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Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Accounting Policies | Note 2. Accounting Policies Basis of preparation: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America on a going concern basis and include all subsidiaries of the Company where the Company has a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany accounts and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation. In accordance with GAAP in the United States of America, the results of operations of an acquired or disposed business are included or excluded from the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition or disposal. Use of estimates: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in accordance with GAAP in the United States of America, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue recognition: Our revenues are primarily derived from the manufacture and sale of specialty chemicals. We recognize revenue when control of the product is transferred to our customer and for an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to collect from the customer. Control is generally transferred to the customer when title transfers (which may include physical possession by the customer), we have a right to payment from the customer, the customer has accepted the product, and the customer has assumed the risks and rewards of ownership. We have supplier managed inventory arrangements with some of our customers to facilitate on-demand product availability. In some cases, the inventory resides at a customer site, although title has not transferred, we are not entitled to payment, and we have not invoiced for the product. We have evaluated the contract terms under these arrangements and have determined that control transfers when the customer uses the product, at which time revenue is recognized. Our contracts generally include one performance obligation, which is providing specialty chemicals. The performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time when products are shipped, delivered, or consumed by the customer, depending on the underlying contracts. While some of our customers have payment terms beyond 30 days, we do not provide extended payment terms of a year or more, nor do our contracts include a financing component. Some of our contracts include variable consideration in the form of rebates. We record rebates at the point of sale as a reduction in sales when we can reasonably estimate the amount of the rebate. The estimates are based on our best judgment at the time of sale, which includes anticipated as well as historical performance. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority which are concurrent with sales to our customers, including sales, use, value-added, and revenue-related excise taxes, are collected by us from the customer and are not included in net sales, but are reflected in accrued liabilities until remitted to the appropriate governmental authority. When we are responsible for shipping and handling costs after title has transferred, we account for those as fulfilment costs and include them in cost of goods sold. Components of net sales: All amounts billed to customers relating to shipping and handling are classified as net sales. Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company are classified as cost of goods sold. Components of cost of goods sold: Cost of goods sold is comprised of raw material costs including inbound freight, duty and non-recoverable taxes, inbound handling costs associated with the receipt of raw materials, packaging materials, manufacturing costs including labor costs, maintenance and utility costs, plant and engineering overheads, amortization expense for certain other intangible assets, warehousing and outbound shipping costs and handling costs. Inventory losses and provisions and the costs of customer claims are also recognized in the cost of goods line item. Components of selling, general and administrative expenses: Selling expenses comprise the costs of the direct sales force, and the sales management and customer service departments required to support them. It also comprises commission charges, the costs of sales conferences and trade shows, the cost of advertising and promotions, amortization expense for certain other intangible assets, and the cost of bad and doubtful debts. General and administrative expenses comprise the cost of support functions including accounting, human resources, information technology and the cost of group functions including corporate management, finance, tax, treasury, investor relations and legal departments. Provision of management’s best estimate of legal and settlement costs for litigation in which the Company is involved is accounted for in the administrative expense line item. Research and development expenses: Research, development and testing costs are expensed to the income statement as incurred. Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of options that are dilutive and outstanding during the period. Foreign currencies: The Company’s policy is that foreign exchange differences arising on the translation of the balance sheets of entities that have functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are taken to a separate equity reserve, the cumulative translation adjustment. In entities where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency no gains or losses on translation occur, and gains or losses on monetary assets relating to currencies other than the U.S. dollar are taken to the income statement in other income/(expense), net. Gains and losses on intercompany foreign currency loans which are long-term in nature, which the Company does not intend to settle in the foreseeable future, are also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Other foreign exchange gains or losses are also included in other income, net in the income statement. Stock-based compensation plans: The Company accounts for employee stock options and stock equivalent units under the fair value method. Stock options are fair valued at the grant date and the fair value is recognized straight-line over the vesting period of the option. Stock equivalent units are fair valued at each balance sheet date and the fair value is spread over the remaining vesting period of the unit. Business combinations: The acquisition method of accounting requires that we recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the acquisition date net fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The determination of the fair values of certain assets and liabilities are usually based on significant estimates provided by management, such as forecast revenue or profit. In determining the fair value of intangible assets, an income approach is generally used and may incorporate the use of a discounted cash flow method. In applying the discounted cash flow method, the estimated future cash flows and residual values for each intangible asset are discounted to a present value using a discount rate appropriate to the business being acquired. These cash flow projections are based on management’s estimates of economic and market conditions including revenue growth rates, operating margins, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Cash equivalents: Investment securities with maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents. Trade and other accounts receivable: The Company records trade and other accounts receivable at net realizable value and maintains allowances for customers not making required payments. The Company determines the adequacy of allowances by periodically evaluating each customer receivable considering our customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Credit losses: With an effective date of January 1, 2020, we have applied Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326). This replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology under previous GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The standard was adopted using prospective application and principally impacts the allowance for trade and other accounts receivables. Upon adoption, there was no adjustment made to opening retained earnings as at January 1, 2020. As a result of implementing the standard, the Company did not recognize any material change to the allowance within trade and other accounts receivable as at January 1, 2020. Trade and other accounts receivable are shown net of a $4.5 million allowance at December 31 , 2020. The allowance remains immaterial to the financial statements. The Company is exposed to credit losses primarily through sales of products. The Company’s expected loss allowance methodology for trade and other accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of customers’ receivables. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of accounts receivable amounts that may not be collected is based on aging of the accounts receivable balances and the financial condition of customers. Additionally, a further allowance is included to account for the Company’s historic track record of credit losses, for balances which are not aged sufficiently to be considered under the aging based approach. The Company considered the current and expected future economic and market conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and determined that the estimate of credit losses was not significantly impacted. Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (FIFO method) or market value. Cost includes materials, labor and an appropriate proportion of plant overheads. The Company accrues volume discounts where it is probable that the required volume will be attained and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The discounts are recorded as a reduction in the cost of materials based on projected purchases over the period of the agreement. Inventories are adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to market value based on estimates of future demand and market conditions. Property, plant and equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method and is allocated between cost of goods sold and operating expenses. The cost of additions and improvements are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expenses as incurred. When assets are sold or retired the associated cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated financial statements and any related gain or loss is included in earnings. The estimated useful lives of the major classes of depreciable assets are as follows:
Buildings |  |  | 7 to 25 years |
Equipment |  |  | 3 to 10 years |
Goodwill: Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite life and is subject to at least annual impairment assessments at the reporting unit level. The Company considers that its reporting units are consistent with its reportable segments. The components in each segment (including products, markets and competitors) have similar economic characteristics and the segments, therefore, reflect the lowest level at which operations and cash flows can be sufficiently distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the Company. Initially we perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a segment is less than the carrying amount prior to performing a quantitative goodwill impairment test. The annual measurement date for impairment assessment of the goodwill relating to the Fuel Specialties, Performance Chemicals and Oilfield Services segments is December 31 each year. Factors utilized in the qualitative assessment process include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and Company specific events. If a quantitative test is required, we assess the fair value based on projected post-tax cash flows discounted at the Company’s weighted average cost of capital. These fair value techniques require management judgment and estimates including revenue growth rates, projected operating margins, changes in working capital and discount rates. We would develop these assumptions by considering recent financial performance and industry growth estimates. O ther intangible assets: Other intangible assets are deemed to have finite lives and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. The Company capitalizes software development costs as intangible assets, including licenses, subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility. These assets are tested for potential impairment when events occur or circumstances change, which suggest an impairment may have occurred. In order to facilitate testing for potential impairment the Company groups together assets at the lowest possible level for which cash flow information is available. Undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the asset groups are compared with the carrying value of the assets and, if such cash flows are lower, an impairment loss may be recognized. The amount of the impairment loss is the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the assets. Fair values are determined using post-tax cash flows discounted at the Company’s weighted average cost of capital. If events occur or circumstances change it may cause a reduction in the periods over which the assets are amortized, or result in a non-cash impairment of their carrying value. A reduction in the amortization periods would have no impact on cash flows. The estimated useful lives of the major classes of assets are as follows:
Technology |  |  | 10 to 17 years |
Customer lists |  |  | 10 to 15 years |
Brand names |  |  | 5 to 10 years |
Product rights |  |  | 9 to 10 years |
Internally developed software |  |  | 3 to 5 years |
Marketing related |  |  | 11 years |
Leases: With an effective date of January 1, 2019 we have applied Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-02, Revision to Lease Accounting, ASC Topic 842 which replaces ASC Topic 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability for all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The standard was adopted using a modified retrospective transition method, with the Company electing not to adjust comparative periods. We have taken the election not to apply the requirements to short-term leases and have taken the election not to separate related non-lease components from lease components. The standard had a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2019, but did not have an impact on our consolidated income statements. The most significant impact was the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities and the related deferred taxes thereon for operating leases, while our accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. Operating lease liabilities recognized under the new standard are not considered to be debt. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The present value of the future lease payments for operating leases is included in operating lease ROU assets, and operating lease liabilities (current and non-current) on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020. The carrying value of assets under finance leases is included in property, plant and equipment and finance lease liabilities (current and non-current) on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future lease payments over the remaining lease term. Very few of our leases have renewal options or early termination break clauses, but where they do we have assessed the term of the lease based on any options being exercised only if they are reasonably certain. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at point of recognition in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term unless payments are variable per the agreement. Where we have lease payments linked to an index or inflationary rate, this rate has been used to value the asset and liability at the inception of the lease. If the payments are not linked to a specific index or inflationary rate, but can vary during the term of the agreement, they have been included at their actual value for each future period. In some circumstances the future expected payments may be dependent on other factors, for example production volumes, in which case we have used the minimum future expected payments to value the asset. We do not recognize a ROU asset or operating lease liability for short-term leases (with a length of one year or less), and any associated cost is recognized, as incurred, through the income statement. Deferred finance costs: The costs relating to debt financing are capitalized are amortized using the effective interest method over the expected life of the debt financing facility. The amortization charge is included in interest expense in the income statement. Impairment of long-lived assets: The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including buildings and equipment, whenever changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying values may be impaired. In order to facilitate this test the Company groups together assets at the lowest possible level for which cash flow information is available. Undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the asset groups are compared with the carrying value of the asset groups and if they are lower an impairment loss may be recognized. The amount of the impairment loss is the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset groups. Fair values are determined using post-tax cash flows discounted at the Company’s weighted average cost of capital. Derivative instruments: From time to time, the Company uses various derivative instruments including forward currency contracts, options, interest rate swaps and commodity swaps to manage certain exposures. These instruments are entered into under the Company’s corporate risk management policy to minimize exposure and are not for speculative trading purposes. The Company recognizes all derivatives as either current or non-current assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measures those instruments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges, or do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting, are recognized in earnings. Derivatives which are designated as hedges are tested for effectiveness on a quarterly basis, and marked to market. The ineffective portion of the derivative’s change in value is recognized in earnings. The effective portion is recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Environmental compliance and remediation: Environmental compliance costs include ongoing maintenance, monitoring and similar costs. We recognize environmental liabilities when they are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated, and asset retirement obligations when there is a legal obligation and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The vast majority of our plant closure provision relates to our Ellesmere Port site in the United Kingdom. The Company must comply with environmental legislation in the countries in which it operates or has operated in and annually reassesses the program of work required. This includes estimating the credit-adjusted risk free rate and the timing and cost of performing the remediation work. Management use specialists to develop these estimates and assumptions utilizing the latest information available together with experience of recent costs. While we believe our assumptions for environmental liabilities are reasonable, they are subjective judgements and it is possible that variations in any of the assumptions will result in materially different calculations to the liabilities we have reported. Costs of future obligations are discounted to their present values using the Company’s credit-adjusted risk-free rate. Pension plans and other post-employment benefits: The Company recognizes the funded status of defined benefit post-retirement plans on the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the funded status in comprehensive income. The measurement date of the plan’s funded status is the same as the Company’s fiscal year-end. The service costs are recognized as employees render the services necessary to earn the post-employment benefits. Prior service costs and credits and actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the average remaining life expectancy of the inactive participants using the corridor method. Movements in the underlying plan asset value and Projected Benefit Obligation (“PBO”) are dependent on actual return on investments as well as our assumptions in respect of the discount rate, annual member mortality rates, future return on assets and future inflation. Income taxes: The Company provides for income taxes by recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the relevant tax bases of the assets and liabilities. The Company then evaluates the need for a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more likely than not to be realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from a tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits as part of income taxes in our consolidated statements of income.

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