expect to negotiate successor agreements. We also have annual negotiations in Brazil and Mexico and, collectively, these negotiations cover approximately 300 employees in those two countries. In addition, we expect to negotiate a successor agreement to the local CBA covering approximately 250 employees in Singapore which will expire at the end of 2018. We also completed negotiations resulting in wage adjustments at four locations in our Industrial Segment, collectively, covering a total of approximately 750 employees. 

Although we believe that our relations with our employees are good, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in negotiating new CBAs or that such negotiations will not result in significant increases in the cost of labor, including healthcare, pensions or other benefits. Any potential strikes or work stoppages, and the resulting adverse impact on our relationships with customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Similarly, a protracted strike or work stoppage at any of our major customers, suppliers or other vendors could materially adversely affect our business.

Changes in taxation requirements could affect our financial results. Our products are subject to import and excise duties and/or sales or value-added taxes in many jurisdictions in which we operate. Increases in indirect taxes could affect our products’ affordability and therefore reduce our sales. We are also subject to income tax in numerous jurisdictions in which we generate revenues. Changes in tax laws, tax rates or tax rulings may have a significant adverse impact on our effective tax rate. Among other things, our tax liabilities are affected by the mix of pretax income or loss among the tax jurisdictions in which we operate and the potential repatriation of foreign earnings to the U.S. Further, during the ordinary course of business, we are subject to examination by the various tax authorities of the jurisdictions in which we operate which could result in an

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unanticipated increase in taxes. On December 22, 2017 the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). The Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S Tax Code that affect 2017 and that include, but are not limited to, requiring a one-time Transition Tax on certain unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries of the Company (payable over eight years) and exempting foreign dividends paid to the U.S. during the year from taxation, if such earnings are included with the Transition Tax. The Act also establishes new law that will affect 2018 and beyond, including, but not limited to a reduction of the U.S. Corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and a general elimination of U.S federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries. The Company has recorded a provisional tax expense in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2017. The Company has not finalized its' accounting for the income tax effects related to certain sections of the Act; however we are permitted to make changes over a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the enactment date of the Act. Such changes may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See “Part II - Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - U.S. Tax Reform”.

Changes in accounting guidance could affect our financial results. New accounting guidance that may become applicable to us from time to time, or changes in the interpretations of existing guidance, could have a significant effect on our reported results for the affected periods. Adoption of new accounting guidance could have a material impact on our financial statements and may retroactively affect the accounting treatment of transactions completed before adoption. See Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

RISKS RELATED TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE
 
We operate in highly competitive markets. We may not be able to compete effectively with our competitors, and competitive pressures could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our two global business segments compete with a number of larger and smaller companies in the markets we serve. Some of our competitors have greater financial, production, research and development, or other resources than we do. Within Aerospace, certain of our OEM customers compete with our repair and overhaul business. Some of our OEM customers in the aerospace industry also compete with us where they have the ability to manufacture the components and assemblies that we supply to them but have chosen, for capacity limitations, cost considerations or other reasons, to outsource the manufacturing to us. Our customers award business based on, among other things, price, quality, reliability of supply, service, technology and design. Our competitors’ efforts to grow market share could exert downward pressure on our product pricing and margins. Our competitors may also develop products or services, or methods of delivering those products or services that are superior to our products, services or methods. Our competitors may adapt more quickly than us to new technologies or evolving customer requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully with our existing or future competitors. Our ability to compete successfully will depend, in part, on our ability to continue make investments to innovate and manufacture the types of products demanded by our customers, and to reduce costs by such means as reducing excess capacity, leveraging global purchasing, improving productivity, eliminating redundancies and increasing production in low-cost countries. We have invested, and expect to continue to invest, in increasing our manufacturing footprint in low-cost countries. We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient resources to continue to make such investments or that we will be successful in maintaining our competitive position. If we are unable to differentiate our products or maintain a low-cost footprint, we may lose market share or be forced to reduce prices, thereby lowering our margins. Any such occurrences could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The industries in which we operate have been experiencing consolidation, both in our suppliers and the customers we serve. Supplier consolidation is in part attributable to OEMs more frequently awarding long-term sole source or preferred supplier contracts to the most capable suppliers in an effort to reduce the total number of suppliers from whom components and systems are purchased. If consolidation of our existing competitors occurs, we would expect the competitive pressures we face to increase, and we cannot assure you that our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows will not be adversely impacted as a result of consolidation by our competitors or customers.

Original equipment manufacturers in the aerospace and transportation industries have significant pricing leverage over suppliers and may be able to achieve price reductions over time. Additionally, we may not be successful in our efforts to raise prices on our customers. There is substantial and continuing pressure from OEMs in the transportation industries, including automotive and aerospace, to reduce the prices they pay to suppliers. We attempt to manage such downward pricing pressure, while trying to preserve our business relationships with our customers, by seeking to reduce our production costs through various measures, including purchasing raw materials and components at lower prices and implementing cost-effective process improvements. Our suppliers have periodically resisted, and in the future may resist, pressure to lower their prices and may seek to impose price increases. If we are unable to offset OEM price reductions, our profitability and cash flows could be adversely affected. In addition, OEMs have substantial leverage in setting purchasing and payment terms, including the terms of accelerated payment programs under which payments are made prior to the account due

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date in return for an early payment discount. OEMs can unexpectedly change their purchasing policies or payment practices, which could have a negative impact on our short-term working capital.
 
Demand for our defense-related products depends on government spending. A portion of Aerospace's sales is derived from the military market, including single-sourced and dual-sourced sales. The military market is largely dependent upon government budgets and is subject to governmental appropriations. Although multi-year contracts may be authorized in connection with major procurements, funds are generally appropriated on a fiscal year basis even though a program may be expected to continue for several years. Consequently, programs are often only partially funded and additional funds are committed only as further appropriations are made. We cannot assure you that maintenance of or increases in defense spending will be allocated to programs that would benefit our business. Moreover, we cannot assure you that new military aircraft programs in which we participate will enter full-scale production as expected. A decrease in levels of defense spending or the government’s termination of, or failure to fully fund, one or more of the contracts for the programs in which we participate could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
 
The aerospace industry is highly regulated. Complications related to aerospace regulations may adversely affect the Company. A substantial portion of our income is derived from our aerospace businesses. The aerospace industry is highly regulated in the U.S. by the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, and in other countries by similar regulatory agencies. We must be certified by these agencies and, in some cases, by individual OEMs in order to engineer and service systems and components used in specific aircraft models. If material authorizations or approvals were delayed, revoked or suspended, our business could be adversely affected. New or more stringent governmental regulations may be adopted, or industry oversight heightened, in the future, and we may incur significant expenses to comply with any new regulations or any heightened industry oversight.
 
Fluctuations in jet fuel and other energy prices may impact our operating results. Fuel costs constitute a significant portion of operating expenses for companies in the aerospace industry. Fluctuations in fuel costs could impact levels and frequency of aircraft maintenance and overhaul activities, and airlines' decisions on maintaining, deferring or canceling new aircraft purchases, in part based on the value associated with new fuel efficient technologies. Widespread disruption to oil production, refinery operations and pipeline capacity in certain areas of the U.S. can impact the price of jet fuel significantly. Conflicts in the Middle East, an important source of oil for the U.S. and other countries where we do business, cause prices for fuel to be volatile. Because we and many of our customers are in the aerospace industry, these fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Our products and services may be rendered obsolete by new products, technologies and processes. Our manufacturing operations focus on highly engineered components which require extensive engineering and research and development time. Our competitive advantage may be adversely impacted if we cannot continue to introduce new products ahead of our competition, or if our products are rendered obsolete by other products or by new, different technologies and processes. The success of our new products will depend on a number of factors, including innovation, customer acceptance, the efficiency of our suppliers in providing materials and component parts, and the performance and quality of our products relative to those of our competitors. We cannot predict the level of market acceptance or the amount of market share our new products will achieve. Additionally, we may face increased or unexpected costs associated with new product introduction, including the use of additional resources such as personnel and capital. We cannot assure that we will not experience new product introduction delays in the future.
 
RISKS RELATED TO RESTRUCTURING, ACQUISITIONS, JOINT VENTURES AND DIVESTITURES 

Our restructuring actions could have long-term adverse effects on our business. From time to time, we have implemented restructuring activities across our businesses to adjust our cost structure, and we may engage in similar restructuring activities in the future. We may not achieve expected cost savings from workforce reductions or restructuring activities and actual charges, costs and adjustments due to these actions may vary materially from our estimates. Our ability to realize anticipated cost savings, synergies and revenue enhancements may be affected by a number of factors, including the following: our ability to effectively eliminate duplicative back office overhead and overlapping sales personnel, rationalize manufacturing capacity, synchronize information technology systems, consolidate warehousing and other facilities and shift production to more economical facilities; significant cash and non-cash integration and implementation costs or charges in order to achieve those cost savings, which could offset any such savings and other synergies resulting from our acquisitions or divestitures; and our ability to avoid labor disruption in connection with these activities. In addition, delays in implementing planned restructuring activities or other productivity improvements may diminish the expected operational or financial benefits. See Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
    

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Our acquisition and other strategic initiatives may not be successful. We have made a number of acquisitions in the past, including most recently the acquisitions of the Gammaflux and FOBOHA businesses, and we anticipate that we may, from time to time, acquire additional businesses, assets or securities of companies, and enter into joint ventures and other strategic relationships that we believe would provide a strategic fit with our businesses. These activities expose the Company to a number of risks and uncertainties, the occurrence of any of which could materially adversely affect our business, cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. A portion of the industries that we serve are mature industries. As a result, our future growth may depend in part on the successful acquisition and integration of acquired businesses into our existing operations. We may not be able to identify and successfully negotiate suitable acquisitions, obtain financing for future acquisitions on satisfactory terms, obtain regulatory approvals or otherwise complete acquisitions in the future.

We could have difficulties integrating acquired businesses with our existing operations. Difficulties of integration can include coordinating and consolidating separate systems, integrating the management of the acquired business, retaining market acceptance of acquired products and services, maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees, and implementing our enterprise resource planning systems and operational procedures and disciplines. Any such difficulties may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with employees, customers, business partners and suppliers. In addition, even if integration is successful, the financial performance of acquired business may not be as expected and there can be no assurance we will realize anticipated benefits from our acquisitions. We cannot assure you that we will effectively assimilate the business or product offerings of acquired companies into our business or product offerings or realize anticipated operational synergies. In connection with the integration of acquired operations or the conduct of our overall business strategies, we may periodically restructure our businesses and/or sell assets or portions of our business. Integrating the operations and personnel of acquired companies into our existing operations may result in difficulties, significant expense and accounting charges, disrupt our business or divert management’s time and attention.

Acquisitions involve numerous other risks, including potential exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies and the possible loss of key employees and customers of the acquired business. Certain of the acquisition agreements by which we have acquired businesses require the former owners to indemnify us against certain liabilities related to the business operations before we acquired it. However, the liability of the former owners is limited and certain former owners may be unable to meet their indemnification responsibilities. We cannot assure you that these indemnification provisions will protect us fully or at all, and as a result we may face unexpected liabilities that adversely affect our financial condition. In connection with acquisitions or joint venture investments outside the U.S., we may enter into derivative contracts to purchase foreign currency in order to hedge against the risk of foreign currency fluctuations in connection with such acquisitions or joint venture investments, which subjects us to the risk of foreign currency fluctuations associated with such derivative contracts. Additionally, our final determinations and appraisals of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in our acquisitions may vary materially from earlier estimates. We cannot assure you that the fair value of acquired businesses will remain constant.

We continually assess the strategic fit of our existing businesses and may divest or otherwise dispose of businesses that are deemed not to fit with our strategic plan or are not achieving the desired return on investment, and we cannot be certain that our business, operating results and financial condition will not be materially and adversely affected. A successful divestiture depends on various factors, including our ability to effectively transfer liabilities, contracts, facilities and employees to any purchaser, identify and separate the intellectual property to be divested from the intellectual property that we wish to retain, reduce fixed costs previously associated with the divested assets or business, and collect the proceeds from any divestitures. In addition, if customers of the divested business do not receive the same level of service from the new owners, this may adversely affect our other businesses to the extent that these customers also purchase other products offered by us. All of these efforts require varying levels of management resources, which may divert our attention from other business operations. If we do not realize the expected benefits or synergies of any divestiture transaction, our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted. In addition, divestitures of businesses involve a number of risks, including significant costs and expenses, the loss of customer relationships, and a decrease in revenues and earnings associated with the divested business. Furthermore, divestitures potentially involve significant post-closing separation activities, which could involve the expenditure of material financial resources and significant employee resources. Any divestiture may result in a dilutive impact to our future earnings if we are unable to offset the dilutive impact from the loss of revenue associated with the divestiture, as well as significant write-offs, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.
 



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Item 2. Properties
 
Number of Facilities - Owned
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location
 
Industrial
 
Aerospace
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
6
 
5
 
0
 
11
Europe
 
9
 
0
 
0
 
9
Asia
 
1
 
0
 
0
 
1
Central and Latin America
 
2
 
0
 
0
 
2
 
 
18
 
5
 
0
 
23
Non-Manufacturing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
0
 
0
 
1*
 
1
Europe
 
2
 
0
 
0
 
2
 
 
2
 
0
 
1
 
3

* The Company's Corporate office
Number of Facilities - Leased
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Location
 
Industrial
 
Aerospace
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
3
 
2
 
0
 
5
Europe
 
2
 
0
 
0
 
2
Asia
 
5
 
5
 
0
 
10
 
 
10
 
7
 
0
 
17
Non-Manufacturing:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
8
 
2
 
1**
 
11
Europe
 
13
 
1
 
0
 
14
Asia
 
20
 
0
 
0
 
20
Central and Latin America
 
3
 
0
 
0
 
3
 
 
44
 
3
 
1
 
48

** Industrial Segment headquarters and certain Shared Services groups.


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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are subject to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business and various other suits, proceedings and claims are pending against us and our subsidiaries. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of each of these proceedings and whether they will be resolved consistent with our beliefs, we expect that the outcome of such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

In November 2016, the Company’s previously disclosed arbitration with Triumph Actuation Systems - Yakima, LLC ("Triumph") was concluded.  The Company was awarded $9.2 million, plus interest on the judgment of $1.4 million, which amounts were received on January 3, 2017. The outcome did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, liquidity or consolidated results of operations.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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PART II
 
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
(a)
Market Information
 
The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “B”. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the low and high sales intra-day trading price per share, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, and dividends declared and paid.
 
 
 
2017
 
 
Low
 
High
 
Dividends
Quarter ended March 31
 
$
45.47

 
$
51.97

 
$
0.13

Quarter ended June 30
 
49.31

 
60.74

 
0.14

Quarter ended September 30
 
57.70

 
70.84

 
0.14

Quarter ended December 31
 
61.06

 
72.87

 
0.14

 
 
 
2016
 
 
Low
 
High
 
Dividends
Quarter ended March 31
 
$
30.07

 
$
35.81

 
$
0.12

Quarter ended June 30
 
31.13

 
37.75

 
0.13

Quarter ended September 30
 
32.55

 
41.86

 
0.13

Quarter ended December 31
 
37.88

 
49.90

 
0.13

 
Stockholders
 
As of February 13, 2018, there were approximately 3,088 holders of record of the Company’s common stock. A significant number of the outstanding shares of common stock which are beneficially owned by individuals or entities are registered in the name of a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, a securities depository for banks and brokerage firms. The Company believes that there are approximately 29,596 beneficial owners of its common stock.
 
Dividends
 
Payment of future dividends will depend upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and other factors deemed relevant by the Company’s Board of Directors, as well as any limitations resulting from financial covenants under the Company’s credit facilities or debt indentures. See the table above for dividend information for 2017 and 2016.
 
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
 
For information regarding Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans, see Part III, Item 12 of this Annual Report.















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Performance Graph

A stock performance graph based on cumulative total returns (price change plus reinvested dividends) for $100 invested the Company on December 31, 2012 is set forth below.
charta03.jpg
 
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
BGI
 
$100.00
 
$172.90
 
$169.10
 
$163.68
 
$222.26
 
$299.35
S&P 600
 
$100.00
 
$141.29
 
$149.40
 
$146.40
 
$185.09
 
$209.41
Russell 2000
 
$100.00
 
$138.81
 
$145.59
 
$139.18
 
$168.75
 
$193.42
 
The performance graph includes the S&P 600 Small Cap Index and the Russell 2000 Index, both of which include the Company.
 
(c)
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
 
Total Number
of Shares (or Units)
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid Per Share
(or Unit)
 
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(2)
October 1-31, 2017
 
304

  
$
70.75

 

 
4,042,006

November 1-30, 2017
 
106,471

  
$
64.88

 
106,100

 
3,935,906

December 1-31, 2017
 
171,646

  
$
64.61

 
164,000

 
3,771,906

Total
 
278,421

(1) 
$
64.72

 
270,100

 
 

(1)
Other than 270,100 shares purchased in the fourth quarter of 2017, which were purchased as part of the Company's 2011 Program (defined below), all acquisitions of equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2017 were the result of the operation of the terms of the Company's stockholder-approved equity compensation plans and the terms of the equity rights granted pursuant to those plans to pay for the related income tax upon issuance of shares. The purchase price of a share of stock used for tax withholding is the market price on the date of issuance.
(2)
The program was publicly announced on October 20, 2011 (the "2011 Program") authorizing repurchase of up to 5.0 million shares of common stock. At December 31, 2015, 1.1 million shares of common stock had not been purchased under the 2011 Program. On February 10, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company increased the number of shares authorized for repurchase under the 2011 Program by 3.9 million shares of common stock (5.0 million authorized, in total). The 2011 Program permits open market purchases, purchases under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan and privately negotiated transactions.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data
 
2017 (5)(6)
 
2016 (7)
 
2015 (8)
 
2014
 
2013 (9)(10)
Per common share (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.10

 
$
2.50

 
$
2.21

 
$
2.20

 
$
1.34

Diluted
1.09

 
2.48

 
2.19

 
2.16

 
1.31

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
1.10

 
2.50

 
2.21

 
2.16

 
5.02

Diluted
1.09

 
2.48

 
2.19

 
2.12

 
4.92

Dividends declared and paid
0.55

 
0.51

 
0.48

 
0.45

 
0.42

Stockholders’ equity (at year-end)
23.61

 
21.72

 
20.94

 
20.40

 
21.17

Stock price (at year-end)
63.27

 
47.42

 
35.39

 
37.01

 
38.31

For the year (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
1,436,499

 
$
1,230,754

 
$
1,193,975

 
$
1,262,006

 
$
1,091,566

Operating income
210,278

 
192,178

 
168,396

 
179,974

 
123,201

As a percent of net sales
14.6
%
 
15.6
%
 
14.1
%
 
14.3
%
 
11.3
%
Income from continuing operations
$
59,415

 
$
135,601

 
$
121,380

 
$
120,541

 
$
72,321

As a percent of net sales
4.1
%
 
11.0
%
 
10.2
%
 
9.6
%
 
6.6
%
Net income
$
59,415

 
$
135,601

 
$
121,380

 
$
118,370

 
$
270,527

As a percent of net sales
4.1
%
 
11.0
%
 
10.2
%
 
9.4
%
 
24.8
%
As a percent of average stockholders’ equity (2)
4.7
%
 
11.6
%
 
10.7
%
 
10.3
%
 
28.3
%
Depreciation and amortization
$
90,150

 
$
80,154

 
$
78,242

 
$
81,395

 
$
65,052

Capital expenditures
58,712

 
47,577

 
45,982

 
57,365

 
57,304

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
54,073

 
54,191

 
55,028

 
54,791

 
53,860

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
54,605

 
54,631

 
55,513

 
55,723

 
54,973

Year-end financial position (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Working capital
$
452,960

 
$
306,609

 
$
359,038

 
$
323,306

 
$
276,878

Goodwill
690,223

 
633,436

 
587,992

 
594,949

 
649,697

Other intangible assets, net
507,042

 
522,258

 
528,322

 
554,694

 
534,293

Property, plant and equipment, net
359,298

 
334,489

 
308,856

 
299,435

 
302,558

Total assets
2,365,716

 
2,137,539

 
2,061,866

 
2,073,885

 
2,123,673

Long-term debt and notes payable
532,596

 
500,954

 
509,906

 
504,734

 
547,424

Stockholders’ equity
1,260,321

 
1,168,358

 
1,127,753

 
1,111,793

 
1,141,414

Debt as a percent of total capitalization (3)
29.7
%
 
30.0
%
 
31.1
%
 
31.2
%
 
32.4
%
Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employees at year-end (4)
5,375

 
5,036

 
4,735

 
4,515

 
4,331

(1)
Income from continuing operations and net income per common share are based on the weighted average common shares outstanding during each year. Stockholders’ equity per common share is calculated based on actual common shares outstanding at the end of each year.
(2)
Average stockholders' equity is calculated based on the month-end stockholders equity balances between December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 (13-month average).
(3)
Debt includes all interest-bearing debt and total capitalization includes interest-bearing debt and stockholders’ equity.
(4)
The number of employees at each year-end includes employees of continuing operations and excludes prior employees of discontinued operations.
(5)
During 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets of the Gammaflux business. The results of Gammaflux, from the acquisition on April 3, 2017, have been included within the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended December 31, 2017.
(6)
During 2017, the Company recorded the effects of the U.S. Tax Reform, resulting in tax expense of $96.7 million, or $1.79 per basic share ($1.77 per diluted share). See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(7)
During 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of FOBOHA. The results of FOBOHA, from the acquisition on August 31, 2016, have been included within the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended December 31, 2016.
(8)
During 2015, the Company completed the acquisitions of Thermoplay and Priamus. The results of Thermoplay and Priamus, from their acquisitions on August 7, 2015 and October 1, 2015, respectively, have been included within the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended December 31, 2015.
(9)
During 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of the Männer Business. The results of the Männer Business, from the acquisition on October 31, 2013, have been included within the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended December 31, 2013.
(10)
During 2013, the Company sold the BDNA business within the segment formerly referred to as Distribution. The results of the BDNA business, including any (loss) gain on the sale of business, have been reported through discontinued operations during the respective periods.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Factors that could cause such differences include those described in the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. We undertake no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements.

OVERVIEW 

2017 Highlights

Barnes Group Inc. (the "Company") achieved sales of $1,436.5 million in 2017, an increase of $205.7 million, or 16.7%, from 2016. Within Industrial, the acquisitions of FOBOHA in August 2016 and Gammaflux in April 2017 provided incremental sales of $47.2 million and $9.1 million, respectively, during the 2017 period. Organic sales (net sales excluding both foreign currency and acquisition impacts) increased by $137.1 million, or 11.1%, with increases of 9.8% and 13.8% within the Industrial and Aerospace segments, respectively. Sales in the Industrial segment were impacted by changes in foreign currency which increased sales by approximately $12.4 million as the U.S. dollar weakened against foreign currencies.

Operating income increased 9.4% from $192.2 million in 2016 to $210.3 million in 2017 and operating margin decreased from 15.6% in 2016 to 14.6% in 2017. Operating income was impacted by increased leverage of organic sales growth in both segments, partially offset by lower productivity, resulting primarily from increased costs incurred on certain programs at Industrial.

The Company focused on profitable sales growth both organically and through acquisition, in addition to productivity improvements, as key strategic objectives in 2017. Management continued its focus on cash flow and working capital management in 2017 and generated $203.9 million in cash flow from operations.

Business Transformation

Acquisitions and strategic relationships with our customers have been a key growth driver for the Company, and we continue to seek alliances which foster long-term business relationships. These acquisitions have allowed us to extend into new or adjacent markets, expand our geographic reach, and commercialize new products, processes and services. The Company continually evaluates its business portfolio to optimize product offerings and maximize value. We have significantly transformed our business following our entrance into the plastic injection molding market.

The Company has completed a number of acquisitions in the past few years. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of the assets of the privately held Gammaflux L.P. business ("Gammaflux"), a leading supplier of hot runner temperature and sequential valve gate control systems to the plastics industry. Gammaflux, which is headquartered in Sterling, Virginia and has offices in Illinois and Germany, provides temperature control solutions for injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, and other applications. Its end markets include packaging, electronics, automotive, household products, medical, and tool building. The Company acquired the assets of Gammaflux for an aggregate purchase price of $8.9 million, which was financed using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The purchase price includes adjustments under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $1.5 million of goodwill and $3.7 million of intangible assets. See Notes 2 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In the third quarter of 2016, the Company, through three of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Purchaser”), completed its acquisition of the molds business of Adval Tech Holding AG and Adval Tech Holdings (Asia) Pte. Ltd. ("FOBOHA"). FOBOHA is headquartered in Haslach, Germany and currently operates out of two manufacturing facilities located in Germany and China. At the time of acquisition, FOBOHA also operated out of a manufacturing facility located in Switzerland; however, this location was consolidated and closed during 2017. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. FOBOHA specializes in the development and manufacture of complex plastic injection molds for packaging, medical, consumer and automotive applications. The Company acquired FOBOHA for an aggregate cash purchase price of CHF 137.9 million ($140.2 million) which was financed using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The purchase price includes adjustments under the terms of the FOBOHA Share Purchase Agreement, including approximately CHF 11.3 million ($11.5 million) related to cash acquired. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $39.8 million of intangible assets and $75.6 million of goodwill. See Notes 2 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company, itself and through two of its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of privately held Priamus System Technologies AG and two of its subsidiaries (collectively, "Priamus") from Growth Finance AG. Priamus is headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland and has direct sales and service offices in the U.S. and Germany. Priamus is a technology leader in the development of advanced process control systems for the plastic injection molding industry and services many of the world's highest quality plastic injection molders in the medical, automotive, consumer goods, electronics and packaging markets. Priamus has been integrated into our Industrial segment. The Company acquired Priamus for an aggregate cash purchase price of CHF 9.9 million ($10.1 million) which was financed using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The purchase price includes adjustments under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, including CHF 1.6 million ($1.6 million) related to cash acquired. See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In the third quarter of 2015, the Company, through one of its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of the Thermoplay business ("Thermoplay") by acquiring all of the capital stock of privately held HPE S.p.A., the parent company through which Thermoplay operates. Thermoplay’s headquarters and manufacturing facility are located in Pont-Saint-Martin in Aosta, Italy, with technical service capabilities in China, India, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Portugal, and Brazil. Thermoplay, which has been integrated into our Industrial segment, specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of hot runner solutions for plastic injection molding, primarily in the packaging, automotive, and medical end markets. The Company acquired Thermoplay for an aggregate cash purchase price of €58.1 million ($63.7 million), pursuant to the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement ("SPA"), which was financed using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The purchase price includes adjustments under the terms of the SPA, including €17.1 million ($18.7 million) related to cash acquired. See Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management Objectives
 
Management is focused on continuing the Company's transformation by executing on its profitable growth strategy comprised of the following elements:

Build a world-class Company focused on high margin, high growth businesses
Leverage the Barnes Enterprise System ("BES") as a significant competitive advantage
Expand and protect our core intellectual property to deliver differentiated solutions
Effectively allocate capital to drive top quartile total shareholder returns.

The successful execution of this strategy requires making value enhancing investments in organic growth (new products, processes, systems, services, markets and customers) and strategic acquisitions. Management remains focused on a deeper deployment of BES across the Company to advance Commercial Excellence, Operational Excellence and Financial Excellence. In addition, we remain focused on optimizing two key strategic enablers that will strengthen our competitive position:

Cultivate a culture of innovation and build upon intellectual property to drive growth
Enhance our talent management system to recruit, develop and retain an engaged and empowered workforce.

The combined benefits from growth investment and execution of the strategic enablers is expected to generate long-term value for the Company's shareholders, customers and employees.
 
Our Business

The Company consists of two operating segments: Industrial and Aerospace.

Key Performance Indicators
 
Management evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on the sales, operating profit, operating margins and cash generation of the respective businesses, which includes net sales, cost of sales, selling and administrative expenses and certain components of other income and other expenses, as well as the allocation of corporate overhead expenses. Each segment has standard key performance indicators (“KPIs”), a number of which are focused on customer metrics (on-time-delivery and quality), internal effectiveness and productivity/efficiency metrics (sales effectiveness, global sourcing, operational excellence, functional excellence, cost of quality, and days working capital), employee safety-related metrics (total recordable incident rate and lost time incident rate), and specific KPIs on profitable growth.
 

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Key Industry Data
 
In both segments, management tracks a variety of economic and industry data as indicators of the health of a particular sector.

At Industrial, key data for the manufacturing operations include the Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing
PMI Composite Index (and similar indices for European and Asian-based businesses); the Federal Reserve’s Industrial
Production Index ("the IPI"); IHS-Markit worldwide forecasts for light vehicle production, as well as new model introductions and existing model refreshes; North American medium and heavy duty vehicle production; IC Interconnection Consulting Hotrunners Worldwide Report for Auto, Medical, Personal Care and Packaging industries; and global GDP growth forecasts.

At Aerospace, management of the aftermarket business monitors the number of aircraft in the active fleet, the number of planes temporarily or permanently taken out of service, aircraft utilization rates for the major airlines, engine shop visits, airline profitability, aircraft fuel costs and traffic growth. The Aerospace OEM business regularly tracks orders and deliveries for each of the major aircraft manufacturers, as well as engine purchases made for new aircraft. Management also monitors annual appropriations for the U.S. military related to purchases of new or used aircraft and engine components.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Sales

($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
2015
Industrial
 
$
973.9

 
$
824.2

 
$
149.7

 
18.2
%
 
$
782.3

Aerospace
 
462.6

 
406.5

 
56.1

 
13.8
%
 
411.7

Total
 
$
1,436.5

 
$
1,230.8

 
$
205.7

 
16.7
%
 
$
1,194.0


2017 vs. 2016:
 
The Company reported net sales of $1,436.5 million in 2017, an increase of $205.7 million, or 16.7%, from 2016. Acquired businesses contributed incremental sales of $56.3 million during the 2017 period. Organic sales within Industrial increased by $81.0 million, or 9.8% during 2017, driven primarily by continued strength in our Nitrogen Gas Products and Molding Solutions business units. Aerospace recorded sales of $462.6 million in 2017, a $56.1 million, or 13.8% increase from 2016 as newer, more technologically advanced engine platforms increased volumes at the original equipment manufacturing business within Aerospace. Sales within the aftermarket businesses also improved throughout 2017. The impact of foreign currency translation increased sales within Industrial by approximately $12.4 million as the U.S. dollar weakened against foreign currencies. Sales within Aerospace were not impacted by changes in foreign currency as these are largely denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company’s international sales increased 19.8% year-over-year, while domestic sales increased 13.0%, largely a result of Aerospace sales being primarily U.S. based. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation on sales, however, the Company's international sales in 2017 increased 18.0%, inclusive of sales through acquisition, from 2016.

2016 vs. 2015:
 
The Company reported net sales of $1,230.8 million in 2016, an increase of $36.8 million, or 3.1%, from 2015. Acquired businesses contributed incremental sales of $47.4 million during the 2016 period. Organic sales within Industrial increased by $4.1 million, or 0.5%, during 2016, primarily due to strength in our Molding Solutions businesses, slightly offset by continued softness in North American general industrial end-markets. Aerospace recorded sales of $406.5 million in 2016, a $5.2 million, or 1.3% decrease from 2015. Lower sales within the OEM and spare parts businesses were partially offset by increased sales within the MRO business. The impact of foreign currency translation decreased sales within Industrial by approximately $9.6 million as the U.S. dollar strengthened against foreign currencies. Sales within Aerospace were not impacted by changes in foreign currency as these are largely denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company’s international sales increased 10.4% year-over-year, while domestic sales decreased 4.7%, largely a result of Aerospace sales being primarily U.S.-based. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation on sales, however, the Company's international sales in 2016 increased 12.0%, inclusive of sales through acquisition, from 2015.





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Table of Contents

Expenses and Operating Income
 
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
2015
Cost of sales
 
$
939.3

 
$
790.3

 
$
149.0

 
18.9
%
 
$
782.8

% sales
 
65.4
%
 
64.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
65.6
%
Gross profit (1)
 
$
497.2

 
$
440.5

 
$
56.8

 
12.9
%
 
$
411.2

% sales
 
34.6
%
 
35.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
34.4
%
Selling and administrative expenses
 
$
286.9

 
$
248.3

 
$
38.7

 
15.6
%
 
$
242.8

% sales
 
20.0
%
 
20.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
20.3
%
Operating income
 
$
210.3

 
$
192.2

 
$
18.1

 
9.4
%
 
$
168.4

% sales
 
14.6
%
 
15.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
14.1
%
(1)
Sales less cost of sales

2017 vs. 2016:
 
Cost of sales in 2017 increased 18.9% from 2016, while gross profit margin decreased from 35.8% in 2016 to 34.6% in 2017. Gross margins improved at Aerospace and declined at Industrial. Gross profit improved within both segments, driven primarily by organic growth within each of the business units. At Industrial, gross margins decreased during 2017 as a result of lower productivity, primarily a result of additional costs incurred on certain programs at Engineered Components. Incremental costs include expedited freight, increased scrap and costs related to the transfer of work to other facilities. A lower margin contribution on acquisition sales also had an impact on the overall lower gross margins at Industrial. Gross profit at Industrial increased, however, driven by the profit impact of organic growth within our Molding Solutions and Nitrogen Gas Products business units, and a pre-tax net benefit of $0.3 million resulting from the second quarter 2017 restructuring actions taken within Industrial, partially offset by the additional costs at Engineered Components discussed above. Gross profits during both the 2017 and 2016 periods were negatively impacted by $2.3 million of short-term purchase accounting adjustments related to the acquisition of FOBOHA. Within Aerospace, improvement in gross profit relates primarily to organic growth within each of the businesses, combined with favorable productivity, partially offset by scheduled price deflation and the absence of the $1.4 million gain related to the contract termination arbitration award in 2016. Increased volumes in the maintenance repair and overhaul and spare parts businesses, in particular, contributed to the gross margin improvement during 2017. Selling and administrative expenses in 2017 increased 15.6% from the 2016 period, due primarily to corresponding increases in sales volumes, incentive compensation, the amortization of intangible assets related to the acquisition of FOBOHA and a pre-tax charge of $0.3 million resulting from the second quarter 2017 restructuring actions taken within Industrial, partially offset by the absence of $3.0 million of costs related to a customer termination dispute and a $1.2 million reduction in transaction costs related to the acquisition of FOBOHA in 2016. As a percentage of sales, selling and administrative costs slightly decreased from 20.2% in the 2016 period to 20.0% in the 2017 period. Operating income in 2017 increased 9.4% to $210.3 million from the 2016 period and operating income margin decreased from 15.6% to 14.6%.

2016 vs. 2015:
 
Cost of sales in 2016 increased 1.0% from 2015, while gross profit margin increased from 34.4% in 2015 to 35.8% in 2016. Gross margins improved at Industrial and decreased at Aerospace. Gross margin during the comparable 2015 period included a charge of $6.4 million related to a lump-sum pension settlement charge (see Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements). At Industrial, gross profit increased during 2016 primarily as a result of favorable productivity and strength within the Molding Solutions businesses. Gross profit during 2016 was negatively impacted by $2.3 million of short-term purchase accounting adjustments related to the acquisition of FOBOHA, whereas the 2015 period included $0.9 million of short-term purchase accounting adjustments related to the acquisition of the Männer business and $0.9 million of short-term purchase accounting adjustments related to the acquisition of Thermoplay. Within Aerospace, a decline in gross profit relates primarily to lower sales volumes and unfavorable productivity. Selling and administrative expenses in 2016 increased 2.3% from the 2015 period, due in part to $3.0 million of costs related to the contract termination dispute within the Aerospace segment and the incremental operations of the acquired businesses, partially offset by an $0.8 million reduction in short-term purchase accounting adjustments related to acquisitions. During the 2015 period, selling and administrative expenses included $4.2 million of charges related to workforce reductions and severance, and $3.5 million of lump-sum pension settlement charges. Short-term purchase accounting adjustments that impact selling and administrative expenses during 2015 included $0.6 million and $0.3 million related to the acquisitions of Männer and Thermoplay, respectively. As a percentage of sales, selling and administrative costs decreased slightly from 20.3% in the 2015 period to 20.2% in the 2016 period. Operating income in the 2016 period increased 14.1% to $192.2 million from 2015 and operating income margin increased from 14.1% to 15.6%.

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Table of Contents


Interest expense
 
2017 vs. 2016:

Interest expense in 2017 increased $2.7 million to $14.6 million from 2016, primarily as a result of higher average interest rates.

2016 vs. 2015:

Interest expense in 2016 increased $1.2 million to $11.9 million from 2015, primarily as a result of higher average interest rates.

Other expense (income), net
 
2017 vs. 2016:
 
Other expense (income), net in 2017 was $0.0 million compared to $(2.3) million in 2016. Foreign currency gains of $0.8 million in the 2017 period compared with gains of $1.9 million in the 2016 period. Interest income of $0.8 million in 2017 compared with interest income of $2.3 million during 2016, with the decrease being primarily attributed to the $1.4 million of interest income that resulted from the Triumph arbitration in 2016. See "Part I - Legal Proceedings".

2016 vs. 2015:

Other expense (income), net in 2016 was $(2.3) million compared to $(0.2) million in 2015. Foreign currency gains of $1.9 million in the 2016 period compared with gains of $0.5 million in the 2015 period. Interest income of $2.3 million in 2016 compared with interest income of $1.0 million during 2015, with the increase being primarily attributed to the $1.4 million of interest income resulting from the Triumph arbitration award. See "Part I - Legal Proceedings".
 
Income Taxes

U.S. Tax Reform

On December 22, 2017 the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). The Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. Tax Code that affect 2017 and include, but are not limited to, requiring a one-time Transition Tax on certain unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries of the Company, which is payable over eight years, and exempting foreign dividends paid to the U.S. during the year from taxation if such earnings are included within the Transition Tax.

The Act also establishes new law that will affect 2018 and beyond and includes, but is not limited to, (1) a reduction of the U.S. Corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%; (2) general elimination of U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; (3) a new limitation on the deduction of interest expense; (4) repeal of the domestic production activity deduction; (5) additional limitations on deduction of compensation for certain executives; (6) a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) which allows for the possibility of utilizing foreign tax credits (“FTCs”) and a deduction up to 50% to offset the income tax liability (subject to certain limitations); (7) the introduction of the base erosion anti-abuse tax which represents a new minimum tax; (8) limitations on utilization of FTCs to reduce U.S. income tax liability; and (9) limitations on net operating losses (“NOLS”) generated after December 31, 2017 to 80% of taxable income.

The SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 ("SAB 118") in January 2018, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period in which to finalize the accounting under Accounting Standards Codification 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). This measurement period should not extend beyond one year from the Act enactment date. In accordance with SAB 118, we are required to reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that our accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act is incomplete but we are capable of reasonably estimating the effects, we must record a provisional amount in the Consolidated Financial Statements based on this estimate. To the extent we could not reasonably estimate the provisional impacts of the Act, we are required to apply ASC 740 on the basis of tax law in place immediately prior to the enactment of the Act.


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Table of Contents

As part of our analysis of the impact of the Act, we have recorded discrete tax expense of $99.2 million in the three-month period ended December 31, 2017. This amount primarily consists of net expense related to the deemed repatriation Transition Tax of $86.7 million, combined with the impacts of reduced corporate income tax rates on our deferred tax assets of $4.2 million, state taxation on the earnings reported under the Transition Tax of $1.4 million and foreign income and withholding taxes of $6.9 million related to the repatriation of certain foreign earnings. For reasons discussed further below, we have not completed our accounting for the income tax effects for certain sections of the Act. The amounts recorded are therefore provisional as we were capable of reasonably estimating the effects of certain sections of the Act. The provisional adjustments are as follows:

Deemed Repatriation Transition Tax: The Act taxes certain unrepatriated earnings and profits (“E&P”) of our foreign subsidiaries. In order to calculate the Transition Tax we must determine, along with other information, the amount of our accumulated post 1986 E&P for our foreign subsidiaries, as well as the non-U.S. income tax paid by those subsidiaries on such E&P. We are capable of reasonably estimating the Transition Tax and recorded a provisional Transition Tax liability of $86.7 million. However, we continue to gather additional information which may adjust the computed Transition Tax. Further, certain provisions of the Act are ambiguous as to the details of the computation of the Transition tax requiring us to await further guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service.

Reduction of U.S. Federal Corporate tax rate: The Act reduced the U.S. Corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. Our U.S. companies remain in a net deferred tax asset position, and, as a result of the Corporate rate reduction, we have reduced our deferred tax assets by $4.2 million, with a corresponding adjustment to net deferred tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017. While we were able to make a reasonable estimate on the impact of the reduction in the Corporate income tax rate, it may be affected by other analysis related to the Act, such as the calculation of deemed repatriation of deferred foreign income and the state tax effect of adjustments made to federal temporary difference.

State Taxation of unrepatriated earnings and profits: As a result of the Transition Tax, the Company will record income as if the earnings had been repatriated. This income may be subject to additional taxation at the state level. We were able to reasonably estimate the state taxation of these earnings and recorded a provisional expense of $1.4 million. While we were able to reasonably estimate the impact of state taxation on the deemed repatriation of deferred foreign income, it may be affected by changes of the computation resulting from the gathering of additional information as well as future guidance provided by the state tax authorities.

Indefinite Reinvestment Assertion: Under accounting standards (ASC 740) a deferred tax liability is not recorded for the excess of the tax basis over the financial reporting (book) basis of an investment in a foreign subsidiary if the indefinite reinvestment criteria is met. On December 31, 2017, the Company’s unremitted foreign earnings were $1,228.2 million. Pursuant to SAB 118, if an entity has completed all or portions of its assessment and has made a decision to repatriate and has the ability to reasonably estimate the effects of that assessment, that entity should record a provisional expense and disclose the status of its efforts. The Company is continuing to evaluate its indefinite reinvestment assertion, but expects to repatriate certain earnings that would be subject to withholding and foreign income tax. For amounts currently expected to be repatriated, the Company recorded a provisional expense of $6.9 million. These amounts are provisional in nature given the uncertainty related to the taxation of the distributions under the Act and the finalization of the Company’s analysis on its indefinite reinvestment assertion.

Valuation Allowances: The Company must assess whether its valuation allowance analysis is affected by various components of the Act, including the deemed mandatory repatriation of foreign income for the Transition Tax, future GILTI inclusions and changes to the NOL and FTC rules. Since, as discussed within this section, the Company has recorded provisional amounts related to certain portions of the Act, any corresponding determination of the need for or change in a valuation allowance would also be provisional.

The Act created a new requirement, effective for 2018, that certain income (i.e. GILTI) earned by Controlled Foreign Corporations (“CFCs”) must be included currently in the gross income of the Company. GILTI represents the excess of the shareholders “net CFC tested income” over the net deemed tangible income return which is defined in the Act as the excess of (1) 10 percent of the aggregate of the U.S. shareholders' pro rata share of the qualified business assets of each CFC over (2) the amount of certain interest expense taken into account in the determination of the net CFC tested income.
Given the complexity of the new GILTI tax rules, we are continuing to evaluate this provision of the Act and the application of ASC 740. Under U.S. GAAP, we are allowed to make an accounting policy choice of either (1) treating taxes due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as a current period expense when incurred (the “period cost

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method”) or (2) factoring such amounts into our measurement of its deferred taxes (the “deferred method’). Our selection of an accounting method with respect to the new GILTI provisions will depend on our analysis of our global income to determine whether we expect to have future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI and, if so, what the impact of those inclusions will be. The determination of potential future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI depends on our current structure and estimated future results of our foreign subsidiaries, as well as our intent and ability to modify our structure. Due to this uncertainty, we are unable to currently estimate the effect of the GILTI provisions within the Act and its impact on our future financial statements. Therefore, we have 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.
2017 vs. 2016:
The Company’s effective tax rate was 69.6% in 2017 compared with 25.7% in 2016. The increase in the 2017 effective tax rate is primarily due to taxes recorded as a result of U.S. Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of $99.2 million of discrete tax expense related to the Act, partially offset by a benefit of $2.5 million on the current year repatriation, the effective tax rate would have been 20.2% in 2017. The comparable decrease in the effective tax rate, excluding the impacts of the Act, are primarily due to the adjustment of the Swiss valuation reserves, the settlement of tax audits and closure of tax years for various tax jurisdictions and the change in the mix of earnings attributable to higher-taxing jurisdictions, partially offset by the expiration of certain tax holidays. During 2017, the Company repatriated a dividend from a portion of the current year foreign earnings to the U.S. in the amount of $7.3 million, compared to $8.3 million in 2016. Pursuant to the Act, this current year dividend is not taxable in the U.S.

In 2018, the Company expects the effective tax rate to be between 25% and 26%, an increase from the 20.2% in 2017, primarily due to the absence of the current year excess tax benefit on stock awards, the settlements of tax audits and the adjustment of the Swiss valuation reserves, combined with the expiration of certain foreign tax holidays, partially offset by the reduction of the U.S. tax rate. As discussed above, we are currently evaluating the potential impact of the GILTI provisions, therefore adjustments have not been made in estimating our effective tax rate in 2018. We have made provisional entries related to certain provisions within the Act, including the Transition Tax, the state impact on the earnings reported as required by the Transition Tax, and the change in tax rates impact on the U.S deferred tax asset balance. Changes resulting from our ongoing evaluation may further impact our expected tax rate in 2018.

2016 vs. 2015:
 
The Company’s effective tax rate from continuing operations was 25.7% in 2016 compared with 23.2% in 2015. The increase in the 2016 effective tax rate from continuing operations is primarily due to the expiration of certain tax holidays, the absence of the 2015 refund of withholding taxes and the change in the mix of earnings attributable to higher-taxing jurisdictions, partially offset by lower repatriation of a portion of current year foreign earnings to the U.S and the excess tax benefit on stock awards, reflecting the amended guidance related to share-based payments made to employees. See Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. During 2016, the Company repatriated a dividend from a portion of the current year foreign earnings to the U.S. in the amount of $8.3 million compared to $19.5 million in 2015. The decrease in the dividend decreased tax expense by $3.9 million and decreased the annual effective tax rate by 2.2 percentage points compared to 2015.

See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the consolidated effective income tax rate.

Income and Income Per Share  
(in millions, except per share)
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2015
Net income
 
$
59.4

 
$
135.6

 
$
(76.2
)
 
(56.2
)%
 
$
121.4

Net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.10

 
$
2.50

 
$
(1.40
)
 
(56.0
)%
 
$
2.21

Diluted
 
$
1.09

 
$
2.48

 
$
(1.39
)
 
(56.0
)%
 
$
2.19

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
54.1

 
54.2

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.2
)%
 
55.0

Diluted
 
54.6

 
54.6

 

 
 %
 
55.5

 

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Basic and diluted net income per common share decreased for 2017 as compared to 2016, consistent with the change in net income year over year. Basic weighted average common shares outstanding decreased slightly while diluted weighted average common shares outstanding were flat. Share repurchases of 550,994 and 677,100 shares during 2016 and 2017, respectively, as part of the Company's repurchase program were largely offset by the issuance of shares for employee stock plans.
 
Financial Performance by Business Segment
 
Industrial
 
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
2015
Sales
 
$
973.9

 
$
824.2

 
$
149.7

 
18.2
 %
 
$
782.3

Operating profit
 
127.1

 
129.7

 
(2.6
)
 
(2.0
)%
 
103.0

Operating margin
 
13.0
%
 
15.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
13.2
%
 
2017 vs. 2016:
 
Sales at Industrial were $973.9 million in 2017, an increase of $149.7 million, or 18.2%, from 2016. Acquired businesses contributed incremental sales of $56.3 million during the 2017 period. Organic sales increased by $81.0 million, or 9.8%, during 2017, driven primarily by continued strength in our Nitrogen Gas Products and Molding Solutions business units. A continuation of favorable demand trends in our tool and die, transportation and other industrial end-markets have largely contributed to the organic growth within these business units. The impact of foreign currency translation increased sales by approximately $12.4 million as the U.S. dollar weakened against foreign currencies.

Operating profit in 2017 at Industrial was $127.1 million, a decrease of 2.0% from 2016. The decrease was driven by lower productivity, primarily driven by the increased costs incurred on certain programs within Engineered Components. Incremental costs include expedited freight, increased scrap and costs related to the transfer of work to other facilities. Employee related costs also increased during the 2017 period, primarily due to incentive compensation at certain Industrial businesses. Industrial's ability to leverage increased sales volumes partially offset this decrease in operating profit. The 2016 period included $3.5 million of short-term purchase accounting adjustments and transaction costs related to business acquisitions, whereas the 2017 period included $2.3 million of short-term purchase accounting adjustments. Operating margins decreased from 15.7% in the 2016 period to 13.0% in the 2017 period primarily as a result of these items. Lower margins at FOBOHA also impacted the 2017 period.

Outlook:

In Industrial, management is focused on generating organic sales growth through the introduction of new products and services and by leveraging the benefits of the diversified products and industrial end-markets in which its businesses have a global presence. Our ability to generate sales growth is subject to economic conditions in the global markets served by all of our businesses. For general industrial end-markets, manufacturing Purchasing Managers Indices ("PMIs") above 50 in China, North America and Europe are positive signs. Growth in PMI's continued throughout the fourth quarter of 2017. Within China, we have seen a strengthening in orders that began during the middle of 2016 and that has continued through the fourth quarter of 2017, indicating strength within the transportation markets. Global forecasted production for light vehicles is expected to grow nominally in 2018, with production expected to improve modestly within the North American market. Within our Molding Solutions businesses, global markets remain healthy. The Molding Solutions businesses exited 2017 with improved growth, and we anticipate favorable demand trends to continue within the automotive, medical, personal care and packaging hot runner and mold markets in 2018. As noted above, our sales were positively impacted by $12.4 million from fluctuations in foreign currencies. To the extent that the U.S. dollar fluctuates relative to other foreign currencies, our sales may continue to be impacted by foreign currency relative to the prior year periods. The relative impact on operating profit is not expected to be as significant as the impact on sales as most of our businesses have expenses primarily denominated in local currencies, where their revenues reside, however operating margins may be impacted. The Company also remains focused on sales growth through acquisition and expanding geographic reach. Strategic investments in new technologies, manufacturing processes and product development are expected to provide incremental benefits over the long term.

Operating profit is largely dependent on sales volumes, mix of the businesses in the segment and the Company's ability to effectively perform. Management continues to focus on improving profitability and expanding margins through leveraging organic sales growth, acquisitions, pricing initiatives, global sourcing, productivity and the evaluation of customer programs.

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Management does not anticipate increased costs incurred on certain programs within Engineered Components to be as impactful in 2018, with these business challenges being primarily resolved in the first half of 2018. We continue to evaluate market conditions and remain proactive in managing costs. Costs associated with new product and process introductions, restructuring initiatives, strategic investments and the integration of acquisitions may negatively impact operating profit.

2016 vs. 2015:

Sales at Industrial were $824.2 million in 2016, an increase of $41.9 million, or 5.4%, from 2015. Acquired businesses contributed incremental sales of $47.4 million during the 2016 period. Organic sales increased by $4.1 million, or $0.5%, during 2016, driven primarily by strength in our Molding Solutions businesses, slightly offset by continued softness in North American general industrial end-markets. The impact of foreign currency translation decreased sales by approximately $9.6 million as the U.S. dollar strengthened against foreign currencies.

Operating profit in 2016 at Industrial was $129.7 million, an increase of 26.0% from 2015. The increase was driven by favorable productivity, as the Company continued its focus on manufacturing efficiencies and improved supply chain management across multiple units, and the profit contributions of acquired businesses, partially offset by lower pricing. The 2015 period included $3.6 million of short-term purchase accounting adjustments and transaction costs related to business acquisitions, whereas the acquisition of FOBOHA during the 2016 period resulted in $3.5 million of such costs. The 2015 period also included lump-sum pension settlement charges of $7.5 million that were allocated to the segment and $3.4 million of charges related to certain workforce reductions and restructuring.

Aerospace
 
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
2015
Sales
 
$
462.6

 
$
406.5

 
$
56.1

 
13.8
%
 
$
411.7

Operating profit
 
83.2

 
62.5

 
20.7

 
33.2
%
 
65.4

Operating margin
 
18.0
%
 
15.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
15.9
%
 
2017 vs. 2016:
 
Aerospace recorded sales of $462.6 million in 2017, a 13.8% increase from 2016. Sales increased within all of the Aerospace businesses. The original equipment manufacturing ("OEM") business continued to transition from the manufacture of components on legacy engine platforms to newer, more technologically advanced platforms. Increased volume generated by ramping programs was partially offset by lower volumes and scheduled price deflation on more mature engine platforms. Sales within the aftermarket maintenance repair and overhaul ("MRO") business also increased during the 2017 period as the Company continued to obtain additional sales volume from new and existing customers, a trend that began during the second half of 2016. Volumes within the spare parts business also increased during the 2017 period. Sales were not impacted by changes in foreign currency as sales within the segment are largely denominated in U.S. dollars.

Operating profit at Aerospace increased 33.2% from 2016 to $83.2 million. The operating profit increase resulted from the increased volumes discussed above, coupled with favorable productivity, resulting from our ability to leverage production volumes, partially offset by scheduled price deflation and an increase in incentive compensation. Operating profit during the 2016 period included a $3.0 million charge related to the contract termination dispute and a $1.4 million benefit from the contract termination arbitration award.

Outlook:

Sales in the Aerospace OEM business are based on the general state of the aerospace market driven by the worldwide economy and are supported by its order backlog through participation in certain strategic commercial and military engine and airframe programs. Over the next several years, the Company expects sustained strength in demand for new engines, driven by a forecasted increase in commercial aircraft production levels. The Company anticipates further shifts in the production mix from legacy engine programs to the continual ramping of several new engine programs. Backlog at OEM was $713.8 million at December 31, 2017, an increase of 14.0% since December 31, 2016, at which time backlog was $626.3 million. The increase in 2017 orders primarily reflects an expanded time horizon on orders for certain engine programs and increased volumes. Approximately 50% of OEM backlog is expected to ship in the next 12 months. The Aerospace OEM business may be impacted by changes in the content levels on certain platforms, changes in customer sourcing decisions, adjustments to customer inventory levels, commodity availability and pricing, the use of alternate materials, changes in production schedules

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of specific engine and airframe programs, redesign of parts, quantity of parts per engine, cost schedules agreed to under contract with the engine manufacturers, as well as the pursuit and duration of new programs. Sales in the Aerospace aftermarket business may be impacted by fluctuations in end-market demand, early aircraft retirements, inventory management and changes in customer sourcing, deferred or limited maintenance activity during engine shop visits and the use of surplus (used) material during the engine repair and overhaul process. End markets are expected to grow based on the long term underlying fundamentals of the aerospace industry. Management continues to believe its Aerospace aftermarket business is competitively positioned based on well-established long-term customer relationships, including maintenance and repair contracts in the MRO business and long-term Revenue Sharing Programs ("RSPs") and Component Repair Programs ("CRPs"), expanded capabilities and current capacity levels. The MRO business may be potentially impacted by airlines that closely manage their aftermarket costs as engine performance and quality improves. Fluctuations in fuel costs and their impact on airline profitability and behaviors within the aerospace industry could also impact levels and frequency of aircraft maintenance and overhaul activities, and airlines' decisions on maintaining, deferring or canceling new aircraft purchases, in part based on the economics associated with new fuel efficient technologies.

Management is focused on growing operating profit at Aerospace primarily through leveraging organic sales growth, strategic investments, new product and process introductions, and productivity. Operating profit is expected to be affected by the impact of changes in sales volume, mix and pricing, particularly as they relate to the highly profitable aftermarket RSP spare parts business, and investments made in each of its businesses. Costs associated with new product and process introductions, the physical transfer of work to other global regions, additional productivity initiatives and restructuring activities may also negatively impact operating profit.

2016 vs. 2015:
 
Aerospace recorded sales of $406.5 million in 2016, a 1.3% decrease from 2015. Lower sales within OEM and spare parts businesses were partially offset by increased sales within the MRO business. During the 2016 period, the segment continued to transition from the manufacture of components on legacy engine platforms to newer, more technologically advanced platforms. Lower volumes on the GE90 engine platform, as well as on other mature engine platforms, were partially offset by increased volume generated by newer programs within the OEM business. A decline in aftermarket spare parts was partially offset by a volume increase in the MRO business. Customer inventory management resulted in lower volumes within the spare parts business. Sales within the MRO business, although soft during the first half of the year, improved during the second half of 2016 as we obtained additional sales volume from existing customers. This business, however, continues to be impacted by airlines continuing to closely manage their aftermarket costs and as engine performance and quality has improved. Sales were not impacted by changes in foreign currency as sales within the segment are largely denominated in U.S. dollars.

Operating profit at Aerospace decreased 4.5% from 2015 to $62.5 million. The operating profit decrease was primarily due to pricing deflation, the profit impact of lower volumes within the highly profitable spare parts business and unfavorable productivity, primarily a result of the transition from legacy engine platforms to newer, more advanced programs. Operating profit included a $1.4 million benefit from a contract termination arbitration award. Charges related to the contract termination dispute approximated $3.0 million and $2.8 million during the 2016 and 2015 periods, respectively. Operating profit in 2015 also included a lump-sum pension settlement charge of $2.4 million that was allocated to the segment and $0.8 million in workforce reduction and restructuring charges.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Management assesses the Company's liquidity in terms of its overall ability to generate cash to fund its operating and investing activities. Of particular importance in the management of liquidity are cash flows generated from operating activities, capital expenditure levels, dividends, capital stock transactions, effective utilization of surplus cash positions overseas and adequate lines of credit.
 
The Company believes that it's ability to generate cash from operations in excess of its internal operating needs is one of its financial strengths. Management continues to focus on cash flow and working capital management, and anticipates that operating activities in 2018 will generate sufficient cash to fund operations. The Company closely monitors its cash generation, usage and preservation including the management of working capital to generate cash. 

In February 2017, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the fourth amendment of its fifth amended and restated revolving credit agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”) and retained Bank of America, N.A. as the Administrative Agent for the lenders. The Amended Credit Agreement increases the facility from $750.0 million to $850.0 million and extends the maturity date from September 2018 to February 2022. The Amended Credit Agreement also increases

27

Table of Contents

the existing accordion feature from $250.0 million, allowing the Company to now request additional borrowings of up to $350.0 million. The Company may exercise the accordion feature upon request to the Administrative Agent as long as an event of default has not occurred or is not continuing. The borrowing availability of $850.0 million, pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, allows for multi-currency borrowing which includes euro, British pound sterling or Swiss franc borrowing, up to $600.0 million. Depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, and at the election of the Company, borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement will bear interest at either LIBOR plus a margin of between 1.10% and 1.70% or the base rate, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement, plus a margin of 0.10% to 0.70%.

On October 15, 2014, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (“Note Purchase Agreement”), among the Company and New York Life Insurance Company, New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation and New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation Institutionally Owned Life Insurance Separate Account, as purchasers, for the issuance of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.97% senior notes due October 17, 2024 (the “3.97% Senior Notes”). The Company completed funding of the transaction and issued the 3.97% Senior Notes on October 17, 2014. The 3.97% Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and pays interest semi-annually on April 17 and October 17 of each year at an annual rate of 3.97%. The 3.97% Senior Notes will mature on October 17, 2024 unless earlier prepaid in accordance with their terms. Subject to certain conditions, the Company may, at its option, prepay all or any part of the 3.97% Senior Notes in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 3.97% Senior Notes so prepaid, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of prepayment, plus the Make-Whole Amount, as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement, with respect to such principal amount being prepaid. The Note Purchase Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that are similar to the covenants required under the Amended Credit Agreement, as discussed below. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company's borrowing capacity remains limited by various debt covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement and the Note Purchase Agreement (the "Agreements"). The Agreements require the Company to maintain a ratio of Consolidated Senior Debt, as defined, to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined, of not more than 3.25 times ("Senior Debt Ratio"), a ratio of Consolidated Total Debt, as defined, to Consolidated EBITDA of not more than 3.75 times and a ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense, as defined, of not less than 4.25, in each case at the end of each fiscal quarter; provided that the debt to EBITDA ratios are permitted to increase for a period of four fiscal quarters after the closing of certain permitted acquisitions. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Agreements. The Company's most restrictive financial covenant is the Senior Debt Ratio which requires the Company to maintain a ratio of Consolidated Senior Debt to Consolidated EBITDA of not more than 3.25 times at December 31, 2017. The actual ratio at December 31, 2017 was 1.70 times.

In 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company acquired 0.7 million shares, 0.6 million shares and 1.4 million shares of the Company's common stock, respectively, at a cost of $40.8 million, $20.5 million and $52.1 million, respectively.

Operating cash flow may be supplemented with external borrowings to meet near-term business expansion needs and the Company's current financial commitments. The Company has assessed its credit facilities in conjunction with the Amended Credit Facility and currently expects that its bank syndicate, comprised of 14 banks, will continue to support its Amended Credit Agreement which matures in February 2022. At December 31, 2017, the Company had $428.5 million unused and available for borrowings under its $850.0 million Amended Credit Facility, subject to covenants. At December 31, 2017, additional borrowings of $642.8 million of Total Debt and $486.1 million of Senior Debt would have been allowed under the financial covenants. The Company intends to use borrowings under its Amended Credit Facility to support the Company's ongoing growth initiatives. The Company believes its credit facilities and access to capital markets, coupled with cash generated from operations, are adequate for its anticipated future requirements.

The Company had $5.3 million in borrowings under short-term bank credit lines at December 31, 2017.

In 2012, the Company entered into five-year interest rate swap agreements (the "Swaps") transacted with three banks which together converted the interest on the first $100.0 million of the Company's one-month LIBOR-based borrowings from a variable rate plus the borrowing spread to a fixed rate of 1.03% plus the borrowing spread, for the purpose of mitigating its exposure to variable interest rates. The Swaps expired on April 28, 2017. The Company entered into a new interest rate swap agreement (the "Swap") that commenced on April 28, 2017, with one bank, and converts the interest on the first $100.0 million of the Company's one-month LIBOR-based borrowings from a variable rate plus the borrowing spread to a fixed rate of 1.92% plus the borrowing spread. The Swap expires on January 31, 2022. At December 31, 2017, the Company's total borrowings were comprised of approximately 39% fixed rate debt and 61% variable rate debt. At December 31, 2016, the Company's total borrowings were comprised of approximately 41% fixed rate debt and 59% variable rate debt.


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The funded status of the Company's pension plans is dependent upon many factors, including actual rates of return that impact the fair value of pension assets and changes in discount rates that impact projected benefit obligations. The unfunded status of the pension plans decreased from $77.0 million at December 31, 2016 to $43.7 million at December 31, 2017 as the increase in the fair value of the pension plan assets exceeded increase in the projected benefit obligations ("PBOs"), following an update of certain actuarial assumptions. The Company recorded a $10.7 million non-cash after-tax increase in stockholders equity (through other non-owner changes to equity) to record the current year adjustments for changes in the funded status of its pension and postretirement benefit plans as required under accounting for defined benefit and other postretirement plans. This increase in stockholders equity resulted primarily from favorable variances between expected and actual returns on pension plan assets and the amortization of actuarial losses recorded earlier, partially offset by changes in actuarial assumptions, primarily the decrease in the discount rate. In 2017, the Company made $10.0 million in discretionary contributions to the U.S. qualified pension plans. The Company expects to contribute approximately $4.6 million to its various defined benefit pension plans in 2018. No discretionary contributions to the U.S. Qualified pension plans are currently planned in 2018. See Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As noted above, the U.S. government enacted the Act on December 22, 2017, resulting in a provisional net expense of $86.7 million related to the Transition Tax. The Company intends to elect to pay the Transition Tax over the allowed eight year period. The installment payments for the Transition Tax are not expected to have a material impact on the liquidity or capital resources of the Company. The Company expects to make the payments through the use of available cash or borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility.

At December 31, 2017, the Company held $145.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, the majority of which was held by foreign subsidiaries. These amounts have no material regulatory or contractual restrictions. The Act has changed the impact of U.S. taxation on foreign distributions. The Company is continuing its evaluation regarding the potential repatriation of overseas cash. Currently the Company expects to repatriate certain foreign earnings and has recorded a provisional tax expense of $6.9 million to account for the estimated withholding and income taxes on the potential repatriation, however no final decision has been made in regards to future potential distributions. The evaluation is dependent upon several variables, including foreign taxation of dividends and the impact of withholding tax. The Company repatriated $7.3 million of current year foreign earnings to the U.S. during 2017.
 
Any future acquisitions are expected to be financed through internal cash, borrowings and equity, or a combination thereof. Additionally, we may from time to time seek to retire or repurchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity securities, in open market purchases, under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.

Cash Flow
 
($ in millions)
 
2017
 
2016
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
2015
Operating activities
 
$
203.9

 
$
217.6

 
$
(13.7
)
 
(6.3
)%
 
$
217.5

Investing activities
 
(68.0
)
 
(179.5
)
 
111.5

 
62.1
 %
 
(115.5
)
Financing activities
 
(63.8
)
 
(53.3
)
 
(10.4
)
 
(19.6
)%
 
(59.2
)
Exchange rate effect
 
6.7

 
(2.3
)
 
9.0

 
NM

 
(4.9
)
Increase (decrease) in cash
 
$
78.8

 
$
(17.5
)
 
$
96.3

 
NM

 
$
37.9

________________________
NM – Not meaningful
    
Operating activities provided $203.9 million in 2017 compared to $217.6 million in 2016. Operating cash flows in the 2017 period were positively impacted by improved operating results partially offset by an increase in cash used for working capital driven by an increase in accounts receivable, reflecting growth in revenue. Net income during the period was impacted by $96.7 million of tax expense related to the enactment of the Act, having no impact to cash outflows during the 2017 period. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Cash flows in the 2017 and 2016 periods were impacted by outflows of $10.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively, related to discretionary contributions to the U.S. Qualified pension plans.

Investing activities used $68.0 million in 2017 and $179.5 million in 2016. In 2017, investing activities included capital expenditures of $58.7 million compared to $47.6 million in 2016. The Company expects capital spending in 2018 to approximate $60 million. Capital expenditures relate to both maintenance needs and support of growth initiatives, which include the purchase of equipment to support new products and services, and are expected to be funded primarily through cash

29

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flows from operations. Investing activities in 2017 also included outflows of $8.9 million used to fund the Gammaflux acquisition and $3.0 million related to an Aerospace agreement (which was included in Other Investing activities). In 2016, investing activities also included outflows of $127.1 million used to fund the FOBOHA acquisition, $1.5 million related to the post-acquisition closing adjustment of Thermoplay and $4.1 million related to the Component Repair Programs ("CRPs"). See Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Cash used by financing activities in 2017 included a net increase in borrowings of $30.7 million compared to a net decrease of $9.9 million in 2016. In 2016, the Company borrowed $100.0 million under the Amended Credit Facility through an international subsidiary. The proceeds were distributed to the Parent Company and subsequently used to pay down U.S. borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement. Proceeds from the issuance of common stock were $2.4 million and $4.6 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2017, the Company repurchased 0.7 million shares of the Company's stock at a cost of $40.8 million, compared with the purchase of 0.6 million shares at a cost of $20.5 million in 2016. Total cash used to pay dividends increased slightly to $29.6 million in 2017 compared to $27.4 million in 2016, reflecting an increase in dividends paid per share. Withholding taxes paid on stock issuances in the 2017 and 2016 periods were $5.4 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Other financing cash flows during 2017 include $18.2 million of net cash payments related to the settlement of foreign currency hedges related to intercompany financings, compared to $5.2 million and $10.3 million of net cash proceeds in 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $2.5 million of payments made in connection with executing the Amended Credit Agreement.

Debt Covenants
 
As noted above, borrowing capacity is limited by various debt covenants in the Company's debt agreements. Following is a reconciliation of Consolidated EBITDA, a key metric in the debt covenants, to the Company's net income (in millions):
 
2017
Net income
$
59.4

Add back:
 
Interest expense
14.6

Income taxes
136.3

Depreciation and amortization
90.2

Adjustment for non-cash stock based compensation
11.7

Other adjustments
1.3

Consolidated EBITDA, as defined
$
313.4

 
 
Consolidated Senior Debt, as defined, as of December 31, 2017
$
532.6

Ratio of Consolidated Senior Debt to Consolidated EBITDA
1.70

Maximum
3.25

Consolidated Total Debt, as defined, as of December 31, 2017
$
532.6

Ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA
1.70

Maximum
3.75

Consolidated Cash Interest Expense, as defined, as of December 31, 2017
$
14.6

Ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense
21.51

Minimum
4.25

 
The Amended Credit Agreement allows for certain adjustments within the calculation of the financial covenants. Other adjustments consist of net gains on the sale of assets, due diligence and transaction expenses as permitted under the Amended Credit Agreement and the amortization of the FOBOHA acquisition inventory step-up. The Company's financial covenants are measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter. At December 31, 2017, additional borrowings of $642.8 million of Total Debt and $486.1 million of Senior Debt would have been allowed under the covenants. Senior Debt includes primarily the borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility, the 3.97% Senior Notes and the borrowings under the lines of credit. The Company's unused committed credit facilities at December 31, 2017 were $428.5 million. As noted above, the Company is continuing to analyze the impacts of the Act, however we currently do not believe that any changes proposed by the Act will impact compliance with our debt covenants.





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Contractual Obligations and Commitments
 
At December 31, 2017, the Company had the following contractual obligations and commitments:
($ in millions)
 
Total
 
Less than
1 Year
 
1-3
Years
 
3-5
Years
 
More than
5 Years
Long-term debt obligations (1)
 
$
526.9

 
$
1.3

 
$
1.5

 
$
422.6

 
$
101.6

Estimated interest payments under long-term obligations (2)
 
78.6

 
15.4

 
30.7

 
21.2

 
11.1

Operating lease obligations
 
39.8

 
11.9

 
13.4

 
7.2

 
7.4

Purchase obligations (3)
 
182.5

 
167.1

 
11.5

 
3.8

 
0.1

Expected pension contributions (4)
 
4.6

 
4.6

 

 

 

Expected benefit payments – other postretirement benefit plans (5)
 
27.9

 
3.7

 
6.7

 
5.9

 
11.7

Long-term U.S. Tax Reform obligations(6)
 
79.8

 

 
13.9

 
13.9

 
52.0

Total
 
$
940.1

 
$
204.0

 
$
77.6

 
$
474.5

 
$
184.0


(1)
Long-term debt obligations represent the required principal payments under such agreements.
(2)
Interest payments under long-term debt obligations have been estimated based on the borrowings outstanding and market interest rates as of December 31, 2017.
(3)
The amounts do not include purchase obligations reflected as current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The purchase obligation amount includes all outstanding purchase orders as of the balance sheet date as well as the minimum contractual obligation or termination penalty under other contracts.
(4)
The amount included in “Less Than 1 Year” reflects anticipated contributions to the Company’s various pension plans. Anticipated contributions beyond one year are not determinable.
(5)
Amounts reflect anticipated benefit payments under the Company’s various other postretirement benefit plans based on current actuarial assumptions. Expected benefit payments do not extend beyond 2027. See Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(6)
Amounts reflect anticipated long-term payments related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was enacted on December 22, 2017. Payments are allowed over an eight-year period. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The amount payable in 2018 is included within accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The above table does not reflect unrecognized tax benefits as the timing of the potential payments of these amounts cannot be determined. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
Inflation
 
Inflation generally affects the Company through its costs of labor, equipment and raw materials. Increases in the costs of these items have historically been offset by price increases, commodity price escalator provisions, operating improvements, and other cost-saving initiatives.
 
Critical Accounting Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The most significant areas involving management judgments and estimates are described below. Actual results could differ from such estimates.
 
Inventory Valuation: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value. Provisions are made to reduce excess or obsolete inventories to their estimated net realizable value. Loss provisions, if any, on aerospace contracts are established when estimable. Loss provisions are based on the projected excess of manufacturing costs over the net revenues of the products or group of related products representing orders that are supported under a long term agreement. The process for evaluating the value of excess and obsolete inventory often requires the Company to make subjective judgments and estimates concerning future sales levels, access to applicable markets, quantities and prices at which such inventory will be sold in the normal course of business and estimated costs. Accelerating the disposal process or incorrect estimates of future sales potential or estimated costs may necessitate future adjustments to these provisions.
 
Business Acquisitions, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Goodwill: Assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. At December 31, 2017, the Company had $690.2

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million and $42.8 million of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, respectively. Goodwill represents the cost of acquisitions in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired companies. Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to impairment testing annually or earlier if an event or change in circumstances indicates that the fair value of a reporting unit may have been reduced below its carrying value. Management completes its annual impairment assessments for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets during the second quarter of each year. The Company uses the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative impairment tests in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
 
Under the qualitative goodwill assessment, management considers relevant events and circumstances including but not limited to macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall unit performance and events directly affecting a unit. If the Company determines that the two-step quantitative impairment test is required, management estimates the fair value of the reporting unit primarily using the income approach, which reflects management’s cash flow projections, and also evaluates the fair value using the market approach. Inherent in management’s development of cash flow projections are assumptions and estimates, including those related to future earnings and growth and the weighted average cost of capital. Based on the second quarter 2017 assessment, the estimated fair value of all reporting units significantly exceeded their carrying values and there was no goodwill impairment at any of the reporting units. Many of the factors used in assessing fair value are outside the control of management, and these assumptions and estimates can change in future periods as a result of both Company-specific and overall economic conditions. Management’s quantitative assessment during the second quarter of 2017 included a review of the potential impacts of current and projected market conditions from a market participant’s perspective on reporting units’ projected cash flows, growth rates and cost of capital to assess the likelihood of whether the fair value would be less than the carrying value. Management also performed its annual impairment testing of its trade names, indefinite-lived intangible assets, during the second quarter of 2017. Based on this assessment, there was no trade name impairment recognized.
 
Aerospace Aftermarket Programs: The Company participates in aftermarket RSPs under which the Company receives an exclusive right to supply designated aftermarket parts over the life of the related aircraft engine program to our customer, General Electric ("GE"). As consideration, the Company has paid participation fees, which are recorded as intangible assets. The carrying value of these intangible assets was $185.6 million at December 31, 2017. The Company records amortization of the related asset as sales dollars are being earned based on a proportional sales dollar method. Specifically, this method amortizes each asset as a reduction to revenue based on the proportion of sales under a program in a given period to the estimated aggregate sales dollars over the life of that program which reflects the pattern in which economic benefits are realized.

The Company entered into Component Repair Programs ("CRPs") with GE during 2015, 2014 and 2013. The CRPs provide for, among other items, the right to sell certain aftermarket component repair services for CFM56, CF6, CF34 and LM engines directly to other customers over the life of the aircraft engine program as one of a few GE licensed suppliers. In addition, the CRPs extended certain existing contracts under which the Company provides these services directly to GE. Our total investments in CRPs as of December 31, 2017 equaled $111.8 million, all of which have been paid. At December 31, 2017, the carrying value of the CRPs was $95.3 million. The Company recorded the CRP payments as an intangible asset which is recognized as a reduction of sales over the remaining life of these engine programs based on the estimated sales over the life of such programs. This method reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the CRPs are realized.

The recoverability of each asset is subject to significant estimates about future revenues related to the programs' aftermarket parts and services. The Company evaluates these intangible assets for recoverability and updates amortization rates on an agreement by agreement basis for the RSPs and on an individual asset basis for the CRPs. The assets are reviewed for recoverability periodically including whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Annually, the Company evaluates the remaining life of these assets to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. Management updates revenue projections, which includes comparing actual experience against projected revenue and industry projections. The potential exists that actual revenues will not meet expectations due to a change in market conditions, including, for example, the replacement of older engines with new, more fuel-efficient engines or the Company's ability to capture additional market share within the aftermarket business. A shortfall in future revenues may indicate a triggering event requiring a write down or further evaluation of the recoverability of the assets or require the Company to accelerate amortization expense prospectively dependent on the level of the shortfall. The Company has not identified any impairment of these assets. See Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits: Accounting policies and significant assumptions related to pension and other postretirement benefits are disclosed in Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. As discussed further below, the

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significant assumptions that impact pension and other postretirement benefits include discount rates, mortality rates and expected long-term rates of return on invested pension assets.

The Company selected the expected long-term rate of return of its U.S. defined benefit plans based on consideration of historical and projected rates of return on the weighted target asset mix of our pension investments. The target mix reflects a 65% equity investment target and a 35% target for fixed income and cash investments (in aggregate). The equity investment of 65% is more heavily weighted on global equity investment targets, rather than U.S. targets. The historical rates of return for the Company's defined benefit plans were calculated based upon compounded average rates of return of published indices. Management selected a long-term expected rate of return on its U.S. pension assets of 7.75%. The long-term rates of return for non-U.S. plans were selected based on actual historical rates of return of published indices that reflect the plans’ target asset allocations.

The discount rate used for the Company’s U.S. pension plans reflects the rate at which the pension benefits could be effectively settled. At December 31, 2017, the Company selected a discount rate of 3.90% based on a bond matching model for its U.S. pension plans. Market interest rates have decreased in 2017 as compared with 2016 and, as a result, the discount rate used to measure pension liabilities decreased from 4.50% at December 31, 2016. The discount rates for non-U.S. plans were selected based on highly rated long-term bond indices and yield curves that match the duration of the plan’s benefit obligations.
 
A one-quarter percentage point change in the assumed long-term rate of return on the Company’s U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2017 would impact the Company’s 2018 pre-tax income by approximately $0.9 million. A one-quarter percentage point decrease in the discount rate on the Company's U.S. pension plans as of December 31, 2017 would decrease the Company’s 2018 pre-tax income by approximately $0.9 million. The Company reviews these and other assumptions at least annually.

The Company recorded a $10.7 million non-cash after-tax increase in stockholders equity (through other non-owner changes to equity) to record the current year adjustments for changes in the funded status of its pension and postretirement benefit plans as required under accounting for defined benefit and other postretirement plans. This increase in stockholders equity resulted primarily from favorable variances between expected and actual returns on pension plan assets, and the amortization of actuarial losses recorded earlier, partially offset by changes in actuarial assumptions, primarily the decrease in the discount rate. During 2017, the fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets increased by $37.5 million and the projected benefit obligation increased by $4.2 million. The increase in the projected benefit obligation included a $24.0 million (pre-tax) increase due to actuarial losses resulting primarily from a change in the discount rates used to measure pension liabilities, annual service and interest costs of $6.1 million and $18.8 million, respectively, $7.2 million of foreign exchange impacts and $2.7 million of transfers in, resulting from employees that were hired during the period. These increases were partially offset by a $7.0 million curtailment gain related to the Closure of the FOBOHA facility in Muri, Switzerland (the "Closure", see Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements), settlements of $21.1 million (primarily related to the Closure) and $29.1 million in benefits paid. Changes to other actuarial assumptions in 2017 did not have a material impact on our stockholders equity or projected benefit obligation. Actual pre-tax gains on total pension plan assets were $62.3 million compared with an expected pre-tax return on pension assets of $28.1 million. Also impacting total pension plan assets during the 2017 period were $29.1 million in benefits paid and settlements of $20.9 million, related primarily to the Closure. Pension expense for 2018 is expected to decrease from $7.8 million in 2017, excluding curtailments and settlement gains of $7.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, to $5.8 million.
 
Income Taxes: Recognition of the impacts of the U.S. Tax Reform required significant estimates and judgments. As noted within “Results of Operations - U.S. Tax Reform”, the SEC issued SAB 118 in January 2018. Pursuant to SAB 118, the Company was capable of reasonably estimating the effects of the Act and therefore has recorded a provisional income tax expense within the Consolidated Financial Statements. See further discussion therein.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had recognized $12.2 million of deferred tax assets, net of valuation reserves. The realization of these benefits is dependent, in part, on the amount and timing of future taxable income in jurisdictions where the deferred tax assets reside. For those jurisdictions where the expirations date of tax loss carryforwards or the proposed operating results indicate that realization is unlikely, a valuation allowance is provided. Management currently believes that sufficient taxable income should be earned in the future to realize the deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances recorded, however there can be no assurance that such expectations will be met.

Additionally, the Company is exposed to certain tax contingencies in the ordinary course of business and records those tax liabilities in accordance with the guidance for accounting for uncertain tax positions. For tax positions where the Company believes it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. For those income tax positions where it is more likely than not that

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a tax benefit will not be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized in the financial statements. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

A significant portion of revenue is generated by foreign locations. Current guidance requires the recognition of a tax liability under the assumption that foreign earnings will be repatriated in the future, unless the Company can assert that the earnings are indefinitely reinvested. Management’s annual assessment in determining whether the earnings are indefinitely reinvested is based on an analysis of U.S. cash requirements and working capital requirements of the foreign operations, including capital expenditures, combined with any limitations, such as dividend restrictions or local law limits, which would limit possible repatriation.

Stock-Based Compensation: The Company accounts for its stock-based employee compensation plans at fair value on the grant date and recognizes the related cost in its consolidated statement of income in accordance with accounting standards related to share-based payments. The fair values of stock options are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on certain assumptions. The fair values of service and performance based share awards are estimated based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock price on the grant date. The fair values of market based performance share awards are estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation method. See Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

EBITDA
 
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for 2017 was $300.4 million compared to $274.7 million in 2016. EBITDA is a measurement not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company defines EBITDA as net income plus interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization which the Company incurs in the normal course of business. The Company does not intend EBITDA to represent cash flows from operations as defined by GAAP, and the reader should not consider it as an alternative to net income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other items calculated in accordance with GAAP, or as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance. The Company’s definition of EBITDA may not be comparable with EBITDA as defined by other companies. The Company believes EBITDA is commonly used by financial analysts and others in the industries in which the Company operates and, thus, provides useful information to investors. Accordingly, the calculation has limitations depending on its use.
 
Following is a reconciliation of EBITDA to the Company’s net income (in millions):
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Net income
 
$
59.4

 
$
135.6

Add back:
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
14.6

 
11.9

Income taxes
 
136.3

 
47.0

Depreciation and amortization
 
90.2

 
80.2

EBITDA
 
$
300.4

 
$
274.7


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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Market risk is the potential economic loss that may result from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. The Company’s financial results could be impacted by changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity price changes. The Company uses financial instruments to hedge its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative or trading purposes.
 
The Company’s long-term debt portfolio consists of fixed-rate and variable-rate instruments and is managed to reduce the overall cost of borrowing while also minimizing the effect of changes in interest rates on near-term earnings. The Company’s primary interest rate risk is derived from its outstanding variable-rate debt obligations. Financial instruments have been used by the Company to hedge its exposures to fluctuations in interest rates.

In April 2012, the Company entered into five-year interest rate swap agreements (the "Swaps") transacted with three banks which together converted the interest on the first $100.0 million of borrowings under the Company’s Amended Credit Agreement from a variable rate plus the borrowing spread to a fixed rate of 1.03% plus the borrowing spread for the purpose of mitigating its exposure to variable interest rates. The Swaps expired on April 28, 2017. The Company entered into a new interest rate swap agreement (the "Swap") that commenced on April 28, 2017, with one bank, and converts the interest on the first $100.0 million of borrowings from a variable rate plus the borrowing spread to a fixed rate of 1.92% plus the borrowing spread. The Swap expires on January 31, 2022. The result of a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the interest rate on the average bank borrowings of the Company’s variable-rate debt during 2017 would have reduced annual pretax profit by $3.0 million.
 
At December 31, 2017, the fair value of the Company’s fixed-rate debt was $107.2 million, compared with its carrying amount of $105.4 million. The Company estimates that a 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates at December 31, 2017 would have increased the fair value of the Company's fixed rate debt to $113.5 million.
 
The Company has manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities around the world and thus makes investments and conducts business transactions denominated in various currencies. The Company is exposed primarily to financial instruments denominated in currencies other than the functional currency at its international locations. A 10% adverse change in foreign currencies relative to the U.S dollar at December 31, 2017 would have resulted in a $3.8 million loss in the fair value of those financial instruments. At December 31, 2017, the Company held $145.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, the majority of which is held by foreign subsidiaries.
 
Foreign currency commitments and transaction exposures are managed at the operating units as an integral part of their businesses in accordance with a corporate policy that addresses acceptable levels of foreign currency exposures.
 
Additionally, to reduce foreign currency exposure, management generally maintains the majority of foreign cash and short-term investments in functional currency and uses forward currency contracts for non-functional currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities and anticipated transactions in an effort to reduce the effect of the volatility of changes in foreign exchange rates on the income statement. Management assesses the strength of currencies in certain countries such as Brazil and Mexico, relative to the U.S. dollar, and may elect during periods of local currency weakness to invest excess cash in U.S. dollar-denominated instruments.
 
The Company’s exposure to commodity price changes relates to certain manufacturing operations that utilize high-grade steel spring wire, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, Hastelloys and other specialty metals. The Company attempts to manage its exposure to price increases through its procurement and sales practices.



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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
BARNES GROUP INC.
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Net sales
 
$
1,436,499

 
$
1,230,754

 
$
1,193,975

Cost of sales
 
939,288

 
790,299

 
782,817

Selling and administrative expenses
 
286,933

 
248,277

 
242,762

 
 
1,226,221

 
1,038,576

 
1,025,579

Operating income
 
210,278

 
192,178

 
168,396

Interest expense
 
14,571

 
11,883

 
10,698

Other expense (income), net
 
8

 
(2,326
)
 
(248
)
Income before income taxes
 
195,699

 
182,621

 
157,946

Income taxes
 
136,284

 
47,020

 
36,566

Net income
 
$
59,415

 
$
135,601

 
$
121,380

Per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.10

 
$
2.50

 
$
2.21

Diluted
 
$
1.09

 
$
2.48

 
$
2.19

Dividends
 
$
0.55

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.48

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
54,073,407

 
54,191,013

 
55,028,063

Diluted
 
54,605,298

 
54,631,313

 
55,513,219

 
See accompanying notes.

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BARNES GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
$
59,415

 
$
135,601

 
$
121,380

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
      Unrealized gain (loss) hedging activities, net of tax (1)
299

 
(342
)
 
847

      Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (2)
83,404

 
(48,367
)
 
(54,232
)
  Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits, net
      of tax (3)
10,726

 
(8,867
)
 
9,586

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
94,429

 
(57,576
)
 
(43,799
)
Total comprehensive income
$
153,844

 
$
78,025

 
$
77,581


(1) Net of tax of $232, $(42) and $227 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(2) Net of tax of $610, $(833) and $(1,777) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(3) Net of tax of $4,469, $(4,687) and $3,916 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
See accompanying notes.



































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Table of Contents

BARNES GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Assets
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
145,290

 
$
66,447

Accounts receivable, less allowances (2017 – $5,143; 2016 – $3,992)
 
348,943

 
287,123

Inventories
 
241,962

 
227,759

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
32,526

 
27,163

Total current assets
 
768,721

 
608,492

Deferred income taxes
 
12,161

 
25,433

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
359,298

 
334,489

Goodwill
 
690,223

 
633,436

Other intangible assets, net
 
507,042

 
522,258

Other assets
 
28,271

 
13,431

Total assets
 
$
2,365,716

 
$
2,137,539

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Notes and overdrafts payable
 
$
5,669

 
$
30,825

Accounts payable
 
127,521

 
112,024

Accrued liabilities
 
181,241

 
156,967

Long-term debt – current
 
1,330

 
2,067

Total current liabilities
 
315,761

 
301,883

Long-term debt
 
525,597

 
468,062

Accrued retirement benefits
 
89,000

 
109,350

Deferred income taxes
 
73,505

 
66,446

Long-term tax liability
 
79,770

 

Other liabilities
 
21,762

 
23,440

Commitments and contingencies (Note 20)
 

 

Stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
Common stock – par value $0.01 per share
 
 
 
 
Authorized: 150,000,000 shares
 
 
 
 
Issued: at par value (2017 – 63,034,240 shares; 2016 – 62,692,403 shares)
 
630

 
627

Additional paid-in capital
 
457,365

 
443,235

Treasury stock, at cost (2017 – 9,656,369 shares; 2016 – 8,889,947 shares)
 
(297,998
)
 
(251,827
)
Retained earnings
 
1,206,723

 
1,177,151

Accumulated other non-owner changes to equity
 
(106,399
)
 
(200,828
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,260,321

 
1,168,358

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
2,365,716

 
$
2,137,539

 
See accompanying notes.

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BARNES GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
59,415

 
$
135,601

 
$
121,380

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
90,150

 
80,154

 
78,242

Gain on disposition of property, plant and equipment
 
(246
)
 
(349
)
 
(1,128
)
Stock compensation expense
 
12,279

 
11,493

 
9,258

Pension lump-sum settlement charge
 

 

 
9,856

Effect of U.S. Tax Reform on deferred tax assets
 
4,152

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(50,082
)
 
(23,057
)
 
14,027

Inventories
 
(173
)
 
1,989

 
(1,190
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
(4,241
)
 
569

 
(2,645
)
Accounts payable
 
12,018

 
11,778

 
(2,936
)
Accrued liabilities
 
14,439

 
15,825

 
(14,166
)
Deferred income taxes
 
3,589

 
(2,210
)
 
3,121

Long-term retirement benefits
 
(16,349
)
 
(15,492
)
 
1,081

Long-term tax liability
 
79,770

 

 

Other
 
(801
)
 
1,345

 
2,575

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
203,920

 
217,646

 
217,475

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment
 
2,594

 
780

 
3,442

Capital expenditures
 
(58,712
)
 
(47,577
)
 
(45,982
)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
(8,922
)
 
(128,613
)
 
(51,954
)
Component Repair Program payments
 

 
(4,100
)
 
(21,000
)
Other
 
(3,000
)
 

 

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(68,040
)
 
(179,510
)
 
(115,494
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in other borrowings
 
(25,304
)
 
8,375

 
14,680

Payments on long-term debt
 
(73,161
)
 
(321,506
)
 
(171,198
)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
 
129,118

 
303,277

 
159,264

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
 
2,408

 
4,611

 
11,425

Common stock repurchases
 
(40,791
)
 
(20,520
)
 
(52,103
)
Dividends paid
 
(29,551
)
 
(27,435
)
 
(26,176
)
Withholding taxes paid on stock issuances
 
(5,380
)
 
(4,885
)
 
(4,913
)
Other
 
(21,090
)
 
4,771

 
9,850

Net cash used by financing activities
 
(63,751
)
 
(53,312
)
 
(59,171
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows
 
6,714

 
(2,303
)
 
(4,923
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
78,843

 
(17,479
)
 
37,887

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
66,447

 
83,926

 
46,039

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
145,290

 
$
66,447

 
$
83,926

 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

Non-cash investing activities in 2015 included the acquisition of $3,200 of intangible assets, and the recognition of the corresponding liabilities, in connection with the Component Repair Programs.
 
See accompanying notes.

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BARNES GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars and shares in thousands)
 
 
Common
Stock
(Number of
Shares)
 
Common
Stock
(Amount)
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Treasury
Stock
(Number of
Shares)
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Non-Owner
Changes to
Equity
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
January 1, 2015
 
61,230

 
$
612

 
$
405,525

 
6,729

 
$
(169,405
)
 
$
974,514

 
$
(99,453
)
 
$
1,111,793

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
121,380

 
(43,799
)
 
77,581

Dividends paid
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(26,176
)
 
 
 
(26,176
)
Common stock repurchases
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,353

 
(52,103
)
 
 
 
 
 
(52,103
)
Employee stock plans
 
841

 
9

 
22,033

 
125

 
(4,913
)
 
(471
)
 
 
 
16,658

December 31, 2015
 
62,071

 
621

 
427,558

 
8,207

 
(226,421
)
 
1,069,247

 
(143,252
)
 
1,127,753

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
135,601

 
(57,576
)
 
78,025

Dividends paid
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(27,435
)
 
 
 
(27,435
)
Common stock repurchases
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
551

 
(20,520
)
 
 
 
 
 
(20,520
)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting guidance (Note 12)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
198

 
 
 
198

Employee stock plans
 
621

 
6

 
15,677

 
132

 
(4,886
)
 
(460
)
 
 
 
10,337

December 31, 2016
 
62,692

 
627

 
443,235

 
8,890

 
(251,827
)
 
1,177,151

 
(200,828
)
 
1,168,358

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
59,415

 
94,429

 
153,844

Dividends paid
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(29,551
)
 
 
 
(29,551
)
Common stock repurchases
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
677

 
(40,791
)
 
 
 
 
 
(40,791
)
Employee stock plans
 
342

 
3

 
14,130

 
89

 
(5,380
)
 
(292
)
 
 
 
8,461

December 31, 2017
 
63,034

 
$
630

 
$
457,365

 
9,656

 
$
(297,998
)
 
$
1,206,723

 
$
(106,399
)
 
$
1,260,321


See accompanying notes.

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 (All dollar amounts included in the notes are stated in thousands except per share data
and the tables in Note 19)
 
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
General: The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of 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.

Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated.
 
Revenue recognition: Sales and related cost of sales are recognized when products are shipped or delivered to customers, title has transferred, and the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the customer, provided the earnings process is complete and revenue is measurable. Service revenue is recognized when the related services are performed. In the aerospace manufacturing businesses, the Company recognizes revenue based on the units-of-delivery method in accordance with accounting standards related to accounting for performance of construction-type and certain production-type contracts. Management fees related to the aerospace aftermarket Revenue Sharing Programs ("RSPs") are satisfied through an agreed upon reduction from the sales price of each of the related spare parts. These fees recognize our customer's necessary performance of engine program support activities, such as spare parts administration, warehousing and inventory management, and customer support, and are not separable from our sale of products, and accordingly, they are reflected as a reduction to sales, rather than as costs incurred, when revenues are recognized.
 
Cash and cash equivalents: Cash in excess of operating requirements is invested in short-term, highly liquid, income-producing investments. All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost which approximates fair value.
 
Inventories: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or net realizable value. Loss provisions, if any, on aerospace contracts are established when estimable. Loss provisions are based on the projected excess of manufacturing costs over the net revenues of the products or group of related products representing firm orders that are supported under a long term agreement.
 
Property, plant and equipment: Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is recorded over estimated useful lives, generally ranging from 20 to 50 years for buildings and four to 12 years for machinery and equipment. The straight-line method of depreciation was adopted for all property, plant and equipment placed in service after March 31, 1999. For property, plant and equipment placed into service prior to April 1, 1999, depreciation is calculated using accelerated methods. The Company assesses the impairment of property, plant and equipment subject to depreciation whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
 
Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess purchase cost over the fair value of net assets of companies acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is considered an indefinite-lived asset. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing in accordance with accounting standards governing such on an annual basis, in the second quarter, or more frequently if an event or change in circumstances indicates that the fair value of a reporting unit has been reduced below its carrying value. Based on the assessments performed during 2017, there was no goodwill impairment.
 
Aerospace Aftermarket Programs: The Company participates in aftermarket RSPs under which the Company receives an exclusive right to supply designated aftermarket parts over the life of the related aircraft engine program. As consideration, the Company has paid participation fees, which are recorded as long-lived intangible assets. The Company records amortization of the related intangible asset as sales dollars are being earned based on a proportional sales dollar method. Specifically, this method amortizes each asset as a reduction to revenue based on the proportion of sales under a program in a given period to the estimated aggregate sales dollars over the life of that program. This method reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the RSPs are realized.

The Company also entered into Component Repair Programs ("CRPs") that provide for, among other items, the right to sell certain aftermarket component repair services for CFM56, CF6, CF34 and LM engines directly to other customers as one of a few GE licensed suppliers. In addition, the CRPs extended certain existing contracts under which the Company currently

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

provides these services directly to GE. The Company recorded the consideration for these rights as an intangible asset that is amortized as a reduction to sales over the remaining life of these engine programs based on the estimated sales over the life of such programs. This method reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the CRPs are realized.
 
The recoverability of each asset is subject to significant estimates about future revenues related to the program’s aftermarket parts and services. The Company evaluates these intangible assets for recoverability and updates amortization rates on an agreement by agreement basis for the RSPs and on an individual asset program basis for the CRPs. The assets are reviewed for recoverability periodically including whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Annually, the Company evaluates the remaining useful life of these assets to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining periods of amortization. Management updates revenue projections, which includes comparing actual experience against projected revenue and industry projections. The potential exists that actual revenues will not meet expectations due to a change in market conditions including, for example, the replacement of older engines with new, more fuel-efficient engines or the Company's ability to maintain market share within the Aftermarket business. A shortfall in future revenues may indicate a triggering event requiring a write down or further evaluation of the recoverability of the assets or require the Company to accelerate amortization expense prospectively dependent on the level of the shortfall. The Company has not identified any impairment of these assets.

Other Intangible Assets: Other intangible assets consist primarily of the Aerospace Aftermarket Programs, as discussed above, customer relationships, tradenames, patents and proprietary technology. These intangible assets, with the exception of certain tradenames, have finite lives and are amortized over the periods in which they provide benefit. The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization, whenever significant events or significant changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Tradenames with indefinite lives are subject to impairment testing in accordance with accounting standards governing such on an annual basis, in the second quarter, or more frequently if an event or change in circumstances indicates that the fair value of the asset has been reduced below its carrying value. Based on the assessment performed during 2017, there were no impairments of other intangible assets. See Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Derivatives: Accounting standards related to the accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities require that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Foreign currency contracts may qualify as fair value hedges of unrecognized firm commitments, cash flow hedges of recognized assets and liabilities or anticipated transactions, or a hedge of a net investment. Changes in the fair market value of derivatives that qualify as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges are recorded directly to earnings or accumulated other non-owner changes to equity, depending on the designation. Amounts recorded to accumulated other non-owner changes to equity are reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the earnings impact of the hedged transaction. Any ineffective portion, or amounts related to contracts that are not designated as hedges, are recorded directly to earnings. The Company’s policy for classifying cash flows from derivatives is to report the cash flows consistent with the underlying hedged item.
 
Foreign currency: Assets and liabilities of international operations are translated at year-end rates of exchange; revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange. The resulting translation gains or losses are reflected in accumulated other non-owner changes to equity within stockholders’ equity. Net foreign currency transaction gains of $756, $1,873 and $505 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were included in other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Research and Development: Costs are incurred in connection with efforts aimed at discovering and implementing new knowledge that is critical to developing new products, processes or services, significantly improving existing products or services, and developing new applications for existing products and services. Research and development expenses for the creation of new and improved products and services were $14,765, $12,913 and $12,688, for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are included in selling and administrative expense.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits: The Company accounts for its defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans by recognizing the overfunded or underfunded status of the plans, calculated as the difference between plan assets and the projected benefit obligation related to each plan, as an asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Benefit costs associated with the plans primarily include current service costs, interest costs and the amortization of actuarial losses, partially offset by expected returns on plan assets, which are determined based upon actuarial valuations. Settlement and curtailment losses (gains) may also impact benefit costs. The Company regularly reviews actuarial assumptions, including discount rates and the expected return on plan assets, which are updated at the measurement date, December 31st. The impact of differences between actual results and the assumptions are generally accumulated within Other Comprehensive Income and

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

amortized over future periods, which will affect benefit costs recognized in such periods. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock-Based Compensation: Stock-based employee compensation plans are accounted for based on their fair value on the grant date and the related cost is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income in accordance with accounting standards related to share-based payments. The fair values of stock options are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on certain assumptions. The fair values of service and performance based share awards are estimated based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock price on the grant date. The fair values of market based performance share awards are estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation method. See Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income Taxes: Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax effects attributable to temporary differences, operating loss carryforwards and tax credits. The measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities is determined using tax rates from enacted tax law of the period in which the temporary differences, operating loss carryforwards and tax credits are expected to be realized. The effect of the change in income tax rates is recognized in the period of the enactment date. The guidance related to accounting for income taxes requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company is exposed to certain tax contingencies in the ordinary course of business and records those tax liabilities in accordance with the guidance for accounting for uncertain tax positions. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recent Accounting Standards

The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") establishes changes to accounting principles under U.S. GAAP through the use of Accounting Standards Updates ("ASUs") to the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification. The Company evaluates the applicability and potential impacts of recent ASUs.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In April 2015, the FASB amended its guidance related to the presentation of debt issuance costs. The amended guidance specifies that debt issuance costs related to notes shall be reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of that note and that amortization of debt issuance costs shall be reported as interest expense. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and should be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted the guidance during the first quarter of 2016 and it did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2015, the FASB amended its guidance related to the measurement of inventory. The amended guidance requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value and thereby simplifies the prior guidance of measuring inventory at the lower of cost or market. The amended guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted the guidance during the first quarter of 2017 and it did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
In November 2015, the FASB amended its guidance related to the balance sheet classification of deferred income taxes. The amended guidance removes the requirement to separate and classify deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and non-current amounts and requires an entity to now classify all deferred tax liabilities and assets as non-current. The amended guidance can be adopted either on a prospective or retrospective basis and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The provisions of the amended guidance were adopted on a prospective basis during the first quarter of 2016. The provisions resulted in the classification of $26,639 and $1,290 of current deferred income tax assets and liabilities, respectively, into non-current deferred income tax assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016.

In March 2016, the FASB amended its guidance related to the accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. The amended guidance requires that all tax effects related to share-based payments are recorded at settlement (or expiration) through the income statement, rather than through equity. Cash flows related to excess tax benefits will no longer be separately classified as a financing activity apart from other income tax cash flows. The amended guidance also allows for an employer to repurchase additional employee shares for tax withholding purposes without requiring liability accounting and clarifies that all cash payments made to tax authorities on an employee’s behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption was permitted, and the Company elected to early

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

adopt in the third quarter of 2016. See Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details related to the Company's adoption of this amended guidance.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended its guidance related to revenue recognition. The amended guidance establishes a single comprehensive model for companies to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The amended guidance clarifies that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised 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. In applying the amended guidance, an entity will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The amended guidance applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The amended guidance was initially effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016 for public companies. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a deferral of the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date. The FASB also permitted early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to the amended guidance.

The Company will adopt the amended guidance using the modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2018 at which time it becomes effective for the Company. In 2015, management developed a project plan and established a cross-functional team to implement the amended guidance. We have completed the review of our customer contracts and have evaluated the impact of the amended guidance on each of our primary revenue streams. While we are finalizing our overall assessment under the amended guidance, we believe that the most significant impact relates to the timing of revenue recognition, presentation and disclosures. We expect that the majority of our businesses will continue to recognize revenue on a "point-in-time basis". We also expect, however, that a portion of our businesses with customized products or customer contracts in which we perform work on a customer-owned asset will require the use of an "over time" recognition model as certain of our contracts meet certain of the criteria established in the amended guidance. We will utilize the cost-to-cost input method to measure progress towards completion for contracts on an over time revenue recognition model.

On January 1, 2018, the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the amended guidance as an increase of approximately $4,000 to the opening balance of retained earnings, attributed primarily to the over time recognition of approximately $15,000 of net sales. We do not expect that the ongoing impact to net sales and net income will be material to the Consolidated Statements of Income, however the future impact of the amended guidance is dependent on the mix and nature of specific customer contracts. Under the existing guidance, the Company recognizes customer advances when payment is received. Adoption of the amended guidance will result in the recognition of additional customer advances for which the Company has received an unconditional right to payment. Since the related performance obligations have not been satisfied, however, the Company will recognize these customer advances as trade receivables, with a corresponding contract liability of equal amount. We continue to identify appropriate changes to our business processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure requirements under the new standard. We are continuing to implement design changes to such business processes, controls and systems to ensure that such changes are effective.
 
In February 2016, the FASB amended its guidance related to lease accounting. The amended guidance requires lessees to recognize a majority of their leases on the balance sheet as a right-to-use asset. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize an asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. Lease expense will be recorded in a manner similar to current accounting. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance to determine the impact it will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company anticipates the amended guidance will have a material impact on its assets and liabilities due to the addition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities to the balance sheet; however, it does not expect the amended guidance to have a material impact on its cash flows or results of operations.

In August 2016, the FASB amended its guidance related to the Statement of Cash Flows. The amended guidance clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented on the statement of cash flows, with focus on eight specific areas in which cash flows have, in practice, been presented inconsistently. The guidance is effective for annual periods

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the amended guidance to have a material impact on its cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB amended its guidance related to goodwill impairment testing. The amended guidance simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill, eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amended guidance, companies should perform their annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Companies would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, assuming the loss recognized does not exceed the total amount of goodwill for the reporting unit. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB amended its guidance related to the presentation of pension costs. The amended guidance requires the bifurcation of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement plans. The service cost component of expense will be presented with other employee compensation costs in operating income, consistent with the current guidance. The other components of expense, however, will be reported separately outside of operating income. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the amended guidance to determine the impact it will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this amended guidance will have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements on an ongoing basis. The Company's retrospective adoption, though, will have an impact on certain classifications in the 2017 Consolidated Statements of Income, primarily due to the pre-tax pension curtailment gain of $7,217 that was recorded in operating income during 2017. See Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2017, the FASB amended its guidance related to hedge accounting. The amended guidance makes more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting, amends presentation and disclosure requirements and changes the assessment of effectiveness. The guidance also more closely aligns hedge accounting with management strategies, simplifies application and increases the transparency of hedging. The amended guidance is effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted in any interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the guidance may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance related to the impacts of the tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). The guidance permits the reclassification of certain income tax effects of the Act from Other Comprehensive Income to Retained Earnings (stranded tax effects). The guidance also requires certain new disclosures. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. Entities may adopt the guidance using one of two transition methods; retrospective to each period (or periods) in which the income tax effects of the Act related to the items remaining in Other Comprehensive Income are recognized or at the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the guidance may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

2. Acquisitions

The Company has acquired a number of businesses during the past three years. The results of operations of these acquired businesses have been included in the consolidated results from the respective acquisition dates. The purchase prices for these acquisitions have been allocated to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of the businesses based upon estimates of their respective fair values. Pro forma operating results for the acquisitions are not presented as the results would not be significantly different than historical results.

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of the assets of the privately held Gammaflux L.P. business ("Gammaflux"), a leading supplier of hot runner temperature and sequential valve gate control systems to the plastics industry. Gammaflux, which is headquartered in Sterling, Virginia and has offices in Illinois and Germany, provides temperature control solutions for injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, and other applications. Its end markets include packaging, electronics, automotive, household products, medical, and tool building. The Company acquired the assets of Gammaflux for an aggregate purchase price of $8,866, which was financed using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The purchase price includes adjustments under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, including $2 related to cash acquired. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $1,535 of goodwill and $3,700 of intangible assets. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company incurred $210 of acquisition-related costs during the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the Gammaflux acquisition. These costs include due diligence costs and transaction costs to complete the acquisition and have been recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income as selling and administrative expenses.

The operating results of Gammaflux have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the period ended December 31, 2017 since the date of acquisition. The Company reported $9,081 in net sales for Gammaflux for the year ended December 31, 2017. Gammaflux results have been included within the Industrial segment's operating profit.

In the third quarter of 2016, the Company, through three of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Purchaser”), completed its acquisition of the molds business of Adval Tech Holding AG and Adval Tech Holdings (Asia) Pte. Ltd. ("FOBOHA"). FOBOHA is headquartered in Haslach, Germany and currently operates out of manufacturing facilities located in Germany and China. When acquired, FOBOHA also operated out of a third manufacturing facility located in Switzerland; however, this operation was consolidated and closed during 2017. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company completed its purchase of the Germany and Switzerland businesses on August 31, 2016. The purchase of the China business required government approval which was granted on September 30, 2016. On October 7, 2016, shares of the China operations were subsequently transferred to the Company upon payment, per the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement for these respective operations ("China SPA"). The Company, pursuant to the terms and conditions within the Share Purchase Agreement ("FOBOHA SPA"), assumed economic control of the China business effective August 31, 2016. Having both economic control and the benefits and risks of ownership during the period from August 31, 2016 through September 30, 2016, the Company included the results of the China business within the consolidated results of operations of the Company during this period.

FOBOHA specializes in the development and manufacture of complex plastic injection molds for packaging, medical, consumer and automotive applications. The Company acquired FOBOHA for an aggregate cash purchase price of CHF 137,918 ($140,203) which was financed using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The purchase price includes adjustments under the terms of the FOBOHA SPA, including approximately CHF 11,342 ($11,530) related to cash acquired. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $39,800 of intangible assets and $75,574 of goodwill. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company incurred $2,193 of acquisition-related costs during the year ended December 31, 2016 related to the FOBOHA acquisition. These costs include due diligence costs and transaction costs to complete the acquisition and have been recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income as selling and administrative expenses.

The operating results of FOBOHA have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the period ended December 31, 2016 since the date of acquisition. The Company reported $18,348 in net sales for FOBOHA for the year ended December 31, 2016. FOBOHA results have been included within the Industrial segment's operating profit.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company, itself and through two of its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of privately held Priamus System Technologies AG and two of its subsidiaries (collectively, "Priamus") from Growth Finance AG. Priamus, which has approximately 40 employees, is headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland and has direct sales and service offices in the U.S. and Germany. Priamus is a technology leader in the development of advanced process control systems for the plastic injection molding industry and services many of the world's highest quality plastic injection molders in the medical, automotive, consumer goods, electronics and packaging markets. The Company acquired Priamus for an aggregate cash purchase price of CHF 9,879 ($10,111) which was financed using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The purchase price includes adjustments under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, including CHF 1,556 ($1,592) related to cash acquired.

In the third quarter of 2015, the Company, through one of its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of the Thermoplay business ("Thermoplay") by acquiring all of the capital stock of privately held HPE S.p.A., the parent Company through which Thermoplay operates. Thermoplay’s headquarters and manufacturing facility are located in Pont-Saint-Martin in Aosta, Italy, with technical service capabilities in China, India, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Portugal, and Brazil. Thermoplay specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of hot runner solutions for plastic injection molding, primarily in the packaging, automotive, and medical end markets. The Company acquired Thermoplay for an aggregate cash purchase price of €58,066 ($63,690), pursuant to the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement ("SPA"), which was financed using cash on hand and borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The purchase price includes adjustments under the terms of the SPA, including €17,054 ($18,706) related to cash acquired.


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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company incurred $2,195 and $574 of acquisition-related costs during the year ended December 31, 2015 related to the Thermoplay and Priamus acquisitions, respectively. These costs include due diligence costs and transaction costs to complete the acquisitions, and have been recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income as selling and administrative expenses.

The operating results of Thermoplay and Priamus have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the period ended December 31, 2015, since the dates of acquisition. The Company reported $13,593 and $2,028 in net sales for Thermoplay and Priamus, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015. Thermoplay and Priamus results have been included within the Industrial segment's operating profit.

3. Inventories
 
Inventories at December 31 consisted of:

 
 
2017
 
2016
Finished goods
 
$
79,649

 
$
71,100

Work-in-process
 
97,276

 
98,246

Raw materials and supplies
 
65,037

 
58,413

 
 
$
241,962

 
$
227,759

 
4. Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment at December 31 consisted of:
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Land
 
$
21,723

 
$
19,952

Buildings
 
182,226

 
169,695

Machinery and equipment
 
631,392

 
572,540

 
 
835,341

 
762,187

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(476,043
)
 
(427,698
)
 
 
$
359,298

 
$
334,489

 
Depreciation expense was $48,693, $43,165 and $39,654 during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill: The following table sets forth the change in the carrying amount of goodwill for each reportable segment and the Company:
 
Industrial
 
Aerospace
 
Total
Company
January 1, 2016
$
557,206

 
$
30,786

 
$
587,992

Acquisition-related
73,688

 

 
73,688

Foreign currency translation
(28,244
)
 

 
(28,244
)
December 31, 2016
602,650

 
30,786

 
633,436

Acquisition-related
3,330

 


3,330

Foreign currency translation
53,457

 

 
53,457

December 31, 2017
$
659,437

 
$
30,786

 
$
690,223

 
Of the $690,223 of goodwill at December 31, 2017, $43,860 represents the original tax deductible basis.


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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The increase in goodwill in 2016 was due to the acquisition of FOBOHA on August 31, 2016, which is included in the Industrial segment. The amount allocated to goodwill reflects the benefits that the Company expects to realize from synergies created by combining the operations of FOBOHA, future enhancements to technology, geographical expansion and FOBOHA's assembled workforce. None of the recognized goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Other Intangible Assets: Other intangible assets at December 31 consisted of:
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Range of
Life-Years
 
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue Sharing Programs
 
Up to 30
 
$
293,700

 
$
(108,075
)
 
$
293,700

 
$
(95,701
)
Component Repair Programs
 
Up to 30
 
111,839

 
(16,508
)
 
111,839

 
(10,497
)
Customer lists/relationships
 
10-16
 
215,966

 
(65,385
)
 
215,266

 
(53,198
)
Patents and technology
 
4-14
 
87,052

 
(48,083
)
 
84,052

 
(37,897
)
Trademarks/trade names
 
10-30
 
11,950

 
(10,349
)
 
11,950

 
(9,967
)
Other
 
Up to 15
 
20,551

 
(16,414
)
 
20,551

 
(16,338
)
 
 
 
 
741,058

 
(264,814
)
 
737,358

 
(223,598
)
Unamortized intangible asset:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade names
 
 
 
42,770

 

 
42,770

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 
(11,972
)
 

 
(34,272
)
 

Other intangible assets
 
 
 
$
771,856

 
$
(264,814
)
 
$
745,856

 
$
(223,598
)
 
The Company entered into Component Repair Programs ("CRPs") with General Electric ("GE") during 2015, 2014 and 2013. The CRPs provide for, among other items, the right to sell certain aftermarket component repair services for CFM56, CF6, CF34 and LM engines directly to other customers over the life of the aircraft engine program as one of a few GE licensed suppliers. In addition, the CRPs extended certain contracts under which the Company provides these services directly to GE. Total investments in CRPs as of December 31, 2017 equaled $111,839, all of which have been paid. The Company recorded the CRP consideration as an intangible asset which is recognized as a reduction of sales over the remaining useful life of these engine programs based on the estimated sales over the life of such programs.
 
In connection with the acquisition of FOBOHA in August 2016, the Company recorded intangible assets of $39,800, which includes $20,700 of customer relationships, $14,700 of patents and technology and $4,400 of an indefinite life trade name. The weighted-average useful lives of the acquired assets were 16 years and 7 years, respectively.
Amortization of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $41,216, $36,753 and $38,502, respectively. Estimated amortization of intangible assets for future periods is as follows: 2018 - $41,000; 2019 - $41,000; 2020 - $37,000; 2021 - $37,000 and 2022 - $36,000.
The Company has entered into a number of aftermarket RSP agreements each of which is with GE. See Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of these Revenue Sharing Programs. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has made all required participation fee payments under the aftermarket RSP agreements.









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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

6. Accrued Liabilities
 
Accrued liabilities at December 31 consisted of:
 
 
2017
 
2016
Payroll and other compensation
 
$
53,857

 
$
37,560

Deferred revenue and customer advances
 
40,472

 
34,812

Pension and other postretirement benefits
 
8,294

 
8,261

Accrued income taxes
 
26,340

 
26,477

Other
 
52,278

 
49,857

 
 
$
181,241

 
$
156,967

 
7. Debt and Commitments
 
Long-term debt and notes and overdrafts payable at December 31 consisted of:
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Revolving credit agreement
 
$
421,500

 
$
424,818

 
$
363,300

 
$
364,775

3.97% Senior Notes
 
100,000

 
101,348

 
100,000

 
101,598

Borrowings under lines of credit and overdrafts
 
5,669

 
5,669

 
30,825

 
30,825

Capital leases
 
4,541

 
4,964

 
5,413

 
5,902

Other foreign bank borrowings
 
886

 
897

 
1,416

 
1,428

 
 
532,596

 
537,696

 
500,954

 
504,528

Less current maturities
 
(6,999
)
 
 
 
(32,892
)
 
 
Long-term debt
 
$
525,597

 
 
 
$
468,062

 
 
 
The Company’s long-term debt portfolio consists of fixed-rate and variable-rate instruments and is managed to reduce the overall cost of borrowing and to mitigate fluctuations in interest rates. Among other things, interest rate fluctuations impact the market value of the Company’s fixed-rate debt.
 
In February 2017, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the fourth amendment of its fifth amended and restated revolving credit agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”) and retained Bank of America, N.A as the Administrative Agent for the lenders. The Amended Credit Agreement increases the facility from $750,000 to $850,000 and extends the maturity date from September 2018 to February 2022. The Amended Credit Agreement also increases the existing accordion feature from $250,000, allowing the Company to now request additional borrowings of up to $350,000. The Company may exercise the accordion feature upon request to the Administrative Agent as long as an event of default has not occurred or is not continuing. The borrowing availability of $850,000, pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, allows for multi-currency borrowing which includes euro, sterling or Swiss franc borrowing, up to $600,000. Depending on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, and at the election of the Company, borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement will bear interest at either LIBOR plus a margin of between 1.10% and 1.70% or the base rate, as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement, plus a margin of 0.10% to 0.70%. The Company paid fees and expenses of $2,542 in conjunction with executing the Amended Credit Agreement; such fees have been deferred within Other Assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and are being amortized into interest expense on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income through its maturity. Cash used to pay these fees has been recorded through other financing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Borrowings and availability under the Amended Credit Agreement were $421,500 and $428,500, respectively, at December 31, 2017 and $363,300 and $386,700, respectively, at December 31, 2016. The average interest rate on these borrowings was 2.65% and 1.86% on December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The fair value of the borrowings is based on observable Level 2 inputs. The borrowings were valued using discounted cash flows based upon the Company's estimated interest costs for similar types of borrowings. In 2016, the Company borrowed $100,000 under the Amended Credit Facility through an international subsidiary. The proceeds were distributed to the Parent Company and subsequently used to pay down U.S. borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement.

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


In October 2014, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (“Note Purchase Agreement”), among the Company and New York Life Insurance Company, New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation and New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation Institutionally Owned Life Insurance Separate Account, as purchasers, for the issuance of $100,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.97% Senior Notes due October 17, 2024 (the “3.97% Senior Notes”).

The 3.97% Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and pay interest semi-annually on April 17 and October 17 of each year at an annual rate of 3.97%. The 3.97% Senior Notes will mature on October 17, 2024 unless earlier prepaid in accordance with their terms. Subject to certain conditions, the Company may, at its option, prepay all or any part of the 3.97% Senior Notes in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 3.97% Senior Notes so prepaid, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of prepayment, plus the Make-Whole Amount, as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement, with respect to such principal amount being prepaid. The fair value of the 3.97% Senior Notes was determined using the US Treasury yield and a long-term credit spread for similar types of borrowings, which represent Level 2 observable inputs.
The Company's borrowing capacity remains limited by various debt covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement and the Note Purchase Agreement (the "Agreements"). The Agreements require the Company to maintain a ratio of Consolidated Senior Debt, as defined, to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined, of not more than 3.25 times ("Senior Debt Ratio"), a ratio of Consolidated Total Debt, as defined, to Consolidated EBITDA of not more than 3.75 times and a ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense, as defined, of not less than 4.25 times at the end of each fiscal quarter; provided that these debt to EBITDA ratios are permitted to increase for a period of four fiscal quarters after the closing of certain permitted acquisitions. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Agreements and continues to monitor its future compliance based on current and future economic conditions.
In addition, the Company has approximately $59,000 in uncommitted short-term bank credit lines ("Credit Lines") and overdraft facilities. Under the Credit Lines, $5,300 was borrowed at December 31, 2017 at an average interest rate of 2.33% and $30,700 was borrowed at December 31, 2016 at an average interest rate of 1.96%. The Company had also borrowed $369 and $125 under the overdraft facilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Repayments under the Credit Lines are due within one month after being borrowed. Repayments of the overdrafts are generally due within two days after being borrowed. The carrying amounts of the Credit Lines and overdrafts approximate fair value due to the short maturities of these financial instruments.
 
The Company has capital leases at the Thermoplay and Männer businesses. The fair value of the capital leases are based on observable Level 2 inputs. These instruments are valued using discounted cash flows based upon the Company's estimated interest costs for similar types of borrowings.
 
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company also had other foreign bank borrowings of $886 and $1,416, respectively. The fair value of the foreign bank borrowings was based on observable Level 2 inputs. These instruments were valued using discounted cash flows based upon the Company's estimated interest costs for similar types of borrowings.

Long-term debt and notes payable as of December 31, 2017 are payable as follows: $6,999 in 2018, $955 in 2019, $508 in 2020, $601 in 2021, $421,989 in 2022 and $101,544 thereafter. The 3.97% Senior Notes are due in 2024 according to their maturity date.

In addition, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $9,339 at December 31, 2017.

Interest paid was $13,962, $11,471 and $10,550 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Interest capitalized was $415, $324 and $422 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is being depreciated over the lives of the related fixed assets.
 
8. Business Reorganizations

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company authorized the closure and consolidation of two production facilities (the "Closures") including a FOBOHA facility located in Muri, Switzerland (60 employees) and an Associated Spring facility (30 employees) into other facilities included within the Industrial segment to leverage capacity, infrastructure and critical resources. The Company recorded a net pre-tax loss of $13 in 2017 related to the Closures. This balance includes employee severance charges of $3,796 and other Closure costs of $3,664, primarily related to asset write-downs and costs to transfer work to other

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

existing facilities, almost fully offset by pension curtailment and settlement gains of $7,217 and $230, respectively. The Muri Closure was completed as of December 31, 2017, whereas the Closure at the Associated Spring facility is expected to be completed in the first half of 2018. The remaining severance liability, which is expected to be paid in 2018, was included within accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2017. Closure costs are recorded primarily within cost of sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and are reflected in the results of the Industrial segment.
The following table sets forth the change in the liability for the 2017 employee termination actions:
 
January 1, 2017
$

Employee severance costs
3,796

Payments
(3,099
)
Foreign currency translation
(48
)
December 31, 2017
$
649


9. Derivatives
 
The Company has manufacturing and sales facilities around the world and thus makes investments and conducts business transactions denominated in various currencies. The Company is also exposed to fluctuations in interest rates and commodity price changes. These financial exposures are monitored and managed by the Company as an integral part of its risk management program.
 
Financial instruments have been used by the Company to hedge its exposures to fluctuations in interest rates. In 2012, the Company entered into five-year interest rate swap agreements (the "Swaps") transacted with three banks which together converted the interest on the first $100,000 of the Company's one-month LIBOR-based borrowings from a variable rate plus the borrowing spread to a fixed rate of 1.03% plus the borrowing spread. The Swaps expired on April 28, 2017. The Company entered into a new interest rate swap agreement (the "Swap") that commenced on April 28, 2017, with one bank, and converts the interest on the first $100,000 of the Company's one-month LIBOR-based borrowings from a variable rate plus the borrowing spread to a fixed rate of 1.92% plus the borrowing spread. The Swap expires on January 31, 2022. These interest rate swap agreements were accounted for as cash flow hedges. The Swap remained in place at December 31, 2017.
 
The Company also uses financial instruments to hedge its exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company has various contracts outstanding which primarily hedge recognized assets or liabilities and anticipated transactions in various currencies including the Euro, British pound sterling, U.S. dollar, Canadian dollar, Japanese yen, Singapore dollar, Korean won, Swedish kroner, Chinese renminbi and Swiss franc. Certain foreign currency derivative instruments are treated as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions. All foreign exchange contracts are due within two years.
 
The Company does not use derivatives for speculative or trading purposes or to manage commodity exposures. Changes in the fair market value of derivatives that qualify as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges are recorded directly to earnings or accumulated other non-owner changes to equity, depending on the designation. Amounts recorded to accumulated other non-owner changes to equity are reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the earnings impact of the hedged transaction. Any ineffective portion, or amounts related to contracts that are not designated as hedges, are recorded directly to earnings.

The Company's policy for classifying cash flows from derivatives is to report the cash flows consistent with the underlying hedged item. Other financing cash flows during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, as presented on the consolidated statements of cash flows, include $18,256 of net cash payments and $5,221 of net cash proceeds, respectively, related to the settlement of foreign currency hedges related to intercompany financing.

The following table sets forth the fair value amounts of derivative instruments held by the Company as of December 31.
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability
Derivatives
 
Asset
Derivatives
 
Liability
Derivatives
Derivatives designated as hedging
instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
 
$
654

 
$

 
$

 
$
(78
)
Foreign exchange contracts
 

 
(379
)
 

 
(177
)
 
 
654

 
(379
)
 

 
(255
)
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
58

 
(29
)
 
397

 
(1,499
)
Total derivatives
 
$
712

 
$
(408
)
 
$
397

 
$
(1,754
)
 
Asset derivatives related to interest rate contracts and foreign exchange contracts are recorded in other assets and prepaid expenses and other current assets, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Liability derivatives related to

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

interest rate contracts and foreign exchange contracts are recorded in other liabilities and accrued liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
The following table sets forth the (loss) gain recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 for derivatives held by the Company and designated as hedging instruments.
 
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
 
$
460

 
$
174

Foreign exchange contracts
 
(161
)
 
(516
)
 
 
$
299

 
$
(342
)
 
Amounts related to the interest rate swaps included within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that were reclassified to expense during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 resulted in a fixed rate of interest plus the borrowing spread for the first $100,000 of one-month LIBOR borrowings. The fixed rate of interest was 1.92% for the period covered by the Swap, which matures in January 2022, and 1.03% for the Swaps, which matured in April 2017. Additionally, there were no amounts recognized in income for hedge ineffectiveness during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

The following table sets forth the net (loss) gains recorded in other expense (income), net in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 for non-designated derivatives held by the Company. Such amounts were substantially offset by the net (gain) loss recorded on the underlying hedged asset or liability, also recorded in other expense (income), net.
 
 
2017
 
2016
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
(16,813
)
 
$
2,297

 
10. Fair Value Measurements
 
The provisions of the accounting standard for fair value define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This standard classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:

 
Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
 
Level 3
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


The following table provides the assets and liabilities reported at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
  
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset derivatives
 
$
712

 
$

 
$
712

 
$

Liability derivatives
 
(408
)
 

 
(408
)
 

Bank acceptances
 
16,092

 

 
16,092

 

Rabbi trust assets
 
2,554

 
2,554

 

 

 
 
$
18,950

 
$
2,554

 
$
16,396

 
$

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset derivatives
 
$
397

 
$

 
$
397

 
$

Liability derivatives
 
(1,754
)
 

 
(1,754
)
 

Bank acceptances
 
9,690

 

 
9,690

 

Rabbi trust assets
 
2,216

 
2,216

 

 

 
 
$
10,549

 
$
2,216

 
$
8,333

 
$

 
The derivative contracts are valued using observable current market information as of the reporting date such as the prevailing LIBOR-based interest rates and foreign currency spot and forward rates. Bank acceptances represent financial instruments accepted from certain Chinese customers in lieu of cash paid on receivables, generally range from 3 to 6 months in maturity and are guaranteed by banks. The carrying amounts of the bank acceptances, which are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets, approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The fair values of rabbi trust assets are based on quoted market prices from various financial exchanges. For disclosures of the fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets, see Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
The accounting standards related to employers’ accounting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans requires the Company to recognize the funded status of its defined benefit postretirement plans as assets or liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and to recognize changes in the funded status of the plans in comprehensive income.

The Company has various defined contribution plans, the largest of which is its Retirement Savings Plan. Most U.S. salaried and non-union hourly employees are eligible to participate in this plan. See Note 16 for further discussion of the Retirement Savings Plan. The Company also maintains various other defined contribution plans which cover certain other employees. Company contributions under these plans are based primarily on the performance of the business units and employee compensation. Contribution expense under these other defined contribution plans was $6,644, $5,907 and $5,347 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. cover a majority of the Company’s U.S. employees at the Associated Spring and Nitrogen Gas Products businesses of Industrial, the Company’s Corporate Office and certain former U.S. employees, including retirees. Plan benefits for salaried and non-union hourly employees are based on years of service and average salary. Plans covering union hourly employees provide benefits based on years of service. In 2012, the Company closed the U.S. salaried defined benefit pension plan (the "U.S. Salaried Plan") to employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, with no impact to the benefits of existing participants. Effective January 1, 2013, the Retirement Savings Plan was amended to provide certain salaried employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 with an additional annual retirement contribution of 4% of eligible earnings, in place of pensionable benefits under the closed U.S. Salaried Plan. The Company funds U.S. pension costs in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). Non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans cover certain employees of certain international locations in Europe and Canada.
 

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company provides other medical, dental and life insurance postretirement benefits for certain of its retired employees in the U.S. and Canada. It is the Company’s practice to fund these benefits as incurred.
 
The accompanying balance sheets reflect the funded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Reconciliations of the obligations and funded status of the plans follow:
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
Benefit obligation, January 1
 
$
389,613

 
$
104,339

 
$
493,952

 
$
385,629

 
$
75,406

 
$
461,035

Service cost
 
3,931

 
2,124

 
6,055

 
3,892

 
1,503

 
5,395

Interest cost
 
17,151

 
1,668

 
18,819

 
17,523

 
1,971

 
19,494

Amendments
 
1,233

 
27

 
1,260

 
2,405

 
(174
)
 
2,231

Actuarial loss (gain)
 
28,350

 
(4,397
)
 
23,953

 
6,661

 
10,814

 
17,475

Benefits paid
 
(24,909
)
 
(4,240
)
 
(29,149
)
 
(26,497
)
 
(4,691
)
 
(31,188
)
Transfers in
 

 
2,743

 
2,743

 

 
25,968

 
25,968

Plan curtailments
 

 
(7,030
)
 
(7,030
)
 

 

 

Plan settlements
 

 
(21,074
)
 
(21,074
)
 

 

 

Participant contributions
 

 
1,355

 
1,355

 

 
1,444

 
1,444

Foreign exchange rate changes
 

 
7,226

 
7,226

 

 
(7,902
)
 
(7,902
)
Benefit obligation, December 31
 
415,369

 
82,741

 
498,110

 
389,613

 
104,339

 
493,952

Fair value of plan assets, January 1
 
331,260

 
85,652

 
416,912

 
326,829

 
68,553

 
395,382

Actual return on plan assets
 
56,131

 
6,150

 
62,281

 
13,051

 
7,276

 
20,327

Company contributions
 
12,896

 
2,027

 
14,923

 
17,877

 
2,224

 
20,101

Participant contributions
 

 
1,355

 
1,355

 

 
1,444

 
1,444

Benefits paid
 
(24,909
)
 
(4,240
)
 
(29,149
)
 
(26,497
)
 
(4,691
)
 
(31,188
)
Plan settlements
 

 
(20,857
)
 
(20,857
)
 

 

 

Transfers in
 

 
2,743

 
2,743

 

 
18,320

 
18,320

Foreign exchange rate changes
 

 
6,230

 
6,230

 

 
(7,474
)
 
(7,474
)
Fair value of plan assets, December 31
 
375,378

 
79,060

 
454,438

 
331,260

 
85,652

 
416,912

Underfunded status, December 31
 
$
(39,991
)
 
$
(3,681
)
 
$
(43,672
)
 
$
(58,353
)
 
$
(18,687
)
 
$
(77,040
)
 
In 2017, the Company authorized the closure of it's FOBOHA facility located in Muri, Switzerland, resulting in the pension curtailments and settlements noted above. See Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to this Closure.

Projected benefit obligations related to pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets follow:
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
311,320

 
$
40,931

 
$
352,251

 
$
389,613

 
$
61,060

 
$
450,673

Fair value of plan assets
 
267,087

 
26,205

 
293,292

 
331,260

 
39,356

 
370,616

 
Information related to pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets follows:
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
40,572

 
$
40,931

 
$
81,503

 
$
389,613

 
$
61,014

 
$
450,627

Accumulated benefit obligation
 
40,090

 
40,877

 
80,967

 
378,431

 
59,568

 
437,999

Fair value of plan assets
 
4,797

 
26,205

 
31,002

 
331,260

 
39,356

 
370,616

 
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $485,777 and $481,241 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
Amounts related to pensions recognized in the accompanying balance sheets consist of:

54

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
Other assets
 
$
4,242

 
$
11,045

 
$
15,287

 
$

 
$
3,017

 
$
3,017

Accrued liabilities
 
2,823

 
407

 
3,230

 
2,813

 
367

 
3,180

Accrued retirement benefits
 
41,410

 
14,319

 
55,729

 
55,540

 
21,337

 
76,877

Accumulated other non-owner changes to equity, net
 
(84,990
)
 
(13,016
)
 
(98,006
)
 
(91,530
)
 
(19,458
)
 
(110,988
)
 
Amounts related to pensions recognized in accumulated other non-owner changes to equity, net of tax, at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, consist of:

 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
Net actuarial loss
 
$
(82,736
)
 
$
(13,237
)
 
$
(95,973
)
 
$
(89,772
)
 
$
(19,822
)
 
$
(109,594
)
Prior service costs
 
(2,254
)
 
221

 
(2,033
)
 
(1,758
)
 
364

 
(1,394
)
 
 
$
(84,990
)
 
$
(13,016
)
 
$
(98,006
)
 
$
(91,530
)
 
$
(19,458
)
 
$
(110,988
)
 
The accompanying balance sheets reflect the underfunded status of the Company’s other postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Reconciliations of the obligations and underfunded status of the plans follow:
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Benefit obligation, January 1
 
$
36,853

 
$
41,706

Service cost
 
83

 
122

Interest cost
 
1,561

 
1,766

Actuarial loss (gain)
 
3,806

 
(3,495
)
Benefits paid
 
(7,251
)
 
(5,621
)
Participant contributions
 
2,209

 
2,281

Foreign exchange rate changes
 
309

 
94

Benefit obligation, December 31
 
37,570

 
36,853

Fair value of plan assets, January 1
 

 

Company contributions
 
5,042

 
3,340

Participant contributions
 
2,209

 
2,281

Benefits paid
 
(7,251
)
 
(5,621
)
Fair value of plan assets, December 31
 

 

Underfunded status, December 31
 
$
37,570

 
$
36,853

 
Amounts related to other postretirement benefits recognized in the accompanying balance sheets consist of:
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
Accrued liabilities
 
$
5,064

 
$
5,081

Accrued retirement benefits
 
32,506

 
31,772

Accumulated other non-owner changes to equity, net
 
(5,838
)
 
(3,582
)
 
Amounts related to other postretirement benefits recognized in accumulated other non-owner changes to equity, net of tax, at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of:
 

55

Table of Contents
BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
 
2017
 
2016
Net actuarial loss
 
$
(5,746
)
 
$
(3,532
)
Prior service loss
 
(92
)
 
(50
)
 
 
$
(5,838
)
 
$
(3,582
)
 
The sources of changes in accumulated other non-owner changes to equity, net, during 2017 were: 
 
 
 
Pension
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Prior service cost
 
$
(800
)
 
$

Net (loss) gain
 
7,787

 
(2,392
)
Amortization of prior service (credits) costs
 
117

 
(43
)
Amortization of actuarial loss
 
7,140

 
170

Foreign exchange rate changes
 
(1,262
)
 
9

 
 
$
12,982

 
$
(2,256
)

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31, are:

 
 
2017
 
2016
U.S. plans:
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
3.90
%
 
4.50
%
Increase in compensation
 
2.56
%
 
2.56
%
Non-U.S. plans:
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
1.90
%
 
1.60
%
Increase in compensation
 
2.17
%
 
2.29
%

The investment strategy of the plans is to generate a consistent total investment return sufficient to pay present and future plan benefits to retirees, while minimizing the long-term cost to the Company. Target allocations for asset categories are used to earn a reasonable rate of return, provide required liquidity and minimize the risk of large losses. Targets may be adjusted, as necessary, to reflect trends and developments within the overall investment environment. The weighted-average target investment allocations by asset category were as follows during 2017: 65% in equity securities and 35% in fixed income securities, including cash.

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016, by asset category are as follows:
 

56

Table of Contents
BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
Asset Category
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term investments
 
$
10,731

 
$
10,731

 
$

 
$

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large-cap
 
46,786

 

 
46,786

 

U.S. mid-cap
 
15,576

 
15,576

 

 

U.S. small-cap
 
16,157

 
16,157

 

 

International equities
 
159,803

 

 
159,803

 

Global equity
 
51,945

 
51,945

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. bond funds
 
109,033

 

 
109,033

 

International bonds
 
41,742

 

 
41,742

 

Other
 
2,665

 

 

 
2,665

 
 
$
454,438

 
$
94,409

 
$
357,364

 
$
2,665

December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term investments
 
3,207

 
3,207

 

 

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large-cap
 
39,162

 

 
39,162

 

U.S. mid-cap
 
12,724

 
12,724

 

 

U.S. small-cap
 
19,551

 
19,551

 

 

International equities
 
135,514

 

 
135,514

 

Global equity
 
47,445

 
47,445

 

 

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. bond funds
 
103,399

 

 
103,399

 

International bonds
 
53,783

 

 
53,783

 

Other
 
2,127

 

 

 
2,127

 
 
$
416,912

 
$
82,927

 
$
331,858

 
$
2,127

 
The fair values of the Level 1 assets are based on quoted market prices from various financial exchanges. The fair values of the Level 2 assets are based primarily on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities. The Level 2 assets are comprised primarily of commingled funds and fixed income securities. Commingled equity funds are valued at their net asset values based on quoted market prices of the underlying assets. Fixed income securities are valued using a market approach which considers observable market data for the underlying asset or securities. The Level 3 assets relate to the defined benefit pension plan at the Synventive business. These pension assets are fully insured and have been estimated based on accrued pension rights and actuarial rates. These pension assets are limited to fulfilling the Company's pension obligations.
 
The Company expects to contribute approximately $4,600 to the pension plans in 2018. No contributions to the U.S. Qualified pension plans, specifically, are required, and the Company does not currently plan to make any discretionary contributions to such plans in 2018.
 
The following are the estimated future net benefit payments, which include future service, over the next 10 years:
 

57

Table of Contents
BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
 
Pensions
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
2018
 
$
29,261

 
$
3,653

2019
 
29,243

 
3,485

2020
 
29,086

 
3,204

2021
 
29,205

 
3,014

2022
 
29,378

 
2,848

Years 2023-2027
 
144,074

 
11,722

Total
 
$
290,247

 
$
27,926

 
Pension and other postretirement benefit costs consist of the following:
 
 
 
Pensions
 
Other
Postretirement Benefits
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Service cost
 
$
6,055

 
$
5,395

 
$
5,508

 
$
83

 
$
122

 
$
145

Interest cost
 
18,819

 
19,494

 
20,019

 
1,561

 
1,766

 
1,836

Expected return on plan assets
 
(28,082
)
 
(30,302
)
 
(32,404
)
 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
 
446

 
210

 
305

 
(68
)
 
(373
)
 
(564
)
Recognized losses
 
10,557

 
10,791

 
15,004

 
276

 
535

 
1,011

Curtailment gain
 
(7,217
)
 

 

 

 

 

Settlement (gain) loss
 
(119
)
 

 
9,939

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
459

 
$
5,588

 
$
18,371

 
$
1,852

 
$
2,050

 
$
2,428

 
In 2015, the Company announced a limited-time program offering (the "Program") to certain eligible, vested, terminated participants ("eligible participants") for a voluntary lump-sum pension payout or reduced annuity option that, if accepted, would settle the Company's pension obligation to them. The Program provided the eligible participants with a limited time opportunity of electing to receive a lump-sum settlement of their remaining pension benefit, or reduced annuity. The resultant pre-tax settlement charge of $9,856 represents accelerated amortization of actuarial losses and is included the settlement loss above. This settlement charge was reflected within costs of sales and selling and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Closure of the Company's FOBOHA facility located in Muri, Switzerland, as discussed above, resulted in a pre-tax curtailment gain of $7,217 during the 2017 period. See Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other non-owner changes to equity into net periodic benefit cost in 2018 are $11,222 and $562, respectively. The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service credit for other defined benefit postretirement plans that will be amortized from accumulated other non-owner changes to equity into net periodic benefit cost in 2018 are $641 and $20, respectively.
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31, are:
 

58

Table of Contents
BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
U.S. plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
4.50
%
 
4.65
%
 
4.25
%
Long-term rate of return
 
7.75
%
 
8.25
%
 
8.25
%
Increase in compensation
 
2.56
%
 
3.71
%
 
3.71
%
Non-U.S. plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
 
1.60
%
 
2.80
%
 
2.74
%
Long-term rate of return
 
3.59
%
 
4.73
%
 
5.00
%
Increase in compensation
 
2.29
%
 
2.71
%
 
2.72
%
 
The expected long-term rate of return is based on consideration of projected rates of return and the historical rates of return of published indices that reflect the plans’ target asset allocation.
 
The Company’s accumulated postretirement benefit obligations, exclusive of pensions, take into account certain cost-sharing provisions. The annual rate of increase in the cost of covered benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) is assumed to be 6.86% and 6.44% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, decreasing gradually to a rate of 4.50% by December 31, 2038. A one percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects:

 
 
One Percentage
Point Increase
 
One Percentage
Point Decrease
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
261

 
$
(242
)
Effect on postretirement benefit cost
 
11

 
(10
)
 
         
The Company actively contributes to a Swedish pension plan that supplements the Swedish social insurance system. The pension plan guarantees employees a pension based on a percentage of their salary and represents a multi-employer pension plan, however the pension plan was not significant in any year presented. This pension plan is not underfunded.

Contributions related to the individually insignificant multi-employer plans, as disclosure is required pursuant to the applicable accounting standards, are as follows:

 
Contributions by the Company
Pension Fund:
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Swedish Pension Plan
739

 
$
673

 
$
343

Total Contributions
$
739

 
$
673

 
$
343


12. Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company accounts for the cost of all share-based payments, including stock options, by measuring the payments at fair value on the grant date and recognizing the cost in the results of operations. The fair values of stock options are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on certain assumptions. The fair values of service and performance based stock awards are estimated based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock price on the grant date. The fair value of market based performance share awards are estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation method. Estimated forfeiture rates are applied to outstanding awards.

Refer to Note 16 for a description of the Company’s stock-based compensation plans and their general terms. As of December 31, 2017, incentives have been awarded in the form of performance share awards and restricted stock unit awards (collectively, “Rights”) and stock options. The Company has elected to use the straight-line method to recognize compensation costs. Stock options and awards typically vest over a period ranging from six months to five years. The maximum term of stock option awards is 10 years. Upon exercise of a stock option or upon vesting of Rights, shares may be issued from treasury shares held by the Company or from authorized shares.
 
In March 2016, the FASB amended its guidance related to the accounting for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. The amended guidance requires that all tax effects related to share-based payments are recorded at settlement (or expiration) through the income statement, rather than through equity. Cash flows related to excess tax benefits will no longer be separately classified as a financing activity apart from other income tax cash flows. The amended guidance also allows for an employer to repurchase additional employee shares for tax withholding purposes without requiring liability accounting and clarifies that all cash payments made to tax authorities on an employee’s behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The guidance also allows for a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than accounting for them on an estimated basis. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted.

The Company elected to early adopt this guidance in the third quarter of 2016. This adoption requires the Company to reflect any adjustments as of January 1, 2016, the beginning of the annual period that includes the interim period of adoption. The most significant impact of adoption was the recognition of excess tax benefits in the provision for income taxes rather than through equity for all periods in fiscal year 2016. This resulted in the recognition of excess tax benefits in the provision for income taxes of $2,229 for the year ended December 31, 2016. In 2015, the Company recorded $2,667 of excess tax benefits for current year tax deductions in additional paid-in capital, as was required pursuant to the earlier accounting guidance. In connection with the additional amendments within the amended guidance, the Company recognized state tax loss carryforwards in the amount of $198, which impacted retained earnings as of January 1, 2016. The cumulative effect of this change is required to be recorded in retained earnings. The Company elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation cost to be recognized in each period.

The presentation requirements for cash flows related to excess tax benefits and employee taxes paid for withheld shares were applied retrospectively to all periods presented. This resulted in an increase in both net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used by financing activities of $1,402, $2,320, $7,519 and $7,580 for the three, six, nine and twelve month periods ended March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and $413 and $524 for the three and six month periods ended March 31 and June 30, 2016, respectively.   
 
During 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized $12,285, $11,493, and $9,258 respectively, of stock-based compensation cost and $4,579, $4,284, and $3,451 respectively, of related tax benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Additionally, the Company recognized excess tax benefits in the tax provision of $2,463 and $2,229 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company has realized all available tax benefits related to deductions from excess stock awards exercised or restricted stock unit awards and performance share awards vested. At December 31, 2017, the Company had $12,940 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested awards which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.85 years.
 
The following table summarizes information about the Company’s stock option awards during 2017:


59

Table of Contents
BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise
Price
Outstanding, January 1, 2017
 
589,160

 
$
28.67

Granted
 
131,416

 
47.80

Exercised
 
(84,393
)
 
23.28

Forfeited
 
(17,403
)
 
39.82

Outstanding, December 31, 2017
 
618,780

 
33.15

 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2017:

 
 
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
Range of
Exercise
Prices
 
Number
of Shares
 
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
 
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number
of Shares
 
Average
Exercise
Price
$11.45 to $15.83
 
67,130

 
1.5
 
$
13.43

 
67,130

 
$
13.43

$20.69 to $26.32
 
77,955

 
4.2
 
23.56

 
77,955

 
23.56

$26.38 to $30.71
 
146,828

 
7.5
 
30.26

 
58,173

 
29.58

$34.92 to $37.13
 
195,005

 
6.9
 
36.40

 
142,844

 
36.59

$38.93 to $63.38
 
131,862

 
9.0
 
47.28

 
5,750

 
38.96

 
The Company received cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $1,964, $4,184 and $11,022 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The total intrinsic value (the amount by which the stock price exceeds the exercise price of the option on the date of exercise) of the stock options exercised during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $2,887, $4,464 and $8,331, respectively.
 
The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted in 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $10.31, $7.01 and $8.86, respectively. The fair value of each stock option grant on the date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following weighted average assumptions:

 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Risk-free interest rate
 
1.90
%
 
1.20
%
 
1.58
%
Expected life (years)
 
5.3

 
5.3

 
5.3

Expected volatility
 
26.1
%
 
29.1
%
 
31.1
%
Expected dividend yield
 
1.82
%
 
1.94
%
 
2.06
%
 
The risk-free interest rate is based on the term structure of interest rates at the time of the option grant. The expected life represents an estimate of the period of time that options are expected to remain outstanding. Assumptions of expected volatility of the Company’s common stock and expected dividend yield are estimates of future volatility and dividend yields based on historical trends.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding that are expected to vest and stock options outstanding that are exercisable at December 31, 2017:

Options Outstanding, Expected to Vest
 
Options Outstanding, Exercisable
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Term (Years)
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Term (Years)
598,986
 
$
33.15

 
$
18,041

 
6.58
 
351,852

 
$
28.16

 
$
12,352

 
5.16
 
The following table summarizes information about the Company’s Rights during 2017:


60

Table of Contents
BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
 
Service Based Rights
 
Service and Performance Based Rights
 
Service and Market Based Rights
 
 
Number of Units
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Number of Units
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Number of Units
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding, January 1, 2017
 
347,304

 
$
31.86

 
172,042

 
$
34.74

 
116,746

 
$
52.24

Granted
 
122,696

 
50.30

 
43,506

 
47.69

 
43,506

 
74.20

Forfeited
 
(14,573
)
 
37.77

 
(4,660
)
 
57.83

 
(4,363
)
 
43.39

Additional Earned
 

 

 
18,370

 
37.00

 
3,946

 
50.45

Issued
 
(144,903
)
 
57.80

 
(73,364
)
 
37.00

 
(31,443
)
 
50.45

Outstanding, December 31, 2017
 
310,524

 


 
155,894

 


 
128,392

 



The Company granted 122,696 restricted stock unit awards and 87,012 performance share awards in 2017. All of the restricted stock unit awards vest upon meeting certain service conditions. "Additional Earned" reflects performance share awards earned above target that have been issued. The performance share awards are part of the long-term Performance Share Award Program (the "Awards Program"), which is designed to assess the long-term Company performance relative to the performance of companies included in the Russell 2000 Index or to pre-established goals. The performance goals are independent of each other and based on equally weighted metrics. For awards granted in 2015, the metrics included the Company's total shareholder return ("TSR"), operating income before depreciation and amortization growth ("EBITDA growth") and return on invested capital ("ROIC"). For awards granted in 2016 and 2017, the metrics included TSR and ROIC. The TSR and EBITDA growth metrics are designed to assess the long-term Company performance relative to the performance of companies included in the Russell 2000 Index over a three year period. ROIC is designed to assess the Company’s performance compared to pre-established goals over a three year performance period. The participants can earn from zero to 250% of the target award and the award includes a forfeitable right to dividend equivalents, which are not included in the aggregate target award numbers. Compensation expense for the awards is recognized over the three year service period based upon the value determined under the intrinsic value method for the Earnings per share growth, EBITDA growth and ROIC portions of the award and the Monte Carlo simulation valuation model for the TSR portion of the award since it contains a market condition. The assumptions used to determine the weighted-average fair values of the market based portion of the 2017 awards include a 1.40% risk-free interest rate and a 24.76% expected volatility rate.

Compensation expense for the TSR portion of the awards is fixed at the date of grant and will not be adjusted in future periods based upon the achievement of the TSR performance goal. Compensation expense for the Earnings per share growth, EBITDA growth and the ROIC portions of the awards is recorded each period based upon a probability assessment of achieving the goals with a final adjustment at the end of the service period based upon the actual achievement of those performance goals.

13. Income Taxes
 
The components of Income from continuing operations before income taxes and Income taxes follow:


61

Table of Contents
BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Income from continuing operations before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
 
$
3,082

 
$
34,129

 
$
11,525

International
 
192,617

 
148,492

 
146,421

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
195,699

 
$
182,621

 
$
157,946

Income tax provision:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. – federal
 
$
77,799

 
$
7,215

 
$
(210
)
U.S. – state
 
1,762

 
755

 
2,019

International
 
48,032

 
41,516

 
32,217

 
 
127,593

 
49,486

 
34,026

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. – federal
 
$
9,596

 
$
6,091

 
$
7,670

U.S. – state
 
819

 
1,060

 
(1,137
)
International
 
(1,724
)
 
(9,617
)
 
(3,993
)
 
 
8,691

 
(2,466
)
 
2,540

Income taxes
 
$
136,284

 
$
47,020

 
$
36,566

 
On December 22, 2017 the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). The Act reduced the U.S. Corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. As required, the Company re-measured its U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017, applying the reduced U.S. Corporate income tax rate. As a result, the Company recorded a provisional adjustment of $4,152 to net expense, with a corresponding reduction to the U.S. net deferred asset. The Company was capable of reasonably estimating the impact of the reduction to the U.S. Corporate tax rate on the deferred tax balances, however the estimate may be affected by other aspects of the Act, such as the calculation of deferred foreign income and the state effect of adjustments made to federal temporary differences.
 
The Act taxes certain unrepatriated earnings and profits (“E&P”) of our foreign subsidiaries. In order to determine the Transition Tax we must determine, along with other information, the amount of our accumulated post 1986 E&P for our foreign subsidiaries, as well as the non U.S. income tax paid by those subsidiaries on such E&P. We were capable of reasonably estimating the Transition Tax and recorded a provisional Transition Tax expense of $86,707. However, we continue to gather information which may adjust the computed Transition Tax. Furthermore, certain provisions of the Act are ambiguous as to the details of the computation of the Transition tax, thereby requiring us to await further guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service.
As a result of the Transition Tax the Company will be recording income as if the earnings had been repatriated. This income may be subject to additional taxation at the state level. We were able to make a reasonable estimate of the state taxation of these earnings and recorded a provisional expense of $1,423. While we were able to make a reasonable estimate of the impact of state taxation on the deemed repatriation of deferred foreign income, it may be affected by changes in the computation resulting from the gathering of additional information as well as future guidance provided by the state tax authorities.
U.S. Tax Reform required the mandatory deemed repatriation of certain undistributed earnings of the Company’s international subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017. If the earnings were distributed in the form of cash dividends, the Company would not be subject to additional U.S. income taxes but could be subject to foreign income and withholding taxes. Under accounting standards (ASC 740) a deferred tax liability is not recorded for the excess of the tax basis over the financial reporting (book) basis of an investment in a foreign subsidiary if the indefinite reinvestment criteria is met. On December 31, 2017, the Company's unremitted foreign earnings were $1,228,170. Pursuant to SAB 118, if an entity has completed all or portions of its assessment and has made a decision to repatriate and has the ability to reasonably estimate the effects of that assessment, that entity should record a provisional expense and disclose the status of its efforts. The Company is continuing to evaluate its indefinite assertions related to its foreign earnings, but expects to repatriate certain earnings which would be subject to withholding and foreign income tax. For amounts currently expected to be repatriated, the Company recorded a provisional expense of $6,932. These amounts are provisional in nature given the uncertainty related to the taxation of the distributions under the Act and the finalization of the Company’s analysis on its indefinite reinvestment assertion. During 2017, the

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Company repatriated a dividend from a portion of current year foreign earnings to the U.S. in the amount of $7,250. The dividend was not taxable in the U.S. as the amount was included within the Transition Tax.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31 consist of the tax effects of temporary differences related to the following:

 
 
2017
 
2016
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Pension
 
$
13,255

 
$
27,410

Tax loss carryforwards
 
16,078

 
16,686

Inventory valuation
 
10,568

 
15,518

Other postretirement/postemployment costs
 
9,440

 
14,071

Accrued Compensation
 
5,743

 
10,121

Other
 
4,018

 
6,489

Valuation allowance
 
(10,223
)
 
(14,957
)
Total deferred tax assets
 
48,879


75,338

Deferred tax liabilities:
 





Depreciation and amortization
 
(82,422
)
 
(89,198
)
Goodwill
 
(9,440
)
 
(14,871
)
Other
 
(18,361
)
 
(12,282
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
 
(110,223
)
 
(116,351
)
Net deferred tax liabilities
 
$
(61,344
)
 
$
(41,013
)
 
In the first quarter of 2016, the Company prospectively adopted the amended guidance related to the balance sheet classification of deferred income taxes. The amended guidance removed the requirement to separate and classify deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and non-current amounts and required an entity to now classify all deferred tax liabilities and assets as non-current. The provisions of the amended guidance were adopted on a prospective basis during the first quarter of 2016. Amounts related to deferred taxes in the balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are presented as follows:

 
 
2017
 
2016
Non-current deferred tax assets
 
$
12,161

 
$
25,433

Non-current deferred tax liabilities
 
(73,505
)
 
(66,446
)
Net deferred tax liabilities
 
$
(61,344
)
 
$
(41,013
)

The standards related to accounting for income taxes require that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Available evidence includes the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years and tax planning strategies.
 
Management believes that sufficient taxable income should be earned in the future to realize the net deferred tax assets principally in the United States. The realization of these assets is dependent in part on the amount and timing of future taxable income in the jurisdictions where deferred tax assets reside. The Company has tax loss carryforwards of $62,285; $3,224 which relates to U.S tax loss carryforwards which have carryforward periods up to 20 years for federal purposes and ranging from one to 20 years for state purposes; $46,255 of which relates to international tax loss carryforwards with carryforward periods ranging from one to 20 years; and $12,806 of which relates to international tax loss carryforwards with unlimited carryforward periods. In addition, the Company has tax credit carryforwards of $144 with remaining carryforward periods ranging from one year to 5 years. As the ultimate realization of the remaining net deferred tax assets is dependent upon future taxable income, if such future taxable income is not earned and it becomes necessary to recognize a valuation allowance, it could result in a

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

material increase in the Company’s tax expense which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Management is required to assess whether its valuation allowance analysis is affected by various components of the Act including the deemed mandatory repatriation of foreign income for the Transition Tax, future GILTI inclusions and changes to the NOL and FTC rules. Since the Company has recorded provisional amounts related to certain portions of the Act, any corresponding determination of the need for or change in a valuation allowance would be provisional.
 
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the consolidated effective income tax rate from continuing operations follows: 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
State taxes (net of federal benefit)
 
0.1

 
0.4

 
0.2

Transition Tax
 
45.0

 

 

U.S. Corporate Tax Rate change
 
2.1

 

 

Indefinite Reinvestment Assertion
 
3.5

 

 

Foreign operations taxed at different rates
 
(11.5
)
 
(10.9
)
 
(12.9
)
Foreign losses without tax benefit
 
1.5

 
0.7

 
1.1

Repatriation from current year foreign earnings
 

 
1.6

 
4.3

Tax withholding refund
 

 

 
(1.9
)
Tax Holidays
 
(0.8
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(3.2
)
Stock awards excess tax benefit
 
(1.2
)
 
(1.2
)
 

Swiss Legal Entity Reduction
 
(3.4
)
 

 

Audit Settlements
 
(2.7
)
 

 

Other
 
2.0

 
1.3

 
0.6

Consolidated effective income tax rate
 
69.6
 %
 
25.7
 %
 
23.2
 %
 
Payment of the Transition Tax assessed is required over an eight-year period. The short-term portion of the Transition Tax payable, $6,937, has been included within Accrued Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017. The long-term portion of the assessment, $79,770, is included as a Long-term tax liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and is payable as follows: $6,937 annually in 2019 through 2022; $13,005 in 2023; $17,341 in 2024 and $21,676 in 2025.
The Aerospace and Industrial Segments were previously awarded a number of multi-year tax holidays in both Singapore and China. Tax benefits of $1,540 ($0.03 per diluted share), $2,245 ($0.04 per diluted share) and $5,000 ($0.09 per diluted share) were realized in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These holidays are subject to the Company meeting certain commitments in the respective jurisdictions. Most tax holidays expired in 2017.

Income taxes paid globally, net of refunds, were $51,548, $40,842 and $31,895 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits recorded in the consolidated balance sheet was $9,209, $13,320 and $10,634, respectively, which, if recognized, would have reduced the effective tax rate in prior years, with the exception of amounts related to acquisitions. A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits for 2017, 2016 and 2015 follows:
 

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Balance at January 1
 
$
13,320

 
$
10,634

 
$
8,560

Increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits due to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax positions taken during prior periods
 
1,141

 

 
1,691

Tax positions taken during the current period
 
778

 
117

 

Acquisition
 

 
2,569

 
598

Settlements
 
(4,162
)
 

 

Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations
 
(1,868
)
 

 
(215
)
Balance at December 31
 
$
9,209

 
$
13,320

 
$
10,634


The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company recognized interest and penalties as a component of income taxes of $(257), $(337), and $616 in the years 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits includes gross accrued interest and penalties of $1,576, $1,838 and $1,923 at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
The Company or its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by various taxing authorities, including the IRS in the U.S. and the taxing authorities in other major jurisdictions including China, Germany, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland. With a few exceptions, tax years remaining open to examination in significant foreign jurisdictions include tax years 2010 and forward and for the U.S. include tax years 2014 and forward. The Company has received the audit report but not the final assessment in Germany for tax years 2010 to 2014 and is also under audit in several states for the period 2013 to 2014.          
14. Common Stock
 
There were no shares of common stock issued from treasury in 2017, 2016 or 2015.

In 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company acquired 677,100 shares, 550,994 shares and 1,352,596 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock at a cost of $40,791, $20,520 and $52,103, respectively. These amounts exclude shares reacquired to pay for the related income tax upon issuance of shares in accordance with the terms of the Company’s stockholder-approved equity compensation plans and the equity rights granted under those plans ("Reacquired Shares"). These Reacquired Shares were placed in treasury.
 
In 2017, 2016 and 2015, 341,837 shares, 621,259 shares and 841,164 shares of common stock, respectively, were issued from authorized shares for the exercise of stock options, various other incentive awards and purchases by the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
15. Preferred Stock
 
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized, none of which were outstanding.
 

16. Stock Plans
 
Most U.S. salaried and non-union hourly employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) plan (the "Retirement Savings Plan"). The Retirement Savings Plan provides for the investment of employer and employee contributions in various investment alternatives including the Company’s common stock, at the employee’s direction. The Company contributes an amount equal to 50% of employee contributions up to 6% of eligible compensation. The Company expenses all contributions made to the Retirement Savings Plan. Effective January 1, 2013, the Retirement Savings Plan was amended to provide certain salaried employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 with an additional annual retirement contribution of 4% of eligible earnings. The Company recognized expense of $4,088, $3,660 and $3,666 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the Retirement Savings Plan held 1,124,360 shares of the Company’s common stock.
 

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) under which eligible employees may elect to have up to the lesser of $25 or 10% of base compensation deducted from their payroll checks for the purchase of the Company’s common stock at 95% of the average market value on the date of purchase. The maximum number of shares which may be purchased under the ESPP is 4,550,000. The number of shares purchased under the ESPP was 7,734, 11,804 and 11,246 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company received cash proceeds from the purchase of these shares of $444, $427 and $403 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, 277,671 additional shares may be purchased.

The 1991 Barnes Group Stock Incentive Plan (the “1991 Plan”) authorized the granting of incentives to executive officers, directors and key employees in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, incentive stock rights and performance unit awards. On May 9, 2014, the 1991 Plan was merged into the 2014 Plan (defined below).
 
The Barnes Group Inc. Employee Stock and Ownership Program (the “2000 Plan”) was approved on April 12, 2000, and subsequently amended on April 10, 2002 by the Company’s stockholders. The 2000 Plan permitted the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, performance share or cash unit awards and stock appreciation rights, or any combination of the foregoing, to eligible employees to purchase up to 6,900,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Such shares were authorized and reserved. On May 9, 2014, the 2000 Plan was merged into the 2014 Plan (defined below).
 
The Barnes Group Stock and Incentive Award Plan (the “2004 Plan”) was approved on April 14, 2004, and subsequently amended on April 20, 2006 and May 7, 2010 by the Company’s stockholders. The 2004 Plan permits the issuance of incentive awards, stock option grants and stock appreciation rights to eligible participants to purchase up to 5,700,000 shares of common stock. On May 9, 2014, the 2004 Plan was merged into the 2014 Plan (defined below), and the remaining shares available for future grants under the 2004 Plan, as of the merger date, were made available under the 2014 Plan.

The 2014 Barnes Group Stock and Incentive Award Plan (the “2014 Plan”) was approved on May 9, 2014 by the Company's stockholders. The 2014 Plan permits the issuance of incentive awards, stock option grants and stock appreciation rights to eligible participants to purchase up to 6,913,978 shares of common stock. The amount includes shares available for purchase under the 1991, 2000, and 2004 Plans which were merged into the 2014 Plan. The 2014 Plan allows for stock options and stock appreciation rights to be issued at a ratio of 1:1 and other types of incentive awards at a ratio of 2.84:1 from the shares available for future grants. As of December 31, 2017, there were 5,628,950 shares available for future grants under the 2014 Plan, inclusive of Shares Reacquired and shares made available through 2017 forfeitures. As of December 31, 2017, there were 1,224,275 shares of common stock outstanding to be issued upon the exercise of stock options and the vesting of Rights.
 
Rights under the 2014 Plan entitle the holder to receive, without payment, one share of the Company’s common stock after the expiration of the vesting period. Certain of these Rights are also subject to the satisfaction of established performance goals. Additionally, holders of certain Rights are credited with dividend equivalents, which are converted into additional Rights, and holders of certain restricted stock units are paid dividend equivalents in cash when dividends are paid to other stockholders. All Rights have a vesting period of up to five years.
 
Under the Non-Employee Director Deferred Stock Plan, as amended, each non-employee director who joined the Board of Directors prior to December 15, 2005 was granted the right to receive 12,000 shares of the Company’s common stock upon retirement. In 2017, 2016 and 2014, $20, $21 and $26, respectively, of dividend equivalents were paid in cash related to these shares. Compensation cost related to this plan was $9, $28 and $16 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There are 36,000 shares reserved for issuance under this plan. Each non-employee director who joined the Board of Directors subsequent to December 15, 2005 received restricted stock units under the respective 2004 or 2014 Plans that have a grant date value of $50 that vest three years after the date of grant.
 
Total maximum shares reserved for issuance under all stock plans aggregated 7,166,895 at December 31, 2017.
 
17. Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
 
Net income per common share is computed in accordance with accounting standards related to earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Share-based payment awards that entitle their holders to receive nonforfeitable dividends before vesting should be considered participating securities and, as such, should be included in the calculation of basic earnings per share. The Company’s restricted stock unit awards which contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities. Diluted earnings per share reflects the assumed exercise and conversion of all dilutive securities. Shares held by the Retirement Savings Plan are considered outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share. There are no significant adjustments to net income for purposes of computing income available to common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. A reconciliation of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share follows:
 
 
 
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Basic
 
54,073,407

 
54,191,013

 
55,028,063

Dilutive effect of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
 
258,052

 
166,986

 
206,778

Performance share awards
 
273,839

 
273,314

 
278,378

Diluted
 
54,605,298

 
54,631,313

 
55,513,219


The calculation of weighted-average diluted shares outstanding excludes all anti-dilutive shares. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company excluded 46,450, 262,336 and 214,032 stock awards, respectively, from the calculation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding as the stock awards were considered anti-dilutive.
   
18. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component

The following tables set forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:


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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Items
 
Foreign Currency Items
 
Total
January 1, 2017
$
(227
)
 
$
(114,570
)
 
$
(86,031
)
 
$
(200,828
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications to consolidated statements of income
(231
)
 
3,342

 
83,404

 
86,515

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to the consolidated statements of income
530

 
7,384

 

 
7,914

Net current-period other comprehensive income
299

 
10,726

 
83,404

 
94,429

December 31, 2017
$
72

 
$
(103,844
)
 
$
(2,627
)
 
$
(106,399
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Items
 
Foreign Currency Items
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2016
$
115

 
$
(105,703
)
 
$
(37,664
)
 
$
(143,252
)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications to consolidated statements of income
(739
)
 
(16,137
)
 
(48,367
)
 
(65,243
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to the consolidated statements of income
397

 
7,270

 

 
7,667

Net current-period other comprehensive loss
(342
)
 
(8,867
)
 
(48,367
)
 
(57,576
)
December 31, 2016
$
(227
)
 
$
(114,570
)
 
$
(86,031
)
 
$
(200,828
)

The following table sets forth the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Interest rate contracts
 
$
(545
)
 
$
(557
)
 
Interest expense
     Foreign exchange contracts
 
(242
)
 
(61
)
 
Net sales
 
 
(787
)
 
(618
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
257

 
221

 
Tax benefit
 
 
(530
)
 
(397
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit items
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Amortization of prior-service (cost) credits, net
 
$
(378
)
 
$
163

 
(A)
Amortization of actuarial losses
 
(10,833
)
 
(11,326
)
 
(A)
Curtailment gain
 
187

 

 
(A)
     Settlement loss
 
(142
)
 

 
(A)
 
 
(11,166
)
 
(11,163
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
3,782

 
3,893

 
Tax benefit
 
 
(7,384
)
 
(7,270
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications in the period
 
$
(7,914
)
 
$
(7,667
)
 
 
(A) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included within the computation of net periodic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits cost. See Note 11.
19. Information on Business Segments

The Company is organized based upon the nature of its products and services and reports under two global business segments: Industrial and Aerospace. Segment information is consistent with how management reviews the businesses, makes investing and resource allocation decisions and assesses operating performance. The Company has not aggregated operating segments for purposes of identifying these two reportable segments.

Industrial is a global manufacturer of highly-engineered, high-quality precision components, products and systems for critical applications serving a diverse customer base in end-markets such as transportation, industrial equipment, consumer products, packaging, electronics, medical devices, and energy. Focused on innovative custom solutions, Industrial participates in the design phase of components and assemblies whereby customers receive the benefits of application and systems engineering, new product development, testing and evaluation, and the manufacturing of final products. Products are sold primarily through its direct sales force and global distribution channels. Industrial's Molding Solutions businesses design and manufacture customized hot runner systems, advanced mold cavity sensors and process control systems, and precision high cavitation mold assemblies - collectively, the enabling technologies for many complex injection molding applications. Industrial's Nitrogen Gas Products business provides innovative cost effective force and motion solutions for sheet metal forming, heavy duty suspension and other selective niche markets for customers worldwide. Industrial's Engineered Components businesses manufacture and supply precision mechanical products used in transportation and industrial applications, including mechanical springs, high-precision punched and fine-blanked components and retention rings.
Industrial has a diverse customer base with products purchased by durable goods manufacturers located around the world in industries including transportation, consumer products, packaging, farm and mining equipment, telecommunications, medical devices, home appliances and electronics.

Industrial competes with a broad base of large and small companies engaged in the manufacture and sale of custom metal components, products and assemblies, precision molds, and hot runner systems. Industrial competes on the basis of value to customer, quality, service, reliability of supply, engineering and technical capability, geographic reach, product breadth, innovation, design, and price. Industrial has manufacturing, distribution and assembly operations in the United States, Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Industrial also has sales and service operations in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, China/Hong Kong, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Aerospace is a global provider of fabricated and precision-machined components and assemblies for original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") turbine engine, airframe and industrial gas turbine builders, and the military. Aerospace Aftermarket includes the jet engine component maintenance overhaul and repair business ("MRO") and the spare parts business. MRO includes our Component Repair Programs ("CRPs") and services many of the world's major turbine engine manufacturers, commercial airlines and the military. The spare parts business includes our revenue sharing programs ("RSPs") under which the Company receives an exclusive right to supply designated aftermarket parts over the life of the related aircraft engine program.
Aerospace’s OEM business supplements the leading jet engine OEM capabilities and competes with a large number of fabrication and machining companies. Competition is based on quality, engineering and technical capability, product breadth, new product introduction, timeliness, service and price. Aerospace’s fabrication and machining operations, with facilities in Arizona, Connecticut, Mexico, Michigan, Ohio, Utah and Singapore, produce critical engine and airframe components through technically advanced manufacturing processes.
The Aerospace aftermarket business supplements jet engine OEMs’ maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities, and competes with the service centers of major commercial airlines and other independent service companies for the repair and overhaul of turbine engine components. The manufacture and supply of aerospace aftermarket spare parts, including those related to the RSPs, are dependent upon the reliable and timely delivery of high-quality components. Aerospace’s aftermarket facilities, located in Connecticut, Ohio and Singapore, specialize in the repair and refurbishment of highly engineered components and assemblies such as cases, rotating life limited parts, rotating air seals, turbine shrouds, vanes and honeycomb air seals.


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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on the operating profit of the respective businesses, which includes net sales, cost of sales, selling and administrative expenses and certain components of other expense (income), net, as well as the allocation of corporate overhead expenses.
 
Sales between the business segments and between the geographic areas in which the businesses operate are accounted for on the same basis as sales to unaffiliated customers. Additionally, revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of facilities.
 
The following table (in millions) sets forth summarized financial information by reportable business segment:

 
 
Industrial
 
Aerospace
 
Other
 
Total Company
Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
$
973.9

 
$
462.6

 
$

 
$
1,436.5

2016
 
824.2

 
406.5

 

 
1,230.8

2015
 
782.3

 
411.7

 

 
1,194.0

Operating profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
$
127.1

 
$
83.2

 
$

 
$
210.3

2016
 
129.7

 
62.5

 

 
192.2

2015
 
103.0

 
65.4

 

 
168.4

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
$
1,505.4

 
$
667.1

 
$
193.3

 
$
2,365.7

2016
 
1,356.1

 
647.8

 
133.7

 
2,137.5

2015
 
1,241.2

 
654.1

 
166.5

 
2,061.9

Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
$
54.8

 
$
33.6

 
$
1.7

 
$
90.2

2016
 
49.5

 
30.0

 
0.7

 
80.2

2015
 
46.0

 
30.8

 
1.3

 
78.2

Capital expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
$
31.0

 
$
27.5

 
$
0.2

 
$
58.7

2016
 
25.9

 
21.1

 
0.5

 
47.6

2015
 
28.7

 
17.2

 
0.1

 
46.0

_________________________
Notes:
One customer, General Electric, accounted for 18%, 17% and 18% of the Company’s total revenues in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
“Other” assets include corporate-controlled assets, the majority of which are cash and deferred tax assets.
 
A reconciliation of the total reportable segments’ operating profit to income before income taxes follows (in millions):

 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Operating profit
 
$
210.3

 
$
192.2

 
$
168.4

Interest expense
 
14.6

 
11.9

 
10.7

Other expense (income), net
 

 
(2.3
)
 
(0.2
)
Income before income taxes
 
$
195.7

 
$
182.6

 
$
157.9


The following table (in millions) summarizes total net sales of the Company by products and services:

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BARNES GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Engineered Components Products
 
$
347.9

 
$
332.6

 
$
342.2

Molding Solutions Products
 
487.3

 
376.6

 
324.6

Nitrogen Gas Products
 
138.7

 
115.0

 
115.5

Aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturer Products
 
323.4

 
288.4

 
295.7

Aerospace Aftermarket Products and Services
 
139.2

 
118.2

 
116.0

Total net sales
 
$
1,436.5

 
$
1,230.8

 
$
1,194.0


The following table (in millions) summarizes total net sales and long-lived assets of the Company by geographic area: 

 
 
Domestic
 
International
 
Other
 
Total
Company
Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017

 
$
638.6

 
$
868.3

 
$
(70.4
)
 
$
1,436.5

2016

 
562.6

 
727.4

 
(59.2
)
 
1,230.8

2015

 
589.6

 
661.7

 
(57.3
)
 
1,194.0

Long-lived assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017

 
$
366.7

 
$
1,218.1

 
$

 
$
1,584.8

2016

 
368.2

 
1,135.5

 

 
1,503.6

2015

 
379.2

 
1,069.9

 

 
1,449.1

_________________________
Notes:
Germany, with sales of $301.7 million, $238.3 million and $210.5 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, represents the only international country with revenues in excess of 10% of the Company's total revenues.
“Other” revenues represent the elimination of intercompany sales between geographic locations, of which approximately 78%, 82% and 82% were sales from international locations to domestic locations in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Germany, with long-lived assets of $514.0 million, $449.9 million and $362.7 million as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, Singapore, with long-lived assets of $237.6 million, $238.3 million and $246.4 million as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively and Switzerland, with long-lived assets of $160.0 million, $169.3 million and $167.0 million as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, represent the only international countries with long-lived assets that exceeded 10% of the Company's total long-lived assets in those years.
 
20. Commitments and Contingencies
 
Leases
 
The Company has various noncancellable operating leases for buildings, office space and equipment. Rent expense was $15,325, $12,939 and $11,166 for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Minimum rental commitments under noncancellable leases in years 2018 through 2022 are $11,926, $7,760, $5,613, $4,890 and $2,265, respectively, and $7,372 thereafter. The rental expense and minimum rental commitments of leases with step rent provisions are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Product Warranties
 
The Company provides product warranties in connection with the sale of certain products. From time to time, the Company is subject to customer claims with respect to product warranties. Liabilities related to product warranties and extended warranties were not material as of December 31, 2017 or 2016.










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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Barnes Group Inc.:

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Barnes Group Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of changes in stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, including the related notes and schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for share based compensation in 2016.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, 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 opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and

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dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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/    PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP 

Hartford, Connecticut
February 20, 2018
 
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1994.  


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QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
 
 
 
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter(2)
 
Full
Year(2)
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
341.8

 
$
364.5

 
$
357.2

 
$
373.0

 
$
1,436.5

Gross profit (1)
 
122.0


128.0


121.1


126.1

 
497.2

Operating income
 
55.7


57.1


47.8


49.6

 
210.3

Net income
 
38.3


45.0


35.3


(59.2
)
 
59.4

Per common share:
 







 
 
Basic
 
0.71


0.83


0.65


(1.10
)
 
1.10

Diluted
 
0.70


0.82


0.65


(1.10
)
 
1.09

Dividends
 
0.13


0.14


0.14


0.14

 
0.55

Market prices (high - low)
 
$51.97-45.47


$60.74-49.31


$70.84-57.70


$72.87-61.06

 
$72.87-45.47

2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
288.3

 
$
306.7

 
$
311.6

 
$
324.2

 
$
1,230.8

Gross profit (1)
 
102.1

 
109.5

 
113.0

 
115.9

 
440.5

Operating income
 
41.5

 
47.5

 
51.8

 
51.4

 
192.2

Net income
 
28.8

 
33.2

 
36.8

 
36.7

 
135.6

Per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
0.53

 
0.61

 
0.68

 
0.68

 
2.50

Diluted
 
0.53

 
0.61

 
0.67

 
0.67

 
2.48

Dividends
 
0.12

 
0.13

 
0.13

 
0.13

 
0.51

Market prices (high - low)
 
$35.81-30.07

 
$37.75-31.13

 
$41.86-32.55

 
$49.90-37.88

 
$49.90-30.07

________________________
(1)
Sales less cost of sales.
(2)
During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded the effects of the U.S. Tax Reform, resulting in tax expense of $96.7 million, or $1.79 per basic share ($1.79 per diluted share). During the full-year 2017 period, the effects of the U.S. Tax Reform were $1.79 and $1.77 per basic and per diluted share, respectively. See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
     
Management, including the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon, and as of the date of, our evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in all material respects and designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in the “Internal Control - Integrated Framework 2013” issued

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by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the assessment under this framework, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this Annual Report, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, which appears on page 72 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There has been no change to our internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B. Other Information
 
None.

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PART III
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
Information with respect to our directors and corporate governance may be found in the “Governance” and "Stock Ownership" sections of our definitive proxy statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 4, 2018 (the “Proxy Statement”). Such information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
The Company’s executive officers as of the date of this Annual Report are as follows:
 
 
 
Executive Officer
Position
Age as of
  December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Patrick J. Dempsey
President and Chief Executive Officer
53
 
 
 
Michael A. Beck
Senior Vice President, Barnes Group Inc., and President, Barnes Aerospace
57
 
 
 
Peter A. Gutermann
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
58
 
 
 
Dawn N. Edwards
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
49
 
 
 
Scott A. Mayo
Senior Vice President, Barnes Group Inc., and President, Barnes Industrial
50
 
 
 
Christopher J. Stephens, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
53
 
Each officer holds office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified or otherwise as provided in the Company’s Amended and Restated By-Laws. No family relationships exist among the executive officers of the Company. Except for Messrs. Beck, Gutermann and Mayo, each of the Company’s executive officers has been employed by the Company or its subsidiaries in an executive or managerial capacity for at least the past five years.
 
Mr. Dempsey was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective March 1, 2013. From February 2012 until such appointment, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. From October 2008 until February 2012, he served as Vice President, Barnes Group Inc. and President, Logistics and Manufacturing Services. Prior to that, he held a series of roles of increasing responsibility since joining the Company in October 2000. In October 2007, he was appointed Vice President, Barnes Group Inc. and President, Barnes Distribution. In November 2004, he was promoted to Vice President, Barnes Group Inc. and President, Barnes Aerospace. Mr. Dempsey is currently a director of Nucor Corporation, having been appointed as of December 1, 2016.

Mr. Beck was appointed Senior Vice President, Barnes Group Inc. and President, Barnes Aerospace effective March 1, 2016. Mr. Beck came to Barnes Group with over 27 years of global aerospace experience. Prior to joining Barnes Group, Mr. Beck was the Senior Vice President & General Manager, Fuel and Motion Control, a $1B division of Eaton’s Aerospace Group. Prior to this, he was the Chief Executive Officer of GKN’s Aerospace Engine Systems business, where he led the due diligence, business synergies and integration of a significant acquisition. Prior to that, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of GKN’s global Propulsion Systems and Special Products business. Earlier in his career, Mr. Beck was the Chief Operating Officer and Site Executive for GKN’s St. Louis, Missouri business.

Ms. Edwards was appointed Senior Vice President, Human Resources effective August 2009. From December 2008 until August 2009, she served as Vice President of Human Resources - Global Operations. From September 1998 until December 2008, Ms. Edwards served as Group Director, Human Resources for Barnes Aerospace, Associated Spring and Barnes Industrial. Ms. Edwards joined the Company in September 1998.
Mr. Gutermann was appointed Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, effective December 11, 2017. Before joining the Company, Mr. Gutermann served as Corporate Vice President, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for United Technologies Corporation. Prior to that, Mr. Gutermann held a variety of positions with increasing responsibility

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within United Technologies Corporation including Vice President & General Counsel, UTC Propulsion/Aerospace Systems; Vice President & General Counsel, Pratt & Whitney; Associate General Counsel, UTC Corporate; Deputy General Counsel, Otis Elevator Company; and Executive Assistant to the UTC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Gutermann began his career as a Litigation Associate with the law firm of Robinson & Cole.

Mr. Mayo was appointed Senior Vice President, Barnes Group Inc. and President, Barnes Industrial effective March 17, 2014. Before joining the Company, from 2012 to 2014, Mr. Mayo served as Vice President and General Manager, Power Sector, Flow Control, a division of Flowserve Corporation. From 2010 to 2012, he served as Vice President and General Manager, General Industries Sector, Flow Control Division. From 2009 to 2010, he served as Vice President, Marketing for the Flow Control Division. Prior to that, from 2002 to 2008, Mr. Mayo held a series of roles including General Manager, Flow Control Division China based in Shanghai, China; Director, Marketing, Flow Control Division, based in Raleigh, NC; Director and General Manager, Aftermarket, Raleigh, NC; and Director, Strategic Planning and Business Development, also based in Raleigh, NC.

Mr. Stephens was appointed Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Barnes Group Inc. effective January 2009. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Stephens held key leadership roles at Honeywell International, serving as President of the Consumer Products Group from 2007 to 2008, and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Honeywell Transportation Systems from 2003 to 2007. Prior to Honeywell, he held roles with increasing responsibility at The Boeing Company, serving as Vice President and General Manager, Boeing Electron Dynamic Devices; Vice President, Business Operations, Boeing Space and Communications; and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Boeing Satellite Systems.
 
Items 11-14.

The information called for by Items 11-14 is incorporated by reference to the "Governance," "Stock Ownership," "Executive Compensation," "Director Compensation in 2017," "Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans," "Related Person Transactions," and "Principal Accountant Fees and Services" sections in our Proxy Statement.

PART IV
 
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule
 
 
 
 
(a)(1)
  
The following Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of the Company are set forth herein under Item 8 of this Annual Report:
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
(a)(2)
  
See Financial Statement Schedule under Item 15(c).
 
 
(a)(3)
  
See Item 15(b) below.
 
 
(b)
  
The Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are filed as Exhibits to this Annual Report and indexed at pages 84 through 88 of this Annual Report, which index is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
(c)
  
Financial Statement Schedule.
 

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Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.

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Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands)

 
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts:
 
Balance January 1, 2015
$
3,873

Provision charged to income
1,248

Doubtful accounts written off
(404
)
Other adjustments(1)
(632
)
Balance December 31, 2015
4,085

       Provision charged to income
863

Doubtful accounts written off
(910
)
Other adjustments(1)
(46
)
       Balance December 31, 2016
3,992

               Provision charged to income
1,512

        Doubtful accounts written off
(297
)
Other adjustments(1)
(64
)
        Balance December 31, 2017
$
5,143

________________
(1)
These amounts are comprised primarily of foreign currency translation and other reclassifications.

 
































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Table of Contents

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands)
                     

 
 
Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets:
 
Balance January 1, 2015
$
15,856

Additions charged to income tax expense
1,043

Reductions charged to other comprehensive income
(59
)
Reductions credited to income tax expense
(1,216
)
Changes due to foreign currency translation
(2,204
)
       Acquisitions(1)

981

Balance December 31, 2015
14,401

Additions charged to income tax expense
759

Reductions charged to other comprehensive income
(17
)
       Reductions credited to income tax expense(2)
(5,638
)
Changes due to foreign currency translation
(133
)
       Acquisition(3)
5,585

Balance December 31, 2016
14,957

        Additions charged to income tax expense
1,161

        Reductions charged to other comprehensive income
(123
)
        Reductions credited to income tax expense(4)
(6,773
)
        Changes due to foreign currency translation
1,001

Balance December 31, 2017
$
10,223

________________

(1)
The increase in 2015 reflects the valuation allowances recorded at the Thermoplay and Priamus businesses which were acquired in the third and fourth quarters of 2015, respectively.
(2)
The reductions in 2016 relate primarily to net operating losses that were fully valued. These net operating losses have subsequently expired during 2016 (lapse of applicable carry forward periods) and the corresponding valuation allowance was reduced accordingly.
(3)
The increase in 2016 reflects the valuation allowance recorded at the FOBOHA business, which was acquired in the third quarter of 2016.
(4)
The reductions in 2017 relate to the release of valuation allowances associated with net operating losses as a result of the Swiss legal entity reduction.



78


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: 
February 20, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BARNES GROUP INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By
 
/S/  PATRICK J. DEMPSEY  
 
 
 
 
 
Patrick J. Dempsey
 
 
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below as of the above date by the following persons on behalf of the Company in the capacities indicated.

79


 
 
/S/  PATRICK J. DEMPSEY
Patrick J. Dempsey
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer), and Director
 
/S/ CHRISTOPHER J. STEPHENS, JR.
Christopher J. Stephens, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Finance
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
/S/ MARIAN ACKER  
Marian Acker
Vice President, Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
/S/ THOMAS O. BARNES    
Thomas O. Barnes
Director
 
/S/ ELIJAH K. BARNES
Elijah K. Barnes
Director
 
/S/ GARY G. BENANAV
Gary G. Benanav
Director
 
/S/ THOMAS J. HOOK
Thomas J. Hook
Director
 
/S/ MYLLE H. MANGUM
Mylle H. Mangum
Director
 
/S/ HANS-PETER MÄNNER
Hans-Peter Männer
Director

80


 
/S/ HASSELL H. MCCLELLAN
Hassell H. McClellan
Director
 
/S/ WILLIAM J. MORGAN
William J. Morgan
Director
 
/S/ ANTHONY V. NICOLOSI
Anthony V. Nicolosi
Director
 
/S/ JOANNA L. SOHOVICH
JoAnna L. Sohovich
Director
 
/S/ RICHARD J. HIPPLE
Richard J. Hipple
Director

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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Barnes Group Inc.
 
Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the Year ended December 31, 2017
Exhibit No.
Description
Reference
 
 
 
2.1*
Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 22, 2013 between the Company and MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
 
 
 
2.2*
Share Purchase and Assignment Agreement dated September 30, 2013 among the Company, two of its subsidiaries, Otto Männer Holding AG (the "Seller"), and the three shareholders of Seller.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed by the Company on October 4, 2013.
 
 
 
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation; Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock; Certificate of Change of Location of registered office and of registered agent, dated December 13, 2002; Certificate of Merger of domestic limited liability company into a domestic company, dated May 19, 2004; Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 20, 2006; and Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated as of May 3, 2013.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
 
 
 
3.2
Amended and Restated By-Laws.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by the Company on February 11, 2016.
 
 
 
10.1
(i) Fifth Amended and Restated Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated September 27, 2011.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
 
 
 
 
(ii) Amendment No. 2 and Joinder to Credit Agreement dated as of September 27, 2013 (amending Fifth Amended and Restated Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2011).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.
 
 
 
 
(iii) Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement dated as of October 15, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(iii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
 
 
 
(iv) Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement dated as of February 2, 2017.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

 
 
 
10.2
Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2014, among the Company and New York Life Insurance Company, New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation and New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation Institutionally Owned Life Insurance Separate Account (BOLI 30C).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed by the Company on October 17, 2014.
 
 
 
10.3**
(i) Barnes Group Inc. Management Incentive Compensation Plan, amended October 22, 2008.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 
 
 
 
Filed with this report.

 
 
 
10.4**
Barnes Group Inc. Performance-Linked Bonus Plan for Selected Executive Officers, as amended February 8, 2011.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.5**
(i) Offer Letter between the Company and Patrick Dempsey, dated February 22, 2013.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

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Exhibit No.
Description
Reference
 
 
 
 
(ii) Amendment to Offer Letter to Patrick Dempsey, dated January 6, 2015.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(ii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
 
 
 
(iii) Employee Non-Disclosure, Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Non-Disparagement Agreement between the Company and Patrick J. Dempsey, dated February 27, 2013.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.6**
(i) Amendment to Offer Letter to Christopher J. Stephens, Jr., dated June 7, 2013.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
 
 
 
 
(ii) Amendment to Amended Offer Letter to Christopher J. Stephens, Jr., dated February 12, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(ii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
 
 
 
10.7**
Offer Letter to Scott A. Mayo, dated January 28, 2014.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
 
 
 
10.8**
Offer Letter to James P. Berklas, Jr., dated June 5, 2015.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015.
 
 
 
10.9**
Filed with this report.

 
 
 
 
(ii) First Amendment to the Barnes Group Inc. Retirement Benefit Equalization Plan dated December 12, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9(ii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
 
 
10.10**
(i) Barnes Group Inc. Supplemental Senior Officer Retirement Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 (i) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
 
(ii) Amendment to the Barnes Group Inc. Supplemental Senior Officer Retirement Plan dated December 30, 2009.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 (ii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
 
(iii) Second Amendment to the Barnes Group Inc. Supplemental Senior Officer Retirement Plan dated December 12, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10(iii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
 
 
10.11**
(i) Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective April 1, 2012.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
 
(ii) Amendment 2013-1 to the Barnes Group Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated July 23, 2013.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.
 
 
 
 
(iii) Amendment 2014-1 to the Barnes Group Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated December 12, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11(iii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
 
 
10.12**
Barnes Group Inc. Senior Executive Enhanced Life Insurance Program, as amended and restated effective April 1, 2011.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.13**
Barnes Group Inc. Enhanced Life Insurance Program, as amended and restated effective April 1, 2011.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


10.14**
Barnes Group Inc. Executive Group Term Life Insurance Program effective April 1, 2011.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 

83

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.
Description
Reference
 
 
 
10.15**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Executive Officer Severance Agreement, as amended March 31, 2010.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.16**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Executive Officer Severance Agreement, effective February 19, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
 
 
 
10.17**
Barnes Group Inc. Executive Separation Pay Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2012.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.18**
(i) Trust Agreement between the Company and Fidelity Management Trust Company (Barnes Group 2009 Deferred Compensation Plan) dated September 1, 2009.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 (i) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
 
(ii) Amended and Restated Barnes Group 2009 Deferred Compensation Plan effective as of April 1, 2012.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 (ii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
 
(iii) First Amendment to the Barnes Group 2009 Deferred Compensation Plan dated December 12, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(iii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
 
 
10.19**
Barnes Group Inc. Non-Employee Director Deferred Stock Plan, as amended and restated December 31, 2008.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.20**
Barnes Group Inc. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated December 31, 2008.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.21**
Form of Amended and Restated Contingent Dividend Equivalent Rights Agreement for Officers.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.22**
Barnes Group Inc. Trust Agreement for Specified Plans.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.23**
Form of Incentive Compensation Reimbursement Agreement between the Company and certain Officers.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.24**
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and its Officers and Directors.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.25**
(i) Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan, as amended December 31, 2008.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 (i) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
 
(ii) Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan, as amended March 15, 2010.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 (ii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
 
(iii) Exercise of Authority Relating to the Stock and Incentive Award Plan, dated March 3, 2009.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 (iii) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
 
(iv) Amendment 2010-1 approved on December 9, 2010 to the Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan as amended March 15, 2010.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 (iv) to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.26**
2014 Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan.
Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company's definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2014.
 
 
 

84

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.
Description
Reference
 
 
 
10.27**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Restricted Stock Unit Summary of Grant and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Directors dated February 8, 2012 (for non-management directors).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.28**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Restricted Stock Unit Summary of Grant and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Directors dated May 9, 2014 (for non-management directors).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.
 
 
 
10.29**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Restricted Stock Unit Summary of Grant and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Directors dated February 9, 2016 (for non-management directors).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 
 
 
10.30**
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for employees grade 21 and up.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.31**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Stock Option Summary of Grant and Stock Option Agreement for employees in grade 21 and up dated as of February 8, 2011.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.32**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Stock Option Summary of Grant and Stock Option Agreement for Employees in Grade 21 and up dated May 9, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.
 
 
 
10.33**

Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Stock Option Summary of Grant and Stock Option Agreement for Employees in Grade 21 and up dated February 9, 2016.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 
 
 
10.34**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Restricted Stock Unit Summary of Grant and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for employees grade 21 and up dated as of February 8, 2011.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.35**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Restricted Stock Unit Summary of Grant for Employees and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated February 8, 2012.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


 
 
 
10.36**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Restricted Stock Unit Summary of Grant for Employees and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated May 9, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.
 
 
 
10.37**

Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Restricted Stock Unit Summary of Grant for Employees and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated February 9, 2016.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 
 
 
10.38**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Performance Share Award Summary of Grant and Performance Share Award Agreement for Officers and Other Individuals as Designated by the Compensation and Management Development Committee dated as of February 11, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 
 
 
10.39**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Performance Share Award Summary of Grant and Performance Share Award Agreement for Officers and Other Individuals as Designated by the Compensation and Management Development Committee dated July 21, 2014.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.


85

Table of Contents

Exhibit No.
Description
Reference
 
 
 
10.40**
Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Performance Share Award Summary of Grant and Performance Share Award Agreement for Officers and Other Individuals as Designated by the Compensation and Management Development Committee dated as of February 11, 2015.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
 
 
10.41**
(i) Form of Barnes Group Inc. Stock and Incentive Award Plan Performance Share Award Summary of Grant and Performance Share Award Agreement for Officers and Other Individuals as Designated by the Compensation and Management Development Committee dated as of February 9, 2016.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
 
 
 
 

Filed with this report.

 
 
 
10.42**
Performance-Linked Bonus Plan for Selected Executive Officers dated as of May 6, 2016.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 
 
 
10.43
Offer Letter to Michael A. Beck, dated January 28, 2016.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016

 
 
 
10.44
Filed with this report.

 
 
 
21
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
23
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
31.1
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
31.2
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
32
Furnished with this report.
 
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
Filed with this report.
_________________________
* The Company hereby agrees to provide the Commission upon request copies of any omitted exhibits or schedules to this exhibit required by Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. 

** Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

The Company agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon request, a copy of each instrument with respect to which there are outstanding issues of unregistered long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries, the authorized principal amount of which does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

86