Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	March 31, 2016		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(thousands of dollars)
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap	$	147		-	$	147		-

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	December 31, 2015		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(thousands of dollars)
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap	$	177		-	$	177		-

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, accrued liabilities in Saudi Arabia and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of variable rate long term debt reflects recent market transactions and approximate carrying value. We used other observable inputs that would qualify as Level 2 inputs to make our assessment of the approximate fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, accrued liabilities in Saudi Arabia, other liabilities and variable rate long term debt. The fair value of the derivative instruments are described below.

Commodity Financial Instruments

We periodically enter into financial instruments to hedge the cost of natural gasoline (the primary feedstock) and natural gas (used as fuel to operate the plant).

We assess the fair value of the financial swaps on feedstock using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 of fair value hierarchy). At March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, no commodity financial instruments were outstanding. For additional information see Note 10.

Interest Rate Swap

In March 2008 we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Bank of America related to a $10.0 million term loan secured by plant, pipeline and equipment. The interest rate swap was designed to minimize the effect of changes in the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rate. We had designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging; however, due to the ARC, we felt that the hedge was no longer entirely effective. Due to the time required to make the determination and the immateriality of the hedge, we began treating it as ineffective as of October 1, 2014.

We assess the fair value of the interest rate swap using a present value model that includes quoted LIBOR rates and the nonperformance risk of the Company and Bank of America based on the Credit Default Swap Market (Level 2 of fair value hierarchy).

We have consistently applied valuation techniques in all periods presented and believe we have obtained the most accurate information available for the types of derivative contracts we hold. See discussion of our derivative instruments in Note 10.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details