Just as your pulse is checked during a routine physical, free cash flow is used as an indicator of a company's health. It equals the cash brought in from operations minus the money needed to pay the bills. Think about leftover money in your checking account after you pay this month's bills.

Investors and analysts see this leftover money as a gauge of a company's ability to perform. It is available for transactions such as handing out dividends and working on new products.

Some argue free cash flow is wrongly overshadowed by the emphasis often placed on earnings. Earnings numbers can be manipulated and don't always tell the whole story -- and earnings don't mean much if there's nothing left over after a company pays its expenses. Even if you bring in a six-figure salary, but no money left after paying the bills, are you in great financial shape?

You don't have to be Einstein to figure out free cash flow. To calculate the number, subtract the company's expenditures and dividends from its operating cash flow.

If the free cash flow is written in red ink, it doesn't necessarily signal curtains. This is common for young companies looking to grow. It also could be a result of heavy investments, which in the long run could be worth a standing ovation.

Home / Markets / Industries / Industrials

Monday, June 02, 2008

William C. Denninger Retires as Barnes Group Inc. CFO and Board Member

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Comtex

BRISTOL, Conn., Jun 02, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) ----Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE: B) today announced that William C. Denninger has notified the Company of his intention to retire as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer and as a Director, effective June 2, 2008.

Mr. Denninger indicated that he wants to focus his time and energies on his family. Francis C. Boyle, Jr., Vice President and Controller, will serve as acting CFO while a search for Mr. Denninger's replacement is conducted. The Company's Board of Directors will have 10 members.

"We thank Bill for his dedicated service and many contributions to the Company," said Gregory F. Milzcik, President and Chief Executive Officer, Barnes Group Inc. "Bill's considerable experience in global manufacturing businesses and his financial management background have enabled Barnes Group to achieve success. His contributions have helped position the business for further progress. We wish him and his family well."

Mr. Denninger joined Barnes Group Inc. in 2000. He was appointed to Barnes Group's Board of Directors in 2006. Prior to joining Barnes Group, Mr. Denninger was the Chief Financial Officer and Controller of BTR Inc., where he spent 15 years in a series of increasingly responsible operating and financial management positions. Prior to his tenure at BTR, Mr. Denninger worked in several managerial roles with the manufacturing divisions of ITT Corporation.

Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE:B) is an international aerospace and industrial components manufacturer and full-service distribution company focused on achieving consistent, sustainable, and predictable growth. Founded in 1857, Barnes Group consists of three businesses: Barnes Aerospace, Barnes Distribution and Barnes Industrial. More than 6,400 dedicated employees at more than 70 locations worldwide contribute to Barnes Group Inc.'s success. For more information, visit www.barnesgroupinc.com.

SOURCE: Barnes Group Inc.

Barnes Group Inc. Brian D. Koppy, 860-973-2126

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