Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Guarantees

On October 24, 2010, we executed a limited Guarantee in favor of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (“SIDF”) whereby we agreed to guaranty up to 41% of the SIDF loan to AMAK in the principal amount of 330.0 million Saudi Riyals (US$88.0 million) (the “Loan”). The term of the loan is through June 2019.  As a condition of the Loan, SIDF required all shareholders of AMAK to execute personal or corporate Guarantees; as a result, our guarantee is for approximately 135.33 million Saudi Riyals (US$36.1 million). The loan was necessary to continue construction of the AMAK facilities and provide working capital needs.  We received no consideration in connection with extending the guarantee and did so to maintain and enhance the value of its investment.  The total amount outstanding to the SIDF at March 31, 2017, was 310.0 million Saudi Riyals (US$82.7 million).

Litigation -

On March 21, 2011, Mr. El Khalidi filed suit against the Company in Texas alleging breach of contract and other claims.  The 88th Judicial District Court of Hardin County, Texas dismissed all claims and counterclaims for want of prosecution in this matter on July 24, 2013.  The Ninth Court of Appeals subsequently affirmed the dismissal for want of prosecution and the Supreme Court of Texas denied Mr. El Khalidi’s petition for review.  On May 1, 2014, Mr. El Khalidi refiled his lawsuit against the Company for breach of contract and defamation in the 356th Judicial District Court of Hardin County, Texas.  The case was transferred to the 88th Judicial District Court of Hardin County, Texas.  On September 1, 2016, the Court dismissed all of Mr. El Khalidi’s claims and causes of action with prejudice.  Mr. El Khalidi has filed a notice of appeal.  Liabilities of approximately $1.0 million remain recorded, and the options will continue to accrue in accordance with their own terms until all matters are resolved.

On or about August 3, 2015, SHR received notice of a lawsuit filed in the 14th Judicial District Court of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.  The suit alleges that the plaintiff became ill from exposure to benzene.  SHR placed its insurers on notice.  Its insurers retained a law firm based in Louisiana to defend SHR.

On or about March 18, 2016, SHR received notice of a lawsuit filed in the 172nd Judicial District Court of Jefferson County, Texas.  The suit alleges that the plaintiff became ill from exposure to benzene.  SHR placed its insurers on notice.  Its insurers retained a law firm based in Texas to defend SHR.

On or about August 2, 2016, SHR received notice of a lawsuit filed in the 58th Judicial District Court of Jefferson County, Texas.  The suit alleges that the plaintiff became ill from exposure to benzene.  SHR placed its insurers on notice.  Its insurers retained a law firm based in Texas to defend SHR.

On or about November 5, 2016, SHR received notice of a lawsuit filed in the 172nd Judicial District Court of Jefferson County, Texas.  The suit alleges that the plaintiff became ill from exposure to benzene.  SHR placed its insurers on notice.  Its insurers retained a law firm based in Texas to defend SHR.

Environmental Remediation -

Amounts charged to expense for various activities related to environmental monitoring, compliance, and improvements were approximately $165,000 and $144,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016, respectively.