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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

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

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. and sales of industrial machinery and related components, which were sold during 2017.

Use of Estimates

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

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

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. Our contract assets consist of receivables from contracts with customers. Our accounts receivable primarily relate to these contract assets and are presented in our consolidated balance sheets.

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. Customer payments are generally due thirty to sixty days after the invoice date. 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 customers. Nine customers (including their affiliates) account for approximately 46% of our total net receivables at December 31, 2019.

Inventories

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.

Inventory reserves associated with cost exceeding net realizable value were not material at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Property, Plant and Equipment

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 finance lease criteria (formerly classified as capital leases) 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 is retired, sold, or otherwise disposed, the asset’s carrying amount and related accumulated DD&A is 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. During 2019, in conjunction with management’s review of our long-range strategy, development of the 2020 budget and the completion of the 2019 Turnarounds, certain non-core long-lived assets were identified and authorized to be sold. As a result, these assets were classified as assets held for sale. Because the estimated costs to sell these assets (primarily to dismantle) exceeds the estimated fair values, the carrying amount of these assets were written down to a de minimis amount and a non-cash charge of approximately $9.7 million was recognized and classified as other expense. We expect these assets to be sold in 2020. At December 31, 2018, we had no long-lived assets classified as held for sale.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – 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.

Concentration of Credit Risks for Cash and Cash Equivalents and Sales

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”), represented approximately 11%, 13% and 10% of our total net sales for 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Net sales to one customer, Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizer, LLC (“CVR”), represented approximately 11% of our total net sales for 2018. Net sales to one customer, Covestro AG (“Covestro”), represented approximately 12% of our total net sales for 2017.

Accrued Insurance Liabilities

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 obligations. 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.

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

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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 – 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

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

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.

Redeemable Preferred Stocks

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 will change if the expected redemption date changes.

Equity Awards

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. 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

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Revenue Recognition and Other Information

Revenue Recognition and Performance Obligations

We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:

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Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;

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Determination of the transaction price;

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Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

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Recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation.

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account in ASC 606. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Generally, satisfaction occurs when control of the promised goods is transferred to the customer or as services are rendered or completed in exchange for consideration in an amount for which we expect to be entitled. Generally, control is transferred when the preparation for shipment of the product to a customer has been completed. Most of our contracts contain a single performance obligation with the promise to transfer a specific product. When the terms of a contract include the transfer of multiple products, each distinct product is identified as a separate performance obligation.

Most of our revenue is recognized from performance obligations satisfied at a point in time, however, we have a performance obligation to perform certain services that are satisfied over a period of time. Revenue is recognized from this type of performance obligation as services are rendered and are based on the amount for which we have a right to invoice, which reflects the amount of expected consideration that corresponds directly with the value of the services performed.

We only offer assurance-type warranties for our products to meet specifications defined by our contracts with customers, and do not have any material performance obligations related to warranties, return, or refunds.

Transaction Price Constraints and Variable Consideration

For most of our contracts within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”), the transaction price from the inception of a contract is constrained to a short period of time (generally one month) as these contracts contain terms with variable consideration related to both price and quantity. These contract prices are often based on commodity indexes (such as NYMEX natural gas index) published monthly and the contract quantities are typically based on estimated ranges. The quantities become fixed and determinable over a period of time as each sale order is received from the customer.

The nature of our contracts also gives rise to other types of variable consideration, including volume discounts and rebates, make-whole provisions, other pricing concessions, and short-fall charges. We estimate these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers, which result in a transaction price adjustment reducing revenue (net sales) with the offset increasing contract or refund liabilities. These estimates are based on historical experience, anticipated performance and our best judgment at the time. We reassess these estimates on a quarterly basis.

The aforementioned constraints over transaction prices in conjunction with the variable consideration included in our material contracts prevent a practical assignment of a specific dollar amount to performance obligations at the beginning and end of the period. Therefore, we have applied the variable consideration allocation exception.

Future revenues to be earned from the satisfaction of performance obligations will be recognized when control transfers as goods are loaded and weighed or services are performed over the remaining duration of our contracts. Although most of our contracts have an original expected duration of one year or less, for our contracts with a duration greater than one year, the average remaining expected duration was approximately 15 months at December 31, 2019.

Practical Expedients and Other Information

We have applied the following practical expedients:

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to recognize revenue in the amount we have the right to invoice relating to certain services that are performed for customers and, not disclosing the value of unsatisfied performance obligations related to such services.

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not disclosing the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less.

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not adjusting the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if we expect the financing time period to be one year or less.

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expense as incurred any incremental costs of obtaining a contract if the associated period of benefit is one year or less.

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

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)

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, 2019 and 2018, our incentive tax credits receivable totaled $2.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively.

Recognition of Insurance Recoveries

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.

Cost of Sales

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.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

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.

Derivatives, Hedges, Financial Instruments and Carbon Credits

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 with fair values that were eligible to be offset as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified using the following hierarchy, which is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date:

Level 1 - Valuations of contracts classified as Level 1 are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical contracts. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we did not have any contracts classified as Level 1.

Level 2 - Valuations of contracts classified as Level 2 are based on quoted prices for similar contracts and valuation inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for these contracts. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we did not have any significant contracts classified as Level 2.

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Level 3 - Valuations of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. See Note 10 for further discussion of our embedded derivative which is classified as Level 3.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we did not have any financial instruments with fair values significantly different from their carrying amounts (excluding issuance costs, if applicable). The fair value of financial instruments is not indicative of the overall fair value of our assets and liabilities since financial instruments do not include all assets, including intangibles, and all liabilities.

Income (Loss) per Common Share

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

Segment Information - We operate in one principal business segment – our chemical business.

Recently Adopted 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. In addition, the FASB issued various other ASUs further amending lease accounting guidance (together “ASC 842”). On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 842 as discussed in Note 2.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2019-12 – In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes which affects general principles within Topic 740, Income Taxes. The amendments of ASU 2019-12 are meant to simplify and reduce the cost of accounting for income taxes. The ASU removes certain exceptions to the general framework and also seeks to simplify and/or clarify accounting for income taxes by adding certain requirements that would simplify GAAP for financial statement preparers. The effective date of ASU 2019-12 is fiscal years (and interim periods within those fiscal years) beginning after Dec. 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted but requires simultaneous adoption of all provisions of the new standard. We continue to evaluate the effect of our pending adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures at this time.