Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

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

Use of estimates

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

Revenue recognition

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

Revenues representing 28.0% and 25.8% of sales for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were recognized under the percentage of completion accounting method as calculated by the cost-to-cost measurement method on contracts. The recognition of revenue under this method is utilized in the Renewable Energy and Conservation segment.

Revenue from contracts using the percentage of completion method of accounting is recognized as work progresses toward completion as determined by the ratio of cumulative costs incurred to date to estimated total contract costs at completion, multiplied by the total contract revenue. Changes in estimates affecting sales, costs and profits are recognized in the period in which the change becomes known using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting, resulting in the cumulative effect of changes reflected in the period. Estimates are reviewed and updated quarterly for all contracts. A significant change in an estimate on one or more contracts could have a material effect on our results of operations.

Contract costs include all direct costs related to contract performance. Selling and administrative expenses are charged to operations as incurred. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recognized in the period in which such losses are determined. Because of inherent uncertainties in estimating costs, it is reasonably possible that changes in performance could result in revisions to cost and revenue, which are recognized in the period when the revisions are determined.

Cash and cash equivalents

All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts

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



	2017			2016			2015
Beginning balance	$	5,272		$	4,868		$	4,280
Bad debt expense	1,253			2,519			1,404
Accounts written off and other adjustments	(91		)	(2,115		)	(816		)
Ending balance	$	6,434		$	5,272		$	4,868

Concentrations of credit risk on accounts receivable are limited to those from significant customers that are believed to be financially sound. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's most significant customer is a home improvement retailer. The home improvement retailer purchases from the Residential Products segmen

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined using the first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. Shipping and handling costs are recognized as a component of cost of sales.

Property, plant, and equipment

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

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

Goodwill and other intangible assets

The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis at October 31, or more frequently if an event occurs, or circumstances change, that indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit could be below its carrying value. The reporting units are at the component level, or one level below the operating segment level. Goodwill is assigned to each reporting unit as of the date the reporting unit is acquired and based upon the expected synergies of the acquisition.

The Company may elect to perform a qualitative assessment that considers economic, industry and company-specific factors for some or all of our selected reporting units. If, after completing the assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company proceeds to a quantitative test. The Company may also elect to perform a quantitative test instead of a qualitative test for any or all of the Company's reporting units.

The quantitative impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of a reporting unit, determined using two valuation techniques, to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired, and a loss measured by the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit over the fair value of the reporting unit must be recorded.

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

Impairment of long-lived assets

Long-lived assets, including acquired identifiable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of those assets may not be recoverable. In specific situations, when the Company has selected individual assets to be sold or scrapped, the Company obtains market value data for those specific assets and measures and records the impairment loss based on such data. Otherwise, the Company uses undiscounted cash flows to determine whether impairment exists and measures any impairment loss by approximating fair value using acceptable valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models and third-party appraisals. The Company recognized impairment charges related to intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Several of these impairment charges related to exit activities during the three year period ended December 31, 2017 as described in Note 14 of the consolidated financial statements.

Deferred charges

Deferred charges associated with initial costs incurred to enter into new debt arrangements are included as a component of long-term debt and are amortized as a part of interest expense over the terms of the associated debt agreements.

Advertising

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.

Foreign currency transactions and translation

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

Income taxes

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

Equity-based compensation

The Company measures the cost of equity-based compensation based on grant date fair value and recognizes the cost over the period in which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award reduced by forfeitures. Equity-based compensation consists of grants of stock options, deferred stock units, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance stock units. Equity-based compensation expense is included as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Company’s equity-based compensation plans are discussed in more detail in Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements.

Recent accounting pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted



Standard	Description	Financial Statement Effect or Other Significant Matters
ASU No. 2016-09 Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting	The standard simplifies the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including: income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The provisions of this standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.	The Company has adopted all amendments included in this standard under each required transition method. The Company concluded there were no material changes to prior periods, except for the following: the Company (a) reclassified its prior periods excess tax benefit for stock compensation of $1,249,000 in 2016 and $537,000 in 2015 on its consolidated statement of cash flows from a financing activity to an operating activity; and (b) recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of $254,000 as an increase to retained earnings and decrease to additional paid-in capital on the Company's consolidated statement of shareholders' equity as of January 1, 2017 to reflect the change in value for a restricted stock unit liability award as of December 31, 2016, as if the award had been classified as an equity award since its respective grant date. Date of adoption: Q1 2017
ASU No. 2017-04 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment	The standard eliminates the "Step 2" analysis to determine the amount of impairment realized when a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value in its "Step 1" analysis of accounting for impairment of goodwill. The impairment charge would be the amount determined in "Step 1." The provisions of this standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017.	The Company has adopted this standard and it did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Date of adoption: Q1 2017
ASU No. 2017-07 Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost	The standard requires an employer to recognize the service cost component of net periodic pension costs and net periodic postretirement benefit costs in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs from services rendered by pertinent employees during the period. Other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. The provisions of this standard are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance.	The Company has adopted this standard and has applied it retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component, as well as, other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in our statement of operations. The adoption decreased selling, general, and administrative expense by $524,000 and $647,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and comparably increased other expense by the same amounts, respectively. This guidance did not have any impact on our balance sheet or our statement of cash flows. Date of adoption: Q1 2017

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted



Standard	Description	Financial Statement Effect or Other Significant Matters
ASU No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) And All Related ASUs	The standard requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of 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. The standard also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The provisions of the standard, as well as all subsequently issued clarifications to the standard, are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard can be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach.	The Company currently believes the most significant impact of this standard upon adoption relates to the revenue recognition for certain custom fabricated products for which there is no alternative use and where the Company has written enforceable rights to payment for performance to date should the customer terminate the contract. These products are within the Company's Industrial and Infrastructure Products segment. Under this standard, the Company expects to recognize revenue on an over time basis on these custom fabricated products in the Industrial and Infrastructure Products segment which is a change from our current revenue recognition policy of point-in-time basis. The Company expects revenue recognition related to the remaining Industrial and Infrastructure Products segment, Residential Products segment and Renewable Energy and Conservation segment to remain substantially unchanged upon adoption of this standard. The Company has identified and implemented appropriate changes to the Company's business processes, systems and internal controls to support recognition and disclosure under this standard. The Company will use the modified retrospective transition method approach and apply it to open contracts as of January 1, 2018. Under this method, incremental disclosures will be provided to present each financial statement line item for 2018 under the prior standard. The Company estimates the cumulative effect of adoption to be approximately $750,000 increase to opening retained earnings, as of January 1, 2018. Planned date of adoption: Q1 2018
ASU No. 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842)	The standard requires lessees to recognize most leases as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, but record expenses on the statement of operations in a manner similar to current accounting. For lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. The standard also requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements and requires a modified retrospective transition approach for existing leases, whereby the standard will be applied to the earliest year presented. The provisions of the standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.	The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, including the impact on the Company's current lease portfolio from both a lessor and lessee perspective. The adoption of this standard will primarily result in an increase in the assets and liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and related disclosures. Planned date of adoption: Q1 2019



Standard	Description	Financial Statement Effect or Other Significant Matters
ASU No. 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments	The standard provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues to reduce diversity in reporting. The provisions of this standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.	The Company is evaluating the requirements of this standard and anticipates its impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements to be immaterial. Planned date of adoption: Q1 2018
ASU No. 2016-16 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory	The standard allows an entity to recognize income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The provisions of this standard are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance.	The Company is evaluating the requirements of this standard and anticipates its impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements to be immaterial. Planned date of adoption: Q1 2018
ASU No. 2018-02 Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The standard allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The provisions of this standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the standard is permitted, including adoption in any interim period.	The Company is evaluating the requirements of this standard and anticipates its impact on the Company's consolidation financial statements to be immaterial. The Company plans to apply the amendments in the period of adoption with an adjustment in the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity as of the beginning of the reporting period and any subsequent period, if changes to provisional amounts result in additional amounts stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Planned date of adoption: Q1 2018