SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying financial statements consolidate the operating results and financial position of REX American Resources Corporation and its wholly-owned and majority owned subsidiaries (the “Company” or “REX”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. As of January 31, 2018, the Company owns interests in five entities – four are consolidated and one is accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Fiscal Year – All references in these consolidated financial statements to a particular fiscal year are to the Company’s fiscal year ended January 31. For example, “fiscal year 2017” means the period February 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018. The Company refers to its fiscal year by reference to the year immediately preceding the January 31 fiscal year end date.

Segments – In fiscal year 2017, the Company began reporting the results of its refined coal operation as a new segment as a result of the August 10, 2017 acquisition of an entity that operates a refined coal facility (see Note 3). Prior to the acquisition, the Company had one reportable segment, ethanol. Beginning with the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, the Company has two reportable segments: i) ethanol and by-products and ii) refined coal. Within the ethanol and by-products segment, the Company has equity investments in three ethanol limited liability companies, two of which are majority ownership interests. Within the refined coal segment, the Company has a majority equity interest in one refined coal limited liability company.

In applying the criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Company determined that based on the nature of the products and production process and the expected financial results, the Company’s operations at its ethanol plants are aggregated into one reporting segment.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents – Cash equivalents are principally short-term investments with original maturities of less than three months. The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value.

Concentrations of Risk – The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents in accounts with financial institutions which exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company does not believe there is significant credit risk related to its cash and cash equivalents. Six (fiscal year 2017), five (fiscal year 2016) and four (fiscal year 2015) customers accounted for approximately 87%, 83% and 75% of the Company’s net sales and revenue during fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At January 31, 2018 and 2017, these customers represented approximately 89% and 88%, respectively, of the Company’s accounts receivable balance.

Inventory – Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory includes direct production costs and certain overhead costs such as depreciation, property taxes and utilities related to producing ethanol and related by-products and refined coal. Inventory is permanently written down for instances when cost exceeds estimated net realizable value; such write-downs are based primarily upon commodity prices as the market value of inventory is often dependent upon changes in commodity prices. There was no significant write-down of inventory during fiscal years 2017, 2016 or 2015. Fluctuations in the write-down of inventory generally relate to the levels and composition of such inventory at a given point in time and commodity prices. The components of inventory at January 31, 2018, and January 31, 2017 are as follows (amounts in thousands):

	January 31,
	2018		2017
Ethanol and other finished goods	$	8,402	$	5,262
Work in process		2,824		2,359
Grain and other raw materials		9,529		9,436
Total	$	20,755	$	17,057

Property and Equipment – Property and equipment is recorded at cost or the fair value on the date of acquisition (for property and equipment acquired in a business combination). Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and 2 to 20 years for fixtures and equipment. The components of property and equipment at January 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (amounts in thousands):

	January 31,
	2018			2017
Land and improvements	$	21,074		$	20,951
Buildings and improvements		23,272			23,203
Machinery, equipment and fixtures		288,832			255,348
Construction in progress		3,155			1,046
		336,333			300,548
Less: accumulated depreciation		(138,506	)		(117,787	)
Total	$	197,827		$	182,761

In accordance with ASC 360-05 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, the carrying value of long-lived assets is assessed for recoverability by management when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, based on an analysis of undiscounted future expected cash flows from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. The Company recorded no impairment charges in fiscal years 2017 and 2016. The Company recorded impairment charges of $125,000 (related to the Company’s former retail operations) in fiscal year 2015, all of which is included in cost of sales in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. This impairment charge is primarily related to unfavorable changes in real estate conditions in local markets. Impairment charges result from the Company’s management performing cash flow analysis and represent management’s estimate of the excess of net book value over fair value.

The Company tests for recoverability of an asset group by comparing its carrying amount to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the Company recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, if any. The Company generally determines the fair value of the asset group using a discounted cash flow model based on market participant assumptions (for income producing asset groups) or by obtaining appraisals based on the market approach and comparable market transactions (for non-income producing asset groups).

Depreciation expense was approximately $21,462,000, $19,519,000 and $18,638,000 in fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Investments – The method of accounting applied to long-term investments, whether consolidated, equity or cost, involves an evaluation of the significant terms of each investment that explicitly grant or suggest evidence of control or influence over the operations of the investee and also includes the identification of any variable interests in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company consolidates the results of two majority owned subsidiaries, One Earth and NuGen. The results of One Earth are included on a delayed basis of one month lag as One Earth has a fiscal year end of December 31. NuGen has the same fiscal year as the parent, and therefore, there is no lag in reporting the results of NuGen. The Company accounts for investments in limited liability companies in which it may have a less than 20% ownership interest, using the equity method of accounting when the factors discussed in ASC 323 are met. The excess of the carrying value over the underlying equity in the net assets of equity method investees is allocated to specific assets and liabilities. Any unallocated excess is treated as goodwill and is recorded as a component of the carrying value of the equity method investee. Investments in businesses that the Company does not control but for which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters are accounted for using the equity method. The Company accounts for its investments in Big River and Patriot (through May 31, 2015 – see Note 2 for a discussion of the sale of the Company’s equity interest in Patriot) using the equity method of accounting and includes the results of these entities on a delayed basis of one month as they have a fiscal year end of December 31.

The Company periodically evaluates its investments for impairment due to declines in market value considered to be other than temporary. Such impairment evaluations include, in addition to persistent, declining market prices, general economic and company-specific evaluations. If the Company determines that a decline in market value is other than temporary, then a charge to earnings is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

Revenue Recognition – For ethanol and by-products segment sales, the Company recognizes sales from the production of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil when title transfers to customers, generally upon shipment from the ethanol plant or upon loading of the rail car used to transport the products. For refined coal segment sales, the Company recognizes sales from the production of refined coal when title transfers to its customer, generally upon the coal leaving the refined coal plant. Refined coal sales are recorded net of the cost of coal as the Company purchases the coal feedstock from the customer to which refined coal is sold (after processing).

Cost of Sales – Cost of sales includes depreciation, costs of raw materials, inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, shipping costs, other distribution expenses, warehousing costs, plant management, certain compensation costs and general facility overhead charges.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses – The Company includes non-production related costs such as professional fees, selling charges and certain payroll in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Financial Instruments – Certain of the forward grain purchase and ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil sale contracts are accounted for under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption of ASC 815, because these arrangements are for purchases of grain that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used and sales of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil that will be produced in quantities expected to be sold by us over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. During the years ended January 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 there were no material settlements of forward contracts that were recorded at fair value. At January 31, 2018, the company recorded an asset of $0.1 million associated with contracts not accounted for under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption of ASC 815. At January 31, 2017, the Company recorded an asset and a liability of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, associated with contracts not accounted for under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption of ASC 815.

The Company uses derivative financial instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to manage a portion of the risk associated with changes in commodity prices, primarily related to corn. The Company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy. As such, the Company seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results. The Company may take hedging positions in these commodities as one way to mitigate risk. While the Company attempts to link its hedging activities to purchase and sale activities, there are situations in which these hedging activities can themselves result in losses. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The changes in fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recognized in current period earnings as the Company does not use hedge accounting.

Stock Compensation – The Company has a stock-based compensation plan, approved by its shareholders, which reserves a total of 550,000 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to its terms. The plan provides for the granting of shares of stock, including options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights tied to the value of common stock, restricted stock, and restricted stock unit awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The Company measures share-based compensation grants at fair value on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company records noncash compensation expense related to equity and liability awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. See Note 12 for a further discussion of restricted stock.

Income Taxes – The Company provides for deferred tax liabilities and assets 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 operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company provides for a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company’s annual effective tax rate includes the impact of its refined coal operation and the expected federal income tax credits to be earned in fiscal year 2017 beginning on the date of the refined coal acquisition (see Note 3). In addition, for fiscal year 2017, the Company’s annual effective tax rate includes a benefit related to remeasuring deferred tax liabilities at a federal income tax rate of 21% compared to 35% in historical periods, a result of the Tax Act, which reduced the federal income tax rate on corporations from 35% to 21%.

Comprehensive Income – The Company has no components of other comprehensive income, and therefore, comprehensive income equals net income.

New Accounting Pronouncements – In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). This standard simplifies the accounting treatment for excess tax benefits and deficiencies, forfeitures, and cash flow considerations related to share-based compensation. The Company adopted this standard February 1, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Effective February 1, 2017, the Company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 330, “Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”, which requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price (in the ordinary course of business), less reasonable estimable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amended guidance was applied prospectively.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, (“ASU 2015-17”) which requires that for a particular tax-paying component of an entity and within a particular tax jurisdiction, all deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be offset and presented as a single noncurrent amount. The Company prospectively adopted the amended guidance effective February 1, 2017. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 did not affect net income attributable to REX common shareholders or retained earnings in the presented periods.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. This standard provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. The cash flow issues covered by this ASU are: 1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; 2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; 3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; 4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; 5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; 6) distributions received from equity method investees; 7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and 8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle for distributions received from equity method investees in the Statement of Cash Flows. The Company prospectively adopted this standard effective February 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not affect the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

The Company will be required to adopt the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which requires revenue recognition to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and replaces existing revenue recognition guidance. The updated standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The FASB has deferred the required adoption of the amended guidance by one year, from February 1, 2017 to February 1, 2018. Early application beginning February 1, 2017 is permitted. The Company has substantially completed its evaluation of adopting this guidance and does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements with respect to the measurement and recognition of revenue. The Company expects to adopt this guidance using the modified prospective method. The Company expects disclosures regarding revenue from contracts with customers to expand as a result of adopting this guidance.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”. This standard requires that virtually all leases will be recognized by lessees on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability, including leases currently accounted for as operating leases. The Company will be required to adopt this standard effective February 1, 2019. The Company has not completed its analysis of adopting this guidance but it does expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the right-of-use asset and lease obligation liability to be recognized upon adoption of this guidance. The related leases are currently accounted for as operating leases (see Note 8).

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash”. This standard requires that the statements of cash flows explain the changes in the combined total of restricted and unrestricted cash balances. Amounts generally described as restricted cash will be combined with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances on the statements of cash flows. The Company will be required to adopt this standard effective February 1, 2018. Upon adoption, the Company will include restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.