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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract] |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | B. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include oil and gas reserves used for depletion and impairment considerations and the cost of future asset retirement obligations. Due to inherent uncertainties, including the future prices of oil and gas, these estimates could change in the near term and such changes could be material. Principles of Consolidation The financial statements of USE as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 include the accounts of USE and its wholly owned subsidiaries Energy One, LLC (“Energy One”) and Remington Village, LLC (“Remington Village”). The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2009 include USE and Remington Village. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The financial statements as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 reflect USE's ownership in a geothermal partnership, Standard Steam Trust LLC (“SST”) which is accounted for using the equity method. At December 31, 2011 USE's ownership interest in SST was 22.4%. Cash and Cash Equivalents USE considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. USE maintains its cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit accounts which exceed federally insured limits. USE has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes the accounts are not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. Marketable Securities USE categorizes its marketable securities as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. Increases or decreases in the fair value which are considered temporary are recorded within equity as comprehensive income or losses. Gains or losses as a result of sale are recorded in operations when realized. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 USE had unrealized gains in the marketable securities before tax effect of $122,000 and $1.0 million, respectively. Accounts Receivable USE determines any required allowance by considering a number of factors including the length of time trade and other accounts receivable are past due and our previous loss history. USE provides reserves for account receivable balances when they become uncollectable. Payments subsequently received on such reserved receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, USE recorded $56,000 and $76,000, respectively, in bad debt expense related to its multifamily housing project. The balance of accounts receivable at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are for the sale of oil and gas and have been collected subsequent to the balance sheet date. No reserve for uncollectable receivables was booked during the year ended December 31, 2011 or 2010. Restricted Investments USE accounts for cash deposits held as collateral for reclamation obligations as restricted investments. Maturities or release dates less than twelve months from the end of the reported accounting period are reported as current assets while maturities or release dates in excess of twelve months from report dates are reported as long term assets. Properties and Equipment Land, buildings, improvements, machinery and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation of buildings, improvements, machinery and equipment is provided principally by the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 45 years. Following is a breakdown of the lives over which assets are depreciated:
Machinery and Equipment: |
| Office Equipment | 3 to 5 years
| Aircraft | 15 years
| Field Tools and Hand Equipment | 5 to 7 years
| Vehicles and Trucks | 3 to 7 years
| Heavy Equipment | 7 to 10 years
Buildings and Improvements: |
| Service Buildings | 20 years
| Corporate Headquarter Building | 45 years
Components of Property and Equipment as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
|  | (In thousands) |
|  | December 31, |  |  | December 31, |
|  | 2011 |  |  | 2010 |
Oil & Gas properties |  |  |  |  |  |
Unproved |  | $ | 17,098 |  |  | $ | 17,926 |
Wells in progress |  |  | 2,909 |  |  |  | 3,694 |
Proved |  |  | 99,496 |  |  |  | 63,317 |
|  |  | 119,503 |  |  |  | 84,937 |
Less accumulated depreciation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
depletion and amortization |  |  | (28,561 | ) |  |  | (14,563 | )
Net book value |  |  | 90,942 |  |  |  | 70,374 |
Mining properties |  |  | 20,739 |  |  |  | 21,077 |
Building, land and equipment |  |  | 14,984 |  |  |  | 14,564 |
Less accumulated depreciation |  |  | (5,788 | ) |  |  | (5,228 | )
Net book value |  |  | 9,196 |  |  |  | 9,336 |
Totals |  | $ | 120,877 |  |  | $ | 100,787 |
Oil and Gas Properties USE follows the full cost method in accounting for its oil and gas properties. Under the full cost method, all costs associated with the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties are capitalized and accumulated in a country-wide cost center. This includes any internal costs that are directly related to development and exploration activities, but does not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead or similar activities. Proceeds received from property disposals are credited against accumulated cost except when the sale represents a significant disposal of reserves, in which case a gain or loss is recognized. The sum of net capitalized costs and estimated future development and dismantlement costs for each cost center is depleted on the equivalent unit-of-production method, based on proved oil and gas reserves. Excluded from amounts subject to depletion are costs associated with unevaluated properties. Full Cost Pool – Full cost pool capitalized costs are amortized over the life of production of proven properties. Capitalized costs at December 31, 2011 and 2010 which were not included in the amortized cost pool were $20.0 million and $21.6 million, respectively. These costs consist of unproved wells in progress, seismic costs that are being analyzed for potential drilling locations as well as land costs and are related to unproved properties. No capitalized costs related to unproved properties are included in the amortization base at December 31, 2011 and 2010. It is anticipated that these costs will be added to the full cost amortization pool within the next two years as properties are evaluated, drilled or abandoned. Ceiling Test Analysis – Under the full cost method, net capitalized costs are limited to the lower of unamortized cost reduced by the related net deferred tax liability and asset retirement obligations or the cost center ceiling. The cost center ceiling is defined as the sum of (i) estimated future net revenue, discounted at 10% per annum, from proved reserves, based on unescalated average prices per barrel of oil and per MMbtu of natural gas at the first of each month in the 12-month period prior to the end of the reporting period and costs, adjusted for contract provisions, financial derivatives that hedge USE's oil and gas revenue and asset retirement obligations, (ii) the cost of properties not being amortized, and (iii) the lower of cost or market value of unproved properties included in the cost being amortized, less (iv) income tax effects related to differences between the book and tax basis of the natural gas and crude oil properties. If the net book value reduced by the related net deferred income tax liability and asset retirement obligations exceeds the cost center ceiling limitation, a non-cash impairment charge is required in the period in which the impairment occurs. USE performs a quarterly ceiling test for each of its oil and gas cost centers. There was only one such cost center in 2011. The reserves used in the ceiling test and the ceiling test itself incorporate assumptions regarding pricing and discount rates and over which management has no influence in the determination of present value. In arriving at the ceiling test for the year ended December 31, 2011, USE used $96.19 per barrel for oil and $4.12 per MMbtu for natural gas (and adjusted for property specific gravity, quality, local markets and distance from markets) to compute the future cash flows of USE's producing properties. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the ceiling was in excess of the net capitalized costs as adjusted for related deferred income taxes and no impairment was required. We will continue to review our unproved properties based on market conditions and other changes and if appropriate, unproved property amounts may be reclassified to the amortized base of properties within the full cost pool. Wells in Progress - Wells in progress represent the costs associated with unproved wells that have not reached total depth or been completed as of period end. They are classified as wells in progress and withheld from the depletion calculation and the ceiling test. The costs for these wells are then transferred to evaluated property when the wells reach total depth and are cased and the costs become subject to depletion and the ceiling test calculation in future periods. Mineral Properties USE capitalizes all costs incidental to the acquisition of mineral properties. Mineral exploration costs are expensed as incurred. When exploration work indicates that a mineral property can be economically developed as a result of establishing proved and probable reserves, costs for the development of the mineral property as well as capital purchases and capital construction are capitalized and amortized using units of production over the estimated recoverable proved and probable reserves. Costs and expenses related to general corporate overhead are expensed as incurred. All capitalized costs are charged to operations if USE subsequently determines that the property is not economical due to permanent decreases in market prices of commodities, excessive production costs or depletion of the mineral resource. Mineral properties at December 31, 2011 and 2010 reflect capitalized costs associated with USE's Mt. Emmons molybdenum property near Crested Butte, Colorado. USE's carrying balance in the Mt. Emmons property at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
|  | (In thousands) |
|  | December 31, |  |  | December 31, |
|  | 2011 |  |  | 2010 |
Costs associated with Mount Emmons |  |  |  |  |  |
beginning of year |  | $ | 21,077 |  |  | $ | 21,969 |
Development costs during the nine months |  |  | 16 |  |  |  | 108 |
Option payment from Thompson Creek |  |  | (354 | ) |  |  | (1,000 | )
Costs at the end of the period |  | $ | 20,739 |  |  | $ | 21,077 |
Long-Lived Assets USE evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment calculations are generally based on market appraisals. If estimated future cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, are less than the carrying amount of the related asset, an asset impairment is considered to exist. Changes in significant assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates may have a material effect on USE's financial position and results of operations. Assets Held for Sale In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance regarding property plant and equipment, assets are classified as held for sale when the Company commits to a plan to sell the assets and there is reasonable certainty that the sale will take place within one year. Upon classification as held for sale, long-lived assets are no longer depreciated or depleted, and a measurement for impairment is performed to determine if there is any excess of carrying value over fair value less costs to sell. Subsequent changes to estimated fair value less the cost to sell will impact the measurement of assets held for sale if the fair value is determined to be less than the carrying value of the assets. In January 2011, we made the decision to sell our Remington Village multifamily project in Gillette, Wyoming and plan to use the proceeds to further the development of our oil and gas business. Operations related to Remington Village are shown in discontinued operations on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For additional discussion on assets held for sale, please refer to Note H – Assets Held for Sale. Derivative Instruments USE uses derivative instruments, typically fixed-rate swaps and costless collars to manage price risk underlying its oil and gas production. USE may also use puts, calls and basis swaps in the future. All derivative instruments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. USE offsets fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty. Although USE does not designate any of its derivative instruments as a cash flow hedge, such derivative instruments provide an economic hedge of our exposure to commodity price risk associated with forecasted future oil and gas production. These contracts are accounted for using the mark-to-market accounting method and accordingly, USE recognizes all unrealized and realized gains and losses related to these contracts currently in earnings and are classified as gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net in our consolidated statements of operations. USE's Board of Directors sets all risk management policies and reviews the status and results of derivative activities, including volumes, types of instruments and counterparties on a quarterly basis. These policies require that derivative instruments be executed only by the Chief Executive Officer or President. The master contracts with approved counterparties identify the Chief Executive Officer and President as the only Company representatives authorized to execute trades. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amount of cash equivalents, receivables, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of those instruments. The recorded amounts for short-term and long-term debt approximate the fair market value due to the variable nature of the interest rates on the short-term debt, and the fact that interest rates remain generally unchanged from issuance of the long-term debt. Asset Retirement Obligations USE accounts for its asset retirement obligations under FASB ASC 410-20, "Asset Retirement Obligations." USE records the fair value of the reclamation liability on its inactive mining properties and its operating oil and gas properties as of the date that the liability is incurred. USE reviews the liability each quarter and determines if a change in estimate is required as well as accretes the discounted liability on a quarterly basis for the future liability. Final determinations are made during the fourth quarter of each year. USE deducts any actual funds expended for reclamation during the quarter in which it occurs. The following is a reconciliation of the total liability for asset retirement obligations:
|  | (In thousands) |
|  | December 31, |  |  | December 31, |
|  | 2011 |  |  | 2010 |
Beginning asset retirement obligation |  | $ | 303 |  |  | $ | 211 |
Accretion of discount |  |  | 23 |  |  |  | 17 |
Liabilities incurred |  |  | 187 |  |  |  | 75 |
Liabilities sold |  |  | (3 | ) |  |  | -- |
Ending asset retirement obligation |  | $ | 510 |  |  | $ | 303 |
Mining properties |  | $ | 149 |  |  | $ | 139 |
Oil & Gas wells |  |  | 361 |  |  |  | 164 |
Ending asset retirement obligation |  | $ | 510 |  |  | $ | 303 |
Revenue Recognition USE derives revenue primarily from the sale of produced oil, gas, and NGLs. The Company reports revenue as the gross amount received before taking into account production taxes and transportation costs, which are reported separately as expenses and are included in oil and gas production expense in the accompanying statements of operations. USE records natural gas and oil revenue under the sales method of accounting. Revenue is recorded in the month that the production is delivered to the purchaser. Payment is generally received between 30 and 90 days after the date of production. At the end of each month, we estimate the amount of production delivered to the purchaser and the price we will receive. USE uses its knowledge of its properties, their historical performance, market prices, and other factors as the basis for these estimates. Revenues from real estate operations are reported on a gross revenue basis and are recorded at the time the service is provided. Stock Based Compensation USE measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for all equity awards granted including stock options based on the fair market value of the award as of the grant date. USE computes the fair values of its options granted to employees using the Black Scholes pricing model. No options were granted in 2011, 2010 or 2009. USE recognizes the cost of the equity awards over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. As share-based compensation expense is recognized based on awards ultimately expected to vest, the expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures based on historical forfeiture rates. Income Taxes USE recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future income tax consequences, based on enacted tax laws, of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets, liabilities and carry forwards. Additionally, USE recognizes deferred tax assets for the expected future effects of all deductible temporary differences, loss carry forwards and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if deemed necessary, by a valuation allowance for any tax benefits which, based on current circumstances, are not expected to be realized. Management believes it is more likely than not that such tax benefits will be realized and a valuation allowance has not been provided. Net Income (Loss) Per Share Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Common shares held by the ESOP are included in the computation of earnings per share. Total shares held by the ESOP at December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 were 684,643, 685,382, and 642,913, respectively. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the incremental shares attributed to outstanding options and warrants to purchase common stock, if dilutive. Using the treasury stock method, potential common shares relating to options and warrants are excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 because they were anti dilutive. Dilutive options and warrants totaled 486,371, 994,067 and 282,504 at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). The amendments in ASU 2011-04 generally represent clarification of Topic 820, but also include instances where a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements has changed. ASU 2011-04 results in common principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and are to be applied prospectively. Early application is not permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-04 will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), which allows an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The amendments to the Codification in the ASU do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 will not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. USE has reviewed other current outstanding statements from the FASB and does not believe that any of those statements will have a material adverse affect on the financial statements of USE when adopted.

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