we may be impacted by fluctuations in raw material , transportation costs and foreign exchange rates and promotional activity among our competitors . we strive to offset the potential unfavorable impact of these items with productivity improvements initiatives and price increases . during the three years ended december 31 , 2016 , our net sales grew at a compounded annual rate of 10 % as we benefited from an improving u.s. home products market , acquisitions , and growth in international markets . operating income grew at a compounded annual rate of 25 % with consolidated operating margins improving from 9 % in 2013 to 13 % in 2016. growth in operating income was primarily due to higher sales volume , changes to our portfolio of businesses , control and leverage of our operating expenses and the benefits of productivity programs . during 2016 , the u.s. home products market grew due to increases in new home construction and repair and remodel activities . we believe new housing construction experienced low double-digit growth in 2016 compared to 2015 and spending for home repair and remodeling increased in the range of 5 % . in 2016 , net sales grew 9 % and operating income increased 28 % due to higher sales volume primarily resulting from u.s. home products market growth , the acquisitions in our cabinets and plumbing segments , price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases and the effect of unfavorable foreign exchange and productivity improvements . during 2015 , the u.s. home products market grew due to increases in new home construction and repair and remodel activities . we believe new housing construction experienced low double-digit growth in 2015 compared to 2014 and spending for home repair and remodeling increased approximately 5 % . in 2015 , net sales grew 14 % and operating income increased 23 % including the benefit of acquisitions of norcraft companies , inc. ( norcraft ) in 2015 , and john d. brush & co. , inc. ( sentrysafe ) and anaheim manufacturing company ( anaheim ) in 2014 , higher sales volume primarily resulting from u.s. home products market growth , price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases and productivity improvements . during the third quarter of 2016 , we announced the creation of gpg , which was designed to support the growth of multiple plumbing brands with an enhanced set of products and brands , while leveraging moen 's existing global supply chain and broad distribution network . in september 2016 , we acquired rohl llc ( rohl ) , a california-based luxury plumbing company and in a related transaction , we acquired tcl manufacturing ltd , which gave us ownership of perrin & rowe limited ( perrin & rowe ) , a uk manufacturer and designer of luxury kitchen and 20 bathroom plumbing products . the total combined purchase price was approximately $ 166 million , subject to certain post-closing adjustments . we financed both acquisitions using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facilities . these transactions broadened the plumbing portfolio and enhanced future growth opportunities . in june 2016 , we amended and restated our credit agreement to combine and rollover the existing revolving credit facility and term loan into a new standalone $ 1.25 billion revolving credit facility . terms and conditions of the credit agreement , including the total commitment amount , essentially remained the same . the revolving credit facility will mature in june 2021 and borrowings thereunder will be used for general corporate purposes . in may 2016 , we acquired riobel inc. ( riobel ) , a canadian plumbing company specializing in premium showroom bath and shower fittings , for a total purchase price of $ 94.6 million in cash , subject to certain post-closing adjustments . we financed the transaction using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facilities . in september 2015 , we completed the sale of waterloo industries , inc. ( waterloo ) for approximately $ 14 million in cash , subject to certain post-closing adjustments . in june 2015 , we issued $ 900 million of unsecured senior notes ( senior notes ) in a registered public offering . we used the proceeds from the senior notes offering to pay down our revolving credit facility and for general purposes . in may 2015 , we acquired norcraft , a leading publicly-owned manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry , for a total purchase price of $ 648.6 million . we financed the transaction using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facilities . in december 2014 , we acquired anaheim , which markets and sells garbage disposals , for $ 28.9 million in cash . in september 2014 , we sold the simonton windows business ( simonton ) for $ 130 million in cash . in july 2014 , we acquired sentrysafe , a leading manufacturer of home safes , for a purchase price of $ 116.7 million in cash . the financial results of sentrysafe were included in the company 's results of operations and cash flows beginning in august of 2014. the purchase prices were funded from cash on hand and our existing credit facilities . basis of presentation the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of fortune brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries . the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on form 10-k have been derived from the accounts of the company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries . the company 's consolidated financial statements are based on a fiscal year ending december 31. certain of the company 's subsidiaries operate on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending during the month of december . story_separator_special_tag operating income benefited from higher net sales , including the impact of acquisitions , productivity improvements , and $ 11.2 million in lower defined benefit plan actuarial losses . these benefits were partially offset by investments to support manufacturing capacity increases for long-term growth , higher employee-related costs , higher sales rebates , approximately $ 16 million of unfavorable foreign exchange , $ 15.1 million of norcraft transaction costs and $ 15.0 million of higher restructuring and other charges . interest expense interest expense increased $ 21.5 million to $ 31.9 million due to higher average borrowings and higher average interest rates . 27 other expense , net other expense , net , was expense of $ 4.3 million in 2015 compared to $ 1.2 million in 2014. the change was principally due to unfavorable foreign currency adjustments . income taxes the effective income tax rates for 2015 and 2014 were 33.4 % and 30.2 % , respectively . the effective income tax rates for 2015 and 2014 were favorably impacted by the tax benefit attributable to the domestic production activity ( internal revenue code section 199 ) deduction ( $ 12.5 million and $ 7.6 million , respectively ) , favorable tax rates in foreign jurisdictions ( $ 8.7 million and $ 13.4 million , respectively ) and a benefit associated with the extensions of the u.s. research and development credit ( $ 2.2 million and $ 1.8 million , respectively ) , offset by state and local taxes and increases to uncertain tax positions ( $ 4.7 million and $ 4.7 million , respectively ) . the benefit associated with the favorable tax rates in foreign jurisdictions is affected by overall allocation of income , rate changes and impact of foreign exchange rates . in 2015 , the effective income tax rate benefit from foreign tax rates was reduced , as compared to 2014 , due to the overall allocation of income within foreign jurisdictions and an expiration of a favorable tax incentive that in total increased the effective foreign tax rate by 6 % . the 2015 effective income tax rate was unfavorably impacted by $ 2.4 million related to nondeductible acquisition costs . the effective tax rate in 2014 was favorably impacted by the release of valuation allowances related to state net operating loss carryforwards of $ 4.1 million . noncontrolling interests noncontrolling interest was $ 0.5 million and $ 1.2 million in 2015 and 2014 , respectively . income from continuing operations net income from continuing operations was $ 306.5 million in 2015 compared to $ 273.6 million in 2014. income ( loss ) from discontinued operations the income ( loss ) from discontinued operations was $ 9.0 million and $ ( 114.3 ) million in 2015 and 2014 , respectively . the discontinued operations in 2015 consist of the results of operations of waterloo and the after-tax gain associated with the sale of the business . the net loss from discontinued operations was $ ( 114.3 ) in 2014 , of which $ ( 111.2 ) million was the loss on the sale of simonton windows business , as well as $ ( 14.1 ) million in restructuring and impairment losses recorded as a result of the decision to sell the waterloo tool storage business . results by segment cabinets net sales increased $ 385.9 million , or 22 % , due to the benefit of the norcraft acquisition ( approximately $ 258 million ) , higher sales volume including the impact of new product introductions , favorable mix and the benefit of price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases . these benefits were partially offset by approximately $ 24 million of unfavorable foreign exchange . operating income increased $ 54.5 million , or 40 % , due to an increase in net sales , productivity improvements and approximately $ 28 million benefit from the acquisition of norcraft , including a 28 $ 2.0 million charge related to an inventory purchase accounting adjustment to fair value . these benefits were partially offset by investments to support manufacturing capacity increases for long-term growth , higher employee-related costs , higher wood-related raw material costs and costs associated with new product introductions . plumbing net sales increased $ 83.5 million , or 6 % , due to higher sales volume in the u.s. driven by improving u.s. market conditions , the acquisition of anaheim ( approximately $ 31 million benefit ) and price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases . these benefits were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange of approximately $ 29 million and higher sales rebates . operating income increased $ 26.5 million , or 10 % , due to an increase in net sales , and productivity improvements . operating income was unfavorably impacted by higher sales rebates , approximately $ 14 million of unfavorable foreign exchange and $ 5.9 million of higher restructuring and other charges primarily related to severance costs to relocate a manufacturing facility in china . doors net sales increased $ 25.2 million , or 6 % , due to higher sales volume driven primarily by improved conditions in the u.s. home products market , price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases and favorable mix . operating income increased $ 14.8 million , or 51 % , due to an increase in net sales , productivity improvements and approximately $ 2 million of favorable foreign exchange , partially offset by higher employee related costs . security net sales increased $ 71.2 million , or 15 % , due primarily to the impact of the acquisition of sentrysafe ( approximately $ 80 million ) , partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange ( approximately $ 14 million ) . operating income increased $ 6.5 million , or 13 % . operating income was favorably impacted by productivity improvements and the acquisition of sentrysafe , partially offset by an increase of $ 9.3 million

cash flows below is a summary of cash flows for the years ended december 31 , 2016 , 2015 and 2014. replace_table_token_12_th years ended december 31 , 2016 , 2015 and 2014 net cash provided by operating activities was $ 650.5 million in 2016 compared to $ 429.2 million in 2015 and $ 266.2 million in 2014. the $ 221.3 million increase in cash provided by operating activities from 2015 to 2016 was primarily due to a reduction in working capital in 2016 compared to 2015 and higher net income . the $ 163.0 million increase in cash provided by operating activities from 2014 to 2015 was primarily due to higher net income . net cash used in investing activities was $ 385.1 million in 2016 compared to $ 766.6 million in 2015 and $ 151.1 million in 2014. the decrease of $ 381.5 million from 2015 to 2016 was primarily due the decrease in cost of acquisitions of $ 413.1 million , partially offset by $ 20.8 million of higher capital spending . the increase of $ 615.5 million from 2014 to 2015 was primarily due to the impact of the norcraft acquisition . net cash used in financing activities was $ 250.4 million in 2016 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $ 398.8 million in 2015 and net cash used in financing activities of $ 160.0 million in 2014. the change of $ 649.2 million in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to $ 372.8 million of higher share repurchases and lower net borrowings of $ 240.8 million .


 Write a concise suspicious activity report of the following text delimited by triple backquotes. Return your response as a formal report which covers the key points highlighting the location,dates,entity names and account holder information in chronological order of the text.
     ```cash flows below is a summary of cash flows for the years ended december 31 , 2016 , 2015 and 2014. replace_table_token_12_th years ended december 31 , 2016 , 2015 and 2014 net cash provided by operating activities was $ 650.5 million in 2016 compared to $ 429.2 million in 2015 and $ 266.2 million in 2014. the $ 221.3 million increase in cash provided by operating activities from 2015 to 2016 was primarily due to a reduction in working capital in 2016 compared to 2015 and higher net income . the $ 163.0 million increase in cash provided by operating activities from 2014 to 2015 was primarily due to higher net income . net cash used in investing activities was $ 385.1 million in 2016 compared to $ 766.6 million in 2015 and $ 151.1 million in 2014. the decrease of $ 381.5 million from 2015 to 2016 was primarily due the decrease in cost of acquisitions of $ 413.1 million , partially offset by $ 20.8 million of higher capital spending . the increase of $ 615.5 million from 2014 to 2015 was primarily due to the impact of the norcraft acquisition . net cash used in financing activities was $ 250.4 million in 2016 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $ 398.8 million in 2015 and net cash used in financing activities of $ 160.0 million in 2014. the change of $ 649.2 million in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to $ 372.8 million of higher share repurchases and lower net borrowings of $ 240.8 million .
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 Suspicious Activity Report : we may be impacted by fluctuations in raw material , transportation costs and foreign exchange rates and promotional activity among our competitors . we strive to offset the potential unfavorable impact of these items with productivity improvements initiatives and price increases . during the three years ended december 31 , 2016 , our net sales grew at a compounded annual rate of 10 % as we benefited from an improving u.s. home products market , acquisitions , and growth in international markets . operating income grew at a compounded annual rate of 25 % with consolidated operating margins improving from 9 % in 2013 to 13 % in 2016. growth in operating income was primarily due to higher sales volume , changes to our portfolio of businesses , control and leverage of our operating expenses and the benefits of productivity programs . during 2016 , the u.s. home products market grew due to increases in new home construction and repair and remodel activities . we believe new housing construction experienced low double-digit growth in 2016 compared to 2015 and spending for home repair and remodeling increased in the range of 5 % . in 2016 , net sales grew 9 % and operating income increased 28 % due to higher sales volume primarily resulting from u.s. home products market growth , the acquisitions in our cabinets and plumbing segments , price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases and the effect of unfavorable foreign exchange and productivity improvements . during 2015 , the u.s. home products market grew due to increases in new home construction and repair and remodel activities . we believe new housing construction experienced low double-digit growth in 2015 compared to 2014 and spending for home repair and remodeling increased approximately 5 % . in 2015 , net sales grew 14 % and operating income increased 23 % including the benefit of acquisitions of norcraft companies , inc. ( norcraft ) in 2015 , and john d. brush & co. , inc. ( sentrysafe ) and anaheim manufacturing company ( anaheim ) in 2014 , higher sales volume primarily resulting from u.s. home products market growth , price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases and productivity improvements . during the third quarter of 2016 , we announced the creation of gpg , which was designed to support the growth of multiple plumbing brands with an enhanced set of products and brands , while leveraging moen 's existing global supply chain and broad distribution network . in september 2016 , we acquired rohl llc ( rohl ) , a california-based luxury plumbing company and in a related transaction , we acquired tcl manufacturing ltd , which gave us ownership of perrin & rowe limited ( perrin & rowe ) , a uk manufacturer and designer of luxury kitchen and 20 bathroom plumbing products . the total combined purchase price was approximately $ 166 million , subject to certain post-closing adjustments . we financed both acquisitions using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facilities . these transactions broadened the plumbing portfolio and enhanced future growth opportunities . in june 2016 , we amended and restated our credit agreement to combine and rollover the existing revolving credit facility and term loan into a new standalone $ 1.25 billion revolving credit facility . terms and conditions of the credit agreement , including the total commitment amount , essentially remained the same . the revolving credit facility will mature in june 2021 and borrowings thereunder will be used for general corporate purposes . in may 2016 , we acquired riobel inc. ( riobel ) , a canadian plumbing company specializing in premium showroom bath and shower fittings , for a total purchase price of $ 94.6 million in cash , subject to certain post-closing adjustments . we financed the transaction using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facilities . in september 2015 , we completed the sale of waterloo industries , inc. ( waterloo ) for approximately $ 14 million in cash , subject to certain post-closing adjustments . in june 2015 , we issued $ 900 million of unsecured senior notes ( senior notes ) in a registered public offering . we used the proceeds from the senior notes offering to pay down our revolving credit facility and for general purposes . in may 2015 , we acquired norcraft , a leading publicly-owned manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom cabinetry , for a total purchase price of $ 648.6 million . we financed the transaction using cash on hand and borrowings under our existing credit facilities . in december 2014 , we acquired anaheim , which markets and sells garbage disposals , for $ 28.9 million in cash . in september 2014 , we sold the simonton windows business ( simonton ) for $ 130 million in cash . in july 2014 , we acquired sentrysafe , a leading manufacturer of home safes , for a purchase price of $ 116.7 million in cash . the financial results of sentrysafe were included in the company 's results of operations and cash flows beginning in august of 2014. the purchase prices were funded from cash on hand and our existing credit facilities . basis of presentation the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of fortune brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries . the consolidated financial statements in this annual report on form 10-k have been derived from the accounts of the company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries . the company 's consolidated financial statements are based on a fiscal year ending december 31. certain of the company 's subsidiaries operate on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending during the month of december . story_separator_special_tag operating income benefited from higher net sales , including the impact of acquisitions , productivity improvements , and $ 11.2 million in lower defined benefit plan actuarial losses . these benefits were partially offset by investments to support manufacturing capacity increases for long-term growth , higher employee-related costs , higher sales rebates , approximately $ 16 million of unfavorable foreign exchange , $ 15.1 million of norcraft transaction costs and $ 15.0 million of higher restructuring and other charges . interest expense interest expense increased $ 21.5 million to $ 31.9 million due to higher average borrowings and higher average interest rates . 27 other expense , net other expense , net , was expense of $ 4.3 million in 2015 compared to $ 1.2 million in 2014. the change was principally due to unfavorable foreign currency adjustments . income taxes the effective income tax rates for 2015 and 2014 were 33.4 % and 30.2 % , respectively . the effective income tax rates for 2015 and 2014 were favorably impacted by the tax benefit attributable to the domestic production activity ( internal revenue code section 199 ) deduction ( $ 12.5 million and $ 7.6 million , respectively ) , favorable tax rates in foreign jurisdictions ( $ 8.7 million and $ 13.4 million , respectively ) and a benefit associated with the extensions of the u.s. research and development credit ( $ 2.2 million and $ 1.8 million , respectively ) , offset by state and local taxes and increases to uncertain tax positions ( $ 4.7 million and $ 4.7 million , respectively ) . the benefit associated with the favorable tax rates in foreign jurisdictions is affected by overall allocation of income , rate changes and impact of foreign exchange rates . in 2015 , the effective income tax rate benefit from foreign tax rates was reduced , as compared to 2014 , due to the overall allocation of income within foreign jurisdictions and an expiration of a favorable tax incentive that in total increased the effective foreign tax rate by 6 % . the 2015 effective income tax rate was unfavorably impacted by $ 2.4 million related to nondeductible acquisition costs . the effective tax rate in 2014 was favorably impacted by the release of valuation allowances related to state net operating loss carryforwards of $ 4.1 million . noncontrolling interests noncontrolling interest was $ 0.5 million and $ 1.2 million in 2015 and 2014 , respectively . income from continuing operations net income from continuing operations was $ 306.5 million in 2015 compared to $ 273.6 million in 2014. income ( loss ) from discontinued operations the income ( loss ) from discontinued operations was $ 9.0 million and $ ( 114.3 ) million in 2015 and 2014 , respectively . the discontinued operations in 2015 consist of the results of operations of waterloo and the after-tax gain associated with the sale of the business . the net loss from discontinued operations was $ ( 114.3 ) in 2014 , of which $ ( 111.2 ) million was the loss on the sale of simonton windows business , as well as $ ( 14.1 ) million in restructuring and impairment losses recorded as a result of the decision to sell the waterloo tool storage business . results by segment cabinets net sales increased $ 385.9 million , or 22 % , due to the benefit of the norcraft acquisition ( approximately $ 258 million ) , higher sales volume including the impact of new product introductions , favorable mix and the benefit of price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases . these benefits were partially offset by approximately $ 24 million of unfavorable foreign exchange . operating income increased $ 54.5 million , or 40 % , due to an increase in net sales , productivity improvements and approximately $ 28 million benefit from the acquisition of norcraft , including a 28 $ 2.0 million charge related to an inventory purchase accounting adjustment to fair value . these benefits were partially offset by investments to support manufacturing capacity increases for long-term growth , higher employee-related costs , higher wood-related raw material costs and costs associated with new product introductions . plumbing net sales increased $ 83.5 million , or 6 % , due to higher sales volume in the u.s. driven by improving u.s. market conditions , the acquisition of anaheim ( approximately $ 31 million benefit ) and price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases . these benefits were partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange of approximately $ 29 million and higher sales rebates . operating income increased $ 26.5 million , or 10 % , due to an increase in net sales , and productivity improvements . operating income was unfavorably impacted by higher sales rebates , approximately $ 14 million of unfavorable foreign exchange and $ 5.9 million of higher restructuring and other charges primarily related to severance costs to relocate a manufacturing facility in china . doors net sales increased $ 25.2 million , or 6 % , due to higher sales volume driven primarily by improved conditions in the u.s. home products market , price increases to help mitigate cumulative raw material cost increases and favorable mix . operating income increased $ 14.8 million , or 51 % , due to an increase in net sales , productivity improvements and approximately $ 2 million of favorable foreign exchange , partially offset by higher employee related costs . security net sales increased $ 71.2 million , or 15 % , due primarily to the impact of the acquisition of sentrysafe ( approximately $ 80 million ) , partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange ( approximately $ 14 million ) . operating income increased $ 6.5 million , or 13 % . operating income was favorably impacted by productivity improvements and the acquisition of sentrysafe , partially offset by an increase of $ 9.3 million

