In accordance with ASC 360-05 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, the carrying value of long-lived assets is assessed for recoverability by management when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, based on an analysis of undiscounted future expected cash flows from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,227,000 in fiscal year 2011, all of which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,021,000 in fiscal year 2010, of which $165,000 is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and $856,000 is classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1,533,000 in fiscal year 2009, of which $663,000 is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and $870,000 is classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. The impairment charges classified as selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 relate to individual properties in the Company’s real estate segment. The impairment charges in fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 classified as discontinued operations relate to individual stores in the Company’s former retail segment or individual properties that have been sold that were previously included in the Company’s real estate segment. These impairment charges are primarily related to unfavorable changes in real estate conditions in local markets. Impairment charges result from the Company’s management performing cash flow analysis and represent management’s estimate of the excess of net book value over fair value. Fair value is estimated using expected future cash flows on a discounted basis or appraisals of specific properties as appropriate. Long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Generally, declining cash flows from an ethanol plant or deterioration in local real estate market conditions are indicators of possible impairment.

Depreciation expense was approximately $11,580,000, $15,660,000 and $10,462 000 in fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Investments and Deposits – Restricted investments, which are principally money market mutual funds and cash deposits, are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market. Restricted investments at January 31, 2012 and 2011 are required by two states to cover possible future claims under extended service policies over the remaining live of the service policy contract. In accordance with ASC 320, “Investments-Debt and Equity Securities” the Company has classified these investments as held-to-maturity. The investments had maturity dates of less than one year at January 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company has the intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity.

The method of accounting applied to long-term investments, whether consolidated, equity or cost, involves an evaluation of the significant terms of each investment that explicitly grant or suggest evidence of control or influence over the operations of the investee and also includes the identification of any variable interests in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company consolidates the results of one majority owned subsidiary, One Earth, with a one month lag as One Earth has a fiscal year end of December 31. The Company also consolidates the results of one majority owned subsidiary, NuGen, which has the same fiscal year as the parent, and therefore, there is no lag in reporting the results of NuGen. The Company accounts for investments in limited liability companies in which it may have a less than 20% ownership interest, using the equity method of accounting when the factors discussed in ASC 323 “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures” are met. The excess of the carrying value over the underlying equity in the net assets of equity method investees is allocated to specific assets and liabilities. Any unallocated excess is treated as goodwill and is recorded as a component of the carrying value of the equity method investee. Investments in businesses that the Company does not control but for which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters are accounted for using the cost method.

The Company periodically evaluates its investments for impairment due to declines in market value considered to be other than temporary. Such impairment evaluations include, in addition to persistent, declining market prices, general economic and company-specific evaluations. If the Company determines that a decline in market value is other than temporary, then a charge to earnings is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

Revenue Recognition – The Company recognizes sales from the production of ethanol and distillers grains when title transfers to customers, upon shipment from the ethanol plant. Shipping and handling charges to ethanol and distillers grains customers are included in net sales and revenue.

The Company includes income from its real estate leasing activities in net sales and revenue. The Company accounts for these leases as operating leases. Accordingly, minimum rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

The Company sold, prior to its exit of the retail business, extended service policies covering periods beyond the normal manufacturers’ warranty periods, usually with terms of coverage (including manufacturers’ warranty periods) of between 12 to 60 months. Contract revenues and sales commissions are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contracts after the expiration of applicable manufacturers’ warranty periods. The Company retains the obligation to perform warranty service and such costs are charged to operations as incurred. All related revenue and expense is classified as discontinued operations.

The Company recognized income from synthetic fuel partnership sales as production was completed and collectability of receipts was reasonably assured. The Company was paid for actual tax credits earned as the synthetic fuel was produced with the exception of production at the Pine Mountain (Gillette) facility. See Note 5 for a further discussion of synthetic fuel partnership sales.

Costs of Sales – Alternative energy cost of sales includes depreciation, costs of raw materials, inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, shipping costs, other distribution expenses, warehousing costs, plant management, certain compensation costs, and general facility overhead charges.

Real estate cost of sales includes depreciation, real estate taxes, insurance, repairs and maintenance and other costs directly associated with operating the Company’s portfolio of real property.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses – The Company includes non-production related costs from its alternative energy segment such as professional fees and certain payroll in selling, general and administrative expenses.

The Company includes costs not directly related to operating its portfolio of real property from its real estate segment such as certain payroll and related costs, professional fees and other general expenses in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Interest Cost – Interest expense of approximately $4,724,000 for fiscal year 2009 is net of $1,651,000 of interest capitalized related to equity investments and ethanol plant construction. No interest was capitalized during fiscal years 2011 and 2010. Cash paid for interest in fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $3,174,000, $4,701,000 and $2,886,000, respectively.

Deferred Financing Costs – Direct expenses and fees associated with obtaining long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the life of the loan using the effective interest method.

Financial Instruments – The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its balance of fixed and variable rate debt. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments and do not represent an actual exchange of the notional amounts between the parties. The swap agreements were not designated for hedge accounting pursuant to ASC 815. The interest rate swaps are recorded at their fair values and the changes in fair values are recorded as gain or loss on derivative financial instruments in the statements of consolidated operations. The Company paid settlements of interest rate swaps of approximately $2,436,000, $2,477,000 and $2,510,000 in fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Forward grain purchase and ethanol and distillers grains sale contracts are accounted for under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption of ASC 815, because these arrangements are for purchases of grain that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used and sales of ethanol quantities expected to be produced over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business.

Stock Compensation – The Company has stock-based compensation plans under which stock options have been granted to directors, officers and key employees at the market price on the date of the grant. The Company adopted ASC 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation”, “(ASC 718”) on February 1, 2006. The Company chose the Modified Prospective Application (“MPA”) method for implementing this accounting standard. Under the MPA method, new awards, if any, are valued and accounted for prospectively upon adoption. Outstanding prior awards that were unvested as of February 1, 2006 are recognized as compensation cost over the remaining requisite service period. ASC 718 also required the Company to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid in capital pool (“APIC pool”) related to actual tax deductions from the exercise of stock options. This APIC pool is available to absorb tax shortfalls (actual tax deductions less than recognized compensation expense) recognized subsequent to the adoption of ASC 718. On November 10, 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 123R-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards.” This FASB Staff Position provided companies with the option to use either the transition method prescribed by ASC 718 or a simplified alternative method described in the staff position. The Company chose to utilize the transition method prescribed by ASC 718, which requires the calculation of the APIC pool as if the Company had adopted ASC 718 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1994.

No options were granted in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2012, January 31, 2011 or January 31, 2010. The following table summarizes options granted, exercised and canceled or expired during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2012: