Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the company to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments, which are readily convertible into cash, with original maturities of three months or less.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost approximates the first-in, first-out method. Substantially all inventories represent finished goods held for sale.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives for depreciation of buildings is generally 20 to 30 years, and the estimated useful lives of machinery and equipment is generally three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the related lease or the life of the improvement. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of the asset can not be recovered from estimated future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, the fair value of the asset is calculated using the present value of estimated net future cash flows. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference.

Software Development Costs

The company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or create internal-use software. Capitalized software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, which is generally three to twelve years. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the company had unamortized software development costs of $535,203 and $477,670, respectively, which are included in "Machinery and equipment" in the company's consolidated balance sheets. During 2016, the company changed the useful life on its global ERP software from ten to twelve years. The impact of the change was not material.

Identifiable Intangible Assets

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, while indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized. Identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The company also tests indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of acquired trade names, for impairment at least annually as of the first day of the fourth quarter. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference.

Investments

Investments are accounted for using the equity method if the investment provides the company the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the company has an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%, although other factors, such as representation on the investee's Board of Directors, are considered in determining whether the equity method is appropriate. The company records its investments in equity method investees meeting these characteristics as "Investments in affiliated companies" in the company's consolidated balance sheets.

All other equity investments, which consist of investments for which the company does not possess the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the cost method or as available-for-sale, and are included in "Other assets" in the company's consolidated balance sheets. Under the cost method of accounting, investments are carried at cost and are adjusted only for other-than-temporary declines in realizable value and additional investments. During the year-ended December, 31, 2017, the company recorded a net loss on investment of $14,231. The company accounts for available-for-sale investments at fair value, using quoted market prices, and the related holding gains and losses are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in the shareholders' equity section in the company's consolidated balance sheets. The company assesses its long-term investments on an ongoing basis to determine whether declines in market value below cost are other-than-temporary. When the decline is determined to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis for the individual security is reduced and a loss is realized in the company's consolidated statement of operations in the period in which it occurs. The company makes such determination after considering the length of time and the extent to which the market value of the investment is less than its cost, the financial condition and operating results of the investee, and the company's intent and ability to retain the investment over time to potentially allow for any recovery in market value. In addition, the company assesses the following factors:


•	broad economic factors impacting the investee's industry;


•	publicly available forecasts for sales and earnings growth for the industry and investee; and


•	the cyclical nature of the investee's industry.

The company could incur an impairment charge in future periods if, among other factors, the investee's future earnings differ from currently available forecasts.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The company tests goodwill for impairment annually as of the first day of the fourth quarter and/or when an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is more likely than not that an impairment may exist. Examples of such events and circumstances that the company would consider include the following:


•	macroeconomic conditions such as deterioration in general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, or other developments in equity and credit markets;


•	industry and market considerations such as a deterioration in the environment in which the company operates, an increased competitive environment, a decline in market-dependent multiples or metrics (considered in both absolute terms and relative to peers), a change in the market for the company's products or services, or a regulatory or political development;


•	cost factors such as increases in raw materials, labor, or other costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows;


•	overall financial performance such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods;


•	other relevant entity-specific events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or customers; contemplation of bankruptcy; or litigation;

•

events affecting a reporting unit such as a change in the composition or carrying amount of its net assets, a more-likely-than-not expectation of selling or disposing all, or a portion, of a reporting unit, the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit, or recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statements of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit; and


•	a sustained decrease in share price (considered in both absolute terms and relative to peers).

Goodwill is tested at a level of reporting referred to as "the reporting unit." The company's reporting units are defined as each of the three regional businesses within the global components business segment, which are the Americas; Europe, the Middle East, and Africa ("EMEA"); and Asia/Pacific and each of the two regional businesses within the global ECS business segment, which are North America and EMEA.

An entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test is unnecessary. The company has elected not to perform the qualitative assessment and performed the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative goodwill impairment test, used to identify both the existence of impairment and the amount of impairment loss, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit is less than its fair value, no impairment exists. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

The company estimates the fair value of a reporting unit using the income approach. For the purposes of the income approach, fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. The assumptions included in the income approach include forecasted revenues, gross profit margins, operating income margins, working capital cash flow, forecasted capital expenditures, perpetual growth rates, and long-term discount rates, among others, all of which require significant judgments by management. Actual results may differ from those assumed in the company's forecasts. The company also reconciles its discounted cash flow analysis to its current market capitalization allowing for a reasonable control premium. As of the first day of the fourth quarters of 2017, 2016, and 2015, the company's annual impairment testing did not indicate impairment at any of the company's reporting units.

A decline in general economic conditions or global equity valuations could impact the judgments and assumptions about the fair value of the company's businesses, and the company could be required to record an impairment charge in the future, which could impact the company's consolidated balance sheet, as well as the company's consolidated statement of operations. If the company was required to recognize an impairment charge in the future, the charge would not impact the company's consolidated cash flows, current liquidity, capital resources, and covenants under its existing revolving credit facility, asset securitization program, and other outstanding borrowings.

As of December 31, 2017, the company has $2.5 billion of goodwill, of which approximately $1.1 billion, $87.7 million and $61.2 million was allocated to the Americas, EMEA, and Asia/Pacific reporting units within the global components business segment, respectively and $795.8 million and $409.4 million was allocated to the North America and EMEA reporting units within the global ECS business segment, respectively. As of the date of the company's latest impairment test, the fair value of the Americas, EMEA, and Asia/Pacific reporting units within the global components business segment and the fair value of the North America and EMEA reporting units within the global ECS business segment exceeded their carrying values by approximately 11%, 126%, 25%, 538%, and 159%, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement

The assets and liabilities of international operations are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense accounts are translated at the monthly average exchange rates. Adjustments arising from the translation of the foreign currency financial statements of the company's international operations are reported as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the company's consolidated balance sheets.

For foreign currency remeasurement from each local currency into the appropriate functional currency, monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured to functional currencies using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Gains or losses from these remeasurements were not significant and have been included in the company’s consolidated statements of operations. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are recorded at historical exchange rates.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The carrying value of the company's deferred tax assets is dependent upon the company's ability to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions. Should the company determine that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance to the deferred tax assets would be established in the period such determination was made.

It is also the company's policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. To the extent the company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the company's effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected.

Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of consolidated net income, foreign currency translation adjustment, unrealized gains or losses on post-retirement benefit plans, and unrealized gains or losses on investment securities and interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges. Unrealized gains or losses on investment securities and interest rate swaps are net of any reclassification adjustments for realized gains or losses included in consolidated net income. Foreign currency translation adjustments included in comprehensive income were not tax effected as investments in international affiliates are deemed to be permanent. All other comprehensive income items are net of related income taxes.

Stock-Based Compensation

The company records share-based payment awards exchanged for employee services at fair value on the date of grant and expenses the awards in the consolidated statements of operations over the requisite employee service period. Stock-based compensation expense includes an estimate for forfeitures. Stock-based compensation expense related to awards with a market or performance condition which cliff vest, are recognized over the vesting period on a straight line basis. Stock-based compensation awards with service conditions only are also recognized on a straight-line basis.

Segment Reporting

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The company's operations are classified into two reportable business segments: global components and global ECS.

Revenue Recognition

The company recognizes revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenue typically is recognized at time of shipment. Sales are recorded net of discounts, rebates, tax, and returns, which historically have not been material.

A portion of the company's business involves shipments directly from its suppliers to its customers. In these transactions, the company is responsible for negotiating price both with the supplier and customer, payment to the supplier, establishing payment terms with the customer, product returns, and has risk of loss if the customer does not make payment. As the principal with the customer, the company recognizes the sale and cost of sale of the product upon receiving notification from the supplier that the product was shipped.

The company has certain business with select customers and suppliers that is accounted for on an agency basis (that is, the company recognizes the fees associated with serving as an agent in sales with no associated cost of sales). Generally, these transactions relate to the sale of supplier service contracts to customers where the company has no future obligation to perform under these contracts or the rendering of logistics services for the delivery of inventory for which the company does not assume the risks and rewards of ownership.

Shipping and Handling Costs

The company reports shipping and handling costs, primarily related to outbound freight, in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. Shipping and handling costs included in selling, general, and administrative expenses totaled $90,709, $79,257, and $77,399 in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) ("ASU No. 2017-12"). ASU No. 2017-12 simplifies certain aspects of hedge accounting and results in a more accurate portrayal of the economics of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. ASU No. 2017-12 is effective for the company in the first quarter of 2019, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2017-12.

In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)("ASU No. 2017-09"). ASU No. 2017-09 clarifies which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. Effective April 2, 2017, the company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2017-09 on a prospective basis. The adoption of the provisions of ASU No. 2017-09 did not materially impact the company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) ("ASU No. 2017-07"). ASU No. 2017-07 requires that the service cost component of pension expense be included in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by employees, with the other components of pension expense being classified outside of a subtotal of income from operations. ASU No. 2017-07 is effective for the company in the first quarter of 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively for the presentation requirements and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component requirements. The adoption of the provisions of ASU No. 2017-07 is not expected to have a material impact on the company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) ("ASU No. 2017-04"). ASU No. 2017-04 eliminates step 2 from the annual goodwill impairment test. Effective January 1, 2017, the company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2017-04 on a prospective basis. The adoption of the provisions of ASU No. 2017-04 would not materially impact the company's consolidated financial position or results of operations unless step 1 of the annual goodwill impairment test fails.

In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740) ("ASU No. 2016-16"). ASU No. 2016-16 clarifies the accounting for the current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. Effective April 2, 2017, the company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2016-16 on a modified retrospective basis. The adoption of the provisions of ASU No. 2016-16 did not materially impact the company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) ("ASU No. 2016-15"). ASU No. 2016-15 addresses how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. Effective January 1, 2017, the company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2016-15 on a retrospective basis. The adoption of the provisions of ASU No. 2016-15 did not materially impact the company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) ("ASU No. 2016-13"). ASU No. 2016-13 revises the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for the company in the first quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Stock Compensation - Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718) ("ASU No. 2016-09"). ASU No. 2016-09 revises the accounting treatment for excess tax benefits, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements, and forfeitures related to share-based awards. Effective January 1, 2017, the company adopted the recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies on a prospective basis and reclassified excess tax benefits in the consolidated statements of cash flows on a retrospective basis. The company elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation cost to be recognized in each period. The adoption of the provisions of ASU No. 2016-09 did not materially impact the company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU No. 2016-02"). ASU No. 2016-02 requires the entity to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leased assets. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting expense recognition in the income statement. ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for the company in the first quarter of 2019, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. While the company continues to evaluate the effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02, the company expects most existing operating lease commitments will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption.

In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Topic 825) ("ASU No. 2016-01"). ASU No. 2016-01 revises the classification and measurement of investments in certain equity investments and the presentation of certain fair value changes for certain financial liabilities measured at fair value. ASU No. 2016-01 requires the change in fair value of many equity investments to be recognized in net income. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for the company in the first quarter of 2018 and is to be applied prospectively. The company is currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the provisions of ASU No. 2016-01.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU No. 2014-09"). ASU No. 2014-09 supersedes all existing revenue recognition guidance. Under ASU No. 2014-09, an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for the company in the first quarter of 2018. ASU No. 2014-09 allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. In March, April, May, and December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) ("ASU No. 2016-08"); ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing ("ASU No. 2016-10"); ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients ("ASU No. 2016-12"); and ASU No. 2016-19, Technical Corrections and Improvements ("ASU No. 2016-19"), respectively. ASU No. 2016-08, ASU No. 2016-10, ASU No. 2016-12, and ASU No. 2016-19 provide supplemental adoption guidance and clarification to ASU No. 2014-09, and must be adopted concurrently with the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09.

In 2014, the company established an implementation team (“team”) and engaged external advisers to develop a multi-phase plan to assess the company’s business and contracts, as well as any changes to processes or systems to adopt the requirements of the new standard. The team has updated the assessment for new ASU updates and for newly acquired businesses. The company will adopt the provisions of ASU No. 2014-09 and related updates as of January 1, 2018 on a full retrospective basis. The company expects revenue recognition for its components business contracts to remain unchanged. However, the guidance is expected to change some net versus gross classifications on certain ECS business contracts, specifically software renewals, software bundles, antivirus software and services, and fixed-term software licenses. However, the impacts to consolidated sales and net income are not expected to be material. The company continues to identify the appropriate changes to its business processes, systems, and controls to support revenue recognition and disclosure under the new guidance.

Reclassification

Certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.