UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________________________________________
FORM 10-K
_______________________________________________________
x | Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 | |
or | |
¨ | Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Commission File Number: 001-34025
INTREPID POTASH, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware | 26-1501877 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
707 17th Street, Suite 4200, Denver, Colorado | 80202 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(303) 296-3006
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share | New York Stock Exchange | |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.) Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer ¨ | Non‑accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of 55,427,763 shares of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the common stock on June 30, 2014, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, of $16.76 per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $928,969,308 Shares of common stock held by each director and executive officer and by each person who owns 10% or more of the registrant's outstanding common stock and is believed by the registrant to be in a control position were excluded. The determination of affiliate status for this purpose is not a conclusive determination of affiliate status for any other purposes.
As of January 31, 2015, the registrant had 75,998,708 shares of common stock, par value $0.001, outstanding (including 461,967 restricted shares of common stock).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III is incorporated by reference from portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2015 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2014.
INTREPID POTASH, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I
Unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions apply throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
•"Intrepid," "our," "we," or "us" means Intrepid Potash, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
•“West,” “East,” “North,” and “HB” mean our four operating facilities near Carlsbad, New Mexico. "Moab" means our operating facility in Moab, Utah. "Wendover" means our operating facility in Wendover, Utah. You can find more information about our facilities in Item 2 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
• | “Tons” mean short tons. One short ton equals 2,000 pounds. Many of our international competitors refer to metric tonnes. One metric tonne equals 1,000 kilograms or 2,205 pounds. |
• | To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we also use several non-GAAP financial measures to monitor and evaluate our performance. These non-GAAP financial measures include net sales, average net realized sales price, cash operating costs and average potash and Trio® gross margin. These non-GAAP financial measures are described and reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measures in Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
We have included technical terms important to understanding our business in the "Glossary of Terms” in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD‑LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward‑looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). These forward‑looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K other than statements of historical fact are forward‑looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements about our future results of operations and financial position, our business strategy and plans, and our objectives for future operations, among other things. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward‑looking words, such as “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “goal,” “target,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “predict,” and “continue.” Forward‑looking statements are only predictions based on our current knowledge, expectations, and projections about future events.
These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including the following:
• | changes in the price, demand, or supply of potash or Trio®/langbeinite |
• | circumstances that disrupt or limit our production, including operational difficulties or operational variances due to geological or geotechnical variances |
• | interruptions in rail or truck transportation services, or fluctuations in the costs of these services |
• | increased labor costs or difficulties in hiring and retaining qualified employees and contractors, including workers with mining, mineral processing, or construction expertise |
• | the costs of, and our ability to successfully construct, commission, and execute, any of our strategic projects |
• | adverse weather events, including events affecting precipitation and evaporation rates at our solar solution mines |
• | changes in the prices of raw materials, including chemicals, natural gas, and power |
• | the impact of federal, state, or local governmental regulations, including environmental and mining regulations; the enforcement of those regulations; and governmental policy changes |
• | our ability to obtain any necessary governmental permits relating to the construction and operation of assets |
• | changes in our reserve estimates |
• | competition in the fertilizer industry |
• | declines or changes in U.S. or world agricultural production or fertilizer application rates |
• | declines in the use of potash products by oil and gas companies in their drilling operations |
• | changes in economic conditions |
• | our ability to comply with covenants in our debt-related agreements to avoid a default under those agreements, or the total amount available to us under our credit facility is reduced, in whole or in part, because of covenant limitations |
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• | disruption in the credit markets |
• | our ability to secure additional federal and state potash leases to expand our existing mining operations |
• | the other risks, uncertainties, and assumptions described in Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K |
In addition, new risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make.
In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in these forward-looking statements. As a result, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
ITEM 1. | BUSINESS |
General
We are the only producer of muriate of potash (“potassium chloride” or “potash”) in the United States and are one of two producers of langbeinite (“sulfate of potash magnesia”). Langbeinite is a low-chloride potassium fertilizer with the additional benefits of sulfate and magnesium. We generally describe this multi-nutrient specialty product as langbeinite when we refer to production and as Trio® when we refer to sales and marketing. Our revenues are generated exclusively from the sale of potash and Trio®. We are a leader in the utilization of solar solution mining to produce potash, which is one of the lowest cost production methods for potash.
Potassium is one of the three primary macronutrients essential to plant formation and growth. Since 2005, we have supplied, on average, approximately 1.5% of annual world potassium consumption and 9.4% of annual U.S. potassium consumption. We also produce salt, magnesium chloride, and metal recovery salts from our potash mining processes, the sales of which are accounted for as by-product credits to our cost of sales.
We own three solution mining facilities and two conventional underground facilities that we utilize for producing potash. Our solution mining production comes from our HB solar solution mine near Carlsbad, New Mexico, a solar solution mine near Moab, Utah and a solar evaporation shallow brine mine in Wendover, Utah. Our conventional production comes from our underground West and East mines near Carlsbad, New Mexico. We also operate the North compaction facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico, which services the West and HB mines. Trio® production comes from underground conventional mining of a mixed ore body that contains both potash and langbeinite, which is mined and processed at the East facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico. We have additional opportunities to develop mineralized deposits of potash in New Mexico as well as to improve recoveries in our processing plants. These opportunities potentially include additional solution mining activities and improved recoveries of langbeinite.
Our principal offices are located at 707 17th Street, Suite 4200, Denver, Colorado 80202, and our telephone number is (303) 296-3006.
We have one operating segment which is the extraction, production and sale of potassium containing products. Our extraction and production operations are conducted entirely in the continental United States. We sell potash primarily into the domestic U.S. market and Trio® into both the domestic and international markets.
Intrepid (through a predecessor entity) was formed in 2000.
Our Products and Markets
Our two primary products are potash and Trio®.
Potash
The majority of our revenues and gross margin are derived from the production and sales of potash. Our potash is marketed for sale into three primary markets. These markets are the agricultural market as a fertilizer input, the industrial market as a component in drilling and fracturing fluids for oil and gas wells and an input to industrial processes, and the animal feed market as a nutrient supplement. The agricultural market is predominately a user of granular-sized potash and Trio®, while the industrial and animal feed markets largely consume standard and fine standard-sized product.
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We have the flexibility to produce all of our potash in a granular form. This flexibility has allowed us to expand our geographical reach for granular sales and to adjust our production of standard-sized product to more closely align with the specific product demand, thereby decreasing our dependence on sales of any one particular size of potash. In addition, we centrally manage our sales and marketing operations, including our freight and logistics planning, which allows us to evaluate the product needs of our customers and then determine which of our production facilities can be utilized to fill customer orders, all with the design of realizing the highest average gross margin per ton of potash sold by achieving the highest average net realized sales price possible for our potash.
Because many of our sales are geographically concentrated in the central and western United States, our sales can be affected by weather and other conditions in these regions. In addition, our sales into the industrial market tend to correlate with oil and gas pricing, as well as drilling and well completion activity.
Trio®
Trio® is marketed into two primary markets. These markets are the agricultural market as a fertilizer and the animal feed market as a nutrient. We market Trio® internationally through an exclusive marketing agreement with PCS Sales (USA), Inc. (“PCS Sales”) for sales outside the United States and Canada and via a non-exclusive agreement for sales into Mexico.
Industry Overview
Long-term global fertilizer demand has been driven primarily by population growth and global economic conditions with annual demand variations based on planted acreage, agricultural commodity yields and prices, inventories of grains and oilseeds, application rates of fertilizer, weather patterns, and farm sector income. We expect these key variables to continue to have an impact on global fertilizer demand for the foreseeable future. Sustained per capita income growth and agricultural policies in the developing world also affect global demand for fertilizer. Fertilizer demand is affected by other geopolitical factors such as temporary disruptions in fertilizer trade related to government intervention and changes in the buying patterns of key consuming countries. Volatility in agricultural commodity prices also may impact farmer fertilizer buying decisions.
As the global population grows, more food is required from decreasing arable land per capita. A balanced approach to nutrient application will allow farmers to maximize yield and aid in feeding this growing population. As incomes grow in the developing world, people tend to change their diet and consume more animal protein, which requires larger amounts of grain for feed. In addition, the focus on increasing renewable energy has led to regulatory policies supportive of ethanol and bio-diesel production, which currently rely on agricultural products as feedstock.
Fertilizer serves a fundamental role in global agriculture by providing essential crop nutrients that help sustain both the yield and the quality of crops. The three primary nutrients required for plant growth are nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, and there are no known substitutes for these nutrients. A proper balance of each of the three nutrients is necessary to maximize their effectiveness. Potassium helps regulate plants’ physiological functions and improves plant durability, providing crops with protection from drought, disease, parasites, and cold weather. Unlike nitrogen and phosphate, the potassium contained in naturally occurring potash does not require additional chemical conversion to be used as a plant nutrient.
While industry experts continue to expect that potash consumption rates will increase as world population grows, significant additional capacity has been brought on line over the last two years by existing potash producers. There are a number of brownfield expansions that have been commissioned or that are under construction by the larger potash producers. The estimated worldwide annual capacity is now in excess of recent annual demand. We expect that this supply surplus will exist for several years. As it is difficult to operate at full capacity for sustained periods of time, the larger, well-established producers are operating at less than full capacity, and have a history of managing production levels to more closely meet worldwide demand.
Potash is mined from conventional underground mines, such as at our West and East mines near Carlsbad, as well as through solution mining sub-surface structures and brine recovery from surface resources, as is done at our Moab, Wendover and HB facilities. In conventional underground mines, shafts are sunk to the ore body and mining machines cut out the ore, which is lifted to the surface for processing. In solution mining, the potash is dissolved in brine and pumped to the surface for evaporation and processing.
Virtually all of the world’s potash is currently extracted from approximately 19 commercial deposits. According to the International Fertilizer Industry Association and data published by potash mining companies, six countries accounted for approximately 85% of the world’s aggregate potash production during 2013. During this time period, the top nine potash producers supplied approximately 94% of world production. The three major Canadian producers participate in the Canpotex marketing group that supplied approximately 35% of the global potash production in 2013, one producer in Russia supplied
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approximately 18% of global production and one producer in Belarus supplied approximately 12% of global potash production during 2012.
There are substantial challenges to adding new potash production as economically recoverable potash deposits are scarce, deep in the earth and geographically concentrated. In addition, a considerable amount of capital is required to produce potash. In addition to typical mining and processing infrastructure, product storage, product load out, and rail access to ship the product are required. A further challenge is that the majority of unexploited mineralized deposits of potash existing outside the Canadian province of Saskatchewan are located in remote and/or politically unstable regions such as the Congo, Thailand, Ethiopia, Argentina, and Kazakhstan.
Energy prices and consumption affect the potash industry in several ways. Energy policies in the U.S. have supported the development of biofuels, which currently rely upon agricultural products as feedstock. As demand and prices for these agricultural products increase or decrease, the use of fertilizer becomes more or less economically attractive. In addition, energy prices affect the global levels of oil and gas drilling, and potash is used as a fluid additive as a means to reduce the risk of swelling in clays in the formation. The level of drilling activity in the United States impacts demand for standard-sized potash.
Competition and Competitive Strategy
We sell into commodity markets and compete based on delivered price of potash and Trio®, reliability and timeliness of supply, and product quality. Products must be durable, and maintain particle size and potassium oxide (“K2O”) content benchmarks in order to compete effectively.
We compete primarily with much larger potash producers, principally Canadian producers and, to a lesser extent, producers located in Russia, Belarus, Chile, Germany, and Israel.
Our competitive strategy is focused on the following:
• | Maximizing margin. We focus on marketing our products into markets that provide the greatest margins relative to our production capacity. By fully participating in these markets at competitive prices, we aim to operate our plants at maximum capacity, which in turn, maximizes production and reduces per ton operating costs. We have the advantage of being located close to the markets we serve and the North American market is much larger than our production capacity. Over the long term, we have achieved a higher average net realized sales price for our potash products compared to our North American competitors because of our freight advantage to key geographies, our diverse customer and market base and our flexible marketing approach. We continue to look for additional opportunities to control our fixed and variable operating expenses and plan to pursue various initiatives to increase the sustainability and reliability of our facilities. |
• | Expanding potash production. We are focused on expanding our potash production through the optimization of our current facilities and through additional solar solution production. The capital that we have invested in recent years has been focused on additional solution mining opportunities from our existing reserves and on increasing our recoveries at our West facility, which is expected to increase production and decrease our costs per ton. |
• | Expanding langbeinite production. We believe the demand for Trio® significantly exceeds the amount of supply. We are focused on increasing our Trio® production by developing our significant langbeinite reserves, optimizing our recovery techniques and maximizing the amount of premium-sized product we manufacture. |
Competitive Strengths
• | U.S. based potash-only producer. We are one of three publicly traded potash-only companies, and the only U.S. producer of potash. We are dedicated to the production and marketing of potash and Trio®. We are located in the heart of a market that consumes significantly more potash than we can produce on an annual basis. Our geographic location also provides us with a transportation advantage shipping our product to our customers. |
As a U.S. producer, we enjoy a significantly lower total production tax and royalty burden than our principal competitors, which operate primarily in Saskatchewan, Canada. The Saskatchewan tax system for potash producers includes a capital tax and several potash mineral taxes, none of which are imposed on us as a U.S. producer. We currently pay an average royalty rate of approximately 4% of our net sales, which compares favorably to that of our competitors in Canada. The relative tax and royalty advantage for U.S. producers becomes more pronounced when profits per ton increase due primarily to the profit tax component of the Saskatchewan potash mineral tax.
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• | Solar evaporation operations. The HB mine, located in the New Mexico desert, the Moab mine and the Wendover facility, both located in the Utah desert, utilize solar evaporation to crystallize potash from brines. Solar evaporation is a cost efficient production method because it significantly reduces our labor and energy consumption, which are two of the largest costs of production. Our understanding and application of low cost solution mining, combined with the fact that our reserves are located where a favorable climate for evaporation exists, make solar solution mining difficult for other producers to replicate. We also have significant reserves for future expansion of our solar solution mining operations. |
• | Assets located near our primary customer base. We believe that our locations allow us to obtain higher average net realized sales prices than our competitors, who must ship their products across longer distances to consuming markets, which are often export markets. Our location allows us to target sales to the markets in which we have the greatest transportation advantage, maximizing our average net realized sales price. Our access to strategic rail destination points and our location along major agricultural trucking routes support this advantage. |
• | Diversity of markets. We sell to three different markets for potash—the agricultural, industrial and feed markets. During 2014, these markets represented approximately 76%, 19%, and 5% of our potash sales, respectively. |
• | Marketing flexibility. We have the ability to convert all of our standard-sized product into granular-sized product as market conditions warrant. This also provides us with increased marketing flexibility as well as decreased dependence on any one particular market. |
• | Participation in specialty markets. Given the greater scarcity of langbeinite relative to potash and its agronomic suitability for certain soils and crops, there is demand for our langbeinite product, known as Trio®, outside of our core potash markets. There continues to be a growing awareness of the agronomic value of this specialty product. |
• | Significant reserve life and water rights. Our potash and langbeinite reserves each have substantial years of reserve life, with remaining reserve life ranging from 28 to 163 years, based on proven and probable reserve estimates. In addition to our reserves, we have valuable water rights and access to significant mineralized areas of potash for potential future exploitation. |
• | Existing facilities and infrastructure. Constructing a new potash production facility requires substantial time and extensive capital investment in mining, milling, and infrastructure to process, store and ship product. Our operating facilities already have significant facilities and infrastructure in place. We also have the ability to expand our business using existing installed infrastructure, in less time and with lower expenditures than would be required to construct entirely new mines. |
International Sales and Distribution
During 2014, approximately 9% of our Trio® tons were sold internationally, representing approximately 2% of our total net sales. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, approximately 96% of our net sales were in the United States, with the remaining sales into countries and regions such as Ghana, Canada, Mexico and other countries in Latin America.
Major Customers
Within the agricultural market, we supply a diversified customer base of distributors, cooperatives, retailers, and dealers, which in turn supply farmers producing a wide range of crops in different geographies. Servicing the industrial and feed markets provides us with a customer base that is unrelated to agricultural markets.
In 2014, no customer accounted for more than 10% of our sales. In 2013 and 2012, one of our distributor customers accounted for approximately 11% and 22%, respectively, of our sales. Because of the size of our company compared to the overall size of the North American market and the regional demands for our products, we do not believe that a decline in a specific customer's purchases would have a material adverse long-term effect upon our financial results.
Environmental, Safety, and Health Matters
We are subject to an evolving set of federal, state, and local environmental, safety, and health (“ESH”) laws that regulate, or propose to regulate (1) soil, air and water quality standards for our facilities; (2) disposal, storage, and management
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of hazardous and solid wastes; (3) post-mining land reclamation and closure; (4) conditions of mining and production operations; (5) employee and contractor safety and occupational health; and (6) product content and labeling.
We employ, both within and outside Intrepid, environmental professionals to review our operations, assist with environmental compliance, and obtain new and maintain established permits and licenses to operate. These environmental professionals identify and address compliance issues regarding hydrocarbon management, solid and hazardous waste management, protection of water and air quality, asbestos abatement, potable water standards, reclamation and closure, radiation control, animal and plant life, and other ESH issues.
We have spent, and anticipate that we will continue to spend, financial and managerial resources to comply with ESH standards. In 2014, we had approximately $5.8 million of capital investments, and $0.3 million in other expenses, relating to environmental compliance, environmental studies and remediation efforts. We expect to have a similar level of expenditures in 2015. If potential negative effects to the environment are discovered, or if the potential negative effects are of a greater magnitude than currently estimated, material expenditures could be required in the future to remediate the identified effects at these or at other current or former sites.
We cannot predict the potential effects of new or changed laws, regulations, or permit requirements, including the matters discussed below, or changes in the ways that such laws, regulations, or permit requirements are enforced, interpreted, or administered. ESH laws and regulations are complex, are subject to change and have become more stringent over time. It is possible that greater than anticipated ESH capital expenditures or reclamation and closure expenditures will be required in 2015 or in the future. We expect continued government and public emphasis on environmental issues will result in increased future investments for environmental controls at our operations.
Product Registration Requirements
We are required to register fertilizer products with each U.S. state and foreign country where products are sold. Each brand and grade of commercial fertilizer must be registered with the appropriate state agency before being offered for sale, sold, or distributed in that state. Registration requires a completed application, guaranteed analysis, product labels, and registration fee. Sold products must have specified information printed on the bag, on tags affixed to the end of the package, or, if in bulk shipments, written or printed on the invoice, bill of lading, or shipping papers.
State registrations are for one to two-year periods, depending on each state’s requirements. In addition, each state requires tonnage reporting for products sold into that state either monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, depending on the state’s requirements. Some states require the same registration and reporting process for feed grade products; industrial-grade products do not require registration or tonnage reporting.
Operating Requirements and Government Regulations
Permits. We are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations, including laws and regulations regarding land use and reclamation; release of emissions to the atmosphere or water; plant and animal life; and the generation, treatment, storage, disposal, and handling of hazardous substances and wastes. These laws include the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”); the Toxic Substances Control Act; and various other federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Violations can result in substantial penalties, court orders to install pollution‑control equipment, civil and criminal sanctions, permit revocations and facility shutdowns. In addition, environmental laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability, without regard to fault, for cleanup costs on potentially responsible parties who have released, disposed of or arranged for release or disposal of hazardous substances in the environment.
We hold numerous environmental, mining and other permits or approvals authorizing operations at each of our facilities. Our operations are subject to permits for, among other things, extraction of salt and brine, discharges of process materials and waste to air and surface water, and injection of brine. Some of our proposed activities may require waste storage permits. A decision by a government agency to deny or delay issuing a new or renewed permit or approval, or to revoke or substantially modify an existing permit or approval, could limit or prevent us from mining at these properties. In addition, changes to environmental and mining regulations or permit requirements could limit our ability to continue operations at the affected facility. Expansion of our operations also is predicated upon securing the necessary environmental or other permits or approvals. In certain cases, as a condition to procuring the necessary permits and approvals, we are required to comply with financial assurance regulatory requirements. The purpose of these requirements is to assure the government that sufficient company funds will be available for the ultimate reclamation, closure, and post-closure care at our facilities. We obtain bonds as financial assurance for these obligations. These bonds require annual payment and renewal.
We believe we are in compliance with existing regulatory programs, permits, and approvals where non-compliance could have a material adverse effect on our operating results or financial condition. From time to time, we have received
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notices from governmental agencies that we are not in compliance with certain environmental laws, regulations, permits, or approvals. For example, although designated as zero discharge facilities under the applicable water quality laws and regulations, our East facility, North facility, and Moab facility at times may experience some water discharges during periods of significant rainfall. We have implemented several initiatives to address discharge issues, including the reconstruction or modification of certain impoundments, increasing evaporation, and reducing process water usage and discharges. State and federal officials are aware of these issues and have visited the sites to review our corrective efforts and action plans.
Air Emissions. With respect to air emissions, we anticipate that additional actions and expenditures may be required in the future to meet increasingly stringent U.S. federal and state regulatory and permit requirements, including existing and anticipated regulations under the federal Clean Air Act. We will continue to monitor developments and assess their potential impacts on our operations.
From time to time, in the ordinary course of our business, we receive notices from the New Mexico Environment Department of alleged air quality control violations. Upon receipt of such notices, we promptly evaluate the matter and take any required corrective actions. In these circumstances, we may be required to pay certain civil penalties for any such notices of violation. The malfunction or failure of pollution control equipment and/or production equipment, the failure to follow operating procedures, more stringent air quality regulations, or a change in interpretation and enforcement of applicable air quality laws and regulations could result in future enforcement actions.
Safety and Health Regulation and Programs. Our New Mexico and Utah facilities are subject to the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, related state statutes and regulations, or a combination of these laws.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA") is the governing agency for our conventional New Mexico facilities. As required by MSHA for underground mines and attendant surface facilities, our New Mexico facilities are inspected by MSHA personnel regularly. Item 4 and Exhibit 95 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K provide information concerning mine safety violations and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K.
Our New Mexico facilities participate in MSHA’s Region 8 “Partnership Program.” There is a formally signed document and plan, pursuant to which each party commits to specific actions and behaviors. Examples of principles include working for an open, cooperative environment; agreeing to citation and conflict processes; and improving training. Our New Mexico facilities are serviced by a trained mine rescue team, which is ready to respond to on-site incidents. The team practices and participates at state and federal events and competitions.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") is the governing agency relating to the safety standards at our Utah facilities, as well as our HB solar solution mine and plant. Regular meetings are held covering various safety topics. Training and other certifications is provided to employees as needed based upon their work duties.
Remediation at Intrepid Facilities. Many of our current facilities have been in operation for a number of years. Operations by us and our predecessors have involved the historical use and handling of potash, salt, related potash and salt by-products, process tailings, hydrocarbons and other regulated substances. Some of these operations resulted, or may have resulted, in soil, surface water or groundwater contamination. At some locations, there are areas where process waste, building materials (including asbestos‑containing transite), and ordinary trash may have been disposed or buried, and have since been closed and covered with soil and other materials.
At many of these facilities, spills or other releases of regulated substances may have occurred previously and potentially could occur at any of our facilities in the future, possibly requiring us to undertake or fund cleanup efforts under CERCLA or state laws governing cleanup or disposal of hazardous and solid waste substances.
We work closely with governmental authorities to obtain the appropriate permits to address identified site conditions. For example, buildings located at our facilities in both Utah and New Mexico have a type of siding that contains asbestos. We have adopted programs to encapsulate and stabilize portions of the siding through use of an adhesive spray and to remove the siding, replacing it with an asbestos-free material. Also, we have trained asbestos abatement crews that handle and dispose of the asbestos‑containing siding and related materials. We have a permitted asbestos landfill in Utah. We have worked closely with Utah officials to address asbestos‑related issues at our Moab mine.
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Reclamation Obligations
Mining and processing of potash generates residual materials that must be managed both during the operation of the facility and upon facility reclamation and closure. Potash tailings, consisting primarily of salt and fine sediments, are stored in surface disposal sites. Some of these tailing materials may also include other contaminants, such as lead, that were introduced as reagents during historic processing methods that may require additional management and could cause additional disposal and reclamation requirements to be imposed. For example, at least one of our New Mexico mining facilities may have legacy issues regarding lead in the tailings pile resulting from production methods utilized prior to our acquisition of these assets. During the life of the tailings management areas, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant costs to manage potash residual materials in accordance with environmental laws and regulations and with permit requirements. Additional legal and permit requirements will take effect when these facilities are closed.
Our surface permits require us to reclaim property disturbed by operations at our facilities. Our operations in Utah and New Mexico have specific obligations related to reclamation of the land after mining and processing operations are concluded. The discounted present value of our estimated reclamation costs for our mines as of December 31, 2014, is approximately $22.0 million, which is reflected in our financial statements. Various permits and authorization documents negotiated with or issued by the appropriate governmental authorities include these estimated reclamation costs on an undiscounted basis. The undiscounted amount of our estimated reclamation costs for our mines as of December 31, 2014, is approximately $57.6 million.
It is difficult to estimate and predict the potential actual costs and liabilities associated with remediation and reclamation, and there is no guarantee that we will not be identified in the future as potentially responsible for additional remediation and reclamation costs, either as a result of changes in existing laws and regulations or as a result of the identification of additional matters subject to remediation and/or reclamation obligations or liabilities.
Royalties
The potash, langbeinite, and by-products we produce and sell from mineral leases are subject to royalty payments. We produce and sell from leased land owned by the U.S. Federal government, the states of New Mexico and Utah, and private landowners. The terms of the royalty payments are determined at the time of the issuance or renewal of the leases. Some royalties are determined as a fixed percentage of revenue and others are on a sliding scale that varies with the ore grade. Additionally, some of our leases are subject to overriding royalty interest payments paid to various owners. In 2014, we paid $14.0 million, or an average of 4% of net sales, in royalties and other taxes. The royalty rates on our state and federal leases in New Mexico are currently set at various rates from 2.0% to 5.0%. The royalty rates for the private leaseholds are between 5.0% and 7.5%. The royalty rates on our state and federal leases in Utah are currently set at rates from 2.5% to 5.0%.
Seasonality
The sales patterns of our agricultural products are generally seasonal. Using averages of the monthly sales data over the last three years, our sales volumes are highest from March through October, which coincides with the spring and fall application seasons in the United States. Likewise, during the colder, winter months, our sales tend to be lower. The month-to-month seasonality of our sales is somewhat moderated due to the variety of crops, industries, distribution strategies and geographies that we serve. We generally build inventories during the low demand periods of the year in order to ensure timely product availability during the peak sales seasons. The seasonality of fertilizer demand results in our sales volumes and net sales being the highest during the spring and our working capital requirements being the highest just before the start of the spring season. We have seen that the fertilizer dealers in North America have instituted practices that are designed to reduce their risk of changes in the price of fertilizer products through consignment type programs. These programs tend to make the timing of the spring and fall seasonal demand profile less predictable within the season.
Our quarterly financial results can vary from one year to the next due to weather‑related shifts in planting schedules and purchasing patterns.
Employees
As of December 31, 2014, we had 928 employees, the majority of which were full-time employees.
We have a collective bargaining agreement with a labor organization representing our hourly employees in Wendover, Utah, which expires on May 31, 2017. This is the sixth agreement negotiated between us and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union 00867. We consider our relationships with our employees to be good.
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Available Information
We file or furnish with the SEC reports, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, currents reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and any amendments to these reports. These reports are available free of charge on our website at www.intrepidpotash.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. These reports also can be obtained at www.sec.gov, or by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
We routinely post important information about us and our business, including information about upcoming investor presentations, on our website under the Investor Relations tab. We encourage investors and other interested parties to enroll on our website to receive automatic email alerts or Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds regarding new postings. The information found on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this or any other report we file with, or furnish to, the SEC.
Glossary of Terms
Conventional Underground Mine: A mine that uses a mechanical method of extracting economically attractive mineralization from deeper deposits. Underground mining generally consists of multiple shafts and/or entry points and a network of tunnels to provide access to minerals and haulage and conveyance systems to transport materials to the surface. Underground mining machines are used to remove the ore and a series of pillars are left behind to provide the appropriate level of ground support to ensure safe access and mining.
Designated Potash Area: A 497,000 acre location in southeastern New Mexico established by order of the U.S. Secretary of the Department of the Interior and administered by the BLM encompassing the United States' strategic potash reserve.
Langbeinite: A low-chloride potassium fertilizer that also contains sulfate and magnesium. We generally describe this specialty nutrient as langbeinite when we refer to production and as Trio® when we refer to sales and marketing. It is also sometimes referred to as sulfate of potash magnesia.
Magnesium Chloride: A by-product brine containing approximately 30% magnesium chloride that is typically used as a de-icing and de-dusting agent.
Metal Recovery Salt: Potash combined with salt in various ratios that chemically enhances the recovery of aluminum in aluminum recycling processing facilities.
Mill Feed Grade: A measurement of the amount of mineral contained in an ore as a percentage of the total weight of the ore. For potash it is often represented as percent of potassium oxide (K2O) or percent potassium chloride (KCl).
Potash: A generic term for potassium salts (primarily potassium chloride, but also potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate and sulfate of potash magnesia, or langbeinite) used predominantly and widely as a fertilizer in agricultural markets worldwide. Potash also has numerous industrial uses, including oil and gas drilling and stimulation fluids. The chloride containing potash salt is commonly called sylvite in the mineral form or muriate of potash in the product form. Unless otherwise indicated, references to “potash” refer to muriate of potash. Muriate of potash is either red or white in appearance, depending on how it is processed.
Probable (Indicated) Reserves: Reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to that used for proven (measured) reserves, but the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance of probable (indicated) reserves, although lower than that for proven (measured) reserves, is high enough to assume geological continuity between points of observation. The classification of minerals as probable reserves requires that Intrepid believe with reasonable certainty that access to the reserves can be obtained, even though currently‑issued permits are not required.
Productive Capacity: The estimated amount of potash production that will likely be achieved based on the amount and quality of ore that we estimate can currently be mined, milled, and/or processed, assuming an estimated average reserve grade, no modifications to the systems, a normal amount of scheduled down time, average or typical mine development efforts and operation of all of our mines and facilities at or near full capacity.
Proven (Measured) Reserves: Reserves for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed sampling, and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character is so well-defined that the size, shape, depth and mineral content of the reserves are well-established.
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Recovery: The percentage of valuable material in the ore that is beneficiated prior to further treatment to develop a saleable product.
Reserve: That part of a mineral deposit, which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination.
Solar Evaporation: A mineral concentration process by which brines containing salt, potash and magnesium chloride are collected into ponds, and solar energy is used to evaporate water thus crystallizing out the salt and potash contained in the brine. The resulting evaporate is then processed to separate the potash from the salt and subsequently prepared for sale.
Solution Mining: For potash, a mining process by which potash is extracted from mineralized beds by injecting a salt-saturated brine into a potash ore body and recovering a brine that is saturated in salt and also close to saturated in potash. The double mineral heavy brine is rich in potash that is brought to the surface for mineral recovery. Solution mining does not require employees or machines to be underground.
Tailings: Salt and insoluble minerals that remain after potash is removed from ore during processing, typically disposed of in a tailings pile.
Ton: A short ton, or a measurement of mass equal to 2,000 pounds. Unless expressly stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references to “tons” in this report refers to short tons.
Trio®: The product Intrepid markets for sale that is recovered from langbeinite ore and which serves as a low-chloride potassium, magnesium and sulfur‑bearing fertilizer primarily for use in citrus, vegetable, sugarcane and palm applications and as an animal feed supplement. This product is a double sulfate of potash magnesia concentrate containing approximately 95% langbeinite and 5% salt or other minerals.
Executive Officers
The following section includes biographical information for our executive officers.
Name | Age | Position | ||
Robert P. Jornayvaz III | 56 | Executive Chairman of the Board | ||
James N. Whyte | 56 | Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Risk Management | ||
Kelvin G. Feist | 47 | Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing | ||
John G. Mansanti | 59 | Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Technical Services | ||
Brian D. Frantz | 52 | Interim Chief Financial Officer | ||
Margaret E. McCandless | 42 | Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary | ||
Robert P. Jornayvaz III has served as our Executive Chairman of the Board since May 2010 and as our President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2014. Mr. Jornayvaz served as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer from our formation in November 2007 until May 2010. Mr. Jornayvaz served, directly or indirectly, as a manager of our predecessor, Intrepid Mining LLC, from 2000 until its dissolution at the time of our IPO in 2008. Mr. Jornayvaz is the sole owner of Intrepid Production Corporation, which owns approximately 14% of our common stock. Mr. Jornayvaz has over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and over 15 years of experience in the potash industry.
James N. Whyte has served as our Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Risk Management since December 2007. Mr. Whyte joined Intrepid Mining LLC as Vice President of Human Resources and Risk Management in 2004. Prior to joining Intrepid, Mr. Whyte spent 17 years in the property and casualty insurance industry including roles with Marsh and McLennan, Incorporated, American Re-Insurance, and a private insurance brokerage firm he founded. Mr. Whyte is a director of American Eagle Energy Corporation.
Kelvin G. Feist has served as our Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing since November 2011. Mr. Feist also served as our Vice President of Sales and Marketing from February 2011 to November 2011. From 1994 to January 2011, Mr. Feist held various positions with Agrium Inc., a provider of fertilizer products and services, and its subsidiaries, most recently as Director of Potash Marketing from July 2010 to January 2011 and National Account Manager from July 2007 to July 2010. While at Agrium, Mr. Feist was responsible for all marketing and sales programs related to Agrium’s potash portfolio, including matters relating to production and logistics.
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John G. Mansanti has served as our Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Technical Services since January 2015. Mr. Mansanti served as our Senior Vice President of Operations from November 2011 to January 2015, and as our Vice President of Operations from 2009 to November 2011. From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Mansanti worked for Barrick Gold Corporation, a gold production company. While at Barrick, Mr. Mansanti’s roles included General Manager of Goldstrike Mines in Nevada, where he was responsible for managing Barrick’s largest gold producer at approximately 1.7 million ounces a year, and General Manager at the Cortez Gold Mine in Nevada, where he was responsible for managing all aspects of operations and managing the engineering, underground development, and permitting associated with the Cortez Hills project. From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Mansanti served as General Manager at the Turquoise Ridge Joint Venture (a joint venture between Placer Dome Inc. and Newmont Mining Corporation).
Brian D. Frantz has served as our Interim Chief Financial Officer since August 2014. He served as our Vice President-Finance from February 2012 to August 2014 and our Controller and Chief Accounting Officer from July 2010 to August 2014. From October 2008 to July 2010, Mr. Frantz served as Chief Financial Officer of Honnen Equipment Company, a private company specializing in selling and leasing construction equipment. In 2008, Mr. Frantz served as Chief Financial Officer of DWF Wholesale Florists Company, a national wholesale florist. From 1998 to 2007, Mr. Frantz held various positions at RE/MAX International, Inc., a private company engaged in the franchising of real estate brokerage businesses, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From 1986 to 1998, Mr. Frantz was with Arthur Andersen LLP in Denver, most recently as a senior manager, serving public and private companies primarily in the cable television, manufacturing, mining, and real estate industries.
Margaret E. McCandless has served as our Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary since January 2015. Ms. McCandless served as our Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from January 2012 to January 2015. Before joining Intrepid, Ms. McCandless served as Associate General Counsel-Securities, Disclosure and Corporate Governance for Qwest Communications International Inc. and then CenturyLink, Inc., which acquired Qwest in April 2011. Prior to joining Qwest in 2004, Ms. McCandless was an associate at the law firms of Hogan Lovells LLP and Cooley LLP.
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
Our future performance is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, and the trading price of our common stock.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our potash sales are subject to price and demand volatility resulting from periodic imbalances of supply and demand, which could negatively affect our results of operations.
Historically, the market for potash has been cyclical, and the prices and demand for potash have fluctuated. Periods of high demand, increasing profits, and high-capacity utilization tend to lead to new plant investment and increased production. This growth continues until the market is over-saturated, leading to decreased prices and lower-capacity utilization until the cycle repeats. Also, individual potash producers have, at times, independently suspended production in response to market outlook. As a result of these various factors, the prices and demand for potash can be volatile. This volatility could reduce profit margins and negatively affect our results of operations. We sell the majority of our potash into the spot market in the U.S. In addition, there is no active hedge market for potash as compared to many other commodities. As a result, we do not have protection from this price and demand volatility.
Changes in fertilizer application rates could exacerbate the cyclical nature of the prices and demand for our products.
Farmers attempt to apply the optimum amounts of fertilizer to maximize their economic returns. A farmer’s decision about the application rate for each fertilizer, or the decision to forgo the application of a fertilizer, particularly potash and Trio®, varies from year to year depending on a number of factors. These factors include crop prices, weather patterns, fertilizer and other crop input costs, and the level of crop nutrients remaining in the soil following the previous harvest. Farmers are more likely to increase application rates of fertilizers when crop prices are relatively high, fertilizer and other crop input costs are relatively low, or the level of crop nutrients remaining in the soil is relatively low. Conversely, farmers are likely to reduce application of fertilizers when farm economics are weak or declining or the level of crop nutrients remaining in the soil is relatively high. This variability in application rates can impact the cyclical nature of the prices and demand for our products. In addition, farmers may buy and apply potash or Trio® in excess of current crop needs, which results in a build-up of potassium in the soil that can be used by crops in subsequent crop years. If this occurs, demand for our products could be delayed to future periods.
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Aggressive pricing or operating strategies by other potash producers could adversely affect our sales and results of operations.
The potash industry is concentrated, with a relatively small number of producers accounting for the majority of global production. Many of these producers have significantly larger operations and more resources than we do and mine potash from reserves that are thicker, higher-grade, and less geologically complex than our reserves. These larger producers may have greater leverage in pricing negotiations with customers and transportation providers. They may also be able to mine their potash at a lower cost due to economies of scale or other competitive advantages. In addition, they may decide to pursue aggressive or new pricing or operating strategies that disrupt the global and U.S. potash markets. These disruptions could cause lower prices or demand for our product, which would adversely affect our sales and results of operations.
Adverse conditions in the global economy and disruptions in the financial markets could negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Global economic volatility and uncertainty can create uncertainty for farmers and customers in the geographic areas where we sell our products. If farmers reduce, delay, or forgo their potash and Trio® purchases due to this uncertainty, our results of operations would be adversely affected. Moreover, volatility and disruptions in the financial markets could limit our customers’ ability to obtain adequate financing or credit to purchase and pay for our products, which would decrease our sales volume. Changes in governmental banking, monetary, and fiscal policies to restore liquidity and increase credit availability may not be effective. It is difficult to determine the extent of economic and financial market problems and the many ways in which they could negatively affect our customers and business. In addition, if we are required to raise additional capital or obtain additional credit during an economic downturn, we could be unable to do so on favorable terms or at all.
If we are required to write down the value of our inventories, our financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.
We carry our inventories at the lower of cost or market. In periods when the market prices for our products fall below our cost to produce them and the lower prices are not expected to be temporary, we are required to write down the value of our inventories. Any write-down would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, possibly materially.
Mining is a complex process that frequently experiences production disruptions. Because of the nature of our operations, we could be more vulnerable to these disruptions than our competitors, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
The process of mining is complex. Production delays can occur due to equipment failures, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, environmental hazards, acts of nature, and other unexpected events or problems. In addition, we must transport mined ore for long distances to remove it from the mines for processing, which creates a higher probability of incidents. Many of our facilities have had long service lives and may require more maintenance or be more likely to fail than newer facilities or equipment. For example, the shafts at our West mine were constructed in 1931, are located in an area of known subsidence, and require frequent maintenance due to water inflow, wooden structures, and salt build-up. Additionally, at our East mine, the mining of langbeinite ore, which is harder and more abrasive than sylvite ore, has caused greater wear on our equipment, thereby increasing the expense and frequency of maintenance and repairs. Operational difficulties can also arise from our milling processes. For example, the mill at our East mine experiences build-ups of complex salts, an undesirable by-product of langbeinite production that we must remove. In addition, the mixed ore body, which contains sulfates, can cause changes in brine chemistry that may impact potash production. Furthermore, production at our facilities is dependent upon the maintenance and geotechnical structural integrity of our tailings and storage ponds. The amounts that we are required to spend on maintenance and repairs may be significant. Production delays and stoppages, and higher-than-expected maintenance and repair expense, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Mining is a hazardous process, and accidents occurring in the course of our operating activities could result in significant costs or production delays.
The process of mining is hazardous and involves various risks and hazards that can result in serious accidents. If unforeseen accidents or events occur, or if our safety procedures are not effective, we could be subject to liabilities arising out of personal injuries or death, our operations could be interrupted, or we could be required to shut down or abandon affected facilities. Accidents could cause us to expend significant amounts to remediate safety issues or repair damaged facilities.
Existing or expanded oil and gas development near our mines could result in methane gas leaking from an oil and gas well into our mines. We test our mines daily for methane gas. However, unlike coal mines, our mines are not constructed or equipped to deal with methane gas. Any intrusion of methane gas into our mines could cause an explosion resulting in loss of life or significant property damage or could require the suspension of all mining operations until the completion of extensive modifications and re-equipping of the mine. The costs of modifying our mines and equipment could make it uneconomical to
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reopen our mines. You can find more information about the co-development of potash and oil and gas resources in the Designated Potash Area under the risk factor below entitled “Existing and further oil and gas development in the Designated Potash Area could impair our potash reserves, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations."
The grade of ore that we mine could vary from our projections due to the complex geology and mineralogy of potash reserves, which could adversely affect our potash production and our results of operations.
Potash ore bodies have complex geology. Our potash production is affected by the potassium content and other mineralogy of the ore. Our projections of ore grade may not be accurate. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore grade, including many factors beyond our control. An unexpected reduction in the grade of our ore reserves would decrease our potash production because we would need to process more ore to produce the same amount of saleable-grade product. As a result, our results of operations would be adversely affected.
If the assumptions underlying our reserve estimates are inaccurate, the quantities and value of our reserves, and in turn our financial condition and results of operations, could be adversely affected.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating our potash and langbeinite reserves. As a result, our reserve estimates necessarily depend upon a number of assumptions, including the following:
• | geologic and mining conditions, which may not be fully identified by available exploration data and may differ from our experiences in areas where we currently mine or operate |
• | future potash prices, operating costs, capital expenditures, royalties, severance and excise taxes, and development and reclamation costs |
• | future mining technology improvements |
• | the effects of governmental regulation |
• | variations in mineralogy |
In addition, because reserves are only estimates built on various assumptions, they cannot be audited for the purpose of verifying exactness. It is only after extraction that reserve estimates can be compared to actual values to adjust estimates of the remaining reserves. If any of the assumptions that we make in connection with our reserve estimates are incorrect, the amounts of potash and langbeinite that we are able to economically recover from our mines could be significantly lower than our reserve estimates. In turn, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
The seasonal demand for our products, and the resulting variations in our cash flows from quarter to quarter, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and working capital requirements.
The fertilizer business is seasonal. We typically experience increased sales during the North American spring and fall application seasons. The degree of seasonality can change significantly from one year to the next due to weather-related shifts in planting schedules and purchasing patterns. We and our customers generally build inventories during low-demand periods of the year to ensure timely product availability during high-demand periods, resulting in increased working capital requirements just before the start of these seasons. If we are unable to accurately predict the timing of demand for our products due to variations in seasonality from year to year, our results of operations and working capital requirements could be adversely affected.
Changes in laws and regulations affecting our business, or changes in enforcement practices, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
We are subject to numerous federal and state laws and regulations covering a wide variety of subject matters. Changes in these laws or regulations could require us to modify our operations, objectives, or reporting practices in ways that adversely impact our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, new laws and regulations, or new interpretations of or enforcement practices with respect to existing laws and regulations, could similarly impact our business.
For example, we are subject to significant regulation under MSHA and OSHA. High-profile mining accidents could prompt governmental authorities to enact new laws and regulations that apply to our operations or to more strictly enforce existing laws and regulations.
Physical effects of climate change, and climate change legislation, could have a negative effect on our operations and results of operations.
The potential physical effects of climate change could have an adverse effect on us and our customers. These effects could include changes in weather patterns (including drought and rainfall levels), water availability, storm patterns and intensities, and temperature levels. These changes could have an adverse effect on our costs, production, or sales. These changes could also have an adverse effect on our customers, which in turn could reduce the demand or price for our products.
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In addition, federal and state legislators and regulators regularly consider ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to mitigate climate change. Any new rules could have a significant impact on our operations and products and could result in substantial additional costs for us.
Our business depends on skilled and experienced workers, and our inability to find and retain quality workers could have an adverse effect on our development and results of operations.
The success of our business depends on our ability to attract and retain skilled managers, engineers, and other workers. At times, we may not be able to find or retain qualified workers. In particular, the labor market around Carlsbad, New Mexico, is very competitive and employee turnover is generally high. In that market, we compete for experienced workers with several other employers, including natural resource facilities, oil fields, and other potash facilities. In addition, there is high demand globally for technical mining talent. If we are not able to attract and retain quality workers, the development of our business could suffer or we could be required to raise wages to keep our employees, hire less qualified workers, or incur higher training costs. The occurrence of any of these events could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Changes in the prices of energy and other important materials used in our business, or disruptions to their supply, could adversely impact our sales, results of operations, or financial condition.
Natural gas, electricity, steel, water, chemicals, diesel, and gasoline are key materials that we purchase and use in the production of our products. The prices of these commodities are volatile.
Our sales and profitability are impacted by the price and availability of these materials. A significant increase in the price of these materials that is not recovered through an increase in the price of our products, or an extended interruption in the supply of these materials to our production facilities, could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. In addition, high natural gas or other fuel costs could increase crop input costs for farmers, which could cause our sales to decline.
Any decline in U.S. agricultural production or any limitations on the use of our products for agricultural purposes could adversely affect the markets for our products and our results of operations.
The U.S. agricultural industry can be affected by a number of factors, including weather patterns, field conditions, current and projected grain inventories and prices, the domestic and international demand for U.S. agricultural products, and U.S. and foreign policies regarding trade in agricultural products. State and federal governmental policies, including farm and ethanol subsidies and commodity support programs, may also influence the number of acres planted, the mix of crops planted, and the use of fertilizers. In addition, there are various city, county, and state initiatives to regulate the use and application of fertilizers due to various environmental concerns. If U.S. agricultural production or fertilizer use decreased significantly due to one or more of these factors, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
A decline in oil and gas drilling or a reduction in the use of potash in drilling fluids could increase our operating costs and decrease our average net realized sales price of potash.
A significant portion of our revenue comes from the sale of potassium chloride for use in oil and gas drilling fluids. A decline in oil and gas drilling could reduce our sales into this industrial market. In addition, alternative products that have some of the same clay-inhibiting properties as potash are commercially available. These alternative products could temporarily or permanently replace some of our sales into the industrial market. If a significant amount of our sales into the industrial market shifted to the agricultural market due to any of these factors, our average net realized sales price of potash could decline.
Increased costs could affect our per-ton profitability.
A substantial portion of our operating costs is comprised of fixed costs that do not vary based on production levels. These fixed costs include labor and benefits, base energy usage, property taxes, insurance, maintenance expenditures, and depreciation. Any increase in fixed costs or decrease in production generally increases our per-ton costs and correspondingly decreases our per-ton operating margin. As a result, a significant increase in costs at any of our facilities could have an adverse effect on our profitability and cash flows, particularly during periods of decreasing potash prices.
A shortage of railcars or trucks for transporting our products, increased transit times, or interruptions in railcar or truck transportation could result in customer dissatisfaction, loss of sales, higher transportation or equipment costs, or disruptions in production.
We rely heavily upon truck and rail transportation to deliver our products to our customers. In addition, the cost of transportation is an important component of the price of our products. A shortage of trucks or railcars for carrying product or increased transit times due to accidents, highway or railway disruptions, congestion, high demand, labor disputes, adverse weather, natural disasters, changes to transportation systems, or other events could prevent us from making timely delivery to our customers or lead to higher transportation costs. As a result, we could experience customer dissatisfaction or a loss of sales.
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Similarly, disruption within the transportation systems could negatively affect our ability to obtain the supplies and equipment necessary to produce our products. We may also have difficulty obtaining access to ships to deliver our products to overseas customers.
We rely on our management personnel for the development and execution of our business strategy, and the loss of one or more members of our management team could harm our business.
Our management personnel have significant relevant industry and company-specific experience. Our senior management team has developed and implemented first-of-their-kind processes and other innovative ideas that are largely responsible for the success of our business. If we are unable to retain these individuals, our operations could be disrupted and we may be unable to achieve our business strategies and grow effectively. We do not currently maintain “key person” life insurance on any of our management personnel.
Weakening of the Canadian dollar and Russian ruble against the U.S. dollar could lead to lower domestic potash prices, which would adversely affect our results of operations. Fluctuations in these currencies could cause our results of operations to fluctuate.
The U.S. imports the majority of its potash from Canada and Russia. If the Canadian dollar and the Russian ruble strengthen in comparison to the U.S. dollar, foreign suppliers realize a smaller margin in their local currencies unless they increase their nominal U.S. dollar prices. Strengthening of the Canadian dollar and Russian ruble therefore tends to support higher U.S. potash prices as Canadian and Russian potash producers attempt to maintain their margins. However, if the Canadian dollar and Russian ruble weaken in comparison to the U.S. dollar, foreign competitors may choose to lower prices proportionally to increase sales volumes while again maintaining a margin in their local currency. These activities could cause our sales prices and results of operations to decrease or fluctuate significantly.
Existing and further oil and gas development in the Designated Potash Area could impair our potash reserves, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
The U.S. Department of the Interior regulates the development of federal mineral resources -both potash and oil and gas -on federal lands in the Designated Potash Area. This 497,000-acre region outside of Carlsbad, New Mexico, includes all of our New Mexico operations and facilities. In December 2012, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued an updated order that provides guidance to the BLM and industry on the co-development of these resources.
It is possible that oil and gas drilling in this area could limit our ability to mine valuable potash reserves or mineralized deposits because of setbacks from oil and gas wells and the establishment of unminable buffer areas around oil or gas wells. It is also possible that the BLM could determine that the size of these unminable buffer areas should be larger than they are currently, which could impact our ability to mine our potash reserves. We review applications for permits to drill oil and gas wells as they are publicly disclosed by the BLM and the State of New Mexico. When appropriate, we protest applications for drilling permits that we believe should not be drilled consistent with the operative federal and state rules and that could impair our ability to mine our potash reserves or put at risk the safety of our potash miners. We may not prevail in these protests or be able to prevent wells from being drilled in the vicinity of our potash reserves. If, notwithstanding our protests and appeals, a sufficient number of wells are drilled through or near our potash reserves, our potash reserves could be significantly impaired, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
If we are unable to obtain and maintain the required permits, governmental approvals, and leases necessary for our operations, our business could be adversely affected.
We hold numerous environmental, mining, safety, and other permits and governmental approvals authorizing the operations at each of our facilities. A decision by a governmental agency to deny or delay a new or renewed permit or approval, or to revoke or substantially modify an existing permit or approval, could prevent or limit us from continuing our operations at the affected facility, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Any expansion of our existing operations would also require us to secure the necessary environmental and other permits and approvals. We may not be able to obtain these permits and approvals in a timely manner or at all. In addition, the federal government must consider and study a project’s likely environmental impacts. Based on the federal government’s conclusion, it could require an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement as a condition of approving a project or permit, which could result in significant time delays and costs. Furthermore, many of our operations take place on land that is leased from federal and state governmental authorities. Expansion of our existing operations could require securing additional federal and state leases. We may not be able to obtain these leases in a timely manner or at all. In addition, our existing leases generally require us to commence mining operations within a specified time frame and to continue mining in order to retain the lease. The loss of a lease could adversely affect our ability to mine the associated reserves.
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Also, our existing leases require us to make royalty payments based on the revenue generated by the potash we produce from the leased land. The royalty rates are subject to change whenever we renew our leases, which could lead to significant increases in these rates. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 18% of our state and federal lease acres at our New Mexico facilities (including leases at the HB and North mines) and 2% of our state and federal lease acres at our Utah operations will be up for renewal within the next five years. Increases in royalty rates would reduce our profit margins and, if the increases were significant, would adversely affect our results of operations.
The execution of strategic projects could require more time and costs than we expect, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
From time to time, we invest time and money into strategic projects. The completion of these projects could require significantly more time and costs than we expect. In some cases, the construction or commissioning processes could force us to slow or shut down normal operations at the affected facility for a period of time, which would cause lower production volumes and higher production costs per ton. In addition, our management team and other employees may be required to spend a significant amount of time addressing strategic projects, which could mean that our normal operations receive less time and attention.
We are considering various potential opportunities for revenue and strategic growth, including solution mining the Amax/Horizon mine or reopening the idled North mine. These potential projects are at an early stage, and we may not proceed with any of them. Even if we proceed with one or more future strategic projects, they may not succeed despite substantial investments, they may cost significantly more than we expect, or we may encounter additional risks that we did not initially expect.
Our Trio® sales could be affected by market entrants or the introduction of langbeinite alternatives.
Langbeinite is produced by Intrepid and one other company from the only known langbeinite reserves in the world, which is located near Carlsbad, New Mexico. Additional competition in the market for langbeinite and comparable products exists and could increase in the future. Other companies could seek to create and market chemically similar alternatives to langbeinite. The market for langbeinite and our Trio® sales could be affected by the success of these and other products that are competitive with langbeinite, which could adversely affect the viability of our Trio® business and our results of operations and financial condition.
We are less diversified than nearly all of our competitors, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We are dedicated exclusively to the production and marketing of potash and langbeinite, whereas nearly all of our competitors are diversified, primarily into nitrogen- or phosphate-based fertilizer businesses or other chemical or industrial businesses. Because we are focused exclusively on potash and langbeinite, and because we sell our products primarily within the U.S., we could be impacted more acutely by factors affecting our industry or the regions in which we operate than we would if our business was more diversified and our sales more global. A decrease in the demand for potash and langbeinite would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, if global potash production increases beyond potash demand, the price at which we sell our potash and our sales volume would likely fall, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition more than our diversified competitors.
Inflows of water into our potash mines from heavy rainfall or groundwater could result in increased costs and production downtime and could require us to abandon a mine, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Major weather events such as heavy rainfall can result in water inflows into our mines. The potential effects of climate change may increase the possibility of heavy rainfall that results in water inflows into our mines. Additionally, the presence of water-bearing strata in many underground mines carries the risk of water inflows into the mines. If we experience water inflows at our mines, our employees could be injured and our equipment and mine shafts could be seriously damaged. We could be forced to shut down the affected mine temporarily, potentially resulting in significant production delays, and spend substantial funds to repair or replace damaged equipment. Inflows may also destabilize the mine shafts over time, resulting in safety hazards for employees and potentially leading to the permanent abandonment of a mine.
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Heavy precipitation or low evaporation rates at our solar solution mines could impact our potash production at those facilities, which could adversely affect our sales and results of operations.
Our HB, Moab and Wendover facilities use solar evaporation ponds to form potash crystals from brines. Weather conditions could negatively impact potash production at these facilities. For example, heavy rainfall in September and October, just after the evaporation season ends, can reduce the amount of potash we produce in that year or the following year by causing the potash crystals to dissolve and consume pond capacity. Similarly, lower-than-average temperatures or higher-than-average seasonal rainfall would reduce evaporation rates and therefore impact production. The potential effects of climate change may increase the possibility of adverse weather conditions. If we experience heavy rainfall or low evaporation rates at any of our solar solution mines, we would have less potash available for sale, and our sales and results of operations could be adversely affected. As we increase the level of production associated with our use of solar ponds, our production risks related to rainfall and evaporation rates increase.
Environmental laws and regulations could subject us to significant liability and require us to incur additional costs.
We are subject to many environmental, safety, and health laws and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to mine safety, mine land reclamation, remediation of hazardous substance releases, and discharges into the soil, air, and water.
Our operations, as well as those of our predecessors, have involved the use and handling of regulated substances, hydrocarbons, potash, salt, related potash and salt by-products, and process tailings. These operations resulted, or may have resulted, in soil, surface water, and groundwater contamination. At some locations, salt-processing waste, building materials (including asbestos-containing material), and ordinary trash may have been disposed or buried in areas that have since been closed and covered with soil and other materials.
We could incur significant liabilities under environmental remediation laws such as CERCLA with regard to our current or former facilities, adjacent or nearby third party facilities, or off-site disposal locations. Under CERCLA and similar state laws, under some circumstances, liability may be imposed without regard to fault or legality of conduct and one party may be required to bear more than its proportional share of cleanup costs at a site. Liability under these laws involves inherent uncertainties.
We are also subject to federal and state environmental laws that regulate discharges of pollutants and contaminants into the environment, such as the U.S. Clean Water Act and the U.S. Clean Air Act. For example, our water disposal processes rely on dikes and reclamation ponds that could breach or leak, resulting in a possible prohibited release into the environment. Moreover, although the North and East mines in New Mexico and the Moab mine in Utah are designated as zero discharge facilities under the applicable water quality laws and regulations, these mines could experience some water discharges during significant rainfall events.
We expect that we will be required to continue to invest in environmental controls at our facilities and that these expenses could be significant. In addition, violations of environmental, health, and safety laws could subject us to civil and, in some cases, criminal sanctions. We could also be required to invest in additional equipment, facilities, or employees, or could incur significant liabilities, due to any of the following:
• | changes in the interpretation of environmental laws |
• | modifications to current environmental laws |
• | the issuance of more stringent environmental laws |
• | malfunctioning process or pollution control equipment |
Mining and processing of potash also generates residual materials that must be managed both during the operation of the facility and upon facility closure. For example, potash tailings, consisting primarily of salt, iron, and clay, are stored in surface disposal sites and require management. At least one of our New Mexico facilities, the HB mine, may have issues regarding lead in the tailings pile as a result of operations conducted by previous owners. During the life of the tailings management areas, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant costs to manage potash residual materials in accordance with environmental laws and regulations and permit requirements.
As a potash producer, we currently are exempt from certain State of New Mexico mining laws related to reclamation obligations. If this exemption were to be eliminated or restricted, we could be required to incur significant expenses related to reclamation at our New Mexico facilities.
For more information about environmental, health, and safety matters affecting our business, see “Business-Environmental, Health and Safety Matters.”
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Current and future indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and impair our ability to operate our business.
We have outstanding $150 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes (“the Notes”). We also have an unsecured credit facility that allows us to borrow up to an additional $250 million, subject to the operation of financial covenants, as described below.
Current and future indebtedness could have important consequences, including the following:
• | it could limit our ability to borrow additional money or sell additional shares of common stock to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, and debt service requirements |
• | it could limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business |
• | we could become more highly leveraged than some of our competitors, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage |
• | it could make us more vulnerable to a downturn in our business or the economy |
• | it could require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the repayment of our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow for other purposes |
• | it could adversely affect our business and financial condition if we are unable to service our indebtedness or obtain additional financing, as needed |
Our debt agreements contain financial and other restrictive covenants. These covenants could limit our ability to engage in activities that are in our long-term best interests or limit our ability to access the full amount of the credit facility. In addition, our failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all outstanding indebtedness.
The Notes and credit facility contain two financial covenants. First, our leverage ratio, or the ratio of our total funded indebtedness to our adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and certain other expenses, as defined in the Notes and credit facility), for the prior four fiscal quarters may not exceed 3.5 to 1. Second, our fixed charge coverage ratio, or the ratio of our adjusted EBITDA to fixed charges for the prior four fiscal quarters may not fall below 1.3 to 1. Although we are currently in compliance with each of these financial covenants, they also may operate to limit the amount available to us under the credit facility. For example, as of December 31, 2014, $211 million was available to us under the credit facility as a result of lower levels of adjusted EBITDA over the prior four fiscal quarters. Based on current market conditions, we expect that the amount available to us under the credit facility will continue to be limited during 2015.
The credit facility is scheduled to expire in 2018 and the Notes are due in 2020, 2023, and 2025. In the future, we may be unable to obtain new financing or financing on acceptable terms.
The mining business is capital intensive, and our inability to fund necessary or desirable capital expenditures could have an adverse effect on our growth and profitability.
The mining business is capital intensive. We may find it necessary or desirable to make significant capital expenditures in the future to sustain or expand our existing operations. If costs associated with capital expenditures increase or if our earnings decrease significantly, we could have difficulty funding any necessary or desirable capital expenditures at an acceptable rate or at all. This could limit the expansion of our production or make it difficult for us to sustain our existing operations at optimal levels. Increased costs for capital expenditures could also have an adverse effect on the profitability of our existing operations and returns from our most recent strategic projects.
Market upheavals due to global pandemics, military actions, terrorist attacks, or economic repercussions from those events could reduce our sales or increase our costs.
Global pandemics, actual or threatened armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, or military or trade disruptions affecting the areas where we or our competitors do business could disrupt the global market for potash. As a result, our competitors may increase their sales efforts in our geographic markets and pricing of potash could suffer. If this occurs, we could lose sales to our competitors or be forced to lower our prices. In addition, due to concerns related to terrorism or the potential use of certain fertilizers as explosives, local, state, and federal governments could implement new regulations impacting the production, transportation, sale, or use of potash. These new regulations could result in lower sales or higher costs.
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A significant disruption to our information technology systems could adversely affect our business and operating results.
We rely on a variety of information technology and automated operating systems to manage or support our operations. The proper functioning of these systems is critical to the efficient operation and management of our business. In addition, these systems could require modifications or upgrades as of a result of technological changes or growth in our business. These changes could be costly and disruptive to our operations, and could impose substantial demands on management time. Our systems, and those of third party providers, also could be vulnerable to damage or disruption caused by catastrophic events, power outages, natural disasters, computer system or network failures, viruses or malware, physical or electronic break-ins, unauthorized access, and cyber-attacks. Although we take steps to secure our systems and electronic information, these security measures may not be adequate. Any significant disruption to our systems could adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our business may be adversely affected by union activities.
Hourly employees at our Wendover facility are represented by a labor union. These employees represent approximately 3.6% of our workforce. Our current collective bargaining agreement with the union expires on May 31, 2017. Although we believe that our relations with our unionized employees are good, we may not be successful in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement as a result of general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, political, and other factors beyond our control. Any new agreement could result in a significant increase in our labor costs. In addition, a breakdown in negotiations could disrupt our Wendover operations.
From time to time, efforts have been made to unionize employees at our other facilities. Additional unionization efforts could disrupt our business, consume management attention, or increase our operating costs. In addition, if these efforts were successful, we could experience increased labor costs, an increased risk of work stoppages, and limits on our flexibility to run our business in the most efficient manner to remain competitive.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
The price of our common stock may be volatile and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Securities markets experience significant price and volume fluctuations due to general economic and market conditions and other factors outside our control. This market volatility could cause the price of our common stock to decline significantly and without regard to our operating performance. Other factors that could affect the price of our common stock include the following:
• | our operating performance and the performance of our competitors |
• | the public’s reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC |
• | changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who follow Intrepid or other companies in our industry |
• | variations in general economic, market, and political conditions |
• | actions of our current stockholders, including sales of common stock by our directors and executive officers |
• | the arrival or departure of key personnel |
• | other developments affecting us, our industry, or our competitors |
• | the other risks described in this report |
If our stock price declines due to one or more of these factors, you may not be able to sell your shares at or above the price you paid for them.
We may issue additional securities, including securities that are senior in right of dividends, liquidation, and voting to our common stock, without your approval, which would dilute your existing ownership interests.
Our board of directors may issue shares of preferred stock or additional shares of common stock without the approval of our stockholders, except as may be required by applicable New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules. Our board of directors may approve the issuance of preferred stock with terms that are senior to our common stock in right of dividends, liquidation or voting. Our issuance of additional common shares or other equity securities of equal or senior rank will have the following effects:
• | our pre-existing stockholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease |
• | the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding common share may be diminished |
• | the market price of the common stock may decline |
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Future sales of our common stock, or the perception that future sales may occur, could depress our common stock price.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock, including sales by our directors or executive officers, or the perception that these sales may occur, could depress the market price of our common stock. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of shares of our common stock would have on the market price of our common stock.
Provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us.
We are a Delaware corporation and the anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law impose various barriers to the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, even if a change of control would be beneficial to our existing stockholders. In addition, our current certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain several provisions that may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us without the approval of our board of directors. These provisions may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding common stock. Among other things, these provisions provide for the following:
• | allow our board of directors to create and issue preferred stock with rights senior to those of our common stock without prior stockholder approval, except as may be required by applicable NYSE rules |
• | do not permit cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would otherwise allow less than a majority of stockholders to elect director candidates |
• | prohibit stockholders from calling special meetings of stockholders |
• | prohibit stockholders from acting by written consent, thereby requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders |
• | require vacancies and newly created directorships on the board of directors to be filled only by affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then serving on the board |
• | establish advance notice requirements for submitting nominations for election to the board of directors and for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at a meeting |
• | classify our board of directors so that only some of our directors are elected each year |
These provisions also may delay, prevent or deter a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest or other transaction that might otherwise result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the market price of the common stock they own.
ITEM 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
ITEM 2. | PROPERTIES |
Properties
Our potash production currently comes from six facilities—three solution mines, two conventional underground mines and one compaction facility, all of which we own and operate. Our active producing facilities near Carlsbad include the West mine and East mine, both of which are conventional underground mines, the HB solar solution mine, and the North compaction plant. Our facilities in Utah are the Moab facility, consisting of a solution mine, solar evaporation ponds and a process plant located near Moab, and the Wendover facility, consisting of a brine collection system, solar evaporation ponds, and process plant located near Wendover.
We control the rights to mine approximately 130,000 acres of land northeast of Carlsbad, New Mexico. We lease approximately 32,000 acres from the state of New Mexico, approximately 98,000 acres from the federal government through the BLM, and approximately 240 acres from private leaseholders. We own approximately 4,300 surface acres in the vicinity of our mine sites and adjacent to federal and state mining leases.
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We control the rights to mine approximately 10,300 acres of land west of Moab, Utah. We lease approximately 10,100 acres from the state of Utah and approximately 200 acres from the BLM. We own approximately 3,700 surface acres overlying and adjacent to portions of our mining leases with the state of Utah.
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We control the rights to mine approximately 90,000 acres of land near Wendover, Utah. We own approximately 57,000 acres, and we lease approximately 8,000 acres from the state of Utah and approximately 25,000 acres from the federal government through the BLM.
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We conduct most of our mining operations on properties that we lease from the state or federal government. These leases generally contain stipulations that require us to commence mining operations within a specified term and continue mining to retain the lease.
The stipulations on our leases are subject to periodic readjustment by the state and federal government. The lease stipulations could change in the future, which could impact the economics of our operations. Our federal leases are subject to readjustment of the lease stipulations, including the royalty payable to the federal government, every 20 years. Our leases with the state of New Mexico are issued for terms of ten years and for as long thereafter as potash is produced in commercial quantities and are subject to readjustment of the lease stipulations, including the royalty payable to the state. Our leases with the state of Utah are for terms of ten years subject to extension and possible readjustment of the lease by the state of Utah. Our leases for our Moab mine are operated as a unit under a unit agreement with the state of Utah, which extends the terms of all of the leases as long as operations are conducted on any portion of the leases. The term of the state leases for our Moab mine is currently extended until 2024 or so long as potash is being produced. Our federal leases are for indefinite terms subject to readjustment every 20 years. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 14% of our state, federal, and private lease acres at our New Mexico facilities will be up for renewal within the next five years. None of our state and federal lease acres at our Utah operations will be up for renewal within the next five years.
We have water rights at each of our mine properties that we believe are adequate for our needs. All of our mining operations are accessible by paved state or county highways and are accessible by rail. All of our operations obtain electric power from local utilities.
Our mines, plants, and equipment have been in substantially continuous operation since the dates indicated in the chart entitled "Our Proven and Probable Reserves" on the following pages; and our mineral development assets, mills, and equipment have been acquired over the interval since these dates.
As noted, we have relatively long-lived proven and probable reserves and consequently expect to conduct limited and focused additional exploration in the coming five years. We plan to drill core holes on occasion in areas near our Carlsbad, New Mexico, operations that are located in the Designated Potash Area, in order to further define the ore body. Development of the underground mines is expected to be coincident with the continued advancement of ore zones. Development of the solution mine and brine evaporation operations is expected to be enhanced by the drilling of additional wells. We also have opportunities to rehabilitate the shafts at the currently idled North mine and additional surface infrastructure to accelerate mining of reserves.
Our leased office space in Denver, Colorado, is approximately 39,726 square feet and has a term extending through April 30, 2019.
We believe that all of our present facilities are adequate for our current needs and that additional space is available for future expansion on acceptable terms.
Proven and Probable Reserves
Our potash (muriate of potash) and langbeinite (sulfate of potash magnesia) reserves each have substantial life, with remaining reserve life ranging from 28 to163 years, based on proven and probable reserves estimated in accordance with SEC requirements. This lasting reserve base is the result of our past acquisition and development strategy. The estimates of our proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2014, were prepared by us and were reviewed and independently determined by Agapito Associates, Inc. (“Agapito”) based on mine plans and other data furnished by us as described in footnote one below. The following table summarizes our proven and probable reserves, stated as product tons and associated percent ore grade, as of December 31, 2014.
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Our Proven and Probable Reserves (thousands of tons)(1)
Proven (4) | Probable (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Product/Operations | Date Mine Opened (2) | Current Extraction Method | Minimum Remaining Life (years) (3) | Recoverable Ore Tons (5) | Ore Grade (6) (% KCl) | Product Tons as KCl | Recoverable Ore Tons (5) | Ore Grade (6) (% KCl) | Product Tons as KCl | |||||||||||||||
Muriate of Potash | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carlsbad West | 1931 | Underground | 163 | 234,750 | 21.6 | % | 42,110 | 150,900 | 20.1 | % | 26,510 | |||||||||||||
Carlsbad East (including East Mixed (8)) | 1965 | Underground | 59 | 68,390 | 18.3 | % | 10,290 | 67,330 | 18.0 | % | 10,330 | |||||||||||||
Carlsbad HB solar solution Mine (2,9) | 2012 | Solution | 28 | 15,000 | 35.0 | % | 4,670 | 710 | 32.3 | % | 210 | |||||||||||||
Moab | 1965 | Solution | 132 | 20,170 | 40.8 | % | 7,200 | 12,770 | 40.4 | % | 4,530 | |||||||||||||
Wendover (10) | 1932 | Brine Evaporation | 30 | — | — | — | 0.8 | % | 3,430 | |||||||||||||||
Total Muriate of Potash | 24.2 | % | 64,270 | 20.2 | % | 45,010 | ||||||||||||||||||
Proven (4) | Probable (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Product/Operations | Date Mine Opened (2) | Current Extraction Method | Minimum Remaining Life (years) (3) | Recoverable Ore Tons (5) | Ore Grade (6) (% Lang) | Product Tons as Langbeinite | Recoverable Ore Tons (5) | Ore Grade (6) (% Lang) | Product Tons as Langbeinite | |||||||||||||||
Sulfate of Potash Magnesia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carlsbad East (11) (including East Mixed (8)) | 1965 | Underground | 96 | 97,980 | 31.9 | % | 29,600 | 109,030 | 32.3 | % | 34,760 | |||||||||||||
(1) | The determination of estimated reserves has been prepared by us and is based on an independent review and analysis of our mine plans and geologic, financial and other data by Agapito, which is familiar with our mines. The most recent review performed by Agapito for the New Mexico East and West properties was in 2014. Agapito's analysis for the West and East mines was based on detailed examination of our geologic data that was updated with information from 2014, 2013 and 2012. As a result of the Agapito 2014 review, a portion of the sylvite reserves in the 8th ore zone were decreased. The Moab property reserves are based on Agapito's 2012 mine reserve estimate report less 2013 and 2014 depletion. The Wendover property reserves are based on Agapito's 2012 mine reserve estimate report less 2013 and 2014 depletion. However, depletion did not change the reserve life of 30 years as discussed in note 3 below. The HB solar solution mine reserve estimate was adjusted for depletion in 2014, the first year of production from the HB mine. Because reserves are estimates, they cannot be audited for the purpose of verifying exactness. Instead, reserve information was reviewed in sufficient detail to determine if, in the aggregate, the data provided by us is reasonable and sufficient to estimate reserves in conformity with practices and standards generally employed by and within the mining industry and that are consistent with the requirements of U.S. securities laws. |
(2) | These mines, excluding the HB mine, have operated in a substantially continuous manner since the dates set forth in this table. The HB solar solution mine was originally opened in 1934 and operated continuously as an underground mine until 1996. |
(3) | Minimum remaining lives at the West, East, HB mine, and Moab mines are based on reserves (product tons) divided by annual effective productive capacity over the full expected life of the ore body, and corrections for purity: one ton of red muriate of potash equals 0.95 ton of KCl; one ton of East white muriate of potash equals 0.98 ton of KCl; one ton of Moab white muriate of potash equals 0.97 ton of KCl; one ton of sulfate of potash magnesia equals 0.97 ton of langbeinite. East minimum remaining life was based on three phases, with various plant capacities: first, combined potash and langbeinite production; second, langbeinite only; and third, potash only. Annual effective productive capacity contemplates the grade of the ore, and estimated recovery percentages estimated at the time of the single stream processing for the langbeinite production and the potash production. The current effective productive capacity is different than annual effective productive capacity which contemplates future additional investment in the |
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East facility. We currently do not report more than 30 years mining life for Wendover due to the uncertainties associated with natural brine‑containing aquifers.
(4) | Proven reserves mean tonnages computed from projection of data using the inverse distance squared method taking into account mining dilution, mine extraction efficiency, ore body impurities, metallurgical recovery factors, sales prices and operating costs from potash ore zone measurements as observed and recorded either in drill holes using cores, or channel samples in mine workings. This classification has the highest degree of geologic assurance. The data points for measurement are adequately spaced and the geologic character so well defined that the thickness, areal extent, size, shape, and depth of the potash ore zone are well-established. The maximum acceptable distance for projection from ore zone data points varies with the geologic nature of the ore zone being studied. |
(5) | Recoverable ore tons is defined as the hoisted ore for the conventionally mined ore in our East and West Mines. This figure was derived from the in-place ore estimate that has been adjusted for factors such as geologic impurities and mine extraction ratios. For the HB mine and the Moab property, recoverable ore tons are defined as the potassium that can be extracted from the underground workings and pumped to the surface. This figure was derived from the in-place ore estimate that has been adjusted for factors such as geologic impurities, potash that dissolves but remains in the cavern (dissolution factor), and an extraction factor that accounts for potash that may not be recovered because solution may be channeled away or stranded due to cavern geometry. We do not calculate recoverable ore tons for the Wendover property as it is a lake brine resource, not an in-place ore deposit. |
(6) | Ore grade expressed as expected mill feed grade to account for minimum mining height for the East and West mines. Muriate of potash ore grade is reported in % KCl and sulfate of potash magnesia ore grade is reported in % langbeinite. The ore grade for the Moab and HB mines is the in-place KCl grade. |
(7) | Probable reserves means tonnages computed by projection of data using the inverse distance squared method taking into account mining dilution, mine extraction efficiency, ore body impurities, metallurgical recovery factors, sales prices and operating costs from available ore zone measurements as observed either in drill holes using cores or in mine workings for a distance beyond potash classified as proven reserves. This classification has a moderate degree of geological assurance. |
(8) | Our reserves in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th and 10th ore zones contain either sylvite (KCl) or langbeinite (K2SO4(MgSO4)2) separately. Reserves currently being mined at our East mine are from the 5th ore zone and contain both sylvite and langbeinite which we call mixed ore. The 5th ore zone at East also contains ore classified as langbeinite only. Additionally, the reserve amounts include West mine 3rd and 4th ore zones which contain langbeinite that we anticipate will be processed at the East mine. |
(9) | The HB mine reserves were based on solution mining of old workings and recovery of potash from the residual pillars. Reserves are based on thicknesses, grades, and mine maps provided by us. |
(10) | The Wendover facility reserves are the combination of a shallow and a deep aquifer. There were no proven reserves reported for either aquifer because the shallow aquifer represents an unconventional resource and there is uncertainty of the hydrogeology of the deep aquifer. The estimating method for the shallow aquifer was based on brine concentration, brine density, soil porosity within the aquifer, and aquifer thickness from historical reports. The brine concentrations and brine density were confirmed by us recently, but values for the aquifer thickness and the porosity were obtained from literature published by other sources. Probable reserves for the shallow brine at the Wendover facility were calculated from KCl contained in the shallow aquifer based on estimates of porosity and thickness over the reserve area. The distance for projection of probable reserves is a radius of three‑quarters of a mile from points of measurement of brine concentration. Probable reserves for the deep-brine aquifer were estimated based on historical draw-down and KCl brine concentrations. The ore grade (% KCl) for both the shallow and deep aquifer is the percentage by weight of KCl in the brine. |
(11) | A portion of these reserves are within the West mine boundary. The classification of the reserve as being associated with the East mine is a result of where the ore is intended to be processed. |
Production
Our facilities have a current estimated annual productive capacity of approximately 1.0 million tons of potash, and approximately 200,000 tons of langbeinite, based on current design. We are not currently producing at annual rates equal to our estimated productive capacity. Actual production is affected by operating rates, the grade of ore mined, recoveries,
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mining rates, evaporation rates, and the amount of development work that we perform. Therefore, as with other producers in our industry, our production results tend to be lower than reported productive capacity.
Our production capabilities and capital improvements at our facilities are described in more detail below, along with our historical production of our primary products and by-products for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Solution Mines
• | The HB mine has a current estimated productive capacity of 180,000 tons annually. The productive capacity may vary between approximately 160,000 and 200,000 tons of potash. Potash produced from our HB mine is shipped to the North facility for compaction. |
• | Potash ore at Moab is mined from two stacked ore zones: the original mine workings in Potash 5 and the horizontal caverns in Potash 9. |
• | The Moab mine has a current estimated productive capacity of approximately 110,000 tons of potash annually; evaporation rates have historically varied and, consequently, productive capacity may vary between approximately 75,000 and 120,000 tons of potash. |
• | Potash at Wendover is produced primarily from brine containing salt, potash and magnesium chloride that is collected in ditches from the shallow aquifers of the Bonneville Salt Flats. These materials are also collected from a deeper aquifer by means of deep brine wells. |
• | The Wendover facility has a current estimated productive capacity of approximately 100,000 tons of potash annually; evaporation rates have historically resulted in actual production between approximately 65,000 and 100,000 tons of potash. |
Conventional Underground Mines
• | Sylvite and langbeinite ore at our Carlsbad locations is mined from a stacked ore body containing at least 10 different mineralized zones, seven of which contain proven and probable reserves. |
• | The West mine has a current estimated productive capacity of approximately 420,000 tons of red potash annually. Potash produced from our West mine is shipped to the North facility for compaction. |
• | The East mine has a current estimated productive capacity of approximately 225,000 tons of white potash and, based on current design approximately 200,000 tons of langbeinite annually. Our productive capacity is impacted by the East’s mine plan and the mix of sylvite and langbeinite ore in the ore body. Our choice of the ore we mine impacts productive capacity in that the relative mixture of ore grade of sylvite and langbeinite drive the productive capacity of our facility. |
Compaction Facility
• | The North facility receives compactor feed from the West and HB facilities via truck and converts the compactor feed to finished granular-sized product and standard-sized product. |
Our Development Assets
We have significant additional development opportunities in our New Mexico facilities with the acceleration of production from our reserves and mineralized deposits of potash, and the potential construction of additional production facilities in the region. We also own the leases on two idled mines in or near Carlsbad — the Amax/Horizon mine and the North mine.
Amax/Horizon mine
• | We acquired the potash leases associated with the Amax/Horizon mine in October 2012. The Amax/Horizon mine was in continuous operation between 1952 and 1993. This mine, similar to the HB mine, is a viable candidate for solution mining in a manner that is consistent with the HB mine. As these are relatively new lease holdings, we have not yet determined the feasibility associated with this potential development project, however, work is being performed to determine the ability to convert this area to a solution mining opportunity. |
• | The HB plant has additional capacity to process potash. The development of the Amax/Horizon mine is expected to utilize much of the same pipeline system, evaporation ponds, and the processing mill as the HB mine. |
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North mine
• | The North mine operated from 1957 to 1982 when it was idled mainly due to low potash prices and mineralogy changes which negatively impacted mineral processing at the facilities. Although the mining and processing equipment has been removed, the mine shafts remain open. The compaction facility at the North mine is where we granulate, store, and ship potash produced at the West and HB mines. Two abandoned mine shafts and much of the transportation and utility infrastructure required to operate the mine, rail access, storage facilities, water rights, utilities and leases covering potash deposits, are already in place. As part of our overall mine planning efforts, we continue to evaluate our strategic development options with respect to the shafts at the North mine and their access to mineralized deposits of potash. These development options contemplate a refurbishment of the shafts, underground development, a mill, and operating infrastructure that would produce at rates in excess of historical production levels, thereby leveraging the operating size and gaining benefits of scale towards per ton operating costs. |
Production of Our Primary Products (thousands of product tons)
One product ton of potash contains approximately 0.60 tons of K2O when produced at our West, Moab, and Wendover facilities and approximately 0.62 tons of K2O when produced at our East facility. The following table summarizes production of our primary products at each of our facilities for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ore Production | Mill Feed Grade (1) | Finished Product | Ore Production | Mill Feed Grade (1) | Finished Product | Ore Production | Mill Feed Grade (1) | Finished Product | |||||||||||||||||||
Muriate of Potash | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carlsbad West | 2,991 | 10.9 | % | 352 | 3,044 | 11.6 | % | 379 | 3,101 | 11.8 | % | 413 | |||||||||||||||
Carlsbad East | 2,535 | 8.8 | % | 217 | 2,608 | 7.7 | % | 196 | 2,522 | 8.8 | % | 199 | |||||||||||||||
Carlsbad HB (3) | 623 | 14.3 | % | 98 | — | 13.8 | % | — | — | — | % | — | |||||||||||||||
Moab | 457 | 14.9 | % | 95 | 596 | 13.5 | % | 112 | 521 | 14.1 | % | 97 | |||||||||||||||
Wendover | 462 | 17.2 | % | 97 | 447 | 17.5 | % | 93 | 389 | 18.4 | % | 87 | |||||||||||||||
7,068 | 859 | 6,695 | 780 | 6,533 | 796 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Langbeinite Carlsbad East(2) | 2,535 | 4.3 | % | 160 | 2,608 | 4.6 | % | 177 | 2,522 | 4.7 | % | 131 | |||||||||||||||
Total Primary Products | 1,019 | 957 | 927 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Mill feed grade is shown as percent K2O. |
(2) | Muriate of potash and langbeinite at our East mine are processed from the same ore. |
(3) | Our HB mine began processing a small amount of ore in late 2013; however, no ore production or finished product is shown due to rounding. |
Our By-Product Production
During the extraction of potash, we also recover marketable salt and magnesium chloride. At our Wendover facility, we also produce metal recovery salt, which is potash mixed with salt, in ratios requested by our customers. We account for the revenue generated from sales of these minerals as a reduction in the cost of goods sold of our primary potash product.
ITEM 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
We are subject to claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. While there are uncertainties in predicting the outcome of any claim or legal action, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these claims or actions is not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We maintain liability insurance that will apply to some claims and actions and believe that our coverage is reasonable in view of the insurable legal risks to which our business ordinarily is subject.
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ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. The objectives of our safety programs are to eliminate workplace accidents and incidents, preserve employee health, and comply with all safety- and health-based regulations. We seek to achieve these objectives by training employees in safe work practices; establishing, following, and improving safety standards; involving employees in safety processes; openly communicating with employees about safety matters; and recording, reporting, and investigating accidents, incidents, and losses to avoid recurrence. As part of our ongoing safety programs, we collaborate with MSHA and the New Mexico Bureau of Mine Safety to identify and implement accident prevention techniques and practices.
Our East, West, and North facilities in New Mexico are subject to regulation by MSHA under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”) and the New Mexico Bureau of Mine Safety. MSHA inspects these facilities on a regular basis and issues various citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. Exhibit 95.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K provides the information concerning mine safety violations and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K. Our Utah and HB facilities are subject to regulation by OSHA and, therefore, are not required to be included in the information provided in Exhibit 95.1.
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PART II
ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
Market Information
Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol IPI.
The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices of our common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by the NYSE.
High | Low | ||
2014 | |||
Quarter ended December 31, 2014 | $15.57 | $12.39 | |
Quarter ended September 30, 2014 | $16.98 | $14.40 | |
Quarter ended June 30, 2014 | $17.64 | $14.11 | |
Quarter ended March 31, 2014 | $17.29 | $13.63 | |
2013 | |||
Quarter ended December 31, 2013 | $17.53 | $13.51 | |
Quarter ended September 30, 2013 | $19.51 | $10.60 | |
Quarter ended June 30, 2013 | $19.31 | $16.88 | |
Quarter ended March 31, 2013 | $24.05 | $18.56 | |
Performance Graph—Comparison of Cumulative Return
The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total stockholder return on the S&P 500 Index, the Dow Jones US Basic Materials Index, and Intrepid’s peer group (Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc., The Mosaic Company, and Agrium Inc.) for the period beginning on December 31, 2009, through December 31, 2014, assuming an initial investment of $100 and the reinvestment of dividends.
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Dow Jones U.S. | |||||||||||||||
IPI | Peer Group | S&P 500 | Basic Materials | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2009 | $ | 100.00 | $ | 100.00 | $ | 100.00 | $ | 100.00 | |||||||
December 31, 2010 | $ | 127.84 | $ | 138.46 | $ | 115.06 | $ | 131.73 | |||||||
December 31, 2011 | $ | 77.58 | $ | 102.82 | $ | 117.49 | $ | 112.34 | |||||||
December 31, 2012 | $ | 73.75 | $ | 116.05 | $ | 136.30 | $ | 124.12 | |||||||
December 31, 2013 | $ | 54.87 | $ | 98.04 | $ | 180.44 | $ | 149.42 | |||||||
December 31, 2014 | $ | 48.08 | $ | 101.34 | $ | 205.14 | $ | 154.49 | |||||||
The preceding information included under the caption “Performance Graph” is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference in any of our filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.
Holders
As of January 31, 2015, we had approximately 90 record holders of our common stock based upon information provided by our transfer agent.
Dividends
Until 2012, the only dividend that we paid was a special dividend paid in connection with our formation in 2008 at the time of our IPO. In December 2012, we declared and paid a second special cash dividend of $0.75 per share.
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We currently intend to retain earnings to reinvest for future operations and growth of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. However, our board of directors, in its discretion, may decide to declare a dividend at an appropriate time in the future. A decision to pay a dividend would depend, among other factors, upon our results of operations, financial condition and cash requirements and the terms of our unsecured credit facility and other financing agreements at the time such a payment is considered.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period | (a) Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | (b) Average Price Paid Per Share | (c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | (d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs | |||||||
October 1, 2014, through October 31, 2014 | – | — | – | N/A | |||||||
November 1, 2014, through November 30, 2014 | – | — | – | N/A | |||||||
December 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014 | 3,991 | $ | 14.03 | – | N/A | ||||||
(1) | Represents shares of common stock delivered to us as payment of withholding taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock held by our employees. |
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ITEM 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
The following table sets forth our historical selected financial and operating data for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data). The selected financial and operating data should be read together with the other information contained in this document, including “Item 1. Business,” wherein the presentation below is described more fully, and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the audited historical financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this document.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Sales | $ | 410,389 | $ | 336,312 | $ | 451,316 | $ | 442,954 | $ | 359,304 | ||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 9,761 | $ | 22,275 | $ | 87,443 | $ | 109,411 | $ | 45,285 | ||||||||||
Earnings Per Share: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 1.16 | $ | 1.46 | $ | 0.60 | ||||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 1.16 | $ | 1.45 | $ | 0.60 | ||||||||||
Cash dividends declared and paid per common share | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 0.75 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,166,719 | $ | 1,175,273 | $ | 994,623 | $ | 932,870 | $ | 828,884 | ||||||||||
Total debt | $ | 150,000 | $ | 150,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
Supplemental Selected Financial Data:
December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and investments | $ | 89,879 | $ | 25,113 | $ | 57,747 | $ | 176,794 | $ | 142,988 | ||||||||||
Stockholders’ equity | $ | 947,285 | $ | 933,971 | $ | 905,736 | $ | 871,133 | $ | 757,841 | ||||||||||
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ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion and analysis contains forward‑looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as described under the heading “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward‑Looking Statements,” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by these forward‑looking statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our Company
We are the only producer of potash in the United States and are one of two producers of langbeinite, which we market and sell as Trio®. Our revenues are generated exclusively from the sale of potash and Trio®. We also produce salt and magnesium chloride from our potash mining processes, the sales of which are accounted for as by-product credits to our cost of sales. These by-product credits represented approximately 2% to 3% of total cost of goods sold in each of the last three years.
We own three solution mining facilities and two conventional underground facilities that we utilize for producing potash. Our solution mining production comes from our HB solar solution mine near Carlsbad, New Mexico, a solar solution mine near Moab, Utah and a solar evaporation shallow brine mine in Wendover, Utah. Our conventional production comes from our underground West and East mines near Carlsbad, New Mexico. We also operate the North compaction facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico, which services the West and HB mines. Trio® production comes from underground conventional mining of a mixed ore body that contains both potash and langbeinite, which is mined and processed at the East facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico. We have additional opportunities to develop mineralized deposits of potash in New Mexico as well as continue optimization our processing plants. These opportunities potentially include additional solution mining activities, additional recoveries of our langbeinite and acceleration of production from our reserves.
Significant Business Trends and Activities
Our financial results have been impacted by several significant trends, which are described below. We expect that these trends will continue to drive our results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.
• Potash demand. Sales volumes were generally strong throughout 2014. This followed a period of market uncertainty in the second half of 2013 when our sales volumes were negatively impacted by increased concerns about global supply and demand levels. In 2014, we took advantage of strong agricultural demand particularly for granular-sized potash. We also saw solid industrial demand primarily driven by continued strong activity in the oil and gas drilling markets.
Our ability to supply tons to our customers on a timely basis was a fundamental element to our success in 2014 as rail logistics, including rail car availability, were challenging. We expect logistics to remain an issue for the foreseeable future. We utilized our geographic location advantage and our warehouse system to effectively position product closer to our customers.
The specific timing of when farmers apply potash remains highly weather dependent and varies across the numerous growing regions within the United States. We believe last year's record crops depleted nutrients from the soil and, therefore, farmers need to replenish nutrients drawn from the soil. Potash demand is significantly influenced by dealer storage volumes and the marketing programs of potash producers and retailers. The combination of these items results in variability in potash sales and shipments, thereby increasing volatility of sales volumes from quarter to quarter and season to season.
• Potash prices. Domestic pricing of our potash is influenced principally by the price established by our competitors. The interaction of global potash supply and demand, ocean, land and barge freight rates, and currency fluctuations also influence pricing. Any of these factors could have a positive or negative impact on the price of our products. Potash prices are a significant driver of profitability for our business. Potash prices decreased significantly in late 2013 and early 2014 as increased concerns about global supply and demand levels created significant uncertainty in the market. In early 2014, the Canadian producers took actions to curtail production, and we saw strong farmer demand, which reduced producer inventory levels. North American potash inventory levels are now below five-year average inventory levels. Challenging logistics hindered dealer efforts to obtain inventory on a timely basis during 2014. As a result of solid overall demand and these lower inventory levels, potash prices have increased steadily over the past few quarters.
• Trio® prices and demand. An imbalance between supply and demand, as well as dealers and farmer recognition of the added value of magnesium and sulfate and the benefits of a low-chloride specialty product, helped support Trio® pricing
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despite lower potash prices in the past few years. Demand for granular- and premium-sized Trio® continues to be strong in the domestic market. We have seen weaker demand and softer pricing for standard-sized Trio® in the export market. Should we choose to manage our Trio® inventory levels by increasing our mix of export sales, we would likely see a lower net realized sales price for Trio®.
• Major capital projects. Our capital project investment decreased significantly in 2014 as compared to 2013 and 2012. Over the last two years, we completed several major capital projects that are intended to increase production, decrease our per-ton operating costs and increase our overall marketing flexibility. We are now focused on optimizing and gaining the efficiencies from these projects. Additional information about these capital projects is included below under the heading “Capital Investments.”
Selected Operating and Financial Data
The following tables present selected operations data for the periods noted. Analysis of the details of this information is contained throughout this discussion. We present this table as a summary of information relating to key indicators of financial condition and operating performance that we believe are important. We calculate average net realized sales price by deducting freight costs from gross revenues and then by dividing this result by tons of product sold during the period.
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Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Production volume (in thousands of tons): | ||||||||||||
Potash | 859 | 780 | 796 | |||||||||
Langbeinite | 160 | 177 | 131 | |||||||||
Sales volume (in thousands of tons): | ||||||||||||
Potash | 915 | 692 | 839 | |||||||||
Trio® | 182 | 123 | 125 | |||||||||
Gross sales (in thousands): | ||||||||||||
Potash | $ | 334,323 | $ | 284,831 | $ | 402,382 | ||||||
Trio® | 76,066 | 51,481 | 48,934 | |||||||||
Total | 410,389 | 336,312 | 451,316 | |||||||||
Freight costs (in thousands): | ||||||||||||
Potash | 30,615 | 20,796 | 21,396 | |||||||||
Trio® | 12,608 | 8,060 | 7,768 | |||||||||
Total | 43,223 | 28,856 | 29,164 | |||||||||
Net sales (in thousands)(1): | ||||||||||||
Potash | 303,708 | 264,035 | 380,986 | |||||||||
Trio® | 63,458 | 43,421 | 41,166 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 367,166 | $ | 307,456 | $ | 422,152 | ||||||
Potash statistics (per ton): | ||||||||||||
Average net realized sales price(1) | $ | 332 | $ | 382 | $ | 454 | ||||||
Cash operating costs(1)(2) | 198 | 195 | 180 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 69 | 52 | 43 | |||||||||
Royalties | 12 | 13 | 17 | |||||||||
Total potash cost of goods sold | $ | 279 | $ | 260 | $ | 240 | ||||||
Warehousing and handling costs | 12 | 16 | 15 | |||||||||
Average potash gross margin(1) | $ | 41 | $ | 106 | $ | 199 | ||||||
Trio® statistics (per ton): | ||||||||||||
Average net realized sales price(1) | $ | 349 | $ | 352 | $ | 329 | ||||||
Cash operating costs(1) | 194 | 201 | 209 | |||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | 59 | 55 | 61 | |||||||||
Royalties | 17 | 18 | 16 | |||||||||
Total Trio® cost of goods sold | $ | 270 | $ | 274 | $ | 286 | ||||||
Warehousing and handling costs | 11 | 15 | 16 | |||||||||
Average Trio® gross margin (1) | $ | 68 | $ | 63 | $ | 27 | ||||||
(1) | Additional information about our non-GAAP financial measures is set forth under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” |
(2) | Amounts are presented net of by-product credits. On a per-ton basis, by-product credits were $7 for the year ended December 31, 2014, $9 for the year ended 2013, and $8 for the year ended 2012. By-product credits were $6.5 million, $6.5 million and $6.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. |
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Results of Operations
Operating Highlights
Net income for 2014 was $9.8 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, and cash flows from operating activities were $127.5 million.
Potash
The majority of our revenues and gross margin are derived from the production and sales of potash. Potash sales as a percentage of our net sales, which we calculate as gross sales less freight costs, and gross margin were approximately as follows for the indicated periods.
Contribution from | ||||||
Potash Sales | ||||||
Net Sales | Gross Margin | |||||
For the year ended December 31, 2014 | 83 | % | 75 | % | ||
For the year ended December 31, 2013 | 86 | % | 90 | % | ||
For the year ended December 31, 2012 | 90 | % | 98 | % | ||
We sold 915,000 tons of potash in 2014 compared with 692,000 tons in 2013. The increase in sales volume was driven by increased confidence in potash pricing from buyers and our agricultural customers' demand for product in 2014 as compared to 2013. Our ability to supply tons to our customers on a timely basis was a fundamental element of our success in 2014. We utilized our geographic advantage as well as our warehouse system to effectively position product closer to our customers. Our average net realized sales price of potash was $332 per ton in 2014, as compared to $382 per ton in 2013, largely as a result of concerns that global productive capacity exceeds demand. However, as a result of strong demand and tight inventory levels, we experienced sequential increases in our potash average net realized sales price each of the last three quarters of 2014.
The table below shows our potash sales mix for 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Agricultural | 76 | % | 71 | % | 81 | % | |||
Industrial | 19 | % | 21 | % | 12 | % | |||
Feed | 5 | % | 8 | % | 7 | % | |||
Our production volume of potash in 2014 increased to 859,000 tons, compared with 780,000 tons produced in 2013. The production increase was due to new production from our HB mine as well as higher production from our East facility, partially offset by decreased production at our West and Moab facilities. Our cash operating costs stayed relatively flat at $198 per ton in 2014, compared with $195 per ton in 2013. Our industrial sales are significantly influenced by oil and gas drilling activity, we believe our sales volumes to our industrial customers will decrease, and potentially pressure our net realized sales price, during 2015 as oil and gas drilling activity slows in response to lower crude oil pricing.
Trio®
Our Trio® production was lower in 2014 than in 2013 as we experienced lower ore grade and higher losses associated with higher production of premium-sized Trio® which results in losses during the conversion from standard to premium-sized products. As the export market for Trio® remains soft, we continue to focus on the domestic market. Our sales of Trio® increased to 182,000 tons in 2014 as compared with 123,000 tons in 2013, as demand for our granular- and premium-sized Trio® has remained strong. The standard-sized product is largely sold into the export market or converted into premium-sized product through a process we call pelletization. The export market for the standard-sized product was weaker in 2014 compared to 2013, highlighting the importance of our focus on improving the efficiency of our pelletization process.
In 2014, as compared with 2013, our average Trio® gross margin increased by $5 per ton as our average net realized sales price for Trio® remained essentially flat, and our cash operating costs for Trio® decreased $7 per ton.
Our export sales of Trio® tend to be in larger quantities and with more variability as to the timing of those sales. As a result, the percentage of sales into the export market as compared to the domestic market can fluctuate significantly from period to period, as shown in the table below.
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United States | Export | |||||
Trio® only | ||||||
For the year ended December 31, 2014 | 91 | % | 9 | % | ||
For the year ended December 31, 2013 | 76 | % | 24 | % | ||
For the year ended December 31, 2012 | 63 | % | 37 | % | ||
Average Net Realized Sales Price
Our average net realized sales price for potash decreased by $50 per ton in 2014, to $332 per ton, largely as a result of concerns that global productive capacity exceeds demand. Domestically, the potash market is influenced by this global scenario. As a result of strong demand and tight inventory levels as discussed above, we experienced sequential increases in our potash average net realized sales price in each of the last three quarters of 2014.
The table below demonstrates the progression of our average net realized sales price for potash and Trio® through 2013 and 2014.
Average net realized sales price for the three months ended: | Potash | Trio® | ||
(Per ton) | ||||
December 31, 2014 | $348 | $354 | ||
September 30, 2014 | $336 | $351 | ||
June 30, 2014 | $329 | $350 | ||
March 31, 2014 | $317 | $340 | ||
December 31, 2013 | $338 | $345 | ||
September 30, 2013 | $363 | $353 | ||
June 30, 2013 | $402 | $359 | ||
March 31, 2013 | $417 | $351 | ||
Specific Factors Affecting Our Results
Sales
Our gross sales are derived from the sales of potash and Trio® and are determined by the quantities of product we sell and the sales prices we realize. We quote prices to customers both on a delivered basis and on the basis of pick-up at our plants and warehouses. Freight costs are incurred on only a portion of our sales as many of our customers arrange and pay for their own freight directly. When we arrange and pay for freight, our quotes and billings are based on expected freight costs to the points of delivery. Although our gross sales include the freight that we bill, we do not believe that gross sales provide a representative measure of our performance in the market due to variations caused by ongoing changes in the proportion of customers paying for their own freight, the geographic distribution of our products, and freight rates. Rail freight rates have been steadily increasing, thereby negatively influencing our net realized sales prices. We view net sales, which are gross sales less freight costs, as the key performance indicator of our revenue as it conveys the net sales price of the product that we realize. We manage our sales and marketing operations centrally and we work to achieve the highest average net realized sales price we can by evaluating the product needs of our customers and associated logistics and then determining which of our production facilities can best satisfy these needs.
The volume of product we sell is determined by demand for our products and by our production capabilities. We intend to operate our facilities at full production levels, which provide the greatest operating efficiencies. By having adequate warehouse capacity, we can maintain production levels during periods of fluctuating product demand and have product inventory positioned closer to the fields in order to meet peak periods of fertilizer demand.
Cost of Goods Sold
Our cost of goods sold reflects the costs to produce our potash and Trio® products, less credits generated from the sale of our by-products. Many of our production costs are largely fixed and, consequently, our costs of sales per ton on a facility-by-facility basis tend to move inversely with the number of tons we produce, within the context of normal production levels. We expect to experience variability in our cost of goods sold due to fluctuations in the relative mix of product that we produce through conventional mining as compared to through solar solution mining. Our cost of goods sold per ton for our solar solution facilities is less than the per ton cost of goods sold for our conventional facilities. However, our solar solution production is impacted by weather variability. Our principal production costs include labor and employee benefits, maintenance
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materials, contract labor, and materials for operating or maintenance projects, natural gas, electricity, operating supplies, chemicals, depreciation and depletion, royalties, and leasing costs. There are elements of our cost structure associated with contract labor, consumable operating supplies, and reagents and royalties that are variable, which make up a smaller component of our cost base. Our periodic production costs and costs of goods sold will not necessarily match one another from period-to-period based on the fluctuation of inventory, sales, and production levels at our facilities.
Our production costs per ton are also impacted when our production levels change, due to factors such as changes in the grade of ore delivered to the plant, levels of mine development, plant operating performance, downtime, and annual maintenance turnarounds. We expect that our labor and contract labor costs in Carlsbad, New Mexico, will continue to be influenced most directly by the demand for labor in the local Carlsbad, New Mexico, region where we compete for labor with the potash, oil and gas, and nuclear waste storage industries. Additionally, the East mine has a complex mineralogy with a mixed ore body comprised of potash and langbeinite. This complex ore is processed through a singular product flow at the surface facility. The specific grade, volume, and characterization of the ore that is mined at any particular time is subject to fluctuations due to the nature of the mineral deposits and influences the amount of tons of potash and langbeinite ultimately produced from the facility, which affects our production costs per ton for both products and affects our quarter-to-quarter results.
We pay royalties to federal, state, and private lessors under our mineral leases. These payments typically equal a percentage of net sales of minerals extracted and sold under the applicable lease. In some cases, federal royalties for potash are paid on a sliding scale that varies with the grade of ore extracted. Our average royalty rate was 3.8%, 3.6% and 3.9% in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Our operations can be significantly impacted by the weather. For example, the Carlsbad area received approximately 13 inches of rain in September 2014, compared to an average rainfall of 2.1 inches for the month. The Moab and Wendover areas also received higher-than-normal precipitation in the third quarter of 2014. As a result, a portion of the potash crystals that we expected to harvest from our solar evaporation ponds in the 2014/2015 harvest season were re-dissolved in the ponds but remain available for recrystallization and harvest in the future. Further, our solar evaporation ponds in Wendover are expected to have lower production in 2015, as we experienced below average evaporation conditions in 2014.
We have dedicated significant resources to improve production from our East facility. Our production of both potash and langbeinite are directionally impacted by the ore grade and the development work we do. During 2014, we were again able to increase our production of premium-sized Trio® product as we continue to improve the operating performance of the process.
Income Taxes
We are a subchapter C corporation and, therefore, are subject to federal and state income taxes on our taxable income. Our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was 9.7%, 41.5%, and 36.1%, respectively. Our effective income tax rates are impacted primarily by changes in the underlying tax rates in jurisdictions in which we are subject to income tax and permanent differences between book and tax income for the period, including the benefit associated with the estimated effect of the depletion and domestic production activities deduction and research and development credits. During the year ended December 31, 2014, our effective tax rate benefited from a discrete adjustment related to the reversal of a $1.7 million valuation allowance related to our New Mexico net operating loss carry forwards, as we now believe those carry forwards are fully realizable based on legislation passed by the State of New Mexico during the first quarter of 2014. Further, we benefited from a discrete adjustment related to the calculation of the benefit of the net operating loss carry back generated in 2013. The impact on our effective tax rate during 2014 of these discrete adjustments is more pronounced given the current level of income before income taxes.
Our federal and state income tax returns are subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities.
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized income tax expense of $1.1 million, $15.8 million and $49.5 million, respectively. In 2014 and 2013, we incurred a net operating loss for income tax purposes. A portion of the net operating loss for 2013 was carried back to 2011 and 2012 with the remaining amount carried forward, along with the net operating loss for 2014, as a deferred tax asset.
Total tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2014, was comprised of $1.0 million of current income tax benefit and $2.1 million of deferred income tax expense. Total tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2013, was comprised of $14.3 million of current income tax benefit and $30.1 million of deferred income tax expense. Total tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2012, was comprised of $11.5 million of current income tax expense and $38.0 million of deferred income tax expense. Our current tax expense for each of these periods was less than our total tax expense in large part due to the impact of accelerated tax bonus depreciation and the utilization of percentage depletion.
We evaluate our deferred tax assets and liabilities each reporting period using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized. The estimated statutory income tax rates that are applied to our current and deferred income tax calculations are impacted most significantly
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by the states in which we do business. Changing business conditions for normal business transactions and operations as well as changes to state tax rate and apportionment laws potentially alter our apportionment of income among the states for income tax purposes. These changes in apportionment laws result in changes in the calculation of our current and deferred income taxes, including the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. The effects of any such changes are recorded in the period of the adjustment. These adjustments can increase or decrease the net deferred tax asset on the balance sheet and impact the corresponding deferred tax benefit or deferred tax expense on the income statement. As of December 31, 2013, our estimate of our blended state tax rate increased, resulting in an increase of the value of the deferred tax asset by net $0.9 million to reflect changes in business conditions in concert with changes in apportionment rules of the states in which we operate, and a decrease in the state tax rate for the state of New Mexico.
Results of Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013
Net Sales
Net sales of potash increased $39.7 million, or 15%, from $264.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, to $303.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This increase was the result of a 32% increase in sales volumes of potash partially offset by a decrease in the average net realized sales price of potash by $50 per ton, or 13%, in the comparable period. Our 2014 sales volumes increased over those realized in 2013, due primarily to higher demand and the increased purchasing of potash as our customers had increased confidence in the price of potash in 2014.
Net sales of Trio® increased from $43.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, to $63.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, due to a 48% increase in the volume of sales while the average net realized sales price of Trio® remained essentially flat. We continue to see strong demand for our Trio® product, particularly the granular-sized and premium-sized products; however, the margin opportunity for standard-sized Trio® in the export market has decreased resulting in our increased focus on converting standard-sized product to premium-sized product for sale in the domestic market.
Cost of Goods Sold
The following table presents our cost of goods sold for potash and Trio® for the subject periods:
Year ended December 31, | Change Between | ||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Periods | % Change | ||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold (in millions) | $ | 303.9 | $ | 212.9 | $ | 91.0 | 43 | % | |||||||
Cost per ton of potash sold(1) | $ | 279 | $ | 260 | $ | 19 | 7 | % | |||||||
Cost per ton of Trio® sold(2) | $ | 270 | $ | 274 | $ | (4 | ) | (1 | )% | ||||||
(1) | Depreciation and depletion expense for potash was $63.0 million and $35.6 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively, which equates to $69 and $52 on a per-ton basis. |
(2) | Depreciation and depletion expense for Trio® was $10.7 million and $6.8 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively, which equates to $59 and $55 on a per-ton basis. |
Total cost of goods sold of potash, which includes royalties and depreciation, depletion and amortization, increased as we experienced higher sales volumes in 2014 compared to 2013. Further, although our cash operating costs per ton for 2014 were essentially flat compared to 2013, these costs were negatively impacted by lower production at our West facility and the costs associated with the start-up of our HB plant, offset by increased production at the HB plant and East facility. As noted above, we recorded lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments during 2014 of $8.2 million, of which $4.0 million related to the start-up activities of our HB mine, and approximately $3.9 million primarily related to standard-sized inventory at our East facility.
Total cost of goods sold of Trio® increased as our sales volumes in 2014 were significantly higher than in 2013. Further, production of langbeinite decreased compared with 2013 due to lower ore grade and production inefficiencies related to our efforts to convert standard-sized Trio® into premium-sized Trio®, as described previously.
In total, our cost of goods sold increased $91.0 million, or 43%, from $212.9 million in 2013 to $303.9 million in 2014, as a result of more tons of potash sold in 2014. As a percentage of sales, cost of goods sold increased as our per ton production costs increased resulting in higher per ton inventory values. The increases in production costs were the result of increases in labor costs, natural gas, electricity, maintenance and professional services during the year ended December 31, 2014.
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On a comparative basis, and within our production costs, depreciation and depletion increased $18.5 million, or 33%, during 2014 as a result of the significant capital investments being placed into service in the latter half of 2013 and the early part of 2014. Going forward, on a year-over-year basis, we expect depreciation expense to remain relatively flat as the major capital projects have been completed and placed into service. We manage capital investments to maintain the productivity of our mines and to increase production and generate incremental returns on invested capital.
Selling and Administrative Expense
Selling and administrative expenses decreased $6.6 million, or 19%, to $27.2 million in 2014 from $33.8 million in 2013. The decrease was driven by a number of cost saving actions that were implemented during 2014 to better align our cost structure with the current business environment, including the cost reduction items noted below.
Restructuring Expense
In January 2014, in response to lower potash prices and the substantial completion of our major capital projects, we undertook a number of cost saving actions that were intended to better align our cost structure with the current business environment. These initiatives included the elimination of approximately 7% of the workforce, including capital project related support associated with our major capital projects, reduction in the use of outside professionals, and cutbacks in other general and administrative areas.
Other Operating Expense
During 2013, we received notification that our application for certain New Mexico employment-related credits had been denied, as discussed previously. We recorded an additional allowance of $2.8 million against previously filed claims in "Other expense" included in Operating income in the consolidated statement of operations in 2013. In 2014, we received notice that claims that had been previously denied had been approved. Accordingly, we reduced our estimate of the allowance related to the realizability of our claims by $4.1 million. The credits that we estimate will now be realized were for periods prior to 2014 and the inventory produced during that time has been sold; therefore, we recorded the decrease in the allowance as "Other expense" in Operating income in 2014.
Also in 2013, we received a refund from the State of New Mexico related to a compensating tax refund submitted in prior periods. The receipt of the refund removed uncertainty about the amount and collection of the refund and therefore, we recorded $1.7 million of income, which was also recorded in "Other expense" included in Operating income in the consolidated statement of operations in 2013.
Other Income (Expense)
In April 2013, we funded $2.0 million to settle all pension plan liabilities and recorded an additional expense of approximately $1.9 million to reflect the termination of the pension plan. This amount is recorded as "Other income (expense)" in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013, and represents the difference between the final amount funded, and the sum of the recorded pension liability and the unrecognized actuarial losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Results of Operations for the Years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012
Net Sales
Net sales of potash decreased $117.0 million, or 31%, from $381.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, to $264.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This decrease was the result of an 18% decrease in sales volumes of potash in addition to a decrease in the average net realized sales price of potash by $72 per ton, or 16%, in the comparable period. Our customers delayed purchases of potash in 2013 given downward pressure on potash prices driven by softness and uncertainty in the global potash market, as discussed previously.
Net sales of Trio® increased from $41.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, to $43.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, due to a 7% increase in the average net realized sales price of Trio® offset by a slight decrease of 2% in the volume of sales. We continued to see strong demand for our Trio® product, particularly the granular-sized and pelletized products. Trio® domestic pricing has historically tended to move in a relatively close correlation to potash pricing. Dealers' and farmers' recognition of the benefits of this low chloride product, however, translated into higher prices despite sequentially lower potash prices during 2013.
Our production volume of potash in 2013 was 780,000 tons, or 16,000 tons less than in 2012. Our Trio® production increased 46,000 tons, or 35%, in 2013 as we operated our langbeinite facility more effectively and efficiently.
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Cost of Goods Sold
The following table presents our cost of goods sold for potash and Trio® for the subject periods:
Year ended December 31, | Change Between | ||||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | Periods | % Change | ||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold (in millions) | $212.9 | $236.5 | $ | (23.6 | ) | (10 | )% | ||||||||
Cost per ton of potash sold(1) | $260 | $240 | $ | 20.0 | 8 | % | |||||||||
Cost per ton of Trio® sold(2) | $ | 274 | $ | 286 | $ | (12.0 | ) | (4 | )% | ||||||
(1) | Depreciation, depletion, and amortizations expense for potash was $35.6 million and $35.8 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, which equates to $52 and $43 on a per ton basis. |
(2) | Depreciation, depletion, and amortizations expense for Trio® was $6.8 million and $7.6 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, which equates to $55 and $61 on a per ton basis. |
Total cost of goods sold of potash, which includes royalties and depreciation, depletion and amortization, increased $20 per ton, or 8%, from $240 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2012, to $260 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2013. We experienced higher cash operating costs per ton in 2013 due to increased production costs per ton at our East and West facilities resulting from comparatively lower production levels as we work through more complex ore zones at our East West facilities.
Total cost of goods sold of Trio® decreased $12 per ton, or 4%, from $286 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2012, to $274 per ton for the year ended December 31, 2013. This decrease in cost of goods sold on a per-ton basis was primarily due to higher Trio® production volumes in 2013 over which production costs are allocated.
In total, our cost of goods sold decreased $23.6 million, or 10%, from $236.5 million in 2012 to $212.9 million in 2013, as a result of fewer tons of potash sold in 2013. As a percentage of sales, cost of goods sold increased as our production costs increased while our total production decreased, resulting in higher per ton inventory values. The increases in production costs were the result of increases in labor costs, natural gas, electricity, maintenance and professional services during the year ended December 31, 2013.
On a comparative basis, and within our production costs, depreciation and depletion increased $12.4 million, or 29%, during 2013 as a result of the significant capital investments being placed into service during 2013.
Selling and Administrative Expense
Selling and administrative expenses were $33.8 million in both 2013 and in 2012.
Other Operating Expense
During 2013, we received notification that our application for certain New Mexico employment-related credits had been denied, as discussed previously. We recorded an allowance of $2.8 million against previously filed claims in "Other expense" included in Operating income in the consolidated statement of operations in 2013.
Also in 2013, we received a refund from the State of New Mexico related to a compensating tax refund submitted in prior periods. The receipt of the refund removed uncertainty about the amount and collection of the refund and therefore, we recorded $1.7 million of income, which was also recorded in "Other expense" included in Operating income in the consolidated statement of operations in 2013.
Other Income (Expense)
In April 2013, we funded $2.0 million to settle all pension plan liabilities and recorded an additional expense of approximately $1.9 million to reflect the termination of the pension plan. This amount is recorded as "Other income (expense)" in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013, and represents the difference between the final amount funded, and the sum of the recorded pension liability and the unrecognized actuarial losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
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Capital Investments
We believe that, in the long term, demand for potash will remain at, or exceed, historical levels. During 2014, we completed execution of a multi-year capital investment plan at each of our facilities to respond to this anticipated increase in demand and to lower our cash operating costs per ton. These plans focused on sustaining or growing production capacity, decreasing cash operating costs per ton and increasing our production flexibility to support our marketing efforts, while also improving safe and reliable production, ensuring environmental and regulatory compliance, and improving facility reliability. We are focused on optimizing efficiencies of our operating facilities to extract the value from these projects.
We expect our level of capital investment to be approximately $40 million to $50 million for 2015. Our 2015 operating plans and capital programs are being funded out of operating cash flows, existing cash and investments, and availability under our unsecured credit facility.
During 2014, we invested $37.8 million in capital projects, including $0.5 million of capitalized interest. These capital projects included investments related to the completion of the HB mine and the related production plant, the expansion of our North compaction facility and recovery improvement projects at our West facility.
The following details several of our significant projects over the past several years that are designed to improve the overall reliability of the operations and to increase productive and compaction capacity:
• | The HB mine continues to ramp up annual production. We expect our production to increase into the 2015/2016 harvest season, assuming the benefit of an average annual evaporation cycle. The anticipated production schedule may be impacted by the rate of injection into the mines, and the impact of weather events or weather patterns on evaporation seasons. |
• | We have completed a series of projects at our West facility that are intended to restore production through improvements in recovery rates. This most recent phase of improvements was designed to stabilize production at the West facility as we transition into different ore zones with higher levels of insoluble material. The capabilities of the new North compaction facility allow us the flexibility to make process changes at the West facility to increase recovery of potash from the different ore zones as well as to decrease our per-ton operating costs. The last of these projects in this series was completed in the third quarter of 2014. |
• | The North compaction project is complete and is processing tons produced from both the West and HB facilities. The new facility enables us to produce high quality granular product and expands our granulation capacity to accommodate the increased tonnage expected from the HB mine and ongoing upgrades at our West facility. |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2014, we had cash, cash equivalents, and investments of $89.9 million. We also have an unsecured credit facility that provides a revolving credit facility of up to $250 million, provided that we meet specified financial covenants, as described below under the heading “Unsecured Credit Facility.” As of December 31, 2014, we had $211 million available, and no borrowings outstanding under this facility.
The $89.9 million of cash, cash equivalents, and investments at December 31, 2014, was made up of the following:
•$16.5 million in cash;
• | $51.1 million in cash equivalent investments, consisting of money market accounts with banking institutions that we believe are financially sound; and |
• | $10.4 million and $11.9 million invested in short and long-term investments, respectively. |
Our operations have been and are expected to be primarily funded from cash on hand and cash generated by operations; if necessary, we have the ability to borrow under our unsecured credit facility. The following summarizes our cash flow activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
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Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
Cash flows provided by operating activities | $ | 127,486 | $ | 64,898 | $ | 187,834 | ||||||
Cash flows used in investing activities | $ | (59,624 | ) | $ | (246,439 | ) | $ | (170,183 | ) | |||
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities | $ | (667 | ) | $ | 148,316 | $ | (57,404 | ) | ||||
Operating Activities
Total cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $127.5 million, an increase of $62.6 million compared with the year ended December 31, 2013. The primary driver of this increase was higher sales volumes at a lower average net realized sales price for potash, as discussed previously, which, together, resulted in lower net income.
Total cash provided by operating activities decreased by $122.9 million in 2013 compared to 2012. The primary driver of this decline was lower sales volumes and a lower average net realized sales price for potash which, together, resulted in lower net income. Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013, was negatively impacted by an increase in inventory of $51.7 million as inventory levels and per-ton production costs both increased.
Investing Activities
Total cash used in investing activities decreased $186.8 million in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily as a result of the decrease in capital investment in 2014. Total cash used in investing activities increased 76.3 million in 2013 compared to 2012 as a result of lower proceeds from the sales of investments, and a slight increase in capital investments. In 2013, we also received $6.1 million of proceeds from the sale of assets, most of which were received as we entered into a sale leaseback transaction for certain mining equipment purchased earlier in 2013.
Financing Activities
Total cash provided by financing activities of $148.3 million in 2013 primarily consisted of proceeds from long-term debt related to the funding of our Notes in April 2013, which have an aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million.
Unsecured Credit Facility
We have an unsecured credit facility, led by U.S. Bank, as administrative agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, as syndication agent. This unsecured credit facility provides a revolving credit facility of up to $250 million. The actual amount available to us may be limited by our leverage ratio, which may not exceed 3.5, and our fixed charge coverage ratio, which may not be below 1.3.
Under the facility, the leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of our total funded indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and certain other expenses, as defined in the credit facility) for the prior four fiscal quarters. The fixed charge coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of adjusted EBITDA for the prior four fiscal quarters to fixed charges. Both ratios may operate to limit the total amount available to us under the facility. If adjusted EBITDA continues to decrease significantly over several quarters with no change to indebtedness, our leverage ratio could rise to the level where less than $250 million would be available to us. For example, as of December 31, 2014, $211 million was available to us under the facility due to an increase in our leverage ratio as a result of lower levels of adjusted EBITDA over the prior four fiscal quarters. Based on current market conditions, we expect that the total amount available to us under the facility will continue to be limited during 2015. We believe that the amounts available to us will be adequate to fund our operations and our capital investment projects.
Outstanding balances under the unsecured credit facility bear interest at a floating rate, which, at our option, is either (1) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus a margin of between 1.125% and 2.25%, depending upon our leverage ratio, as defined above; or (2) an alternative base rate, plus a margin of between 0.125% and 1.25%, depending upon our leverage ratio. We pay a quarterly commitment fee on the outstanding portion of the unused revolving unsecured credit facility amount of between 0.15% and 0.35%, depending on our leverage ratio. The interest rate paid under our unsecured credit facility on any debt varies both with changes in the LIBOR and with our leverage ratio.
The facility is unsecured and is guaranteed by Intrepid's material subsidiaries. We are currently in compliance with the covenants under the facility. The facility has a maturity date of August 2018. As of December 31, 2014, and December
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31, 2013, there were no amounts outstanding under the facility. We occasionally borrow and repay amounts under the facility for near-term working capital needs and may do so in the future.
Unsecured Senior Notes
In April 2013, we received net proceeds of $149.3 million from the issuance of $150 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes pursuant to a note purchase agreement entered into in August 2012. The Notes consist of the following series:
• | $60 million of 3.23% Senior Notes, Series A, due April 16, 2020 |
• | $45 million of 4.13% Senior Notes, Series B, due April 14, 2023 |
• | $45 million of 4.28% Senior Notes, Series C, due April 16, 2025 |
The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with any of our other unsubordinated unsecured indebtedness. The obligations under the Notes are unconditionally guaranteed by our material subsidiaries. The note purchase agreement includes financial covenants requiring a minimum fixed charge ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. We are currently in compliance with the covenants under the Notes. Interest on the Notes is paid semiannually on April 16 and October 16 of each year.
Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2014, we had contractual obligations totaling $290.4 million on an undiscounted basis, as indicated below. Contractual commitments shown are for the full calendar year indicated unless otherwise indicated.
Payments Due By Period | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | More Than 5 Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 150,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 150,000 | ||||||||||||||
Fixed rate interest obligations on long-term debt | 46,682 | 5,723 | 5,723 | 5,723 | 5,723 | 5,723 | 18,067 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations(1) | 18,021 | 4,571 | 4,148 | 3,958 | 3,831 | 992 | 521 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase commitments(2) | 92 | 92 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas purchase commitments(3) | 5,433 | 5,433 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Asset retirement obligation(4) | 57,652 | 1,600 | 1,325 | 2,443 | 1,118 | 1,325 | 49,841 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Minimum royalty payments(5) | 12,497 | 500 | 500 | 500 | 500 | 500 | 9,997 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 290,377 | $ | 17,919 | $ | 11,696 | $ | 12,624 | $ | 11,172 | $ | 8,540 | $ | 228,426 | ||||||||||||||
(1) | Amounts include all operating lease payments, inclusive of sales tax, for leases for office space, an airplane, railcars and other equipment. |
(2) | Purchase contractual commitments include the approximate amount due vendors for non-cancelable purchase commitments for materials and services. |
(3) | We have committed to purchase a minimum quantity of natural gas, which is priced at floating index‑dependent rates plus $0.12 to $0.16 per Million British Thermal Unit, estimated based on forward rates. Amounts are based on spot rates inclusive of estimated transportation costs and sales tax. |
(4) | We are obligated to reclaim and remediate lands that our operations have disturbed, but, because of the long-term nature of our reserves and facilities, we estimate that the majority of those expenditures will not be required until after 2019. Although our reclamation obligation activities are not required to begin until after we cease operations, we anticipate certain activities to occur prior to then related to reclamation of facilities that have been replaced with newly constructed assets, as well as certain shaft closure activities for shafts that are no longer in use. Commitments shown are in today’s dollars and are undiscounted. |
(5) | Estimated annual minimum royalties due under mineral leases, assuming approximately a 25-year life, consistent with estimated useful lives of plant assets. |
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2014, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements aside from the operating leases described above under “Contractual Obligations” and bonding obligations described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements. Actual results could differ from such estimates and assumptions, and any such differences could result in material changes to our financial statements. The following discussion presents information about our most critical accounting policies and estimates. Our significant accounting policies are further described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Revenue Recognition—Revenue is recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to customers, which is generally when title passes, the selling price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Title passes at the designated shipping point for the majority of sales, but, in a few cases, title passes at the delivery destination. The shipping point may be the plant, a distribution warehouse, a customer warehouse, or a port. Title passes for some international shipments upon payment by the purchaser; however, revenue is not recognized for these transactions until shipment because the risks and rewards of ownership have not transferred pursuant to a contractual arrangement. Prices are generally set at the time of, or prior to, shipment. In cases where the final price is determined upon resale of the product by the customer, revenue is deferred until the final sales price is known.
Sales are reported on a gross basis. We quote prices to customers both on a delivered basis and on the basis of pick-up at our plants and warehouses. When a sale occurs on a delivered basis, we incur and, in turn, bill the customer and record as gross revenue the product sales value, freight, packaging, and certain other distribution costs. Many customers, however, arrange and pay for these costs directly and, in these situations, only the product sales are included in gross revenues.
Application of this policy requires that we make estimates regarding creditworthiness of the customer, which impacts the timing of revenue recognition and, ultimately, the determination of allowance for doubtful accounts. We make those estimates based on the most recent information available and historical experience, but they may be affected by subsequent changes in market conditions.
Property, Plant, and Equipment—Property, plant, and equipment are stated at historical cost. Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment relating to new assets or improvements are capitalized, provided the expenditure extends the useful life of an asset or extends the asset’s functionality. Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated under the straight-line method using estimated useful lives. No depreciation is taken on assets classified as construction in progress until the asset is placed into service. Gains or losses are recorded upon retirement, sale or disposal of assets. Maintenance and repair costs are recognized as period costs when incurred. Capitalized interest, to the extent of debt outstanding, is calculated and assigned to assets that are being constructed, drilled, being built or otherwise are classified as construction in progress.
Mineral Properties and Development Costs—Mineral properties and development costs, which are referred to collectively as mineral properties, include acquisition costs, the cost of drilling wells, and the cost of other development work, all of which are capitalized. Depletion of mineral properties is calculated using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the relevant ore body. The lives of reserves used for accounting purposes are shorter than current reserve life determinations due to uncertainties inherent in long-term estimates. We have prepared these reserve life estimates and they have been reviewed and independently determined by mine consultants. Tons of potash and langbeinite in the proven and probable reserves are expressed in terms of expected finished tons of product to be realized, net of estimated losses. Market price fluctuations of potash or Trio®, as well as increased production costs or reduced recovery rates, could render proven and probable reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic to exploit and might result in a reduction of reserves. In addition, the provisions of our mineral leases, including royalties payable, are subject to periodic readjustment by the state and federal government, which could affect the economics of our reserve estimates. Significant changes in the estimated reserves could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
Inventory and Long-Term Parts Inventory—Inventory consists of product and by-product stocks which are ready for sale; mined ore; potash in evaporation ponds, which is considered work-in-process; and parts and supplies inventory. Product and by-product inventory cost is determined using the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable
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value and include direct costs, maintenance, operational overhead, depreciation, depletion, and equipment lease costs applicable to the production process. Direct costs, maintenance, and operational overhead include labor and associated benefits.
We evaluate production levels and costs to determine if any should be deemed abnormal and therefore excluded from inventory costs and expensed directly during the applicable period. The assessment of normal production levels is judgmental and is unique to each period. We model normal production levels and evaluate historical ranges of production by operating plant in assessing what is deemed to be normal.
Parts inventory, including critical spares, that is not expected to be utilized within a period of one year is classified as non-current. Parts and supply inventory cost is determined using the lower of average acquisition cost or estimated replacement cost. Detailed reviews are performed related to the net realizable value of parts inventory, giving consideration to quality, slow-moving items, obsolescence, excessive levels, and other factors. Parts inventories that have not turned over in more than a year, excluding parts classified as critical spares, are reviewed for obsolescence and, if deemed appropriate, are included in the determination of an allowance for obsolescence.
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets—We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment is considered to exist if an asset’s total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the related asset. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the discounted estimated future cash flows. Changes in significant assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates or fair values of assets may have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.
Factors we generally will consider important and which could trigger an impairment review of the carrying value of long-lived assets include the following:
• | significant underperformance relative to expected operating results; |
• | significant changes in the manner of use of assets or the strategy for our overall business; |
• | the denial or delay of necessary permits or approvals that would affect the utilization of our tangible assets; |
• | underutilization of our tangible assets; |
• | discontinuance of certain products by us or our customers; |
• | a decrease in estimated mineral reserves; and |
• | significant negative industry or economic trends. |
Although we believe the carrying values of our long-lived assets were realizable as of the balance sheet dates, future events could cause us to conclude otherwise.
Asset Retirement Obligation—All of our mining properties involve certain reclamation liabilities as required by the states in which they operate or by the BLM. Reclamation costs are initially recorded as a liability associated with the asset to be reclaimed or abandoned, based on applicable inflation assumptions and discount rates. The accretion of this discounted liability is recognized as expense over the life of the related assets, and the liability is periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimates of either the time or the amount of the reclamation and abandonment costs. These asset retirement obligations are reviewed and updated at least annually with any changes in balances recorded as adjustments to the related assets and liabilities. The estimates of amounts to be spent are subject to considerable uncertainty and long timeframes. Changes in these estimates could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
Planned Turnaround Maintenance—Each operation typically shuts down periodically for maintenance. The New Mexico operations have historically shut down for up to two weeks to perform turnaround maintenance. Generally, the Moab and Wendover operations cease harvesting potash from our solar ponds during one or more summer months to make the most of the evaporation season. During these summer turnarounds, annual maintenance is performed. The costs of maintenance turnarounds are considered part of production costs and are absorbed into inventory in the period incurred.
Income Taxes—We are a subchapter C corporation and therefore are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. We recognize income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized. We
47
record a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that our deferred income tax assets will not be realized in full; such determinations are subject to ongoing assessment.
Stock‑Based Compensation—We account for stock‑based compensation by recording expense using the fair value of the awards at the time of grant. We have recorded compensation expense associated with the issuance of non-vested restricted shares of common stock, non-vested performance units, and non-qualified stock options, all of which are subject to service conditions. The expense associated with such awards is recognized over the service period associated with each issuance. Performance units are also subject to operational performance or market based conditions.
New Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting standards.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we use several non-GAAP financial measures to monitor and evaluate our performance. These non-GAAP financial measures include net sales, average net realized sales price, cash operating costs and average potash and Trio® gross margin. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures varies among companies, our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors for analysis of our business. We also refer to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are widely used by professional research analysts and others in the valuation, comparison and investment recommendations of companies in the potash mining industry. Many investors use the published research reports of these professional research analysts and others in making investment decisions.
Below is a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012:
Net Sales and Average Net Realized Sales Price per Ton
Net sales and average net realized sales price are non-GAAP financial measures. Net sales are calculated as sales less freight costs. Average net realized sales price is calculated as net sales, divided by the number of tons sold in the period. We consider net sales and average net realized sales price to be useful because they remove the effect of transportation and delivery costs on sales and pricing. When we arrange transportation and delivery for a customer, we include in revenue and in freight costs the costs associated with transportation and delivery. However, many of our customers arrange for and pay their own transportation and delivery costs, in which case these costs are not included in our revenue and freight costs. We use net sales and average net realized sales price as key performance indicators to analyze sales and price trends. We also use net sales as one of the measures under our performance-based compensation programs for employees.
Year Ended December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Potash | Trio® | Total | ||||||||||
Sales | $ | 334,323 | $ | 76,066 | $ | 410,389 | ||||||
Freight costs | 30,615 | 12,608 | 43,223 | |||||||||
Net sales | $ | 303,708 | $ | 63,458 | $ | 367,166 | ||||||
Divided by: | ||||||||||||
Tons sold (in thousands) | 915 | 182 | ||||||||||
Average net realized sales price per ton | $ | 332 | $ | 349 | ||||||||
48
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
Potash | Trio® | Total | ||||||||||
Sales | $ | 284,831 | $ | 51,481 | $ | 336,312 | ||||||
Freight costs | 20,796 | 8,060 | 28,856 | |||||||||
Net sales | $ | 264,035 | $ | 43,421 | $ | 307,456 | ||||||
Divided by: | ||||||||||||
Tons sold (in thousands) | 692 | 123 | ||||||||||
Average net realized sales price per ton | $ | 382 | $ | 352 | ||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
Potash | Trio® | Total | ||||||||||
Sales | $ | 402,382 | $ | 48,934 | $ | 451,316 | ||||||
Freight costs | 21,396 | 7,768 | 29,164 | |||||||||
Net sales | $ | 380,986 | $ | 41,166 | $ | 422,152 | ||||||
Divided by: | ||||||||||||
Tons sold (in thousands) | 839 | 125 | ||||||||||
Average net realized sales price per ton | $ | 454 | $ | 329 | ||||||||
Cash Operating Costs per Ton
Cash operating costs per ton is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated as total cost of goods sold divided by the number of tons sold in the period and then adjusted to exclude per-ton depreciation, depletion, and royalties. Total cost of goods sold is reported net of by-product credits and does not include warehouse and handling costs. We consider cash operating costs to be useful because it represents our core, per-ton costs to produce potash and Trio®. We use cash operating costs as an indicator of performance and operating efficiencies and as one of the measures under our performance-based compensation programs for employees.
Year Ended December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Potash | Trio® | Total | ||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | $ | 254,752 | $ | 49,162 | $ | 303,914 | ||||||
Divided by sales volume (in thousands of tons) | 915 | 182 | ||||||||||
Cost of goods sold per ton | $ | 279 | $ | 270 | ||||||||
Less per-ton adjustments | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | $ | 69 | $ | 59 | ||||||||
Royalties | 12 | 17 | ||||||||||
Cash operating costs per ton | $ | 198 | $ | 194 | ||||||||
49
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
Potash | Trio® | Total | ||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | $ | 179,207 | $ | 33,657 | $ | 212,864 | ||||||
Divided by sales volume (in thousands of tons) | 692 | 123 | ||||||||||
Cost of goods sold per ton | $ | 260 | $ | 274 | ||||||||
Less per-ton adjustments | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | $ | 52 | $ | 55 | ||||||||
Royalties | 13 | 18 | ||||||||||
Cash operating costs per ton | $ | 195 | $ | 201 | ||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
Potash | Trio® | Total | ||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | $ | 200,661 | $ | 35,819 | $ | 236,480 | ||||||
Divided by sales volume (in thousands of tons) | 839 | 125 | ||||||||||
Cost of goods sold per ton | $ | 240 | $ | 286 | ||||||||
Less per-ton adjustments | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and depletion | $ | 43 | $ | 61 | ||||||||
Royalties | 17 | 16 | ||||||||||
Cash operating costs per ton | $ | 180 | $ | 209 | ||||||||
Average Potash or Trio® Gross Margin per Ton
Average potash and Trio® gross margin per ton are non-GAAP financial measures that are calculated by subtracting the sum of per ton total cost of goods sold and per ton warehousing and handling costs from the average net realized sales price. We believe these measures are useful because they represent the average margin we realize on each ton of potash and Trio® sold. The reconciliations of average potash and Trio® net realized sales price to GAAP sales are set forth separately above under the heading "Net Sales and Average Net Realized Sales Price per Ton."
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Potash | ||||||||||||
Average potash net realized sales price* | $ | 332 | $ | 382 | $ | 454 | ||||||
Less total potash cost of goods sold | 279 | 260 | 240 | |||||||||
Less potash warehousing and handling costs | 12 | 16 | 15 | |||||||||
Average potash gross margin per ton | $ | 41 | $ | 106 | $ | 199 | ||||||
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Trio® | ||||||||||||
Average Trio® net realized sales price* | $ | 349 | $ | 352 | $ | 329 | ||||||
Less total Trio® cost of goods sold | 270 | 274 | 286 | |||||||||
Less Trio® warehousing and handling costs | 11 | 15 | 16 | |||||||||
Average Trio® gross margin per ton | $ | 68 | $ | 63 | $ | 27 | ||||||
* The reconciliations of average potash and Trio® net realized sales price to GAAP sales are set forth above.
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ITEM 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Our operations may be impacted by commodity prices, geographic concentration, changes in interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates.
Commodity Prices
Potash and Trio®, our principal products, are commodities but are not traded on any commodity exchange. As such, direct hedging of the prices for future production cannot be undertaken. Generally, we do not enter into long-term sales contracts with customers, so prices vary for each particular transaction depending on the market into which we are selling and the individual bids that we receive.
Our net sales and profitability are determined principally by the price of potash and Trio® and, to a lesser extent, by the price of natural gas and other commodities used in the production of potash and langbeinite. The price of potash and Trio® is influenced by agricultural demand and the prices of agricultural commodities. Decreases in agricultural demand or agricultural commodity prices could reduce our agricultural potash and Trio® sales. If natural gas and oil prices were to decline enough to result in a reduction in drilling activity, our industrial potash sales would decline.
Our costs and capital investments are subject to market movements in other commodities such as natural gas, electricity, steel, and chemicals. We have entered into derivative transactions for the purchase of natural gas in the past. As of December 31, 2014, we had no natural gas derivative contracts.
Interest Rate Fluctuations
Balances outstanding under our $250 million unsecured credit facility bear interest at a floating rate which, at our option, is either (1) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a margin of between 1.125% and 2.25%, depending upon our leverage ratio as defined in the facility; or (2) an alternative base rate plus a margin of between 0.125% and 1.25%, depending upon our leverage ratio as defined in the facility. The interest rate paid under our unsecured credit facility on any debt varies both with the change in LIBOR and with our leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2014, no amounts were outstanding on this facility.
The $150 million aggregate principal amount of Notes bear interest at a fixed rate. Therefore, we do not bear interest rate risk on these Notes. The fair value of the Notes does, however, fluctuate based on the assessment of our credit and movements in market interest rates. As of December 31, 2014, the estimated fair value of these notes is $138 million.
Geographic Concentration
Our potash mines and many of our customers are concentrated in the western half of United States and are, therefore, affected by weather and other conditions in this region.
Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations
We typically have low balances of accounts receivable denominated in Canadian dollars and, as a result, we have minimal direct foreign exchange risk. We do, however, have an indirect foreign exchange risk due to the industry in which we operate. Specifically, the United States imports the majority of its potash from Canada and Russia. If the Canadian dollar and the Russian ruble strengthen in comparison to the U.S. dollar, foreign suppliers realize a smaller margin as measured in their local currencies unless they increase their nominal U.S. dollar prices. Strengthening of the Canadian dollar and Russian ruble therefore tend to support higher U.S. potash prices as Canadian and Russian potash producers attempt to maintain their margins. However, if the Canadian dollar and Russian ruble weaken in comparison to the U.S. dollar, foreign competitors may choose to lower prices significantly to increase sales volumes while maintaining margins as measured in their local currencies. A decrease in the average net realized sales price of our potash would adversely affect our operating results.
ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Intrepid Potash, Inc.:
51
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Intrepid Potash, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 18, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 18, 2015
52
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Intrepid Potash, Inc.:
We have audited Intrepid Potash, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Intrepid Potash, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting as presented within Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Intrepid Potash, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Intrepid Potash, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Intrepid Potash, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated February 18, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 18, 2015
53
INTREPID POTASH, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 67,589 | $ | 394 | ||||
Short-term investments | 10,434 | 15,214 | ||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||
Trade, net | 28,561 | 20,837 | ||||||
Other receivables, net | 3,600 | 7,457 | ||||||
Refundable income taxes | 114 | 15,722 | ||||||
Inventory, net | 84,094 | 105,011 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 4,739 | 5,653 | ||||||
Current deferred tax asset, net | 3,356 | 8,341 | ||||||
Total current assets | 202,487 | 178,629 | ||||||
Property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net | 785,250 | 826,569 | ||||||
Long-term parts inventory, net | 16,366 | 12,469 | ||||||
Long-term investments | 11,856 | 9,505 | ||||||
Other assets, net | 4,035 | 4,252 | ||||||
Non-current deferred tax asset, net | 146,725 | 143,849 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 1,166,719 | $ | 1,175,273 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||
Trade | $ | 19,953 | $ | 27,552 | ||||
Related parties | 55 | 50 | ||||||
Accrued liabilities | 12,483 | 29,845 | ||||||
Accrued employee compensation and benefits | 12,069 | 9,122 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 2,075 | 2,059 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 46,635 | 68,628 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 150,000 | 150,000 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligation | 20,389 | 19,959 | ||||||
Other non-current liabilities | 2,410 | 2,715 | ||||||
Total Liabilities | 219,434 | 241,302 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares | ||||||||
authorized; and 75,536,741 and 75,405,410 shares | ||||||||
outstanding at December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively | 76 | 75 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 576,186 | 572,616 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (28 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings | 371,051 | 361,290 | ||||||
Total Stockholders' Equity | 947,285 | 933,971 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | 1,166,719 | $ | 1,175,273 | ||||
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.
54
INTREPID POTASH, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Sales | $ | 410,389 | $ | 336,312 | $ | 451,316 | ||||||
Less: | ||||||||||||
Freight costs | 43,223 | 28,856 | 29,164 | |||||||||
Warehousing and handling costs | 13,062 | 13,027 | 14,966 | |||||||||
Cost of goods sold | 303,914 | 212,864 | 236,480 | |||||||||
Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments | 8,186 | 3,650 | 568 | |||||||||
Gross Margin | 42,004 | 77,915 | 170,138 | |||||||||
Selling and administrative | 27,223 | 33,768 | 33,750 | |||||||||
Accretion of asset retirement obligation | 1,623 | 1,499 | 724 | |||||||||
Restructuring expense | 1,827 | — | — | |||||||||
Other operating (income) expense | (4,449 | ) | 1,806 | 263 | ||||||||
Operating Income | 15,780 | 40,842 | 135,401 | |||||||||
Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (6,232 | ) | (1,531 | ) | (905 | ) | ||||||
Interest income | 186 | 524 | 1,843 | |||||||||
Other income (expense) | 1,077 | (1,742 | ) | 588 | ||||||||
Income Before Income Taxes | 10,811 | 38,093 | 136,927 | |||||||||
Income Tax Expense | (1,050 | ) | (15,818 | ) | (49,484 | ) | ||||||
Net Income | $ | 9,761 | $ | 22,275 | $ | 87,443 | ||||||
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: | ||||||||||||
Basic | 75,504,677 | 75,378,655 | 75,276,609 | |||||||||
Diluted | 75,630,323 | 75,406,727 | 75,336,982 | |||||||||
Earnings Per Share: | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 1.16 | ||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 1.16 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.
55
INTREPID POTASH, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 9,761 | $ | 22,275 | $ | 87,443 | ||||||
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income: | ||||||||||||
Pension liability adjustment (net of tax effect of $0, ($1,115), and $177, respectively) | — | 1,700 | (269 | ) | ||||||||
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments available for sale (net of tax effect of $13, ($12), and $18, respectively) | (18 | ) | 19 | (29 | ) | |||||||
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income | (18 | ) | 1,719 | (298 | ) | |||||||
Comprehensive Income | $ | 9,743 | $ | 23,994 | $ | 87,145 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.
56
INTREPID POTASH, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Retained Earnings | Total Stockholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2011 | 75,207,533 | $ | 75 | $ | 564,285 | $ | (1,431 | ) | $ | 308,204 | $ | 871,133 | |||||||||||
Pension liability adjustment | — | — | — | (269 | ) | — | (269 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on investment available for sale | — | — | — | (29 | ) | — | (29 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 87,443 | 87,443 | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | 5,116 | — | — | 5,116 | |||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options | 1,649 | — | 34 | — | — | 34 | |||||||||||||||||
Change in excess income tax benefit from stock- based compensation | — | — | (182 | ) | — | — | (182 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting | 103,623 | — | (878 | ) | — | — | (878 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Common stock cash dividend ($0.75 per share) | — | — | — | — | (56,632 | ) | (56,632 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2012 | 75,312,805 | 75 | 568,375 | (1,729 | ) | 339,015 | 905,736 | ||||||||||||||||
Pension liability adjustment | — | — | — | 1,700 | — | 1,700 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain on investment available for sale | — | — | — | 19 | — | 19 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 22,275 | 22,275 | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | 5,123 | — | — | 5,123 | |||||||||||||||||
Change in excess income tax benefit from stock- based compensation | — | — | (230 | ) | — | — | (230 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting | 92,605 | — | (652 | ) | — | — | (652 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2013 | 75,405,410 | 75 | 572,616 | (10 | ) | 361,290 | 933,971 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on investments available for sale | — | — | — | (18 | ) | — | (18 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 9,761 | 9,761 | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | 4,237 | — | — | 4,237 | |||||||||||||||||
Vesting of restricted common stock, net of restricted common stock used to fund employee income tax withholding due upon vesting | 131,331 | 1 | (667 | ) | — | — | (666 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2014 | 75,536,741 | $ | 76 | $ | 576,186 | $ | (28 | ) | $ | 371,051 | $ | 947,285 | |||||||||||
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.
57
INTREPID POTASH, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | ||||||||||||
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 9,761 | $ | 22,275 | $ | 87,443 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 2,121 | 30,092 | 38,011 | |||||||||
Items not affecting cash: | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion, and accretion | 80,560 | 61,303 | 47,599 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 4,237 | 5,123 | 5,116 | |||||||||
Loss on settlement of pension liabilities | — | 1,872 | — | |||||||||
Unrealized derivative gain | — | — | (1,049 | ) | ||||||||
Lower-of-cost-or-market inventory adjustments | 8,186 | 3,650 | 568 | |||||||||
Other | 326 | 2,522 | 3,259 | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Trade accounts receivable, net | (7,724 | ) | 10,671 | (2,204 | ) | |||||||
Other receivables, net | 3,857 | 1,668 | (2,223 | ) | ||||||||
Refundable income taxes | 15,609 | (12,417 | ) | 1,187 | ||||||||
Inventory, net | 8,834 | (57,647 | ) | 1,464 | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 714 | (150 | ) | (378 | ) | |||||||
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and accrued employee compensation and benefits | 1,978 | (2,752 | ) | 7,324 | ||||||||
Other liabilities | (973 | ) | (1,312 | ) | 1,717 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 127,486 | 64,898 | 187,834 | |||||||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | ||||||||||||
Additions to property, plant, and equipment and mineral properties | (61,770 | ) | (250,485 | ) | (246,406 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment, and mineral properties | 17 | 6,088 | 2 | |||||||||
Purchases of investments | (20,197 | ) | (80,235 | ) | (85,359 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from investments | 22,326 | 78,193 | 161,580 | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (59,624 | ) | (246,439 | ) | (170,183 | ) | ||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from long-term debt | — | 150,000 | — | |||||||||
Cash paid for common stock dividend | — | — | (56,474 | ) | ||||||||
Debt issuance costs | — | (1,032 | ) | (141 | ) | |||||||
Employee tax withholding paid for restricted stock upon vesting | (667 | ) | (652 | ) | (878 | ) | ||||||
Excess income tax benefit from stock-based compensation | — | — | 55 | |||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | — | — | 34 | |||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (667 | ) | 148,316 | (57,404 | ) | |||||||
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 67,195 | (33,225 | ) | (39,753 | ) | |||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period | 394 | 33,619 | 73,372 | |||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period | $ | 67,589 | $ | 394 | $ | 33,619 | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information | ||||||||||||
Net cash paid (received) during the period for: | ||||||||||||
Interest, net of $0.4 million, $2.6 million, and $0 million of capitalized interest, including settlements on derivatives | $ | 5,809 | $ | 772 | $ | 1,840 | ||||||
Income taxes | $ | (16,510 | ) | $ | 25 | $ | 8,379 | |||||
Accrued purchases for property, plant, and equipment, and mineral properties | $ | 4,945 | $ | 29,692 | $ | 25,204 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements.
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INTREPID POTASH, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
"Intrepid," "our," "we," or "us" means Intrepid Potash, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
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Note 1 | — COMPANY BACKGROUND |
We are the only producer of muriate of potash (“potassium chloride” or “potash”) in the United States and are one of two producers of langbeinite (“sulfate of potash magnesia”). Langbeinite, which is marketed for sale as Trio®, is a low-chloride potassium fertilizer with the additional benefits of sulfate and magnesium. We sell potash and Trio® primarily into the agricultural market as a fertilizer. We also sell these products into the animal feed market as a nutritional supplement and sell potash into the industrial market as a component in drilling and fracturing fluids for oil and gas wells and other industrial inputs. In addition, we sell by-products including salt and magnesium chloride.
We own three solution mining facilities and two conventional underground facilities that we utilize for producing potash. Our solution mining production comes from our HB solar solution mine near Carlsbad, New Mexico, a solar solution mine near Moab, Utah and a solar evaporation shallow brine mine in Wendover, Utah. Our conventional production comes from our underground West and East mines near Carlsbad, New Mexico. We also operate the North compaction facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico, which services the West and HB mines. Trio® production comes from underground conventional mining of a mixed ore body that contains both potash and langbeinite, which is mined and processed at the East facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico. We manage sales and marketing operations centrally. This allows us to evaluate the product needs of our customers and then centrally determine which of our production facilities to use to fill customers’ orders in a manner designed to realize the highest average net realized sales price per ton. We calculate average net realized sales price per ton by deducting freight costs from gross revenues and then by dividing this result by tons of product sold during the period. We also monitor product inventory levels and overall production costs centrally. We have one reporting segment being the extraction, production, and sale of potassium-related products. Our extraction and production operations are conducted entirely in the continental United States.
Note 2 | — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Principles of Consolidation—Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. On the consolidated balance sheet, we combined property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, with mineral properties and development costs, net of depletion, as of December 31, 2013, to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, those for proven and probable mineral reserves, the related present value of estimated future net cash flows, useful lives of plant assets, asset retirement obligations, normal inventory production levels, inventory valuations, the valuation of equity awards, the valuation of receivables, valuation of our deferred tax assets and estimated blended income tax rates utilized in the current and deferred income tax calculations. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proven and probable reserves, projecting future rates of production, and the timing of development expenditures. Future mineral prices may vary significantly from the prices in effect at the time the estimates are made, as may estimates of future operating costs. The estimate of proven and probable mineral reserves, the related present value of estimated future cash flows, and useful lives of plant assets can affect various other items including depletion, the net carrying value of our mineral properties, the useful lives of related property, plant, and equipment, depreciation expense, and estimates associated with recoverability of long-lived assets and asset retirement obligations. Specific to income tax items, we experience fluctuations in the valuation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities due to changing state income tax rates and the blend of state tax rates.
Revenue Recognition—Revenue is recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to customers, which is generally when title passes, the selling price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Title passes at the designated shipping point for the majority of sales, but, in a few cases, title passes at the delivery destination. The shipping point may be the plant, a distribution warehouse, a customer warehouse, or a port. Title passes for some international shipments upon payment by the purchaser; however, revenue is not recognized for these transactions until shipment because the risks and rewards of ownership have not transferred pursuant to a contractual arrangement. Prices are generally set at the time of, or prior to, shipment. In cases where the final price is determined upon resale of the product by the customer, revenue is deferred until the final sales price is known.
Sales are reported on a gross basis. We quote prices to customers both on a delivered basis and on the basis of pick-up at our plants and warehouses. When a sale occurs on a delivered basis, we incur and, in turn, bill the customer and record
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as gross revenue the product sales value, freight, packaging, and certain other distribution costs. Many customers, however, arrange and pay for these costs directly and, in these situations, only the product sales are included in gross revenues.
By-product Credits—When by-product inventories are sold, we record the sale of by-products as a credit to cost of goods sold.
Inventory and Long-Term Parts Inventory—Inventory consists of product and by-product stocks that are ready for sale; mined ore; potash in evaporation ponds, which is considered work-in-process; and parts and supplies inventory. Product and by-product inventory cost is determined using the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value and includes direct costs, maintenance, operational overhead, depreciation, depletion, and equipment lease costs applicable to the production process. Direct costs, maintenance, and operational overhead include labor and associated benefits.
Parts inventory, including critical spares, that is not expected to be utilized within a period of one year is classified as non-current. Parts and supply inventory cost is determined using the lower of average acquisition cost or estimated replacement cost. Detailed reviews are performed related to the net realizable value of parts inventory, giving consideration to quality, slow-moving items, obsolescence, excessive levels, and other factors. Parts inventories that have not turned over in more than a year, excluding parts classified as critical spares, are reviewed for obsolescence and, if deemed appropriate, are included in the determination of an allowance for obsolescence.
Property, Plant, and Equipment—Property, plant, and equipment are stated at historical cost. Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment relating to new assets or improvements are capitalized, provided the expenditure extends the useful life of an asset or extends the asset’s functionality. Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated under the straight-line method using estimated useful lives. No depreciation is taken on assets classified as construction in progress until the asset is placed into service. Gains and losses are recorded upon retirement, sale, or disposal of assets. Maintenance and repair costs are recognized as period costs when incurred. Capitalized interest, to the extent of debt outstanding, is calculated and capitalized on assets that are being constructed, drilled, or built or that are otherwise classified as construction in progress.
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets—We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment is considered to exist if an asset group's total estimated net future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the related asset. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the discounted estimated future cash flows. Changes in significant assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates or fair values of asset groups may have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations. Sales price is a significant element of any cash flow estimate, particularly for higher cost operations.
Mineral Properties and Development Costs—Mineral properties and development costs, which are referred to collectively as mineral properties, include acquisition costs, the cost of drilling wells, and the cost of other development work, all of which are capitalized. Depletion of mineral properties is calculated using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the relevant ore body. The lives of reserves used for accounting purposes are shorter than current reserve life determinations due to uncertainties inherent in long-term estimates. These reserve life estimates have been prepared by us and reviewed and independently determined by mine consultants. Tons of potash and langbeinite in the proven and probable reserves are expressed in terms of expected finished tons of product to be realized, net of estimated losses. Market price fluctuations of potash or Trio®, as well as increased production costs or reduced recovery rates, could render proven and probable reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic to exploit and might result in a reduction of reserves. In addition, the provisions of our mineral leases, including royalty provisions, are subject to periodic readjustment by the state and federal government, which could affect the economics of our reserve estimates. Significant changes in the estimated reserves could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
Exploration Costs—Exploration costs include geological and geophysical work performed on areas that do not yet have proven and probable reserves declared. These costs are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligation—Reclamation costs are initially recorded as a liability associated with the asset to be reclaimed or abandoned, based on applicable inflation assumptions and discount rates. The accretion of this discounted liability is recognized as expense over the life of the related assets, and the liability is periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation and abandonment costs.
Planned Turnaround Maintenance—Each production operation typically shuts down periodically for planned maintenance activities. The costs of maintenance turnarounds at our facilities are considered part of production costs and are absorbed into inventory in the period incurred.
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Leases—Upon entering into leases, we evaluate whether leases are operating or capital leases. Operating lease expense is recognized as incurred. If lease payments change over the contractual term or involve contingent amounts, the total estimated cost over the term is recognized on a straight-line basis.
Income Taxes—We are a subchapter C corporation and, therefore, are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. We recognize income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized. We record a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that our deferred income tax assets will not be realized in full. These determinations are subject to ongoing assessment.
Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.
Investments—Our short-term and long-term investments consist of certificates of deposit with various banking institutions, municipal tax-exempt and corporate taxable bonds, which have been classified as available-for-sale securities. Short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets have remaining maturities to us of less than or equal to one year and investments classified as long-term on the consolidated balance sheets have remaining maturities to us of greater than one year. The available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized through "Accumulated other comprehensive income" on the consolidated balance sheets. Fair value is assessed using a market‑based approach.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments—Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, restricted cash, accounts receivable, refundable income taxes, and accounts payable. The non-investment instruments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of the instruments. All available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value. Allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded against the accounts receivable balance to estimate net realizable value. The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar remaining maturities and ratings. Although there are no amounts currently outstanding under our unsecured credit facility, any borrowings that become outstanding would bear interest at a floating rate and therefore be recorded at their estimated fair value.
Earnings per Share—Basic net income per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average basic common shares outstanding for the respective period.
Diluted net income per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average diluted common shares outstanding, which includes the effect of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities for the diluted earnings per share calculation consist of awards of non-vested restricted shares of common stock, non-vested performance units, and non-qualified stock options. The dilutive effect of stock based compensation arrangements are computed using the treasury stock method. Following the lapse of the vesting period of restricted shares of common stock, the shares are considered issued and therefore are included in the number of issued and outstanding shares for purposes of these calculations.
Stock‑Based Compensation—We account for stock-based compensation by recording expense using the fair value of the awards at the time of grant. We have recorded compensation expense associated with the issuance of non-vested restricted shares of common stock, non-vested performance units, and non-qualified stock options, all of which are subject to service conditions. The expense associated with such awards is recognized over the service period associated with each grant.
Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which requires revenue to be recognized based on the amount an entity is expected to be entitled to for promised goods or services provided to customers. The standard also requires expanded disclosures regarding contracts with customers. The guidance in this standard supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition", and most industry-specific guidance. This guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2017, with retrospective application required, subject to certain practical expedients. We are currently evaluating the requirements of this standard, and have not yet determined the impact on our results of operations or financial position.
Note 3 | — EARNINGS PER SHARE |
Potentially dilutive securities, including stock options, non-vested restricted common stock and performance units, are excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive
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effect, such as when there is a net loss. The treasury stock method is used to measure the dilutive impact of non-vested restricted common stock, stock options outstanding, and non-vested performance units. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, zero, 142,968 and 116,138 non-vested weighted average shares of restricted common stock and 331,571, 317,433 and 192,258 weighted average stock options outstanding, respectively, were anti-dilutive and therefore were not included in the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding calculation. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, zero, zero, and 518 weighted average shares of common stock underlying non-vested performance units, respectively, were anti-dilutive and therefore were not included in the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding calculation. The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Net income | $ | 9,761 | $ | 22,275 | $ | 87,443 | ||||||
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | 75,505 | 75,379 | 75,277 | |||||||||
Add: Dilutive effect of non-vested restricted common stock | 115 | 21 | 46 | |||||||||
Add: Dilutive effect of stock options outstanding | — | 2 | 13 | |||||||||
Add: Dilutive effect of non-vested performance units | 10 | 5 | 1 | |||||||||
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | 75,630 | 75,407 | 75,337 | |||||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 1.16 | ||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 1.16 | ||||||
Note 4 | — CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INVESTMENTS |
The following table summarizes the fair value of our cash and investments held in our portfolio, recorded as cash and cash equivalents or short-term or long-term investments as of December 31, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands):
December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Cash | $ | 16,506 | $ | 18 | |||
Commercial paper and money market accounts | 51,083 | 376 | |||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | $ | 67,589 | $ | 394 | |||
Corporate bonds | $ | 9,432 | $ | 12,954 | |||
Certificates of deposit and time deposits | 1,002 | 2,260 | |||||
Total short-term investments | $ | 10,434 | $ | 15,214 | |||
Corporate bonds | $ | 11,856 | $ | 9,505 | |||
Total long-term investments | $ | 11,856 | $ | 9,505 | |||
Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments | $ | 89,879 | $ | 25,113 | |||
The following table summarizes the cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of our available-for-sale investments held in our portfolio as of December 31, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands):
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December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized | |||||||||||||||
Cost Basis | Gain | Loss | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | $ | 21,335 | $ | 1 | $ | (48 | ) | $ | 21,288 | ||||||
Certificates of deposit and time deposits | 1,002 | — | — | 1,002 | |||||||||||
Total available-for-sale securities | $ | 22,337 | $ | 1 | $ | (48 | ) | $ | 22,290 | ||||||
December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||
Unrealized | |||||||||||||||
Cost Basis | Gain | Loss | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | $ | 22,475 | $ | 3 | $ | (19 | ) | $ | 22,459 | ||||||
Certificates of deposit and time deposits | 2,260 | — | — | 2,260 | |||||||||||
Total available-for-sale securities | $ | 24,735 | $ | 3 | $ | (19 | ) | $ | 24,719 | ||||||
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recognized gross realized gains of approximately $13,000, $53,000, and $128,000, respectively on the sale of investments classified as available-for-sale. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized gross realized losses of approximately, $1,000, $21,000 and zero, respectively, on investments classified as available-for-sale.
Note 5 | — INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY |
The following summarizes our inventory, recorded at the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value as of December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Finished goods product inventory | $ | 44,137 | $ | 66,565 | ||||
In-process mineral inventory | 19,584 | 17,841 | ||||||
Total product inventory | 63,721 | 84,406 | ||||||
Current parts inventory | 20,373 | 20,605 | ||||||
Total current inventory | 84,094 | 105,011 | ||||||
Long-term parts inventory | 16,366 | 12,469 | ||||||
Total inventory, net | $ | 100,460 | $ | 117,480 | ||||
Parts inventories are shown net of any required allowances. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recorded charges of approximately $8.2 million, $3.7 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, as a result of routine assessments of the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value on our finished goods product inventory.
Note 6 | — PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND MINERAL PROPERTIES |
“Property, plant, and equipment and mineral properties, net" were comprised of the following (in thousands):
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December 31, | Range of useful lives (years) | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Lower Limit | Upper Limit | |||||||||
Buildings and plant | $ | 268,032 | $ | 248,017 | 2 | 25 | ||||||
Machinery and equipment | 529,358 | 472,250 | 2 | 25 | ||||||||
Vehicles | 13,799 | 13,455 | 3 | 7 | ||||||||
Office equipment and improvements | 19,260 | 18,846 | 2 | 20 | ||||||||
Ponds and land improvements | 73,933 | 74,166 | 5 | 25 | ||||||||
Total depreciable assets | 904,382 | 826,734 | ||||||||||
Accumulated depreciation | $ | (271,294 | ) | $ | (197,108 | ) | ||||||
Total depreciable assets, net | $ | 633,088 | $ | 629,626 | ||||||||
Mineral properties and development costs | 163,197 | 145,822 | 10 | 25 | ||||||||
Accumulated depletion | (17,544 | ) | (13,165 | ) | ||||||||
Total depletable assets, net | 145,653 | 132,657 | ||||||||||
Land | $ | 909 | $ | 498 | ||||||||
Construction in progress | 5,600 | 63,788 | ||||||||||
Total property, plant, equipment, and mineral properties, net | $ | 785,250 | $ | 826,569 | ||||||||
We incurred the following expenses for depreciation, depletion, and accretion, including expenses capitalized into inventory, for the following periods (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Depreciation | $ | 74,534 | $ | 57,670 | $ | 45,559 | ||||||
Depletion | 4,403 | 2,134 | 1,316 | |||||||||
Accretion | 1,623 | 1,499 | 724 | |||||||||
Total incurred | $ | 80,560 | $ | 61,303 | $ | 47,599 | ||||||
Note 7 — ACCRUED LIABILITIES
The components of "Accrued Liabilities" as of December 31, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Accrued construction in progress | $ | 1,997 | $ | 21,152 | ||||
Accrued property taxes | 2,642 | 1,714 | ||||||
Accrued utilities | 2,207 | 1,868 | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities | 5,637 | 5,111 | ||||||
Total Accrued Liabilities | $ | 12,483 | $ | 29,845 | ||||
Note 8 — DEBT
Unsecured Credit Facility—We have an unsecured credit facility, led by U.S. Bank, as administrative agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, as syndication agent. This unsecured credit facility provides a revolving credit facility of up to $250
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million. The actual amount available to us is limited by our leverage ratio, which may not exceed 3.5, and our fixed charge coverage ratio, which may not be below 1.3. As of December 31, 2014, $211 million of the facility was available to us as a result of the operation of these ratios.
Under the facility, the leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total funded indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and certain other expenses) for the prior four fiscal quarters. The fixed charge coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of adjusted EBITDA for the prior four fiscal quarters to fixed charges.
The facility is unsecured and is guaranteed by our material subsidiaries. The facility has a maturity date of August 2018. As of December 31, 2014, and 2013, there were no amounts outstanding under the facility. During 2014, we borrowed and repaid $17 million under the demand portion of the credit facility for near-term working capital needs. We were in compliance with the covenants under the credit facility as of December 31, 2014.
Unsecured Senior Notes—In April 2013, we issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes ("the Notes") pursuant to a note purchase agreement entered into in August 2012. We received proceeds of $149.3 million, net of offering costs. The Notes consist of the following series:
• | $60 million of 3.23% Senior Notes, Series A, due April 16, 2020 |
• | $45 million of 4.13% Senior Notes, Series B, due April 14, 2023 |
• | $45 million of 4.28% Senior Notes, Series C, due April 16, 2025 |
The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with any other unsubordinated unsecured indebtedness of ours. The Notes are subject to the same leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio as apply under the credit facility. The obligations under the Notes are unconditionally guaranteed by our material subsidiaries.
We were in compliance with the covenants under the Notes as of December 31, 2014.
Interest is paid semiannually on April 16 and October 16 of each year. Interest expense is recorded net of any capitalized interest associated with investments in capital projects. We incurred gross interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 of $6.7 million, $4.9 million, and $0.9 million, respectively. We capitalized $0.5 million, and $3.4 million of interest during the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively. We had no capitalized interest in 2012.
Note 9 — ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION
We recognize an estimated liability for future costs associated with the abandonment and reclamation of our mining properties. A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation and a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset are recorded as the mining operations occur or the assets are acquired.
Our asset retirement obligation is based on the estimated cost to abandon and reclaim the mining operations, the economic life of the properties, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The liability is discounted using credit adjusted risk-free rate estimates at the time the liability is incurred or when there are upward revisions to estimated costs. The credit adjusted risk-free rates used to discount our abandonment liabilities range from 6.9% to 8.5%. Revisions to the liability occur due to construction of new or expanded facilities, changes in estimated abandonment costs or economic lives, or if federal or state regulators enact new requirements regarding the abandonment or reclamation of mines.
Following is a table of the changes to our asset retirement obligations for the following periods (in thousands):
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Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Asset retirement obligation, at beginning of period | $ | 21,047 | $ | 20,579 | $ | 9,708 | ||||||
Liabilities settled | (125 | ) | (571 | ) | (173 | ) | ||||||
Liabilities incurred | 69 | 351 | 2,114 | |||||||||
Changes in estimated obligations | (577 | ) | (811 | ) | 8,206 | |||||||
Accretion of discount | 1,623 | 1,499 | 724 | |||||||||
Total asset retirement obligation, at end of period | $ | 22,037 | $ | 21,047 | $ | 20,579 | ||||||
The current portion of asset retirement obligations of $1.6 million and $1.1 million was included in "Other" current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The undiscounted amount of asset retirement obligation is $57.6 million as of December 31, 2014, of which we estimate approximately $7.8 million in payments may occur in the next five years.
Note 10 — COMPENSATION PLANS
Cash Bonus Plan—We have cash bonus plans that allow participants to receive varying percentages of their aggregate base salary. Any awards under the cash bonus plans are based on a variety of elements related to our performance in certain production, operational, financial, and other areas, as well as the participants’ individual performance. We accrue cash bonus expense related to the current year’s performance.
Equity Incentive Compensation Plan—Our Board of Directors and stockholders adopted a long-term incentive compensation plan called the Intrepid Potash, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated (the "Plan"). We have issued common stock, restricted shares of common stock, performance units, and non-qualified stock option awards under the Plan. As of December 31, 2014, the following awards were outstanding under the plan: 464,769 shares of non-vested restricted shares of common stock; non-vested performance units representing 15,522 shares of common stock; and options to purchase 326,375 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 3.5 million shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the Plan.
Common Stock—On an annual basis, under the Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee") has approved the award of shares of common stock to the non-employee members of the Board of Directors as compensation for service for the period ending on the date of our annual stockholders’ meeting for the following year. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Compensation Committee approved awards of 21,144, 17,680 and 14,812 shares of common stock, respectively. These shares of common stock were granted without restrictions and vested immediately.
Non-vested Restricted Shares of Common Stock—Under the Plan, grants of non-vested restricted shares of common stock have been awarded to executive officers, other key employees, and consultants. The awards contain service conditions associated with continued employment or service. The terms of the non-vested restricted shares of common stock provide voting and regular dividend rights to the holders of the awards. Upon vesting, the restrictions on the restricted shares of common stock lapse and the shares are considered issued and outstanding.
Since 2009, the Compensation Committee has granted restricted shares of common stock under the Plan in the first quarter of each year to our executive management team and other selected employees as part of an annual equity award program. These awards vest ratably over three years. From time to time, the Compensation Committee grants restricted shares of common stock to newly hired or promoted employees or other employees or consultants who have achieved extraordinary personal performance objectives. These restricted shares of common stock generally vest over one- to four-year periods.
In measuring compensation expense associated with the grant of non-vested restricted shares of common stock, we use the fair value of the award, determined as the closing stock price for our common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense is recorded monthly over the vesting period of the award using the straight line method. Total compensation expense related to the non-vested restricted shares of common stock awards was $3.6 million, $3.5 million and $3.2 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. These amounts are net of estimated forfeiture adjustments. As of December 31, 2014, there was $4.7 million of total remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted common stock awards that will be expensed through 2017.
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A summary of activity relating to our non-vested restricted common stock for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below.
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value | |||||||
Shares | |||||||
Non-vested restricted shares of common stock, beginning of period | 352,050 | $ | 21.65 | ||||
Granted | 379,246 | $ | 14.47 | ||||
Vested | (144,335 | ) | $ | 23.01 | |||
Forfeited | (122,192 | ) | $ | 17.41 | |||
Non-vested restricted shares of common stock, end of period | 464,769 | $ | 16.49 | ||||
Performance Units—In 2012 and 2013, the Compensation Committee granted performance units under the Plan to certain members of our executive management team as part of the annual equity award program. The performance units vest ratably over three years and contain operational- and market-based conditions relating to the year of the grant. The time frames for meeting both the operational- and market-based conditions have passed, and a total of 15,522 shares of common stock are available for future payout under the performance units, subject to continued employment of the individual grantees through the vesting dates. We recognized stock-based compensation expense related to these agreements of approximately$0.2 million, $0.7 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Non-qualified Stock Options—From 2009 to 2011, the Compensation Committee issued non-qualified stock options under the Plan in the first quarter of each year to our executive management and other selected employees as part of its annual award program. These stock options generally vested ratably over three years. In measuring compensation expense for this grant of options, we estimated the fair value of the award on the grant date using the Black‑Scholes option valuation model. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the price of the underlying stock.
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recognized stock-based compensation related to previously issued stock options of approximately $0.1 million, $0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, all outstanding stock options were fully vested. Realized tax benefits from tax deductions for exercised options in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to stock compensation for such options are regarded as “excess tax benefits” when the tax deductions occur.
A summary of our stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is as follows:
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Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life | Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value | |||||||
Outstanding non-qualified stock | |||||||||||
options, beginning of period | 337,587 | $26.24 | $13.12 | ||||||||
Exercised | — | — | |||||||||
Forfeited | (917 | ) | $35.69 | $19.59 | |||||||
Expired | (10,295 | ) | $26.76 | $13.55 | |||||||
Outstanding non-qualified stock | |||||||||||
options, end of period | 326,375 | $26.19 | $— | 3.8 | $13.09 | ||||||
Vested or expected to vest, end | |||||||||||
of period | 326,375 | $26.19 | $— | 3.8 | $13.09 | ||||||
Exercisable non-qualified | |||||||||||
stock options, end of period | 326,375 | $26.19 | $— | 3.8 | $13.09 | ||||||
(1) | The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value exceeds the exercise price as of the end of the period presented. |
Note 11 — INCOME TAXES
Our income tax provision is comprised of the elements below. A summary of the provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Current portion of income tax expense (benefit): | ||||||||||||
Federal | $ | (1,108 | ) | $ | (14,243 | ) | $ | 10,224 | ||||
State | 37 | (31 | ) | 1,237 | ||||||||
Deferred portion of income tax expense: | ||||||||||||
Federal | 2,858 | 25,050 | 32,451 | |||||||||
State | (737 | ) | 5,042 | 5,572 | ||||||||
Total income tax expense | $ | 1,050 | $ | 15,818 | $ | 49,484 | ||||||
As of December 31, 2014, and 2013, we had a net deferred tax asset. We believe that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets, except for certain state carry forwards for which a $0.3 million valuation allowance has been recorded. As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately $72.5 million of federal net operating loss carry forwards which expire beginning in 2033. We also have $1.9 million of research and development credits which begin to expire in 2031, and approximately $4.2 million in federal alternative minimum tax credits. There are no items that require disclosure in accordance with the FASB guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes.
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December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities): | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses | $ | (1,827 | ) | $ | (2,141 | ) | ||
Inventory | 1,011 | 6,864 | ||||||
Accrued employee compensation and benefits | 2,634 | 1,764 | ||||||
Equity compensation | 1,193 | 1,093 | ||||||
Other | 345 | 761 | ||||||
Total current deferred tax assets | 3,356 | 8,341 | ||||||
Non-current deferred tax assets: | ||||||||
Property, plant, equipment and mineral properties, net | 91,236 | 108,049 | ||||||
Asset retirement obligation | 9,730 | 9,073 | ||||||
AMT credits | 4,226 | 4,417 | ||||||
Net operating loss carryforward | 25,375 | 10,600 | ||||||
Other | 16,158 | 11,710 | ||||||
Total non-current deferred tax assets | 146,725 | 143,849 | ||||||
Total deferred tax asset | $ | 150,081 | $ | 152,190 | ||||
We are required to evaluate our deferred tax assets and liabilities each reporting period using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized. The estimated statutory income tax rates that are applied to our current and deferred income tax calculations are impacted most significantly by the tax jurisdictions in which we are doing business. Changing business conditions for normal business transactions and operations, as well as changes to state tax rates and apportionment laws, potentially alter the apportionment of income among the states for income tax purposes. These changes to apportionment laws result in changes in the calculation of our current and deferred income taxes, including the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. The effects of any such changes are recorded in the period of the adjustment. Such adjustments can increase or decrease the net deferred tax asset on the balance sheet and impact the corresponding deferred tax benefit or deferred tax expense on the income statement. As of December 31, 2013, our estimate of our blended state tax rate increased, resulting in an increase of the value of the deferred tax asset by a net $0.9 million to reflect changes in business conditions in concert with changes in apportionment rules of the states in which we operate, and a decrease in the state tax rate for the state of New Mexico.
A decrease of our state tax rate decreases the value of its deferred tax asset, resulting in additional deferred tax expense being recorded in the income statement. Conversely, an increase in our state income tax rate would increase the value of the deferred tax asset, resulting in an increase in our deferred tax benefit. Because of the magnitude of the temporary differences between our book and tax basis in the assets, relatively small changes in the state tax rate may have a pronounced impact on the value of our net deferred tax asset.
Income tax expense differs from the amount that would be provided by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to income before income taxes. The difference is due to the impacts of percentage depletion, the effect of state income taxes, the estimated effect of the domestic production activities deduction, and other permanent differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
A reconciliation of the statutory rate to the effective rate is as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
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Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Federal taxes at statutory rate | $ | 3,784 | $ | 13,333 | $ | 47,924 | ||||||
Add: | ||||||||||||
State taxes, net of federal benefit | 230 | 3,322 | 3,443 | |||||||||
Domestic production activities deduction | — | 1,265 | (191 | ) | ||||||||
Change in valuation allowance | (1,698 | ) | 1,841 | — | ||||||||
Research and development credits | — | (1,560 | ) | (326 | ) | |||||||
Change in state tax rate | 740 | (948 | ) | 981 | ||||||||
Percentage depletion | (1,922 | ) | (1,841 | ) | (1,623 | ) | ||||||
Other | (84 | ) | 406 | (724 | ) | |||||||
Net expense as calculated | $ | 1,050 | $ | 15,818 | $ | 49,484 | ||||||
Effective tax rate | 9.7 | % | 41.5 | % | 36.1 | % | ||||||
During the year ended December 31, 2014, our effective tax rate benefited from a discrete adjustment related to the reversal of a $1.7 million valuation allowance related to our New Mexico net operating loss carry forwards, as we now believe those carry forwards are now fully realizable based on legislation passed by the State of New Mexico during the first quarter of 2014. Further, we benefited from a discrete adjustment related to the calculation of the benefit of the net operating loss carry back generated in 2013. The impact on our effective tax rate during 2014 of these discrete adjustments is more pronounced given the current level of income before income taxes.
Note 12 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Marketing Agreements—We have a marketing agreement appointing PCS Sales (USA), Inc. (“PCS Sales”) as our exclusive sales representative for potash export sales, with the exception of sales to Canada and Mexico, and appointing PCS Sales as non-exclusive sales representative for potash sales into Mexico. Trio® is also marketed under this arrangement. This agreement is cancelable with 30 days' written notice.
Reclamation Deposits and Surety Bonds—As of December 31, 2014, and 2013, we had $17.3 million and $17.3 million, respectively, of security placed principally with the State of Utah and the Bureau of Land Management for eventual reclamation of its various facilities. Of this total requirement, as of December 31, 2014, and 2013, $0.5 million and $0.5 million consisted of long-term restricted cash deposits reflected in “Other” long-term assets on the balance sheet, and $16.8 million and $16.8 million, respectively, was secured by surety bonds issued by an insurer. The surety bonds are held in place by an annual fee paid to the issuer.
We may be required to post additional security to fund future reclamation obligations as reclamation plans are updated or as governmental entities change requirements.
New Mexico Employment Credits—Beginning in 2011, based on an approval and payment of an application with the State of New Mexico, we began recording an estimate of refundable employment-related credits for qualified wages paid in New Mexico, known as the New Mexico High Wage Jobs Credit. The estimated recoverable value of these credits has been, and continues to be, reflected as a reduction to production costs and amounts yet to be collected are recorded in “Other receivables” in the consolidated balance sheets in the same period in which the credit is earned.
In the third quarter of 2013, the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department denied Intrepid's application to receive the New Mexico High Wage Jobs Credit for certain prior years' filings. Considering the uncertainty associated with collection of these credits, we recorded an additional allowance of approximately $2.8 million in the third quarter of 2013, for credits relating to the denied periods in order to reflect the denial of the claimed credits.
In March 2014, as a result of its continuing efforts to collect these credits, we received notification from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department that $5.9 million of credits previously denied were approved. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2014, we reversed $2.9 million of the previously established allowance to reflect the collectability of these credits. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we received notice that additional claims previously denied had also been approved. Accordingly, during the fourth quarter 2014, we reduced our previously established allowance by $1.2 million to reflect the collectability of these claims. These credits are typically considered in our product inventory calculations as they relate to the labor associated with operations. As the inventory associated with the periods during which the credits were originally earned has since been sold, we recorded the reversal of the allowance as "Other (income) expense" in the consolidated statement of
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operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. The classification of this item is consistent with the manner in which the initial allowance was recorded in 2013. As of December 31, 2014, we had a receivable of $2.8 million, net of an allowance of $0.8 million, associated with the New Mexico High Wage Jobs Credits and intend to continue to vigorously pursue recovery of all unpaid credits.
Legal— We are subject to litigation. We have determined that there are no material claims outstanding as of December 31, 2014. We have established a legal accrual for loss contingencies that are considered probable and reasonably estimable.
Future Operating Lease Commitments—We have certain operating leases for land, mining and other operating equipment, an airplane, offices, and railcars, with original terms ranging up to 20 years. The annual minimum lease payments for the next five years and thereafter are presented below.
Years Ending December 31, | (In thousands) | |||
2015 | $ | 4,571 | ||
2016 | 4,148 | |||
2017 | 3,958 | |||
2018 | 3,831 | |||
2019 | 992 | |||
Thereafter | 521 | |||
Total | $ | 18,021 | ||
Rental and lease expenses follow for the indicated periods (in thousands):
For the year ended December 31, 2014 | $ | 6,979 | ||
For the year ended December 31, 2013 | $ | 4,428 | ||
For the year ended December 31, 2012 | $ | 4,175 | ||
Note 13 — RESTRUCTURING EXPENSE
In January 2014, in response to declining potash prices and completion of our major capital projects, we undertook a number of cost saving actions that were intended to better align our cost structure with the business environment. These initiatives included the elimination of approximately 7% of the workforce, reduction in the use of outside professionals, and cutbacks in other general and administrative areas. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a restructuring expense of $1.8 million, which is comprised primarily of severance-related payments.
Note 14 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We apply the provisions of the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification™ (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The topic establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The topic establishes market or observable inputs as the preferred sources of values, followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. The topic also establishes a hierarchy for grouping these assets and liabilities based on the significance level of the following inputs, as follows:
• | Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. |
• | Level 2—Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model‑derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable. |
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• | Level 3—Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable. |
The following is a listing of our assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and where they are classified within the hierarchy as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. (in thousands):
Fair Value at Reporting Date Using | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||
Investments | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | $ | 21,288 | $ | — | $ | 21,288 | $ | — | ||||||||
Certificate of deposits | $ | 1,002 | $ | — | $ | 1,002 | $ | — | ||||||||
Fair Value at Reporting Date Using | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||
Investments | ||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | $ | 22,459 | $ | — | $ | 22,459 | $ | — | ||||||||
Financial assets or liabilities are categorized within the hierarchy based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Below is a general description of our valuation methodologies for financial assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value and are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our available for sale investments consist of corporate bonds and certain certificate of deposits that are valued using Level 2 inputs. Market pricing for these investments is obtained from an established financial markets data provider.
The methods described above may result in a fair value estimate that may not be indicative of net realizable value or may not be reflective of future fair values and cash flows. While we believe that the valuation methods utilized are appropriate and consistent with the requirements of ASC Topic 820 and with other marketplace participants, we recognize that third parties may use different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments that could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.
Financial Instruments—The carrying values and fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying Value | Fair Value | Carrying Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 150,000 | $ | 138,000 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 129,000 | ||||||||
For cash and cash equivalents, certificate of deposit investments, accounts receivable, refundable income taxes, and accounts payable, the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments. The estimated fair value of the long-term debt is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar remaining maturities and ratings (a Level 2 input) and is designed to approximate the amount at which the instruments could be exchanged in an arm's length transaction between knowledgeable willing parties.
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Note 15 — EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
401(k) Plan
We maintain a savings plan qualified under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401(a) and 401(k). The 401(k) Plan is available to all eligible employees of all of the consolidated entities. Employees may contribute amounts as allowed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") to the 401(k) Plan (subject to certain restrictions) in before-tax contributions. We match employee contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis up to a maximum of 5% and also based on the employee’s base compensation. Our contributions to the 401(k) Plan in the following periods were (in thousands):
Contributions | ||||
For the year ended December 31, 2014 | $ | 2,270 | ||
For the year ended December 31, 2013 | $ | 2,323 | ||
For the year ended December 31, 2012 | $ | 2,022 | ||
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
In accordance with the terms of the Moab Purchase Agreement associated with the purchase of the assets relating to its Moab facility in 2000, we and our predecessor established the Moab Salt, L.L.C. Employees' Pension Plan ("Pension Plan"). In February 2002, we froze the benefits to be paid under the Pension Plan. In December 2011, we adopted resolutions to terminate the Pension Plan. After receiving the necessary regulatory approvals, plan amendments, and participant settlement elections, we funded $2.0 million to settle all Pension Plan liabilities in April 2013. Upon funding, we were released from any further obligations under the Pension Plan. Accordingly, we recorded the additional expense of approximately $1.9 million to reflect the termination of the Pension Plan in the year ended December 31, 2013. This amount is recorded as "Other income (expense)" in the consolidated statement of operations and represents the difference between the final amount funded and the sum of the recorded pension liability and the unrecognized actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
The following table (in thousands, except percentages) provides a reconciliation of the changes in the Pension Plan’s benefit obligations and fair value of assets for the years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012, as measured on those dates, and a statement of the funded status as of December 31, 2013, and 2012.
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Year Ended December 31 | ||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||
Obligations and funded status at period end: | ||||||||
Change in benefit obligation: | ||||||||
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period | $ | 5,486 | $ | 4,870 | ||||
Interest cost | 28 | 93 | ||||||
Benefit payments | (5,721 | ) | (175 | ) | ||||
Actuarial losses | 207 | 698 | ||||||
Plan amendments | — | — | ||||||
Projected benefit obligation at end of period | — | 5,486 | ||||||
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of period | — | 5,486 | ||||||
Change in plan assets: | ||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period | $ | 3,702 | $ | 3,758 | ||||
Actual return on assets (net of expenses) | (1 | ) | 26 | |||||
Employer contributions | 2,020 | 93 | ||||||
Benefit payments | (5,721 | ) | (175 | ) | ||||
Fair value of plan assets at end of period | — | 3,702 | ||||||
Unfunded status (1) | — | (1,784 | ) | |||||
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic | ||||||||
pension cost: | ||||||||
Prior service cost arising during current period | $ | — | $ | (115 | ) | |||
Unrecognized actuarial loss | $ | — | $ | 2,930 | ||||
Prepaid benefit cost | $ | — | $ | 1,031 | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income: | ||||||||
Prior service credit | $ | — | $ | (115 | ) | |||
Net loss | $ | — | $ | 2,930 | ||||
Components of net periodic benefit cost: | ||||||||
Interest cost | $ | 28 | $ | 93 | ||||
Expected return on assets | — | — | ||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | (5 | ) | (16 | ) | ||||
Amortization of actuarial loss | 100 | 242 | ||||||
Settlement loss | 2,928 | — | ||||||
Net period benefit cost | $ | 3,051 | $ | 319 | ||||
Other comprehensive income | $ | — | $ | 445 | ||||
Amounts included in AOCI expected to be recognized | ||||||||
during the next fiscal year: | ||||||||
Actuarial loss | $ | — | $ | 285 | ||||
(1) | As of December 31, 2012, amount is recognized on our consolidated balance sheet in "Accrued employee compensation and benefits." |
For December 31, 2012, projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation final distribution of plan benefits in 2012 was assumed. The interest rates used were 2.7% for benefits currently in payment and 3.4% for all other annuity benefits. Lump sum benefits were valued using interest rates of 1.0% for years zero to four, 3.5% for years five to 19 and 4.6% for years 20 and after.
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Prior to 2012, the basis used to determine the overall expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption was an analysis of the historical rate of return for a portfolio with a similar asset allocation. The assumed long-term asset allocation for the plan was 47% equity securities, 43% fixed income, 5% real estate, and 5% cash. In 2013, we liquidated the investment positions and reinvested the proceeds in U.S. treasury bills or similar investments prior to settling all pension plan liabilities.
Asset Allocation Strategy: Prior to the determination to liquidate the plan, the plan’s investment policy strategy for pension plan assets was to seek relatively stable growth in the value of investable assets supplemented by a low level of income. The main objective was to provide steady growth while limiting fluctuations to less than those of the overall stock market. As the Pension Plan had a long-term investment horizon, limited liquidity needs, high exposure to purchasing power risk, and little concern for income stability, we had set the following target asset allocations: 20% to 75% U.S. equity securities, 0% to 20% international equities, 0% to 30% absolute returns, 10% to 40% corporate bonds, 0% to 10% REITs, 0% to 10% commodities, and 5% to 28% short-term Treasury bonds. Under the plan guidelines, there were no prohibited investment types.
Fair Value Measurement of Plan Assets: The fair value of the major asset classes of the Pension Plan’s assets using the fair value hierarchy as described in the footnote titled Fair Value Measurements and the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of such assets as of December 31, 2012, is as follows (in thousands):
Fair Value at Reporting Date Using | ||||||||||||||||
Asset Class | December 31, 2012 | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
Cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||||
Money market mutual fund | $ | 3,702 | $ | 3,702 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Note 16 — RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The components of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss," net of tax, as of December 31, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities | ||||
Balance as of December 31, 2013 | $ | (10 | ) | |
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | (26 | ) | ||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 8 | |||
Net current-period other comprehensive income | $ | (18 | ) | |
Balance as of December 31, 2014 | $ | (28 | ) | |
The effects on net income of amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss for year ended December 31, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):
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Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Operations | |||
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities | $ | 13 | Other income (expense) | ||
Total before tax | 13 | ||||
Tax benefit | (5 | ) | |||
Net of tax | $ | 8 | |||
Note 17 — RECOGNITION OF COMPENSATING TAX REFUND
In the second quarter of 2013, we received a refund from the State of New Mexico related to a compensating tax refund submitted for the period from December 2008 to October 2011. This refund consists of items for which we made compensating tax payments on behalf of vendors, as well as compensating tax payments on construction-related and service items during a period when the law was deemed unconstitutional. Upon receipt of the refund, which removed uncertainty about the amount and collection of the refund, we recorded $1.7 million of income, which is reflected in "Other (expense) income" included in Operating income in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Note 18 — CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Credit risk represents the loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if counterparties failed completely to perform as contracted. Concentrations of credit risk, whether on or off balance sheet, that arise from financial instruments exist for counterparties when they have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions.
Our products are marketed for sale into three primary markets. These markets are the agricultural market as a fertilizer, the industrial market as a component in drilling fluids for oil and gas exploration, and the animal feed market as a nutrient. Credit risks associated with the collection of accounts receivable are primarily related to the impact of external factors on our customers. Our customers are distributors and end-users whose credit worthiness and ability to meet their payment obligations will be affected by factors in their industries and markets. Those factors include soil nutrient levels, crop prices, weather, the type of crops planted, changes in diets, growth in population, the amount of land under cultivation, fuel prices and consumption, oil and gas drilling and completion activity, the demand for biofuels, government policy, and the relative value of currencies.
In 2014, no customer accounted for more than 10% of our sales. In 2013, and 2012, one of our distributor customers accounted for approximately 11% and 22%, respectively. We operate in a competitive industry, and although we consider our relationship with these customers to be very important, we do not believe that the loss of these customers or a significant decline in their purchases would have a material adverse long-term effect on our financial results due to the regional demands for our products.
In each of the last three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, approximately 96% of our sales were sold to customers located in the United States.
We maintain cash accounts with several financial institutions. At times, the balances in the accounts may exceed the $250,000 balance insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Note 19 — QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (in thousands, except per share amounts)
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Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | September 30, 2014 | June 30, 2014 | March 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Sales | $ | 98,285 | $ | 102,280 | $ | 110,949 | $ | 98,875 | ||||||||
Cost of Goods Sold | $ | 68,164 | $ | 77,794 | $ | 79,383 | $ | 78,573 | ||||||||
Gross Margin | $ | 15,446 | $ | 6,888 | $ | 15,678 | $ | 3,992 | ||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 5,791 | $ | (1,236 | ) | $ | 5,562 | $ | (355 | ) | ||||||
Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Basic | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.00 | |||||||
Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Diluted | $ | 0.08 | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.00 | |||||||
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2013 | September 30, 2013 | June 30, 2013 | March 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Sales | $ | 73,806 | $ | 70,569 | $ | 92,680 | $ | 99,257 | ||||||||
Cost of Goods Sold | $ | 57,308 | $ | 46,780 | $ | 55,003 | $ | 53,773 | ||||||||
Gross Margin | $ | 3,159 | $ | 12,903 | $ | 28,053 | $ | 33,800 | ||||||||
Net (Loss) Income | $ | (5,987 | ) | $ | 2,026 | $ | 11,317 | $ | 14,919 | |||||||
(Loss) Earnings Per Share, Basic | $ | (0.08 | ) | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.20 | |||||||
(Loss) Earnings Per Share, Diluted | $ | (0.08 | ) | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.20 | |||||||
ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
None.
ITEM 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that this information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on their evaluation as of December 31, 2014, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate “internal control over financial reporting,” as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in 2013. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
Based on the results of our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.
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The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2014, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Intrepid have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION |
None
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PART III
ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
Biographical information about our executive officers is set forth in "Item 1. Business—Executive Officers." Other information required by this item will be included in the proxy statement for our 2015 annual stockholders’ meeting and is incorporated by reference into this report.
ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Information required by this item will be included in the proxy statement for our 2015 annual stockholders’ meeting and is incorporated by reference into this report.
ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
Information required by this item will be included in the proxy statement for our 2015 annual stockholders’ meeting and is incorporated by reference into this report.
ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE |
Information required by this item will be included in the proxy statement for our 2015 annual stockholders’ meeting and is incorporated by reference into this report.
ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES |
Information required by this item will be included in the proxy statement for our 2015 annual stockholders’ meeting and is incorporated by reference into this report.
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PART IV
ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS |
Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed or furnished with, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Incorporated by Reference from the Below-Listed Form (Each Filed under SEC File Number 001-34025) | |||
Exhibit Number | Exhibit Description | Form | Filing Date |
3.1 | Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Intrepid Potash, Inc. | 8-K | April 25, 2008 |
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Intrepid Potash, Inc. | 8-K | November 19, 2010 |
10.1 | Form of Indemnification Agreement with each director and officer | 8-K | April 25, 2008 |
10.2 | Director Designation and Voting Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2008, by and among Intrepid Potash, Inc., Harvey Operating and Production Company, Intrepid Production Corporation, and Potash Acquisition, LLC | 8-K | May 1, 2008 |
10.3 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2008, by and among Intrepid Potash, Inc., Harvey Operating & Production Company, Intrepid Production Corporation, and Potash Acquisition, LLC | 8-K | May 1, 2008 |
10.4 | Acknowledgment and Relinquishment, dated as of December 19, 2011, by and among Intrepid Potash, Inc., Harvey Operating and Production Company, Intrepid Production Corporation, and Potash Acquisition, LLC | 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2011 | February 16, 2012 |
10.5 | Credit Agreement, dated as of August 3, 2011, by and among Intrepid Potash, Inc., the lenders named therein, and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent | 8-K | August 8, 2011 |
10.6 | Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to Guaranty, dated as of August 5, 2013, by and among Intrepid Potash, Inc., the lenders named therein, and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent | 8-K | August 5, 2013 |
10.7 | Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2012, by and among Intrepid Potash, Inc. and the purchasers named therein | 8-K | August 28, 2012 |
10.8 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2010, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Robert P. Jornayvaz III+ | 8-K | May 19, 2010 |
10.9 | Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated February 23, 2011, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Robert P. Jornayvaz III+ | 8-K | March 1, 2011 |
10.10 | Second Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2013, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Robert P. Jornayvaz III+ | 8-K | February 19, 2013 |
10.11 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2010, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Hugh E. Harvey, Jr.+ | 8-K | May 19, 2010 |
10.12 | Intrepid Potash, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan+ | 8-K | May 30, 2012 |
10.13 | 2012 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under Intrepid Potash, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan+ | 8-K | February 7, 2011 |
10.14 | 2013 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under Intrepid Potash, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan+ | 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | February 14, 2013 |
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10.15 | 2012 Form of Performance Unit Agreement (TSR) under Intrepid Potash, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan+ | 8-K | March 7, 2012 |
10.16 | 2013 Form of Performance Unit Agreement (TSR) under Intrepid Potash, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan+ | 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | February 14, 2013 |
10.17 | 2012 Form of Performance Unit Agreement (Production) under Intrepid Potash, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan+ | 8-K | March 7, 2012 |
10.18 | 2013 Form of Performance Unit Agreement (Production) under Intrepid Potash, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan+ | 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2012 | February 14, 2013 |
10.19 | Form of Stock Option Agreement under Intrepid Potash, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan+ | 8-K | February 7, 2011 |
10.20 | Intrepid Potash, Inc. Short-Term Incentive Plan+ | 8-K | May 30, 2012 |
10.21 | Form of Change-of-Control Severance Agreement with each executive officer+ | 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2011 | November 3, 2011 |
10.22 | Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of January 5, 2015, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Martin D. Litt | * | |
10.23 | Aircraft Dry Lease, dated as of January 9, 2009, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Intrepid Production Holdings LLC | 8-K | January 12, 2009 |
10.24 | First Amendment to Aircraft Dry Lease, dated as of September 1, 2014, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Intrepid Production Holdings LLC | 8-K | August 18, 2014 |
10.25 | Aircraft Dry Lease, dated as of September 1, 2014, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Odyssey Adventures, LLC | 8-K | August 18, 2014 |
21.1 | List of Subsidiaries | * | |
23.1 | Consent of KPMG LLP | * | |
23.2 | Consent of Agapito Associates, Inc. | * | |
31.1 | Certification of Principal Executive Officer, President pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) | * | |
31.2 | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) | * | |
32.1 | Certification of Executive Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | ** | |
32.2 | Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | ** | |
95.1 | Mine Safety Disclosure Exhibit | * | |
99.1 | Transition Services Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2008, by and between Intrepid Potash, Inc., Intrepid Oil & Gas, LLC, and Intrepid Potash-Moab, LLC | 8-K | May 1, 2008 |
99.2 | Extension and Amendment to Transition Services Agreement dated July 14, 2009, to be effective as of April 25, 2009, between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Intrepid Oil & Gas, LLC | 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2009 | August 7, 2009 |
99.3 | Third Amendment to Transition Services Agreement dated March 26, 2010, between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Intrepid Oil & Gas, LLC | 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2010 | May 5, 2010 |
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99.4 | Fourth Amendment to Transition Services Agreement dated March 25, 2011, between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Intrepid Oil and Gas, LLC | 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2011 | May 5, 2011 |
99.5 | Sixth Amendment to Transition Services Agreement dated April 3, 2013, between Intrepid Potash, Inc. and Intrepid Oil & Gas, LLC | 10-Q for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2013 | May 2, 2013 |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | * | |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema | * | |
101.CAL | XBRL Extension Calculation Linkbase | * | |
101.DEF | XBRL Extension Definition Linkbase | * | |
101.LAB | XBRL Extension Label Linkbase | * | |
101.PRE | XBRL Extension Presentation Linkbase | * | |
* | Filed herewith. |
** | Furnished herewith. |
+ | Management contract. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
INTREPID POTASH, INC. (Registrant) | ||
February 18, 2015 | /s/ Robert P. Jornayvaz III | |
Robert P. Jornayvaz III - Executive Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Duly Authorized Officer) | ||
February 18, 2015 | /s/ Brian D. Frantz | |
Brian D. Frantz - Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | ||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ Robert P. Jornayvaz III | Executive Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer | February 18, 2015 | ||
Robert P. Jornayvaz III | ||||
/s/ Hugh E. Harvey, Jr. | Executive Vice Chairman of the Board | February 18, 2015 | ||
Hugh E. Harvey, Jr. | ||||
/s/ Terry Considine | Director | February 18, 2015 | ||
Terry Considine | ||||
/s/ Chris A. Elliott | Director | February 18, 2015 | ||
Chris A. Elliott | ||||
/s/ J. Landis Martin | Lead Director | February 18, 2015 | ||
J. Landis Martin | ||||
/s/ Barth E. Whitham | Director | February 18, 2015 | ||
Barth E. Whitham | ||||
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