Intrepid Potash, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2011 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2011

Commission File Number: 001-34025

INTREPID POTASH, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

707 17^th Street, Suite 4200
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 296-3006
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.) Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý

        As of October 31, 2011, 75,203,644 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value of $0.001 per share, were outstanding.

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.
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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

INTREPID POTASH, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share amounts)

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

Note 1—COMPANY BACKGROUND

        Intrepid Potash, Inc. (individually or in any combination with its subsidiaries, "Intrepid") produces muriate of potash ("potassium chloride" or "potash"); langbeinite; and by-products including salt, magnesium chloride and metal recovery salts. The processing of langbeinite ore results in sulfate of potash magnesia, which is marketed for sale as Trio^®. Intrepid owns five active potash production facilities, three in New Mexico, and two in Utah. Production comes from two underground mines in the Carlsbad region of New Mexico; a solar evaporation solution mine near Moab, Utah; and a solar evaporation brine recovery mine in Wendover, Utah. Intrepid manages sales and marketing operations centrally to evaluate the product needs of its customers and then determine which of its production facilities to utilize to fulfill the customers' requirements and to realize the highest average net realized sales price to Intrepid. As such, product inventory levels and overall productions costs are monitored centrally. Intrepid has one reporting segment being the extraction, production, and sale of potassium related products, and its extraction and production operations are conducted entirely in the continental United States.

Note 2—BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission. For interim periods, GAAP and Regulation S-X do not require all information and notes that are required for annual periods. Therefore, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Intrepid's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Intrepid's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2011. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, and which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of Intrepid's financial position, results of operations and cash flows at September 30, 2011, and for all periods presented.

Note 3—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements of Intrepid include the accounts of Intrepid and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

        Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Intrepid bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

        Significant estimates with regard to Intrepid's consolidated financial statements include the estimate of proven and probable mineral reserve volumes, the related present value of estimated future net cash flows, useful lives of plant assets, asset retirement obligations, normal inventory production levels, inventory valuations, the valuation of equity awards, the valuation of derivative financial instruments, and estimated statutory income tax rates utilized in the current and deferred income tax

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 3—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

calculations. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proven and probable reserves, projecting future rates of production, and the timing of development expenditures. Future mineral prices may vary significantly from the prices in effect at the time the estimates are made, as may estimates of future operating costs. The estimate of proven and probable mineral reserve volumes, useful lives of plant assets, and the related present value of estimated future net cash flows can affect depletion, the net carrying value of Intrepid's mineral properties, and the useful lives of related property, plant and equipment, as well as depreciation expenses.

        Revenue Recognition—Revenue is recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, and risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to customers, which is generally when title passes, the selling price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Title passes at the designated shipping point for the majority of sales, but, in a few cases, title passes at the delivery destination. The shipping point may be the plant, a distribution warehouse, a customer warehouse, or a port. Title passes for some international shipments upon payment by the purchaser; however, revenue is recognized for these transactions upon shipment because the risks and rewards of ownership have transferred pursuant to a contractual arrangement. Prices are generally set at the time of, or prior to, shipment. In cases where the final price is determined upon resale of the product by the customer, revenue is deferred until the final sales price is known.

        Sales are reported on a gross basis. Intrepid quotes prices to customers both on a delivered basis and on the basis of pick-up at Intrepid's plants and warehouses. When a sale occurs on a delivered basis, Intrepid incurs and, in turn, bills the customer and records as gross revenue the product sales value, freight, packaging, and certain other distribution costs. Many customers, however, arrange for and pay for these costs directly and in these situations, only the product sales value is included in gross revenues.

        By-product Credits—When by-product inventories are sold, Intrepid records the sale of by-products as a credit to cost of goods sold.

        Inventory and Long-Term Parts Inventory—Inventory consists of product and by-product stocks that are ready for sale, mined ore, potash in evaporation ponds, and parts and supplies inventory. Product and by-product inventory cost is determined using the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value and includes direct costs, maintenance, operational overhead, depreciation, depletion, and equipment lease costs applicable to the production process. Direct costs, maintenance, and operational overhead include labor and associated benefits.

        Intrepid evaluates its production levels and costs to determine if any should be deemed abnormal and therefore excluded from inventory costs and instead expensed during the applicable period. The assessment of normal production levels is judgmental and is unique to each period. Intrepid models normal production levels and evaluates historical ranges of production by operating plant in assessing what is deemed to be normal.

        Parts inventory, including critical spares, that is not expected to be utilized within a period of one year is classified as non-current. Parts and supply inventory cost is determined using the lower of average acquisition cost or estimated replacement cost. Detailed reviews are performed related to the net realizable value of parts inventory, considering quality, slow-moving items, obsolescence, excessive

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 3—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

levels, and other factors. Parts inventories not having turned-over in more than a year, excluding parts classified as critical spares, are reviewed for obsolescence and if deemed appropriate, are included in the determination of an allowance for obsolescence.

        Derivatives—Intrepid had entered into interest rate derivative instruments when it had outstanding debt in order to swap a portion of floating-rate debt to fixed-rate when borrowings were probable and the significant characteristics and expected timing were identified. These instruments were entered into prior to Intrepid's initial public offering in April 2008. These items have not been designated as an accounting hedge; accordingly, any change in fair value from period to period associated with realized and unrealized gains or losses on interest rate derivative contracts is shown within interest expense.

        Property, Plant, and Equipment—Property, plant, and equipment are stated at historical cost. Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment relating to new assets or improvements are capitalized, provided the expenditure extends the useful life or extends the asset's functionality. Property, plant, and equipment are depreciated under the straight-line method using estimated useful lives. No depreciation is taken on assets classified as construction in progress until the asset is placed into service. Gains and losses are recorded upon retirement, sale, or disposal of assets. Maintenance and repair costs are recognized as period costs when incurred.

        Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets—Intrepid evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related net book value may not be recoverable. Impairment is considered to exist if the total estimated undiscounted future cash flow attributable to the asset is less than the carrying amount of the related asset. An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on the discounted estimated future cash flows. Changes in significant assumptions underlying future cash flow estimates or fair values of assets may have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.

        Mineral Properties and Development Costs—Mineral properties and development costs, which are referred to collectively as mineral properties, include acquisition costs, the cost of drilling wells, and the cost of other development work, all of which are capitalized. Depletion of mineral properties is calculated using the units-of-production method over the estimated life of the relevant ore body. The lives of reserves used for accounting purposes are shorter than current reserve life determinations due to uncertainties inherent in long-term estimates. These reserve life estimates have been prepared by us, and reviewed and independently determined by mine consultants. Reserve studies and mine plans are updated periodically, and the remaining net balance of the mineral properties is depleted over the updated estimated life, subject to a 25-year limit. Possible impairment is also considered in conjunction with updated reserve studies and mine plans. The determination of Intrepid's proven and probable reserves is based on extensive drilling, sampling, mine modeling, and mineral recovery, and the economic feasibility of accessing the reserves. The price sensitivity of reserves depends upon several factors including ore grade, ore thickness, and ore mineral composition. The reserves are estimated based on information available at the time the reserves are calculated. Recovery rates vary depending on the mineral properties of each deposit and the production process used. The reserve estimates utilize the average recovery rate for the deposit, which takes into account the processing methods scheduled to be used. The cutoff grade, or lowest grade of mineralized material considered economic to process, varies with material type, mineral recoveries, operating costs, and expected selling price.

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 3—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Proven and probable reserves are based on estimates, and no assurance can be given that the indicated levels of recoveries of potash and langbeinite will be realized or that production costs and estimated future development costs will not exceed the net realizable value of the products. Tons of potash and langbeinite in the proven and probable reserves are expressed in terms of expected finished tons of product to be realized, net of estimated losses. Reserve estimates may require revision based on actual production experience. Market price fluctuations of potash or Trio^®, as well as increased production costs or reduced recovery rates, could render proven and probable reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic to exploit and might result in a reduction of reserves. In addition, the provisions of Intrepid's mineral leases, including royalties payable, are subject to periodic readjustment by the state and/or federal government, which could affect the economics of its reserve estimates. Significant changes in the estimated reserves could have a material impact on Intrepid's results of operations and financial position.

        Exploration Costs—Exploration costs include geological and geophysical work performed on areas that do not yet have proven and probable reserves declared. These costs are expensed as incurred.

        Asset Retirement Obligation—Reclamation costs are initially recorded as a liability associated with the asset to be reclaimed or abandoned, based on applicable inflation assumptions and discount rates. The accretion of this discounted liability is recognized as expense over the life of the related assets, and the liability is periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation and abandonment costs.

        Planned Turnaround Maintenance—Each operation typically shuts down periodically for planned maintenance. The costs of maintenance turnarounds are considered part of production costs and are absorbed into inventory in the period incurred.

        Leases—Upon entering into leases, Intrepid evaluates whether leases are operating or capital leases. Operating lease expense is recognized as incurred. If lease payments change over the contractual term or involve contingent amounts, the total estimated cost over the term is recognized on a straight-line basis.

        Income Taxes—Intrepid is a subchapter C corporation and therefore is subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. Intrepid recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized. Intrepid records a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that its deferred income tax assets will not be realized in full; such determinations are subject to ongoing assessment.

        Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less.

        Investments—Intrepid's short-term and long-term investments consist of certificates of deposit with various banking institutions, including financial instruments, U.S. government agency, municipal and

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 3—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

corporate taxable bonds, and corporate convertible debentures, which have been classified as either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale securities. Short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets have remaining maturities to Intrepid less than or equal to one year and investments classified as long-term on the consolidated balance sheets have remaining maturities to Intrepid greater than one year. With regard to the financial instruments classified as held-to-maturity investments, they are carried on the consolidated balance sheets at cost, net of amortized premiums or discounts paid. The available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized through Other Comprehensive Loss. Fair value is assessed using a market-based approach.

        Fair Value of Financial Instruments—Intrepid's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, certificate of deposit investments, short-term and long-term investments, restricted cash, accounts receivable, refundable income taxes, and accounts payable, all of which are carried at cost, except for available-for-sale investments which are carried at fair value, and approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments, other than the long-term certificate of deposit investments. Allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded against the accounts receivable balance to estimate net realizable value. Although there are no amounts currently outstanding under Intrepid's senior credit facility, any borrowings that become outstanding are expected to be recorded at amounts that approximate their fair value as borrowings bear interest at a floating rate. Intrepid's interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value with adjustments to this fair value recognized currently in the statements of operations using established counterparty evaluations that are subjected to management's review. Since considerable judgment is required to develop estimates of fair value, the estimates provided are not necessarily indicative of the precise amounts that could be realized upon the sale, settlement, or refinancing of such instruments.

        Earnings per Share—Basic net income per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average basic common shares outstanding for the respective period.

        Diluted net income per common share of stock is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average diluted common shares outstanding, which includes the effect of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities for the diluted earnings per share calculation consist of awards of non-vested restricted shares of common stock and outstanding non-qualified stock option awards. The dilutive effect of stock based compensation arrangements are computed using the treasury stock method. Following the lapse of the vesting period of restricted common stock awards, the shares are issued and therefore are included in the number of issued and outstanding shares.

        Stock-Based Compensation—Intrepid accounts for stock based compensation by recording expense using the fair value of the awards at the time of grant. Intrepid has recorded compensation expense associated with the issuance of non-vested restricted common stock awards and non-qualified stock option awards, both of which are subject to service conditions. The expense associated with such awards is recognized over the service period associated with each issuance. There are no performance or market conditions associated with these awards.

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 4—EARNINGS PER SHARE

        The treasury stock method is used to measure the dilutive impact of non-vested restricted shares of common stock and outstanding stock options. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, and 2010, a weighted average of 41,504 and 100,145 non-vested shares of restricted common stock and 148,095 and 210,017 stock options, respectively, were anti-dilutive and therefore were not included in the diluted weighted average share calculation. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and 2010, a weighted average of 32,498 and 119,550 non-vested shares of restricted common stock and 145,895 and 186,014 stock options, respectively, were anti-dilutive and therefore were not included in the diluted weighted average share calculation.

        The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 5—CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INVESTMENTS

        The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company's cash and available-for-sale securities held in its marketable securities investment portfolio, recorded as cash and cash equivalents or short-term or long-term marketable securities as of September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

        As of September 30, 2011, the Company held $2.0 million of convertible corporate bonds that are classified as available-for-sale. As of September 30, 2011, and 2010, Intrepid's available-for-sale investments had gross unrealized gains of approximately $10,000 and $30,000. The fair value of Intrepid's held-to-maturity investments at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, approximated their carrying amounts.

Note 6—INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY

        The following summarizes Intrepid's inventory, recorded at the lower of weighted average cost or estimated net realizable value as of September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively (in thousands):

        Parts inventories are shown net of any required reserves. No obsolescence or other reserves were deemed necessary for product or in-process mineral inventory. In conjunction with a lower of weighted

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 6—INVENTORY AND LONG-TERM PARTS INVENTORY (Continued)

average cost or estimated net realizable value assessment of our product inventory of standard-sized Trio^®, Intrepid recorded impairment charges of approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Intrepid recorded impairment charges of approximately $0.7 million in both the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and 2010.

        Related to in-process mineral inventory and finished good product inventory, Intrepid had no charges related to abnormal production in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively; Intrepid recorded a charge of zero and $0.5 million related to abnormal production in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

Note 7—PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT AND MINERAL PROPERTIES

        "Property, plant, and equipment" and "Mineral properties and development costs" were comprised of the following (in thousands):

        Intrepid recorded the following cost for depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion ("DD&A"), including DD&A capitalized into inventory, for the following periods (in thousands):

        "Mineral properties and development costs" include accumulated costs of approximately $1.4 million as of September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, associated with the presently idled HB

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 7—PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT AND MINERAL PROPERTIES (Continued)

Solar Solution mine that is being converted to a solar solution mine. Intrepid is actively seeking the required permits and approvals from the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and the state of New Mexico to resume production from this mine using solution mining techniques and the application of solar evaporation, similar to the operations in Moab, Utah. "Construction in progress" related to property, plant, and equipment associated with the HB Solar Solution mine also includes approximately $30.5 million and $26.7 million as of September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively. No depletion or depreciation is currently being recognized on this property or its related assets, as the mine has not yet been placed in service and there is no basis over which to amortize the historical costs.

Note 8—DEBT

        Intrepid replaced its senior credit facility (the "Former Credit Facility") with a new unsecured credit facility in August 2011. The Former Credit Facility was a syndicated facility led by U.S. Bank as the administrative agent and provided a revolving credit facility of $125 million. Under the terms of the Former Credit Facility, the administrative agent for the benefit of the lenders had a security interest in substantially all of the assets of Intrepid and certain of its subsidiaries. Intrepid and certain of its subsidiaries were co-borrowers under the Former Credit Facility and were jointly liable for all obligations under the Former Credit Facility. There were no amounts outstanding under the Former Credit Facility as of December 31, 2010.

        In August 2011, Intrepid entered into a new unsecured credit facility, led by U.S. Bank, as administrative agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, as syndication agent. This new credit facility, which replaced the Former Credit Facility in its entirety, provides a total revolving credit facility of $250 million with a five-year term through August 2016. The facility is unsecured and is guaranteed by certain material subsidiaries of Intrepid, as defined in the agreement. There were no amounts outstanding under this facility as of September 30, 2011.

        Outstanding balances under the new revolving unsecured credit facility bear interest at a floating rate, which, at Intrepid's option, is either (1) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus a margin of between 1.25 percent and 2.0 percent, depending upon Intrepid's leverage ratio, which is equal to the ratio of Intrepid's total funded indebtedness to Intrepid's adjusted earnings for the prior four fiscal quarters before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain other expenses; or (2) an alternative base rate, plus a margin between 0.25 percent and 1.0 percent, depending upon Intrepid's leverage ratio. Intrepid must pay a quarterly commitment fee on the outstanding portion of the unused revolving credit facility amount of between 0.20 percent and 0.35 percent, depending on Intrepid's leverage ratio.

Note 9—ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

        Intrepid recognizes a liability for future estimated costs associated with the reclamation of its mining properties. A liability for the estimated fair value of an asset retirement obligation and a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset are recorded as the mining operations occur or as the assets are acquired.

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 9—ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION (Continued)

        Intrepid's asset retirement obligation is based on the estimated cost to remove assets and close the mining operations, the economic life of the properties, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The liability is discounted using the credit adjusted risk-free rate estimates at the time the liability is incurred or when there are revisions to estimated costs. The credit adjusted risk-free rates used to discount Intrepid's abandonment liabilities range from 6.9 percent to 8.5 percent. Revisions to the liability occur due to changes in estimated abandonment costs or economic lives, or if federal or state regulators enact new requirements regarding the abandonment of mines.

        Following is a table of the changes to Intrepid's asset retirement obligations for the following periods (in thousands):

        The undiscounted amount of asset retirement obligation is $31.3 million as of September 30, 2011, and there are no significant payments expected in the next five years.

Note 10—COMPENSATION PLANS

        Cash Bonus Plan—Intrepid has cash bonus plans that allow participants to receive varying percentages of their aggregate base salary. Any awards under the cash bonus plans are based on a variety of elements related to Intrepid's performance in certain production, operational, financial, and other areas, as well as the participants' individual performance. Intrepid accrues cash bonus expense related to the current year's performance.

        Equity Incentive Compensation Plan—Intrepid has issued common stock awards, awards of non-vested restricted shares of common stock, and non-qualified stock option awards under its 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2008 Plan"). As of September 30, 2011, there were a total of 171,860 shares of non-vested restricted common stock outstanding and 354,339 outstanding stock options. As of September 30, 2011, there were approximately 4.1 million shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2008 Plan.

Common Stock

        Under the 2008 Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the award of 9,616 shares of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, to the non-employee members of the Board of Directors as compensation for service for the period ending on the date of Intrepid's 2011 annual stockholders' meeting. These shares of common stock were granted without restrictions and vested immediately.

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 10—COMPENSATION PLANS (Continued)

Non-vested Restricted Shares of Common Stock

        Under the 2008 Plan, grants of non-vested restricted shares of common stock have been awarded to executive officers, other key employees, and consultants. The awards contain service conditions associated with continued employment or service. There are no performance or market conditions associated with these awards. The terms of the non-vested restricted common stock awards provide voting rights and, upon vesting, the right to receive ordinary dividends otherwise payable during the vesting period to the holders of such awards. Upon vesting of the restricted shares of common stock, the restrictions on such shares of common stock lapse, the shares are no longer subject to forfeiture, all ordinary dividends otherwise payable during the vesting period are remitted to the award holder, and the shares are considered issued and outstanding.

        Awards have been made from time to time to existing and newly hired employees and are approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Awards made in connection with the initial public offering ("IPO") and upon hiring of selected individuals have had vesting schedules that vary between a two to four-year vesting schedule. The Compensation Committee of Intrepid's Board of Directors has also approved awards of restricted common stock to Intrepid's executive management and other selected employees under an annual awards program. These awards vest one-third on each of the first three anniversary dates of the grant.

        In measuring compensation expense associated with the grant of shares of non-vested restricted common stock, Intrepid uses the fair value of the award, determined as the closing stock price for Intrepid's common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense is recorded monthly over the vesting period of the award. Total compensation expense related to the awards of restricted common stock awards was $0.8 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, and 2010, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and 2010, total compensation expense related to the awards of restricted common stock awards was $2.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Such amounts were net of estimated forfeiture adjustments. As of September 30, 2011, there was $3.5 million of total remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted common stock awards that will be expensed through 2014.

        A summary of Intrepid's restricted common stock activity for awards that have not yet vested for the period from December 31, 2010, to September 30, 2011, is as follows:

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INTREPID POTASH, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

Note 10—COMPENSATION PLANS (Continued)