Note 7 - Credit Losses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Notes to Financial Statements

Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Text Block]

NOTE 7—CREDIT LOSSES:

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-013, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments using a modified retrospective approach. This ASU replaces the incurred loss impairment model with an expected credit loss impairment model for financial instruments, including trade and other receivables. The amendment requires entities to consider forward-looking information to estimate expected credit losses, resulting in earlier recognition of losses for receivables that are current or not yet due, which were not considered under previous accounting guidance. The Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the amount of $3,298, net of $1,109 of income taxes, for expected credit losses on financial assets at the adoption date.

The following table illustrates the impact of ASC 326.

	January 1, 2020
	As Reported Under ASC 326		Pre-ASC 326 Adoption		Impact of ASC 326 Adoption
Trade Receivables	$	3,051	$	2,100	$	951
Other Non-Trade Contractual Arrangements		4,167		711		3,456
Allowance for Credit Losses on Receivables	$	7,218	$	2,811	$	4,407

Trade receivables are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company markets its coal and terminal services to top-performing rail-served power plants in its core market areas. The Company also serves industrial and metallurgical consumers in international markets. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a customer's financial condition and a customer's ability to perform its obligations. Trade receivable balances are monitored against approved credit terms. Credit terms are reviewed and adjusted as considered necessary based on changes to a customer's credit profile. If a customer's credit deteriorates, the Company may reduce credit risk exposure by reducing credit terms, obtaining letters of credit, obtaining credit insurance, or requiring pre-payment for shipments. 

Other non-trade contractual arrangements consist primarily of overriding royalty agreements and other financial arrangements between the Company and various counterparties. The table below excludes fully reserved receivables associated with certain transactions in the amount of $8,263 and $5,097 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as management believes it is probable that these outstanding balances will not be collected. At December 31, 2021, the allowance for credit losses associated with other non-trade contractual arrangements was $12,329 and $2,882, included in Other Receivables, net and Other Assets, net, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At  December 31, 2020, the allowance for credit losses associated with other non-trade contractual arrangements was $6,960 and $1,661, included in Other Receivables, net and Other Assets, net, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company is exposed to credit losses primarily through sales of products and services. The Company's expected loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of customers' trade and other accounts receivables. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of the amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected is based on an aging of the accounts receivable balances and the financial condition of customers. Additionally, specific allowance amounts are established to record the appropriate provision for customers that have a higher probability of default. The Company's monitoring activities include timely account reconciliations, dispute resolution, payment confirmation, consideration of customers' financial condition and macroeconomic conditions. Balances are written off when determined to be uncollectible. The Company considered the current and expected future economic and market conditions surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and determined that the estimate of credit losses was not significantly impacted.

Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for changes to the assessment of anticipated payment, changes in economic conditions, current industry trends in the markets the Company serves, and changes in the financial health of the Company's counterparties.

The following table provides a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of accounts receivable to present the net amount expected to be collected.

	Trade Receivables		Other Non-Trade Contractual Arrangements
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2020	$	4,426	$	3,524
Provision for expected credit losses		171		3,424
Ending Balance, December 31, 2021	$	4,597	$	6,948