The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 8 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Company Overview
Our 2019 financial results reflect record sales with growth in our end markets
and geographies, a challenging pricing environment, and effective capital
deployment. Sales increased $182.3 million, or 2.2%, over the prior year.
Foreign exchange rates and the number of workdays negatively impacted net sales
by 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively, and were partially offset by the positive 0.8%
impact from acquisitions, resulting in organic sales growth of 2.6%. Cost of
goods sold as a percentage of net sales was 81.1% and 80.8% in 2019 and 2018,
respectively. Operating income was $346.2 million for 2019, compared to $352.4
million for 2018. Adjusted for $3.1 million of transaction costs related to our
merger with Anixter, announced on January 10, 2020, operating income was $349.3
million for 2019. Net income attributable to WESCO International for 2019 and
2018 was $223.4 million and $227.3 million, respectively. Earnings per diluted
share attributable to WESCO International was $5.14 in 2019, based on 43.5
million diluted shares, compared with earnings per diluted share of $4.82 in
2018, based on 47.2 million diluted shares. Excluding the impact of the
merger-related transaction costs of $0.06, adjusted earnings per diluted share
for 2019 was a record $5.20.
We provide a full-line of electrical, industrial and communications MRO and OEM
products, construction materials, and advanced supply chain management and
logistics services to customers globally. Approximately 75% of our sales in 2019
were from customers in the United States and 25% were from international
customers, primarily in Canada. Our end markets consist of industrial firms,
electrical and data communications contractors, utilities, and commercial
organizations, institutions and government entities. Our transaction types to
these markets can be categorized as stock, direct ship and special order. Stock
orders are filled directly from existing inventory and represent approximately
52% of total sales. Approximately 37% of our total sales are direct ship sales.
Direct ship sales are typically custom-built products, large orders or products
that are too bulky to easily handle and, as a result, are shipped directly to
the customer from the supplier. Special orders are for products that are not
ordinarily stocked in inventory and are ordered based on a customer's specific
request. Special orders represent the remaining 11% of total sales.
We have historically financed our working capital requirements, capital
expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases and new branch openings through
internally-generated cash flow, debt issuances, borrowings under our Revolving
Credit Facility and funding through our Receivables Facility. We expect to
finance the Anixter merger utilizing new debt issuances, borrowings under our
existing Receivables Facility and a new asset based revolving credit facility.
We also expect to offer additional shares of WESCO common stock and / or other
equity or equity-linked securities to fund a portion of the consideration for
the merger.
Cash Flow
We generated $224.4 million in operating cash flow during 2019. Cash provided by
operating activities included net income of $222.2 million, adjustments to net
income totaling $83.2 million, which were offset by changes in assets and
liabilities of $81.0 million. Investing activities primarily included $44.1
million of capital expenditures, $27.6 million to acquire Sylvania Lighting
Services Corp. ("SLS") and $16.8 million of proceeds from the sale of assets.
Financing activities consisted of borrowings and repayments of $715.4 million
and $767.4 million, respectively, related to our Revolving Credit Facility,
borrowings and repayments of $590.0 million and $450.0 million, respectively,
related to our Receivables Facility, $24.8 million applied to fully repaying our
Term Loan Facility, as well as net repayments on our various international lines
of credit of $5.0 million. Additionally, financing activities for 2019 included
the repurchase of $150.0 million of the Company's common stock pursuant to the
share repurchase plan announced on December 13, 2017 and amended on October 31,
2018.
Free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $180.3 million
and $260.5 million, respectively.
The following table sets forth the components of free cash flow:
                                    Twelve Months Ended
                                       December 31,
                                     2019          2018
(In millions)
Cash flow provided by operations $    224.4      $ 296.7
Less: Capital expenditures            (44.1 )      (36.2 )
Free cash flow                   $    180.3      $ 260.5



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Note: The table above reconciles cash flow provided by operations to free cash
flow. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure of liquidity. Capital
expenditures are deducted from operating cash flow to determine free cash flow.
Free cash flow is available to fund investing and financing activities.
Financing Availability
As of December 31, 2019, we had $563.8 million in total available borrowing
capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility, which was comprised of $381.4
million of availability under the U.S. sub-facility and $182.4 million of
availability under the Canadian sub-facility. Available borrowing capacity under
our Receivables Facility was $185.0 million. These debt facilities were amended
and restated in September 2019. The Revolving Credit Facility and the
Receivables Facility mature in September 2024 and September 2022, respectively.
See Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further
information regarding these facilities.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations
are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to
make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those
related to supplier programs, bad debts, inventories, insurance costs, goodwill,
income taxes, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical
experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable
under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making
judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not
readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected
by management, additional adjustments to reserve items may be required. We
believe the following critical accounting policies affect our judgments and
estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenue arrangements generally consist of single performance obligations to
transfer a promised good or service, or a combination of goods and services.
Revenue is recognized when control has transferred to the customer, which is
generally when the product has shipped from one of our facilities or directly
from a supplier. For products that ship directly from suppliers to customers, we
act as the principal in the transaction and recognize revenue on a gross basis.
Revenue for integrated supply services is recognized over time based on hours
incurred as the transfer of control occurs as the services are being performed.
We generally satisfy our performance obligations within a year or less.
We generally do not have significant financing terms associated with our
contracts; payments are normally received within 60 days. There are generally no
significant costs associated with obtaining customer contracts. We generally
pass through warranties offered by manufacturers or suppliers to our customers.
Sales taxes (and value added taxes in foreign jurisdictions) collected from
customers and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from net sales.
Supplier Volume Rebates
We receive rebates from certain suppliers based on contractual arrangements with
such suppliers. Since there is a lag between actual purchases and the rebates
received from suppliers, we estimate and accrue the approximate amount of
rebates available at a specific date based on forecasted purchases and the
rebate provisions of the various supplier contracts. We record the amounts as
other accounts receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the
corresponding rebate income is recorded as a reduction to cost of goods sold.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from
the inability of our customers to make required payments. We have a systematic
procedure using historical data and reasonable assumptions of collectability
made at the local branch level and on a consolidated corporate basis to estimate
allowances for doubtful accounts.
Excess and Obsolete Inventory
We write down our inventories to the lower of cost and net realizable value
based on internal factors derived from historical analysis of actual losses. We
use past data to identify items in excess of 36 months supply relative to demand
or movement. We then analyze the ultimate disposition of identified excess
inventories as they are sold, returned to supplier, or scrapped. This historical
item-by-item analysis allows us to develop an estimate of the likelihood that an
item identified as being in excess supply ultimately becomes obsolete. We apply
the estimate to inventories currently in excess of 36 months supply, and reduce
the carrying value of inventories by the derived amount. We revisit and test our
assumptions on a periodic basis. Historically, we have not had material changes
to our assumptions.

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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. We test 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, including
expected operating margin and discount rate, are based on a combination of
historical results, current forecasts, market data and recent economic events.
We evaluate 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 we
apply our best judgment when assessing the reasonableness of financial
projections. Fair values 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.
We performed our annual impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangible assets during the fourth quarter. A possible indicator of goodwill
impairment is the relationship of a company's market capitalization to its book
value. As of December 31, 2019, our market capitalization exceeded our book
value and the fair values of our reporting units exceeded their carrying values.
Accordingly, there were no impairment losses identified as a result of our
annual test.
Intangible Assets
We account for certain economic benefits purchased as a result of our
acquisitions, including customer relations, distribution agreements, technology
and trademarks, as intangible assets. Most trademarks have an indefinite life.
We amortize all other intangible assets over a useful life determined by the
expected cash flows produced by such intangibles and their respective tax
benefits. Useful lives vary between 5 and 20 years, depending on the specific
intangible asset.
Income Taxes
We account 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.
We recognize 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. We regularly
assess the realizability of deferred tax assets.
We account 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. We recognize interest and penalties related to
uncertain tax benefits as part of interest expense and income tax expense,
respectively.
The TCJA imposed a one-time tax on the deemed repatriation of undistributed
foreign earnings (the "transition tax"). Except for a portion of the previously
taxed foreign earnings that have been repatriated, we continue to assert that
the remaining undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, the majority
of which were subject to the transition tax, are indefinitely reinvested. We
believe we are able to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity for our domestic
operations and commitments without repatriating cash held by these foreign
subsidiaries. Upon any future repatriation, additional tax expense or benefit
may be incurred; however, we do not believe such amount would be material.
The provisions of the TCJA also introduced U.S. taxation on certain global
intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI"). We have elected to account for GILTI tax
as a component of income tax expense.
Future adjustments (if any) resulting from additional regulatory guidance
regarding the accounting for the income tax effects of TCJA will be recognized
as discrete income tax expense or benefit in the period in which guidance is
issued.

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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to net sales of
certain items in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
for the periods presented:
                                                         Year Ended December 31,
                                                    2019           2018          2017
Net sales                                           100.0 %         100.0 %       100.0 %
Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and
amortization)                                        81.1            80.8   

80.7


Selling, general and administrative expenses         14.0            14.1          14.3
Depreciation and amortization                         0.8             0.8           0.8
Income from operations                                4.1             4.3           4.2
Net interest and other                                0.7             0.9           0.9
Income before income taxes                            3.4             3.4           3.3
Provision for income taxes                            0.7             0.6           1.2
Net income attributable to WESCO International        2.7 %           2.8 % 

2.1 %




2019 Compared to 2018
Net Sales. Net sales in 2019 increased 2.2% to $8.4 billion, compared with $8.2
billion in 2018. Organic sales for 2019 grew by 2.6% as foreign exchange rates
and the number of workdays negatively impacted net sales by 0.8% and 0.4%,
respectively, and were partially offset by the positive 0.8% impact from
acquisitions.
The following table sets forth organic sales growth:
                                            Twelve Months Ended
                                               December 31,
Organic Sales Growth:                              2019
  Change in net sales                                2.2  %
  Less: Impact from acquisitions                     0.8  %
  Less: Impact from foreign exchange rates          (0.8 )%
  Less: Impact from number of workdays              (0.4 )%
    Organic sales growth                             2.6  %


Note: Organic sales growth is a non-GAAP financial measure of sales performance.
Organic sales growth is calculated by deducting the percentage impact from
acquisitions in the first year of ownership, foreign exchange rates and number
of workdays from the overall percentage change in consolidated net sales.
Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold for 2019 was $6.8 billion, compared to
$6.6 billion for 2018. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales was 81.1%
and 80.8% in 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of
net sales was negatively impacted by a challenging pricing environment, as well
as business mix.
Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses. SG&A expenses include
costs associated with personnel, shipping and handling, travel, advertising,
facilities, utilities and bad debts. SG&A expenses for 2019 were $1.2 billion,
an increase of $21.2 million, or 1.8%, from 2018. SG&A expenses as a percentage
of net sales improved to 14.0% in 2019 from 14.1% in 2018. The increase in SG&A
expenses reflects the impact of the SLS acquisition and transactions costs
related to our merger with Anixter, partially offset by lower variable payroll
expenses and the absence of a bad debt charge that was recorded in the prior
year.
SG&A payroll expenses for 2019 of $812.9 million increased by $8.7 million
compared to 2018. The increase in SG&A payroll expenses was primarily due to
wage inflation and the impact of the SLS acquisition, which were partially
offset by lower variable compensation expense and benefit costs.
The remaining SG&A expenses for 2019 of $360.2 million increased by $12.4
million compared to 2018. The increase in the remaining SG&A expenses was
primarily due to the impact of the SLS acquisition.

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Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $0.9
million to $62.1 million in 2019, compared with $63.0 million in 2018.
Income from Operations. Income from operations decreased by $6.2 million to
$346.2 million in 2019, compared to $352.4 million in 2018. Income from
operations as a percentage of net sales was 4.1% and 4.3% in 2019 and 2018,
respectively. Adjusted for merger-related transaction costs of $3.1 million,
income from operations was $349.3 million for 2019, or 4.2% of net sales.
Net Interest and Other. Net interest and other totaled $64.2 million in 2019,
compared with $71.4 million in 2018, a decrease of 10.2%. The resolution of
transfer pricing matters associated with the Canadian taxing authority resulted
in non-cash interest income of $3.7 million for the year ended December 31,
2019. For the year ended December 31, 2018, net interest and other includes a
foreign exchange loss of $3.0 million from the remeasurement of a financial
instrument, as well as accelerated amortization of debt discount and debt
issuance costs totaling $0.8 million due to early repayments of our then
outstanding term loan facility.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate was 21.2% in 2019 compared to 19.8% in
2018. The higher effective tax rate in the current year is primarily due to the
full application of the international provisions of U.S. tax reform.
Net Income. Net income decreased by $3.2 million, or 1.4%, to $222.2 million in
2019, compared to $225.4 million in 2018.
Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. Net loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests in 2019 and 2018 was $1.2 million and $2.0 million,
respectively.
Net Income Attributable to WESCO International. Net income and earnings per
diluted share attributable to WESCO International were $223.4 million and $5.14
per share, respectively, in 2019, compared with $227.3 million and $4.82 per
share, respectively, in 2018. Adjusted net income and earnings per diluted share
attributable to WESCO International were $225.9 million and $5.20 per share,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The following table sets forth adjusted net income attributable to WESCO
International and adjusted earnings per diluted share:
                                         Twelve Months Ended
                                    December 31,       December 31,
Adjusted Income from Operations:        2019               2018

Income from operations           $     346.2          $       352.4
Merger-related transaction costs         3.1                      -

Adjusted income from operations $ 349.3 $ 352.4




                                                                Twelve Months Ended
                                                         December 31,         December 31,
Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes:                         2019           

2018



Provision for income taxes                            $           59.9     $           55.7
Income tax effect of merger-related transaction costs              0.6                    -
Adjusted provision for income taxes                   $           60.5     $           55.7



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                                                             Twelve Months Ended
                                                      December 31,         December 31,
Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share:                      2019              

2018



Adjusted income from operations                    $          349.3      $  

352.4


Net interest and other                                         64.1         

71.4


Adjusted income before income taxes                           285.2         

281.0


Adjusted provision for income taxes                            60.5         

55.7


Adjusted net income                                           224.7         

225.3


Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests              (1.2 )               (2.0 )
Adjusted net income attributable to WESCO
International, Inc.                                $          225.9      $         227.3

Diluted shares                                                 43.5                 47.2
Adjusted earnings per diluted share                $           5.20      $  

4.82




Note: Income from operations, the provision for income taxes and earnings per
diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2019 are adjusted to exclude $3.1
million of Anixter merger-related transaction costs and the related income tax
effect. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide a better
understanding of our financial results on a comparable basis.
2018 Compared to 2017
Net Sales. Net sales in 2018 increased 6.5% to $8.2 billion, compared with $7.7
billion in 2017. Foreign exchange rates positively impacted net sales by 0.3%,
resulting in organic sales growth of 6.2%.
The following table sets forth organic sales growth:
                                            Twelve Months Ended
                                               December 31,
Organic Sales Growth:                              2018
  Change in net sales                                  6.5 %
  Less: Impact from acquisitions                         - %
  Less: Impact from foreign exchange rates             0.3 %
  Less: Impact from number of workdays                   - %
    Organic sales growth                               6.2 %


Note: Organic sales growth is a non-GAAP financial measure of sales performance.
Organic sales growth is calculated by deducting the percentage impact from
acquisitions in the first year of ownership, foreign exchange rates and number
of workdays from the overall percentage change in consolidated net sales.
Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold increased 6.7% in 2018 to $6.6 billion,
compared with $6.2 billion in 2017. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net
sales was 80.8% and 80.7% in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cost of goods sold as
a percentage of net sales was positively impacted by our ability to effectively
pass through supplier price increases to customers and margin improvement
initiatives. These benefits were offset by a reclassification of certain labor
costs from selling, general and administrative expenses to cost of goods sold.
SG&A Expenses. SG&A expenses include costs associated with personnel, shipping
and handling, travel, advertising, facilities, utilities and bad debts. SG&A
expenses increased by $50.3 million, or 4.6%, to $1.2 billion in 2018. SG&A
expenses increased primarily as a result of higher payroll expenses and higher
operating costs, which were required to support sales volume growth. SG&A
expenses as a percentage of net sales improved to 14.1% in 2018 from 14.3% in
2017.
SG&A payroll expenses for 2018 of $804.2 million increased by $27.9 million
compared to 2017. The increase in SG&A payroll expenses was primarily due to
increases in salaries, variable compensation and healthcare benefits, which were
partially offset by a reclassification of certain labor costs from selling,
general and administrative expenses to cost of goods sold.

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The remaining SG&A expenses for 2018 of $347.8 million increased by $22.5
million compared to 2017. The increase in the remaining SG&A expenses was
primarily due to higher costs driven by sales volume growth and a bad debt
charge related to a Canadian customer that ceased operations. These increases
were partially offset by gains from the sale of certain long-lived assets.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $1.0
million to $63.0 million in 2018, compared with $64.0 million in 2017.
Income from Operations. Income from operations increased by $33.4 million to
$352.4 million in 2018, compared to $319.0 million in 2017. Income from
operations as a percentage of net sales was 4.3% and 4.2% in 2018 and 2017,
respectively. Income from operations as a percentage of net sales increased
primarily as a result of higher sales volume, as well as operational
efficiencies and cost discipline.
Net Interest and Other. Net interest and other totaled $71.4 million in 2018,
compared with $66.6 million in 2017, an increase of 7.2%. The increase was
primarily due to a foreign exchange loss of approximately $3.0 million from the
remeasurement of a financial instrument, as well as accelerated amortization of
debt discount and debt issuance costs due to early repayments on our term loan
facility.
Income Taxes. Our effective tax rate was 19.8% in 2018 compared to 35.4% in
2017. The lower effective tax rate for 2018 was primarily due to the permanent
reduction of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21%,
effective January 1, 2018, as well as accounting for the income tax effects of
the TCJA. In 2017, the effective tax rate was negatively impacted by the
discrete income tax expense of $26.4 million related to the application of the
TCJA.
Net Income. Net income increased by $62.2 million, or 38.1%, to $225.4 million
in 2018, compared to $163.1 million in 2017. The increase in net income was
primarily due higher sales volume and lower income taxes.
Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. Net loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests in 2018 and 2017 was $2.0 million and $0.3 million,
respectively. The change in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
was primarily due to the effect of foreign currency.
Net Income Attributable to WESCO International. Net income and earnings per
diluted share attributable to WESCO International were $227.3 million and $4.82
per share, respectively, in 2018, compared with $163.5 million and $3.38 per
share, respectively, in 2017.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Total assets were $5.0 billion and $4.6 billion at December 31, 2019 and 2018,
respectively. Total liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $2.8 billion
and $2.5 billion, respectively. Total stockholders' equity was $2.3 billion and
$2.1 billion at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The following table sets forth our outstanding indebtedness:
                                                              As of December 31,
                                                              2019          2018
                                                                 (In millions)
International lines of credit                              $    26.3     $  

30.8


Term Loan Facility, less debt discount of $0.2 in 2018             -        

24.6


Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility                    415.0         275.0
Revolving Credit Facility                                          -          51.6
5.375% Senior Notes due 2021                                   500.0         500.0
5.375% Senior Notes due 2024                                   350.0         350.0
Capital leases                                                   1.3           1.1
Total debt                                                   1,292.6       1,233.1
Less unamortized debt issuance costs                            (8.8 )        (9.6 )
Less short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt     (26.7 )       (56.2 )
Total long-term debt                                       $ 1,257.1     $ 1,167.3



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The required annual principal repayments for all indebtedness for the next five
years and thereafter, as of December 31, 2019, is set forth in the following
table:
(In millions)
2020                   $    26.7
2021                       500.9
2022                       415.0
2023                           -
2024                       350.0
Thereafter                     -

Total payments on debt $ 1,292.6




Our liquidity needs generally arise from fluctuations in our working capital
requirements, capital expenditures, acquisitions and debt service obligations.
As of December 31, 2019, we had $563.8 million in available borrowing capacity
under our Revolving Credit Facility and $185.0 million in available borrowing
capacity under our Receivables Facility, which combined with available cash of
$74.4 million, provided liquidity of $823.2 million. Cash included in our
determination of liquidity represents cash in deposit and interest bearing
investment accounts. We believe cash provided by operations and financing
activities will be adequate to cover our current operational and business needs.
We monitor the depository institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents
on a regular basis, and we believe that we have placed our deposits with
creditworthy financial institutions. We also communicate on a regular basis with
our lenders regarding our financial and working capital performance, liquidity
position and financial leverage. Our financial leverage ratio was 2.8 and 2.7 as
of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. In addition, we are in compliance
with all covenants and restrictions contained in our debt agreements as of
December 31, 2019.
The following table sets forth the Company's financial leverage ratio as of
December 31, 2019 and 2018:
                                                     Twelve months ended
                                          December 31, 2019      December 31, 2018
(In millions, except ratios)
Net income                               $             222.2    $             225.4
Provision for income taxes                              59.9                   55.7
Net interest and other                                  64.2                   71.4
Depreciation and amortization                           62.1                   63.0
EBITDA                                   $             408.4    $             415.5

                                          December 31, 2019      December 31, 2018
Short-term borrowings and current debt   $              26.7    $           

56.2


Long-term debt                                       1,257.1                

1,167.3


Debt discount and debt issuance costs(1)                 8.8                

9.6


Total debt                                           1,292.6                

1,233.1


Less: cash and cash equivalents                        150.9                   96.3
Total debt, net of cash                  $           1,141.7    $           1,136.8

Financial leverage ratio                                 2.8                    2.7

(1) Debt is presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of debt discount

and debt issuance costs.




Note: Financial leverage is a non-GAAP financial measure of the use of debt.
Financial leverage ratio is calculated by dividing total debt, including debt
discount and debt issuance costs, by EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as the trailing
twelve months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

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At December 31, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling $150.9 million,
of which $111.0 million was held by foreign subsidiaries. As a result of the
TCJA, we reevaluated our intent and ability to repatriate foreign earnings based
upon the liquidity of our domestic operations and the cash flow needs of our
foreign subsidiaries. Consequently, during the years ended December 31, 2019 and
2018, we repatriated a portion of the previously taxed earnings attributable to
our foreign operations. We continue to assert that the remaining undistributed
earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, the majority of which were subject to the
one-time tax imposed by the TCJA, are indefinitely reinvested. We believe that
we are able to maintain a sufficient level of liquidity for our domestic
operations and commitments without repatriating cash held by these foreign
subsidiaries. Upon any future repatriation, additional tax expense or benefit
may be incurred; however, we do not believe such amount would be material.
Over the next several quarters, we plan to closely manage working capital, and
it is expected that excess cash and amounts available under our Receivables
Facility will be used to fund our merger with Anixter. Between signing and
closing of the Anixter merger, we expect to use excess cash to repay
indebtedness. After closing, it is expected that excess liquidity will be
directed primarily at debt reduction and costs related to the integration
process. We remain focused on maintaining ample liquidity and credit
availability. We anticipate capital expenditures in 2020 to be similar to 2019.
We believe our balance sheet and ability to generate ample cash flow provide us
with a durable business model and should allow us to fund expansion needs and
growth initiatives.
We finance our operating and investing needs as follows:
International Lines of Credit
Certain of our foreign subsidiaries have entered into uncommitted lines of
credit, some of which are overdraft facilities, to support local operations. The
maximum borrowing limit varies by facility and ranges between $2.0 million and
$21.0 million. The applicable interest rate for borrowings under these lines of
credit varies by country and is governed by the applicable loan agreement. The
international lines of credit are renewable on an annual basis and certain
facilities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by WESCO Distribution.
Accordingly, borrowings under these lines directly reduce availability under the
Revolving Credit Facility. The average interest rate for these facilities was
6.32% and 8.78% at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Term Loan Facility
On December 12, 2012, WESCO Distribution, as U.S. borrower, WDCC Enterprises
Inc. ("WDCC" and together with WESCO Distribution, the "Borrowers"), as Canadian
borrower, and WESCO International entered into a Term Loan Agreement (the "Term
Loan Agreement") among WESCO Distribution, WDCC, the Company, the lenders party
thereto and Credit Suisse AG Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent and
as collateral agent.
The Term Loan Agreement provided a seven-year term loan facility (the "Term Loan
Facility"), which consisted of two separate sub-facilities: (i) a Canadian
sub-facility in an aggregate principal amount of CAD150 million, issued at a
2.0% discount, and (ii) a U.S. sub-facility in an aggregate principal amount of
$700 million, issued at a 1.0% discount. The proceeds of the Term Loan Facility
were used to finance the acquisition of EECOL, and to pay fees and expenses
incurred in connection with the acquisition and certain other transactions.
Subject to the terms of the Term Loan Agreement, the Borrowers could request
incremental term loans from time to time in an aggregate principal amount not to
exceed at any time $300 million, with an equivalent principal amount in U.S.
dollars being calculated for any incremental term loan denominated in Canadian
dollars.
On November 19, 2013, the Borrowers and WESCO International entered into an
amendment (the "Term Loan Amendment") to the Term Loan Agreement. The Term Loan
Amendment, among other things, reduced the applicable margin on U.S. term loans
by 0.50% and the LIBOR floor applicable to the U.S. sub-facility from 1.00% to
0.75%. The modified pricing terms were effective December 13, 2013.
On November 26, 2013, WESCO Distribution sold $500 million aggregate principal
amount of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2021 (the "2021 Notes"), and used the net
proceeds plus excess cash to prepay $500 million under the Company's U.S.
sub-facility of the Term Loan Facility (see discussion below under "5.375%
Senior Notes due 2021" for additional information). The prepayment satisfied all
remaining quarterly repayment obligations under the U.S. sub-facility. The
Canadian sub-facility was fully repaid in 2015 and the remaining amount
outstanding under the U.S. sub-facility was fully repaid in the first quarter of
2019.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
On September 26, 2019, WESCO Distribution amended its accounts receivable
securitization facility (the "Receivables Facility") pursuant to the terms and
conditions of a Ninth Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Receivables
Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2019 (the "Receivables
Amendment"), by and among WESCO Receivables Corp. ("WESCO Receivables"), WESCO
Distribution, the various purchaser groups from time to time party thereto and
PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator. The Receivables Amendment
amended the amended and restated receivables purchase agreement entered into on
September 24, 2015 (the "Existing Receivables Purchase Agreement" and as amended
by the Receivables Amendment, the "Receivables Purchase Agreement").

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The Receivables Amendment increased the purchase limit under the Existing
Receivables Purchase Agreement from $550 million to$600 million, with the
opportunity to exercise an accordion feature that permits increases in the
purchase limit of up to $200 million, extended the term of the Receivables
Facility to September 26, 2022 and added and amended certain defined terms. The
interest rate spread and commitment fee of the Receivables Facility is 0.95% and
0.45%, respectively.
Under the Receivables Facility, we sell, on a continuous basis, an undivided
interest in all domestic accounts receivable to WESCO Receivables, a wholly
owned special purpose entity (the "SPE"). The SPE sells, without recourse, a
senior undivided interest in the receivables to financial institutions for cash
while maintaining a subordinated undivided interest in the receivables, in the
form of overcollateralization. Since we maintain control of the transferred
receivables, the transfers do not qualify for "sale" treatment. As a result, the
transferred receivables and related secured borrowings remain on the balance
sheet. We have agreed to continue servicing the sold receivables for the
third-party conduits and financial institutions at market rates; accordingly, no
servicing asset or liability has been recorded.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, accounts receivable eligible for
securitization totaled $809.5 million and $758.3 million, respectively. The
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 include $415.0
million and $275.0 million, respectively, of account receivable balances legally
sold to third parties, as well as borrowings for equal amounts. At December 31,
2019, the interest rate for this facility was approximately 2.0%.
Revolving Credit Facility
On September 26, 2019, WESCO International, WESCO Distribution and certain other
subsidiaries of the Company entered into a $600 million revolving credit
facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") as a replacement of its existing
revolving credit facility entered into on September 24, 2015. The Revolving
Credit Facility contains a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $125 million,
pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Third Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2019 (the "Credit Agreement"). The
Revolving Credit Facility contains an accordion feature allowing WESCO
Distribution to request increases to the borrowing commitments under the
Revolving Credit Facility of up to $200 million in the aggregate, subject to
customary conditions.
The Revolving Credit Facility matures in September 2024 and is collateralized by
(i) substantially all assets of WESCO Distribution and its subsidiaries which
are party to the Credit Agreement, other than, among other things, real property
and accounts receivable sold or intended to be sold pursuant to WESCO
Distribution's Receivables Facility, and (ii) substantially all assets of WESCO
Canada and the other Canadian Borrowers, other than, among other things, real
property, in each case, subject to customary exceptions and limitations. The
obligations of WESCO Distribution and the other U.S. Borrowers under the
Revolving Credit Facility have been guaranteed by the Company and certain of
WESCO Distribution's subsidiaries. The obligations of WESCO Canada and the other
Canadian Borrowers under the Revolving Credit Facility have been guaranteed by
certain subsidiaries of WESCO Canada and the other Canadian Borrowers. The
applicable interest rate for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility
includes interest rate spreads based on available borrowing capacity that range
between 1.25% and 1.50% for LIBOR-based borrowings and 0.25% and 0.50% for prime
rate-based borrowings. At December 31, 2019, the interest rate for this facility
was approximately1.6%.
The Credit Agreement requires compliance with conditions precedent that must be
satisfied prior to any borrowing as well as ongoing compliance with certain
customary affirmative and negative covenants. The Credit Agreement contains
customary events of default.
During 2019, WESCO borrowed $715.4 million under the Revolving Credit Facility
and made repayments in the aggregate amount of $767.4 million. During 2018,
aggregate borrowings and repayments were $473.1 million and $433.5 million,
respectively. We had $563.8 million available under the Revolving Credit
facility at December 31, 2019, after giving effect to $28.4 million of
outstanding letters of credit, $36.1 million of surety bonds, and $7.8 million
of other reserves, as compared to $515.9 million available under the Revolving
Credit facility at December 31, 2018, after giving effect to $27.2 million of
outstanding letters of credit, $19.5 million of surety bonds, and $5.3 million
of other reserves.
5.375% Senior Notes due 2021
In November 2013, WESCO Distribution issued $500 million aggregate principal
amount of 2021 Notes through a private offering exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
The 2021 Notes were issued at 100% of par and are governed by an indenture (the
"2021 Indenture") entered into on November 26, 2013 between WESCO International
and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The 2021 Notes are unsecured
senior obligations of WESCO Distribution and are guaranteed on a senior
unsecured basis by WESCO International. The 2021 Notes bear interest at a stated
rate of 5.375%, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of
each year. In addition, WESCO incurred costs related to the issuance of the 2021
Notes totaling $8.4 million, which were recorded as a reduction to the carrying
value of the debt and are being amortized over the life of the notes. The 2021
Notes mature on December 15, 2021. The net proceeds of the 2021 Notes were used
to prepay a portion of the U.S. sub-facility of the term loan due 2019.

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Under the terms of a registration rights agreement dated as of November 26, 2013
among WESCO Distribution, WESCO International and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner
& Smith Incorporated, as the representative of the initial purchasers of the
2021 Notes, WESCO Distribution and WESCO International agreed to register under
the Securities Act notes having terms identical in all material respects to the
2021 Notes (the "2021 Exchange Notes") and to make an offer to exchange the 2021
Exchange Notes for the 2021 Notes. WESCO Distribution launched the exchange
offer on June 12, 2014 and the exchange offer expired on July 17, 2014.
At any time WESCO Distribution may redeem all or a part of the 2021 Notes. On
and after December 15, 2019, WESCO Distribution may redeem all or a part of the
2021 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount.
The 2021 Indenture contains customary covenants and customary events of default.
In addition, upon a change of control, the holders of 2021 Notes have the right
to require WESCO Distribution to repurchase all or any part of the 2021 Notes at
a redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and
unpaid interest.
5.375% Senior Notes due 2024
In June 2016, WESCO Distribution issued $350 million aggregate principal amount
of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "2024 Notes") through a private offering
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The 2024 Notes
were issued at 100% of par and are governed by an indenture (the "2024
Indenture") entered into on June 15, 2016 among WESCO Distribution, as issuer,
WESCO International, as parent guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as
trustee. The 2024 Notes are unsecured senior obligations of WESCO Distribution
and are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by WESCO International. The 2024
Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in
arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year. WESCO incurred costs totaling
$6.0 million to issue the 2024 Notes, which were recorded as a reduction to the
carrying value of the debt and are being amortized over the life of the note.
The notes mature on June 15, 2024. The Company used the net proceeds to redeem
its 6.0% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2029 on September 15, 2016.
Under the terms of a registration rights agreement dated as of June 15, 2016
among WESCO Distribution, as the issuer, WESCO International, as parent
guarantor, and Goldman, Sachs & Co., as representative of the initial purchasers
of the 2024 Notes, WESCO Distribution and WESCO International agreed to register
under the Securities Act notes having terms identical in all material respects
to the 2024 Notes (the "2024 Exchange Notes") and to make an offer to exchange
the 2024 Exchange Notes for the 2024 Notes. WESCO Distribution launched the
exchange offer on December 28, 2016 and the exchange offer expired on January
31, 2017.
At any time on or after June 15, 2019, WESCO Distribution may redeem all or a
part of the 2024 Notes. Between June 15, 2019 and June 14, 2020, WESCO
Distribution may redeem all or a part of the 2024 Notes at a redemption price
equal to 104.031% of the principal amount. Between June 15, 2020 and June 14,
2021, WESCO Distribution may redeem all or a part of the 2024 Notes at a
redemption price equal to 102.688% of the principal amount. Between June 15,
2021 and June 14, 2022, WESCO Distribution may redeem all or a part of the 2024
Notes at a redemption price equal to 101.344% of the principal amount. On and
after June 15, 2022, WESCO Distribution may redeem all or a part of the 2024
Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount.
The 2024 Indenture contains customary covenants and events of default. Upon a
change of control, the holders of the 2024 Notes have the right to require WESCO
Distribution to repurchase all or any part of the 2024 Notes at a redemption
price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest.
Covenant Compliance
We were in compliance with all relevant covenants and restrictions contained in
our debt agreements as of December 31, 2019.
Cash Flow
An analysis of cash flows for 2019 and 2018 follows:
Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities for 2019 totaled
$224.4 million, compared with $296.7 million of cash generated in 2018. Cash
provided by operating activities included net income of $222.2 million and
adjustments to net income totaling $83.2 million. Sources of cash in 2019 were
generated from an increase in accounts payable of $23.5 million and a decrease
in trade accounts receivable of $11.5 million. Primary uses of cash in 2019
included: an increase in inventories of $47.3 million; a decrease in accrued
payroll and benefit costs of $39.1 million; an increase in other current and
noncurrent assets of $28.8 million; and, a decrease in other current and
noncurrent liabilities of $0.8 million.
Cash provided by operating activities for 2018 totaled $296.7 million, compared
with $149.1 million of cash generated in 2017. Cash provided by operating
activities included net income of $225.4 million and adjustments to net income
totaling $84.9 million. Sources of cash in 2018 were generated from an increase
in accrued payroll and benefit costs related to incentive compensation of $18.8
million, and an increase in accounts payable of $9.2 million. Primary uses of
cash in 2018 included a $22.9 million and

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a $8.7 million increase in trade accounts receivable and inventories,
respectively, as a result of sales growth, an increase in other current and
noncurrent assets of $4.3 million, and a decrease in other current and
noncurrent liabilities of $5.7 million.
Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities in 2019 was $60.8
million, compared with $34.1 million in 2018. Capital expenditures in 2019 of
$44.1 million increased from $36.2 million in 2018 to support the growth of our
business. Included in 2019 were payments of $27.6 million for the acquisition of
SLS. Proceeds from the sale of assets were $16.8 million and $12.5 million in
2019 and 2018, respectively. Other investing activities in 2019 included $5.9
million of cash outflows.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2018 was $34.1 million, compared with
$5.3 million in 2017. Capital expenditures in 2018 of $36.2 million increased
from $21.5 million in 2017 to support the growth of our business. Proceeds from
the sale of assets were $12.5 million and $6.8 million in 2018 and 2017,
respectively. Other investing activities in 2018 included $10.4 million of cash
outflows, the majority of which was for the purchase of a foreign investment.
Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities in 2019 was $109.8
million, compared with $275.1 million in 2018. During 2019, financing activities
consisted of borrowings and repayments of $715.4 million and $767.4 million,
respectively, related to our Revolving Credit Facility, borrowings and
repayments of $590.0 million and $450.0 million, respectively, related to our
Receivables Facility, $24.8 million applied to fully repaying our Term Loan
Facility, as well as net repayments of $5.0 million related to our various
international lines of credit. Additionally, financing activities for
2019 included the repurchase of $150.0 million of the Company's common stock
pursuant to the share repurchase plan announced on December 13, 2017 and amended
on October 31, 2018.
Net cash used in financing activities in 2018 was $275.1 million, compared with
$141.2 million in 2017. During 2018, financing activities consisted of
borrowings and repayments of $473.1 million and $433.5 million, respectively,
related to our Revolving Credit Facility, borrowings and repayments of $720.0
million and $825.0 million, respectively, related to our Receivables Facility,
repayments of $60.0 million related to our Term Loan Facility, as well as net
repayments of $1.4 million related to our various international lines of credit.
Financing activities in 2018 also included the repurchase of $127.2 million of
the Company's common stock, of which $125.0 million was pursuant to the share
repurchase plan announced on December 13, 2017 and amended on October 31, 2018.
Contractual Cash Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at December 31, 2019,
including interest, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on
liquidity and cash flow in future periods.
                                     2020         2021 to 2022      2023 to 2024       2025 - After        Total
(In millions)
Contractual cash obligations
(including interest):

Debt, excluding debt issuance $ 26.7 $ 915.9 $ 350.0 $

            -     $ 1,292.6

costs


 Interest on indebtedness(1)           55.7               78.0              28.2                  -         161.9
 Non-cancelable operating leases       72.9              111.0              60.6               32.6         277.2
Taxes due on deemed repatriation        2.0                4.6              10.4               19.9          36.8
of foreign earnings(2)
Total contractual cash            $   157.3     $      1,109.6     $       449.2     $         52.5     $ 1,768.6
obligations


(1)  Interest on the variable rate debt was calculated using the rates and
     balances outstanding at December 31, 2019.


(2) Includes the U.S. federal income taxes due under the deemed repatriation

provisions of the TCJA, net of available foreign tax credits, that will be

paid in installments.




Purchase orders for inventory requirements and service contracts are not
included in the table above. Generally, our purchase orders and contracts
contain clauses allowing for cancellation. We do not have significant agreements
to purchase material or goods that would specify minimum order quantities. Also,
we do not consider liabilities for uncertain tax benefits to be contractual
obligations requiring disclosure due to the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate
settlement and timing of these liabilities. As such, we have not included
liabilities for uncertain tax benefits of less than $0.1 million in the table
above.
Inflation
The rate of inflation, as measured by changes in the producer price index,
affects different commodities, the cost of products purchased and ultimately the
pricing of our different products and product classes to our customers. For the
year ended December 31, 2019, pricing related to inflation impacted our sales by
1% to 2%.

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Seasonality


Our operating results are not significantly affected by seasonal factors. Sales
during the first quarter are usually affected by a reduced level of activity.
Sales during the second, third and fourth quarters are generally 6% to 9% higher
than the first quarter. Sales typically increase beginning in March, with slight
fluctuations per month through October. During periods of economic expansion or
contraction, our sales by quarter have varied significantly from this pattern.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information
regarding the effect of new accounting pronouncements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks.
Foreign Currency Risks
Approximately 25% of our sales in 2019 were from our foreign subsidiaries
located in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and the Asia Pacific
region and are denominated in foreign currencies. We may establish additional
foreign subsidiaries in the future. Accordingly, we may derive a larger portion
of our sales from international operations, and a portion of these sales may be
denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, our future operating results
could become subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates relative to the
U.S. dollar. Furthermore, to the extent that we engage in international sales
denominated in U.S. dollars, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar
relative to foreign currencies could make our products less competitive in
international markets. We have monitored and will continue to monitor our
exposure to currency fluctuations.
Interest Rate Risk
Fixed Rate Borrowings: As of December 31, 2019, approximately 66% of our debt
portfolio is comprised of fixed rate debt. At various times, we have refinanced
our debt to mitigate the impact of interest rate fluctuations. As the 2021 Notes
and 2024 Notes were issued at fixed rates, interest expense would not be
impacted by interest rate fluctuations, although market value would be. For the
2021 Notes and 2024 Notes, fair value approximated carrying value (see Note 4 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Floating Rate Borrowings: The Company's variable rate borrowings are comprised
of the Revolving Credit Facility, Receivables Facility, and the international
lines of credit. The fair value of these debt instruments at December 31, 2019
approximated carrying value. We borrow under our Revolving Credit Facility and
Receivables Facility for general corporate purposes, including working capital
requirements and capital expenditures. Borrowings under our Revolving Credit
Facility bear interest at the applicable LIBOR / CDOR (Canadian Dealer Offered
Rate) or base rates plus applicable margins, whereas borrowings under the
Receivables Facility bear interest at the 30 day LIBOR plus applicable margins.
A 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a
significant impact on future earnings under our current capital structure.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan: 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 the projected benefit obligations
for the Canadian pensions was 3.2% at December 31, 2019. An increase in the
discount rate of one percent would decrease the projected benefit obligations by
$26.0 million, and a decrease in the discount rate of one percent would increase
the projected benefit obligations by $35.3 million. The impact of a change in
the discount rate of one percent would be either a charge of $2.3 million or a
credit of $1.6 million to earnings in the following year.

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