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Nature of Business, Acquisitions, Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Nature of Business, Acquisitions, Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Basis of Consolidation

Basis of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes include the accounts of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures where we exercise operational control or have a primary benefit of its profits. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated upon consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could materially differ from estimated amounts. We evaluate our estimated assumptions based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents other than money market mutual funds, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value based on the short maturities of these instruments.

We measure our money market mutual funds, short-term investments and derivative contracts at their fair value in accordance with accounting guidance for fair value measurement. We believe the carrying value of our debt approximates fair value since these obligations bear interest at variable rates or fixed rates which are not significantly different than market rates.

The accounting guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of us. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available under the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows:

1.: Level 1 Inputs – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.
2.: Level 2 Inputs – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. We perform annual back-testing to validate that these inputs represent observable inputs that market participants use in pricing an asset or liability.
3.: Level 3 Inputs – Inputs that are unobservable for the asset or liability.

The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors. To the extent that valuation is based on inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by us in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value of a specific asset or liability may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, our own assumptions are set to reflect those that we feel market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

Assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value have been categorized based upon the fair value hierarchy. Our Level 1 items consist of exchange traded futures. Our Level 2 items consist of commodity swaps, commodity collars, non-designated derivatives in the form of physical forward purchase or sales commitments, hedged inventories and hedged physical forward purchase or sales commitments. Our Level 3 items consist of physical forward purchase or sales commitments, foreign currency forward contracts and the Earn-out liability. Realized and unrealized gains and losses of our physical forward purchase or sales commitments measured at fair value on a recurring basis that utilized Level 3 inputs are recognized as a component of either revenue or cost of revenue (based on the underlying transaction type). Realized and unrealized gains and losses of our foreign currency forward contracts which were not treated as cash flow hedges, measured at fair value on a recurring basis that utilized Level 3 inputs are recognized as other expense/income. Realized and unrealized gains and losses of our short-term investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis that utilized Level 3 inputs are recognized as other expense/income.

Derivative instruments can have bid and ask prices that may be observed in the marketplace. Bid prices reflect the highest price that a market participant is willing to pay and ask prices reflect the lowest price that a market participant is willing to accept. Our policy is to consistently apply mid-market pricing for valuation of our derivative instruments.

Fair value of derivative instruments is derived using forward prices that take into account commodity prices, interest rates, credit risk ratings, option volatility and currency rates. In accordance with the guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures, the impact of our credit risk rating is also considered when measuring the fair value of liabilities. The fair value of derivative instruments may be based on a combination of valuation inputs that are on different hierarchy levels. The fair value disclosures are determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The nature of inputs that are considered Level 3 are modeled inputs. Factors that could warrant a Level 2 input to move to a Level 3 input may include lack of observable market data because of a decrease in market activity, a degradation of a short-term investment which requires us to value the investment based on a Level 3 input, or a change in significance of a Level 3 input to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

There were no significant changes to our valuation techniques during 2011 and 2010.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Our cash equivalents consist principally of overnight investments, bank money market accounts, bank time deposits, money market mutual funds and investment grade commercial paper which have an original maturity date of less than 90 days. These securities are carried at cost, which approximates market value.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Bad Debt

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Bad Debt

Credit extension, monitoring and collection are performed for each of our business segments. Each segment has a credit committee that is responsible for approving credit limits above certain amounts, setting and maintaining credit standards, and managing the overall quality of the credit portfolio. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the customer's current creditworthiness, as determined by our review of our customer's credit information. We extend credit on an unsecured basis to most of our customers. Accounts receivable are deemed past due based on contractual terms agreed to with our customers.

We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience with our customers, current market and industry conditions of our customers, and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for bad debt.

Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement

Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement

We have a Receivables Purchase Agreement ("RPA") to sell up to $125.0 million of certain of our accounts receivable. The sale price is an amount equal to either 90% or 100%, depending on the customer, of the sold accounts receivable balance less a discount margin equivalent to a floating market rate plus 2% and certain other fees, as applicable. Under the terms of the RPA, we retain a beneficial interest in certain of the sold accounts receivable of 10%, which is included in accounts receivable, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2011, we had sold accounts receivable of $42.0 million and recorded a retained beneficial interest of $3.2 million. During 2011, the fees and interest paid under the RPA were not significant.

Inventories

Inventories are valued using the average cost methodology and are stated at the lower of average cost or market. Components of inventory include fuel purchase costs, the related transportation costs and for inventories included in a fair value hedge relationship, changes in the estimated fair market values.

Derivatives

We enter into financial derivative contracts in order to mitigate the risk of market price fluctuations in aviation, marine and land fuel, to offer our customers fuel pricing alternatives to meet their needs and to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We also enter into proprietary derivative transactions, primarily intended to capitalize on arbitrage opportunities related to basis or time spreads related to fuel products we sell. We have applied the normal purchase and normal sales exception ("NPNS"), as provided by accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, to certain of our physical forward sales and purchase contracts. While these contracts are considered derivative instruments under the guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities, they are not recorded at fair value, but rather are recorded in our consolidated financial statements when physical settlement of the contracts occurs. If it is determined that a transaction designated as NPNS no longer meets the scope of the exception, the fair value of the related contract is recorded as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheet and the difference between the fair value and the contract amount is immediately recognized through earnings.

Our derivatives that are subject to the accounting guidance for derivative instruments are recognized at their estimated fair market value in accordance with the accounting guidance for fair value measurements. If the derivative does not qualify as a hedge or is not designated as a hedge, changes in the estimated fair market value of the derivative are recognized as a component of revenue, cost of revenue or other income (expense), net (based on the underlying transaction type) in the consolidated statement of income. Derivatives which qualify for hedge accounting may be designated as either a fair value or cash flow hedge. For our fair value hedges, changes in the estimated fair market value of the hedge instrument and the hedged item are recognized in the same line item as a component of either revenue or cost of revenue (based on the underlying transaction type) in the consolidated statement of income. For our cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in the fair market value of the hedge is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income in the shareholders' equity section of the consolidated balance sheet and subsequently reclassified into the same line item as the forecasted transaction when both are settled, while the ineffective portion of the changes in the estimated fair market value of the hedge is recognized as a component of other income (expense), net in the consolidated statement of income. Cash flows for our hedging instruments used in our hedges are classified in the same category as the cash flow from the hedged items. If for any reason hedge accounting is discontinued, then any cash flows subsequent to the date of discontinuance shall be classified in a manner consistent with the nature of the instrument.

To qualify for hedge accounting, as either a fair value or cash flow hedge, the hedging relationship between the hedging instruments and hedged items must be highly effective over an extended period of time in achieving the offset of changes in fair values or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk at the inception of the hedge. We use a regression analysis based on historical spot prices in assessing the qualification for our fair value hedges. However, our measurement of hedge ineffectiveness for our fair value inventory hedges utilizes spot prices for the hedged item (inventory) and forward or future prices for the hedge instrument. Therefore, the excluded component (forward or future prices) in assessing hedge qualification, along with ineffectiveness, is included as a component of cost of revenue in earnings. Adjustments to the carrying amounts of hedged items are discontinued in instances where the related fair value hedging instrument becomes ineffective and any previously recorded fair market value changes are not adjusted until the fuel is sold.

For more information on our derivatives, see Note 3.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized while expenditures for maintenance and repairs, which do not extend the life of the asset, are expensed. Upon sale or disposition of property and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to income. Long-lived assets held and used by us are reviewed based on market factors and operational considerations for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

Purchases of computer software are capitalized. External costs and certain internal costs (including payroll and payroll-related costs of employees) directly associated with developing significant computer software applications for internal use are capitalized. Training and data conversion costs are expensed as incurred. Computer software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software.

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the future earnings and cash flow potential of acquired businesses in excess of the fair values that are assigned to all other identifiable assets and liabilities. Goodwill arises because the purchase price paid reflects numerous factors, including the strategic fit and expected synergies these acquisitions bring to existing operations and the prevailing market value for comparable companies. Goodwill is not subject to periodic amortization; instead, it is reviewed annually at year-end (or more frequently under certain circumstances) for impairment. We assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any individual reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. In performing the qualitative assessment, we assess relevant events and circumstances that may impact the fair value of our reporting units, including the following: (i) macroeconomic conditions, (ii) industry and market considerations, (iii) earnings quality/sustainability, (iv) overall financial performance, (v) events affecting a reporting unit, (vi) share price and (vii) recent fair value calculation for our reporting units, if available.

After assessing the above described events and circumstances, if we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying value, then no further testing is required. Otherwise, we would perform the first step of quantitative testing for goodwill impairment.

In connection with our acquisitions, we record identifiable intangible assets existing at the date of the acquisitions for customer relationships, supplier and non-compete agreements and trademark/trade name rights. Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization are amortized over their estimated lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable based on market factors and operational considerations. Identifiable intangible assets not subject to amortization are reviewed annually for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.

Extinguishment of Liability

Extinguishment of Liability

In the normal course of business, we accrue liabilities for fuel and services received for which invoices have not yet been received. These liabilities are derecognized, or extinguished, if either (i) payment is made to relieve our obligation for the liability or (ii) we are legally released from our obligation for the liability, such as when our legal obligations with respect to such liabilities lapse or otherwise no longer exist. We derecognized vendor liability accruals due to the legal release of our obligations in the amount of $8.3 million, $9.8 million and $8.6 million during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which is reflected as a reduction of cost of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of fuel and related goods is recognized when the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and title passes to the customer, which is when the delivery of fuel is made to our customer directly from us, the supplier or a third-party subcontractor. Our fuel sales are generated as a fuel reseller as well as from on-hand inventory supply. When acting as a fuel reseller, we generally purchase fuel from the supplier, mark it up, and contemporaneously resell the fuel to the customer, normally taking delivery for purchased fuel at the same place and time as the delivery is made. We record the gross sale of the fuel as we generally take inventory risk, have latitude in establishing the sales price, have discretion in the supplier selection, maintain credit risk and are the primary obligor in the sales arrangement.

Revenue from fuel-related services is recognized when services are performed, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We record the gross sale of fuel-related services as we generally have latitude in establishing the sales price, have discretion in supplier selection, maintain credit risk and are the primary obligor in the sales arrangement.

Commission from fuel broker services is recognized when services are performed and collectability is reasonably assured. When acting as a fuel broker, we are paid a commission by the supplier.

Revenue from card processing services is recognized at the time the purchase is made by the customer using the charge card. Revenue from charge card transactions is generated from processing fees.

Vendor and Customer Rebates and Branding Allowances

Vendor and Customer Rebates and Branding Allowances

From time to time, we receive vendor rebates and provide customer rebates. Generally, volume rebates are received from vendors under structured programs based on the level of fuel purchased or sold as specified in the applicable vendor agreements. These volume rebates are recognized as a reduction of cost of revenue in the period earned when realization is probable and estimatable and when certain other conditions are met. A portion of the rebates received from vendors is passed along to our customers. These rebates to our customers are recognized as a reduction of revenue in the period earned in accordance with the applicable customer agreements. The rebate terms of the customer agreements are generally similar to those of the vendor agreements. From time to time, in our land segment, we also receive branding allowances from fuel suppliers to defray the costs of branding and enhancing certain of our customer locations. The branding allowances received are recorded as a reduction of cost of revenue.

Some of these vendor rebate and promotional allowance arrangements require that we make assumptions and judgments regarding, for example, the likelihood of attaining specified levels of purchases or selling specified volume of products. We routinely review the relevant, significant factors and make adjustments when the facts and circumstances dictate that an adjustment is warranted.

The amounts recorded as a reduction of revenue related to volume rebates and promotional allowance arrangements paid to our customers were $3.4 million, $2.3 million and $3.0 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and the amounts recorded as a reduction of cost of revenue related to volume rebates received from vendors were $6.0 million, $5.8 million and $6.6 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Share-Based Payment Awards

Share-Based Payment Awards

We account for share-based payment awards on a fair value basis. Under fair value accounting, the grant-date fair value of the share-based payment award is amortized as compensation expense, on a straight-line basis, over the vesting period for both graded and cliff vesting awards. Annual compensation expense for share-based payment awards is reduced by an expected forfeiture amount on outstanding share-based payment awards.

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock-settled stock appreciation rights ("SSAR Awards"). The estimation of the fair value of SSAR Awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends. The expected term of the SSAR Awards represents the estimated period of time from grant until exercise or conversion and is based on vesting schedules and expected post-vesting, exercise and employment termination behavior. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common stock over the period that is equivalent to the award's expected life. Any adjustment to the historical volatility as an indicator of future volatility would be based on the impact to historical volatility of significant non-recurring events that would not be expected in the future. Risk-free interest rates are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of grant for the period that is equivalent to the award's expected life. Dividend yields are based on the historical dividends of World Fuel over the period that is equivalent to the award's expected life, as adjusted for stock splits.

The estimated fair value of common stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs") is based on the grant-date market value of our common stock, as defined in the respective plans under which the awards were granted.

Cash flows from tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for share-based payment awards (excess tax benefits) are classified as financing cash flows. These excess income tax benefits were credited to capital in excess of par value.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency

The functional currency of our U.S. and foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar, except for two subsidiaries in Brazil and a subsidiary in the United Kingdom, which utilize the Brazilian Real and the British Pound Sterling, respectively. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized upon settlement of foreign currency transactions. In addition, for unsettled foreign currency transactions, foreign currency translation gains and losses are recognized for changes between the transaction exchange rates and month-end exchange rates. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other (expense) income, net, in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in the period incurred. We recorded net foreign currency transaction losses of $2.7 million, $1.8 million and $0.6 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Revenues and expenses of the subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Assets and liabilities have been translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet dates. The resulting translation gain and loss adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders' equity. We recorded a net foreign currency translation adjustment loss of $11.3 million in 2011 and net foreign currency translation adjustment gains of $1.0 million and $7.1 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments included in accumulated other comprehensive income amounted to a loss of $6.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and gains of $4.8 million and $3.8 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date.

We must assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from our future taxable income, and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance against those deferred tax assets. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent items for which we have already taken a deduction in our tax return, but we have not yet recognized the items as expenses in our results of operations.

Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions, and in determining our provisions for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred assets. We establish reserves when, despite our belief that the tax return positions are fully supportable, certain positions are likely to be challenged and we may ultimately not prevail in defending those positions.

U.S. income taxes have not been recognized on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Our intention is to reinvest these earnings permanently in active non-U.S. business operations. Therefore, no tax liability has been accrued for these earnings. Because of the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits, it is not practicable to determine the amount of U.S. income tax payable if such earnings are not reinvested indefinitely.

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to World Fuel and available to common shareholders by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock, stock units, restricted stock entitled to dividends not subject to forfeiture and vested RSUs outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to World Fuel and available to common shareholders by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock, stock units, restricted stock entitled to dividends not subject to forfeiture and vested RSUs outstanding during the period and the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if our outstanding potentially dilutive securities had been issued. Potentially dilutive securities include SSAR Awards, restricted stock subject to forfeitable dividends and non-vested RSUs. The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted earnings per common share by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, an increase in the fair market value of our common stock can result in a greater dilutive effect from potentially dilutive securities.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share amounts):

		2011		2010		2009


Numerator:
Net income attributable to World Fuel		$194,029		$146,865		$117,139

Denominator:
Weighted average common shares for basic earnings per common share		70,687		62,168		59,003
Effect of dilutive securities		823		1,273		898

Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per common share		71,510		63,441		59,901

Weighted average anti-dilutive securities which are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share		103		305		803

Basic earnings per common share		$2.74		$2.36		$1.99

Diluted earnings per common share		$2.71		$2.31		$1.96