Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts previously reported in our consolidated financial statements for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the related disclosures. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates. The worldwide spread and severity of a new coronavirus, referred to as COVID-19, and certain developments in the global crude oil markets have impacted our businesses, people, and operations. We are actively responding to these ongoing matters and many uncertainties remain. Due to the rapid development and fluidity of the situation, the full magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on our estimates and assumptions, financial condition, future results of operations, and future cash flows and liquidity is uncertain and has been and may continue to be material. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these investments. Restricted Cash Restricted cash consists of cash not readily available for general purpose cash needs. Restricted cash relates to cash held at commercial banks to support letter of credit facilities and certain ongoing bankruptcy recovery trust claims. Allowance for Credit Losses We are exposed to credit losses primarily through our sales of refined products. Credit limits and/or prepayment requirements are set based on such factors as the customer’s financial results, credit rating, payment history, and industry and are reviewed annually for customers with material credit limits. Credit allowances are reviewed at least quarterly based on changes in the customer’s creditworthiness due to economic conditions, liquidity, and business strategy as publicly reported and through discussions between the customer and the Company. We establish provisions for losses on trade receivables based on the estimated credit loss we expect to incur over the life of the receivable. We did not have a material change in our allowances on trade receivables during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, or 2018. Inventories Commodity inventories, excluding commodity inventories at the Washington refinery, are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) inventory accounting method. Commodity inventories at the Washington refinery are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) inventory accounting method. We value merchandise along with spare parts, materials, and supplies at average cost. All of the crude oil utilized at the Hawaii refineries is financed by J. Aron & Company LLC (“J. Aron”) under the Supply and Offtake Agreements as described in Note 11—Inventory Financing Agreements. The crude oil remains in the legal title of J. Aron and is stored in our storage tanks governed by a storage agreement. Legal title to the crude oil passes to us at the tank outlet. After processing, J. Aron takes title to the refined products stored in our storage tanks until they are sold to our retail locations or to third parties. We record the inventory owned by J. Aron on our behalf as inventory with a corresponding obligation on our balance sheet because we maintain the risk of loss until the refined products are sold to third parties and we are obligated to repurchase the inventory. In connection with the consummation of the Washington Acquisition (as defined in Note 4—Acquisitions), we became a party to an intermediation arrangement (the “Washington Refinery Intermediation Agreement”) with Merrill Lynch Commodities, Inc. (“MLC”) as described in Note 11—Inventory Financing Agreements . Under this arrangement, U.S. Oil (as defined in Note 4—Acquisitions) purchases crude oil supplied from third-party suppliers and MLC provides credit support for certain crude oil purchases. MLC’s credit support can consist of either providing a payment guaranty, causing the issuance of a letter of credit from a third-party issuing bank, or purchasing crude oil directly from third parties on our behalf. U.S. Oil holds title to all crude oil and refined products inventories at all times and pledges such inventories, together with all receivables arising from the sales of same, exclusively to MLC. We enter into refined product and crude oil exchange agreements with other oil companies. Exchange receivables or payables are stated at cost and are presented within Trade accounts receivable and Accounts payable on our consolidated balance sheets. Environmental Credits and Obligations Inventories also include Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”), sulfur credits, and other environmental credits. Our RINs assets, which include RINs purchased in the open market and RINs obtained by purchasing biofuels which are later blended into our refined products, are presented as Inventories on our consolidated balance sheets and stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value (“NRV”) as of the end of the reporting period. Our sulfur credits and other environmental credits generated as part of our refining process are presented as Inventories on our consolidated balance sheets and stated at the lower of cost and NRV as of the end of the reporting period. Our renewable volume obligation and other environmental credit obligations to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulations (as discussed in Note 17—Commitments and Contingencies) are presented in Other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets and measured at fair value as of the end of the reporting period. The net cost of environmental credits is recognized within Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation) on our consolidated statements of operations. Investment in Laramie Energy, LLC Prior to June 30, 2020, we accounted for our Investment in Laramie Energy, LLC using the equity method as we have the ability to exert significant influence, but do not control its operating and financial policies. Our proportionate share of the net income (loss) of this entity was included in Equity earnings (losses) from Laramie Energy, LLC in the consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2020, we discontinued the application of the equity method of accounting for our investment in Laramie Energy because the book value of such investment had been reduced to zero. The investment is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that there may have been an other-than-temporary decline in the value of the investment. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded impairment charges of $45.3 million and $81.5 million in our consolidated statement of operations due to the significant decline in natural gas prices during the first quarter of 2020 and during the second and third quarters of 2019, respectively. Please read Note 3—Investment in Laramie Energy, LLC for further information. Property, Plant, and Equipment We capitalize the cost of additions, major improvements, and modifications to property, plant, and equipment. The cost of repairs and normal maintenance of property, plant, and equipment is expensed as incurred. Major improvements and modifications of property, plant, and equipment are those expenditures that either extend the useful life, increase the capacity, or improve the operating efficiency of the asset or the safety of our operations. We compute depreciation of property, plant, and equipment using the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful life of each asset as follows: Assets Lives in Years Refining 2 to 47 Logistics 3 to 30 Retail 3 to 40 Corporate 3 to 7 Software 3 to 5 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review property, plant, and equipment, operating leases, deferred turnaround costs, and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Impairment is indicated when the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying value. If this occurs, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value. Factors that indicate potential impairment include a significant decrease in the market value of the asset, operating or cash flow losses associated with the use of the asset, and a significant change in the asset’s physical condition or use. Simultaneously with our review of our property, plant, and equipment, operating leases, deferred turnaround costs, and other long-lived assets for impairment, we evaluate whether an abandonment has occurred. Abandonment occurs either when a business terminates its operations or an asset is no longer profitable to operate. When the act of abandonment occurs, we determine if the assets have a shortened useful life or should be considered abandoned and accelerate depreciation or write off the asset balance and any associated accumulated depreciation and record an impairment loss. Lease Liabilities and Right-of-Use Assets We determine whether a contract is or contains a lease when we have the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration. Lease liabilities and right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”) are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. We use our incremental borrowing rate in the calculation of present value unless the implicit rate can be readily determined, however, the lease liability associated with leases calculated through the use of implicit rates is not significant. Certain leases include provisions for variable payments based upon percentage of sales and/or other operating metrics; escalation provisions to adjust rental payments to reflect changes in price indices and fair market rents; and provisions for the renewal, termination, and/or purchase of the leased asset. We only consider fixed payments and those options that are reasonably certain to be exercised in the determination of the lease term and the initial measurement of lease liabilities and ROU assets. Expense for finance leases is recognized as amortization expense on a straight-line basis and interest expense on an effective rate basis over the lease term. Expense for operating lease payments is recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We do not separate lease and nonlease components of a contract. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. Finance lease ROU assets are presented within Property, plant, and equipment and operating lease ROU assets within Operating lease right-of-use assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Please read Note 16—Leases for further disclosures and information on leases. Asset Retirement Obligations We record asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) in the period in which we have a legal obligation, whether by government action or contractual arrangement, to incur these costs and can make a reasonable estimate of the liability. Our AROs arise from our refining, logistics, and retail operations. AROs are calculated based on the present value of the estimated removal and other closure costs using our credit-adjusted risk-free rate. When the liability is initially recorded, we capitalize the cost by increasing the book value of the related long-lived tangible asset. The liability is accreted to its estimated settlement value with accretion expense recognized in Depreciation, depletion, and amortization (“DD&A”) on our consolidated statements of operations and the related capitalized cost is depreciated over the asset’s useful life. The difference between the settlement amount and the recorded liability is recorded as a gain or loss on asset disposals in our consolidated statements of operations. We estimate settlement dates by considering our past practice, industry practice, contractual terms, management’s intent, and estimated economic lives. We cannot currently estimate the fair value for certain AROs primarily because we cannot estimate settlement dates (or ranges of dates) associated with these assets. These AROs include hazardous materials disposal (such as petroleum manufacturing by-products, chemical catalysts, and sealed insulation material containing asbestos) and removal or dismantlement requirements associated with the closure of our refining facilities, terminal facilities, or pipelines, including the demolition or removal of certain major processing units, buildings, tanks, pipelines, or other equipment. Deferred Turnaround Costs Refinery turnaround costs, which are incurred in connection with planned major maintenance activities at our refineries, are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of time estimated until the next planned turnaround (generally three Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the amount the purchase price exceeds the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually on October 1. We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a quantitative test is required. Under the quantitative test, we compare the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment loss is recorded. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $67.9 million related to our Refining and Retail segments. Please read Note 10—Goodwill and Intangible Assets for further discussion on the goodwill impairment. Our intangible assets include relationships with customers, trade names, and trademarks. These intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. We evaluate the carrying value of our intangible assets when impairment indicators are present. When we believe impairment indicators may exist, projections of the undiscounted future cash flows associated with the use of and eventual disposition of the intangible assets are prepared. If the projections indicate that their carrying values are not recoverable, we reduce the carrying values to their estimated fair values. Environmental Matters We capitalize environmental expenditures that extend the life or increase the capacity of facilities as well as expenditures that prevent environmental contamination. We expense costs that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that do not contribute to current or future revenue generation. We record liabilities when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Cost estimates are based on the expected timing and extent of remedial actions required by governing agencies, experience gained from similar sites for which environmental assessments or remediation have been completed, and the amount of our anticipated liability considering the proportional liability and financial abilities of other responsible parties. Usually, the timing of these accruals coincides with the completion of a feasibility study or our commitment to a formal plan of action. Estimated liabilities are not discounted to present value and are presented within Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Environmental expenses are recorded in Operating expense (excluding depreciation) on our consolidated statements of operations. Derivatives and Other Financial instruments We are exposed to commodity price risk related to crude oil and refined products. We manage this exposure through the use of various derivative commodity instruments. These instruments include exchange traded futures and over-the-counter (“OTC”) swaps, forwards, and options. For our forward contracts that are derivatives, we have elected the normal purchase normal sale exclusion, as it is our policy to fulfill or accept the physical delivery of the product and we will not net settle. Therefore, we did not recognize the unrealized gains or losses related to these contracts in our consolidated financial statements. All derivative instruments not designated as normal purchases or sales are recorded in the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at their fair values. Changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized currently in earnings. We have not designated any derivative instruments as cash flow or fair value hedges and, therefore, do not apply hedge accounting treatment. In addition, we may have other financial instruments, such as warrants or embedded debt features, that may be classified as liabilities when either (a) the holders possess rights to net cash settlement, (b) physical or net equity settlement is not in our control, or (c) the instruments contain other provisions that cause us to conclude that they are not indexed to our equity. Our embedded derivatives include: our obligations to repurchase crude oil and refined products from J. Aron at the termination of the Supply and Offtake Agreements and to repay MLC for monthly crude oil and refined product financing under the Washington Refinery Intermediation Agreement and the redemption option and the related make-whole premium on our 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes. These liabilities were initially recorded at fair value and subsequently adjusted to fair value at the end of each reporting period through earnings. Please read Note 14—Derivatives and Note 15—Fair Value Measurements for information regarding our derivatives and other financial instruments. Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, 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 and net operating loss (“NOL”) and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income 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 income tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. The realizability of deferred tax assets is evaluated quarterly based on a “more likely than not” standard and, to the extent this threshold is not met, a valuation allowance is recorded. We have determined that any uncertain tax positions outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019 would not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows as any uncertain tax positions taken would have been fully covered by the Company’s deferred tax assets related to its historical net operating losses and corresponding valuation allowance. As a general rule, our open years for Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examination purposes are 2017, 2018, and 2019. However, since we have NOL carryforwards, the IRS has the ability to make adjustments to items that originate in a year otherwise barred by the statute of limitations in order to re-determine tax for an open year to which those items are carried. Therefore, in a year in which a NOL deduction is claimed, the IRS may examine the year in which the NOL was generated and adjust it accordingly for purposes of assessing additional tax in the year the net operating loss deduction was claimed. Any penalties or interest as a result of an examination will be recorded in the period assessed. Stock-Based Compensation We recognize the cost of share-based payments on a straight-line basis over the period the employee provides service, generally the vesting period, and include such costs in General and administrative expense (excluding depreciation) and Operating expense (excluding depreciation) in the consolidated statements of operations. We account for forfeitures as they occur. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards is equal to the market price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model as of the date of grant. The fair value of the discount offered on the employee stock purchase plan is equal to 15% of the market price of our common stock on the purchase date. Revenue Recognition Refining and Retail Our refining and retail segment revenues are primarily associated with the sale of refined products. We recognize revenues upon physical delivery of refined products to a customer, which is the point in time at which control of the refined products is transferred to the customer. The pricing of our refined products is variable and primarily driven by commodity prices. The refining segment’s contracts with its customers state the terms of the sale, including the description, quantity, delivery terms, and price of each product sold. Payments from refining and bulk retail customers are generally due in full within 2 to 30 days of product delivery or invoice date. Payments for our other retail customers occur at the point of sale and are typically collected in cash or occur by credit or debit card. As such, we have no significant financing element to our revenues and have immaterial product returns and refunds. We account for certain transactions on a net basis under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 845, “Nonmonetary Transactions.” These transactions include nonmonetary crude oil and refined product exchange transactions, certain crude oil buy/sell arrangements, and sale and purchase transactions entered into with the same counterparty that are deemed to be in contemplation with one another. We made an accounting policy election to apply the sales tax practical expedient, whereby all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a revenue-producing transaction and collected from our customers will be recognized on a net basis within Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation). This accounting policy did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018. Logistics We recognize transportation and storage fees as services are provided to a customer. Substantially all of our logistics revenues represent intercompany transactions that are eliminated in consolidation. Cost Classifications Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation) includes the hydrocarbon-related costs of inventory sold, transportation costs of delivering product to customers, crude oil consumed in the refining process, costs to satisfy our environmental credit obligations, and certain hydrocarbon fees and taxes. Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation) also includes the unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and inventory valuation adjustments. Certain direct operating expenses related to our logistics segment are also included in Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation). Operating expense (excluding depreciation) includes direct costs of labor, maintenance and services, energy and utility costs, property taxes, and environmental compliance costs, as well as chemicals and catalysts and other direct operating expenses. The following table summarizes depreciation and finance lease amortization expense excluded from each line item in our consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Cost of revenues $ 21,755 $ 16,882 $ 6,722 Operating expense 56,637 55,181 28,037 General and administrative expense 3,429 3,145 4,233 Benefit Plans We recognize an asset for the overfunded status or a liability for the underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plans. The funded status is recorded within Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Certain changes in the plans’ funded status are recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) in the period the change occurs. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Fair value measurements are categorized with the highest priority given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority given to unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: Level 1 – Assets or liabilities for which the item is valued based on quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 – Assets or liabilities valued based on observable market data for similar instruments. Level 3 – Assets or liabilities for which significant valuation assumptions are not readily observable in the market; instruments valued based on the best available data, some of which is internally-developed and considers risk premiums that a market participant would require. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. Our policy is to recognize transfers in and/or out of fair value hierarchy levels as of the end of the reporting period for which the event or change in circumstances caused the transfer. We have consistently applied these valuation techniques for the periods presented. The fair value of the J. Aron repurchase obligation derivative is measured using estimates of the prices and differentials assuming settlement at the end of the reporting period. Income (Loss) Per Share Basic income (loss) per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and the weighted-average number of shares issuable under the warrants. The common stock warrants were included in the calculation of basic EPS because they were issuable for minimal consideration. Basic and diluted EPS are computed taking into account the effect of participating securities. Participating securities include restricted stock that has been issued but has not yet vested. Please read Note 20—Income (Loss) Per Share for further information. Foreign Currency Transactions We may, on occasion, enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which is our functional currency. Gains and losses resulting from changes in currency exchange rates between the functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated are included in Other income, net, in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the currency exchange rates change. Accounting Principles Not Yet Adopted In March 2020 and January 2021, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”) and ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) (“ASU 2021-01”), respectively. These ASUs provide for optional expedients and allowable exceptions to GAAP to ease the potential burden in recognizing the effects of reference rate reform, especially in regards to the cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 are applicable to contract modifications that meet certain requirements and are entered into between March 12, 2020 and December 31, 2022. We have several contracts that reference LIBOR, some of which terminate after LIBOR is anticipated to cease being reported in 2021. We are currently reviewing the effect that the election of ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 would have on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ( “ ASU 2019-12”). The objective of ASU 2019-12 is to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to general principles and to clarify and amend guidance to improve consistency under FASB ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes.” The guidance in ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. On January 1, 2021, we adopted ASU 2019-12 under the prospective method and information that was presented prior to January 1, 2021 has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for that period. Our adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Accounting Principles Adopted On December 31, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2018-14, Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans ( “ ASU 2018-14”), using the required retrospective transition method. This ASU amended, added, and removed certain disclosure requirements under FASB ASC Topic 715 “Compensation — Retirement Benefits.” Our adoption of ASU 2018-14 did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, or related disclosures. On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , as amended by other ASUs issued since June 2016 (“ASU 2016-13”), using the modified retrospective transition method. Under this optional transition method, information presented prior to January 1, 2020 has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the period. There was no adjustment to our opening retained earnings as a result of the adoption of this ASU. ASU 2016-13 requires expected credit losses on financial instruments to be recorded over the estimated life of the financial instrument. Prior to this ASU, the guidance required recording of credit losses when those losses were incurred. ASU 2016-13 is applicable to credit losses and allowances on loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance-sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and certain other financial assets, but excludes derivative assets under FASB ASC Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging.” Our adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, or related disclosures. On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”), which eliminated Step 2 from the current goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity is no longer required to determine a goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. This ASU changed the policy under which we perform our goodwill impairment assessments by eliminating Step 2 of the test. On January |