Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

v3.20.1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
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 was originally through June 2019. As a condition of the Loan, SIDF required all stockholders of AMAK to execute personal or corporate guarantees; as a result, the Company's guarantee is for approximately 135.3 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 our investment. On July 8, 2018, the Loan was amended to adjust the repayment schedule and extend the repayment terms through April 2024. The total amount outstanding on the Loan at December 31, 2019 was 275.0 million Saudi Riyals (US$73.3 million). See additional discussion including the release of the guarantee in connection with the AMAK sale in Note 6.
Operating Lease Commitments
See Note 9 for discussion on lease commitments.
Litigation
The Company is periodically named in legal actions arising from normal business activities. We evaluate the merits of these actions and, if we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we will establish the necessary reserves. We are not currently involved in legal proceedings that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations. We may become involved in material legal proceedings in the future.
Supplier Agreements
In accordance with our supplier agreements, on a recurring monthly basis, the Company commits to purchasing a determined volume of feedstock in anticipation of upcoming requirements. Feedstock purchases are invoiced and recorded when they are delivered. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the value of the remaining undelivered feedstock approximated $3.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively.
From time to time, we may incur shortfall fees due to feedstock purchases being below the minimum amounts as prescribed by our agreements with our suppliers. The shortfall fee expenses were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
Environmental Remediation
Amounts charged to expense for various activities related to environmental monitoring, compliance, and improvements were approximately $868,000 in 2019, $745,000 in 2018 and $593,000 in 2017.