Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Consolidation – LSB Industries, Inc. (“LSB”) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “We”, “Us”, or “Our”) are consolidated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. LSB is a holding company with no significant operations or assets other than cash, cash equivalents, and investments in its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. Nature of Business – We are engaged in the manufacture and sale of chemical products. The chemical products we primarily manufacture, market and sell are ammonia, fertilizer grade AN (“HDAN”) and UAN for agricultural applications, high purity and commercial grade ammonia, high purity AN, sulfuric acids, concentrated, blended and regular nitric acid, mixed nitrating acids, carbon dioxide, and diesel exhaust fluid for industrial applications, and industrial grade AN (“LDAN”) and solutions for the mining industry. We manufacture and distribute our products in four facilities; three of which we own and are located in El Dorado, Arkansas (the “El Dorado Facility”); Cherokee, Alabama (the “Cherokee Facility”); and Pryor, Oklahoma (the “Pryor Facility”); and one of which we operate on behalf of a global chemical company in Baytown, Texas (the “Baytown Facility”). Sales to customers include farmers, ranchers, fertilizer dealers and distributors primarily in the ranch land and grain production markets in the United States (U.S.); industrial users of acids throughout the U. S. and parts of Canada; and explosive manufacturers in the U.S. Other products consisted of natural gas sales from our working interests in certain natural gas properties of our former subsidiary Zena Energy L.L.C. (“Zena”) and sales of industrial machinery and related components, which were sold during 2017. During 2016, LSB completed the sale of all of the stock of Climate Control Group Inc. (an indirect subsidiary that conducted LSB’s Climate Control Business) pursuant to the terms of a stock purchase agreement as discussed in Note 17 – Discontinued Operations. Use of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents – Investments, which consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, are considered cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable – Our accounts receivable are stated at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on accounts receivable balances. Our estimate is based on historical experience and periodic assessment of outstanding accounts receivable, particularly those accounts that are past due (based upon the terms of the sale). Our periodic assessment of our accounts receivable is based on our best estimate of amounts that are not recoverable. Sales to our customers are generally unsecured. Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and other factors. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are monitored and this risk is reduced due to short-term payment terms relating to most of our significant custom ers. Six customers (including their affiliates) account for approximately 39% of our total net receivables (excluding the receivable amount related to the Wilson Settlement Agreement discussed in Note 9) at December 31, 2018 Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis) or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, transportation or disposal. Finished goods include material, labor, and manufacturing overhead costs. Because cost exceeded the net realizable value, inventory reserves were $278,000 and $ 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”). Leases meeting capital lease criteria are capitalized in PP&E. Major renewals and improvements that increase the life, value, or productive capacity of assets are capitalized in PP&E while maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. In addition, maintenance, repairs and minor renewal costs relating to planned major maintenance activities (“Turnarounds”) are expensed as they are incurred. All long-lived assets relate to domestic operations. Fully depreciated assets are retained in PP&E and accumulated DD&A accounts until disposal. When PP&E are retired, sold, or otherwise disposed, the asset’s carrying amount and related accumulated DD&A are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in other income or expense. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation of the costs of PP&E is primarily computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. No provision for depreciation is made on construction in progress or capital spare parts until such time as the relevant assets are put into service. In general, assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amounts of the assets or fair values less costs to sell. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill – Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset (asset group) and its eventual disposition. If assets to be held and used are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amounts of the assets exceed the fair values of the assets as measured by the present value of future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets or their appraised value. In general, and depending on the event or change in circumstances, our asset groups are reviewed for impairment on a facility-by-facility basis (such as the Cherokee, El Dorado or Pryor Facility). In addition, if the event or change in circumstance relates to the probable sale of an asset (or group of assets), the specific asset (or group of assets) is reviewed for impairment. In addition, goodwill was reviewed for impairment at least annually. An impairment loss generally would be recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. See discussion below under 2016. 2016 Goodwill Impairment Historically, the evaluation of goodwill for impairment involved a two-step test. Step 1 involved comparing the estimated fair value of each respective reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Step 2 involved calculating an implied fair value of goodwill by performing a hypothetical allocation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit determined in step 1 to the respective tangible and intangible net assets of the reporting unit. To the extent the carrying amount of goodwill exceeded the implied goodwill, the difference was the amount of the goodwill impairment. During 2016, pricing for our key product groups deteriorated well below expectations and the lower price environment was expected to continue throughout 2017. We determined the fair value of goodwill related to our El Dorado Facility was less than its carrying amount (goodwill and other) implied under step 2, which resulted in an impairment charge of $1.6 million to fully write-down the carrying value of goodwill. Concentration of Credit Risks for Cash and Cash Equivalents and Sales – Financial instruments relating to cash and cash equivalents potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk. These financial instruments were held by financial institutions within the U.S. None of the financial instruments held within U.S. were in excess of the federally insured limits. Net sales to one customer, Koch Fertilizer LLC (“Koch Fertilizer”), 11 Capitalized Interest – Interest cost on borrowings incurred during a significant construction or development project is capitalized. Capitalized interest is added to the associated underlying asset and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets. For 2017, and 2016, interest capitalized amounted to $0.3 million and $15.0 million, respectively (none in 2018). 1. Accrued Insurance Liabilities – We are self-insured up to certain limits for group health, workers’ compensation and general liability claims. Above these limits, we have commercial stop-loss insurance coverage for our contractual exposure on group health claims and statutory limits under workers’ compensation obligatio ns. We also carry umbrella insurance of $100 million for most general liability and auto liability risks. We have a separate $50 million insurance policy covering pollution liability at our chemical facilities. Additional pollution liability coverage for our other facilities is provided in our general liability and umbrella policies . As it related to our natural gas properties that we did not operate but only owned a working interest, insurance policies were maintained by the operator, which we were responsible for our proportionate share of the costs involved. Our accrued self-insurance liabilities are based on estimates of claims, which include the reported incurred claims amounts plus the reserves established by our insurance adjustors and/or estimates provided by attorneys handling the claims, if any, up to the amount of our self-insurance limits. In addition, our accrued insurance liabilities include estimates of incurred, but not reported, claims based on historical claims experience. The determination of such claims and the appropriateness of the related liability is periodically reviewed and revised, if needed. Changes in these estimated liabilities are charged to operations. Potential legal fees and other directly related costs associated with insurance claims are not accrued but rather are expensed as incurred. Accrued insurance claims are included in accrued and other liabilities. It is reasonably possible that the actual development of claims could be different than our estimates. Executive Benefit Agreements – We are party to certain benefit agreements with certain key current and former executives. Costs associated with these individual benefit agreements are accrued based on the estimated remaining service period when such benefits become probable, they will be paid. Total costs accrued equal the present value of specified payments to be made after benefits become payable. Income Taxes – Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those 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 the statement of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. We establish valuation allowances if we believe it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Significant judgment is applied in evaluating the need for and the magnitude of appropriate valuation allowances against deferred tax assets. In addition, we do not recognize a tax benefit unless we conclude that it is more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on audit by the relevant taxing authorities based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position. If the recognition threshold is met, we recognize a tax benefit measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that, in our judgment, is greater than 50% likely to be realized. We record interest related to unrecognized tax positions in interest expense and penalties in operating other expense. Income tax benefits associated with amounts that are deductible for income tax purposes are recorded through the statement of operations. These benefits are principally generated from exercises of non-qualified stock options and restricted stock. We reduce income tax expense for investment tax credits in the period the credit arises and is earned. See Note 8 – Income Taxes discussing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") issued by the SEC. Contingencies – Certain conditions may exist which may result in a loss, but which will only be resolved when future events occur. We and our legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred, we would accrue for such contingent losses when such losses can be reasonably estimated. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed. Estimates of potential legal fees and other directly related costs associated with contingencies are not accrued but rather are expensed as incurred. Loss contingency liabilities are included in current and noncurrent accrued and other liabilities and are based on current estimates that may be revised in the near term. In addition, we recognize contingent gains when such gains are realized or when the contingencies have been resolved (generally at the time a settlement has been reached). Asset Retirement Obligations – In general, we record the estimated fair value of an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) associated with tangible long-lived assets in the period it is incurred and when there is sufficient information available to estimate the fair value. An ARO associated with long-lived assets is a legal obligation under existing or enacted law, statute, written or oral contract or legal construction. AROs, which are initially recorded based on estimated discounted cash flows, are accreted to full value over time through charges to cost of sales. In addition, we capitalize the corresponding asset retirement cost as PP&E, which cost is depreciated or depleted over the related asset’s respective useful life. We do not have any assets restricted for the purpose of settling our AROs. 1. Redeemable Preferred Stocks – Our redeemable preferred stocks that are redeemable outside of our control are classified as temporary/mezzanine equity. The redeemable preferred stocks were recorded at fair value upon issuance, net of issuance costs or discounts. In addition, certain embedded features included in the Series E Redeemable Preferred required bifurcation and are classified as derivative liabilities. The carrying values of the redeemable preferred stocks are being increased by periodic accretions (including the amount for dividends earned but not yet declared or paid) using the interest method so that the carrying amount will equal the redemption value as of October 25, 2023, the earliest possible redemption date by the holder. The accretion was recorded to retained earnings. However, this accretion could change if the expected redemption date changes. Equity Awards – Equity award transactions with employees are measured based on the estimated fair value of the equity awards issued. For equity awards with service conditions that have a graded vesting period, we recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. In addition, historically we issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options, but treasury shares may be used. Revenue Recognition and Other Information – See Note 2-Adoption of ASC 606 for discussion of our revenue recognition accounting policy. In addition, sales and other similar taxes we collect concurrently with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. Also, we have elected to recognize the cost for freight and shipping when control of the product has transferred to the customer as an expense in cost of sales. All net sales and long-lived assets relate to domestic operations for the periods presented. In addition, net sales to non-U.S. customers were minimal. Recognition of Incentive Tax Credits (Other Than Credits Associated with Income Taxes) – If an incentive tax credit relates to a recovery of taxes (other than income taxes) incurred, we recognize the incentive tax credit when it is probable and reasonably estimable. If an incentive tax credit relates to an amount in excess of taxes incurred, the incentive tax credit is a contingent gain, which we recognize the incentive tax credit when it is realized or when the contingencies have been resolved (generally at the time a settlement has been reached). Amounts recoverable from the taxing authorities, if any, are included in accounts receivable. The same financial statement classification is used for an incentive tax credit as the associated tax incurred. During 2017, we received notification from the State of Arkansas that incentive tax credits had been approved associated with certain capital expenditures associated with the El Dorado Facility’s expansion projects completed primarily in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the second quarter of 2016. As a result, in 2017, we recognized a current and noncurrent receivable totaling approximately $8.1 million associated with these incentive tax credits with the offset reducing PP&E (covered by the tax credit) by approximately $7.4 million and the remaining balance of $0.7 million as a reduction to cost of sales (recovery of previously incurred depreciation expense related to the PP&E). At December 31, 2018 and 2017, our current and noncurrent receivable totaled $3.1 million and $7.4 million, respectively. Recognition of Insurance Recoveries – If an insurance claim relates to a recovery of our losses, we recognize the recovery when it is probable and reasonably estimable. If our insurance claim relates to a contingent gain, we recognize the recovery when it is realized or when the contingencies have been resolved (generally at the time a settlement has been reached). Amounts recoverable from our insurance carriers, if any, are included in accounts receivable. An insurance recovery in excess of recoverable costs relating to a business interruption claim, if any, is a reduction to cost of sales. An insurance recovery in excess of recoverable costs relating to a property insurance claim, if any, is included in property insurance recoveries in excess of losses incurred. Cost of Sales – Cost of sales includes materials, labor and overhead costs to manufacture the products sold plus inbound freight, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, internal transfer costs, loading and handling costs, warehousing costs, railcar lease costs and outbound freight. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewal costs relating to Turnarounds are included in cost of sales as they are incurred. Precious metals used as a catalyst and consumed during the manufacturing process are included in cost of sales. Recoveries and gains from precious metals and business interruption insurance claims, if any, are reductions to cost of sales. Provisions for (realization of) losses associated with inventory reserves, gains and losses (realized and unrealized), if any, from our commodities contracts, and provision for losses, if any, on firm sales/purchase commitments are included in cost of sales. Selling, General and Administrative Expense – Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) includes costs associated with the sales, marketing and administrative functions. Such costs include personnel costs, including benefits, professional fees, office and occupancy costs associated with the sales, marketing and administrative functions. Also included in SG&A are any distribution fees paid to third parties to distribute our products. 1. Derivatives, Hedges and Financial Instruments – Derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet and are measured at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded in results of operations unless the normal purchase or sale exceptions apply, or hedge accounting is elected. The fair value amounts recognized for our derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement may be offset. We have the choice to offset or not, but that choice must be applied consistently. A master netting arrangement exists if the reporting entity has multiple contracts with a single counterparty that are subject to a contractual agreement that provides for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in a single currency in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. Offsetting the fair values recognized for the derivative contracts outstanding with a single counterparty results in the net fair value of the transactions being reported as an asset or a liability in the balance sheet. We have chosen to present the fair values of our derivative contracts under master netting agreements using a gross fair value presentation as there were no derivatives Income (Loss) per Common Share – Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders is computed by adjusting net income (loss) by the amount of dividends and dividend requirements on preferred stocks and the accretion of redeemable preferred stocks, if applicable. Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding contingently returnable common shares (unvested restricted stock), if applicable. For periods we earn net income, a proportional share of net income is allocated to participating securities, if applicable, determined by dividing total weighted average participating securities by the sum of the total weighted average common shares and participating securities (the “two-class method”). Certain securities (Series E Redeemable Preferred and restricted stock units) participate in dividends declared on our common stock and are therefore considered to be participating securities. Participating securities have the effect of diluting both basic and diluted income per common share during periods of net income. For periods we incur a net loss, no loss is allocated to participating securities because they have no contractual obligation to share in our losses. Diluted loss per common share is computed after giving consideration to the dilutive effect of our potential common stock instruments that are outstanding during the period, except where such non-participating securities would be anti-dilutive. Segment Information - With the sale of our Climate Control Business during July 2016, we operate in one principal business segment – our chemical business. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements ASU 2014-09 – In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which superseded nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. In addition, the FASB issued various other ASUs further amending revenue recognition guidance (together “ASC 606”). On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 as discussed in Note 2. ASU 2016-15 – In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU made eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-15 on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this ASU did not affect the presentation or classification of cash flow activities for 2017 or 2016. ASU 2016-18 – In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. The amendments in this ASU revise the guidance in Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, to require cash and cash equivalents to include restricted cash (and restricted cash equivalents) on the statement of cash flows. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-18 on retrospective basis. As the result of adopting this ASU, we removed the presentation of investing cash flow activities relating to current and noncurrent restricted cash and cash equivalents from our statement of cash flows for 2016, which change did not impact the total amount of net cash provided by continuing investing activities. ASU 2018-05 – See Note 8 – Income Taxes. 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements ASU 2016-02 and related ASUs – In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which supersedes the lease requirements in Topic 840, Leases . The objective of this ASU is to establish the principles that lessees and lessors shall apply to report information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease. Extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing contracts. We completed our assessment, design and plan for implementation and implementation of Topic 842 in order to adopt this standard and will elect the additional transition method option provided by ASU 2018-11. Under this transition method, we will apply the new accounting guidance (we expect the cumulative effect, if any, not to be material) on January 1, 2019, the date of adoption. Consequently, our reporting for the comparative periods presented in the financial statements issued after the date of adoption would continue to be in accordance with Topic 840, including disclosures. Upon adoption, we plan to elect the following accounting policies or practical expedients related to Topic 842: • not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, not reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases; • apply accounting similar to Topic 840 operating leases accounting to leases that meet the definition of short-term leases; and • not evaluate land easements that exist or expired before January 1, 2019 and that were not previously accounted for as leases under Topic 840. Currently, most of our leases are classified as operating leases under which we are the lessee. In addition, our leases classified as capital leases and other leases under which we are the lessor are not material. Upon adoption, we currently expect the effect of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements will impact our balance sheet presentation (increase the amount of our assets for the inclusion of right-of-use assets of approximately $15 million and an increase the amount of our liabilities for the inclusion of the associated lease obligations of approximately $15 million). |