Changes in Accounting Estimate

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Changes in Accounting Estimate [Abstract]

Changes in Accounting Estimate

Note 3. Changes in Accounting Estimate

Based on company policy, we review the reasonableness of the salvage values for our fleet every three years based on the most recent three year average price of scrap steel per metric ton. In the first quarter of 2012 we reviewed and adjusted the salvage values on eight of our vessels, based on the material change in the market value of scrap steel. The adjustments resulted in increasing the salvage values and reducing our depreciation expense on these eight vessels by approximately $3.8 million annually. This adjustment increased both our pre-tax and net income by $945,000, or $0.13 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Due to the company being in a valuation allowance position there was no impact on income taxes.

In the first quarter of 2013, after a third party review, management made the decision to extend the life of two foreign flag special purpose RO/RO vessels. This decision was based on ongoing maintenance, including steel work that will allow the vessels to operate until 2025. The change in the life of the vessels will result in reducing our depreciation expense on these two vessels by approximately $937,000 annually. This adjustment increased both our pre-tax and net income by $234,265, or $0.03 per share, for three months ended March 31, 2013. In addition, we extended the economic life of both the Mobile, Alabama and Coatzacoalcos, Mexico rail terminals' leasehold improvements due to contractual extensions of the term of the rail terminal operating agreement. The amortization periods were extended on both terminal leasehold improvements for five years. The impact of these extensions to our pre-tax and net income was $267,345, or $0.04 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013.