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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Financial Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements of FutureFuel Corp. and subsidiaries are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted (“GAAP”) in the United States and include amounts that are based upon management estimates and judgments which could differ from actual future results.  Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform to the 2023 presentation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are carried at cost, which approximates market. The Company places its temporary cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions. At times, bank deposits may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit, however, no loss has occurred.
Receivable [Policy Text Block]

Accounts receivable and allowance for credit losses

 

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and only bear interest if outstanding beyond the agreed upon payment terms. The Company has established procedures to monitor credit risk and has not experienced significant credit losses in prior years. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. This estimated allowance is based upon management’s evaluation of the collectability of individual invoices and is based upon management’s evaluation of the financial condition of its customers and historical bad debt experience. Write-offs are recorded at the time a customer receivable is deemed uncollectible.

 

In accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments the Company recognizes expected credit losses based on a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Customer concentrations

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, significant portions of the Company’s sales were made to a relatively small number of customers. Sales to two biodiesel customers totaled $127,763 (35% of revenue) in 2023. Sales to two biodiesel customers totaled $107,898 (27% of total revenue) in 2022 and sales to three customers totaled $133,231 (41% of revenue) in 2021. Receivables for the significant customers at December 31, 2023 and 2022, were 0.2% and 2% of total receivables, respectively.

 

No chemical customer represented a greater than 10% of total sales revenue in 2023, 2022, or 2021.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventory

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The Company determines the cost of raw materials, work in process, and finished goods inventories by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. The cost of all other inventories is determined by the average cost method, which approximates the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The Company writes-down its inventories for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the carrying value of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative instruments

 

The Company records all derivative instruments at fair value. Fair value is determined by using the closing prices of the derivative instruments on the New York Mercantile Exchange at the end of an accounting period. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recognized at the end of each accounting period and recorded in the statement of income as a component of cost of goods sold.

 

In order to manage commodity price risk caused by market fluctuations in biofuel prices, future purchases of feedstock used in biodiesel production, physical feedstock, finished product inventories attributed to the process, and other petroleum products purchased or sold, the Company may enter into exchange-traded commodity futures and options contracts. The Company accounts for these derivative instruments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815-20-25, Derivatives and Hedging. Under this standard, the accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends upon whether it has been designated as an accounting hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. To qualify for designation as an accounting hedging relationship, specific criteria must be met and appropriate documentation maintained. The Company had no derivative instruments that qualified under these rules as designated accounting hedges in 2023 or 2022. The Company has elected the normal purchase and normal sales exception for certain feedstock purchase contracts and supply agreements and for certain biodiesel sales contracts.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Marketable securities

 

Investments consist of marketable equity and debt securities stated at fair value. The debt securities are designated as available-for-sale securities at the time of purchase based upon the intended holding period. Gains and losses from the sale of marketable securities and the changes in the fair value of equity securities are recognized as “gains (losses) on marketable securities” as a component of other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The cost basis used for all marketable securities is specific identification. Changes in the fair value of debt securities are recognized in “accumulated other comprehensive income” on the consolidated balance sheets, unless the Company determines that an unrealized loss will not be recovered before it is sold, in which case, the Company will recognize the loss as a component of other income (expense).

 

See Notes 7 and 8 for further information on marketable securities and fair value measurements.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair value measurements

 

The Company records recurring and non-recurring financial assets and liabilities as well as all non-financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement at the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. These fair value principles prioritize valuation inputs across three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. An asset or liability's classification within the various levels is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, plant, and equipment

 

Property, plant, and equipment is carried at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings; replacements and betterments are capitalized. When the Company retires or otherwise disposes of an asset, it removes the cost of such asset and related accumulated depreciation from the accounts. The Company records any profit and loss on retirement or other disposition in earnings.

 

Depreciation expense is calculated based on historical cost and the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally using the straight-line method with the following useful lives:

 

Building & building equipment (years)

  20 – 39 

Machinery and equipment (years)

  3 – 33 

Transportation equipment (years)

  5 – 33 

Other (years)

  5 – 33 

 
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of assets

 

The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived tangible assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such events and circumstances include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in the market value of the asset, adverse changes in the extent or manner in which the asset is being used, significant changes in business climate, or current or projected cash flow losses associated with the use of the assets. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such assets are separately identifiable and are less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. For long-lived assets to be held for use in future operations and for tangible assets, fair value is determined primarily using either the projected cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved or an appraisal. For long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale or other than sale, fair value is determined in a similar manner, except those fair values are reduced for disposal costs.
Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block]

Asset retirement obligations and environmental costs

 

The Company establishes reserves for closure/post-closure costs associated with the environmental and other assets it maintains, which include, but are not limited to, waste management units, such as a chemical waste destructor, storage tanks, and boilers. When these types of assets are constructed or installed, a liability is established with a corresponding asset for the future costs anticipated to be associated with the closure of the site based on an expected life of the environmental assets, the applicable regulatory closure requirements, and the Company’s environmental policies and practices. These expenses are charged into earnings over the estimated useful life of the assets. Currently, the Company estimates the useful life of each individual asset up to 27 years. Changes made in estimates of the asset retirement obligation costs or the estimate of the useful lives of these assets are reflected in earnings as an increase or decrease in the period such changes are made.

 

Environmental costs are capitalized if they extend the life of the related property, increase its capacity, and/or mitigate or prevent future contamination. The cost of operating and maintaining environmental control facilities is charged to expense.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Litigation 

 

The Company and its operations from time to time may be parties to or targets of lawsuits, claims, investigations, and proceedings including product liability, personal injury, patent and intellectual property, commercial, contract, environmental, health and safety, and environmental matters, which are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a single amount cannot be reasonably estimated but the cost can be estimated within a range, the Company accrues the minimum amount.
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]

Revenue recognition  

 

In accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations of the customer contract are satisfied. The Company sells to customers through master sales agreements or standalone purchase orders. The majority of the Company’s revenue is from short-term contracts with revenue recognized when a single performance obligation to transfer product under the terms of a contract with a customer is satisfied. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue when control is transferred to the customer, which is when products are considered to meet customer specification per the customer contract and title and risk of loss are transferred. This typically occurs at the time of shipment or delivery; or for certain contracts, this occurs upon delivery of the material to a Company storage location, ready for customer pickup and separated from other Company inventory. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products and is generally based upon a negotiated price. The Company sells its products directly to customers generally under agreements with payment terms of 30 to 75 days for chemical segment customers and 2 to 10 days for biofuels segment customers.

 

The Company applies the practical expedient and excludes the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less; and (ii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice for services performed.

 

Revenue within the biofuel segment includes revenue from biodiesel RINs. RINs are renewable identification numbers under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS2”) used to incent the use of renewable fuels domestically. RINs are generated at 1.5 RINs per gallon of biodiesel produced and sold. Revenue is recognized from RINs when transferred to the buyer in the government provided tracking system. No cost is incurred in the generation of a RIN.

 

Taxes collected from customers remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenue. Shipping and handling fees related to sales transactions are billed to customers and recorded as sales revenue.
Cost of Goods and Service [Policy Text Block]

Cost of goods sold and distribution

 

Cost of goods sold consists of raw and packaging materials, direct manufacturing costs, depreciation, analytical lab costs, inbound freight, purchasing, and other indirect costs necessary to manufacture products. Biodiesel cost of goods sold also includes a credit for the one dollar per gallon Blenders’ Tax Credit (“BTC”) for blending biodiesel with petroleum diesel when in law. The BTC was in law during 2021, 2022, and 2023 and is in effect until December 31, 2024. See Note 3 for further discussion.

 

Distribution expense includes outbound freight costs, depreciation of distribution equipment, and other indirect costs necessary to distribute product.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses include personnel costs associated with sales, marketing, and administration; legal and related costs; consulting and professional service fees; advertising expenses; and other similar costs.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Research and development expenses

 

Research and development expenses include direct salaries, depreciation of equipment, material expenditures, contractor fees, and other indirect costs. All costs identified as research and development costs are charged to expense when incurred.
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive income

 

Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”). Comprehensive income comprises all changes in stockholders’ equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. The Company’s OCI comprises unrealized gains and losses resulting from its investments in marketable debt securities classified as available-for-sale (see Note 7).

 

Unrealized gains and losses were determined using the specific identification method and are classified in OCI.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income taxes

 

The income tax (benefit) provision is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for (benefit from) income taxes represent income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the financial and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. 

 

A tax valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In assessing the recoverability of its deferred tax assets, the Company evaluates available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether it is more likely than not that sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of the existing deferred tax assets in each taxpaying jurisdiction. In making this determination, the Company considers positive evidence in the form of projections of future taxable income, reversing temporary differences, and tax planning strategies.  In years in which the Company has experienced objective negative evidence in the form of three cumulative years of tax losses, the Company no longer uses taxable income projections to overcome the presumption of losses and deferred tax asset valuations are computed using only the reversing net deferred tax liability from temporary differences as a source of income.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Issued accounting standards not yet adopted

 

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which aims to address requests for improved income tax disclosures from investors that use the financial statements to make capital allocation decisions. The amendments in this ASU address the investor requests for more transparency of income tax information and apply to all entities that are subject to income taxes. The ASU is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2024, but early adoption is permitted.  This ASU should be applied on a prospective basis, although retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the changes required by the new standard on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.

.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280):  Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which aims to improve disclosures about a public entity’s reportable segments.  This update addresses requests from investors for more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses in order to improve understanding of a public entity’s business activities, overall performance, and potential future cash flows.  The amendments in this ASU include a requirement for public business entities to disclose, on an annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM) and are included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years starting after December 15, 2024. This ASU must be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the changes required by the new standard on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Proposed accounting standards

 

In July 2023, the FASB issued Proposed Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2023-ED500 Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which aims to provide investors with more useful information about an entity’s expenses by improving disclosures on income statement expenses.  The amendments in this Proposed ASU would require public business entities to disclose disaggregated information about specific categories underlying certain income statement expense line items. The Company is evaluating this proposed accounting standard.

 

Recently adopted accounting standards

 

None.