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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of wholly-owned subsidiaries, majority-owned controlled subsidiaries and variable interest entities where the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company records its investment in each unconsolidated affiliated Company (generally 20-50 percent ownership in which it has the ability to exercise significant influence) at its respective equity in net assets. Other investments (less than 20 percent ownership) are recorded at cost. All intercompany transactions and balances among the consolidated companies have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the 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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are based on historical experience and information that is available to management about current events and actions the Company may take in the future. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include valuation allowances for accounts receivable and deferred income taxes; legal, environmental and asbestos liabilities; uncertain tax positions; assets and obligations related to pension and other postretirement benefits; business combination accounting and related purchase accounting valuations; goodwill and intangible valuations; financial instruments; self-insured workers’ compensation and health insurance reserves; and revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition

The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized when goods are shipped to the customer, title and risk of loss are transferred, pricing is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Most revenue transactions represent sales of inventory. A provision for payment discounts, product returns, warranty and customer rebates is estimated based upon historical experience and other relevant factors and is recorded within the same period that the revenue is recognized. A portion of the Company’s revenue consists of long-term product installation contract revenue that is recognized based on the percentage-of-completion method generally based on the cost-to-cost method if there are reasonably reliable estimates of total revenue, total cost, and the extent of progress toward completion; and there is an enforceable agreement between parties who can fulfill their contractual obligations. The Company reviews contract price and cost estimates periodically as the work progresses and reflects adjustments proportionate to the percentage-of-completion to income in the period when those estimates are revised. For these contracts, if a current estimate of total contract cost indicates a loss on a contract, the projected loss is recognized in full in the period when determined.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has various plans which provide for granting options and common stock to certain employees and independent directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The appropriate fair value model is used for valuing share-based payments and in determining the amortization method for the compensation cost for new awards, and to awards modified, repurchased or canceled after January 1, 2006. Information on General Cable’s equity compensation plans and additional information on compensation costs from stock-based compensation are described in Notes 13 and 14.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per common share-basic is determined by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares-basic outstanding. Earnings per common share-assuming dilution is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares-assuming dilution outstanding which gives effect (when dilutive) to stock options, other stock-based awards, the assumed conversion of the Company’s preferred stock, 1.00% Senior Convertible Notes and 0.875% Convertible Notes, Subordinated Convertible Notes, if applicable, and other potentially dilutive securities. Refer to discussion in Note 16 - Earnings Per Common Share.

Foreign Currency Transaction

For operations outside the United States that prepare financial statements in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at spot exchange rates at the end of the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in total equity. The effects of changes in exchange rates between the designated functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated are recorded as foreign currency transaction gains (losses) within other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2012, access to cash associated with a submarine turnkey project is restricted in the amount of $18.2 million. As of December 31, 2011, no access to cash was restricted

Accounts Receivable

The accounts receivable balance is recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for doubtful accounts, price discounts, and returns. At the time of the sale and at each quarter, the Company evaluates the accounts receivable balance to determine a best estimate for doubtful accounts, price discounts, and returns. The Company reviews general historical trends in the account, customer overdue balances, high risk accounts that have been specifically identified based on historical and current customer patterns, contractual obligations, and current economic conditions to determine an estimate for these allowances.

Inventories

Approximately 84% of the Company's inventories are valued using the average cost method and all remaining inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value.

The Company has consignment inventory at certain of its customer locations for purchase and use by the customer or other parties. General Cable retains title to the inventory and records no sale until it is ultimately sold either to the customer storing the inventory or to another party. In general, the value and quantity of the consignment inventory is verified by General Cable through either cycle counting or annual physical inventory counting procedures.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Costs assigned to property, plant and equipment relating to acquisitions are based on estimated fair values at the acquired date. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: new buildings, from 15 to 50 years; and machinery, equipment and office furnishings, from 2 to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the lease or over the useful life if shorter. The Company’s manufacturing facilities perform major maintenance activities during planned shutdown periods which traditionally occur in July and December, and costs related to major maintenance activities are expensed as incurred.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying amount of long-lived assets (including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with determinable lives) whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. The Company evaluates events or changes in circumstances based mostly on actual historical operating results, but business plans, forecasts, general and industry trends and anticipated cash flows are also considered. Impairment is assessed when the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from an asset are less than its carrying amount. Impairment losses are measured as the amount by which the carrying value of an asset exceeds its fair value and are recognized in earnings. The Company also continually evaluates the estimated useful lives of all long-lived assets and, when warranted, revises such estimates based on current events.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $5.5 million of property, plant and equipment within other non-current assets recorded as assets held for sale. Held for sale assets are measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell and depreciation is ceased.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed at least annually for impairment. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill. The impairment test for the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets involves comparing the fair value of the intangibles to their carrying values. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset with an indefinite life exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in the amount equal to the excess.

The Company completed its latest annual impairment test as of October 31, 2012. Our impairment testing for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles is performed separately. It has been determined that no impairment existed. The Company evaluates goodwill at a reporting unit level for impairment. In Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test, the Company compared the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. To determine the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company employed an income and market-based approach with each being weighted equally. Under the income approach, the Company uses a discounted cash flow method to calculate the fair value based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Assumptions used in the discounted cash flow method, such as forecasted operating results, expected growth rates, working capital needs, tax rates, and cost of capital, are based on the current market conditions and are consistent with internal management projections. The cost of capital rate selected is based on consideration of the risks inherent in the investment and market rates of return available from alternative investments of similar type and quality as of the valuation date. The guideline public company method is used for the market approach. The approach provides an estimate of value using multiples of earnings derived from the market values of publicly traded companies in the cable and wire industry. In addition to the selection of guideline companies, the market approach includes an analysis of the Company’s financial and operating performance, risk, profitability, and growth as compared to the reporting unit. Using the income and market approach the fair value of the reporting unit’s total assets exceeded the carrying value; therefore, no impairment was noted. A decrease of 5% in the estimated fair value of any of the Company’s reporting units would have no impact on the carrying value of goodwill.

As noted, our annual impairment test for both goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles assets indicated there was no impairment. However, future changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates that are used in our annual impairment testing, including discount and tax rates, future cash flow projections, or the long term growth rate could result in significantly different estimates of fair value; therefore, such changes could materially affect the financial statements in any given year.

Intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life, principally customer relationships, are amortized over their useful lives based on the expected economic benefit consistent with the historical customer attrition rates.

Restructuring Accruals

Over the last several years, the Company has incurred expenses as a result of cost management efforts in Europe. The expenses primarily relate to employee termination benefits that are payable under the severance plan. In 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred $7.5 million and $5.3 million in charges related to the substantial completion of negotiations with the works council of various operations in Europe to permanently reduce manufacturing personnel. The liability was recorded in accordance with ASC 450 - Contingencies; when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability is reasonably estimable. Management estimates must be applied to determine when it is appropriate to record restructuring accruals as well as assumptions in calculating the restructuring accruals as employees could choose to voluntarily leave the Company forfeiting termination benefits. To the extent these assumptions and estimates change the Company could have future subsequent adjustments to the accrual balance.

Warranty Accruals

The Company provides service and product warranty policies on certain of its products. In accordance with ASC 450 - Contingencies, the Company accrues liabilities under service and warranty policies based upon specific claims and a review of historical warranty and service claim experience. Management estimates must be applied in determining the probability of specific claims as well as determining in the historical claims data will be indicative of future warranty claims. Adjustments are made to the accruals as claim data and historical experience change. In addition, the Company incurs discretionary costs to service its products in connection with product performance issues.

Long-Term Debt

In accordance with ASC 470 - Debt, convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash or other assets, or partially in cash, upon conversion, are separately accounted for as long-term debt and equity components (or conversion feature). The accounting applies to the Subordinated Convertible Notes, the 1.00% Senior Convertible Notes due 2012, which were repaid in 2012, and the 0.875% Convertible Notes due 2013. The debt component represents the Company’s contractual obligation to pay principal and interest and the equity component represents the Company’s option to convert the debt security into equity of the Company or the equivalent amount of cash. Upon issuance the Company allocated the debt component on the basis of the estimated fair value of an identical debt instrument that it would issue excluding the convertible option and the remaining proceeds are allocated to the equity component. The bifurcation of the debt and equity components resulted in a debt discount for each of the aforementioned notes. In accordance with ASC 470 - Debt, the Company uses the interest method to amortize the debt discount to interest expense over the amortization period which is the expected life of the debt.

Derivative Financial Instruments

It is the company’s policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate, commodity and foreign currency risk. General Cable does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging, as amended, requires that all derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Each derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge or remains undesignated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified to the income statement when the effects of the item being hedged are recognized in the income statement. These changes are offset in net income to the extent the hedge was effective by fair value changes related to the risk being hedged on the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of undesignated hedges are recognized currently in the income statement. All ineffective changes in derivative fair values are recognized currently in net income. Refer to Notes 10 - Financial Instruments and 20 - Fair Value Disclosure for further discussion.

All designated hedges are formally documented as to the relationship with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting discussed above is discontinued.

Forward Pricing Agreements for Purchases of Copper and Aluminum

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into forward pricing agreements for purchases of copper and aluminum to match certain sales transactions. The Company accounts for these forward pricing arrangements under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption because these arrangements are for purchases of copper and aluminum that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used by the Company over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. For these arrangements, it is probable at the inception and throughout the life of the arrangements that the arrangements will not settle net and will result in physical delivery of the inventory. The Company expects to recover the cost of copper and aluminum under these agreements as a result of firm sales price commitments with customers. Refer to Note 10 - Financial Instruments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company carries derivative assets, derivative liabilities and marketable equity securities held in rabbi trust as part of the Company’s deferred compensation plan at fair value. The Company determines the fair market value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820 - Fair Value Measurement, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs (Level 1) and minimize the use of unobservable inputs (Level 3) when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values include:



Level 1		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as certain U.S. Treasury securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.

Level 2		Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3		Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. Unobservable inputs shall be developed based on the best information available, which may include the Company’s own data.

Pension Plans

The Company provides retirement benefits through contributory and non-contributory qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans covering eligible domestic and international employees as well as through defined contribution plans and other postretirement benefits. Benefits under General Cable’s qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan generally are based on years of service multiplied by a specific fixed dollar amount, and benefits under the Company’s qualified non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans generally are based on years of service and a variety of other factors that can include a specific fixed dollar amount or a percentage of either current salary or average salary over a specific period of time. The amounts funded for any plan year for the qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan are neither less than the minimum required under federal law nor more than the maximum amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. General Cable’s non-qualified unfunded U.S. defined benefit pension plans include a plan that provides defined benefits to select senior management employees beyond those benefits provided by other programs. The Company’s non-qualified unfunded non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans include plans that provide retirement indemnities to employees within the Company’s Europe and Mediterranean and ROW segments. Pension obligations for the non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans are provided for by book reserves and are based on local practices and regulations of the respective countries. General Cable makes cash contributions for the costs of the non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plans as the benefits are paid.

Self-insurance

The Company is self-insured for certain employee medical benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, environmental and asbestos-related issues. The Company purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit its exposure to any significant level of workers’ compensation claims in 2012 and 2011. Certain insurers are also partly responsible for coverage on many of the asbestos-related issues (refer to Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies for information relating to the release of one of these insurers during 2006). Self-insured losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims incurred using the Company’s historical claims experience.

Concentration of Risk Policy

General Cable sells a broad range of products globally. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers, including members of buying groups, composing General Cable’s customer base. General Cable customers generally receive a 30 to 60 day payment period on purchases from the Company, with certain exceptions in European, Mediterranean and Asian markets. Certain automotive aftermarket customers of the Company receive payment terms ranging from 45 days to 210 days, which is common in this particular market. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial condition are performed, and generally, no collateral is required. General Cable maintains reserves for potential credit losses and such losses, in the aggregate, have not exceeded management’s estimates. Certain subsidiaries also maintain credit insurance for certain customer balances. Bad debt expense associated with uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $21.9 million, $4.4 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

In North America, the Company has centralized the purchasing of its copper, aluminum and other significant raw materials to capitalize on economies of scale and to facilitate the negotiation of favorable purchase terms from suppliers. In 2012, the Company’s largest supplier of copper rod accounted for approximately 90% of its North American copper purchases while the largest supplier of aluminum rod accounted for approximately 70% of its North American aluminum purchases. The Company’s European operations purchase copper and aluminum rod from many suppliers or brokers with each generally providing a small percentage of the total copper and aluminum rod purchased. The Company’s ROW segment internally produces the majority of its copper and aluminum rod production needs and obtains cathode and ingots from various suppliers with each supplier generally providing a small percentage of the total copper and aluminum rod purchased for operations in this segment.

Income Taxes

The Company is subject to income tax in numerous United States federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are inherent in determining the Company's consolidated income tax expense, current tax payable, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for uncertain tax positions. Future events such as changes in business conditions, tax legislation, tax audit resolutions, or foreign earnings repatriation plans could materially impact these estimates and the Company's tax position.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities 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. At December 31, 2012, the Company had recorded a net deferred tax liability of $170.4 million ($38.3 million net current deferred tax asset less $208.7 million net long term deferred tax liability). The valuation of deferred tax assets is dependent on, among other things, the ability of the Company to generate a sufficient level of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, the Company has considered both positive and negative evidence, such as historical and forecasted results of operations, including prior losses, and has considered the implementation of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $74.3 million to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount judged more likely than not to be realized. The Company has and will continue to review on a quarterly basis its assumptions and tax planning strategies, and, if the amount of the estimated realizable deferred tax assets is less than the amount currently on the balance sheet, the Company would reduce its deferred tax asset, recognizing a non-cash charge against reported earnings. Likewise, if the Company determines that a valuation allowance against a deferred tax asset is no longer appropriate, the adjustment to the valuation allowance would reduce income tax expense.

The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions with complex tax policies and regulations. In certain jurisdictions, the Company has taken tax positions that it believes are supportable, but which could be subject to challenge by the tax authorities. These tax positions are evaluated and liabilities for uncertain tax positions are established in accordance with the ASC 740 - Income Taxes tax accounting guidance. The status of uncertain tax positions is reviewed in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as tax audits, rulings, and case law, and the related liabilities are adjusted accordingly.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line item in the consolidated balance sheet.

Shipping and Handling Costs

All shipping and handling amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction are classified as revenue. Shipping and handling costs associated with storage and handling of finished goods and storage and handling of shipments to customers are included in cost of sales and totaled $150.4 million, $137.8 million and $119.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Advertising Expense

Advertising expense consists of expenses relating to promoting the Company’s products, including trade shows, catalogs, and e-commerce promotions, and is charged to expense when incurred. Advertising expense was $10.7 million, $11.2 million and $12.0 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.