ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization

Our reporting structure is comprised of the following operating segments: Printed Circuit Materials (PCM), High Performance Foams (HPF), Power Electronics Solutions (PES) and the Other reportable segment.


•	Printed Circuit Materials

The Printed Circuit Materials operating segment includes printed circuit board laminate products for high frequency, high performance applications. These products have characteristics that offer performance and other functional advantages in many market applications and serve to differentiate our products from other commonly available materials. These products are sold principally to independent and captive printed circuit board fabricators that convert our laminates to custom printed circuits.

The polymer-based dielectric layers of our circuit board laminates are proprietary materials that provide highly specialized electrical and mechanical properties. Trade names for our printed circuit board materials include RO3000®, RO4000®, RT/duroid®, ULTRALAM®, RO2800®, LoPro®, COOLSPAN® and TMM® laminates. All of these laminates are used for making circuitry that receive, transmit, and process high frequency communications signals, yet each laminate has varying properties that address specific needs and applications within the communications market. High frequency circuits are used in the equipment and devices that comprise wireless communications systems, including cellular communications, digital cellular communications, paging, direct broadcast television, global positioning, mobile radio communications, and radar for both aviation and automotive applications.


•	High Performance Foams

The High Performance Foams operating segment includes polyurethane and silicone foam as well as solid products manufactured in roll stock, sheet, and molded formats. These materials have characteristics that offer functional advantages in many market applications which serve to differentiate Rogers' products from other commonly available materials.

High Performance Foams products are sold globally to converters, fabricators, distributors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for use in general industrial applications, portable electronics including mobile internet devices, consumer goods, mass transportation, construction, printing applications and other markets. Trade names for our High Performance Foams include: PORON® Microcellular Urethanes used for making high performance gaskets and seals in vehicles, portable communications devices, computers and peripherals; PORON® cushion insole materials for footwear and related products; PORON® healthcare and medical materials for body cushioning and orthotic appliances; R/bak® compressible printing plate backing and mounting products for cushioning flexographic plates for printing on packaging materials; PORON® and XRD® for high impact cushioning protection; Rogers BISCO® silicone foams, solids, sponge and extrusion products for flame retardant gaskets, seals and cushioning applications in communications infrastructure equipment, aircraft, trains, cars and trucks, and for shielding extreme temperature or flame; and eSORBA® urethane foams used in portable communications, entertainment devices and other industrial applications.

We have two 50% owned joint ventures that extend and complement our worldwide business in High Performance Foams. Rogers INOAC Corporation (RIC), a joint venture with Japan-based INOAC Corporation, manufactures high performance polyurethane foam materials in Mie and Taketoyo, Japan to predominantly serve the Japanese and Taiwanese markets. Rogers INOAC Suzhou Corporation (RIS) was established in 2004 with INOAC Corporation and provides polyurethane foam materials primarily to the Asian marketplace.


•	Power Electronics Solutions

The Power Electronics Solutions operating segment is comprised of direct bond copper (DBC) ceramic substrate products and busbar power distribution products. We believe that our advanced, customized components enable the performance and reliability of today’s growing array of power electronic devices and serve to increase the efficiency of applications by managing heat and ensuring the reliability of these critical devices used in converting raw energy into controlled and regulated power that can be used and managed.

Trade names for our Power Electronics Solutions products include curamik® ceramic substrates and RO-LINX® products. Curamik® ceramic substrates are used in the design of intelligent power management devices, such as insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules, which enable a wide range of products including highly efficient industrial motor drives, wind and solar converters and electric and hybrid electric vehicle drive systems. RO-LINX® products are used in high power electrical inverter and converter systems for use in mass transit (e.g. high speed trains); clean technology applications (e.g. wind turbines, solar farms and electric vehicles) and variable frequency drives for high to mid power applications.


•	Other

The Other reportable segment consists of elastomer components, floats and inverter distribution activities. Elastomer components are sold to OEMs for applications in ground transportation, office equipment, consumer and other markets. Trade names for our elastomer components include: NITROPHYL® floats for level sensing in fuel tanks, motors, and storage tanks and ENDUR® elastomer rollers and belts for document handling in copiers, printers, mail sorting machines and automated teller machines. Inverters are sold primarily to OEMs and fabricators that in turn sell to various other third parties primarily serving the portable communication and automotive markets.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly‑owned subsidiaries, after elimination of inter-company accounts and transactions.

For all periods and amounts presented, reclassifications have been made for discontinued operations. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the operations of the non-woven composite materials operating segment (aggregated in the Other reportable segment) ended and the segment qualified as a discontinued operations. See Note 17 - Discontinued Operations for further discussion.

Cash Equivalents

Highly liquid investments with original maturities of 3 months or less are considered cash equivalents. These investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

Marketable Securities

We determine the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and reevaluate such designation as of each balance sheet date. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when we have the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Marketable equity securities and debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with interest on such securities included in “Interest income” on our consolidated statements of income (loss). If the market values of individual securities are determined to be “other than temporarily” impaired, the carrying amount of such investments are written down to market value through “Net realized gain (loss)” in our consolidated statements of income (loss). Except for amounts recorded related to the auction rate securities in 2012, we have not recorded any such write down in 2014, 2013 or 2012. See Note 2 - Fair Value Measurements for further discussion on the auction rate securities.

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

We account for our investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures, all of which are 50% owned, using the equity method of accounting.

Foreign Currency

All balance sheet accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated or remeasured at exchange rates in effect at each year end, and income statement items are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. Resulting translation adjustments for those entities that operate under the local currency are made directly to a separate component of shareholders' equity, while remeasurement adjustments for those entities that operate under the parent's functional currency are made to the income statement as a component of “Other income (expense), net”. Currency transaction adjustments are reported as income or expense in the consolidated statements of income (loss) as a component of "Other income (expense), net". Such adjustments resulted in a loss of $0.0 million in 2014, a loss of $0.7 million in 2013, and a loss of $0.8 million in 2012.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on a variety of factors that affect the potential collectability of the related receivables, including the length of time receivables are past due, customer credit ratings, financial stability of customers, specific one-time events and past customer history. In addition, in circumstances where we are made aware of a specific customer's inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance is established. The majority of accounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and appropriate reserves are established as deemed appropriate based on the criteria previously mentioned. The remainder of the reserve is based on management's estimates and takes into consideration historical trends, market conditions and the composition of our customer base.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Certain inventories, amounting to $12.5 million and $12.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. These inventories accounted for 24% of total gross inventory in 2014 and 25% of total gross inventory in 2013. The cost of the remaining portion of the inventories was determined principally on the basis of first-in, first-out (FIFO) costs.

If the inventories valued using the LIFO method had been valued at FIFO costs, their value would have increased by approximately $8.2 million and $7.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Inventories consisted of the following:



(Dollars in thousands)	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013

Raw materials	$	26,787	$	24,301
Work-in-process	16,564		13,536
Finished goods	25,277		29,052
Total Inventory	$	68,628	$	66,889

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated on the basis of cost. For financial reporting purposes, provisions for depreciation are calculated on a straight‑line basis over the following estimated useful lives of the underlying assets:



	Years
Buildings and improvements	10-15
Machinery and equipment	5-15
Office equipment	3-10

Software Costs

We capitalize certain computer software and software development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for internal use when both the preliminary project stage is completed and it is probable that the software will be used as intended. Capitalized software costs include only (i) external direct costs of materials and services utilized in developing or obtaining computer software, and (ii) compensation and related benefits for employees who are directly associated with the software project. Capitalized software costs are included in property, plant and equipment on our balance sheet and amortized on a straight-line basis when placed into service over the estimated useful lives of the software, which approximates three to five years. We initiated projects with capitalized software for the first time in 2014. We have recorded software amortization of $0.0 million in 2014, as the projects have not completed as of year end 2014. Net capitalized software and development costs were $3.4 million as of December 31, 2014.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are classified into three categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization; (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization; and (3) goodwill. We review goodwill, which has an indefinite life, and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually and/or if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may have been impaired. We review intangible assets with definite lives for impairment whenever conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable, such as in economic downturns in a market or a change in the assessment of future operations.

Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment by comparing the net book value of a reporting unit to its estimated fair value. Fair values are typically established using a discounted cash flow methodology. The determination of discounted cash flows is based on the reporting unit's strategic plans and long-term operating forecasts. The revenue growth rates included in the plans are management's best estimates based on current and forecasted market conditions, and the profit margin assumptions are projected by each segment based on the current cost structure and strategic changes to the cost structure.

Purchased or acquired patents, covenants-not-to-compete, customer relationships and licensed technology are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line or accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives.

Environmental and Product Liabilities

We accrue for our environmental investigation, remediation, operating and maintenance costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. For environmental matters, the most likely cost to be incurred is accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site, including existing technology, current laws and regulations and prior remediation experience. For sites with multiple potential responsible parties (PRPs), we consider our likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation costs and the ability of the other parties to fulfill their obligations in establishing a provision for those costs. When no amount within a range of estimates is more likely to occur than another, we accrue to the low end of the range. When future liabilities are determined to be reimbursable by insurance coverage, an accrual is recorded for the potential liability and a receivable is recorded for the estimated insurance reimbursement amount. We are exposed to the uncertain nature inherent in such remediation and the possibility that initial estimates will not reflect the final outcome of a matter.

We periodically perform a formal analysis to determine potential future liability and related insurance coverage for asbestos-related matters. Projecting future asbestos costs is subject to numerous variables that are extremely difficult to predict, including the number of claims that might be received, the type and severity of the disease alleged by each claimant, the long latency period associated with asbestos exposure, dismissal rates, costs of medical treatment, the financial resources of other companies that are co-defendants in claims, uncertainties surrounding the litigation process from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and from case to case, and the impact of potential changes in legislative or judicial standards, including potential tort reform. Furthermore, any predictions with respect to these variables are subject to even greater uncertainty as the projection period lengthens.

The models developed for determining the potential exposure and related insurance coverage were developed by outside consultants deemed to be experts in their respective fields with the forecast for asbestos related liabilities generated by National Economic Research Associates, Inc. (NERA) and the related insurance receivable projections developed by Marsh Risk Consulting (Marsh). The models contain numerous assumptions that significantly impact the results generated by the models. We believe the assumptions made are reasonable at the present time, but are subject to uncertainty based on the actual future outcome of our asbestos litigation. We determined that a ten-year projection period is now appropriate as we have experience in addressing asbestos related lawsuits over the last few years to use as a baseline to project the liability over ten years. However, we do not believe we have sufficient data to justify a longer projection period at this time.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Management believes that the carrying values of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and debt approximate fair value based on the maturities of these instruments.

Concentration of Credit and Investment Risk

We extend credit on an uncollateralized basis to almost all customers. Concentration of credit and geographic risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the large number and general dispersion of accounts that constitute our customer base. We routinely perform credit evaluations on our customers. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no customers that individually accounted for more than ten percent of total accounts receivable. We did not experience significant credit losses on customers' accounts in 2014, 2013 or 2012.

We invest excess cash principally in investment grade government and corporate debt securities. We have established guidelines relative to diversification and maturities in order to maintain safety and liquidity. These guidelines are periodically reviewed and modified to reflect changes in market conditions.

Income Taxes

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and in numerous foreign jurisdictions. We consider the undistributed earnings as of December 31, 2014 of substantially all of our foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no U.S. income taxes have been provided thereon. If circumstances change and it becomes apparent that some, or all of the undistributed earnings as of December 31, 2014 will not be indefinitely reinvested, the provision for the tax consequences, if any, will be recorded in the period when circumstances change. Distributions out of current and future earnings are permissible to fund discretionary activities such as business acquisitions. However, when distributions are made, this could result in a higher effective tax rate.

We have provided for potential liabilities due in various jurisdictions. In the ordinary course of global business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Some of these uncertainties arise as a consequence of cost reimbursement arrangements among related entities. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different than that which is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material impact on our income tax provision and operating results in the period in which such determination is made.

Deferred income taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that realization of those assets is considered to be more likely than not. A valuation allowance is established for deferred taxes when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

We record benefits for uncertain tax positions based on an assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained by the taxing authorities. If this threshold is not met, no tax benefit of the uncertain position is recognized. If the threshold is met, we recognize the largest amount of the tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss). Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales to customers is recognized when title passes to the customer, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

Shipping and Handling Charges

Costs that we incur for shipping and handling charges are charged to “Cost of sales” and payments received from our customers for shipping and handling charges are included in “Net sales” on our consolidated statements of income (loss).

Pension and Retiree Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits

We provide various defined benefit pension plans for our U.S. employees and we sponsor multiple fully insured or self-funded medical plans and fully insured life insurance plans for retirees. In 2013, the defined benefit plans were frozen, so that future benefits no longer accrue. The costs and obligations associated with these plans are dependent upon various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, long-term rate of return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors. The assumptions used in these models are determined as follows: (i) the discount rate used is based on the PruCurve index; (ii) the long-term rate of return on plan assets is determined based on historical portfolio results, market results and our expectations of future returns, as well as current market assumptions related to long-term return rates; and (iii) the mortality rate is based on a mortality projection that estimates current longevity rates and their impact on the long-term plan obligations. We review these assumptions periodically throughout the year and update as necessary.

Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations:



(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	52,883	$	37,659	$	69,134
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	18,177,178		17,197,840		16,426,209
Effect of dilutive shares	520,600		570,235		564,949
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	18,697,778		17,768,075		16,991,158
Basic income (loss) per share:	$	2.91	$	2.19	$	4.21
Diluted income (loss) per share:	2.83		2.12		4.07

Certain potential ordinary shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding because they would have an anti-dilutive effect on net income per share. No shares were excluded in 2014 or 2013. In 2012 68,000 shares were excluded.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Hedging Activity

We use derivative instruments to manage commodity, interest rate and foreign currency exposures. Derivative instruments are viewed as risk management tools and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, derivatives used for hedging purposes must be designated and deemed effective as a hedge of the identified underlying risk exposure at the inception of the contract. Accordingly, changes in fair value of the derivative contract must be highly correlated with changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged item at inception of the hedge and over the life of the hedge contract.

Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments or forecasted commodity purchases are accounted for as cash flow hedges. For those derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting treatment, gains and losses are recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions. The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings. For those derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, any related gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of income (loss) as a component of "Other income/expense".

Advertising Costs

Advertising is expensed as incurred and amounted to $3.3 million for 2014, $2.9 million for 2013 and $2.0 million for 2012.

Equity Compensation

Stock-based compensation is comprised of stock options and restricted stock. Stock options are measured at the grant date, based on the grant-date fair value of the awards ultimately expected to vest and, in most cases, is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, which is typically four years. A provision in our stock option agreements requires us to accelerate the expense for retirement eligible employees, as any unvested options would immediately vest upon retirement for such employees. We develop estimates used in calculating the grant-date fair value of stock options to determine the amount of stock-based compensation to be recorded. We calculate the grant-date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The use of this valuation model requires estimates of assumptions such as expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield and forfeiture rates.

Performance-based restricted stock compensation expense is based on achievement of certain performance and service conditions. The fair value of the awards is determined based on the market value of the underlying stock price at the grant date and marked to market over the vesting period based on projections of the underlying performance measures.

Time-based restricted stock compensation awards are expensed over the vesting period, which is typically three years. The fair value of the awards is determined based on the market value of the underlying stock price at the grant date.