1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Gibraltar Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted 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 notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognized when products are shipped or service is provided, the customer takes ownership and assumes the risk of loss, collection of the corresponding receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Sales returns, allowances, and customer incentives are treated as reductions to sales and are provided for based on historical experience and current estimates.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, checking accounts, and all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are composed of trade receivables recorded at the invoiced amount, are expected to be collected within one year, and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company's best estimate of the probable amount of uncollectible accounts in the Company's existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on a number of factors, including experience, credit worthiness of customers, and current market and economic conditions. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts on a regular basis. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The following table summarizes activity recorded within the allowance for doubtful accounts balances for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


		2013			2012			2011
Beginning balance		4,481			4,614			3,504
Bad debt expense		910			920			1,799
Reserves from acquisitions		183			189			896
Accounts written off and other adjustments		(800	)		(1,242	)		(1,585	)
Ending balance	$	4,774		$	4,481		$	4,614

Concentrations of credit risk on accounts receivable are limited to those from significant customers that are believed to be financially sound. The Company typically does not require collateral. Accounts receivable from the Company's most significant customer as a percentage of consolidated accounts receivable as of December 31 was as follows:


	2013		2012
The Home Depot	15.9	%	16.9	%

Net sales to the Company's most significant customer as a percentage of consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31 was as follows:


	2013		2012		2011
The Home Depot	12.3	%	12.4	%	12.5	%

Home Depot is a customer within our Residential Products segment.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined using the first-in, first-out method, or market value. Shipping and handling costs are recognized as a component of cost of sales. The Company records adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value, if required, at the business unit level for estimated excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory. Factors influencing these adjustments include historical and current sales trends. Note 2 "Inventories" contains additional information on the Company's inventory.

Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Interest is capitalized in connection with construction of qualified assets. Expenditures that extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized, while repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The estimated useful lives of land improvements, buildings, and building improvements are 15 to 40 years, while the estimated useful lives for machinery and equipment are 3 to 20 years. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes.

The table below sets forth the amount of interest capitalized and depreciation expense recognized during the years ended December 31 (in thousands):


		2013		2012		2011
Capitalized interest	$	182	$	376	$	250
Depreciation expense	$	20,478	$	19,673	$	19,872

Acquisition related assets and liabilities

Accounting for the acquisition of a business as a purchase transaction requires an allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the transaction at their respective estimated fair values. The most difficult estimations of individual fair values are those involving long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets. The Company uses all available information to make these fair value determinations and, for major business acquisitions, engages independent valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination of the acquired long-lived assets.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis at October 31, or more frequently if an event occurs, or circumstances change, that indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit could be below its carrying amount. The reporting units are at the component level, or one level below the operating segment level. Goodwill is assigned to each reporting unit as of the date the reporting unit is acquired and based upon the expected synergies of the acquisition. The impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of a reporting unit, determined using two valuation techniques, with its carrying amount including goodwill, and, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized for the carrying amount of goodwill in excess of its implied fair value.

The Company also tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of October 31, or more frequently if an event occurs, or circumstances change, that indicate that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset could be below its carrying amount. The impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset, determined using discounted cash flows on a relief-from-royalty basis, with its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized for the carrying amount in excess of its fair value. Acquired identifiable intangible assets are recorded at estimated cost. Identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

Deferred charges

Deferred charges associated with initial costs incurred to enter into new debt arrangements are included in other assets and are amortized as a part of interest expense over the terms of the associated debt agreements. Portions of these deferred financing charges were written off as a result of entering into amended and restated credit agreements and the redemption and reissuance of bonds as discussed in Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Long-lived assets, including acquired identifiable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable. The Company uses undiscounted cash flows to determine whether impairment exists and measures any impairment loss by approximating fair value using acceptable valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models and third-party appraisals. The Company recognized impairment charges related to intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. In addition, the Company recognized a number of impairment charges related to restructuring plans during the three year period ended December 31, 2013 as described in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements.

Advertising

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. For the years December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, advertising costs were $4.4 million, $3.6 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

Foreign currency transactions and translation

The assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period.

Income taxes

The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach. Under this approach, deferred income taxes represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets when uncertainty exists regarding their realization.

Equity-based compensation

The Company measures the cost of equity-based compensation based on grant date fair value and recognizes the cost over the period in which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Equity-based compensation consists of grants of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance stock units. Equity-based compensation expense is included as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Company's equity-based compensation plans are discussed in more detail in Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) – Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" (Topic 220 Update). The amendments in Topic 220 Update require a company to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) on the respective line items in net income if the amount is required by U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For amounts not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012 and are to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted Topic 220 Update 2013-02 prospectively in 2013 and its adoption does not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) – Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity" (Topic 830 Update). The amendments in Topic 830 Update require a company to release the cumulative translation adjustment into net income upon the loss of a controlling financial interest in a foreign subsidiary or group of assets. The amendments are effective prospectively beginning after December 15, 2013, and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted Topic 830 Update 2013-05 prospectively in 2013 and its adoption does not have a material impact of the Company's consolidated financial results.