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Houston Wire & Cable Company

hwcc · NASDAQ Industrials
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Ticker hwcc
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Industrials
Industry Industrial - Distribution
Employees 201-500
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FY2012 Annual Report · Houston Wire & Cable Company
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10201 North Loop East

Houston, Texas 77029-1415

(713) 609-2200

1.800.HOUWIRE

WWW.HOUWIRE.COM

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Right Product, Right Place, Right Time®

2012 AnnuAl RepoRt

Right Product, Right Place, Right Time®

Wire and cable for industry  
and infrastructure

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Houston Wire & Cable Company 
was founded in 1975 and is one of 
the largest providers of electrical 
and mechanical wire and cable and 
related services in the U.S. market.

Financial Highlights

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

2012 

2011  

2010  

2009  

2008 

net sales 

$ 393,036 

$  396,410 

$ 308,522   $  254,819   $ 360,939

sales per employee 

954 

1,010  

955  

907  

1,168

operating income  

28,926 

33,377  

15,006  

13,772  

  40,384

operating margin  

7.36%   

8.42%    

4.86%    

5.40%    

11.19%

net income  

17,039 

19,677  

8,619  

8,032  

23,737

diluted earnings  

per share  

0.96 

1.11  

0.49  

0.45  

1.33

total assets  

197,155 

179,153  

185,490  

122,014  

134,753

long-term  

obligations  

60,361 

50,345  

55,911  

17,479  

29,808

stockholders’ equity  

  109,080 

97,338  

85,720  

80,813  

76,595

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CoRpoRAte HeADQuARteRS 
Houston Wire & Cable Company 
10201 north loop east 
Houston, texas 77029-1415 
telephone (713) 609-2200

AnnuAl MeetInG 
the annual meeting of shareholders will 
be held may 7, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. Cdt, at 
the Company’s corporate headquarters in 
Houston, texas.

DIReCtoRS 
1.  Wilson B. Sexton 

Chairman of the Board of POOLCORP

2.  William H. Sheffield 

Chairman of the Board of Houston Wire  
& Cable Company

3.  James l. pokluda III 

President & Chief Executive Officer  
of Houston Wire & Cable Company

CoMMon StoCK lIStInG 
ticker symbol: HWCC 
nasdaq stock exchange

4.  Ian Stewart Farwell 

Independent Director 

5.  peter M. Gotsch 

Managing Director of Svoboda Capital  
Partners LLC

6.  Scott l. thompson 

Former President, Chief Executive Officer  
& Chairman of the Board of Dollar Thrifty 
Automotive Group, Inc.

7.  Michael t. Campbell 
Independent Director

tRAnSFeR AGent 
american stock transfer & trust Company 
59 maiden lane 
new york, new york 10038

InDepenDent AuDItoRS 
ernst & young, llp 
1401 mcKinney street, suite 1200 
Houston, texas 77010

leGAl CounSel 
schiff Hardin, llp 
233 south Wacker drive 
6600 Willis tower 
Chicago, illinois 60606

InVeStoR RelAtIonS 
a complimentary copy of this report  
can be found online at www.houwire.com  
or by sending a written request to our  
corporate headquarters address,  
calling (713) 609-2110 or contacting: 
investor.relations@houwire.com.

WeBSIte 
www.houwire.com

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Power Generation

Environmental Compliance

The Right Markets

Industrials

Right Product, Right Place, Right Time®

Infrastructure

2012 Annual Report | 01

DEar SharEholDErS

James L. Pokluda III
President, CEO and Director

The Right Time for HWCC

Every day, we  

live our tagline, 

Right Product, 

Right Place,  

Right Time.®

2012 was an exciting year for 

Houston Wire & Cable 
Company (HWCC). We 

launched several new business development initiatives, 
accomplished multiple strategic goals and supplied our 
customers more than 43,000 unique constructions of 
specialty electrical and mechanical wire and cable with 
better than 99% on-time performance and accuracy. 
Every day, we live our tagline, Right Product, Right Place, 
Right Time,® and I am delighted to be part of such a solid 
organization whose people and culture so highly value 
the importance of its commitment to world-class 
customer service and operational excellence.

In 2012, we knew the mega-projects that produced record 
2011 revenues would not repeat; therefore, to ensure sound 
performance for the Company, we made it a top priority to 
increase investments in new products and services, strategic 
resources to drive new business and operational excellence. 
Our new products were well received by our customers, 
and market share gains continued as we added more than 
370 new customers, an increase of almost 30% over the 
285 added in the prior year. The plan is working, and I am 
immensely proud of all the hard work and dedication from 
our team members who made these results possible.

Our sales in 2012 were within one percent of the previous 
year’s record levels, and increased approximately three 
percent on a metals adjusted basis. Quarterly net income 
was consistent at just over $4 million, and we were pleased 
with the fourth quarter results, which were significantly 
ahead of the prior year period and beat internal expecta-
tions. Our commitment to growing the Company by 
investing in additional sales and marketing personnel 

02 | Houston Wire & Cable Company

continued; and operating expenses, once adjusted for the 
stock compensation credit in the prior year, increased 
slightly to 1.6% above the 2011 level. 

The balance sheet remained strong and easily supported 
continued investments in new products and additional 
inventory required to meet the growing demand in the 
oil and gas market. Year-end working capital was 32% of 
sales, well within our historical range of 26% to 35%, and 
operating income provided interest coverage at a ratio of 
23:1 versus an industry average of 3.5:1. Our liquidity 
position also remained very solid, as we had $41 million of 
available capacity under our $100 million bank line and our 
2012 weighted average cost of borrowed capital was 2.1%.

The RighT Plan 

Right Product, Right Place, Right Time® starts with  
the “Right Plan.” HWCC’s growth plan targets new 
product and business development initiatives in markets 
encompassing Power Generation, Environmental 
Compliance, Engineering and Construction, Industrials, 
Mechanical Wire Rope and LifeGuard™ low-smoke 
zero-halogen cable. The plan serves as a template for 
driving decisions involving capital investment, strategic 
marketing, operational excellence and employee 
development, and has doubled the size of the Company 
since its implementation. 

Power Generation 
Power generation projects in 2012 did not include the 
mega-project coal fired power plants seen in prior years, 
as the industry transitioned to greater investments in 
natural gas and renewable energy technologies. HWCC 
transitioned as well. 

Our MarkEt SEgMEntS

Power Generation

industrials

environmental ComPlianCe

infrastruCture

::  Fossil Fuel

::  Oil and Gas

::   Flue Gas Desulfurization

::  Wastewater

::  Wind

::  Solar

::   Hydro

::   Co-Generation

:: Biomass

::  Mining and Minerals

::  Selective Catalytic  

::  Security

::  Steel

::  Petrochemical

::  Pharmaceutical

::  Food Processing

::  General Manufacturing

::  Material Handling

Reduction

::   Mercury Capture Systems

::  Baghouse Installation  

and Optimization

::  Telecommunications

::   Facilities

::  Transportation

::  Marine

::   Cranes

::  Mooring

For years, we have excelled at supplying the wire and 
cable required in the construction of coal, natural gas 
and alternative fuel power plants, and our shift to support 
increased demand in changing technologies was seamless. 
HWCC’s inventories align with specification requirements 
for all power production technologies, regardless of the 
fuel source, and during the year we had several nice wins, 
including North America’s largest solar and biomass 
power plant and several large wind farms. 

Every year, one of the industry’s most highly recognized 
publications, Power Engineering, and RenewableEnergy-
World.com name the world’s projects of the year at the 
industry’s largest event, POWER-GEN International.  
We were honored to learn that Houston Wire & Cable 
Company was the primary cable supplier for all United 
States winners and runners up in the Coal, Natural Gas 
and Biomass categories. 

The outlook for growth in the power generation market 
is expected to be positive in 2013, and our continued focus 
on this space remains an important element of our 
growth plan.

Environmental Compliance 
The combustion of fossil fuels to generate electrical 
power produces gases and other waste products that 
must be captured prior to their release in the atmosphere. 
Elaborate pollution control devices such as Flue Gas 
Desulfurization Units (Scrubbers), Selective Catalytic 
Reduction Units, Mercury Capture Systems and Baghouses 
effectively remove significant quantities of environmental 
contaminants. These massive projects are capital-intensive, 
very complex, highly engineered investments. Environmental 

control devices must function on a continual basis in 
extreme environmental and operating conditions, and 
require the use of some of the industry’s most specialized 
wire and cable. Our products are perfectly suited for these 
applications, and we have become experts in supplying 
and servicing the needs of these high-demand projects.

Driven by requirements to minimize the amount of 
pollution emitted, utility providers will continue to invest 
in these systems to remain industry compliant and to 
reduce their environmental footprint. Installations of 
pollution control devices for new power plants to support 
increasing power demands, and retrofits and upgrades to 
aged power generating facilities, many of which have no 
control device at all, will continue for several years. 

Engineering and Construction 
Companies that specialize in engineering, procurement, 
and construction target and support markets that align 
with HWCC’s growth initiatives. Our product, service 
and delivery capabilities are able to support any industrial 
project, and these are areas in which we excel. In fact, for 
projects completed in 2012, HWCC was recently honored 
with a superior performance award by one of the industry’s 
big three engineering, procurement and construction 
companies. Our success in this space helped to deliver 
record results in smaller-scale projects and substantially 
filled the void from the absence of mega-projects. 

Expert execution of our Cable Management Services 
program also fueled project growth. This program 
provides guaranteed availability of project material in  
a secure HWCC facility, just-in-time product delivery to 
the job site, elimination of scrap material and surplus, 

Cable Management 

Services, when 

combined with  

our technical field 

sales team and  

our outstanding 

distributor partners, 

drives significant 

cost savings to  

our customers.

Right Product, Right Place, Right Time®

2012 Annual Report | 03

Our LOCatIOnS

1 Seattle, WA

2 San Francisco, CA

3 Los Angeles, CA

4 Denver, CO

5 Kansas City, MO

6 Houston, TX (5)

7 Lake Charles, LA

8 New Iberia, LA

9 Baton Rouge, LA

10 Memphis, TN

11 Chicago, IL

12 Atlanta, GA

13 Tampa, FL

14 Charlotte, NC

15 Philadelphia, PA

In 2012…

We supplied more 

than 43,000 unique 

product construc-

tions to industry.

We successfully 

launched several 

new products for 

use in infrastructure, 

utility and oil & gas 

markets. 

We expanded our 

value-added service 

offering to include 

light manufacturing. 

1

3

2

11

15

4

5

10

12

14

9

7

8

6

Five locations

13

and protection from theft. This service, when combined 
with our technical field sales team and our outstanding 
distributor partners, drives significant cost savings to 
our customers and is an integral component to every 
element of our growth plan. 

Engineering and construction activity remained steady 
through 2012, and we expect our pipeline to continue to 
build throughout 2013. 

Industrials 
The industrial initiative focuses on oil and gas extraction, 
metals and minerals, petrochemical refining, pharma-
ceutical, food processing and general manufacturing. 
Driven by increased oil and gas drilling and exploration, 
the industrial market performed exceptionally well in 
2012. The petrochemical industry’s increased investments 
in hydrocarbon-rich shale geographies drove substantial 
growth in on-shore drilling and the expansion of upstream 
and mid-stream transportation and processing infrastructure. 
This increased oil and gas supply also led to further growth 
in the downstream space, as multiple refinery upgrades, 
system modifications and plant expansions were required 
to process the additional oil and gas feedstock. 

In addition to increased oil and gas activity, other 
industrial segments improved as well. Metals and 
minerals benefited from increased steel production,  
and specialty mining for items such as potash and 
phosphates were at industry highs. Other industry 
markers such as industrial manufacturing and plant 
utilization continued their ascent, and select segments 
such as durable and non-durable goods closed 2012  
at record levels. 

Mechanical Wire Rope 
Wire rope demand for heavy-lift applications continued 
to slowly recover across multiple markets, but remained 
below the historical levels experienced in the Gulf of 
Mexico prior to the drilling moratorium in 2010. The 
integration of our mechanical wire rope operation is 
complete, and strategic investments in additional sales 
and marketing resources, development of new market 
opportunities and improved manufacturing efficiencies 
will continue in 2013. 

The RighT PRoducT 

For 37 years, HWCC has serviced the industrial market 
with one of the largest inventories of specialty electrical 
and mechanical wire, cable and hardware, and is a trusted 
supplier to the industry’s most demanding customers.  
In 2012, we supplied more than 43,000 unique product 
constructions to industry, and our products and services 
are an essential component in countless industrial 
applications, including everything from electricity 
transmission using our copper and aluminum products 
to mooring and heavy-lift applications using our high 
carbon steel wire and hardware.

Inventory is a core asset to HWCC, and our commitment 
to the “Right Product” requires us to be experts in our 
target markets and deeply involved with our customers 
in order to assure we have proper product availability. 
User demand is very time sensitive and product specific, 
with unique requirements for individual applications.  
To make a long story short – we must have the right 
inventory in the right locations or we are of no value to our 
customers. In 2012, our fill rates remained at all-time highs. 

04 | Houston Wire & Cable Company

OPEratIOnaL ExCELLEnCE99%+ Industry 

Recognized

Each year, the best power projects 

around the world are honored 

On-time  
Performance 
and Accuracy

during the POWER-GEN Interna-

tional’s Projects of the Year awards 

gala. Several of the winning 

projects were supported by 

Houston Wire & Cable Company’s 

Cable Management Services.

A key to our inventory investment and business 
development strategy is the addition of new products 
and services to support increasing customer and market 
demands. In 2012, we successfully launched several new 
products for use in infrastructure, utility and oil & gas 
markets, and expanded our value-added service offering 
to include light manufacturing. These new products and 
services are a natural fit for our Company and will allow us 
to further penetrate target markets and provide greater 
service to our customers. Our light manufacturing work 
cell for value-added services was completed late in the 
year, and we are excited that formerly outsourced services 
can now be done in-house.

Because our standard customer requirement is for 
same-day shipment, it is absolutely critical that our  
19 distribution centers are located in the correct 
geographies. The good news is we have built a great 
distribution network, and we are able to reach more  
than 95% of our customers using standard overnight 
truck freight. Our customers rely on us to have the 
product nearby, because capital project and daily 
Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) demand  
for our items is often unpredictable. When our customers 
call, we need to move fast. Plant maintenance, equipment 
failures and natural disasters all create requirements  
for our wire, cable and services. 

LifeGuard™ low-smoke zero-halogen cable remains a 
great example of an earlier new product introduction. 
Unlike traditional constructions of cable, LifeGuard™ 
cable is manufactured using materials that produce 
near-zero smoke and acid gas while under combustion. 
LifeGuard™ is a great option where protection of expensive 
equipment and safety are concerns. We were one of the 
first to introduce this innovative product to the United 
States, and it remains a market leader in many critical 
industrial applications. 

The RighT Place 

Another key driver for our business involves HWCC’s 
ability to have the products customers need, where they 
need them. When we say “Right Place,” we mean just that. 
The items we sell are highly specialized, often required 
without notice, and always critical to keep industry 
running – as with our electrical cable – or to keep things 
moving – as with our mechanical wire. Simply said: 
industry stops without our products.

Whether it’s a late afternoon shipment to repair a 
scrubber at a power plant, a weekend shipment to fix  
a coker unit at a refinery, or an upgrade to an Ethernet 
network in a work cell on the factory floor, we have the 
products in the right location to get the job done. 

The RighT Time 

HWCC operates all day, every day, and whenever our 
customers need us. The “Right Time” means all sites 
stand ready to respond quickly to customer needs, and 
have orders ready for pickup or shipment on time. Each 
HWCC site is capable of processing orders any time  
of day and any day of the year. All sites have extended 
hours to better serve customers, and all sites can be 
opened for emergency shipments on a moment’s notice. 
Even when major hurricanes hit, our regional distribution 
centers are back in operation within hours due to our 
emergency power generation systems and disaster 
recovery programs. 

We were one of  

the first to introduce 

low-smoke zero- 

halogen cable to the 

united States, and it 

remains a market 

leader in many 

critical industrial 

applications.

Right Product, Right Place, Right Time®

2012 Annual Report | 05

OPEratIOnaL  
ExCELLEnCE

CuStOMEr 
IntIMaCy

Where we excel

We back up the promises we 
make to our customers through  
operational excellence.

through strategic 

planning, hard work 

and outstanding 

execution, HWCC  

grew adjusted sales  

in 2012.

As a company deeply committed to operational excellence, 
HWCC continues to set high expectations internally. 
Through a system of rigorous internal controls, we 
measure our customer satisfaction, operational efficiencies, 
fixed and variable costs, employee safety and several 
other key performance indicators. Internal tracking is 
not enough, though. Using external audits, we verify the 
proper systems, processes and control measures are in 
place to achieve our 99.9% on-time shipping and order 
accuracy goal. An early adopter of ISO standards, all 
HWCC sites follow rigorous ISO 9001 protocols.

Our focus on quality translates to excellent service for 
our customers. In 2012, both on-time shipping and order 
accuracy surpassed 99%. Operational excellence is a 
journey, and we will continue to drive improvements in 
distribution and logistics to assure we remain a market 
leader in execution and operational excellence. 

The RighT PeoPle 

Our best asset at Houston Wire & Cable Company  
is our people. We have more than 400 talented and 
hardworking employees with an average tenure of  
ten years. Several of our team members began their 
employment with HWCC and are still with us over  
20 years later. Since 1975, our customers have been able  
to comfortably rely on the expertise and operational 
execution of our experienced team, and some of the 
relationships formed have spanned three decades. 

It is HWCC’s strong commitment to talent development 
that helps to create this type of culture. Whether through 
product training for our technical sales force, safety 
certifications for our operations team or new job 

experiences for high potential employees, HWCC’s 
investment in its people is a key to our high levels of 
employee retention and customer satisfaction. 

The RighT FuTuRe 

Through strategic planning, hard work and outstanding 
execution, Houston Wire & Cable Company grew metals 
adjusted sales in 2012. We launched new products and 
services, expanded our customer base, recruited additional 
sales and marketing resources and further extended our 
reach into the industrial marketplace. The words we live 
by, Right Product, Right Place, and Right Time,® drive a 
continued commitment to world-class customer service, 
and with the right growth plan and target markets, I am 
excited about the year ahead as we have positioned 
ourselves well for the future.

I would like to thank our valued Houston Wire & Cable 
Company team members for their continued commitment 
to the Company and its customers. On behalf of the 
Board of Directors and the entire HWCC organization,  
I thank you, our investors, for the ongoing support and 
confidence you have placed in our Company. 

James L. Pokluda III 
President, CEO and Director

06 | Houston Wire & Cable Company

Right Product, Right Place, Right Time®

10-k FInanCIaL rEPOrt

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 

For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2012  
or  

  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the transition period from                                to 

Commission File Number: 000-52046 

 Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

36-4151663 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

10201 North Loop East 
Houston, Texas 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

(713) 609-2100 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

77029 
(Zip Code) 

Title of Class 
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered 
The NASDAQ Stock Market 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.      YES        NO     

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.   YES        NO     

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been 
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   YES           NO     

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data 
File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months 
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).                                      YES            NO     

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulations S-K is not contained herein, and will not be 
contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this 
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.       

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting 
company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large Accelerated Filer      Accelerated Filer     

Non-Accelerated Filer     

Smaller reporting company     

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)       YES          NO     

The aggregate market value of the voting stock (common stock) held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2012 was $191,649,680. 

At March 1, 2013, there were 17,899,499 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.001 par value per share, outstanding. 

   DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Part III of this report incorporates by reference specific portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2013.  

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY 
Form 10-K 
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012 

INDEX 

Business 
Risk Factors 
Unresolved Staff Comments 
Properties 
Legal Proceedings 
Mine Safety Disclosures 
Supplemental Item. Executive Officers of the Registrant  

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   
Selected Financial Data 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 
Controls and Procedures 
Other Information 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 
Executive Compensation 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

PART I. 
Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 

PART II. 
Item 5. 
Item 6. 
Item 7. 
Item 7A. 
Item 8. 
Item 9. 
Item 9A. 
Item 9B. 

PART III. 
Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 
Item 13. 
Item 14. 

Part IV. 
Item 15. 

3 
6 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 

10 
12 
14 
22 
23 
40 
40 
43 

43 
43 
43 
43 
43 

44 

2 

 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
ITEM 1.   BUSINESS 

Overview 

PART I 

We are one of the largest providers of wire and cable and related services to the U.S. market. We provide our customers with a 

single-source solution for wire and cable, hardware and related services by offering a large selection of in-stock items, exceptional customer 
service and high levels of product expertise. 

Our wide product selection and specialized services support our position in the supply chain between wire and cable manufacturers and 
the customer. The breadth and depth of wire and cable and related hardware that we offer, requires significant warehousing resources and a 
large number of SKU’s (stock-keeping units). While manufacturers may have the space and capabilities to maintain a large supply of 
inventory, we do not believe that any single manufacturer has the breadth and depth of product that we offer. More importantly, manufacturers 
historically have not offered the services that our customers need, such as complimentary custom cutting, cable coiling, custom slings and 
harnesses, paralleling, bundling, striping and same day shipment, and do not have multiple distribution centers across the nation. 

Our Cable Management Program addresses our customers’ growing requirement for sophisticated and efficient just-in-time product 

management for large capital projects. This program entails purchasing and storing dedicated inventory, so our customers have immediate 
product availability for the duration of their project.    Advantages of this program include extra pre-allocated safety stock, firm pricing, zero 
cable surplus and just-in-time delivery. Used on large construction and capital expansion projects, our Cable Management Program combines 
the expertise of our cable specialists with dedicated project inventory and superior logistics to allow complex projects to be completed on 
time, within budget and with minimal residual waste. 

History 

We were founded in 1975 and have a long history of exceptional customer service, broad product selection and high levels of product 

expertise. In 1987, we completed our first initial public offering and were subsequently purchased in 1989 by ALLTEL Corporation. In 1997, 
we were purchased by investment funds affiliated with Code, Hennessy & Simmons LLC. In June 2006, we completed our second initial 
public offering. On June 25, 2010, the Company purchased Southwest Wire Rope LP (“SWWR”), its general partner Southwest Wire Rope 
GP LLC (“GP”) and SWWR’s wholly owned subsidiary, Southern Wire (“SW”) (collectively “the acquired businesses”, or “the 
acquisition”). On January 1, 2011, the acquired businesses were merged into HWC Wire & Cable Company. The Company has no other 
business activity. 

Products 

We offer products in most categories of wire and cable, including: continuous and interlocked armor cable; control and power cable; 
electronic wire and cable; flexible and portable cords; instrumentation and thermocouple cable; lead and high temperature cable; medium 
voltage cable; premise and category wire and cable, primary and secondary aluminum distribution cable, wire rope and wire rope slings, as 
well as nylon slings, chain, shackles and other related hardware. We also offer private branded products, including our proprietary brand 
LifeGuard™, a low-smoke, zero-halogen cable. Our products are used in repair and replacement work, also referred to as Maintenance, 
Repair and Operations ("MRO"), and related projects, larger-scale projects in the utility, industrial and infrastructure markets and a diverse 
range of industrial applications including  communications, energy, engineering and construction, general manufacturing, mining, 
construction, oilfield services, infrastructure, petrochemical, transportation, utility, wastewater treatment, marine construction and marine 
transportation. 

Targeted Markets   

Our business is driven, in part, by the strength, growth prospects and activity in the end-markets in which our products are used, which are 
primarily in the continental United States. We have targeted three of these markets—the utility, industrial and infrastructure markets—in our 
sales and marketing initiatives. 

Utility Market.      The utility market includes large investor-owned utilities, rural cooperatives and municipal power authorities. 

According to Industrial Information Resources’ (“IIR’s”) 2013 Global Industrial Outlook, the spending on the power market in 2013 within 
the United States is expected to be $65 billion. While we are not a significant distributor of power lines used for the transmission of electricity, 
we sell many products used in the construction of a power plant and the related pollution control equipment. As such we are positioned to 
benefit from expenditures for new power generation needed to satisfy a growing population with increasing energy demands and to comply 
with federal mandates to reduce toxic outputs from power generating facilities. We expect to benefit from this trend as our customers utilize 
our cable management services to supply the wire and cable required in the construction of new power plants and upgrading of existing power 
plants. These upgrades often require the addition of highly-engineered and capital-intensive environmental compliance devices such as 
selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems to remove harmful emissions from existing power generation 
units. These projects require the specialty instrumentation, power and control wire and cable that we distribute. 

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Industrial Market.      The industrial market is one of the largest segments of the U.S. economy and is comprised of a diverse base of 
manufacturing and production companies. According to IIR’s 2013 Global Industrial Outlook, the 2013 projected total industrial spending 
within the United States is expected to be $198 billion. We provide a wide variety of products specifically designed for the petroleum refining, 
chemical processing, metal/mineral, and manufacturing industries where there may be significant exposure to caustic materials or extreme 
temperatures. We are well positioned to take advantage of the expansion of land based petroleum and gas expansion driven by hydrocarbon 
rich shale geographies. 

Infrastructure Market.        We believe that many infrastructure improvements will be needed over the next several years and include 
market opportunities within the transportation, water management, waste management, education and health care industries. A recent report 
from the American Society of Civil Engineers, entitled “A Failure to Act”, stated that water-related infrastructure in the United States is 
clearly aging, and investment is not able to keep up with the need. If current trends continue, the investment required will amount to $126 
billion by 2020, and the anticipated capital funding gap will be $84 billion. We have the right products for these markets and are positioned to 
benefit from the capital project investments. In turn, we are assisting our customers by working closely with engineering and construction 
engineers to drive the wire and cable specifications in these large construction projects. 

LifeGuard™ Opportunity 

We believe that demand for low-smoke, zero-halogen products is in its infancy in the U.S. and represents a significant opportunity within 

our targeted markets. Low-smoke, zero-halogen cables have been used extensively in Europe and Asia for many years. We lead the early 
development of the market for low-smoke, zero-halogen cable in the U.S. When traditional cable burns, the acid gases produced are 
particularly destructive to electrical and electronic equipment, which represents a significant investment for many businesses. In contrast, 
low-smoke, zero-halogen compounds provide significant flame resistance, minimal smoke production and substantially reduced toxicity and 
corrosiveness when burned, as compared to traditional wire and cable. We sell our LifeGuard™ products across most of our end-user markets. 

Distribution Logistics 

We believe that our national distribution presence and value-added services make us an essential partner in the supply chain for our 
suppliers. We have successfully expanded our business from one original location in Houston, Texas to nineteen locations nationwide, which 
includes two third-party logistics providers. Our standard practice is to process customers' orders the same day they are received. Our 
strategically located distribution centers generally allow for ground delivery nationwide within 24 hours of shipment. Orders are delivered 
through a variety of distribution methods, including less-than-truck-load, truck-load, air or parcel service providers, direct from supplier and 
cross-dock shipments. Freight costs are typically borne by our customers. Due to our shipment volume, we have preferred pricing 
relationships with our contract carriers. 

Customers 

During 2012, we served approximately 6,100 customers, shipping approximately 43,000 SKU’s to over 10,000 customer locations 

nationwide. No customer represented 10% or more of our 2012 sales. 

Suppliers 

We obtain products from most of the leading wire and cable suppliers. We believe we have strong relationships with our top suppliers. 
Although we believe that alternative sources are available for the majority of our wire and cable products, we have strategically concentrated 
our purchases of wire and cable with five leading suppliers in order to maximize product quality, delivery dependability, purchasing 
efficiencies, and vendor rebates. As a result, in 2012 approximately 52% of our annual purchases came from five suppliers. We do not believe 
we are dependent on any one supplier for any of our wire and cable products and related hardware. 

Our top five suppliers in 2012 were Belden Inc, General Cable Corp, Lake Cable, Nexans Energy USA, Inc and Southwire Company. 

Sales 

We market our wire and cable and related services through an inside sales force situated in our regional offices and a field sales force 
focused on key geographic markets throughout the U.S. By operating under a decentralized process, region managers are able to adapt quickly 
to market-specific occurrences, allowing us to compete effectively with local competitors. We believe the knowledge, experience and tenure 
of our sales force is critical to serving our fragmented and diverse customer and end-user base. 

 Competition 

The wire and cable market is highly competitive and fragmented, with several hundred wire and cable competitors serving this market. 
The product offerings and levels of service from the other wire and cable providers with whom we compete vary widely. We compete with 
many wire and cable providers on a national, regional and local basis. Most of our direct competitors are smaller companies that focus on a 
specific geographical area or feature a select product offering, such as surplus wire. In addition to the direct competition with other wire and 
cable providers, we also face, on a varying basis, competition with distributors and manufacturers that sell products directly or through 

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multiple distribution channels to end-users or other resellers. In the markets that we serve, competition is primarily based on product line 
breadth, quality, product availability, service capabilities and price. 

Employees 

At December 31, 2012, we had 427 employees. Our sales and marketing staff accounted for 194 employees, including 58 field sales 

personnel and 101 inside sales and technical support personnel. 

Our employees are not represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our employee 

relations are good. 

Website Access 

We maintain an internet website at www.houwire.com. We make available, free of charge under the “Investor Relations” heading on our 

website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and if applicable, amendments to 
those reports, as well as proxy and information statements, as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with 
or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Information contained on our website is not part of, and should not be 
construed as being incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Government Regulation 

We are subject to regulation by various federal, state and local agencies. We believe we are in compliance in all material respects with 

existing applicable statutes and regulations affecting environmental issues and our employment, workplace health and workplace safety 
practices. 

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ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS 

In addition to other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following risk factors should be carefully considered in 

evaluating our business, because such factors may have a significant impact on our business, operating results, cash flows and financial 
condition. As a result of the risks set forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Report, actual results could differ materially from those 
projected in any forward-looking statements. 

Downturns in capital spending and cyclicality in certain of the markets we serve could have a material adverse effect on our financial 
condition and results of operations. 

The majority of our products are used in the construction, maintenance, repair and operation of facilities, plants and projects in the 
communications, energy, engineering and construction, general manufacturing, infrastructure, petrochemical, mining, oilfield services, 
transportation, utility, wastewater treatment, marine construction and marine transportation industries. The demand for our products and 
services depends to a large degree on the capital spending levels of end-users in these markets. Many of these end-users defer capital 
expenditures or cancel projects during economic downturns. In addition, certain of the markets we serve are cyclical, which affects capital 
spending by end-users in these industries. 

We have risks associated with our customers’ access to credit. 

The continuing uncertainty in global financial markets has not impaired our access to credit to finance our operations. However, poor 
credit market conditions may adversely impact the availability of construction and other project financing, upon which many of our customers 
depend, resulting in project cancellations or delays. Our utility and industrial customers may also face limitations when trying to access the 
credit markets to fund ongoing operations or capital projects. Credit constraints experienced by our customers may result in lost revenues and 
reduced gross margins for us and, in some cases, higher than expected bad debt losses. Our suppliers’ ability to deliver products may also be 
affected by financing constraints caused by credit market conditions, which could negatively impact our revenue and cost of products sold, at 
least until alternate sources of supply are arranged. 

 We have risks associated with inventory. 

Our business requires us to maintain substantial levels of inventory. We must identify the right mix and quantity of products to keep in 
our inventory to fulfill customer orders. Failure to do so could adversely affect our sales and earnings. However, if our inventory levels are too 
high, we are at risk that unexpected changes in circumstances, such as a shift in market demand, drop in prices or loss of a customer, could 
have a material adverse impact on the net realizable value of our inventory. 

Our operating results are affected by fluctuations in commodity prices. 

Copper, steel, aluminum and petrochemical products are components of the wire and cable we sell. Fluctuations in the costs of these and 
other commodities have historically affected our operating results. To the extent higher commodity prices result in increases in the costs we 
pay for our products, we attempt to reflect the increase in the prices we charge our customers. While we historically have been able to pass 
most of these cost increases on to our customers, to the extent we are unable to do so in the future, it could have a material adverse effect on 
our operating results. In addition, as commodity costs increase, our customers may delay or decrease their purchases of our wire and cable, 
which could adversely affect the demand for our products. To the extent commodity prices decline, the net realizable value of our existing 
inventory could be reduced, and our gross profit could be adversely affected. 

Our sales of wire rope and related hardware are impacted by the level of oil and gas offshore drilling activity. 

The 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in tighter drilling and permitting qualifications by the U.S. Government. Until drilling 

companies meet these qualifications or they are eased, oil and gas drilling activity will remain at lower than historical levels, limiting the 
demand for the products we sell to this market. 

If we are unable to maintain our relationships with our customers, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. 

We rely on customers to purchase our wire and cable and related hardware. The number, size, business strategy and operations of these 
customers vary widely from market to market. Our success depends heavily on our ability to identify and respond to our customers’ needs. 

In 2012, our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 37% of our sales. If we were to lose one or more of our large customers, 
or if one or more of our large customers were to significantly reduce the amount of wire and cable and related hardware they purchase from us, 
and we were unable to replace the lost sales on similar terms, we could experience a significant loss of revenue and profits. In addition, if one 
or more of our key customers failed or were unable to pay, we could experience a write-off or write-down of the related receivables, which 
could adversely affect our earnings. We participate in a number of national marketing groups and engage in joint promotional sales activities 
with the members of those groups. Any permanent exclusion of us from, or refusal to allow us to participate in, such national marketing 
groups could have a material adverse effect on our sales and our results of operations. 

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An inability to obtain the products that we distribute could result in lost revenues and reduced profits and damage our relationships with 
customers. 

In 2012, we sourced products from approximately 285 suppliers. However, we have adopted a strategy to concentrate our purchases of 

wire and cable with a small number of suppliers in order to maximize product quality, delivery dependability, purchasing efficiencies and 
vendor rebates. As a result, in 2012 approximately 52% of our purchases came from five suppliers. If any of these suppliers changes its sales 
strategy or decides to terminate its business relationship with us, our sales and earnings would be adversely affected unless and until we were 
able to establish relationships with suppliers of comparable products. In addition, if we are not able to obtain the products we distribute from 
either our current suppliers or other competitive sources, we could experience a loss of revenue, reduction in profits and damage to our 
relationships with our customers. Supply shortages may occur as a result of unanticipated demand or production cutbacks, shortages of raw 
materials, labor disputes or weather conditions affecting products or shipments, transportation disruptions or other reasons beyond our 
control. When shortages occur, wire and cable suppliers often allocate products among their customers, and our allocations might not be 
adequate to meet our customers' needs. 

Loss of key personnel or our inability to attract and retain new qualified personnel could hurt our ability to operate and grow successfully. 

Our success is highly dependent upon the services of James L. Pokluda III, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Nicol G. 

Graham, our Chief Financial Officer. Our success will continue to depend to a significant extent on our executive officers and key 
management and sales personnel. We do not have key man life insurance covering any of our executive officers. We may not be able to retain 
our executive officers and key personnel or attract additional qualified management and sales personnel. The loss of any of our executive 
officers or our other key management and sales personnel or our inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel could hurt our ability to 
operate and make it difficult to maintain our market share and to execute our growth strategies. 

A change in vendor rebate programs could adversely affect our gross margins and results of operations. 

The terms on which we purchase products from many of our suppliers entitle us to receive a rebate based on the volume of our purchases. 
These rebates effectively reduce our costs for products. If suppliers adversely change the terms of some or all of these programs, the changes 
may lower our gross margins on products we sell and may have an adverse effect on our operating results. 

Our private branded products might not gain market acceptance. 

An important element of our growth strategy is the continued development and market acceptance of our private branded products 
including our LifeGuard™ line of low-smoke, zero-halogen cable. Our success with our private branded products, however, depends on our 
ability to market these products in the appropriate channels, develop and market new private branded products and, ultimately, on the 
acceptance of these products in the markets we serve. Further, demand for our products could diminish as a result of a competitor's 
introduction of higher quality, better performing or lower cost products in the marketplace. In addition, the low-smoke, zero-halogen 
properties of our LifeGuard™ line of cable products depend on a highly-engineered petrochemical material. If there is not an adequate supply 
of this material, we may be unable to have our LifeGuard™ products manufactured, or our LifeGuard™ products may be available only at a 
higher cost or after a long manufacturing delay. If we cannot sustain the growth in demand for our LifeGuard™ products, or if we cannot have 
those products manufactured on acceptable terms or if we do not develop additional private branded products, we will be unable to realize 
fully our growth strategy.  

If we encounter difficulties with our management information systems, we would experience problems managing our business. 

We believe our management information systems are a competitive advantage in maintaining our leadership position in the wire and 
cable industry. We rely upon our management information systems to manage and replenish inventory, fill and ship orders on a timely basis 
and coordinate our sales and marketing activities. If we experience problems with our management information systems, we could experience 
product shortages, diminished inventory control or an increase in accounts receivable. Any failure by us to maintain our management 
information systems could adversely impact our ability to attract and serve customers and would cause us to incur higher operating costs and 
experience reduced profitability. 

  An increase in competition could decrease sales or earnings. 

We operate in a highly competitive industry. We compete directly with national, regional and local providers of wire and cable and 

related hardware. Competition is primarily focused in the local service area and is generally based on product line breadth, product 
availability, service capabilities and price. Some of our existing competitors have, and new market entrants may have, greater financial and 
marketing resources than we do. To the extent existing or future competitors seek to gain or retain market share by reducing prices, we may be 
required to lower our prices, thereby adversely affecting our financial results. Existing or future competitors also may seek to compete with us 
for acquisitions, which could have the effect of increasing the price and reducing the number of suitable acquisitions. Other companies, 
including our current customers, could seek to compete directly with our private branded products, which could adversely affect our sales of 
those products and ultimately our financial results. Our existing customers, as well as suppliers, could seek to compete with us by offering 
services similar to ours, which could adversely affect our market share and our financial results. In addition, competitive pressures resulting 
from the economic downturn and the industry trend toward consolidation could adversely affect our growth and profit margins. 

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We may not be able to successfully identify acquisition candidates, effectively integrate newly acquired businesses into our operations or 
achieve expected profitability from our acquisitions. 

To supplement our growth, we intend to selectively pursue acquisition opportunities. If we are not successful in finding attractive 
acquisition candidates that we can acquire on satisfactory terms, or if we cannot complete those acquisitions that we identify, we will not be 
able to realize the benefit of this growth strategy. 

Acquisitions involve numerous possible risks, including unforeseen difficulties in integrating operations, technologies, services, 
accounting and personnel; the diversion of financial and management resources from existing operations; unforeseen difficulties related to 
entering geographic regions or target markets where we do not have prior experience; the potential loss of key employees; and the inability to 
generate sufficient profits to offset acquisition or investment-related expenses. If we finance acquisitions by issuing equity securities or 
securities convertible into equity securities, our existing stockholders could be diluted, which, in turn, could adversely affect the market price 
of our stock. If we finance an acquisition with debt, it could result in higher leverage and interest costs. As a result, if we fail to evaluate and 
execute acquisitions properly, we might not achieve the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions, and we may incur costs in excess of what 
we anticipate. 

The Company is anticipating significant growth in the recently acquired businesses and if this growth is not achieved, a goodwill 

impairment may result. 

We may be subject to product liability claims that could be costly and time consuming. 

We sell wire and cable and related hardware. As a result, from time to time we have been named as defendants in lawsuits alleging that 
these products caused physical injury or injury to property. We rely on product warranties and indemnities from the product manufacturers, as 
well as insurance that we maintain, to protect us from these claims. However, manufacturers' warranties and indemnities are typically limited 
in duration and scope and may not cover all claims that might be asserted. Moreover, our insurance coverage may not be available or may not 
be adequate to cover every claim asserted or the entire amount of every claim. 

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ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

None. 

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES 

Facilities 

We operate out of nineteen distribution centers strategically located throughout the continental United States with approximately 776,000 

sq ft of distribution space. We own two facilities in Houston, TX (one of which houses all centralized and back office functions such as 
finance, marketing, purchasing, human resources and information technology) and two facilities in Louisiana. All of the other facilities are 
leased, including two from third-party logistics providers. Fifteen of the facilities, in addition to containing inventory for re-sale, house 
knowledgeable sales staff. We believe that our properties are in good operating condition and adequately serve our current business 
operations. 

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits that are brought against us in the normal course of business. We are not currently a party 
to any legal proceedings that we expect, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial 
condition. We, along with many other defendants, have been named in a number of lawsuits in the state courts of Illinois, Minnesota, North 
Dakota, and South Dakota alleging that certain wire and cable which may have contained asbestos caused injury to the plaintiffs who were 
exposed to this wire and cable. These lawsuits are individual personal injury suits that seek unspecified amounts of money damages as the sole 
remedy. It is not clear whether the alleged injuries occurred as a result of the wire and cable in question or whether we, in fact, distributed the 
wire and cable alleged to have caused any injuries. We maintain general liability insurance that, to date, has covered the defense of and all 
costs associated with these claims. In addition, we did not manufacture any of the wire and cable at issue, and we would rely on any warranties 
from the manufacturers of such cable if it were determined that any of the wire or cable that we distributed contained asbestos which caused 
injury to any of these plaintiffs. In connection with ALLTEL's sale of our company in 1997, ALLTEL provided indemnities with respect to 
costs and damages associated with these claims that we believe we could enforce if our insurance coverage proves inadequate. 

   ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 

Not applicable. 

SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM.   EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 

Name/Office 

James L. Pokluda III 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Age 

Business Experience 
During Last 5 Years 

48 

      Chief Executive Officer since 

January 2012 and President since 
May 2011. Prior thereto, Vice 
President Sales & Marketing from 
April 2007 until May 2011. 

Nicol G. Graham 
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary 

60 

      Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer 

and Secretary since 1997. 

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PART II 

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES 
OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “HWCC”.  The following table lists quarterly 

information on the price range of our common stock based on the high and low reported sale prices for our common stock as reported by The 
NASDAQ Global Market for the periods indicated below. 

Year ended December 31, 2012: 

First quarter 
Second quarter 
Third quarter 
Fourth quarter 

Year ended December 31, 2011: 

First quarter 
Second quarter 
Third quarter 
Fourth quarter 

High 

Low 

   $ 
   $ 
   $ 
   $ 

   $ 
   $ 
   $ 
   $ 

15.33       $ 
14.12       $ 
12.29       $ 
12.29       $ 

15.00       $ 
18.00       $ 
17.15       $ 
14.54       $ 

12.91   
10.60   
10.58   
10.32   

11.56   
13.30   
11.21   
10.01   

There were 22 holders of record of our common stock as of December 31, 2012. 

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers 

The following table provides information about our purchases of common stock for the quarter ended December 31, 2012. For further 

information regarding our stock repurchase activity, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.” 

Total number of 
shares purchased    
—   
—   
5,299   
5,299   

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

Average 
price paid 
per share 

—       
—       
11.10       
11.10     

Total number of 
shares purchased 
as part of publicly 
announced plans 
or programs   (1) 

Maximum 
dollar value 
that may yet be 
used for 
purchases 
under the plan 

19,385,303   
19,385,303   
—   

—     $ 
—     $ 
—     $ 
—       

Period 
October 1 – 31, 2012 
November 1 – 30, 2012 
December 1 – 31, 2012 (2) 
Total 

(1) 

(2) 

The board authorized a stock buyback in the amount of $30 million in August 2007. This amount was increased to $50 million 
in September 2007 and to $75 million effective January 2008. There were no purchases made under the Company’s stock 
repurchase program in the 4th quarter of 2012. The program expired December 31, 2012. 
These shares were surrendered in connection with the exercise of a stock option to pay the exercise price and withholding taxes 
in accordance with the terms of our 2006 Stock Plan and accordingly were not shares acquired under the publicly announced 
plan. 

Stock Performance Graph 

The following graph compares the total stockholder return on our common stock with the total return on the NASDAQ US Index and the 
Russell 2000 Index.  We believe the Russell 2000 Index includes companies with capitalization comparable to ours.  Houston Wire & Cable 
Company has a unique niche in the marketplace, due to the size and scope of our business platform, and we are unable to identify peer issuers, 
as the public companies within our industry are substantially more diversified than we are. 

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Total return is based on an initial investment of $100 on January 1, 2008, and reinvestment of dividends. 

Dividend Policy 

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors. We have paid a 
quarterly cash dividend since August 2007. From February 2008 through February 2011, our quarterly cash dividend was $0.085 per share. 
Beginning in May 2011, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share. During 2012 and 2011, the cash 
dividend was $0.36 and $0.355 per share, resulting in total dividends paid of $6.4 million and $6.3 million, respectively. 

As a holding company, our only source of funds to pay dividends is distributions from our operating subsidiary. Our loan agreement does 
not limit the amount of dividends we may pay or stock we may repurchase, as long as we are not in default under the loan agreement and we 
maintain defined levels of fixed charge coverage and availability. 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans 

The information called for by this item regarding securities available for issuance is provided in response to Item 12. 

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ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

You should read the following selected financial information together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes 

and the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. 
We have derived the consolidated statement of income data for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and the 
consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2012 and 2011, from our audited financial statements, which are included in this Form 10-K. 
We have derived the consolidated statement of income data for each of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated 
balance sheet data at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 from our audited financial statements, which are not included in this Form 10-K. 

Year Ended December 31, 

2012 

2011 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data) 

2010 

2009 

2008 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 
INCOME DATA: 
Sales 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Operating expenses: 

Salaries and commissions 
Other operating expenses 
Depreciation and amortization 

Total operating expenses 

Operating income 
Interest expense 

Income before income taxes 
Income tax provision 

Net income 

Earnings per share: 

Basic 

Diluted 

Weighted average common shares 

outstanding : 
Basic 
Diluted 

  $ 

393,036       $ 
306,017         

396,410       $ 
307,515         

308,522       $ 
245,932         

254,819       $ 
201,865         

360,939   
275,224   

87,019         

88,895         

62,590         

52,954         

85,715   

30,013         
25,139         
2,941         
58,093         

28,926         
1,252         

27,674         
10,635         

28,053         
24,513         
2,952         
55,518         

33,377         
1,424         

31,953         
12,276         

25,281         
20,565         
1,738         
47,584         

15,006         
844         

14,162         
5,543         

20,596         
18,023         
563         
39,182         

13,772         
520         

13,252         
5,220         

24,080   
20,728   
523   
45,331   

40,384   
1,825   

38,559   
14,822   

17,039       $ 

19,677       $ 

8,619       $ 

8,032       $ 

23,737   

0.96       $ 

1.11       $ 

0.49       $ 

0.46       $ 

0.96       $ 

1.11       $ 

0.49       $ 

0.45       $ 

1.33   

1.33   

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

17,723,277         
17,815,401         

17,679,524         
17,801,134         

17,657,682         
17,710,123         

17,648,696         
17,665,924         

17,789,739   
17,838,072   

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2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

(Dollars in thousands) 

As of December 31, 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 
DATA: 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable, net 
Inventories, net 
Total assets 
Book overdraft     (1) 
Total debt     (2) (3) 
Stockholders’ equity     (3) 

   $ 
   $ 
   $ 
   $ 
   $ 
   $ 
   $ 

274       $ 
65,892       $ 
84,662       $ 
197,155       $ 
—       $ 
58,588       $ 
109,080       $ 

—       $ 
59,731       $ 
69,517       $ 
179,153       $ 
2,270       $ 
47,967       $ 
97,338       $ 

—       $ 
67,838       $ 
67,503       $ 
185,490       $ 
3,055       $ 
54,825       $ 
85,720       $ 

—       $ 
46,859       $ 
61,325       $ 
122,014       $ 
907       $ 
17,479       $ 
80,813       $ 

—   
50,798   
73,459   
134,753   
4,933   
29,808   
76,595   

(1) 
(2) 

(3) 

Our book overdraft is funded by our revolving credit facility as soon as the related checks clear our disbursement account. 
On June 25, 2010, we completed the purchase of the acquired  businesses for a total purchase price of $51.5 million of which 
$51.2 million was paid in 2010 and was funded from our loan agreement. 
A stock repurchase program was approved in 2007 and expired effective December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 
31, 2008, purchases of stock totaling $14,725 were made, part of which was funded by debt. No repurchases under the stock 
repurchase program were made during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009.   

13 

 
 
    
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
     
  
  
  
  
     
          
          
          
          
    
  
     
 
 
  
 
 
ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing 
elsewhere in this Form 10-K. In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, 
uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations. Factors that could cause such 
differences include those described in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Certain tabular information may not foot due to 
rounding. 

Overview 

Since our founding over 37 years ago, we have grown to be one of the largest providers of wire and cable and related services to the U.S. 

market. Today, we serve approximately 6,100 customers. Our products are used in MRO activities and related projects, as well as for 
larger-scale projects in the utility, industrial and infrastructure markets and a diverse range of industrial applications 
including communications, energy, engineering and construction, general manufacturing, mining, construction, oilfield services, 
infrastructure, petrochemical, transportation, utility, wastewater treatment, marine construction and marine transportation. 

Our revenue is driven in part by the level of capital spending within the end-markets we serve. Because many of these end-markets defer 
capital expenditures during periods of economic downturns, our business has experienced cyclicality from time to time. We believe that our 
revenue will continue to be impacted by fluctuations in capital spending and by our ability to drive demand through our sales and marketing 
initiatives and the continued development and marketing of our private branded products, such as LifeGuard™. The continuing economic 
uncertainty and volatility in commodity prices have impacted sales and the level of demand. This has had and will continue to have an impact 
on our performance, until economic conditions stabilize. 

Our direct costs will continue to be influenced significantly by the prices we pay our suppliers to procure the products we distribute to our 

customers. Changes in these costs may result, for example, from increases or decreases in raw material costs, changes in our relationships 
with suppliers or changes in vendor rebates. Our operating expenses will continue to be affected by our investment in sales, marketing and 
customer support personnel and commissions paid to our sales force for revenue and profit generated. Some of our operating expenses are 
related to our fixed infrastructure, including rent, utilities, administrative salaries, maintenance, insurance and supplies. To meet our 
customers’ needs for an extensive product offering and short delivery times, we will need to continue to maintain adequate inventory levels. 
Our ability to obtain this inventory will depend, in part, on our relationships with suppliers. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

Critical accounting policies are those that both are important to the accurate portrayal of a company’s financial condition and results of 
operations, and require subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are 
inherently uncertain. 

In order to prepare financial statements that conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, commonly referred 
to  as  GAAP,  we  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  our  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes. 
Certain estimates are particularly sensitive due to their significance to the financial statements and the possibility that future events may be 
significantly different from our expectations. 

We have identified the following accounting policies as those that require us to make the most subjective or complex judgments in order 

to fairly present our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Actual results in these areas could differ materially from 
management’s estimates under different assumptions and conditions. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make 
required payments. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers and typically do not require collateral. Consistent with industry 
practices, we require payment from most customers within 30 days of the invoice date. We have an estimation procedure, based on historical 
data, current economic conditions and recent changes in the aging of the receivables, which we use to record reserves throughout the year. In 
the last five years, write-offs against our allowance for doubtful accounts have averaged $0.1 million per year. A 20% change in our estimate 
at December 31, 2012 would have resulted in a change in income before income taxes of less than $0.1 million. 

Reserve for Returns and Allowances 

We estimate the gross profit impact of returns and allowances for previously recorded sales. This reserve is calculated on historical and 

statistical returns and allowances data and adjusted as trends in the variables change. A 20% change in our estimate at December 31, 2012 
would have resulted in a change in income before income taxes of $0.1 million. 

14 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
various objectives, by sales, national and marketing managers for driving the sales process, by region managers based on the profitability of 
their branches and by corporate managers based primarily on our profitability and also on other operating metrics. 

Other Operating Expenses.   Other operating expenses include all other expenses, except for salaries and commissions and depreciation 

and amortization. This includes all payroll taxes, health insurance, traveling expenses, public company expenses, advertising, management 
information system expenses, facility rent and all distribution expenses such as packaging, reels, and repair and maintenance of equipment 
and facilities. 

Depreciation and Amortization.   We incur depreciation expense for costs related to the capitalization of property and equipment on a 

straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to thirty years. We incur amortization expense on 
leasehold improvements over the shorter of the lease term or the life of the related asset and on intangible assets over the estimated life of the 
asset. 

Interest Expense 

Interest expense consists primarily of interest we incur on our debt. 

Results of Operations 

The following discussion compares our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. 

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, information derived from our consolidated statements of income, expressed as a 

percentage of sales for the period presented. 

Sales 
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 

Operating expenses: 

Salaries and commissions 
Other operating expenses 
Depreciation and amortization 

Total operating expenses 

Operating income 
Interest expense 
Income before income taxes 
Income tax provision 

Net income 

Year Ended December 31, 
2011 

2010 

   2012 
     100.0 %       
77.9 %       
22.1 %       

100.0 %       
77.6 %       
22.4 %       

100.0 % 
79.7 % 
20.3 % 

7.6 %       
6.4 %       
0.7 %       
14.8 %       

7.1 %       
6.2 %       
0.7 %       
14.0 %       

7.4 %       
0.3 %       
7.0 %       
2.7 %       

8.4 %       
0.4 %       
8.1 %       
3.1 %       

4.3 %    

5.0 %    

8.2 % 
6.7 % 
0.6 % 
15.4 % 

4.9 % 
0.3 % 
4.6 % 
1.8 % 

2.8 % 

Note: Due to rounding, numbers may not add up to total operating expenses, operating income or income before income taxes. 

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 

Sales 

(Dollars in millions) 
Sales 

Year Ended 
December 31, 

2012 

2011 

Change 

   $ 

393.0       $ 

396.4      

$ 

(3.4 )       

(0.9 )% 

Our sales in 2012 decreased 0.9% to $393.0 million from $396.4 million in 2011. When adjusted for fluctuation in metals prices, 
revenues in 2012 were up approximately 3% over 2011 sales. While mega projects which occurred in 2011 did not repeat, our overall project 
business remained flat in 2012, buoyed by large and medium sizes projects in our key growth initiatives – Environmental Compliance, 
Engineering & Construction, Industrials, LifeGuard™ (and other private branded products), Power Generation, and Mechanical Wire Rope. 
MRO business ended the year down approximately 3% or roughly flat when adjusted for metals prices. 

16 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
    
  
    
    
     
    
     
    
    
    
     
    
     
    
    
    
    
    
  
    
    
     
    
     
    
    
    
    
    
  
    
    
     
    
     
    
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
   
 
Gross Profit 

(Dollars in millions) 
Gross profit 
Gross profit as a percent of sales 

2012 

   $ 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2011 

87.0   
  $ 
22.1 %     

88.9   
   $ 
22.4 %       

Change 

(1.9 )        
(0.3 )%      

(2.1 )% 

Gross profit decreased 2.1% to $87.0 million in 2012 from $88.9 million in 2011. The decrease in gross profit was primarily attributed to 

the reduction in sales and the gross profit as a percentage of sales (gross margin) decreasing to 22.1% in 2012 from 22.4% in 2011. This 
decrease was primarily attributed to a change in product mix, competitive pricing and some large, direct-ship, low margin orders invoiced in 
the fourth quarter.  

Operating Expenses 

(Dollars in millions) 
Operating expenses: 

Salaries and commissions 
Other operating expenses 
Depreciation and amortization 
Total operating expenses 

Year Ended 
December 31, 

2012 

2011 

Change 

   $ 

   $ 

30.0      $ 
25.1        
2.9        
58.1      $ 

28.1   
24.5   
3.0   
55.5   

  $ 

  $ 

2.0   
0.6   
0.0   
2.6   

7.0 % 
2.6 % 
(0.4 )% 
4.6 % 

Operating expenses as a percent of sales 

14.8 %     

14.0 %     

0.8 %      

Note: Due to rounding, numbers may not add up to total operating expenses. 

Salaries and Commissions.    Salaries and commissions increased 7.0% to $30.0 million in 2012 from $28.1 million in 2011. The increase 
was primarily due to a onetime reversal during 2011 relating to $1.7 million of salary expense recognized prior to January 1, 2011 attributed 
to the change in the estimated forfeiture rate from 0% to 100% for non-vested options previously awarded to our former chief executive 
officer and to additional headcount in 2012. This was offset by a decrease in commissions in 2012 due to the lower level of profitability. 

Other Operating Expenses.    Other operating expenses increased slightly primarily due to costs associated with the higher headcount and 

an increase in consulting and professional fees during the 2012 period. 

Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation and amortization decreased slightly between the periods. 

Operating expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 14.8% in 2012 from 14.0% in 2011. More than half of this increase resulted from 
the onetime reversal during 2011 relating to $1.7 million of salary expense recognized prior to January 1, 2011 attributed to the change in the 
estimated forfeiture rate from 0% to 100% for non-vested options previously awarded to our former chief executive officer. 

Interest Expense 

Interest expense decreased 12.1% to $1.3 million in 2012 from $1.4 million in 2011 due to lower London Interbank Offered Rate 
(“LIBOR”) interest rates and a higher percentage of the debt in LIBOR borrowings. Average debt was $58.0 million in 2012 compared to 
$58.5 million in 2011. The average effective interest rate decreased to 2.1% in 2012 from 2.3% in 2011. This decrease was primarily due to a 
lower applicable LIBOR spread as a result of the higher availability under the loan agreement in 2012. 

Income Tax Expense 

Income tax expense decreased $1.6 million or 13.4% to $10.6 million in 2012 compared to $12.3 million in 2011, as pretax income 

decreased by 13.4% year over year. The effective income tax rate remained the same for both periods at 38.4%. 

Net Income 

We achieved net income of $17.0 million in 2012 compared to $19.7 million in 2011, a decrease of 13.4%. 

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Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 

Sales 

(Dollars in millions) 
Sales 

Year Ended 
December 31, 

2011 

2010 

   $ 

396.4       $ 

308.5       $ 

Change 
87.9         

28.5 % 

Our sales for 2011 increased 28.5% to $396.4 million from $308.5 million in fiscal year 2010.   The primary reasons for this increase 

were the contribution from the acquired businesses, improved demand for our products due to recovering economic conditions and 
the increase in the price of copper, a component in our products, which rose approximately 17% during 2011.   We estimate sales in our 
MRO business increased approximately 8%-10% as a result of improved economic conditions.   Sales within our five internal growth 
initiatives encompassing Environmental Compliance, Engineering & Construction, Industrials, LifeGuard™ (and other private branded 
products) and Power Generation increased approximately 30% as project activity in these areas remained strong due to ongoing market 
penetration and previously booked backlog. 

Gross Profit 

(Dollars in millions) 
Gross profit 
Gross profit as a percent of sales 

2011 

   $ 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2010 

88.9   
   $ 
22.4 %      

62.6   
   $ 
20.3 %       

Change 

26.3          42.0 % 
2.1 %      

Gross profit increased 42.0% to $88.9 million in 2011 from $62.6 million in 2010. The increase in gross profit was attributed to an 
increase in our legacy business and the contribution from the acquired businesses. Gross margin increased to 22.4% in 2011 from 20.3% in 
2010 due to a better macroeconomic business environment which allowed a higher gross margin on our products and higher margins from the 
acquired businesses. 

Operating Expenses 

(Dollars in millions) 
Operating expenses: 

Salaries and commissions 
Other operating expenses 
Depreciation and amortization 
Total operating expenses 

Year Ended 
December 31, 

2011 

2010 

Change 

   $ 

   $ 

28.1      $ 
24.5        
3.0        
55.5      $ 

25.3   
20.6   
1.7   
47.6   

  $ 

  $ 

2.8   
3.9   
1.2   
7.9   

11.0 % 
19.2 % 
69.9 % 
16.7 % 

Operating expenses as a percent of sales 

14.0 %     

15.4 %     

(1.4 )%       

Note: Due to rounding, numbers may not add up to total operating expenses. 

   Salaries and Commissions. Salaries and commissions increased primarily due to the additional personnel from the acquisition and 
increases in commissions from our legacy business associated with higher organic sales volumes and related profitability. This increase was 
partially offset by a $1.7 million onetime reversal in 2011 of salary expense recorded prior to January 1, 2011 attributed to the change in the 
estimated forfeiture rate from 0% to 100% for non-vested options previously awarded to the former chief executive officer, who retired from 
the Company effective December 31, 2011. 

Other Operating Expenses. Other operating expenses increased primarily due to the additional operations of the acquired businesses and 

increased expenses associated with higher sales. 

Depreciation and Amortization. The depreciation and amortization increase is primarily attributable to the assets from the acquisition. 

Operating expenses as a percentage of sales decreased to 14.0% in 2011 from 15.4% in 2010. This decrease is attributed to the reversal of 
salary expense, ongoing cost control initiatives and operating leverage from our legacy business, partially offset by the acquired businesses. 

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Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $14.3 million in 2011 compared to $19.3 million in 2010. Our net income increased by 

$11.1 million or 128.3% to $19.7 million in 2011from $8.6 million in 2010. 

Changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash used in operating activities of $8.8 million in 2011. Trade accounts payable 
decreased $9.9 million primarily due to payment in early 2011 of $4.9 million of vendor invoices under dispute at December 31, 2010 and a 
planned slow down of inventory purchases for our legacy business in December 2011. Inventory increased $2.8 million as a result of the 
acquired businesses. This additional inventory included products needed to support projected sales, consignment inventory that was 
converted to regular stock and the addition of new stocking sites. Income taxes decreased $2.8 million due to federal and state tax payments. 
Offsetting these uses of cash was a decrease in accounts receivable of $8.1 million due to lower sales in December 2011 compared to 
December 2010 and the receipt in 2011 of an amount outstanding since 2009 due to a product dispute. 

Net cash used in investing activities was $1.2 million in 2011 compared to $50.7 million in 2010. Cash paid for the acquisition decreased 

from $51.2 million in 2010 to the $0.3 million final payment made in 2011. Expenditures for property and equipment increased from $0.5 
million in 2010 to $1.3 million in 2011 primarily due to expenditures made for the acquired businesses. 

Net cash used in financing activities was $13.1 million in 2011 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $31.4 million in 
2010. Net payments on the revolver of $6.9 million and dividends of $6.3 million were the main components of financing activities in 2011. 

Indebtedness 

Our principal source of liquidity at December 31, 2012 was working capital of $126.4 million compared to $102.6 million at 

December 31, 2011. We also had available borrowing capacity in the amount of $41.4 million at December 31, 2012 and $35.0 million at 
December 31, 2011 under our loan agreement. 

We believe that we will have adequate availability of capital to fund our present operations, meet our commitments on our existing debt, 

continue to fund our dividend payments, and fund anticipated growth over the next twelve months, including expansion in existing and 
targeted market areas. We continually seek potential acquisitions and from time to time hold discussions with acquisition candidates. If 
suitable acquisition opportunities or working capital needs arise that would require additional financing, we believe that our financial position 
and earnings history provide a solid base for obtaining additional financing resources at competitive rates and terms. Additionally, based on 
market conditions, we may decide to issue additional shares of common or preferred stock to raise funds. 

Loan and Security Agreement 

On September 30, 2011, we entered into a Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “2011 Loan Agreement”) 
with certain lenders and Bank of America, N.A., as agent. The 2011 Loan Agreement provides for a $100 million revolving credit facility and 
expires on September 30, 2016. Availability under the 2011 Loan Agreement is limited to a borrowing base equal to 85% of the value of 
eligible accounts receivable, plus 65% of the value of eligible inventory, less certain reserves. The 2011 Loan Agreement is secured by a lien 
on substantially all our property, other than real estate. 

Portions of the loan under the 2011 Loan Agreement may be converted to LIBOR loans in minimum amounts of $1.0 million and integral 

multiples of $0.1 million. LIBOR loans bear interest at the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate plus 125 to 200 basis points based on 
availability, and loans not converted to LIBOR loans bear interest at a fluctuating rate equal to the greatest of the agent’s prime rate, the 
federal funds rate plus 50 basis points, or 30-day LIBOR plus 150 basis points. Additionally, we are obligated to pay an unused facility fee on 
the unused portion of the loan commitment. Unused commitment fees are 25 or 30 basis points, depending on the amount of the unused 
commitment. 

Covenants in the 2011 Loan Agreement require us to maintain certain minimum financial ratios and availability levels. Repaid amounts 

can be re-borrowed subject to the borrowing base. As of December 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all financial covenants. 

20 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual Obligations 

The following table describes our cash commitments to settle contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012. 

Total 

Less than 
1 year 

1-3 years 
(In thousands) 

   $ 

   $ 

58,588       $ 
8,398         
33,043         
100,029       $ 

—       $ 
2,991         
33,043         
36,034       $ 

—       $ 
3,399         
—         
3,399       $ 

3-5 years 

More than 
5 years 

58,588       $ 
1,785         
—         
60,373       $ 

—   
223   
—   
223   

Loans payable 
Operating lease obligations 
Non-cancellable purchase obligations (1) 

Total 

(1) 

These obligations reflect purchase orders outstanding with manufacturers as of December 31, 2012. We believe that some of 
these obligations may be cancellable upon negotiation with our vendors, but we are treating these as non-cancellable for this 
disclosure due to the absence of an express cancellation right. 

Capital Expenditures 

We made capital expenditures of $1.0 million, $1.3 million and $0.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 

respectively. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements, other than operating leases. 

Share Repurchase Program 

In 2007, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, where the Company is authorized to purchase up to $75 million of 
its outstanding shares of common stock, depending on market conditions, trading activity, business conditions and other factors. The program 
was scheduled to expire on December 31, 2009 but was initially extended through December 31, 2011 and on November 4, 2011 was further 
extended through December 31, 2012. Shares of stock purchased under the program are currently being held as treasury stock and may be 
issued upon the exercise of options, as restricted stock, to fund acquisitions, or for other uses as authorized by the Board of Directors. There 
were no shares repurchased during 2012 and 2011 under the stock repurchase program. This program expired on December 31, 2012. 

Financial Derivatives 

We have no financial derivatives. 

Market Risk Management 

We are exposed to market risks arising from changes in market prices, including movements in interest rates and commodity prices. 

Interest Rate Risk 

Borrowings under our 2011 Loan Agreement bear interest at variable interest rates and therefore are sensitive to changes in the general 

level of interest rates. At December 31, 2012, the weighted average interest rate on our $58.6 million of variable interest debt was 
approximately 1.8%. 

While our variable rate debt obligations expose us to the risk of rising interest rates, management does not believe that the potential 
exposure is material to our overall financial performance or results of operations. Based on December 31, 2012 borrowing levels, a 1.0% 
increase or decrease in the applicable interest rates would have a $0.6 million effect on our annual interest expense. 

Commodity Risk 

We are subject to periodic fluctuations in copper prices, as our products have varying levels of copper content in their construction. In 

addition, varying steel, aluminum and petrochemical prices also impact certain products we purchase. Profitability is influenced by these 
fluctuations as prices change between the time we buy and sell our products. 

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Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk 

Our products are purchased and invoiced in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, we do not believe we are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk. 

Climate Risk 

Our operations are subject to inclement weather conditions including hurricanes, earthquakes and abnormal weather events. Our previous 

experience from these events has had a minimal effect on our operations and results. 

Factors Affecting Future Results 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that may be considered forward-looking.  These statements can be identified by 
the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," 
"expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "should," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," "would" and other words and terms of 
similar meaning in conjunction with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. You should read statements that contain these 
words carefully, because they discuss our future expectations, contain projections of our future results of operations or of our financial 
position or state other "forward-looking" information.  Actual results could differ materially from the results indicated by these statements, 
because the realization of those results is subject to many risks and uncertainties.  Some of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in 
greater detail under Item 1A, "Risk Factors." 

All forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and speak only as of the date of this filing. Except as 
required under federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not have any intention, and do not undertake, to update 
any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date of this Form 10-K. 

ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk are reported in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

Condition and Results of Operations”, under the captions “Market Risk Management”, “Interest Rate Risk”, “Commodity Risk”, and 
“Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk”. 

22 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
ITEM 8.   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

Houston Wire & Cable Company 

Index to consolidated financial statements 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

  Page 
   24 
   25 
   26 
   27 
   28 
   29 

23 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Houston Wire & Cable Company 

  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Houston Wire & Cable Company (the Company) as of December 31, 
2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended December 31, 2012.    These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.    Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. 

  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).    Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material 
misstatement.    An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.   
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the 
overall financial statement presentation.    We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial 
position of Houston Wire & Cable Company at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

  We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Houston 
Wire & Cable Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control 
– Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 18, 
2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. 

/s/Ernst & Young LLP 

Houston, Texas 
March 18, 2013 

24 

 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Houston Wire & Cable Company 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 

  $ 

   $ 

   $ 

Assets 
Current assets: 

Cash 
Accounts receivable, net 
Inventories, net 
Deferred income taxes 
Income taxes 
Prepaids 

Total current assets 

Property and equipment, net 
Intangible assets, net 
Goodwill 
Other assets 
Total assets 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity 
Current liabilities: 
Book overdraft 
Trade accounts payable 
Accrued and other current liabilities 
Income taxes 

Total current liabilities 

Debt 
Other long-term obligations 
Deferred income taxes 
Total liabilities 

Stockholders’ equity: 

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding       
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized: 20,988,952 shares issued: 

17,899,499 and 17,811,806 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively      

Additional paid-in capital 
Retained earnings 
Treasury stock 

Total stockholders’ equity 

December 31, 

2012 

2011 

(In thousands, except 
share data) 

274  
  $ 
65,892        
84,662         
2,455         
—         
841         
154,124         

5,824         
11,967         
25,082         
158         
197,155       $ 

—       $ 
12,330         
15,379         
5         
27,714         

58,588         
103         
1,670         
88,075         

—  
59,731   
69,517   
2,268   
1,693   
828   
134,037   

6,029   
13,700   
25,082   
305   
179,153   

2,270   
10,099   
19,101   
—   
31,470   

47,967   
128   
2,250   
81,815   

—         

—   

21         
55,291         
104,252         
(50,484 )       
109,080         

21   
55,760   
93,588   
(52,031 ) 
97,338   

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

   $ 

197,155       $ 

179,153   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

25 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
  
  
     
        
  
     
          
    
     
          
    
   
     
     
     
     
     
  
     
          
    
     
     
     
     
  
     
          
    
     
          
    
     
          
    
     
     
     
     
  
     
          
    
     
     
     
     
  
     
          
    
     
          
    
     
     
     
     
  
     
          
    
  
  
 
 
Houston Wire & Cable Company 
 Consolidated Statements of Income 

2012 

Year Ended December 31, 
2011 
(In thousands, except share and per share data) 

2010 

Sales 
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 

Operating expenses: 

Salaries and commissions 
Other operating expenses 
Depreciation and amortization 

Total operating expenses 

Operating income 
Interest expense 
Income before income taxes 
Income tax provision 
Net income 

Earnings per share: 

Basic 
Diluted 

   $ 

   $ 

393,036   
306,017   
87,019   

   $ 

396,410   
307,515   
88,895   

308,522   
245,932   
62,590   

30,013   
25,139   
2,941   
58,093   

28,926   
1,252   
27,674   
10,635   
17,039   

   $ 

28,053   
24,513   
2,952   
55,518   

33,377   
1,424   
31,953   
12,276   
19,677   

   $ 

0.96   
0.96   

   $ 
   $ 

1.11   
1.11   

   $ 
   $ 

25,281   
20,565   
1,738   
47,584   

15,006   
844   
14,162   
5,543   
8,619   

0.49   
0.49   

   $ 

   $ 
   $ 

Weighted average common shares outstanding: 

Basic 
Diluted 

17,723,277   
17,815,401   

17,679,524   
17,801,134   

17,657,682   
17,710,123   

Dividends declared per share 

   $ 

0.36   

   $ 

0.355   

   $ 

0.34   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

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Houston Wire & Cable Company 
 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity 

Common Stock 

Shares 

      Amount 

      Additional       
Paid-In 
Capital 

      Retained       
      Earnings       

(In thousands, except share data) 

Treasury Stock 

Shares 

      Amount 

      Stockholders' 

Total 

Equity 

20,988,952         
—         
—         
—         

—         
—         
—         
—         
—         

20,988,952         
—         
—         
—         
—         

—         
—         
—         
—         

—         
—         

20,988,952         
—         
—         
—         
—         

—         
—         
—         
—         

21         
—         
—         
—         

—         
—         
—         
—         
—         

21         
—         
—         
—         
—         

—         
—         
—         
—         

—         
—         

21         
—         
—         
—         
—         

—         
—         
—         
—         

56,609         
—         
(134 )      
7         

2,260         
(18 )      
238         
(320 )      
—         

58,642         
—         
(383 )      
37         
(48 )      

(707 )      
(1,153 )      
82         
(710 )      

—         
—         

55,760         
—         
(395 )      
35         
(13 )      
1,040        
(6 )      
82         
(1,212 )      

77,571         
8,619         
—         
—         

—         
—         
—         
—         
(6,003 )      

80,187         
19,677         
—         
—         
—         

—         
—         
—         
—         

—         
(6,276 )      

93,588         
17,039         
—         
—         
—         

—         
—         
—         
—         

(3,256,215 )      
—         
10,750         
—         

(53,388 )      
—         
176         
—         

—         
—         
(14,500 )      
19,500         
—         

—         
—         
(238 )      
320         
—         

(3,240,465 )      
—         
26,899         
—         
—         

(53,130 )      
—         
497         
—         
—         

—         
—         
(5,000 )      
43,251         

(1,831 )      
—         

(3,177,146 )      
—         
27,977         
—         
—         

—         
—         
(5,000 )      
74,203         

—         
—         
(82 )      
710         

(26 )      
—         

(52,031 )      
—         
532         
—         
—         

—         
—         
(82 )      
1,212         

80,813   
8,619   
42   
7   

2,260   
(18 ) 
—    
—   
(6,003 ) 

85,720   
19,677   
114   
37   
(48 ) 

(707 ) 
(1,153 ) 
—   
—   

(26 ) 
(6,276 ) 

97,338   
17,039   
137   
35   
(13 ) 
1,040  
(6 ) 
—   
—   

Balance at December 31, 2009 

Net income 
Exercise of stock options 
Excess tax benefit for stock options 
Amortization of unearned 
stock compensation 

Impact of forfeited vested options 
Impact of forfeited restricted stock awards  
Issuance of restricted stock awards 
Dividends paid 

Balance at December 31, 2010 

Net income 
Exercise of stock options 
Excess tax benefit for stock options 
Excess tax deficiency for stock options 
Amortization of unearned 
stock compensation 

Impact of forfeited vested options 
Impact of forfeited restricted stock awards      
Issuance of restricted stock awards 
Impact of surrendered equity awards to 

satisfy taxes 
Dividends paid 

Balance at December 31, 2011 

Net income 
Exercise of stock options, net 
Excess tax benefit for stock options 
Excess tax deficiency for stock options 
Amortization of unearned 
stock compensation 

Impact of forfeited vested options 
Impact of forfeited restricted stock awards      
Issuance of restricted stock awards 
Impact of surrendered equity awards to 

satisfy taxes 
Dividends paid 

Balance at December 31, 2012 

—         
—         
      20,988,952       $ 

—         
—         
21       $ 

—         
—         
55,291       $ 

—         
(6,375 )      
104,252         

(9,487 )      
—         
(3,089,453 )    $ 

(115 )      
—         
(50,484 )    $ 

(115 ) 
(6,375 ) 
109,080   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

27 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
     
  
     
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
     
     
  
     
          
          
          
          
          
          
    
     
     
     
     
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
     
  
     
          
          
          
          
          
          
    
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
 
 
Houston Wire & Cable Company 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

2012 

Year Ended December 31, 
2011 
(In thousands) 

2010 

   $ 

17,039       $ 

19,677       $ 

8,619   

Operating activities 
Net income 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating 

activities: 

Depreciation and amortization 
Amortization of capitalized loan costs 
Amortization of unearned stock compensation 
Provision for doubtful accounts 
Provision for returns and allowances 
Provision for inventory obsolescence 
(Gain) loss on disposals of property and equipment 
Deferred income taxes 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

Accounts receivable 
Inventories 
Prepaids 
Other assets 
Book overdraft 
Trade accounts payable 
Accrued and other current liabilities 
Long term liabilities 
Income taxes 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities 

Investing activities 

Expenditures for property and equipment 
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment 
Cash paid for acquisition 
Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities 

Borrowings on revolver 
Payments on revolver 
Deferred loan cost 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 
Payment of dividends 
Excess tax benefit for options 
Purchase of treasury stock 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

Net change in cash 
Cash at beginning of year 

Cash at end of year 
Supplemental disclosures 

Cash paid during the year for interest 

Cash paid during the year for income taxes 

2,941         
18         
1,040        
(19 )      
(61 )      
815         
(7 )      
(773 )      

(6,081 )      
(15,960 )      
(13 )      
129        
(2,270 )      
2,231        
(3,722 )      
(25 )      
1,685        
(3,033 )      

(1,005 )      
9         
—        
(996 )      

2,952         
14         
(707 )       
(9 )       
66        
826         
(2 )       
283        

8,050        
(2,840 )       
(65 )       
(126 )       
(785 )       
(9,888 )       
(337 )       
(13 )      
(2,777 )       
14,319         

(1,319 )      
452         
(343 )      
(1,210 )      

402,231         
(391,610 )      
—        
137         
(6,375 )      
35         
(115 )      
4,303        

274         
—         

274       $ 

405,741         
(412,599 )      
(100 )       
114         
(6,276 )      
37         
(26 )       
(13,109 )       

—         
—         

—       $ 

1,738   
46   
2,260   
93   
(118 ) 
734   
26  
(1,603 ) 

(9,785 )  
1,059   
2,954  
354  
1,668  
5,010   
5,466  
(3 )  
755  
19,273   

(459 ) 
956   
(51,162 )  
(50,665 ) 

352,276   
(314,930 ) 
—   
42   
(6,003 ) 
7   
—   
31,392  

—   
—   

—   

1,231       $ 

1,445       $ 

743   

9,762       $ 

14,732       $ 

6,191   

   $ 

   $ 

   $ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

28 

 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
  
  
     
          
          
    
  
     
          
          
    
     
          
          
    
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
          
          
    
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  
     
          
          
    
     
          
          
    
     
     
     
     
  
     
          
          
    
     
          
          
    
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  
     
          
          
    
     
     
  
     
          
          
    
     
          
          
    
  
     
          
          
    
  
 
Houston Wire & Cable Company 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
   (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) 

1.   Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Description of Business 

Houston Wire & Cable Company (the “Company”), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, HWC Wire & Cable Company, Advantage 

Wire & Cable and Cable Management Services Inc., provides wire and cable, hardware and related services to the U.S. market through 
nineteen locations in twelve states throughout the United States. On June 25, 2010, the Company purchased Southwest Wire Rope LP 
(“SWWR”), its general partner Southwest Wire Rope GP LLC (“GP”) and SWWR’s wholly owned subsidiary, Southern Wire (“SW”) 
(collectively “the acquired businesses”, or “the acquisition”). On January 1, 2011, the acquired businesses were merged into HWC Wire & 
Cable Company. The Company has no other business activity. 

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and have been prepared following 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(“SEC”). The financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s 
financial position and operating results. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. 

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that 
affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The most significant estimates are those relating to the 
allowance for doubtful accounts, the inventory obsolescence reserve, the reserve for returns and allowances, vendor rebates, and asset 
impairments. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used for the preparation of the financial statements. 

Earnings per Share 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted 

earnings per share include the dilutive effects of stock option and restricted stock awards. 

The following reconciles the denominator used in the calculation of earnings per share: 

Year Ended December 31, 
2011 

2012 

2010 

Denominator: 

Weighted average common shares for basic earnings per share 
Effect of dilutive securities 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share 

17,723,277         
92,124         

17,657,682   
52,441   
      17,815,401          17,801,134          17,710,123   

17,679,524         
121,610         

 Options to purchase 525,846, 811,939 and 882,455 shares of common stock were not included in the diluted net income per share 

calculation for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The 2011 and 2010 amounts include 
490,385 options and 532,500 options, respectively, held by the former CEO who retired effective December 31, 2011. 

Accounts Receivable 

Accounts receivable consists primarily of receivables from customers, less an allowance for doubtful accounts of $213 and $211, and a 

reserve for returns and allowances of $491 and $552 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Consistent with industry practices, the 
Company normally requires payment from most customers within 30 days. The Company has no contractual repurchase arrangements with its 
customers. Credit losses have been within management’s expectations. 

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The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the past three years: 

Balance at beginning of year 

Acquisition 
Bad debt expense 
Write-offs, net of recoveries 

Balance at end of year 

Inventories 

2012 

2011 

2010 

211       $ 
—         
(19 )      
21        
213       $ 

358       $ 
—         
(9 )       
(138 )      
211       $ 

282   
173   
93   
(190 )  
358   

   $ 

   $ 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost, using the average cost method, or market and consist primarily of goods purchased for resale, 

less a reserve for obsolescence and unusable items and unamortized vendor rebates. The reserve for inventory is based upon a number of 
factors, including the experience of the purchasing and sales departments, age of the inventory, new product offerings, and other factors. The 
reserve for inventory may periodically require adjustment as the factors identified above change. The inventory reserve was $3,746 and 
$2,975 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

Vendor Rebates 

Under many of the Company’s arrangements with its vendors, the Company receives a rebate of a specified amount of consideration, 
payable when the Company achieves any of a number of measures, generally related to the volume level of purchases from the vendors. The 
Company accounts for such rebates as a reduction of the prices of the vendors’ products and therefore as a reduction of inventory until it sells 
the products, at which time such rebates reduce cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Throughout the year, the 
Company estimates the amount of the rebates earned based on purchases to date relative to the total purchase levels expected to be achieved 
during the rebate period. The Company continually revises these estimates to reflect rebates expected to be earned based on actual purchase 
levels and forecasted purchase volumes for the remainder of the rebate period. 

Property and Equipment 

The Company provides for depreciation on a straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: 

Buildings 
Machinery and equipment 

25 to 30 years 
3 to 5 years 

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over their estimated life or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Total depreciation 

expense was approximately $1,208, $1,095, and $805 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 

Goodwill 

Goodwill represents the excess of the amount the Company paid to acquire businesses over the estimated fair value of tangible assets and 
identifiable intangible assets acquired, less liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed annually for impairment, or more 
frequently if indications of possible impairment exist, by applying a fair-value based test. Because the acquired businesses were not meeting 
the internal performance expectations used in the October 2011 annual impairment test, an interim goodwill impairment test was performed as 
of July 31, 2012. This test was performed using the same methodology as used for the annual test and the result indicated that no impairment 
had occurred. The annual test in October 2012 also indicated that no impairment had occurred. The fair value of the Southern Wire reporting 
unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 11% and its goodwill balance was $20.1 million at December 31, 2012. The Company is 
still anticipating significant growth in the acquired businesses, but if this growth is not achieved a goodwill impairment may result.   

Other Assets 

Other assets include deferred financing costs on the current loan agreement of $100. The deferred financing costs are amortized on a 

straight-line basis over the contractual life of the related loan agreement, which approximates the effective interest method, and such 
amortization expense is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Accumulated amortization at 
December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $32 and $14, respectively. 

Estimated future amortization expense for capitalized loan costs through the maturity of the loan agreement are $18 for each of the years 

2013 through 2015 and $14 in 2016. 

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Intangibles 

Intangible assets, from the acquisition, consist of customer relationships, trade names, and non-compete agreements. The customer 
relationships are amortized over 6 or 7 year useful lives and non-compete agreements were amortized over a 1 year useful life. If events or 
circumstances were to indicate that any of the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets might be impaired, the Company would assess 
recoverability based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be generated from the applicable intangible asset. Trade names are 
not being amortized and are tested for impairment on an annual basis.  

Self Insurance 

The Company retains certain self-insurance risks for both health benefits and property and casualty insurance programs. The Company 
limits its exposure to these self insurance risks by maintaining excess and aggregate liability coverage. Self insurance reserves are established 
based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. The estimates are based on information provided to the Company by 
its claims administrators. 

Segment Reporting 

The Company operates in a single operating and reporting segment, sales of wire and cable, hardware and related services to the U.S. 

market. 

Revenue Recognition, Returns & Allowances 

The Company recognizes revenue when the following four basic criteria have been met: 

1.       Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 

2.       Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; 

3.       The seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and 

4.       Collectability is reasonably assured. 

The Company records revenue when customers take delivery of products. Customers may pick up products at any distribution center 
location, or products may be delivered via third party carriers. Products shipped via third party carriers are considered delivered based on the 
shipping terms, which are generally FOB shipping point. Normal payment terms are net 30 days. Customers are permitted to return product 
only on a case-by-case basis. Product exchanges are handled as a credit, with any replacement items being re-invoiced to the customer. 
Customer returns are recorded as an adjustment to sales. In the past, customer returns have not been material. The Company has no 
installation obligations. 

The Company may offer sales incentives, which are accrued monthly as an adjustment to sales. 

Shipping and Handling 

The Company incurs shipping and handling costs in the normal course of business. Freight amounts invoiced to customers are included as 

sales and freight charges are included as a component of cost of sales. 

Credit Risk 

The Company’s customers are located primarily throughout the United States. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of the 
Company’s sales in 2012, 2011 or 2010. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require 
collateral. 

Advertising Costs 

Advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Advertising expenses were $314, $212, and $163 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 

2011, and 2010, respectively. 

Financial Instruments 

The carrying values of accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and accrued and other current liabilities approximate fair value, due to 
the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of long term debt approximates fair value as it bears interest at variable rates. 

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 Stock-Based Compensation 

Stock options issued under the Company’s stock plan have an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on the grant 

date. Restricted stock awards and units are valued at the closing price of the Company’s stock on the grant date. The Company recognizes 
compensation expense ratably over the vesting period. The Company’s compensation expense is included in salaries and commissions 
expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. 

The Company receives a tax deduction for certain stock option exercises in the period in which the options are exercised, generally for the 

excess of the market price on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the options. The Company reports excess tax benefits from the 
award of equity instruments as financing cash flows. Excess tax benefits result when a deduction reported for tax return purposes for an award 
of equity instruments exceeds the cumulative compensation cost for the instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes. 

Income Taxes 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial 
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect 
when the differences are expected to reverse. 

2.   Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts 

Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment are stated at cost and consist of: 

Land 
Buildings 
Machinery and equipment 

Less accumulated depreciation 
Total 

Intangibles assets 

Intangibles assets consist of:  

Trade names 
Customer relationships 
Non-compete agreements 

Less accumulated amortization 

Trade names 
Customer relationships 
Non-compete agreements 

Total 

At December 31, 

2012 

2011 

   $ 

   $ 

1,187       $ 
3,466         
9,646         
14,299         
8,475         
5,824       $ 

1,187   
3,411   
8,810   
13,408   
7,379   
6,029   

At December 31, 

2012 

2011 

   $ 

   $ 

4,610       $ 
11,630         
250         
16,490         

—         
4,273         
250         
4,523         
11,967       $ 

4,610   
11,630   
250   
16,490   

—   
2,540   
250   
2,790   
13,700   

Intangible assets include customer relationships which are being amortized over 6 or 7 year useful lives and non-compete agreements 
which were amortized over a 1 year useful life. The weighted average amortization period for intangible assets is 6.6 years. Trade names are 
not amortized; however, they are tested annually for impairment. As of December 31, 2012, accumulated amortization on the acquired 
intangible assets was $4,523, and amortization expense was $1,733 and $1,857 for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and $933 
from the date of the acquisition through December 31, 2010, respectively. Future amortization expense to be recognized on the acquired 
intangible assets is expected to be as follows: 

32 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
     
     
  
     
     
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
     
     
  
     
     
          
    
     
     
     
  
     
 
 
 
 
 
  
   2013 
   2014 
   2015 
   2016 
   2017 

 Goodwill 

Changes in goodwill were as follows: 

Balance at beginning of year 
Current year acquisitions 
Balance at end of year 

Accrued and Other Current Liabilities 

Accrued and other current liabilities consist of: 

Customer advances 
Customer rebates 
Payroll, commissions, and bonuses 
Accrued inventory purchases 
Other 
Total 

3.   Debt 

    $ 

Annual 
Amortization 
Expense 

1,733 
1,733 
1,733 
1,512 
646 

At December 31, 

2012 

2011 

   $ 

   $ 

25,082       $ 
—         
25,082       $ 

25,082   
—   
25,082   

At December 31, 

2012 

2011 

   $ 

   $ 

429       $ 
4,383         
2,553         
5,107         
2,907         
15,379       $ 

2,539   
5,112   
3,760   
4,324   
3,366   
19,101   

On September 30, 2011, HWC Wire & Cable Company, as borrower, entered into the Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security 
Agreement (“2011 Loan Agreement”), with certain lenders and Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and the Company, as guarantor, executed a 
Second Amended and Restated Guaranty of the borrower’s obligations thereunder. The 2011 Loan Agreement provides for a $100 million 
revolving credit facility, bears interest at the agent’s base rate, with a LIBOR rate option and expires on September 30, 2016. The 2011 Loan 
Agreement is secured by a lien on substantially all the property of the Company, other than real estate. Availability under the 2011 Loan 
Agreement is limited to a borrowing base equal to 85% of the value of eligible accounts receivable, plus 65% of the value of eligible 
inventory, less certain reserves. 

Portions of the loan may be converted to LIBOR loans in minimum amounts of $1,000 and integral multiples of $100. LIBOR loans bear 
interest at the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate plus 125 to 200 basis points based on availability, and loans not converted to LIBOR 
loans bear interest at a fluctuating rate equal to the greatest of the agent’s prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points, or 30-day 
LIBOR plus 150 basis points. Unused commitment fees are 25 or 30 basis points, depending on the amount of the unused commitment. 

The 2011 Loan Agreement includes, among other things, covenants that require the Company to maintain a specified minimum fixed 
charge coverage ratio and availability levels. Additionally, the 2011 Loan Agreement allows for the unlimited payment of dividends and 
repurchases of stock, subject to the absence of events of default and maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio and minimum level of 
availability. The 2011 Loan Agreement contains certain provisions that may cause the debt to be classified as a current liability, in accordance 
with GAAP, if availability falls below certain thresholds, even though the ultimate maturity date under the loan agreement remains as 
September 30, 2016. Availability has remained above these thresholds. At December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with the 
financial covenants governing its indebtedness. 

The Company’s borrowings at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $58,588 and $47,967, respectively. The weighted average interest rates 

on outstanding borrowings were 1.8% and 2.3% at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

33 

 
  
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
     
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
     
     
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
During 2012, the Company had an average available borrowing capacity of approximately $39,295. This average was computed from the 

monthly borrowing base certificates prepared for the lender. At December 31, 2012, the Company had available borrowing capacity of 
$41,380 under the terms of the 2011 Loan Agreement. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company paid $101, 
$71, and $108, respectively, for the unused facility. 

Principal repayment obligations for succeeding fiscal years are as follows: 

2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
Total 

4.   Income Taxes 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of: 

Current: 
Federal 
State 

Total current 

Deferred: 
Federal 
State 

Total deferred 

Total 

   $ 

   $ 

—   
—   
—   
58,588   
—   
58,588   

2012 

Year Ended December 31, 
2011 

2010 

   $ 

10,129       $ 
1,279         
11,408         

10,612       $ 
1,381         
11,993         

(703)         
(70)         
(773)         

258  
25  
283  

   $ 

10,635       $ 

12,276       $ 

6,392   
754   
7,146   

(1,457 ) 
(146 ) 
(1,603 ) 

5,543   

A reconciliation of the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate on income before taxes is as follows: 

Federal statutory rate 
State taxes, net of federal benefit 
Non-deductible items 
Other 
Total effective tax rate 

2012 

Year Ended December 31, 
2011 

2010 

35.0 %      
2.8         
0.6         
—         

38.4 %   

35.0 %      
2.8         
0.6         
—         

38.4 %   

35.0 % 
2.8   
0.6   
0.7   
39.1 % 

34 

 
 
  
  
     
     
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
     
     
  
     
          
          
    
     
     
  
     
          
          
    
     
          
          
    
     
     
     
     
     
     
  
     
          
          
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
     
        
        
  
     
     
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant components of the Company’s deferred taxes were as follows:  

Deferred tax assets: 

Uniform capitalization adjustment 
Inventory reserve 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 
Stock compensation expense 
Property and equipment 
Other 

Total deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Property and equipment 
Goodwill 
Intangibles 

Total deferred tax liabilities 
Net deferred tax assets 

Year Ended 
December 31, 

2012 

2011 

   $ 

   $ 

   $ 

796   
1,442   
82   
1,928   
43  
29   
4,320   

—   
834   
2,701   
3,535   
785   

   $ 

875   
1,146   
81   
1,685   
—  
31   
3,818   

14   
613   
3,173   
3,800   
18   

The Company recognizes interest on any tax issue as a component of interest expense and any related penalties in other operating 
expenses. As of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company made no provisions for interest or penalties related to uncertain tax 
positions. The tax years 2008 through 2012 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. 

5.       Stockholders’ Equity 

In 2007, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, where the Company is authorized to purchase up to $75,000 of its 

outstanding shares of common stock, depending on market conditions, trading activity, business conditions and other factors. The program 
was scheduled to expire on December 31, 2009 but was initially extended through December 31, 2011 and on November 4, 2011 was further 
extended through December 31, 2012. Shares of stock purchased under the program are currently being held as treasury stock and may be 
used to satisfy the exercise of options, as restricted stock, to fund acquisitions, or for other uses as authorized by the Board of Directors. 
During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company did not repurchase any of its stock under the stock repurchase program. 
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had made total repurchases under the stock repurchase program of 3,391,854 shares for a total cost of 
$55,615. This program expired on December 31, 2012.   

Under the terms of the 2006 Stock Plan, the Company repurchased 35,214 shares that were surrendered by the holders to fund the 
exercise of the related awards and to pay withholding taxes in 2012. These repurchases were not made under the stock repurchase program. 

The Company has paid a quarterly cash dividend since August 2007, resulting in aggregate dividends in 2012, 2011 and 2010 of $6,375, 

$6,276 and $6,003, respectively. 

The Company is authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.001 per share. The Board of Directors is authorized 
to fix the particular preferences, rights, qualifications and restrictions of each series of preferred stock. In connection with the adoption of a 
stockholder rights plan, which was subsequently terminated, the Board of Directors designated 100,000 shares as Series A Junior 
Participating Preferred Stock. No shares of preferred stock have been issued. 

6.   Employee Benefit Plans 

The Company maintains a combination profit-sharing plan and salary deferral plan (the “Plan”) for the benefit of its employees. 

Employees who are eligible to participate in the Plan can contribute a percentage of their base compensation, up to the maximum percentage 
allowable not to exceed the limits of Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) Sections 401(k), 404, and 415, subject to the IRS-imposed dollar limit. 
Employee contributions are invested in certain equity and fixed-income securities, based on employee elections. The Company has adopted 
the Safe Harbor provisions of the Code, whereby contributions up to the first 3% of an employee’s compensation are matched 100% by the 
Company and the next 2% are matched 50% by the Company.  The Company’s match for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
was $735, $727, and $599, respectively. 

35 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
    
     
    
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
  
     
    
     
    
 
 
     
    
     
    
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
7.   Incentive Plans 

On March 23, 2006, the Company adopted and on May 1, 2006, the stockholders approved the 2006 Stock Plan (the “2006 Plan”) to 
provide incentives for certain key employees and directors through awards of stock options and restricted stock awards and units. The 2006 
Plan provides for incentives to be granted at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and may be either 
nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options as defined by Section 422 of the Code. Under the 2006 Plan a maximum of 
1,800,000 shares may be issued to designated participants. The maximum number of shares available to any one participant in any one 
calendar year is 500,000. 

The Company also has options outstanding under a stock option plan adopted in 2000 (the “2000 Plan”). The 2000 Plan provided for 

options to be granted at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant, which options could be either 
nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options as defined by Section 422 of the Code. In connection with the adoption of the 2006 Plan, 
the Board of Directors resolved that no further options would be granted under the 2000 Plan. 

Stock Option Awards 

The Company has granted options to purchase its common stock to employees and directors of the Company under the two stock plans at 
no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. These options are granted for a term not exceeding ten years and 
may be forfeited in the event the employee or director terminates his or her employment or relationship with the Company. Options granted to 
employees generally vest over three to five years, and options granted to directors generally vest one year after the date of grant. Shares issued 
to satisfy the exercise of options may be newly issued shares or treasury shares. Both option plans contain anti-dilutive provisions that permit 
an adjustment of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock represented by each option for any change in capitalization. 
Compensation cost for options granted is charged to expense on a straight line basis over the term of the option. 

On May 8, 2012, the Company granted options under the 2006 Stock Plan to purchase 10,000 shares of its common stock with an exercise 
price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the close of trading on May 8, 2012 to new members of the management team. 
These options have a contractual life of ten years and vest in five equal annual installments on the first five anniversaries of the date of the 
grant. 

On December 20, 2011, the Company granted options to purchase 64,330 shares and 8,580 shares of its common stock to the Company’s 
President (as part of his overall compensation plan commensurate upon assuming the Chief Executive Officer role effective January 1, 2012) 
with the exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the close of trading on December 20, 2011. The first option 
grant has a contractual life of ten years and vests 50% on December 31, 2016 and the remaining 50% on December 31, 2017. The second grant 
also has a contractual life of ten years and vests in five equal annual installments on the first five anniversaries of the date of the grant. Both 
grants provide that in the event of the Chief Executive Officer’s death or permanent disability, such options would vest ratably based on the 
days served from the date of grant. 

On December 20, 2011, the Company granted options to purchase 97,500 shares of its common stock to its managers with the exercise 
price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the close of business on December 20, 2011. This grant has a contractual life of 
ten years and vests in five equal annual installments on the first five anniversaries of the date of the grant. 

The fair value of each option awarded is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatilities 
are based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock and other factors. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and 
employee terminations within the valuation model. The expected life of options granted represents the period of time that options granted are 
expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the 
time of grant. For options issued, the following weighted average assumptions were used: 

Year Ended 
December 31, 
2011 

2012 

0.89 %      
3.01 %      

1.01 %      
2.55 %      

5.5 years   

5.5 years   

64 %      

65 %      

2010 

1.86 % 
2.80 % 
4.5 years   
64 % 

Risk-free interest rate 
Expected dividend yield 
Weighted average expected life 
Expected volatility 

36 

 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
     
     
     
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
Vesting dates range from May 8, 2013 to December 31, 2017, and expiration dates range from January 1, 2014 to May 8, 2022. The 

following summarizes stock option activity and related information: 

 2012 

Options 
(in 000’s)       

Weighted 
Average 

Exercise Price      

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(in years) 

Outstanding—Beginning of year 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Expired 
Outstanding—End of year 
Exercisable—End of year 
Weighted average fair value of options granted during 2012    $ 
Weighted average fair value of options granted during 2011    $ 
Weighted average fair value of options granted during 2010    $ 

837       $ 
10         
(54 )      
(11 )      
(4 )       
778       $ 
   547       $ 
5.29         
6.55         
5.04         

14.25      $ 
11.98     
9.02     
12.77     
0.53     
14.67      $ 
15.38      $ 

1,430         

656         
558         

6.17   
5.22   

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, tax benefits of $35, $37 and $7, respectively, were reflected in financing 

cash flows. 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $258, $277 and $77, 

respectively. 

The total fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $404, $3,890 and $703, 

respectively. The December 31, 2011 amount includes vested options of the retired former chief executive officer in the amount of $2,993. 
These options expired upon his departure. 

Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units 

On December 17, 2012, the Company granted 56,250 voting shares of restricted stock under the 2006 Plan to management. These shares 
vest in one third increments, on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of grant. Any dividends declared will be accrued and paid 
to the recipient if and when the related shares vest as long as the recipient is still employed by the Company. 

Following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 8, 2012, the Company awarded restricted stock units with a grant date award 
value of $50 to each non-employee director who was re-elected, for an aggregate of 25,044 restricted stock units. Each award of restricted 
stock units vests at the date of the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Upon vesting, the non-employee directors are entitled to receive a 
number of shares of the Company's common stock equal to the number of restricted stock units, together with dividend equivalents from the 
date of grant, at such time as the director’s service on the board terminates for any reason. 

On December 20, 2011, the Company granted a restricted stock award to the Company’s President (as part of his overall compensation 
plan commensurate upon assuming the Chief Executive Officer role effective January 1, 2012) in the amount of 26,576 shares. The grant vests 
in two equal amounts on December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017.   

The Company also granted performance based restricted stock awards to the Company’s President on December 20, 2011 and December 
17, 2012 in the amount of 14,175 shares and 17,953 shares respectively. These awards are based on the Company achieving at least 85% of a 
cumulative operating income target for the three year period commencing January 1, 2012 and ending December 31, 2014 for the 2011 grant 
and the three year period commencing January 1, 2013 and ending December 31, 2015 for the 2012 grant. Each award will vest at the 100% 
level if the Company achieves 100% or more of the cumulative operating income target and on a sliding scale down to 0% vesting if the 
Company achieves less than 85% of the cumulative operating income target. Vesting is dependent upon the recipient being employed and any 
dividends declared will be accrued and paid to the recipient when the related shares vest. 

Following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 3, 2011, the Company awarded restricted stock units with a grant date award 
value of $50 to each non-employee director who was re-elected, for an aggregate of 18,204 restricted stock units. Each award of restricted 
stock units vests at the date of the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Upon vesting, the non-employee directors are entitled to receive an 
equal number of shares of the Company's common stock, together with dividend equivalents from the date of grant, at such time as the 
director’s service on the Board of Directors terminates for any reason. 

37 

 
 
  
  
  
 
    
        
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
          
    
  
  
  
          
    
  
  
  
          
    
  
  
  
          
    
  
  
  
      
  
          
    
      
  
          
    
      
  
          
    
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
On March 11, 2011, the Company granted 2,500 voting shares of restricted stock under the 2006 Plan to a recently promoted member of 

the management team. These shares vest in five equal annual installments on the first five anniversaries of the date of grant, as long as the 
recipient is then employed by the Company. Any dividends declared will be accrued and paid to the recipient if and when the related shares 
vest. 

Restricted common shares, under fixed plan accounting, are measured at fair value on the date of grant based on the number of shares 

granted, estimated forfeitures and the quoted price of the common stock. Such value is recognized as compensation expense over the 
corresponding vesting period which ranges from one to five years. 

The following summarizes restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2012: 

Awards 

Units 

2012 

Weighted 
Average 
Market 
Value at 
Grant Date 

Weighted 
Average 
Market 
Value at 
Grant Date 

Shares 
(in 000’s) 

Shares 
(in 000’s) 

122       $ 
74         
(25 )      
(5 )      
166       $ 

12.82         
11.14         
12.18         
12.21         
12.19         

18       $ 
25         
(18 )       
—         
25       $ 

16.48   
11.98   
16.48   
—   
11.98   

Non-vested —Beginning of year 
Granted 
Vested 
Cancelled/Forfeited 
Non-vested —End of year 

Total stock-based compensation cost/(benefit) was $1,040, $(707) and $2,260 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 
respectively. Total income tax benefit/(expense) recognized for stock-based compensation arrangements was $400, $(274) and $885 for the 
years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The credit for share-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2011 
is due to the reversal of $1.7 million of compensation expense which was recorded prior to January 1, 2011. This reversal resulted from a 
change in the estimated forfeiture rate from 0% to 100% of non-vested options previously awarded to the former chief executive officer, who 
retired from the Company effective December 31, 2011. 

As of December 31, 2012, there was $2,551 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation 
arrangements. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 45 months. There were 467,388 shares 
available for future grants under the 2006 Plan at December 31, 2012. 

8.   Commitments and Contingencies 

The Company has entered into operating leases, primarily for distribution centers and office facilities. These operating leases frequently 

include renewal options at the fair rental value at the time of renewal. For leases with step rent provisions, whereby the rental payments 
increase incrementally over the life of the lease, the Company recognizes the total minimum lease payments on a straight line basis over the 
minimum lease term. Facility rent expense was approximately $2,671 in 2012, $2,809 in 2011 and $2,602 in 2010. 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial terms of one year or more consisted of the following 

at December 31, 2012: 

2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 
Thereafter 
Total minimum lease payments 

   $ 

   $ 

2,991   
2,176   
1,223   
967   
818   
223   
8,398   

The Company had aggregate purchase commitments for fixed inventory quantities of approximately $33,043 at December 31, 2012. 

As part of a recent acquisition, the Company assumed the liability for the post-remediation monitoring of the water quality at one of the 
acquired facilities in Louisiana. The expected liability of $103 at December 31, 2012 relates to the cost of the monitoring, which the Company 
estimates will be incurred over approximately the next 4 years and also the cost to plug the wells. Remediation work was completed prior to 
the acquisition in accordance with the requirements of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. 

38 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
  
  
     
     
  
  
     
  
     
     
     
     
     
  
   
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
     
     
 
  
  
 
 The Company, along with many other defendants, has been named in a number of lawsuits in the state courts of Illinois, Minnesota, 
North Dakota, and South Dakota alleging that certain wire and cable which may have contained asbestos caused injury to the plaintiffs who 
were exposed to this wire and cable. These lawsuits are individual personal injury suits that seek unspecified amounts of money damages as 
the sole remedy. It is not clear whether the alleged injuries occurred as a result of the wire and cable in question or whether the Company, in 
fact, distributed the wire and cable alleged to have caused any injuries. The Company maintains general liability insurance that, to date, has 
covered the defense of and all costs associated with these claims. In addition, the Company did not manufacture any of the wire and cable at 
issue, and the Company would rely on any warranties from the manufacturers of such cable if it were determined that any of the wire or cable 
that the Company distributed contained asbestos which caused injury to any of these plaintiffs. In connection with ALLTEL's sale of the 
Company in 1997, ALLTEL provided indemnities with respect to costs and damages associated with these claims that the Company believes 
it could enforce if its insurance coverage proves inadequate.  

There are no legal proceedings pending against or involving the Company that, in management’s opinion, based on the current known 

facts and circumstances, are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows, or 
results from operations. 

9.   Subsequent Events 

On February 11, 2013, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share payable to shareholders of record on 

February 21, 2013. This dividend totaling $1,596 was paid on February 28, 2013. 

10.  Select Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) 

The following table presents the Company’s unaudited quarterly results of operations for each of the last eight quarters in the period 
ended December 31, 2012. The unaudited information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements. 

Sales 
Gross profit 
Operating income 
Net income 
Earnings per share: 

Basic 
Diluted 

Sales 
Gross profit 
Operating income 
Net income 
Earnings per share: 

Basic 
Diluted 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 

Fourth 
Quarter 

Third 
Quarter 

Second 
Quarter 

First 
Quarter 

(in thousands, except per share data) 

   $ 
   $ 
   $ 
   $ 

   $ 
   $ 

104,379       $ 
22,017       $ 
7,438       $ 
4,370       $ 

96,113       $ 
21,612       $ 
7,156       $ 
4,232       $ 

98,082       $ 
22,252       $ 
7,530       $ 
4,421       $ 

0.25       $ 
0.25       $ 

0.24       $ 
0.24       $ 

0.25       $ 
0.25       $ 

94,462   
21,138   
6,802   
4,016   

0.23   
0.23   

Year Ended December 31, 2011 

Fourth 
Quarter 

Third 
Quarter 

Second 
Quarter 

First 
Quarter 

(in thousands, except per share data) 

   $ 
   $ 
   $ 
   $ 

   $ 
   $ 

87,481       $ 
19,917       $ 
5,306       $ 
3,052       $ 

105,782       $ 
23,006       $ 
8,386       $ 
4,965       $ 

103,420       $ 
23,720       $ 
11,527       $ 
6,842       $ 

0.17       $ 
0.17       $ 

0.28       $ 
0.28       $ 

0.39       $ 
0.38       $ 

99,727   
22,252   
8,158   
4,818   

0.27   
0.27   

39 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
     
        
        
        
  
     
          
          
          
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
     
        
        
        
  
     
          
          
          
    
  
     
          
          
          
   
   
 
ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None. 

ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15a-15, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation 

of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and 
procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2012. 

Design and Evaluation of Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we included a report of management’s assessment of the design and 
effectiveness of our internal controls as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. Ernst & 
Young, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, also attested to our internal control over financial reporting. Management’s 
report and the independent registered accounting firm’s attestation report are included on pages 41 and 42 under the captions entitled 
“Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”. 

There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2012 that has 

materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. 

40 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

The Company has assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 based on criteria 

established by   Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (“COSO Framework”). The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls 
over financial reporting. The Company’s independent registered public accountants that audited the Company’s financial statements as of 
December 31, 2012 have issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting, which appears on page 47. 

Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 
Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in 
reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance 
that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and 
directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of the inherent limitations, internal 
control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods 
are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the 
policies and procedures may deteriorate. 

The Company’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting included testing and evaluating the design 

and operating effectiveness of its internal controls. In management’s opinion, the Company has maintained effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in the COSO Framework. 

/s/ James L. Pokluda III 
James L. Pokluda III 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

/s/ Nicol G. Graham 
Nicol G. Graham 
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer 
and Secretary (Chief Accounting Officer) 

41 

 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Houston Wire & Cable Company 

  We have audited Houston Wire & Cable Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
(the COSO criteria). Houston Wire & Cable Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial 
reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s 
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over 
financial reporting based on our audit.   

  We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial 
reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, 
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the 
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a 
reasonable basis for our opinion. 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 

financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of 
records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide 
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of 
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized 
acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of 
any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, 
or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

In our opinion, Houston Wire & Cable Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as 

of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria. 

  We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
consolidated balance sheets of Houston Wire & Cable Company as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements 
of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 of Houston Wire & Cable 
Company and our report dated March 18, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. 

/s/Ernst & Young LLP 

Houston, Texas 
March 18, 2013 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
ITEM 9B.   OTHER INFORMATION 

We have no information to report pursuant to Item 9B. 

ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

PART III 

The information called for by Item 10 relating to directors and nominees for election to the Board of Directors is incorporated herein by 
reference to the “Election of Directors” section of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders 
to be held on May 7, 2013.  The information called for by Item 10 relating to executive officers and certain significant employees is set forth 
in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

The information called for by Item 10 relating to disclosure of delinquent Form 3, 4 or 5 filers is incorporated herein by reference to the 

“Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” section of the registrant’s definitive  Proxy Statement relating to the 
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2013. 

The information called for by Item 10 relating to the code of ethics is incorporated herein by reference to the “Corporate Governance and 

Board Committees – Code of Business Practices” section of the registrant’s definitive  Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2013. 

The information called for by Item 10 relating to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Board of 

Directors is incorporated herein by reference to the “Corporate Governance and Board Committees – Stockholder Recommendations for 
Director Nominations” section of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on 
May 7, 2013. 

The information called for by Item 10 relating to the audit committee and the audit committee financial expert is incorporated herein by 
reference to the “Corporate Governance and Board Committees – Committees Established by the Board – Audit Committee” section of the 
registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2013. 

ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the “Report of the Compensation Committee,” 

“Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” sections of the 
registrant’s definitive  Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2013. 

ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED 
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 
Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” sections of the registrant’s definitive  Proxy Statement relating to the Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2013. 

ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 

The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the “Corporate Governance and Board Committees – Are a 
Majority of the Directors Independent?” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” sections of the registrant’s definitive  Proxy 
Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2013. 

ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 

The information called for by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the “Principal Independent Accountant Fees and Services” 

section of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2013. 

43 

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

PART IV 

(a) 

The following financial statements of our Company and Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are   
included in Part II: 

  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(b) 

Financial Statement Schedules: 

Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are either not applicable or the required information has been disclosed in the 
financial statements or notes thereto. 

(c) 

Exhibits 

Exhibits are set forth on the attached exhibit index 

44 

 
 
  
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
  
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be 

signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES 

Date: March 18, 2013 

HOUSTON WIRE & CABLE COMPANY 
(Registrant) 

By: 

/s/ NICOL G. GRAHAM 
Nicol G. Graham 
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on 

behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

SIGNATURE 

/s/ JAMES L. POKLUDA III 
James L. Pokluda III 

/s/ NICOL G. GRAHAM 
Nicol G. Graham 

/s/ MICHAEL T. CAMPBELL 
Michael T. Campbell 

/s/ IAN STEWART FARWELL 
Ian Stewart Farwell 

/s/ PETER M. GOTSCH 
Peter M. Gotsch 

/s/ WILSON B. SEXTON 
Wilson B. Sexton 

/s/ WILLIAM H. SHEFFIELD 
William H. Sheffield 

/s/ SCOTT L. THOMPSON 
Scott L. Thompson 

TITLE 

DATE 

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director    March 18, 2013 

   Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and 

Secretary (Principal Accounting Officer) 

   March 18, 2013 

   March 18, 2013 

   March 18, 2013 

   March 18, 2013 

   March 18, 2013 

   March 18, 2013 

   March 18, 2013 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

   Director 

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 EXHIBIT 
NUMBER 

3.1 

3.2 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS 

EXHIBIT 

   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Houston Wire & Cable Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 

3.1 to Houston Wire & Cable Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-132703))  

   Amended and Restated By-Laws of Houston Wire & Cable Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Houston 

Wire & Cable Company’s Registration Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 11, 2012)  

10.1 

   Houston Wire & Cable Company 2000 Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Houston Wire & Cable 

Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-132703))  

10.2 

10.3 

10.4 

   Houston Wire & Cable Company 2006 Stock Plan, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to (i) Exhibit 10.3 to Houston Wire 
& Cable Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-132703) and (ii) Exhibit 10.1 to Houston Wire & 
Cable Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, as amended)  

   Executive Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2012 between James L. Pokluda, III and Houston Wire & Cable Company 
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Houston Wire & Cable Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 2011)  

   Form of Employee Stock Option Agreement under Houston Wire & Cable Company’s 2006 Stock Plan (incorporated herein by 
reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Houston Wire & Cable Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 
2007)  

10.5 

   Form of Director Stock Option Agreement under Houston Wire & Cable Company’s 2006 Stock Plan (incorporated herein by 

reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Houston Wire & Cable Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 
2007)  

10.6 

   Form of Employee Stock Award Agreement under Houston Wire & Cable Company’s 2006 Stock Plan (incorporated herein by 

reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Houston Wire & Cable Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011)  

10.7 

   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors under Houston Wire & Cable Company’s 2006 Stock 
Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Houston Wire & Cable Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended June 30, 2011, as amended) 

10.8 

   Description of Senior Management Bonus Program (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Houston Wire & Cable 

Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011)  

10.9 

10.10 

10.11 

   Form of Director/Officer Indemnification Agreement by and between Houston Wire & Cable Company and a director, member of a 
committee of the Board of Directors or officer of Houston Wire & Cable Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 
to Houston Wire & Cable Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006)  

   Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2011, among HWC Wire & Cable Company, 
as borrower, Houston Wire & Cable Company, as Guarantor, certain financial institutions, as lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as 
agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Houston Wire & Cable Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
October 5, 2011)  

   Second Amended and Restated Guaranty dated as of September 30, 2011, by Houston Wire & Cable Company, as guarantor, in favor 
of Bank of America, N.A., as agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Houston Wire & Cable Company’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed October 5, 2011) 

21.1 

   Subsidiaries of Houston Wire & Cable Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to Houston Wire & Cable 

Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-132703))  

23.1* 

31.1* 

31.2* 

32.1* 

   Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP  

   Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  

   Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  

   Certifications of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the   

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  

* Filed herewith 

46 

 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
     
  
 
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

   Exhibit 23.1 

  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-135777) pertaining to the Houston Wire & 
Cable Company 2000 Stock Plan and the Houston Wire & Cable Company 2006 Stock Plan of our reports dated March 18, 2013, with respect 
to the consolidated financial statements of Houston Wire & Cable Company, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting 
of Houston Wire & Cable Company, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2012. 

/s/Ernst & Young LLP 

Houston, Texas 
March 18, 2013   

47 

 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1 

Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

I, James L. Pokluda III, certify that: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 of Houston Wire & Cable Company; 

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact   
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading   
with respect to the period covered by this report; 

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all   
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented   
in this report; 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures   
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange   
Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed   
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries,   
is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; 

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be   
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; 

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our   
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this   
report based on such evaluation; and 

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has 
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;   
and 

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial 
reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the   
equivalent functions): 

(a) 

(b) 

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 
information; and 

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Date:      March 18, 2013 

/s/ James L. Pokluda III 
James L. Pokluda III 
Chief Executive Officer 

48 

 
 
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Exhibit 31.2 

Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

I, Nicol G. Graham, certify that: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 of Houston Wire & Cable Company; 

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact   
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading   
with respect to the period covered by this report; 

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all   
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented   
in this report; 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures   
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange   
Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed   
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, 
is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; 

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be   
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; 

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our   
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this   
report based on such evaluation; and 

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has   
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;   
and 

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial 
reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the   
equivalent functions): 

(a) 

(b) 

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 
information; and 

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Date:       March 18, 2013 

/s/ Nicol G. Graham 
Nicol G. Graham 
Chief Financial Officer 

49 

 
 
 
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
Exhibit 32.1 

Certifications of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, 
as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

In connection with the Annual Report of Houston Wire & Cable Company (the “Corporation”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), James L. Pokluda III, as Chief 
Executive Officer of the Corporation, and Nicol G. Graham, as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 
18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of their knowledge, that: 

(1) 

(2) 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the 
Corporation. 

Date: 

March 18, 2013 

Date: 

March 18, 2013 

/s/ James L. Pokluda III 
James L. Pokluda III 
Chief Executive Officer 

/s/ Nicol G. Graham 
Nicol G. Graham 
Chief Financial Officer 

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by 
Houston Wire & Cable Company for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 

50 

 
 
 
  
 
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
Houston Wire & Cable Company 
was founded in 1975 and is one of 
the largest providers of electrical 
and mechanical wire and cable and 
related services in the U.S. market.

Financial Highlights

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

2012 

2011  

2010  

2009  

2008 

net sales 

$ 393,036 

$  396,410 

$ 308,522   $  254,819   $ 360,939

sales per employee 

954 

1,010  

955  

907  

1,168

operating income  

28,926 

33,377  

15,006  

13,772  

  40,384

operating margin  

7.36%   

8.42%    

4.86%    

5.40%    

11.19%

net income  

17,039 

19,677  

8,619  

8,032  

23,737

diluted earnings  

per share  

0.96 

1.11  

0.49  

0.45  

1.33

total assets  

197,155 

179,153  

185,490  

122,014  

134,753

long-term  

obligations  

60,361 

50,345  

55,911  

17,479  

29,808

stockholders’ equity  

  109,080 

97,338  

85,720  

80,813  

76,595

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

CoRpoRAte HeADQuARteRS 
Houston Wire & Cable Company 
10201 north loop east 
Houston, texas 77029-1415 
telephone (713) 609-2200

AnnuAl MeetInG 
the annual meeting of shareholders will 
be held may 7, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. Cdt, at 
the Company’s corporate headquarters in 
Houston, texas.

DIReCtoRS 
1.  Wilson B. Sexton 

Chairman of the Board of POOLCORP

2.  William H. Sheffield 

Chairman of the Board of Houston Wire  
& Cable Company

3.  James l. pokluda III 

President & Chief Executive Officer  
of Houston Wire & Cable Company

CoMMon StoCK lIStInG 
ticker symbol: HWCC 
nasdaq stock exchange

4.  Ian Stewart Farwell 

Independent Director 

5.  peter M. Gotsch 

Managing Director of Svoboda Capital  
Partners LLC

6.  Scott l. thompson 

Former President, Chief Executive Officer  
& Chairman of the Board of Dollar Thrifty 
Automotive Group, Inc.

7.  Michael t. Campbell 
Independent Director

tRAnSFeR AGent 
american stock transfer & trust Company 
59 maiden lane 
new york, new york 10038

InDepenDent AuDItoRS 
ernst & young, llp 
1401 mcKinney street, suite 1200 
Houston, texas 77010

leGAl CounSel 
schiff Hardin, llp 
233 south Wacker drive 
6600 Willis tower 
Chicago, illinois 60606

InVeStoR RelAtIonS 
a complimentary copy of this report  
can be found online at www.houwire.com  
or by sending a written request to our  
corporate headquarters address,  
calling (713) 609-2110 or contacting: 
investor.relations@houwire.com.

WeBSIte 
www.houwire.com

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10201 North Loop East

Houston, Texas 77029-1415

(713) 609-2200

1.800.HOUWIRE

WWW.HOUWIRE.COM

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2012 AnnuAl RepoRt

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