Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the balance sheets, statements of income, statements of comprehensive income, statement of stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company, TOCCO, TC, South Hampton, Gulf State and PEVM. Other entities which are not controlled but over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence such as AMAK, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments - Our principal banking and short-term investing activities are with local and national financial institutions.  Short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories - Finished products and feedstock are recorded at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out method (LIFO); or market for South Hampton.  For TC, inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or market as follows:  (1) raw material cost is calculated using the weighted-average cost method and (2) product inventory cost is calculated using the specific cost method.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable and adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon historical experience and any specific customer financial difficulties of which we become aware.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the allowance balance was not increased.  We track customer balances and past due amounts to determine if customers may be having financial difficulties.  This, along with historical experience and a working knowledge of each customer, helps determine accounts that should be written off.  No amounts were written off in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
 
Notes Receivable – We periodically make changes in or expand our toll processing units at the request of the customer.  The cost to make these changes is shared by the customer.  Upon completion of a project a non-interest note receivable is recorded with an imputed interest rate.  Interest rates used on outstanding notes during December 31, 2014, and 2013, were between 4% and 9%.  The unearned interest is reflected as a discount against the note balance.  The Company evaluates the collectability of notes based upon a working knowledge of the customer.  The notes are receivable from toll processing customers with whom we maintain a close relationship.  Thus, all amounts due under the notes receivable are considered collectible, and no allowance was recorded at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Notes Receivable
Notes Receivable – We periodically make changes in or expand our toll processing units at the request of the customer.  The cost to make these changes is shared by the customer.  Upon completion of a project a non-interest note receivable is recorded with an imputed interest rate.  Interest rates used on outstanding notes during December 31, 2014, and 2013, were between 4% and 9%.  The unearned interest is reflected as a discount against the note balance.  The Company evaluates the collectability of notes based upon a working knowledge of the customer.  The notes are receivable from toll processing customers with whom we maintain a close relationship.  Thus, all amounts due under the notes receivable are considered collectible, and no allowance was recorded at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Mineral Exploration and Development Costs
Mineral Exploration and Development Costs - All costs related to the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral deposits are capitalized until such time as (1) the Company commences commercial exploitation of the related mineral deposits at which time the costs will be amortized, (2) the related project is abandoned and the capitalized costs are charged to operations, or (3) when any or all deferred costs are permanently impaired.  At December 31, 2014, and 2013, our remaining mining assets held by PEVM had not reached the commercial exploitation stage.  No indirect overhead or general and administrative costs have been allocated to this project.
Plant, Pipeline and Equipment
Plant, Pipeline and Equipment - Plant, pipeline and equipment are stated at cost.  Depreciation is provided over the estimated service lives using the straight-line method.  Gains and losses from disposition are included in operations in the period incurred.  Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.  Major renewals and improvements are capitalized.

Interest costs incurred to finance expenditures during construction phase are capitalized as part of the historical cost of constructing the assets.  Construction commences with the development of the design and ends when the assets are ready for use.  Capitalized interest costs are included in plant, pipeline and equipment and are depreciated over the service life of the related assets.

Platinum catalyst is included in plant, pipeline and equipment at cost.  Amortization of the catalyst is based upon cost less estimated salvage value of the catalyst using the straight line method over the estimated useful life (see Note 8).
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets – Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in the Acquisition that are not individually identified and separately recognized.  Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually; however, these tests are performed more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired.  Impairment exists when carrying value exceeds fair value.

Definite-lived intangible assets consist of customer relationships, licenses, permits and developed technology that were acquired as part of the Acquisition.  The majority of these assets are being amortized using discounted estimated future cash flows over the term of the related agreements.  Intangible assets associated with customer relationships are being amortized using the discounted estimated future cash flows method based upon assumed rates of annual customer attrition.  We continually evaluate the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets.  Once these assets are fully amortized, they will be removed from the consolidated balance sheets.
Business Combinations and Related Business Acquisition Costs
Business Combinations and Related Business Acquisition Costs – Assets and liabilities associated with business acquisitions are recorded at fair value using the acquisition method of accounting.  We allocate the purchase price of acquisitions based upon the fair value of each component which may be derived from various observable and unobservable inputs and assumptions.  We may use third-party valuation specialists to assist us in this allocation.  Initial purchase price allocations are preliminary and subject to revision within the measurement period, not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition.  The fair value of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are based upon the discounted cash flow method that involves inputs that are not observable in the market (Level 3).  Goodwill assigned represents the amount of consideration transferred in excess of the fair value assigned to identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Business acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and are reported as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.  We define these costs to include finder’s fees, advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional consulting fees, as well as, travel associated with the evaluation and effort to acquire specific businesses.
Investment in AMAK
Investment in AMAK – We account for our investment in AMAK using the equity method of accounting under which we record in income our share of AMAK’s income or loss for each period.  The amount recorded is also adjusted to reflect the amortization of certain differences between the basis in our investment in AMAK and our share of the net assets of AMAK as reflected in AMAKs financial statements (see Note 10).

We assess our investment in AMAK for impairment when events are identified, or there are changes in circumstances that may have an adverse effect on the fair value of the investment.  We consider recoverable ore reserves and the amount and timing of the cash flows to be generated by the production of those reserves, as well as, recent equity transactions within AMAK.
Other Assets
Other Assets - Other assets include a license used in petrochemical operations, notes receivable, loan origination fees, and certain petrochemical assets.
Long-Lived Assets Impairment
Long-Lived Assets Impairment - Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable based on the undiscounted net cash flows to be generated from the asset’s use.  The amount of the impairment loss to be recorded is calculated by the excess of the asset's carrying value over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis although other factors including the state of the economy are considered.
Revenue recognition
Revenue recognition – Revenue is recorded when (1) the customer accepts delivery of the product and title has been transferred or when the service is performed and we have no significant obligations remaining to be performed; (2) a final understanding as to specific nature and terms of the agreed upon transaction has occurred; (3) price is fixed and determinable; and (4) collection is assured. For our product sales these criteria are generally met, and revenue is recognized, when the product is delivered or title is transferred to the customer.  Sales are presented net of discounts, allowances, and sales taxes.  Freight costs billed to customers are recorded as a component of revenue.  For our custom processing we recognize revenue when the service has been provided to the customer.

Revenues received in advance of future sales of products or prior to the performance of services are presented as deferred revenues.
Shipping and handling costs
Shipping and handling costs - Shipping and handling costs are classified as cost of product sales and processing and are expensed as incurred.
Retirement plan
Retirement plan – We offer employees the benefit of participating in a 401(K) plan.  We match 100% up to 6% of pay with vesting occurring over 7 years.  For years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, matching contributions of approximately $641,000, $554,000, and $518,000, respectively were made on behalf of employees.
Environmental Liabilities
Environmental Liabilities - Remediation costs are accrued based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposure.  Ongoing environmental compliance costs, including maintenance and monitoring costs, are expensed as incurred.
Other Liabilities
Other Liabilities – We periodically make changes in or expand our toll processing units at the request of the customer.  The cost to make these changes is shared by the customer.  Upon completion of a project a note receivable and a deferred liability are recorded to recover the project costs which are then capitalized.  At times instead of a note receivable being established, the customer pays an upfront cost.  The amortization of other liabilities is recorded as a reduction to depreciation expense over the life of the contract with the customer.  As of December 31 of each year, depreciation expense was reduced by approximately $1.6 million for 2014, $1.3 million for 2013, and $1.1 million for 2012.
Net Income Per Share
Net Income Per Share - We compute basic income per common share based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted income per common share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potential dilutive common shares, consisting of stock options and shares which could be issued upon conversion of debt, had been issued (see Note 19).
Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency - The functional currency for the Company and each of the Company’s subsidiaries is the US dollar (USD).  Transaction gains or losses as a result of transactions denominated and settled in currencies other than the USD are reflected in the statements of income as foreign exchange transaction gains or losses.  We do not employ any practices to minimize foreign currency risks.  The functional and reporting currency of AMAK is the Saudi Riyal (SR).  In June 1986 the SR was officially pegged to the USD at a fixed exchange rate of 1 USD to 3.75 SR; therefore, we translate SR into our reporting currency of the USD for income statement and balance sheet purposes using the fixed exchange rate.  As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, foreign currency translation adjustments were not significant.
Management Estimates
Management Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts receivable; assessment of impairment of our long-lived assets, goodwill, intangible assets and investments, financial contracts, litigation liabilities, post-retirement benefit obligations, guarantee obligations, environmental liabilities and deferred tax valuation allowances.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation – We recognize share-based compensation of stock options granted based upon the fair value of options on the grant date using the Black-Scholes pricing model (see Note 16).  Share-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payments awards that is ultimately expected to vest.  Share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 includes compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value for awards that are ultimately expected to vest, and accordingly has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Estimated forfeitures at the time of grant are revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Guarantees
Guarantees – We may enter into agreements which contain features that meet the definition of a guarantee under FASB ASC 460 “Guarantees” (see Note 15). These arrangements create two types of obligations:

a)  
We have a non-contingent and immediate obligation to stand ready to make payments if certain future triggering events occur. For certain guarantees, a liability is recognized for the stand ready obligation at the inception of the guarantee; and

b)  
We have an obligation to make future payments if those certain future triggering events do occur. A liability for the payment under the guarantee is recognized when 1) it becomes probable that one or more future events will occur, triggering the requirement to make payments under the guarantee and 2) when the payment can be reasonably estimated.
Derivatives
Derivatives – We record derivative instruments as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. Changes in the derivative instrument’s fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative instrument’s gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement, to the extent effective, and requires that a company must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes – Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  A valuation allowance is recorded if there is uncertainty as to the realization of deferred tax assets.

Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issues is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time. We use a more likely than not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  To the extent that our assessment of such tax position changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. We report tax-related interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.  We recognized no material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits.  As of December 31, 2014, and 2013, no interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions had been accrued.
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014 the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements of FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 605, Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Accounting Standards Codification, resulting in the creation of FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU provides alternative methods of retrospective adoption and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently assessing the potential impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The new standard requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the potential impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.