ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WESCO International and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions WESCO may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from the estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized for product sales when title, ownership and risk of loss pass to the customer or for services when the service is rendered. In the case of stock sales and special orders, a sale occurs at the time of shipment from WESCO's distribution point, as the terms of WESCO’s sales are typically FOB shipping point. In cases where WESCO processes customer orders but ships directly from its suppliers, revenue is recognized once product is shipped and title has passed. In all cases, revenue is recognized once the sales price to the customer is fixed or is determinable and WESCO has reasonable assurance as to the collectability.

In certain customer arrangements, WESCO provides services such as inventory management. WESCO may perform some or all of the following services for customers: determine inventory stocking levels; establish inventory reorder points; launch purchase orders; receive material; pack away material; and pick material for order fulfillment. WESCO recognizes revenue for services rendered during the period based upon a previously negotiated fee arrangement. WESCO also sells inventory to these customers and recognizes revenue at the time title and risk of loss transfers to the customer. The amount of revenue attributed to these services totaled $27.1 million, $35.1 million, and $31.0 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

WESCO includes warehousing, purchasing, branch operations, information services, and marketing and selling expenses in this category, as well as other types of general and administrative costs.

Supplier Volume Rebates

Receivables under the supplier rebate program were $64.2 million at December 31, 2016 and $62.6 million at December 31, 2015. Supplier volume rebate rates have historically ranged between approximately 0.9% and 1.4% of sales depending on market conditions. In 2016, the rebate rate was 1.3%.

Shipping and Handling Costs and Fees

WESCO records the costs and fees associated with transporting its products to customers as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. These costs totaled $57.9 million, $59.4 million and $63.6 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are defined as highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less when purchased.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

WESCO maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. WESCO has a systematic procedure using estimates based on historical data and reasonable assumptions of collectability made at the local branch level and on a consolidated corporate basis to calculate the allowance for doubtful accounts. If the financial condition of WESCO’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $22.0 million at December 31, 2016 and $22.6 million at December 31, 2015. The total amount recorded as selling, general and administrative expense related to bad debts was $5.9 million, $6.1 million and $5.9 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories primarily consist of merchandise purchased for resale and are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined principally under the average cost method. WESCO makes provisions for obsolete or slow-moving inventories as necessary to reflect reduction in inventory value. WESCO writes down its inventory to net realizable value based on internal factors derived from historical analysis of actual losses. Retrospectively, WESCO identifies items in excess of 36 months supply relative to demand or movement. WESCO then analyzes the ultimate disposition of previously identified excess inventory items as they are sold, returned to supplier, or scrapped. This historical item-by-item analysis allows WESCO to develop an estimate of the likelihood that an item identified as being in excess supply ultimately becomes obsolete. WESCO applies the estimate to inventory items currently in excess of 36 months supply, and reduces the carrying value of its inventory by the derived amount. Reserves for excess and obsolete inventories were $27.3 million and $24.7 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The total expense related to excess and obsolete inventories, included in cost of goods sold, was $7.3 million, $8.6 million and $6.2 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. WESCO absorbs into the cost of inventory certain overhead expenses related to inventory such as purchasing, receiving and storage and at December 31, 2016 and 2015, $65.3 million and $65.0 million, respectively, of these costs were included in ending inventory.

Other Assets

Debt Issuance Costs

WESCO capitalizes costs associated with the issuance of debt and such costs are amortized over the term of the respective debt instrument on a straight-line basis. Debt issuance costs are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. Upon prepayment of debt, the Company accelerates the recognition of an appropriate amount of the costs as refinancing or extinguishment of debt. During the year ending December 31, 2016, the Company capitalized debt issuance costs of $6.0 million. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, unamortized debt issuance costs of $16.5 million and $17.7 million were recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively.

Property, Buildings and Equipment

Property, buildings and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over either their respective lease terms or their estimated lives, whichever is shorter. Estimated useful lives range from five to forty years for leasehold improvements and buildings and three to ten years for furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Capitalized computer software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life, typically three to five years, and are reported at the lower of unamortized cost or net realizable value.

Expenditures for new facilities and improvements that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any related gains or losses are recorded and reported as selling, general and administrative expenses.

Of WESCO’s $157.6 million net book value of property, buildings and equipment as of December 31, 2016, $98.1 million consists of land, buildings and leasehold improvements and are geographically dispersed among WESCO’s 500 branches and nine distribution centers, mitigating the risk of impairment. WESCO assesses its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of any such assets may not be fully recoverable. Changes in circumstances include technological advances, changes in our business model, capital structure, economic conditions or operating performance. The evaluation is based upon, among other things, utilization, serviceability and assumptions about the estimated future undiscounted cash flows these assets are expected to generate. When the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset or asset group, WESCO will recognize an impairment loss to the extent that carrying value exceeds fair value. Management applies its best judgment when performing these evaluations.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter using information available at the end of September, or more frequently if triggering events occur indicating that their carrying value may not be recoverable. WESCO tests for goodwill impairment on a reporting unit level and the evaluation involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The fair values of the reporting units are determined using a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and market multiples. Assumptions used for these fair value techniques are based on a combination of historical results, current forecasts, market data and recent economic events. WESCO evaluates the recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets using the relief-from-royalty method based on projected financial information. The determination of fair value involves significant management judgment and management applies its best judgment when assessing the reasonableness of financial projections. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, goodwill and indefinite-lived trademarks totaled $1.82 billion.

A possible indicator of goodwill impairment is the relationship of a company’s market capitalization to its book value. As of December 31, 2016, WESCO's market capitalization exceeded its book value and there were no impairment losses identified as a result of the annual test. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment tests will prove to be an accurate prediction of future results.

Definite Lived Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are amortized over 2 to 20 years. A portion of intangible assets related to certain customer relationships are amortized using an accelerated method whereas all other intangible assets subject to amortization use a straight-line method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the respective assets are consumed or otherwise used. Intangible assets are tested for impairment if events or circumstances occur indicating that the respective asset might be impaired.

Insurance Programs

WESCO uses commercial insurance for auto, workers’ compensation, casualty and health claims as a risk-reduction strategy to minimize catastrophic losses. The Company’s strategy involves large deductible policies where WESCO must pay all costs up to the deductible amount. WESCO estimates the reserve for these programs based on historical incident rates and costs. The assumptions included in developing this accrual include the period of time between the incurrence and payment of a claim. The total liability related to the insurance programs was $9.5 million and $9.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015,

Income Taxes

WESCO accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes for events that have future tax consequences. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized (using enacted tax laws and rates) based on the future income tax effects of differences in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. The effect of a tax rate change on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period of change.

WESCO recognizes deferred tax assets at amounts that are expected to be realized. To make such determination, management evaluates all positive and negative evidence, including but not limited to, prior, current and future taxable income, tax planning strategies and future reversals of existing temporary differences. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is “more-likely-than-not” that some or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. WESCO regularly assesses the realizability of deferred tax assets.

No provision is made for undistributed earnings that are considered to be permanently reinvested to fund growth in foreign markets.

WESCO accounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a "more-likely-than-not" recognition threshold. Due to the subjectivity inherent in the evaluation of uncertain tax positions, the tax benefit ultimately recognized may materially differ from the estimate. WESCO recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits as part of interest expense and income tax expense, respectively.

Convertible Debentures

WESCO separately accounted for the liability and equity components of the 6.0% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2029 (the "2029 Debentures") in a manner that reflected its non-convertible debt borrowing rate. WESCO estimated its non-convertible debt borrowing rate through a combination of discussions with its financial institutions and review of relevant market data. The discounts to the convertible debt balances were amortized to interest expense, using the effective interest method, over the implicit life of the debentures.

Foreign Currency

The local currency is the functional currency for the majority of WESCO’s operations outside the United States. Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of each period. Income statement accounts are translated at an exchange rate that approximates the average for the period. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in net income for the period.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

In connection with the December 14, 2012 acquisition of EECOL, the Company assumed a contributory defined benefit plan covering substantially all Canadian employees of EECOL. The plan provides retirement benefits based on earnings and credited service, and participants contribute 2% of their earnings to the plan.

The Company also assumed EECOL's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), which provides additional pension benefits to certain executives based on earnings, credited service, and executive service. Participants in the SERP contribute 4% of their earnings to the SERP.

Liabilities and expenses for pension benefits are determined using actuarial methodologies and incorporate significant assumptions, including the interest rate used to discount the future estimated cash flows, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, and several assumptions relating to the employee workforce (salary increases, retirement age, and mortality).

The interest rate used to discount future estimated cash flows is determined using the Canadian Institute of Actuaries ("CIA") methodology, which references yield curve information provided by Fiera Capital. The discount rate used to determine benefit obligations for the Canadian pension was 3.9% in 2016. An increase in the discount rate of one quarter percent would decrease the projected benefit obligation by $4.7 million, and a decrease in the discount rate of one quarter percent would increase the projected benefit obligation by $5.1 million. The impact of a change in the discount rate of one quarter percent would be either a charge or credit of $0.3 million to earnings in the following year.

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied to the fair market-related value of plan assets.

Stock-Based Compensation

WESCO's stock-based employee compensation plans are comprised of stock-settled stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, and performance-based awards. Compensation cost for all stock-based awards is measured at fair value on the date of grant, and compensation cost is recognized, net of forfeitures, over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of stock-settled appreciation rights and performance-based awards with market conditions is determined using the Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo simulation models, respectively. The fair value of restricted stock units with service conditions and performance-based awards with performance conditions is determined by the grant-date closing price of WESCO's common stock. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of WESCO's common stock. WESCO estimates the expected life of stock-settled stock appreciation rights using historical data pertaining to option exercises and employee terminations. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of grant. The forfeiture assumption is based on WESCO's historical employee behavior, which is reviewed on an annual basis. No dividends are assumed for stock-based awards.

Treasury Stock

Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock, with cost determined on a weighted-average basis.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company measures the fair value of financial assets and liabilities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value and requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:


•	Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.

•

Level 2 inputs include inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of assets or liabilities.


•	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, and outstanding indebtedness. Except for the previously outstanding 2029 Debentures, the reported carrying amounts of WESCO’s debt instruments approximate their fair values. As described in Note 7, the 2029 Debentures were fully redeemed on September 15, 2016. At December 31, 2015, the carrying value of the 2029 Debentures was $177.8 million and the fair value was approximately $514.2 million. The Company uses a market approach to fair value all of its debt instruments, utilizing quoted prices in active markets, interest rates and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving similar instruments. Therefore, all of the Company's debt instruments are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. For all of the Company's remaining financial instruments, carrying values are considered to approximate fair value.

Environmental Expenditures

WESCO has facilities and operations that distribute certain products that must comply with environmental regulations and laws. Expenditures for current operations are expensed or capitalized, as appropriate. Expenditures relating to existing conditions caused by past operations, and that do not contribute to future revenue, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.

Reclassification

Reclassifications

The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 includes certain reclassifications to previously reported amounts to conform to the current period presentation.

During the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted certain accounting pronouncements that were effective beginning this fiscal year. The adoption of such guidance, as described below, resulted in certain reclassifications to amounts previously reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015.

Use of Estimates

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This ASU describes how an entity should assess its ability to meet obligations and sets disclosure requirements for how this information should be disclosed in the financial statements. The standard provides accounting guidance that will be used with existing auditing standards. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on WESCO's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

In April 2015 and August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, and ASU 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. These ASUs simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring that debt issuance costs related to a recognized liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The Company adopted this new guidance on a retrospective basis effective January 1, 2016. Accordingly, the Company reclassified approximately $17.7 million of debt issuance costs from other noncurrent assets to long-term debt in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). This updated guidance removes the requirement to categorize investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value (NAV) per share practical expedient within the fair value hierarchy. The Company adopted this guidance on a retrospective basis effective January 1, 2016. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on WESCO's financial position, results of operations or cash flows; however, this guidance impacted the Company's defined benefit plan disclosure in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as presented herein. Specifically, investments for which fair value is measured using the NAV per share practical expedient were removed from the tabular disclosure of the fair value hierarchy in all periods presented.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This ASU simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. The Company elected to early adopt this ASU on a prospective basis during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on WESCO's financial position and it had no impact on its results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of Effective Date. The Company previously reported that in May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a framework for addressing revenue recognition issues and replaces almost all existing revenue recognition guidance in current U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is for companies to recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 will also result in enhanced disclosures about revenue, provide guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively, and improve guidance for multiple-element arrangements. The amendments in ASU 2015-14 defer the effective date of the new revenue recognition guidance to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. During 2016, the FASB issued four ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance, including ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients and ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. These ASUs do not change the core principles in the revenue recognition standard outlined above. The Company has developed a phased approach to implementing the new standard. We are currently in the assessment phase and cannot reasonably estimate the financial statement impact of the future adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, a comprehensive new standard that amends various aspects of

existing accounting guidance for leases, including the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance

sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after

December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The new leasing standard

requires modified retrospective transition, which requires application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest

comparative period presented in the year of adoption. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on

WESCO's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU affect all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. This ASU will be effective in the first quarter of 2017. The impact of this new guidance is dependent upon future equity award exercises and stock prices, which cannot be predicted. Therefore, the Company is unable to determine the significance of the impact on its reported income taxes or cash flows from operating activities.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which introduces new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on certain financial instruments. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years and early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard on WESCO's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). This ASU provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues where there is diversity in practice. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard on WESCO's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. The purpose of ASU 2016-16 is to simplify the income tax accounting of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory and to record its effect when the transfer occurs. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods and early adoption is permitted. The Company will early adopt this ASU on a modified retrospective basis in the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on WESCO's financial position and it will have no impact on its results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity should apply the amendments in this ASU on a prospective basis. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management has not yet evaluated the impact of this accounting standard on WESCO's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Other pronouncements issued by the FASB or other authoritative accounting standards groups with future effective dates are either not applicable or are not expected to be significant to WESCO’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Revenue Recognition, Rebates [Policy Text Block]

Supplier Volume Rebates

WESCO receives volume rebates from certain suppliers based on contractual arrangements with such suppliers. Volume rebates are included within other accounts receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and represent the estimated amounts due to WESCO under the rebate provisions of the various supplier contracts. The corresponding rebate income is derived from the level of actual purchases made by WESCO and is recorded as a reduction to cost of goods sold. Receivables under the supplier rebate program were $64.2 million at December 31, 2016 and $62.6 million at December 31, 2015. Supplier volume rebate rates have historically ranged between approximately 0.9% and 1.4% of sales depending on market conditions. In 2016, the rebate rate was 1.3%.