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Equity investments | 12 Months Ended
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Oct. 31, 2011
Equity investments [Abstract] |
Equity investments | Note 2. Equity investments Versa is one of our sub-contractors under the Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) large-scale hybrid project to develop a coal-based, multi-megawatt solid oxide fuel cell (“SOFC”) based hybrid system. Versa is a private company founded in 2001 that is developing advanced SOFC systems for various stationary and mobile applications. We have a 39 percent ownership interest and account for Versa under the equity method of accounting. We recognize our share of the income or losses as income/(loss) from equity investments on the consolidated statements of operations. In May 2011, we loaned Versa $0.6 million in the form of a convertible note (the “2011 Convertible Note”). We have also loaned Versa $2.0 million in the form of a convertible note in 2007 (the “2007 Convertible Note”) and $0.6 million in each year 2009 and 2010 in the form of convertible notes (the “2009 Convertible Note” and the “2010 Convertible Note”, respectively). The 2011 Convertible Note matures in May 2021, the 2010 Convertible Note matures April 2020, the 2009 Convertible Note matures November 2018 and the 2007 Convertible Note matures May 2017, unless certain prepayment events occur. In conjunction with the Convertible Notes, we received warrants for the right to purchase 4,830 shares of Versa common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $157 per share. Our ownership percentage would increase to 47 percent if the Convertible Notes and warrants are converted into common stock. We have determined that the above warrants represent derivatives subject to fair value accounting. The fair value is determined based on the Black-Scholes valuation model using historical stock price, volatility (based on a peer group since Versa’s common stock is not publicly traded) and risk-free interest rate assumptions. The fair value of the warrants is included within investment and loan to affiliate on the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair value of the warrants are included in interest and other income on the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the warrants as of October 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The change in the fair value of the warrants was not material to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. The carrying value of our investment in and loans to Versa was $10.5 million and $9.8 million as of October 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for equity investment, or group of investments, for which combined disclosure is appropriate, including: (a) the name of each investee and percentage of ownership of common stock, (b) accounting policies for investments in common stock, (c) difference between the amount at which the investment is carried and the amount of underlying equity in net assets and the accounting treatment of the difference, (d) the total fair value of each identified investment for which a market value is available, (e) summarized information as to assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the investees (for investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, common stock of joint ventures, or other investments using the equity method), and (f) material effects of possible conversions, exercises, or contingent issuances of the investee. Other disclosures include (a) the names of any investee in which the investor owns 20 percent or more of the voting stock and investment is not accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why not, and (b) the names of any investee in which the investor owns less than 20 percent of the voting stock and the investment is accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why it is. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 35 -Paragraph 32 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6903645&loc=d3e32787-111569 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 18 -Paragraph 20 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 35 -Paragraph 35 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6903645&loc=d3e32847-111569 + Details
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