Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Consolidation

Basis of Consolidation – LSB Industries, Inc. (“LSB”) and its subsidiaries (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) are consolidated in the accompanying condensed 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.  

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.  

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. and parts of Mexico and Canada.

In our opinion, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of March 31, 2021 and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 include all adjustments and accruals, consisting of normal, recurring accrual adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods.  These interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year due, in part, to the seasonality of our sales of agricultural products and the timing of performing our major plant maintenance activities.  Our selling seasons for agricultural products are primarily during the spring and fall planting seasons, which typically extend from March through June and from September through November.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in connection with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2020 Form 10-K.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates – The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with 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.

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 reduce income tax expense for investment tax credits in the period the credit arises and is earned.

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).

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.

Derivatives, Hedges and Financial Instruments

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.  When applicable, we present the fair values of our derivative contracts under master netting agreements using a gross fair value presentation.

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.

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.

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.

At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we did not have any financial instruments with fair values materially different from their carrying amounts (which excludes 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.

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.  We may issue new shares of common stock or may use treasury shares associated with the equity awards.

In January 2021, the compensation committee of our Board of Directors approved the grant of 614,999 shares of time-based restricted stock and 219,084 shares of performance-based restricted stock to certain executives under our 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan.  The time-based restricted stock shares will vest at the end of each one-year period at the rate of one-third per year for three years, vesting 100% at the end of three years. The performance-based restricted stock will vest at the end of three years, subject to achievement of certain performance metrics. The unvested restricted shares carry dividend and voting rights contingent upon the vesting and lapsing of restriction.  Sales of these shares are restricted prior to the date of vesting.  Pursuant to the terms of the underlying restricted stock agreements, unvested restricted shares will immediately vest upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined by agreement), termination without cause or death.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition and Performance Obligations

We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:

• Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;

• Determination of the transaction price;

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

• 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.  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.  

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.  

Transaction Price Constraints and Variable Consideration

For most of our contracts with customers, 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.   

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted 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.  On January 1, 2021, we adopted ASU 2019-12, which did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2020-06 - In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). This ASU addresses the complexity associated with applying GAAP to certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The ASU includes amendments to the guidance on convertible instruments and the derivative scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity and simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments which include beneficial conversion features or cash conversion features by removing certain separation models. Additionally, the ASU requires entities to use the “if-converted” method when calculating diluted earnings per share for convertible instruments. This ASU will be effective for us on January 1, 2024; however, early adoption is permitted beginning January 1, 2021. We are evaluating the timing and the effect of our pending adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures at this time.

ASU 2020-04 – In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional guidance for a limited time to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from reference rates such as LIBOR that are expected to be discontinued.  This ASU provides exceptions and optional expedients for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or other reference rates to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform.  They do not apply to modifications made or hedges entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, unless the hedging relationships existed as of that date and optional expedients for them were elected and retained through the end of the hedging relationship.  This ASU became effective upon issuance.  We continue to evaluate the effect of this ASU and plan to utilize this relief for our debt agreements that include LIBOR rates.