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Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

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 Other business) ended and the segment qualified as a discontinued operation. See Note 18, "Discontinued Operations" for further discussion. In 2015, the we changed our method for accounting for certain inventory items from the last in, first out (LIFO) method to the first in, first out (FIFO) method. Adjustments have been made to all periods and amounts presented to appropriately reflect the retrospective application of this accounting change. See the discussion below entitled "Inventories" for further information.

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, 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.

Organization

Our reporting structure is comprised of the following operating segments: Advanced Connectivity Solutions (ACS), Elastomeric Material Solutions (EMS) and Power Electronics Solutions (PES). The remaining operations are reported under our Other business.

In 2015, we updated the names of two of our segments to better align with their product portfolios: our “Printed Circuit Materials” segment was renamed to “Advanced Connectivity Solutions,” and our “High Performance Foams” segment was renamed to “Elastomeric Material Solutions.”


•	Advanced Connectivity Solutions

Our ACS segment designs, develops, manufactures and sells circuit materials enabling high-performance and high-reliability connectivity for applications including communications infrastructure (e.g., cellular communication antennas and equipment), automotive (e.g., advanced driver assistance systems and global positioning applications), consumer electronics and aerospace/defense. We sell our circuit materials under various tradenames, including RO3000®, RO4000®, RT/duroid®, ULTRALAM®, RO2800®, LoPro®, COOLSPAN® and TMM®. In January 2015, we acquired the Arlon business, and subsequently integrated a portion of the product portfolio into the ACS segment operations and products that expanded the segment’s product portfolio, market reach and customer base, particularly in the RF antenna business.

Our ACS segment has manufacturing and administrative facilities in Chandler, Arizona; Rogers, Connecticut; Bear, Delaware; Evergem, Belgium; and Suzhou, China.


•	Elastomeric Material Solutions

Our EMS segment designs, develops, manufactures and sells elastomeric material solutions for critical cushioning, sealing, impact protection and vibration management applications including general industrial, portable electronics (e.g., mobile internet devices), consumer goods (e.g., protective sports equipment), automotive, mass transportation, construction and printing applications. We sell our elastomeric materials under various trade names, including PORON®, XRD®, BISCO® and eSORBA®. In January 2015, we acquired the Arlon business, and subsequently integrated a portion of the product portfolio into the EMS segment operations and products that expanded the segment’s product portfolio, market reach and customer base, particularly in the engineered silicones for sealing and insulation applications.

Our EMS segment has administrative and manufacturing facilities in Woodstock, Connecticut; Rogers, Connecticut; Bear, Delaware; Carol Stream, Illinois; and Suzhou, China. We also own 50% of (1) Rogers Inoac Corporation (RIC), a joint venture that was established in Japan 1989 to design, develop, manufacture and sell PORON products predominantly for the Japanese market and (2) Rogers INOAC Suzhou Corporation (RIS) that was established in China in 2004 to design, develop, manufacture and sell PORON products primarily for RIC customers in China. INOAC Corporation owns the remaining 50% of both RIC and RIS. RIC has manufacturing facilities at INOAC facilities in Nagoya and Mie, Japan, and RIS has manufacturing facilities at Rogers’ facilities in Suzhou, China.


•	Power Electronics Solutions

Our PES segment designs, develops, manufactures and sells ceramic substrate materials for power module applications (e.g., variable frequency drives, vehicle electrification and renewable energy), laminated bus bars for power inverter and high power interconnect applications (e.g., mass transit, hybrid-electric and electric vehicles, renewable energy and variable frequency drives), and micro-channel coolers (e.g., laser cutting equipment). We sell our ceramic substrate materials and micro channel coolers under the curamik® tradename, and our bus bars under the ROLINX® tradename.

Our PES segment has administrative and manufacturing facilities in Ghent, Belgium; Eschenbach, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; and Suzhou, China.


•	Other

Other business consists of elastomeric components for applications in ground transportation, office equipment, consumer and other markets; elastomeric floats for level sensing in fuel tanks, motors, and storage tanks; and inverters for portable communications and automotive markets. The Arlon polyimide and thermoset laminate business, which was sold in December 2015, was also included within our Other businesses in 2015.

Cash Equivalents

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

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 gains and losses are reported as income or expense, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of "Other income (expense), net."

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. Effective October 1, 2015, the Company changed its method for inventory costing from the last in, first out (LIFO) cost method to the first in, first out (FIFO) cost method for all operations that were using the LIFO cost method. This change in accounting method was deemed preferable because this change causes inventory to be valued on a consistent basis throughout the entire Company and on a more comparable basis with industry peer companies.

This change in accounting method was completed in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 250 Accounting changes and error corrections, and all periods presented have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new accounting principle.

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	30-40
Machinery and equipment	5-15
Office equipment	3-10

Software Costs

Capitalized software is included within "Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation" in the consolidated statements of financial position.

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 consolidated statement of financial position 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.

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.

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 estimated 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 expected 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 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 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 and accrued liabilities approximate fair value based on the maturities of these instruments. The fair values of our long-term debt are determined using discounted cash flows based upon the our estimated current interest cost for similar type borrowings or current market value, which falls under Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying values of the long-term debt approximate fair market value.

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, 2015 and 2014, there were no customers that individually accounted for more than ten percent of total accounts receivable. We have purchased credit insurance coverage for certain accounts receivable. We did not experience significant credit losses on customers' accounts in 2015, 2014 or 2013.

We are subject to credit and market risk by using derivative instruments. If a counterparty fails to fulfill its performance obligations under a derivative contract, our credit risk will equal the fair value of the derivative instrument. We minimize counterparty credit (or repayment) risk by entering into derivative transactions with major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings.

We invest excess cash principally in investment grade government 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. The Company accounts for income taxes following ASC 740 (Accounting for Income Taxes) recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

U.S. income taxes have not been provided on $179.1 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries since it is the Company’s intention to permanently reinvest such earnings or to distribute them only when it is tax efficient to do so. It is impracticable to estimate the total tax liability, if any, that would be created by the future distribution of these earnings. If circumstances change and it becomes apparent that some, or all of the undistributed earnings as of December 31, 2015 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 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 greater than fifty percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement.

We recognize interest and penalties within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated statements of financial position.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: (1) we have entered into a binding agreement, (2) the product has shipped and title and risk of ownership have passed, (3) the sales price to the customer is fixed or determinable, and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. We consider that the criteria for revenue recognition have been met upon shipment of the finished product, based on the majority of our shipping terms. Some shipping terms require the goods to be through customs or be received by the customer before title passes. In those instances, revenue is not recognized until either the customer has received the goods or they have passed through customs, depending on the circumstances. As appropriate, we record estimated reductions to revenue for customer returns and allowances and warranty claims. Provisions for such allowances are made at the time of sale and are typically derived from historical trends and other relevant information.

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 operations.

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 pension 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

Certain potential options to purchase shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding because the exercise price was greater than the average market price of our capital stock during the year. For 2015, 44,350 shares were excluded. No shares were excluded in 2014 or 2013.

Earnings Per Share

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 operations as a component of "Other income (expense), net.

Advertising Cost

Advertising Costs

Advertising is expensed as incurred

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 probabilities and 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.

Recent Accounting Standards

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new standard to achieve a consistent application of revenue recognition within the U.S., resulting in a single revenue model to be applied by reporting companies under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Under the new model, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the new standard requires that reporting companies disclose the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. On July 9, 2015, the FASB agreed to delay the effective date by one year. In accordance with the agreed upon delay, the new standard is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date of the standard. The new standard is required to be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying it recognized at the date of initial application. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the impact of the new standard on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

In September, 2015, the FASB issued a new standard to simplify the accounting for measurement-period adjustments. The new guidance requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard should be applied prospectively to measurement period adjustments that occur after the effective date. We have elected early adoption of the standard and have determined the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements to be immaterial.

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a new accounting update which requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. This update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of this update is permitted and an entity may choose to adopt this update on either a prospective or retrospective basis. We are still evaluating the impact this new standard will have on our financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued amendments that require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Under current guidance, our debt issuance costs are reflected as a deferred charge, within other current assets and other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheets. This update is effective for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. In August 2015, the FASB confirmed that the aforementioned amendments did not address the presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. For line-of-credit arrangements, borrowers have the option of presenting debt issuance costs as an asset which is subsequently amortized ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any related outstanding borrowings. These amendments are not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.