UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(MARK ONE)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM________TO_______
Commission File No. 001-36260
CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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61-1721523
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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5727 South Lewis Avenue, Suite 500
Tulsa, Oklahoma
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74105
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (918) 748-3900
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Units Representing Limited Partner Interests
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New York Stock Exchange
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(Title of each class)
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(Name of each exchange on which registered)
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Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
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 o No x
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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x Noo
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. x
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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer ¨
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Non-accelerated filer ý
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Smaller reporting company ¨
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
As of June 28, 2013, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the registrant's equity was not listed on any domestic exchange or over-the-counter market. The registrant's common units began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on January 15, 2014.
As of March 27, 2014, the registrant had 5,913,000 common units and 5,913,000 subordinated units outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None.
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Page
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Item 1.
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3
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Item 1A.
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Item 1B.
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Item 2.
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Item 3.
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Item 6.
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Item 7.
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Item 7A.
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Item 10.
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Item 11.
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Item 15.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following includes a description of the meanings of some of the terms used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
“Dig site.” The location where pipeline maintenance occurs by excavating the ground above the pipeline.
“Flowback water.” The fluid that returns to the surface during and for the weeks following the hydraulic fracturing process.
“Gun barrel.” A settling tank used for treating oil where oil and brine are separated only by gravity segregation forces.
“Hydraulic fracturing.” The process of pumping fluids, mixed with granular proppant, into a geological formation at pressures sufficient to create fractures in the hydrocarbon-bearing rock.
“In-line inspection.” An inspection technique used to assess the integrity of natural gas transmission pipelines from inside of the pipe.
“IPO.” Our initial public offering of common units representing limited partner interests in us.
“Injection intervals.” The part of the injection zone in which the well is screened or in which the waste is otherwise directly emplaced.
“NGLs.” Natural gas liquids. The combination of ethane, propane, butane, isobutene and natural gasolines that when removed from natural gas become liquid under various levels of higher pressure and lower temperature.
“OPEC.” The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
“Pig tracking.” The locating, mapping and monitoring of the in-line inspection pig.
“Produced water.” Naturally occurring water found in hydrocarbon-bearing formations that flows to the surface along with oil and natural gas.
“Proppant.” Sized particles mixed with fracturing fluid to hold fractures open after a hydraulic fracturing treatment.
“Residual oil.” Oil separated and recovered during the saltwater treatment process.
“Separation Tank.” A cylindrical or spherical vessel used to separate oil, gas and water from the total fluid stream produced by a well.
“Settling tank.” A non-circulating storage tank where gravitational segregation forces separate liquids from solids.
“Staking.” The process of marking the location where pipeline maintenance will occur.
NAMES OF ENTITIES
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.,” “our partnership,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms, refer to Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. and its subsidiaries. Except as otherwise stated in this Annual Report, all common and subordinated unit ownership interests are stated as of January 21, 2014, the closing date of our IPO.
References to:
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“our general partner” refers to Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC; |
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“Cypress Holdings” refers to Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, the indirect owner of our general partner and the indirect owner of 22.8% of our outstanding common units and 94.8% of our subordinated units (excluding units owned by members of our management); |
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“CEM” refers to Cypress Energy Management, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of our general partner that performs certain administrative and management functions for our partnership; |
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“Cypress LLC” refer to Cypress Energy Partners, LLC which became our wholly owned subsidiary at the closing of our IPO; |
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“CEP TIR” refers to Cypress Energy Partners — TIR, LLC, a subsidiary owned by Cypress Holdings, and an owner of 11.4% of our outstanding common units, 11.4% of our subordinated units and a 36.2% ownership interest in the TIR entities; |
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“CES” refers to Cypress Energy Services, LLC, our 51.0% owned subsidiary that performs management services for 11 SWD facilities in North Dakota, seven of which we own and the remaining four of which are owned by third parties; |
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“Cypress LLC Predecessor” or “Predecessor” refers to, the predecessor for accounting purposes of Cypress LLC, which represents the seven North Dakota limited liability companies we acquired from SBG Energy Services, LLC and collectively comprise our predecessor for accounting purposes; |
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“TIR” refer to the Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC; |
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“TIR Canada” refer to Tulsa Inspection Resources — Canada ULC; |
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“TIR entities” refer collectively to TIR, TIR Canada, TIR Foley and TIR NDE each of which are our indirect subsidiaries and are 50.1% owned by our partnership, 36.2% owned by CEP TIR, 10.6% owned by Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and 3.1% owned by Cynthia Field; |
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“TIR Foley” refers to Foley Inspection Services ULC; |
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“TIR NDE” refers to Tulsa Inspection Resources — Nondestructive Examination, LLC; and |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “may,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “achievable,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “potential,” “should,” “could,” and similar terms and phrases. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties and we can give no assurance that such expectations or assumptions will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are described under “Item 1A - Risk Factors” and “Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” in this Annual Report. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.
Overview
Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. was formed on September 19, 2013 to provide saltwater disposal and other water and environmental services to U.S. onshore oil and natural gas producers and trucking companies and to provide independent pipeline inspection and integrity services to producers and pipeline companies. As of December 31, 2013, Cypress Energy Holdings II, LLC (“Holdings II”) owned 100% of the limited partner interest in the Partnership, a 100% interest in our general partner and 100% of the member interest in Cypress LLC. Holdings II is owned 100% by Cypress Holdings. The Partnership had no operating activities for the period from inception through December 31, 2013 outside of costs incurred in relation to our new credit agreement and our initial public offering.
On January 21, 2014, the Partnership completed its IPO. At the closing of the IPO, Holdings II conveyed its 100% member interest in Cypress LLC to the Partnership in exchange for (a) an aggregate 47.8% interest in the Partnership (0.4% was subsequently conveyed to certain members of management), and (b) the right to receive the proceeds of the IPO. Also, affiliates of Holdings II, directly or indirectly conveyed an aggregate 50.1% interest in the TIR entities to the Partnership in exchange for an aggregate 11.4% ownership in the Partnership. The Partnership subsequently conveyed its interest in the TIR entities to Cypress LLC.
In our Water and Environmental Services segment, which is comprised of the historical operations of Cypress LLC, we own and operate nine saltwater disposal, or SWD facilities, seven of which are in the Bakken Shale region of the Williston Basin in North Dakota and two of which are in the Permian Basin in west Texas. We also manage four other SWD facilities in the Bakken Shale region. Our customers are oil and natural gas exploration and production companies and trucking companies operating in the regions that we serve. We generate segment revenue primarily by treating produced water and flowback water and injecting them into our SWD facilities. Our segment results are driven primarily by the volumes of produced water and flowback water we inject into our SWD facilities and the fees we charge for our services. These fees are charged on a per barrel basis and vary based on the quantity and type of saltwater disposed, competitive dynamics and operating costs. In addition, for minimal marginal cost, we generate revenue by selling residual oil we recover from the flowback and produced water. We have acquired and, in some cases, expanded recently constructed, high-capacity SWD facilities that are in close proximity to existing producing wells and expected future drilling sites, thereby making our facilities economically attractive options to our current and future customers. Through our 51.0% ownership interest in CES, we also generate segment revenue from fees associated with managing SWD facilities. Prior to the contribution of Cypress LLC to the Partnership, but subsequent to December 31, 2013, Cypress LLC indirectly distributed its 100% member interest in four limited liability companies to Cypress Holdings. One of the distributed entities, SBG Sheridan Facility LLC, contains the assets and liabilities of an SWD facility that is currently not operational. The historical operating results of these distributed entities are included in the historical financial results of Cypress LLC presented herein but will not be included in the Partnership financial results subsequent to the IPO.
In our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment, which is comprised of the historical operations of the TIR entities, including the 49.9% interests in those entities currently not owned by us, we provide independent inspection and integrity services to various energy, public utility and pipeline companies. The inspectors in this segment perform a variety of inspection and integrity services on midstream pipelines, gathering systems and distribution systems, including data gathering and supervision of third-party construction, inspection, and maintenance and repair projects. Our results in this segment are driven primarily by the number and type of inspectors performing services for the TIR entities’ customers and the fees they charge for those services, which depend on the nature and duration of the project.
Our Relationship with Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC
All of the equity interests in our general partner are owned by Cypress Holdings, which is owned by Charles C. Stephenson, Jr., various family trusts and a company controlled by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Peter C. Boylan III. Cypress Holdings’ owners bring substantial industry relationships and specialized, value-creation capabilities that we believe will continue to benefit us. Mr. Stephenson has over 50 years of experience as a leader in the oil and natural gas industry. He was the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vintage Petroleum prior to its sale to Occidental Petroleum in 2006 and is currently the Chairman of Premier Natural Resources, a private oil and natural gas exploration and production company. Mr. Boylan has extensive executive management experience with public and private companies and currently serves as a director of two public companies, MRC Global Inc. and BOK Financial Inc., with significant energy, oil and natural gas customers. As the owners of our general partner and the direct or indirect owners of approximately 58.8% of our outstanding limited partner interests, Cypress Holdings and its affiliates have a strong incentive to support and promote the successful execution of our business plan.
Business Strategies
Our principal business objective is to increase the quarterly cash distributions that we pay to our unitholders over time. We expect to achieve this objective through the following business strategies:
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Capitalize on compelling industry fundamentals. |
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Water and environmental services. We believe that the water and environmental services market offers attractive long-term growth fundamentals and we intend to continue to position ourselves as a high quality operator of SWD facilities. Over the last few years there has been an increase in the amount of flowback and produced water being disposed in the U.S. This increase has primarily been driven by an increase in the total number of wells drilled and the average length of wells in the U.S. onshore market, each of which generally has resulted in increased use of fracturing fluids in the completion process. We intend to capitalize on the increased demand for removal, treatment, storage and disposal of flowback and produced water by continuing to position ourselves as a trusted provider of safe, high-quality water and environmental services. |
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Pipeline inspection and integrity services. We intend to continue to position ourselves as a trusted provider of high quality inspection and integrity services, as we believe the pipeline inspection and integrity services market offers attractive long-term growth fundamentals. Over the last few years, new laws have been enacted in the U.S. that in the future will require operators to undertake more frequent and more extensive inspections of their pipeline assets. Additionally, a significant portion of the pipeline infrastructure in North America was installed decades ago and is therefore more susceptible to failure and requires more frequent inspections. We believe that increasingly stringent U.S. federal and state laws and regulations and aging pipeline infrastructures will result in increased need for inspection and integrity services and higher demand for independent, third-party inspectors capable of navigating these complicated requirements. |
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Optimize existing assets. All of our SWD facilities have been constructed since June 2011. We estimate that we were using approximately 40% of the aggregate estimated capacity of these facilities for the year ended December 31, 2013. We are seeking to increase the utilization of our existing SWD facilities by attracting new volumes from existing customers and by developing new customer relationships. Because many of the costs of constructing and operating an SWD facility are either upfront capital costs or fixed costs, we expect that increased utilization of our existing SWD facilities over time will lead to increased gross margin and operating cash flow in our Water and Environmental Services segment. |
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Increase the number of pipelines connecting to our SWD facilities. As more oil and natural gas producers focus on improving operational safety and reducing liability, carbon footprint, road damage and the total transportation cost associated with trucking saltwater, we anticipate that they will increasingly prefer to utilize pipeline systems to transport their saltwater directly to SWD facilities. We intend to purchase or construct, whether alone or in joint ventures, saltwater pipeline systems that connect producers to our SWD facilities or newly developed SWD facilities. |
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Leverage customer relationships in both our business segments. We intend to pursue new strategic development opportunities with oil and natural gas producing customers that increase the utilization of our assets and lead to cross-selling opportunities between our two business segments. Many customers of our Water and Environmental Services segment also own gathering systems and other pipeline assets to which we can offer pipeline inspection and integrity services. In addition, we intend to enhance our relationships with our customers in our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment by broadening the services we provide, including expanding our ultrasonic nondestructive examination services and potentially offering aerial inspection services and right of way management services. By cross-selling our service offerings and adding complementary service offerings, we believe that we can further integrate our business segments into our customers’ operations and increase our profitability and distributable cash flow. |
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Pursue strategic, accretive acquisitions. We intend to pursue accretive acquisitions that will complement both our Water and Environmental Services segment and our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity segment. Both of our business segments operate in industries that are fragmented, giving us the opportunity to make strategic and accretive acquisitions. We plan to expand our existing Water and Environmental Services segment by seeking acquisitions in existing and additional high-growth resource plays throughout the U.S. that will diversify our customer base. In addition, we intend to grow our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment by acquiring additional ownership interests in the TIR entities and other pipeline inspection companies. Cypress Holdings has granted us a right of first offer to acquire all or a portion of its remaining ownership interests in the TIR entities, should it choose to sell such interests. The consummation and timing of any such acquisition will depend upon, among other things, Cypress Holdings’ willingness to offer additional ownership interests for sale and its and our ability to obtain any necessary consents, the determination that the acquisition is appropriate for our business at that particular time, our ability to agree on mutually acceptable terms of purchase, including price, and our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms. |
Our Business Segments
We operate our business in two segments, Water and Environmental Services and Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services.
Water and Environmental Services Segment
Overview. Through our Water and Environmental Services segment, which specializes in water and environmental services, we own and operate nine SWD facilities, seven of which are in the Bakken shale region of the Williston Basin in North Dakota and two of which are in the Permian Basin in west Texas. In addition, CES owns a 25% interest in another SWD facility in the Bakken Shale region which we are also under contract to manage through CES. We also manage three other SWD facilities. We are currently working toward obtaining permits for additional facilities at some of our existing and new locations. Our Water and Environmental Services segment is comprised of the historical business of Cypress LLC.
Operations. Our Water and Environmental Services segment currently generates revenue by offering the following services:
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Flowback water management. We dispose of flowback water produced from hydraulic fracturing operations during the completion of wells. Fracturing fluids, including a significant amount of water, are originally injected into the well during the completion process and are partially recovered as flowback water. When it is removed, this flowback water contains salt, chemicals and residual oil. The drilling and completion phase typically occurs during the first 30 to 90 days following commencement of production of the life of a well. Today, the oil and natural gas producer typically either transports the flowback water to one of our SWD facilities by truck or contracts with a trucking company for transport. Once we receive the water at one of our SWD facilities, we treat the water through a combination of separation tanks, gun barrels and chemical processes, store it as necessary prior to injection and then inject it into the SWD well at depths of at least 4,000 feet. Like produced water, we assess the composition of flowback water in our facilities so that we can maximize oil separation and treat the water to maximize the life of our equipment and the wellbore. We believe our approach to scientifically and methodically filtering and treating the flowback water prior to injecting it into our wells helps extend the life of our wells and furthers our reputation as an environmentally conscious service provider. |
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Produced water management. We dispose of naturally occurring water that is extracted during the oil and natural gas production process. This produced water is generated during the entire lifecycle of each oil and natural gas well. While the level of hydrocarbon production declines over the life of a well, the amount of saltwater produced may decline more slowly or in some cases may even increase over time. The oil and natural gas producer separates the produced water from the production stream and either transports it to one of our SWD facilities by truck or pipeline or contracts with a trucking company to transport it to one of our SWD facilities. Once we receive the water at one of our SWD facilities, we filter and treat the water and then inject it into the SWD well at depths of at least 4,000 feet. We also maintain the ability to store saltwater pending injection. All of our existing facilities consist of well bores drilled since spring 2011 and were constructed using completion techniques consistent with current industry practices. We periodically sample, test and assess produced water to determine its chemistry so that we can properly treat the water with the appropriate chemicals that maximize oil separation and the life of the well. |
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Byproduct sales. Before we inject flowback and produced water into an SWD well, we separate the residual oil from the saltwater stream. We then store the residual oil in our tanks and sell it to third-parties. |
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Management of existing SWD facilities. In addition to the SWD facilities we own or lease, we own a 51.0% interest in CES, a management and development company that manages 11 SWD facilities in North Dakota, one SWD facility that is owned by Cypress Holdings and two third-party facilities. Our responsibilities in managing an SWD facility typically include operations, billing, collections, insurance, maintenance, repairs and, in some cases, sales and marketing. We are compensated for management of these facilities based on the gross revenue of the facilities. |
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Construction management of new SWD facilities. We acted as the construction manager for one third-party SWD facility, which we began managing once the construction was complete. All of these managed facilities are located in North Dakota. Our responsibilities as the construction manager typically include acting as a general contractor to oversee the design and construction of the SWD facility and in some cases assisting with the permitting process. We are compensated for our construction management services based on an agreed-upon fixed fee. |
The majority of our disposed saltwater volumes are derived from produced water that is generated throughout the life of the oil or natural gas well. For the year ended December 31, 2013, produced water represented approximately 75% of our total barrels of disposed water. As a region matures and the predominant activity shifts from drilling and completion of wells to production, our facilities continue to experience demand for ongoing processing of waste produced over the life of the well.
Each of our SWD facilities is currently operated 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Our locations in North Dakota currently include onsite offices and housing for the employees. In Texas, we have an office and housing for management at our Pecos, Texas facility. We supplement our operations with various automated technologies to improve their efficiency and safety. We have installed 24-hour digital video monitoring and recording systems at each facility. These systems allow us to track operations and unloading as well as the identity of customers upon arrival at our facilities. We believe that our commitment to operating our facilities with sophisticated technology and automation contributes to our enhanced operating margins and provides our customers with increased safety and regulatory compliance. In the future, we anticipate that some of our SWD facilities will be run through technological automation with off-site monitoring and control.
The amount of saltwater disposed in our SWD facilities has increased from 0.6 million barrels for the three months ended September 30, 2011 (the first full quarter of operations) to 5.1 million barrels for the three months ended December 31, 2013.
As of December 31, 2013, we had an aggregate of approximately 115,000 barrels of maximum daily disposal capacity in the following SWD facilities, all of which were built since June 2011 with new well bores, using completion techniques consistent with current industry practices and utilizing well depths of at least 5,000 feet and injection intervals beginning at least 4,000 feet beneath the surface:
Location
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County
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In-service Date
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Leased or Owned
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Tioga, ND
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Williams
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June 2011
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Owned
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Manning, ND
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Dunn
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Dec. 2011
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Owned
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Grassy Butte, ND
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McKenzie
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May 2012
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Leased
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New Town, ND (1)
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Mountrail
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June 2012
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Leased
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Pecos, TX (1)
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Reeves
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July 2012
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Owned
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Williston, ND
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Williams
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Aug. 2012
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Owned
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Stanley, ND
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Mountrail
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Sept. 2012
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Owned
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Orla, TX (1)
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Reeves
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Sept. 2012
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Owned
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Belfield, ND
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Billings
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Oct. 2012
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Leased
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Watford City, ND (2)
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McKenzie
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May 2013
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Leased
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Currently receives piped water. |
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We own 51.0% of CES, a management and development company that owns a 25.0% non-controlling interest in this SWD facility. |
In addition to the above properties we own or lease, we also manage three other SWD facilities in the Bakken Shale region.
Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services Segment
Overview. We believe that through our ownership of the TIR entities we are a leading provider of independent inspection and integrity services to the pipeline industry. We provide services for the pipelines, gathering systems, local distribution systems, equipment and facilities of our well established customer base. We provide inspection and integrity services to oil and natural gas producers, public utility companies and other pipeline operators that are required by law to inspect their gathering systems, distribution systems and pipelines. The TIR entities’ approximately 85 pipeline inspection and integrity customers include oil and natural gas producers, pipeline owners and operators and public utility companies throughout North America. For the year ended December 31, 2013, $372 thousand of the operating income attributable to our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment was generated by Foley and TIR Canada, the entities that form our Canadian operations.
The TIR entities offer independent inspection services for the following facilities and equipment:
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Transmission pipelines (oil, gas and liquids); |
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Oil and natural gas gathering systems; |
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Pump and compressor stations; |
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Storage facilities and terminals; and |
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Gas distribution systems. |
Operations. Oil and natural gas producers, public utility companies and other pipeline operators are required by federal and state law and regulation to inspect their pipelines and gathering systems on a regular basis in order to protect the environment and ensure the public safety.
At the beginning of an engagement, our personnel meet with the customer to determine the scope of the project and related staffing needs. We then develop a customized, detailed staffing plan utilizing our proprietary database of more than 12,000 professionals. Our inspectors have significant industry experience and are certified to meet the qualification requirements of both the customer and the PHMSA. As the industry continues to adopt new technology, demand has increased for inspectors with greater technical skill and computer proficiency. Our customers require inspectors to undergo specific training prior to performing inspection work on their projects. We utilize the National Center for Construction Education and Research and Veriforce training curricula to train and evaluate employees along with other resources. In addition to assignment-specific training, welding inspectors and coating inspectors also must meet special certification requirements. During the three months ended December 31, 2013, we employed or engaged an average of 1,745 inspectors in the U.S. and Canada, up approximately 51.2% and 143.7% from the three months ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. We intend to form a strategic relationship with CF Inspection LLC, a minority qualified supplier controlled by Cynthia Field, to potentially provide services to current and future customers, including public utilities, that have incentives to contract with minority qualified businesses.
Our scope of services includes the following:
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Project coordination (construction or maintenance coordination for in-line pipeline inspection projects); |
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Staking services (marking a dig site for surveyed anomalies); |
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Pig tracking services (mapping and tracking of third-party pipeline cleaning and inspection units, called pigs); |
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Maintenance inspection (third-party pipeline periodic inspection to comply with Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulations); |
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Construction inspection (third-party new construction inspection/oversight on behalf of owner); |
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Ultrasonic nondestructive examination services (using high-frequency sound waves to detect pipeline imperfections); and |
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Related data management services. |
Principal Customers
Water and Environmental Services Customers
Our water and environmental services customers are oil and natural gas exploration and production companies, including majors and independents, trucking companies and third-party purchasers of residual oil operating in the regions that we serve. In 2013, we had approximately 228 customers in our Water and Environmental Services segment. Our ten largest customers generated approximately 73% of our Water and Environmental Services segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 55% of Water and Environmental Services revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no individual customers that generated 10% or more of our Water and Environmental Services segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013. Two customers, Power Fuels, Inc. and Oxy USA, Inc. accounted for more than 10% of the combined revenues of Cypress LLC and the Predecessor for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services Customers
Customers. Customers in the Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment are principally oil and natural gas producers, pipeline owners and operators and public utility or local distribution companies with infrastructure in North America. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the TIR entities had 85 customers. The five largest customers in this business segment generated approximately 60% of our segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 68% of segment revenue for December 31, 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, the following three pipeline inspection and integrity services customers accounted for more than 10% of our revenue, on a combined basis: DCP Midstream, Enbridge Energy Partners and Enterprise Product Partners.
Competition
Water and Environmental Services Competition
The oilfield waste treatment, water and environmental services, and disposal business is highly competitive. Our competition consists primarily of smaller regional companies that utilize a variety of disposal methods and generally serve specific geographical markets. In addition, we face competition from other large oil field service companies that also own trucking operations and our customers, who may have the option of using internal disposal methods instead of outsourcing to us or another third-party disposal company. We believe that the principal competitive factors in our businesses include: gaining and maintaining customer approval of treatment and SWD facilities; location of facilities in relation to customer activity; reputation; reliability of services; track record of environmental compliance; customer service; and price.
Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services Competition
The pipeline inspection and integrity business is highly competitive. The TIR entities’ competition consists primarily of three types of companies: independent energy inspection firms, engineering and construction firms, and diversified inspection service firms. Diversified inspection firms may inspect, for example, electric and nuclear facilities in addition to pipelines. We believe that the principal competitive factors in our business include gaining and maintaining customer approval to service their pipelines and gathering systems, the ability to recruit and retain qualified experienced inspectors with multiple skills and non-destructive examination experience, safety record, the level of inspector training provided, reputation, dependability of services, customer service and price.
Seasonality
Water and Environmental Services Seasonality
The overall operations and financial performance of our Bakken Shale operations are impacted by seasonality. The volumes of saltwater that we handle in the Bakken Shale region of the Williston Basin in North Dakota tends to be lower in the winter due to heavy snow and cold temperatures, and in the spring due to heavy rains and muddy conditions that may lead to road restrictions and weight limits that can impact business. The amount of residual oil is also less prevalent and more difficult to separate from the saltwater during the winter months when the outside temperature is lower. Seasonality is not typically a major factor in the Permian Basin in west Texas; however, the intensity of the 2013-2014 winter has impacted our business operations more than typical winters.
Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services Seasonality
Inspection and integrity work varies depending upon the geographic location of our customers. As we expand our relationships with public utility commissions in California and other locations with moderate climates, the seasonality of our inspection and integrity business should decline. The third and fourth quarters are historically the most active for our pipeline inspection services as our customers focus on completing projects by year end. In addition, our Canadian customers use the most inspection services during the fourth and first quarters when the tundra is frozen. We believe our presence across various regions in the U.S. and our presence in Canada helps mitigate the seasonality of our business. Customers in the independent inspection and integrity service industry typically pay the independent provider a fee consisting of a daily or hourly rate for the pipeline inspection service personnel. The daily or hourly rate generally depends upon the inspector’s skills, certifications and years of experience. The customers also normally reimburse certain expenses of the inspectors, including mileage for travel to the project, and pay the inspector’s per diem expense.
Regulation of the Industry
Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Matters
Our operations and the operations of our customers are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations relating to worker health and safety, the discharge of materials and environmental protection. These laws and regulations may, among other things, require the acquisition of permits for regulated activities; govern the amounts and types of substances that may be released into the environment in connection with our operations; restrict the way we handle or dispose of wastes; limit or prohibit our or our customers’ activities in sensitive areas such as wetlands, wilderness areas or areas inhabited by endangered or threatened species; require investigatory and remedial actions to mitigate pollution conditions caused by our operations or attributable to former operations; and impose specific standards addressing worker protections. Numerous governmental agencies issue regulations to implement and enforce these laws, for which compliance is often costly and difficult. The violation of these laws and regulations may result in the denial or revocation of permits, issuance of corrective action orders, assessment of administrative and civil penalties and even criminal prosecution.
We believe that we are in substantial compliance with current applicable environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations. Further, we do not anticipate that compliance with existing environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. While we may occasionally receive citations from environmental regulatory agencies for minor violations, such citations occur in the ordinary course of our business and are not material to our operations. However, it is possible that substantial costs for compliance or penalties for non-compliance may be incurred in the future. It is also possible that other developments, such as the adoption of stricter environmental laws, regulations and enforcement policies, could result in additional costs or liabilities that we cannot currently quantify. Moreover, changes in environmental laws could limit our customers’ businesses or encourage our customers to handle and dispose of oil and natural gas wastes in other ways, which, in either case, could reduce the demand for our services and adversely impact our business. For example, as result of regulations issued in March of 2014, all waste haulers transporting produced water in North Dakota must possess a valid permit for transporting solid waste from the North Dakota Department of Health to legally transport such wastes.
The following is a summary of the more significant existing environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations to which our business operations and the operations of our customers are subject and for which compliance in the future may have a material adverse impact on our capital expenditures, results of operations, or financial position.
Hazardous substances and wastes. Our operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations relating to the management and release of hazardous substances, solid wastes, hazardous wastes and petroleum hydrocarbons. These laws generally regulate the generation, storage, treatment, transportation and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and may impose strict joint and several liability for the investigation and remediation of affected areas where hazardous substances may have been released or disposed. For instance, the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA and comparable state laws impose liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons that contributed to the release of a hazardous substance into the environment. We may handle hazardous substances within the meaning of CERCLA, or similar state statutes, in the course of our ordinary operations and, as a result, may be jointly and severally liable under CERCLA for all or part of the costs required to clean up sites at which these hazardous substances have been released into the environment. Under such laws, we could be required to remove previously disposed substances and wastes (including substances disposed of or released by prior owners or operators) or remediate contaminated property (including groundwater contamination, whether from prior owners or operators or other historical activities or spills). These laws may also require us to conduct natural resource damage assessments and pay penalties for such damages. It is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third-parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other pollutants into the environment. These laws and regulations may also expose us to liability for our acts that were in compliance with applicable laws at the time the acts were performed.
Petroleum hydrocarbons and other substances arising from oil and natural gas-related activities have been disposed of or released on or under many of our sites. At some of our facilities, we have conducted and continue to conduct monitoring or remediation of known soil and groundwater contamination, and we will continue to perform such monitoring and remediation of known contamination, including any post remediation groundwater monitoring that may be required, until the appropriate regulatory standards have been achieved. These monitoring and remediation efforts are usually overseen by state environmental regulatory agencies. We estimate that we will incur costs of less than $25,000 over the next one to three years in connection with continued monitoring and remediation of known contamination at our facilities.
We also accept for disposal solids that are subject to the requirements of federal Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, and comparable state statutes. While RCRA regulates both solid and hazardous wastes, it imposes strict requirements on the generation, storage, treatment, transportation and disposal of hazardous wastes. Most E&P waste is exempt from stringent regulation as a hazardous waste under RCRA. None of our facilities are currently permitted to accept hazardous wastes for disposal, and we take precautions to help ensure that hazardous wastes do not enter or are not disposed of at our facilities. Some wastes handled by us that currently are exempt from treatment as hazardous wastes may in the future be designated as “hazardous wastes” under RCRA or other applicable statutes. For example, in September 2010 a nonprofit environmental group filed a petition with the EPA requesting reconsideration of the RCRA E&P waste exemption. To date, the EPA has not taken any action on the petition. If the RCRA E&P waste exemption is repealed or modified, we could become subject to more rigorous and costly operating and disposal requirements.
We are required to obtain permits for the disposal of E&P waste as part of our operations. The construction, operation and disposal operations are generally regulated at the state level. These regulations vary widely from state to state. State permits can restrict pressure, size and location of disposal operations, impose limits on the types and amount of waste a facility may receive and the overall capacity of a waste disposal facility. States may add additional restrictions on the operations of a disposal facility when a permit is renewed or amended. As these regulations change, our permit requirements could become more stringent and may require material expenditures at our facilities or impose significant restraints or financial assurances on our operations.
In the course of our operations, some of our equipment may be exposed to naturally occurring radiation associated with oil and natural gas deposits, and this exposure may result in the generation of wastes containing naturally occurring radioactive materials, or NORM. NORM wastes exhibiting trace levels of naturally occurring radiation in excess of established state standards are subject to special handling and disposal requirements, and any storage vessels, piping and work area affected by NORM may be subject to remediation or restoration requirements. It is possible that we may incur costs or liabilities associated with elevated levels of NORM.
Safe Drinking Water Act. Our underground injection operations are subject to the Safe Drinking Water Act, or SDWA, as well as analogous state laws and regulations. Under the SDWA, the EPA established the Underground Injection Control, or UIC, program, which established the minimum program requirements for state and local programs regulating underground injection activities. The UIC program includes requirements for permitting, testing, monitoring, record keeping and reporting of injection well activities, as well as a prohibition against the migration of fluid containing any contaminant into underground sources of drinking water. State regulations require us to obtain a permit from the applicable regulatory agencies to operate our underground injection wells. We believe that we have obtained the necessary permits from these agencies for our underground injection wells and that we are in substantial compliance with permit conditions and state rules. Although we monitor the injection process of our wells, any leakage from the subsurface portions of the injection wells could cause degradation of fresh groundwater resources, potentially resulting in suspension of our UIC permit, issuance of fines and penalties from governmental agencies, incurrence of expenditures for remediation of the affected resource and imposition of liability by third-parties for property damages and personal injuries. In addition, our sales of residual crude oil collected as part of the saltwater injection process could impose liability on us in the event that the entity to which the oil was transferred fails to manage and, as necessary, dispose of residual crude oil in accordance with applicable environmental and occupational health and safety laws.
Our customers are subject to these same regulations. While these largely result in their needing our services, some waste regulations could have the opposite effect. For instance, some states, including Texas, have considered laws mandating the recycling of flowback and produced water. If such laws are passed, our customers may divert some saltwater to recycling operations that may have otherwise been disposed of at our facilities.
Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, as amended, establishes strict liability for owners and operators of facilities that are the site of a release of oil into waters of the U.S. The OPA also imposes ongoing requirements on owners or operators of facilities that handle certain quantities of oil, including the preparation of oil spill response plans and proof of financial responsibility to cover environmental cleanup and restoration costs that could be incurred in connection with an oil spill. We handle oil at many of our facilities, and if a release of oil into the waters of the U.S. occurred at one of our facilities, we could be liable for cleanup costs and damages under the OPA.
Water discharges. The federal Water Pollution Control Act, referred to as the Clean Water Act, and analogous state laws impose restrictions and strict controls regarding the discharge of pollutants into state waters as well as waters of the U.S. and impose requirements affecting our ability to conduct activities in waters and wetlands. Pursuant to the Clean Water Act and analogous state laws, permits must be obtained to discharge pollutants into state waters or waters of the U.S., and permits or coverage under general permits must also be obtained to authorize discharges of storm water runoff from certain types of industrial facilities, including many of our facilities. The Clean Water Act and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit the discharge of dredge and fill material into regulated waters, including jurisdictional wetlands, unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. Spill prevention, control and countermeasure requirements of federal laws require appropriate containment berms and similar structures to help prevent the contamination of regulated waters in the event of a hydrocarbon storage tank spill, rupture or leak. Some states also maintain groundwater protection programs that require permits for discharges or operations that may impact groundwater conditions. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with discharge permits or other requirements of the Clean Water Act and analogous state laws and regulations. We believe that compliance with existing permits and regulatory requirements under the Clean Water Act and state counterparts will not have a material adverse effect on our business. Future changes to permits or regulatory requirements under the Clean Water Act, however, could adversely affect our business.
Endangered species. The federal Endangered Species Act, or ESA, restricts activities that may affect endangered or threatened species or their habitats. Many states also have analogous laws designed to protect endangered or threatened species. We believe we are in substantial compliance with the ESA and similar statutes. However, the designation of previously unidentified endangered or threatened species could indirectly cause us to incur additional costs or cause our or our customers’ operations to become subject to operating restrictions or bans or limit future development activity in affected areas.
For example, the federal government is considering listing the greater sage-grouse, the dunes sage lizard and the lesser prairie chicken, endangered species whose natural habitats coincide with some of our areas of operation and the areas of operation of some of our customers. Additionally, as a result of a settlement approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in September 2011, the Fish and Wildlife Service is required to make a determination on the listing of more than 250 species as endangered or threatened under the ESA by the end of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2017 fiscal year.
To the extent these species, or other species that live in the areas where our operations and our customers’ operations are conducted, are listed under the ESA or similar state laws, this could limit our ability to expand our operations and facilities or could force us to incur material additional costs. Moreover, listing such species under the ESA or similar state laws could indirectly but materially affect our business by imposing constraints on our customers’ operations, including the curtailment of new drilling or a refusal to allow a new pipeline to be constructed.
Air emissions. Some of our operations also result in emissions of regulated air pollutants. The Clean Air Act, or CAA, and analogous state laws require permits for and impose other restrictions on facilities that have the potential to emit substances into the atmosphere above certain specified quantities or in a manner that could adversely affect environmental quality. Failure to obtain a permit or to comply with permit requirements could result in the imposition of substantial administrative, civil and even criminal penalties. We do not believe that any of our operations are subject to CAA permitting or regulatory requirements for major sources of air emissions, but some of our facilities could be subject to state “minor source” air permitting requirements and other state regulatory requirements for air emissions.
Our customers’ operations may be subject to existing and future CAA permitting and regulatory requirements that could have a material effect on their operations. The EPA approved new CAA rules requiring additional emissions controls and practices for oil and natural gas production wells, including wells that are the subject of hydraulic fracturing operations. EPA’s rule package requires new standards on all hydraulically-fractured wells constructed or refractured after January 1, 2015. The rules also establish new emission requirements for compressors, controllers, dehydrators, storage tanks, natural gas processing and certain other equipment. These rules may increase the costs to our customers of developing and producing hydrocarbons, and as a result, may have an indirect and adverse effect on the amount of oilfield waste delivered to our facilities by our customers.
Climate change. In response to certain scientific studies suggesting that emissions of greenhouse gases, or GHGs, including carbon dioxide and methane, are contributing to the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and other climatic conditions, the U.S. Congress has considered adopting legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs, and almost one-half of the states have already taken legal measures to reduce emissions of GHGs, primarily through the planned development of GHG emission inventories and/or regional GHG cap-and-trade programs. Most of these cap and trade programs work by requiring major sources of emissions, such as electric power plants or major producers of fuels, such as refineries and natural gas processing plants, to acquire and surrender emission allowances that correspond to their annual emissions of GHGs. The number of allowances available for purchase is reduced each year until the overall GHG emission reduction goal is achieved. As the number of GHG emission allowances declines each year, the cost or value of such allowances is expected to escalate significantly.
On December 15, 2009, the EPA published its findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other GHGs, present an endangerment to public health and the environment because emissions of such gases are, according to the EPA, contributing to the warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climate changes. These findings served as a statutory prerequisite for EPA to adopt and implement regulations that would restrict emissions of GHGs under existing provisions of the Clean Air Act. EPA has adopted two sets of related rules, one of which regulates emissions of GHGs from motor vehicles and the other of which regulates emissions of GHGs from certain large stationary sources of emissions such as power plants or industrial facilities. The EPA finalized the motor vehicle rule in April 2010 and it became effective January 2011. The EPA adopted the stationary source rule, also known as the “Tailoring Rule,” in May 2010, and it also became effective January 2011. Additionally, in September 2009, the EPA issued a final rule requiring the reporting of GHG emissions from specified large GHG emission sources in the U.S., including NGLs fractionators and local natural gas/distribution companies, beginning in 2011 for emissions occurring in 2010. More recently, in November 2010, the EPA expanded its existing GHG reporting rule to include onshore and offshore oil and natural gas production and onshore processing, transmission, storage and distribution facilities, which may include certain of our facilities, beginning in 2012 for emissions occurring in 2011. In addition, the EPA has continued to adopt GHG regulations of other industries, such as the March 2012 proposed GHG rule restricting future development of coal-fired power plants. As a result of this continued regulatory focus, future GHG regulations of the oil and natural gas industry remain a possibility.
Although it is not possible at this time to estimate how potential future laws or regulations addressing GHG emissions would impact our business, either directly or indirectly, any future federal or state laws or implementing regulations that may be adopted to address GHG emissions in areas where we operate could require us or our customers to incur increased operating costs. Regulation of GHGs could also result in a reduction in demand for and production of oil and natural gas, which would result in a decrease in demand for our services. We cannot predict with any certainty at this time how these possibilities may affect our operations, but effects could be materially adverse.
Hydraulic fracturing. We do not conduct hydraulic fracturing operations, but we do provide treatment, recycling and disposal services with respect to the fluids used and wastes generated by our customers in such operations, which are often necessary to drill and complete new wells and maintain existing wells. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand or other proppants and chemicals under pressure into target geological formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production. Recently, there has been increased public concern regarding an alleged potential for hydraulic fracturing to adversely affect drinking water supplies or cause seismic activity, and proposals have been made to enact separate federal, state and local legislation that would increase the regulatory burden imposed on hydraulic fracturing. The SDWA regulates the underground injection of substances through the UIC program and exempts hydraulic fracturing from the definition of “underground injection.” The U.S. Congress has in recent legislative sessions considered legislation to amend the SDWA, including legislation that would repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the definition of “underground injection” and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing, as well as legislative proposals to require disclosure of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process. The U.S. Congress may consider similar SDWA legislation in the future.
In addition, EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority pursuant to the SDWA over certain hydraulic fracturing activities involving the use of diesel fuels and published draft permitting guidance in May 2012 addressing the performance of such activities using diesel fuels in those states where EPA is the permitting authority. Also, in November 2011, the EPA announced its intent to develop and issue regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act to require companies to disclose information regarding the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and the agency currently plans to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would seek public input on the design and scope of such disclosure regulations. Further, On October 21, 2011, the EPA announced its intention to propose federal Clean Water Act regulations in 2014 governing wastewater discharges from hydraulic fracturing and certain other natural gas operations. In addition, the U.S. Department of the Interior published a revised proposed rule on May 16, 2013 that would update existing regulation of hydraulic fracturing activities on federal lands, including requirements for disclosure, well bore integrity and handling of flowback water. The revised proposed rule was subject to an extended 90-day public comment period, which ended on August 23, 2013.
Presently, hydraulic fracturing is regulated primarily at the state level, typically by state oil and natural gas commissions and similar agencies. Several states, including Texas and North Dakota, where we conduct our water and environmental services business, have either adopted or proposed laws and/or regulations to require oil and natural gas operators to disclose chemical ingredients and water volumes used to hydraulically fracture wells, in addition to more stringent well construction and monitoring requirements. The chemical ingredient information is generally available to the public via online databases, and this may bring more public scrutiny to hydraulic fracturing operations.
The EPA is conducting a study of the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing activities on drinking water. The EPA issued a Progress Report in December 2012 and a final draft is anticipated in 2014 for peer review and public comment. As part of this study the EPA requested that certain companies provide them with information concerning the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process. This study and other studies that may be undertaken by the EPA or other governmental authorities, depending on their results, could spur initiatives to regulate hydraulic fracturing under the SDWA or otherwise. If new federal, state or local laws or regulations that significantly restrict hydraulic fracturing are adopted, such legal requirements could result in delays, eliminate certain drilling and injection activities and make it more difficult or costly for our customers to perform fracturing. Any such regulations limiting or prohibiting hydraulic fracturing could reduce oil and natural gas exploration and production activities by our customers and, therefore, adversely affect our business. Such laws or regulations could also materially increase our costs of compliance and doing business by more strictly regulating how hydraulic fracturing wastes are handled or disposed.
Occupational Safety and Health Act. We are subject to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or OSHA and comparable state laws that regulate the protection of employee health and safety. OSHA’s hazard communications standard requires that information about hazardous materials used or produced in our operations be maintained and provided to employees, state and local government authorities and citizens. These laws and regulations are subject to frequent changes. Failure to comply with these laws could lead to the assertion of third-party claims against us, civil and/or criminal fines and changes in the way we operate our facilities that could have an adverse effect on our financial position.
Employees
We do not have any employees. All of the employees that conduct our business are employed by affiliates of our general partner, but we sometimes refer to these individuals in this report as our employees. We are managed and operated by the directors and officers of our general partner. All of our executive management personnel will be employees of CEM, or another affiliate of Cypress Holdings, and will devote the portion of their time to our business and affairs that is required to manage and conduct our operations. As of December 31, 2013, that entity employed ten people who will provide direct support for our operations, none of whom are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Under the terms of the omnibus agreement, we reimburse CEM for the provision of various general and administrative services for our benefit, for direct expenses incurred by CEM on our behalf and for expenses allocated to us as a result of our becoming a public entity. In addition, as of December 31, 2013, the TIR entities employed or engaged 1,476 inspectors.
We also have a co-employment relationship between CEM and a third-party management company that employs approximately 10 people working at our SWD facilities in west Texas. CEM is party to a joint venture with SBG Energy Services, LLC pursuant to which CEM owns a 51.0% equity interest in Cypress Energy Partners – Bakken Operations, LLC, or Bakken Operations, and SBG Energy Services, LLC owns the remaining 49.0% equity interest. As of December 31, 2013, Bakken Operations employed approximately 41 employees, representing the staff of our North Dakota SWD facilities. We pay Bakken Operations a management fee to compensate it for the cost of the employees, benefits and various other services provided to us.
Insurance Matters
Our customers require that we maintain certain minimum levels of insurance and evaluate our insurance coverage as part of the initial and ongoing approval process they require to use our services to treat and dispose of their waste. We carry a variety of insurance coverages for our operations. However, our insurance may not be sufficient to cover any particular loss or may not cover all losses, and losses not covered by insurance would increase our costs. Also, insurance rates have been subject to wide fluctuation, and changes in coverage could result in less coverage, increases in cost or higher deductibles and retentions.
The saltwater disposal and the pipeline inspection and integrity businesses can be dangerous, involving unforeseen circumstances such as environmental damage from leaks, spills or vehicle accidents. To address the hazards inherent in our saltwater disposal business, our insurance coverage includes business auto liability, commercial general liability, employer’s liability, environmental and pollution and other coverage. To address the hazards inherent in our pipeline inspection and integrity businesses, TIR’s insurance coverage includes employer’s liability, auto liability, employee benefits liabilities, and contractor’s pollution and other coverage. Coverage for environmental and pollution-related losses is subject to significant limitations and are commonly provided for exclusion on such policies.
Available Information
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) are made available free of charge on our website at www.cypressenergy.com as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports have been electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. These documents are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or a unitholder may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. No information from either the SEC’s website or our website is incorporated herein by reference.
Unitholders should consider carefully the following risk factors together with all of the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other reports filed with the SEC before investing in our common units. If any of the following risks were actually to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common units could decline and a unitholder could lose all or part of their investment.
Risks Related to Our Business
We may not have sufficient cash from operations following the establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including cash reimbursement to our general partner and its affiliates to enable us to pay our minimum quarterly distributions to holders of our units.
In order to pay the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.3875 per unit per quarter ($0.3014 for the pro-rata period from the closing of our IPO on January 21, 2014 through March 31, 2014), or $1.55 per unit on an annualized basis ($1.4639 for the pro-rata period from the closing of our IPO on January 21, 2014 through December 31, 2014), we will require available cash of approximately $4.6 million per quarter ($3.6 million for the pro-rata period from the closing of our IPO on January 21, 2014 through March 31, 2014), or $18.3 million per year ($17.3 million for the pro-rata period from the closing of our IPO on January 21, 2014 through December 31, 2014), based on the number of common and subordinated units outstanding after completion of our IPO. We may not have sufficient available cash from operating surplus each quarter to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution. The amount of cash we can distribute on our units principally depends upon the amount of cash we generate from our operations, which will fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on, among other things:
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the fees we charge, and the margins we realize, from our Water and Environmental Services Segment, as well as our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment; |
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the volume of saltwater we handle in our Water and Environmental Services segment and the number and types of projects conducted by our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment; |
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the amount of residual oil we are able to separate and sell from the saltwater we receive that can be impacted by the quality and price of the oil; |
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the cost of achieving organic growth in current and new markets; |
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our ability to make acquisitions of other SWD facilities and pipeline inspection companies, including the remaining interests in the TIR entities held by our affiliates; |
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the level of competition from other companies; |
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governmental regulations, including changes in governmental regulations, in our industry; |
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prevailing economic and market conditions; and |
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weather and natural disasters, lightning, seismic activity, vandalism and acts of terror. |
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In addition, the actual amount of cash we will have available for distribution will depend on other factors, some of which are beyond our control, including: |
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the level of capital expenditures we make; |
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the cost of acquisitions; |
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the level of our operating costs and expenses and the performance of our various facilities, inspectors and staff; |
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our debt service requirements and other liabilities; |
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fluctuations in our working capital needs; |
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our ability to borrow funds and access capital markets; |
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restrictions contained in our debt agreements; |
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the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner; and |
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other business risks affecting our cash levels. |
We would not have had sufficient cash available for distribution to pay the full minimum quarterly distribution on all of our units for the years ended December 31, 2012 or 2013.
We must generate approximately $18.3 million of cash available for distribution to pay the aggregate minimum quarterly distributions for four quarters on all units outstanding as of the date of our IPO ($17.3 million for the pro-rata period from the closing of our IPO on January 21, 2014 through December 31, 2014). The amount of cash available for distribution that we generated during the year ended December 31, 2012 on a pro forma basis would have been sufficient to pay 100% of the aggregate minimum quarterly distribution on all common units, and 16.4% of the aggregate minimum quarterly distributions on our subordinated units for that period. In addition, the amount of cash available for distribution that we generated during the year ended December 31, 2013 on a pro forma basis would have been sufficient to pay 100% of the aggregate minimum quarterly distribution on all common units, and 54.2% of the aggregate minimum quarterly distributions on our subordinated units for that period. Our ability to pay the minimum quarterly distribution is subject to various restrictions and other factors described in more detail under the caption “Our Cash Distribution Policy.” If we are not able to generate additional cash for distribution to our unitholders in future periods, we may not be able to pay the full minimum quarterly distribution or any amount on our common or subordinated units, in which event the market price of our common units may decline materially.
We serve customers who are involved in drilling for, producing and transporting oil and natural gas. Adverse developments affecting the oil and natural gas industry or drilling activity, including sustained low natural gas prices, a decline in oil or natural gas liquids prices, reduced demand for oil and natural gas products, adverse weather conditions, and increased regulation of drilling and production, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our Water and Environmental Services segment depends on our oil and natural gas customers’ willingness to make operating and capital expenditures to develop and produce oil and natural gas in the United States. A reduction in drilling activity generally results in decreases in the volumes of new flowback and produced water generated, which adversely impacts our revenues. Therefore, if these expenditures decline, our business is likely to be adversely affected.
The level of activity in the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry in the U.S. has been volatile. According to the Baker Hughes oil and gas drilling rig count, the U.S. weekly aggregate rig count reached an all-time high of 4,530 rigs in December 1981 and a post-1942 low of 488 rigs in April 1999. From January 2010 through October 2013, the aggregate U.S. weekly rig count has remained above 1,220 rigs, reaching a peak of 2,026 rigs in August 2008 and declining to 1,809 rigs in March 2014. Recently, there have been significant fluctuations in global crude oil prices, and there have been prolonged declines in natural gas prices. Treatment and disposing of saltwater constituted approximately 73% of our revenue in our Water and Environmental Services Segment for the year ended December 31, 2013; therefore a future significant decrease in drilling activity or hydraulic fracking could have an adverse effect on our revenue and profitability.
Our customers’ willingness to engage in drilling and production of oil and natural gas depends largely upon prevailing industry conditions that are influenced by numerous factors over which our management has no control, such as:
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the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas; |
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the level of prices, and expectations about future prices, of oil and natural gas; |
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the cost of exploring for, developing, producing and delivering oil and natural gas, including fracturing services; |
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the expected rate of decline of current oil and natural gas production; |
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the discovery rates of new oil and natural gas reserves; |
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available pipeline and other transportation capacity; |
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lead times associated with acquiring equipment and products and availability of personnel; |
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weather conditions, including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, drought or man-made disasters that can affect oil and natural gas operations over a wide area, as well as local weather conditions such as unusually cold winters in the Bakken Shale region of the Williston Basin in North Dakota that can have a significant impact on drilling activity in that region; |
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domestic and worldwide economic conditions; |
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contractions in the credit market; |
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political instability in certain oil and natural gas producing countries; |
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the continued threat of terrorism and the impact of military and other action, including military action in the Middle East or other parts of the world; |
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governmental regulations, including income tax laws or government incentive programs relating to the oil and natural gas industry and the policies of governments regarding the exploration for and production and development of their oil and natural gas reserves; |
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the level of oil production by non-OPEC countries and the available excess production capacity within OPEC; |
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oil refining capacity and shifts in end-customer preferences toward fuel efficiency; |
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potential acceleration in the development, and the price and availability, of alternative fuels; |
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the availability of water resources for use in hydraulic fracturing operations; |
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public pressure on, and legislative and regulatory interest in, federal, state, and local governments to ban, stop, significantly limit or regulate hydraulic fracturing operations; |
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technical advances affecting energy consumption; |
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the access to and cost of capital for oil and natural gas producers; |
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merger and divestiture activity among oil and natural gas producers; and |
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the impact of changing regulations and environmental and safety rules and policies. |
The working capital needs of the TIR entities are substantial, which will reduce our borrowing capacity for other purposes and reduce our cash available for distribution.
The TIR entities have substantial working capital needs throughout the year as they pay our inspectors in the U.S. on a weekly basis and in Canada on a bi-weekly basis but typically receive payment from their customers 45 to 90 days after the services have been performed. We intend to make borrowings under our credit facility to fund the working capital needs of the TIR entities, and these borrowings will reduce the amount of credit available for other uses, such as working capital for our water disposal business, acquisitions and growth projects, and increase interest expense, thereby reducing cash available for distribution to our unitholders. Any cash generated from operations used to fund working capital needs will also reduce cash available for distribution to our unitholders. Additionally, if we experience any delays in payment by our pipeline inspection and integrity services customers, we may be subject to significant and rapid increases in our working capital needs that could require us to make further borrowings under our revolving credit facility or impact our ability to pay our minimum quarterly distributions.
Our business is dependent upon the willingness of our customers to outsource their waste management activities and pipeline inspection and integrity activities.
Our business is largely dependent on the willingness of customers to outsource the treatment of their water and environmental services and pipeline inspection and integrity activities. Currently, many oil and natural gas producing companies own and operate waste treatment, recovery and SWD facilities, and some producers recycle saltwater on-site. In addition, most oilfield operators, including many of our customers, have numerous abandoned wells that could be licensed for use in the disposition of internally generated waste and third-party waste in competition with us. Additionally, technologies may be developed that could be used by our customers to recycle saltwater and to recover oil through oilfield waste processing. Furthermore, some pipeline owners and operators currently inspect and perform integrity activities on their own pipeline systems using the same techniques and technologies that we use as well as others that we currently do not employ such as pigging and aerial surveys. Our current customers could decide to process and dispose of their waste internally or inspect and perform integrity activities on their own pipeline systems, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
Our markets are highly competitive, and competition could adversely impact our financial position, results of operations, demand for services, cash flows or our ability to make required payments on debt outstanding.
We have many competitors in the Water and Environmental Services and Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segments of our business. Other companies offer similar third-party saltwater disposal or pipeline inspection and integrity services in our primary markets. Some of our customers also compete with us in the treatment and disposal sector by offering such services to other oil and natural gas companies. Our customers regularly evaluate the best combination of value and price from competing alternatives and new technologies and can move between alternatives or, in some cases, develop their own alternatives with relative ease. This competition influences the prices we charge and requires us to control our costs aggressively and maximize efficiency in order to maintain acceptable operating margins; however, we may be unable to do so and remain competitive on a cost-for-service basis. In addition, existing and future competitors may develop or offer services or new technologies that have pricing, location or other advantages over the services we provide, including a lower cost of capital.
We do not enter into long-term contracts with our customers, which subjects us to renewal or termination risks.
We and the TIR entities do not typically enter into long-term contracts with customers. While we and the TIR entities each frequently operate under master services agreements with customers that set forth the terms on which we and the TIR entities will provide services, customers operating under these agreements typically have the ability to terminate their relationship with us and the TIR entities at any time at their sole discretion by ceasing to deliver saltwater to our SWD facilities or by choosing to not use us to provide pipeline inspection and integrity management services. Therefore, there is a heightened risk that our customers may decide not to dispose of their saltwater disposal through us or use our inspection and integrity services. The failure of customers to continue to use our services could adversely affect our operations, financial condition and ability to make cash distribution to our unitholders.
We depend on a limited number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenues. The loss of, or a material nonpayment by, our key customers could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
Our ten largest customers generated approximately 73% of our Water and Environmental Services segment revenue (based on the combined revenues of Cypress LLC and the Predecessor) for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 55% of segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013. In addition, two of our water and environmental services customers, Power Fuels, Inc. and Oxy USA, Inc. each accounted for more than 10% of our segment revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012. There were no customers that accounted for more than 10% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our five largest customers of our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment accounted for approximately 60% of our segment revenue for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 68% of segment revenue for December 31, 2013. In addition, three of our pipeline inspection and integrity services customers, DCP Midstream, Enbridge Energy Partners and Enterprise Products Partners, each accounted for more than 10% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013. The loss of all, or even a portion of, the revenues from these customers, as a result of competition, market conditions or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Disruptions in the transportation services of trucking companies transporting saltwater could adversely affect our results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
We primarily depend on trucking companies to transport saltwater to our SWD facilities. In recent years, certain states, including North Dakota and Texas, and counties have increased enforcement of weight limits on trucks used to transport raw materials on their public roads. Also, as a result of regulations issued in March of 2014, all waste haulers transporting produced water in North Dakota must possess a valid permit for transporting solid waste from the North Dakota Department of Health to legally transport such wastes. It is possible that the states, counties and cities in which we operate our water and environmental services business may modify their laws to further reduce truck weight limits, or impose curfews or other restrictions on the use of roadways. Such legislation and enforcement efforts could result in delays in transporting saltwater to our SWD facilities and increased costs to transport saltwater to our facilities, which may either increase our operating costs or reduce the amount of saltwater transported to our SWD facilities. This could decrease our operating margins or amounts of saltwater disposed at our SWD facilities and thereby affect our results of operations and cash available for distribution.
A significant increase in fuel or insurance prices may adversely affect the transportation costs of our trucking company customers, which could result in a decrease in the rates for our saltwater and environmental services they would be willing to pay.
Fuel is a significant operating expense for our trucking customers, and a significant increase in fuel prices will result in increased transportation costs to them. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events such as geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and natural gas, actions by oil and natural gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and weather concerns. A significant increase in fuel prices could drive down the prices our trucking company customers would be willing to pay, which would reduce our revenues and impact our ability to make distributions to our unitholders. Insurance is a significant operating expense for our trucking customers, and a significant increase in insurance prices or decrease in availability of coverage results in increased transportation costs to them.
Volumes of residual oil recovered during the saltwater water treatment process can vary. Any significant reduction in residual oil content in the water we treat will affect our recovery of residual oil and, therefore, our profitability.
Approximately 25% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 in our Water and Environmental Services segment was derived from sales of residual oil recovered during the saltwater treatment process. Our ability to recover sufficient volumes of residual oil is dependent upon the residual oil content in the saltwater we treat, which is, among other things, a function of water type, chemistry, source and temperature. Generally, where outside temperatures are lower, there is less residual oil content and separation is more difficult. Thus, our residual oil recovery during the winter season is lower than our recovery during the summer season in North Dakota. Additionally, residual oil content will decrease if, among other things, producers begin recovering higher levels of residual oil in saltwater prior to delivering such saltwater to us for treatment. Also, the revenues we derive from sales of residual oil are subjected to fluctuations in the price of oil. Any reduction in residual crude oil content in the saltwater we treat or the prices we realize on our sales of residual oil could materially and adversely affect our profitability.
Our business may be difficult to evaluate because we have a limited period of historical financial and operating data.
Cypress LLC’s historical results for 2011 and 2012 represent the results of only one of the water and environmental services companies we have acquired. The results of the other water and environmental services company that we acquired are only shown since the end of 2012. Furthermore, our historical and operating data does not include our Pipeline Integrity and Inspection Services segment or any ownership in the TIR entities. As a result, we have provided only limited financial and operating data regarding the consolidated business that we operate. The historical financial and operating results of our business may be materially different from our future financial and operating results. Our future results will depend on our ability to efficiently manage our integrated operations and execute our business strategy. Our historical financial performance and that of Cypress LLC should not be considered reliable indicators of our future performance.
In addition, we face challenges and uncertainties in financial and operational planning as a result of the limited access to historical data regarding volumes of oilfield waste treated and related sales and pricing. Our first facilities were opened during 2011, and other companies in the SWD industry do not regularly release historical data related to their SWD facilities. This limited data may make it more difficult for us and our investors to evaluate our business and prospects and to forecast our future operating results.
We are vulnerable to the potential difficulties, expenses and uncertainties associated with rapid growth and expansion.
We have grown rapidly since our inception in 2012, primarily through acquisitions in both of our segments.
We believe that our future success depends on our ability to manage the rapid growth that we have experienced and the demands from increased responsibility on our management personnel. The following factors could present difficulties to us:
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organizational challenges common to large, expansive operations; |
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administrative burdens; |
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impact of the Affordable Care Act and employee insurance; |
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limitations with systems and technology; |
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ability to recruit, train and retain personnel and managers; |
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ability to obtain permits for expanded operations; |
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access to debt and equity capital on attractive terms; and |
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long lead times associated with acquiring equipment and building any new facilities. |
Our operating results could be adversely affected if we do not successfully manage these potential difficulties.
Our ability to grow in the future is dependent on our ability to access external growth capital.
We will distribute all of our available cash after expenses and prudent operating reserves to our unitholders. We expect that we will rely primarily upon external financing sources, including borrowings under our credit facilities and the issuance of debt and equity securities, to fund growth capital expenditures. However, we may not be able to obtain equity or debt financing on terms favorable to us, or at all. To the extent we are unable to efficiently finance growth externally, our cash distribution policy will significantly impair our ability to grow. In addition, because we distribute all of our available cash, we may not grow as quickly as businesses that reinvest their available cash to expand ongoing operations. Furthermore, Cypress Holdings is under no obligation to fund our growth. To the extent we issue additional units in connection with the financing of other growth capital expenditures, the payment of distributions on those additional units may increase the risk that we will be unable to maintain or increase our per unit distribution level. There are no limitations in our partnership agreement on our ability to issue additional units, including units ranking senior to the common units. The incurrence of borrowings or other debt by us to finance our growth strategy would result in interest expense, which in turn would affect the available cash that we have to distribute to our unitholders.
Our utilization of existing capacity, expansion of existing SWD facilities and construction or purchase of new SWD facilities may not result in revenue increases and will be subject to regulatory, environmental, political, legal and economic risks, which could adversely affect our operations and financial condition.
A portion of our strategy to grow and increase distributions to unitholders is dependent on our ability to utilize available capacity at our existing facilities, expand existing SWD facilities and construct or purchase new SWD facilities. The construction of a new SWD facility or the extension, renovation or expansion of an existing SWD facility, such as by connecting the SWD facility to pipeline systems, involves numerous business, competitive, regulatory, environmental, political and legal uncertainties, most of which are beyond our control. If we undertake these projects, they may not be completed on schedule or at all or at the budgeted cost. Furthermore, we will not receive any material increases in revenues until after completion of the project although we will have to pay financing and construction costs during the construction period. As a result, new SWD facilities may not be able to attract enough demand for water and environmental services to achieve our expected investment return, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and our ability in the future to make distributions to our unitholders.
Our ability to acquire assets from Cypress Holdings or third parties is subject to risks and uncertainty. If we are unable to make acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, our future growth would be limited, and any acquisitions we may make may reduce, rather than increase, our cash flows and ability to make distributions to unitholders. Furthermore, we may not realize the benefits from or successfully integrate any acquisitions.
A portion of our strategy to grow our business and increase distributions to unitholders is dependent on our ability to make acquisitions that result in an increase in cash we generate on a per unit basis. The acquisition component of our strategy is based, in large part, both on our expectation of continuing consolidation in the industries in which we operate and our ability to acquire interests in additional assets from Cypress Holdings.
Cypress Holdings is developing or seeking to purchase several water and environmental services assets and facilities that may be suitable to our operations in the future. We expect to have the opportunity to make acquisitions directly from Cypress Holdings and its affiliates in the future, including acquiring the remaining 49.9% interests in the TIR entities. The consummation and timing of any future acquisitions of these assets will depend upon, among other things, Cypress Holdings’ and its affiliates’ willingness to offer these assets for sale, our ability to negotiate acceptable purchase agreements and commercial agreements with respect to the assets and our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms. We can offer no assurance that we will be able to successfully consummate any future acquisitions with Cypress Holdings and its affiliates, and Cypress Holdings and its affiliates are under no obligation to accept any offer that we may choose to make. In addition, certain of these assets may require substantial capital expenditures in order to maintain compliance with applicable regulatory requirements or otherwise make them suitable for our commercial needs. For these or a variety of other reasons, we may decide not to acquire these assets from Cypress Holdings and its affiliates if, and when, Cypress Holdings and its affiliates offers such assets for sale, and our decision will not be subject to unitholder approval.
Additionally, we may not be able to make accretive acquisitions from third parties if we are:
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unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates or negotiate acceptable purchase contracts; |
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unable to obtain financing for these acquisitions on economically acceptable terms; |
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outbid by competitors; or |
If we are unable to make acquisitions from Cypress Holdings and its affiliates or third parties, our future growth and ability to increase distributions will be limited. Furthermore, even if we do consummate acquisitions that we believe will be accretive, they may in fact result in a decrease in cash flow.
Any acquisition involves potential risks, including, among other things:
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mistaken assumptions about disposal capacity, number and quality of inspectors, revenues and costs, cash flows, capital expenditures and synergies; |
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the assumption of unknown liabilities; |
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limitations on rights to indemnity from the seller; |
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mistaken assumptions about the overall costs of equity or debt; |
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the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; |
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integrating business operations or unforeseen regulatory issues; |
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unforeseen new regulations; |
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unforeseen difficulties operating in new geographic areas; and |
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customer or key personnel losses at the acquired businesses. |
If we consummate any future acquisitions, our capitalization and results of operations may change significantly, and unitholders will not have the opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial and other relevant information that we will consider in determining the application of these funds and other resources.
We conduct a substantial portion of our operations through entities that we partially own, which subjects us to additional risks that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We own a 51.0% interest in CES, an arrangement with an affiliate of SBG Energy Services, LLC, and a 50.1% interest in each of the TIR entities, an arrangement with an entity owned by Cypress Holdings. We may also enter into other arrangements with third parties in the future. SBG Energy Services, LLC and CEP TIR and the other minority owners of the TIR entities have, and other third parties in future arrangements may have, obligations that are important to the success of the arrangement, such as the obligation to pay their share of capital and other costs of these partially owned entities. The performance of these third-party obligations, including the ability of our current partners to satisfy their respective obligations, is outside our control. If these parties do not satisfy their obligations under the arrangements, our business may be adversely affected.
Our joint venture arrangements, including the TIR entities and CES, may involve risks not otherwise present without a partner, including, for example:
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our CES partner shares certain blocking rights over transactions between CES and its affiliates, including us; |
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our partner may take actions contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives; |
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although we control the TIR entities and CES, we owe contractual duties to the TIR entities, CES and their respective other owners, which may conflict with our interests and the interests of our unitholders; and |
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disputes between us and our partner may result in delays, litigation or operational impasses. |
The risks described above or any failure to continue our joint venture or to resolve disagreements with our third-party partners could adversely affect our ability to transact the business that is the subject of such business, which would, in turn, negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and ability to distribute cash to our unitholders.
Restrictions in our credit agreement could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders and the value of our units.
On December 24, 2013, we entered into our $120 million credit agreement, which we used to replace TIR’s existing revolving credit facility and mezzanine facilities. CEP TIR and TIR are also co-borrowers and co-guarantors under our credit agreement. Our credit agreement limits our ability to, among other things:
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incur or guarantee additional debt; |
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make certain investments and acquisitions; |
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incur certain liens or permit them to exist; |
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alter our line of business; |
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enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates; |
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merge or consolidate with another company; and |
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transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of assets. |
The credit agreement also contains certain covenants requiring us to maintain certain financial ratios. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure unitholders that it would meet those ratios and tests.
The provisions of our new and future credit agreements may affect our ability to obtain future financing and pursue attractive business opportunities and our flexibility in planning for, and reacting to, changes in business conditions. For example, our funds available for operations, future business opportunities and cash distributions to unitholders may be reduced by that portion of our cash flow required to make interest payments on our debt. Our ability to service our debt may depend upon, among other things, our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. If our operating results are not sufficient to service any future indebtedness, we will be forced to take actions such as reducing distributions, reducing or delaying our business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures, selling assets or seeking additional equity capital. We cannot assure unitholders that we would be able to take any of these actions, that these actions would be successful and permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations or satisfy our capital requirements, or that these actions would be permitted under the terms of our credit agreement or future debt agreements. Our new and future debt documents restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from the disposition. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds which we could realize from them and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. In addition, a failure to comply with the provisions of our new or future credit facilities could result in a default or an event of default that could enable its lenders to declare the outstanding principal of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable. If the payment of its debt is accelerated, defaults under its other debt instruments, if any, may be triggered, and our assets may be insufficient to repay such debt in full, and the holders of our units could experience a partial or total loss of our investment. Please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information about our credit facilities.
Our existing and future debt levels may limit our flexibility to obtain financing and to pursue other business opportunities.
As of December 31, 2013, we had $75.0 million of indebtedness outstanding under our credit agreement. We will have the ability to incur additional debt, subject to limitations in our credit agreement. Our degree of leverage could have important consequences to us, including the following:
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our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes may be impaired or such financing may not be available on favorable terms; |
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our funds available for operations, future business opportunities and distributions to unitholders will be reduced by that portion of our cash flow required to make interest payments on our debt; |
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we may be more vulnerable to competitive pressures or a downturn in our business or the economy generally; and |
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our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions may be limited. |
Our ability to service our debt will depend upon, among other things, our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. If our operating results are not sufficient to service our current or future indebtedness, we will be forced to take actions such as reducing distributions, reducing or delaying our business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures, selling assets or seeking additional equity capital. We may not be able to effect any of these actions on satisfactory terms or at all.
Our business could be adversely impacted if we are unable to obtain or maintain the regulatory permits required to develop and operate our facilities and to dispose of certain types of waste.
We own and operate SWD facilities in North Dakota and Texas, each with its own regulatory program for addressing the handling, treatment, recycling and disposal of saltwater. We are also required to comply with federal laws and regulations governing our operations. These environmental laws and regulations require that we, among other things, obtain permits and authorizations prior to the development and operation of waste treatment and storage facilities and in connection with the disposal and transportation of certain types of waste. The applicable regulatory agencies strictly monitor waste handling and disposal practices at all of our facilities. For many of our sites, we are required under applicable laws, regulations, and/or permits to conduct periodic monitoring, company-directed testing and third-party testing. Any failure to comply with such laws, regulations, or permits may result in suspension or revocation of necessary permits and authorizations, civil or criminal liability and imposition of fines and penalties, which could adversely impact our operations and revenues and ability to continue to provide oilfield water and environmental services to our customers.
In addition, we may experience a delay in obtaining, be unable to obtain, or suffer the revocation of required permits or regulatory authorizations, which may cause us to be unable to serve customers, interrupt our operations and limit our growth and revenue. As of December 31, 2013, we have the required state and federal permits across the two states where we operate our SWD facilities. Regulatory agencies may impose more stringent or burdensome restrictions or obligations on our operations when we seek to renew or amend our permits. For example, permit conditions may limit the amount or types of waste we can accept, pressures, require us to make material expenditures to upgrade our facilities, implement more burdensome and expensive monitoring or sampling programs, or increase the amount of financial assurance that we provide to cover future facility closure costs. Moreover, nongovernmental organizations or the public may elect to protest the issuance or renewal of our permits on the basis of developmental, environmental or aesthetic considerations, which protests may contribute to a delay or denial in the issuance or reissuance of such permits. In August 2012, one saltwater disposal company withdrew its application to drill an SWD well in Helena, Texas five months after local residents formally protested the permit application to the Texas Railroad Commission. It is not uncommon for local property owners or, in some cases oil and natural gas producers, to oppose SWD permits. Any such limitations or requirements could limit the water and environmental services we provide to our customers, or make such services more expensive to provide, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
Delays in obtaining permits by our customers for their operations could impair our business.
In most states, our customers are required to obtain permits from one or more governmental agencies in order to perform drilling and completion activities and to operate pipeline and gathering systems. Such permits are typically issued by state agencies, but federal and local governmental permits may also be required. The requirements for such permits vary depending on the location where such drilling and completion, and pipeline and gathering, activities will be conducted. As with all governmental permitting processes, there is a degree of uncertainty as to whether a permit will be granted, the time it will take for a permit to be issued, and the conditions that may be imposed in connection with the granting of the permit. Recently, moratoriums on the issuance of permits for certain types of drilling and completion activities have been imposed in some areas, such as New York. Some of our customers’ drilling and completion activities may also take place on federal land or Native American lands, requiring leases and other approvals from the federal government or Native American tribes to conduct such drilling and completion activities. In some cases, federal agencies have cancelled proposed leases for federal lands and refused or delayed required approvals. Consequently, our customers’ operations in certain areas of the U.S. may be interrupted or suspended for varying lengths of time, causing a loss of revenue to us and adversely affecting our results of operations in support of those customers.
In the future we may face increased obligations relating to the closing of our SWD facilities and may be required to provide an increased level of financial assurance to guaranty the appropriate closure activities occur for an SWD facility.
Obtaining a permit to own or operate an SWD facility generally requires us to establish performance bonds, letters of credit or other forms of financial assurance to address clean up and closure obligations at our SWD facilities. In particular, the regulatory agencies of the two states in which we operate require us to post letters of credit in connection with the operation of our SWD facilities. As we acquire additional SWD facilities or expand our existing SWD facilities, these obligations will increase. Additionally, in the future regulatory agencies may require us to increase the amount of our closure bonds at existing SWD facilities. We have accrued approximately $9 thousand on our balance sheet related to our future closure obligations of our SWD facilities, as of December 31, 2013. However, actual costs could exceed our current expectations, as a result of, among other things, federal, state or local government regulatory action, increased costs charged by service providers that assist in closing SWD facilities and additional environmental remediation requirements. Increased regulatory requirements regarding our existing or future SWD facilities, including the requirement to pay increased closure and post-closure costs or to establish increased financial assurance for such activities could substantially increase our operating costs and cause our available cash that we have to distribute to our unitholders to decline.
Changes in laws or government regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could increase our customers’ costs of doing business, limit the areas in which our customers can operate and reduce oil and natural gas production by our customers, which could adversely impact our business.
We do not conduct hydraulic fracturing operations, but we do provide treatment, recycling and disposal services with respect to the fluids used and wastes generated by our customers in such operations, which are often necessary to drill and complete new wells and maintain existing wells. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand or other proppants and chemicals under pressure into target geological formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production. Recently, there has been increased public concern regarding an alleged potential for hydraulic fracturing to adversely affect drinking water supplies, and proposals have been made to enact separate federal, state and local legislation that would increase the regulatory burden imposed on hydraulic fracturing. SDWA regulates the underground injection of substances through the UIC program and exempts hydraulic fracturing from the definition of “underground injection.” Congress has in recent legislative sessions considered legislation to amend the SDWA including legislation that would repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the definition of “underground injection” and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing, as well as legislative proposals to require disclosure of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process, were proposed in recent sessions of Congress. The U.S. Congress may consider similar SDWA legislation in the future.
In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has asserted federal regulatory authority pursuant to the SDWA over certain hydraulic fracturing activities involving the use of diesel fuels and published draft permitting guidance in May 2012 addressing the performance of such activities using diesel fuels in those states where EPA is the permitting authority. Also, in November 2011, the EPA announced its intent to develop and issue regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act to require companies to disclose information regarding the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and the agency currently plans to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would seek public input on the design and scope of such disclosure regulations. Further, on October 21, 2011, the EPA announced its intention to propose federal Clean Water Act regulations in 2014 governing wastewater discharges from hydraulic fracturing and certain other natural gas operations. In addition, the U.S. Department of the Interior published a revised proposed rule on May 16, 2013 that would update existing regulation of hydraulic fracturing activities on federal lands, including requirements for disclosure, well bore integrity and handling of flowback water. The revised proposed rule was presently subject to an extended 90-day public comment period, which ended on August 23, 2013.
Presently, hydraulic fracturing is regulated primarily at the state level, typically by state oil and natural gas commissions and similar agencies. Several states, including Texas and North Dakota, where we conduct our water and environmental services business, have either adopted or proposed laws and/or regulations to require oil and natural gas operators to disclose chemical ingredients and water volumes used to hydraulically fracture wells, in addition to more stringent well construction and monitoring requirements. The chemical ingredient information is generally available to the public via online databases, and this may bring more public scrutiny to hydraulic fracturing operations. In addition, some local governments, most recently in Colorado, have passed or adopted ordinances and other laws that severely restrict and in some instances totally ban the practice within these jurisdictions.
The EPA is conducting a study of the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing activities on drinking water. The EPA issued a Progress Report in December 2012 and a final draft is anticipated in 2014 for peer review and public comment. As part of this study, the EPA requested that certain companies provide them with information concerning the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process. This study or other studies that may be undertaken by the EPA or other governmental authorities, depending on their results, could spur initiatives to regulate hydraulic fracturing under the SDWA or otherwise. In addition, recent seismic events have been observed in some areas where deep well fluid injection of drilling or hydraulic fracturing saltwater has taken place. Some scientists believe the increased seismic activity may result from deep well fluid injection of drilling or hydraulic fracturing saltwater. Additional regulatory measures designed to minimize or avoid damage to geologic formations may be imposed to address such concerns. If new federal, state or local laws or regulations that significantly restrict hydraulic fracturing are adopted, such legal requirements could result in delays, eliminate certain drilling and injection activities and make it more difficult or costly for our customers to perform fracturing. Any such regulations limiting or prohibiting hydraulic fracturing could reduce oil and natural gas exploration and production activities by our customers and, therefore, adversely affect our business. Such laws or regulations could also materially increase our costs of compliance and doing business by more strictly regulating how hydraulic fracturing wastes are handled or disposed.
Oil and natural gas producers’ operations, especially those using hydraulic fracturing, are substantially dependent on the availability of water. Restrictions on the ability to obtain water may incentivize water recycling efforts by oil and natural gas producers which would decrease the volume of saltwater delivered to our SWD facilities.
Water is an essential component of oil and natural gas production during the drilling, and in particular, hydraulic fracturing, process. However, the availability of suitable water supplies may be limited for oil and natural gas producers due to reasons such as prolonged drought. For example, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority, during 2011, Texas experienced the lowest inflows of water of any year in recorded history. As a result of this severe drought, some local water districts have begun restricting the use of water subject to their jurisdiction for hydraulic fracturing to protect local water supply. In response to continuing drought conditions in 2013, the Texas Legislature considered a number of bills that would have mandated recycling of flowback and produced water and/or prohibits recyclable water from being disposed of in wells. If oil and natural gas producers in Texas are unable to obtain water to use in their operations from local sources they may be incentivized to recycle and reuse saltwater instead of delivering such saltwater to our Texas SWD facilities (or in other states that adopt similar programs). Similarly, mandatory recycling programs could reduce the amount of materials sent to us for treatment and disposal. Any such limits or mandates could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We and our customers may incur significant liability under, or costs and expenditures to comply with, environmental and worker health and safety regulations, which are complex and subject to frequent change.
Our and our customer’s operations are subject to stringent federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations relating to, among other things, protection of natural resources, wetlands, endangered species, the environment, worker health and safety, waste management, waste disposal, and transportation of waste and other materials. In the U.S., such laws and regulations include the RCRA, CERCLA, the Clean Water Act, SDWA, CAA, OPA, and OSHA, and analogous state laws. In Canada, industrial and natural resource extraction is currently subject to environmental regulations pursuant to a variety of provincial and federal legislation. Both federal and provincial governments can and do exercise regulatory responsibilities. Principal federal legislation includes the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Fisheries Act, the Prosperity Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, and the Hazardous Products Act. The majority of industrial and natural resource extraction activities occur in Western Canada and Ontario where we currently operate, as well as in Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. The principal provincial laws and regulations which affect where we currently operate include, in Alberta, the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, and the Climate Change and Emissions Management Act. In British Columbia, these include the Environmental Management Act, the Environmental Assessment Act, the Oil and Gas Activities Act, the Environmental Protection and Management Regulation, the Carbon Tax Act, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Cap and Trade) Act, and the Oil and the Water Protection Act. In Saskatchewan, these include the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, and the Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gasses Act. In Ontario, the principal provincial laws include, the Environmental Protection Act, the Green Energy Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act and the Environmental Assessment Act. These laws and regulations may impose numerous obligations that are applicable to our and our customer’s operations, including the acquisition of permits to conduct regulated activities, the incurrence of capital or operating expenditures to limit or prevent releases of materials from our or our customers’ operations, the imposition of specific standards addressing worker protection, and the imposition of substantial liabilities and remedial obligations for pollution or contamination resulting from our and our customer’s operations.
These laws and regulations may impose numerous obligations that are applicable to our and our customer’s operations, including the acquisition of permits to conduct regulated activities, the incurrence of capital or operating expenditures to limit or prevent releases of materials from our or our customers’ operations, the imposition of specific standards addressing worker protection, and the imposition of substantial liabilities and remedial obligations for pollution or contamination resulting from our and our customer’s operations.
Compliance with this complex array of laws and regulations is difficult and may require us to make significant expenditures and a breach of such requirements may result in suspension or revocation of necessary licenses or authorizations, civil liability for, among other things, pollution damage and the imposition of material fines. Our customers’ operations may be subject to existing and future CAA permitting and regulatory requirements that could have a material effect on their operations. For example, on August 16, 2012, the EPA published final rules that establish new air emission controls for oil and natural gas production and natural gas processing operations under the CAA and/or Canadian climate change control. The EPA’s rule package requires new standards on all hydraulically-fractured wells constructed or refractured after January 1, 2015. The rules also establish new emission requirements for compressors, controllers, dehydrators, storage tanks, natural gas processing and certain other equipment. In Canada, Alberta’s Climate Change and Emissions Management Act as well as British Columbia’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Cap and Trade) Act impose requirements to reduce emission intensity, and in the case of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Cap and Trade) Act, impose absolute caps on greenhouse gas emissions. Saskatchewan’s Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act aims to adopt a goal of a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 levels by 2020. Certain other provinces including British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario are parties to the Western Climate Initiative, which has established a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region by 15% below 2005 levels, by 2020. Given the evolving nature of the debate related to climate control and control of greenhouse gases, compliance with these rules could result in significant costs to our customers, which may have an indirect adverse impact on our business.
Numerous governmental authorities, such as the EPA, and analogous state and provincial agencies have the power to enforce compliance with these laws and regulations and the permits issued under them, often requiring difficult and costly corrective actions or costly pollution control measures. Failure to comply with these laws, regulations and permits may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial obligations and the issuance of injunctions limiting or preventing some or all of our and our customer’s operations. Under the terms of the omnibus agreement, Cypress Holdings will indemnify us for certain potential claims, losses and expenses relating to environmental matters and associated with the operation of the assets contributed to us and occurring before the closing date of our IPO. However, the liability of Cypress Holdings for these indemnification obligations is subject to a $350,000 deductible. Moreover, our assets constitute a substantial portion of Cypress Holdings’ assets, and Cypress Holdings has not agreed to maintain any cash reserve to fund any indemnification obligations under the omnibus agreement. In addition, changes in environmental laws occur frequently, and any such changes that result in more stringent and costly requirements would not be covered by the environmental indemnity and could have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial position.
Our operations also pose risks of environmental liability due to leakage, migration, releases or spills from our operations to surface or subsurface soils, surface water or groundwater. Some environmental laws and regulations in both the U.S. and Canada may impose strict, joint and several liabilities in connection with releases of regulated substances into the environment. Therefore, in some situations we could be exposed to liability as a result of our conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred or the conduct of, or conditions caused by, third parties.
Laws protecting the environment generally have become more stringent over time. We expect this trend to continue, which could lead to material increases in our costs for future environmental compliance and remediation, and could adversely affect our operations by restricting the way in which we treat and dispose of exploration and production, or E&P, waste or our ability to expand our business.
In particular, the RCRA, which governs the disposal of solid and hazardous waste, currently exempts certain E&P wastes from classification as hazardous wastes. In recent years, proposals have been made to rescind this exemption from RCRA. For example, in September 2010 an environmental group filed a petition with the EPA requesting reconsideration of this RCRA exemption. To date, the EPA has not taken any action on the petition. If the exemption covering E&P wastes is repealed or modified, or if the regulations interpreting the rules regarding the treatment or disposal of this type of waste were changed, our operations could face significantly more stringent regulations, permitting requirements, and other restrictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The effect of changes to healthcare laws in the United States may materially increase the healthcare costs attributable to us and, to the extent we are responsible for those increased costs, negatively impact our financial results.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as well as other healthcare reform legislation considered by federal and state legislators could significantly impact our business. These health care reform laws require employers such as us to provide health insurance for all qualifying employees or pay penalties for not providing coverage. We cannot predict the effects this legislation or any future state or federal healthcare legislation or regulation will have on our business because of the breadth and complexity of the legislation and because many of the rules, reforms and regulations required to implement these laws have not yet been adopted. However, we expect this legislation to materially increase the employee healthcare and other related costs attributable to us to the extent we become responsible for the full amount of our entire general and administrative services under the omnibus agreement, which currently limits our corporate general and administrative services to an annual administrative fee of $4.0 million. As the provisions of this legislation are phased in over time, the resulting changes to our healthcare cost structure and any inability to effectively modify our programs and operations in response to this legislation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations.
We could incur significant costs in cleaning up contamination that occurs at our facilities.
Petroleum hydrocarbons, saltwater, and other substances and wastes arising from E&P-related activities have been disposed of or released on or under many of our sites. At some of our facilities, we have conducted and may continue to conduct monitoring, and we will continue to perform such monitoring and remediation of known contamination until the appropriate regulatory standards have been achieved. These monitoring and remediation efforts are usually overseen by state environmental regulatory agencies. Costs for such remediation activities may exceed estimated costs, and there can be no assurance that the future costs will not be material. It is possible that we may identify additional contamination in the future, which could result in additional remediation obligations and expenses, which could be material.
We and our customers may be exposed to certain regulatory and financial risks related to climate change.
In response to certain scientific studies suggesting that emissions of GHGs, including carbon dioxide and methane, are contributing to the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and other climatic conditions, the U.S. Congress has considered adopting legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs, and almost one-half of the states have already taken legal measures to reduce emissions of GHGs, primarily through the planned development of GHG emission inventories and/or regional GHG cap-and-trade programs. Most of these cap-and-trade programs work by requiring either major sources of emissions or major producers of fuels to acquire and surrender emission allowances, with the number of allowances available for purchase reduced each year until the overall GHG emission reduction goal is achieved. These allowances would be expected to escalate significantly in cost over time.
In addition, in December 2009, the EPA determined that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and certain other GHGs endanger public health and the environment because emissions of such gases are, according to the EPA, contributing to warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. Based on these findings, the EPA has begun adopting and implementing regulations to restrict emissions of GHGs under existing provisions of the CAA. The EPA has already adopted two sets of rules regulating GHG emissions under the CAA, one of which requires a reduction in emissions of GHGs from motor vehicles and the other of which regulates emissions of GHGs from certain large stationary sources, both of which became effective in January 2011. The EPA’s rules relating to emissions of GHGs from large stationary sources of emissions are currently subject to a number of legal challenges, but the federal courts have thus far declined to issue any injunctions to prevent the EPA from implementing or requiring state environmental agencies to implement the rules. The EPA has also adopted rules requiring the monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions from specified GHG emission sources in the U.S., including oil and natural gas producer operations, on an annual basis. Additionally, on September 20, 2013, the EPA proposed New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas emissions from Electric Utility Generating Units. These actions represent increased government regulation of climate change-related issues and GHG emissions. We cannot predict which areas, if any, the EPA may choose to regulate with respect to GHG emissions next.
Although it is not possible at this time to estimate how potential future laws or regulations addressing GHG emissions would impact our business, either directly or indirectly, any future federal, state or local laws or implementing regulations that may be adopted to address GHG emissions in areas where we operate could require us or our customers to incur increased operating costs. Regulation of GHGs could also result in a reduction in demand for and production of oil and natural gas, which would result in a decrease in demand for our services. We cannot predict with any certainty at this time how these possibilities may affect our operations, but effects could be materially adverse.
Finally, it should be noted that some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods and other climatic events. If any such effects were to occur, they could adversely affect or delay demand for the oil or natural gas produced by our customers or otherwise cause us to incur significant costs in preparing for or responding to those effects.
Certain plant or animal species could be designated as endangered or threatened, which could limit our ability to expand some of our existing operations or limit our customers’ ability to develop new oil and natural gas wells.
ESA restricts activities that may affect endangered or threatened species or their habitats. Many states also have analogous laws designed to protect endangered or threatened species. The designation of previously unidentified endangered or threatened species under such laws may affect our and our customers’ operations.
For example, the federal government is considering listing the greater sage-grouse and the dunes sagebrush lizard, species whose natural habitats coincide with some of our areas of operation and the areas of operation of some of our customers. Currently, greater sage-grouse are found in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, eastern California, Nevada, Utah, western Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or Service, has concluded that the greater sage-grouse warrants protection under the ESA; however, the Service has determined that proposing the species for protection is precluded by the need to take action on other species facing more immediate and severe extinction threats. As a result, the greater sage-grouse will be placed on the list of species that are candidates for ESA protection. The lesser prairie-chicken, which currently occupies a five-state range that includes Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado, is also on the list as a candidate species for protection under the ESA. The Service will review the status of these species annually, as it does with all candidate species, and will propose the species for protection when funding and workload priorities for other listing actions allow. Additionally, as a result of a settlement approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in September 2011, the Service is required to make a determination on the listing of more than 250 species as endangered or threatened under the ESA by the end of the Service’s 2017 fiscal year. Another species, the dunes sagebrush lizard, which is found only in the active and semi-stable shinnery oak dunes of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent portions of Texas, was a candidate species for listing under the ESA by the Service for many years. On June 13, 2012, however, the Service declined to list the species as endangered under the ESA, and it is no longer a candidate species. Nevertheless, the species remains listed as endangered by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and thus is subject to certain protections under New Mexico state law.
We have customers in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming and North Dakota that have operations within the habitat of the greater sage-grouse, the dunes sage brush lizard and the lesser prairie-chicken, and our own operations are strategically located in proximity to our customers. To the extent these species, or other species that live in the areas where our operations and our customers’ operations are conducted, are listed under the ESA or similar state laws, this could limit our ability to expand our operations and facilities or could force us to incur material additional costs. Moreover, listing such species under the ESA or similar state laws could indirectly but materially affect our business by imposing constraints on our customers’ operations.
We must comply with worker health and safety laws and regulations at our facilities and in connection with our operations and failure to do so could result in significant liability and/or fines and penalties.
Our activities are subject to a wide range of national, state and local occupational health and safety laws and regulations. These health and safety laws are subject to change, as are the priorities of those who enforce them. Failure to comply with these health and safety laws and regulations could lead to third-party claims, criminal and regulatory violations, civil fines and changes in the way we operate our facilities, which could increase the cost of operating our business and have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows and our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Our safety and compliance record is important to our clients and can materially impact our business.
Changes in the provincial royalty rates and drilling incentive programs in Canada could decrease the oil and gas exploration and pipeline activities in Canada, which could adversely affect the demand for our pipeline inspection services.
Certain provincial governments collect royalties on the production from lands owned by the government of Canada. These fiscal royalty regimes are reviewed and adjusted from time to time by the respective provincial governments for appropriateness and competitiveness. Any increase in the royalty rates assessed by, or any decrease in the drilling incentive programs offered by, a provincial government could negatively affect the drilling activity and the need for pipelines and gathering systems, which could adversely affect the demand for our pipeline inspection services.
Our business involves many hazards, operational risks and regulatory uncertainties, some of which may not be fully covered by insurance. If a significant accident or event occurs for which we are not adequately insured or if we fail to recover all anticipated insurance proceeds for significant accidents or events for which we are insured, our operations and financial results could be adversely affected.
Risks inherent to our industry, such as equipment defects, vehicle accidents, explosions, earthquakes, lightning strikes and incidents related to the handling of fluids and wastes, can cause personal injury, loss of life, suspension of operations, damage to formations, damage to facilities, business interruption and damage to or destruction of property, equipment and the environment. We use fiberglass tanks at our SWD facilities because fiberglass is less corrosive than other materials traditionally utilized. These tanks are, however, more prone to lighting strikes than traditional tanks, as a result of fiberglass’ tendency to store static electricity. Furthermore, such protection systems are no guarantee that lightning will not strike and damage a facility. The risks associated with these types of accidents could expose us to substantial liability for personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, pollution and other environmental damages. The frequency and severity of such incidents will affect operating costs, insurability and relationships with customers, employees and regulators. In particular, our customers may elect not to purchase our services if they view our safety record as unacceptable, which could cause us to lose customers and substantial revenues.
Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover our liabilities. For instance, while our insurance policies apply to and cover costs imposed on us by retroactive changes in governmental regulations, the costs we incur as a result of such regulatory changes cannot be known in advance and may exceed our coverage limitations. In addition, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable and commercially justifiable and insurance may not continue to be available on terms as favorable as our current arrangements. The occurrence of a significant uninsured claim, a claim in excess of the insurance coverage limits maintained by us or a claim at a time when we are not able to obtain liability insurance could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct normal business operations and on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In some cases, electrical storms can damage facility motors or electronics, and it may not be possible to prove to the insurance carrier that such storm caused the damage. We do not carry business interruption insurance on our SWD facilities and as a result could suffer a significant loss in revenue that could impact our ability to pay distributions on our units.
Accidents or incidents related to the handling of hydraulic fracturing fluids, saltwater or other wastes are covered by our insurance against claims made for bodily injury, property damage or environmental damage and clean-up costs stemming from a sudden and accidental pollution event, provided that we report the event within 30 days after its commencement. The coverage applies to incidents the company is legally obligated to pay resulting from pollution conditions caused by covered operations. We may not have coverage if the operator is unaware of the pollution event and unable to report the “occurrence” to the insurance company within the required time frame. Although we have coverage for gradual, long-term pollution events at certain locations, this coverage does not extend to all places where we may be located or where we may do business. We also may have liability exposure if any pipelines or gathering systems transporting water to our SWD facilities develop a leak depending upon the terms of the contracts.
A failure by our employees to follow applicable procedures and guidelines or on-site accidents could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We require our employees to comply with various internal procedures and guidelines, including an environmental management program and worker health and safety guidelines. The failure by our employees to comply with our internal environmental, health and safety guidelines could result in personal injuries, property damage or non-compliance with applicable governmental laws and regulations, which may lead to fines, remediation obligations or third-party claims. Any such fines, remediation obligations, third-party claims or losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, on-site accidents can result in injury or death to our or other contractors’ employees or damage to our or other contractors’ equipment and facilities and damage to other people, truck drivers, area residents and property. Any fines or third-party claims resulting from any such on-site accidents could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, while an inspector is performing pipeline inspection or integrity services for TIR, the inspector is considered an employee of TIR and is eligible for workers’ compensation claims if the inspector is injured or killed while working for TIR. As the inspectors generally travel to and from projects in their own vehicles, TIR may be responsible for workers compensation claims or third-party claims arising out of vehicle accidents, which could negatively affect our results of operation.
Our ability to retain existing customers and attract new business is dependent on many factors, including our ability to demonstrate that we can reliably and safely operate our business and stay current on constantly changing rules, regulations, training, and laws. Existing and potential customers consider the safety record of their service providers to be of high importance in their decision to engage third-party servicers. If one or more accidents were to occur at one of our operating sites, or pipelines or gathering systems we inspect, the affected customer may seek to terminate or cancel its use of our facilities or services and may be less likely to continue to use our services. In addition, it is possible that we will experience numerous or particularly severe accidents in the future, causing our safety record to deteriorate. This may be more likely as we continue to grow, if we experience high employee turnover or labor shortage, or add inexperienced personnel. In addition, we could be subject to liability for damages as a result of such accidents and could incur penalties or fines for violations of applicable safety laws and regulations.
Conservation measures and technological advances could reduce demand for oil and natural gas.
Fuel conservation measures, alternative fuel requirements, increasing consumer demand for alternatives to oil and natural gas, technological advances in fuel economy and energy generation devices could reduce demand for oil and natural gas and our customers’ drilling and production activities, and therefore the amount of drilling and production waste provided to us for treatment and disposal. Management cannot predict the impact of the changing demand for oil and natural gas services and products, and any major changes may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Due to our lack of asset and geographic diversification, adverse developments in the areas in which we are located could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.
Our SWD facilities are located exclusively in North Dakota and Texas. This concentration could disproportionately expose us to operational, economic and regulatory risk in these areas. Additionally, our SWD facilities currently comprise nine owned and four other managed facilities. Any operational, economic or regulatory issues at a single facility could have a material adverse impact on us. Due to the lack of diversification in our assets and the location of our assets, adverse developments in the our markets, including, for example, transportation constraints, adverse regulatory developments, or other adverse events at one of our SWD facilities, could have a significantly greater impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows than if we were more diversified.
New technology, including those involving recycling of saltwater or the replacement of water in fracturing fluid, may hurt our competitive position.
The saltwater disposal industry is subject to the introduction of new waste treatment and disposal techniques and services using new technologies including those involving recycling of saltwater, some of which may be subject to patent protection. As competitors and others use or develop new technologies or technologies comparable to ours in the future, we may lose market share or be placed at a competitive disadvantage. For example, some companies have successfully used propane as the fracturing fluid instead of water. Further, we may face competitive pressure to implement or acquire certain new technologies at a substantial cost. Some of our competitors have greater financial, technical and personnel resources than we do, which may allow them to gain technological advantages or implement new technologies before we can. Additionally, we may be unable to implement new technologies or products at all, on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost. New technology could also make it easier for our customers to vertically integrate their operations or reduce the amount of waste produced in oil and natural gas drilling and production activities, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for third-party disposal. Limits on our ability to effectively use or implement new technologies may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Technology advancements in connection with alternatives to hydraulic fracturing could decrease the demand for our SWD facilities.
Some oil and natural gas producers are focusing on developing and utilizing non-water fracturing techniques, including those utilizing propane, carbon dioxide or nitrogen instead of water. If our producing customers begin to shift their fracturing techniques to waterless fracturing in the development of their wells, our saltwater disposal services could be materially impacted as these wells would not produce flowback water. In particular, our SWD facilities in west Texas could be negatively affected by these new technologies, as the drought conditions of west Texas make fracturing with materials other than water attractive alternatives.
We may be unable to ensure that customers will continue to utilize our services or facilities and pay rates that generate acceptable margins for us.
We cannot ensure that customers will continue to pay rates that generate acceptable margins for us. Our margins for our Water and Environmental Services segment could decrease if the volume of saltwater processed and disposed of by our customers’ decreases or if we are unable to increase the rates charged to correspond with increasing costs of operations. Our revenues and profitability for our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment could decrease if the demand for our inspectors decrease, if our safety record declines and we are unable to obtain affordable insurance, if we are unable to recruit and retain qualified inspectors or if we are unable to increase the daily and hourly rates charged to correspond with increasing costs of operations. In addition, new agreements for our services in both of these business segments entered into by us and the TIR entities may not be obtainable on terms acceptable to us or, if obtained, may not be obtained on terms consistent with current practices, in which case our revenue and profitability could decline. We also cannot ensure that the parties from whom we lease, license or otherwise occupy the land on which certain of our facilities are situated, or the parties from whom we lease certain of our equipment, will renew our current leases, licenses or other occupancy agreements upon their expiration on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Any such failure to honor the terms of the leases or licenses or renew our current leases or licenses could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We may be unable to attract and retain a sufficient number of skilled and qualified workers.
The delivery of our water and environmental services and products requires personnel with specialized skills and experience who can perform physically demanding work. The saltwater disposal industry has experienced a high rate of employee turnover as a result of the volatility of the oilfield service industry and the demanding nature of the work, and workers may choose to pursue employment in fields that offer a less demanding work environment. In addition, our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity segment is dependent on the TIR entities’ specialized inspectors, who must undergo specific training prior to performing inspection services.
Our ability to be productive and profitable will depend upon our ability to employ and retain skilled workers. In addition, our ability to expand our operations depends in part on our ability to increase the size of our skilled labor force. The demand for skilled workers is high, and the supply is limited. A significant increase in the wages paid by competing employers or the unionization of groups of our employees could result in a reduction of our skilled labor force, increases in the wage rates that we must pay, or both. In addition, the U.S. customers in our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment could choose to hire TIR’s inspectors directly. If any of these events were to occur, our capacity and profitability could be diminished and our growth potential could be impaired.
Our ability to operate our business effectively could be impaired if affiliates of our general partner fail to attract and retain key management personnel.
We depend on the continuing efforts of our executive officers, all of whom are employees of affiliates of our general partner. Additionally, neither we nor our subsidiaries have employees. CEM and its affiliates are responsible for providing the employees and other personnel necessary to conduct our operations. All of the employees that conduct our business are employed by affiliates of our general partner, including our President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter C. Boylan III, and our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, G. Les Austin. The loss of any member of our management or other key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business. Consequently, our ability to operate our business and implement our strategies will depend on the continued ability of affiliates of our general partner to attract and retain highly skilled management personnel with industry experience. Competition for these persons is intense. Given our size, we may be at a disadvantage, relative to our larger competitors, in the competition for these personnel. We may not be able to continue to employ our senior executives and other key personnel or attract and retain qualified personnel in the future, and our failure to retain or attract our senior executives and other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our ability to effectively operate our business.
Our business would be adversely affected if we or our customers experienced significant interruptions.
We are dependent upon the uninterrupted operations of our SWD facilities for the processing of saltwater, as well as the operations of third-party facilities, such as our oil and natural gas producing customers, for uninterrupted demand of our water and environmental services. Any significant interruption at these facilities or inability to transport products to or from the third-party facilities to our SWD facilities for any reason would adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow and ability to make distributions to our unitholders. Operations at our facilities and at the facilities owned or operated by our customers could be partially or completely shut down, temporarily or permanently, as the result of any number of circumstances that are not within our control, such as:
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catastrophic events, including hurricanes, seismic activity such as earthquakes, lightning strikes, fires and floods; |
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loss of electricity or power; |
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explosion, breakage, loss of power, accidents to machinery, storage tanks or facilities; |
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leaks in packers and tubing below the surface, failures in cement or casing or ruptures in the pipes, valves, fittings, hoses, pumps, tanks, containment systems or houses that lead to spills or employee injuries; |
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environmental remediation; |
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pressure issues that limit or restrict our ability to inject water into the disposal well or limitations with the injection zone formation and its permeability or porosity that could limit or prevent disposal of additional fluids; |
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malfunctions in automated control systems at the facilities; |
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disruptions in the supply of saltwater to our facilities; |
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failure of third-party pipelines, pumps, equipment or machinery; and |
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governmental mandates, restrictions or rules and regulations. |
In addition, there can be no assurance that we are adequately insured against such risks. As a result, our revenue and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The seasonal nature of the oilfield service industry in Canada may negatively affect us and our customers.
In Canada, the level of activity in the oilfield services industry is influenced by seasonal weather patterns. As warm weather returns in the spring, the winter’s frost comes out of the ground (commonly referred to as “spring break up”) rendering many secondary roads incapable of supporting heavy loads, and as a result road bans are implemented prohibiting heavy loads from being transported in certain areas. As a result, the movement of the heavy equipment required for drilling and well servicing activities is restricted and the level of activity of our Canadian operations and the operations of our customers are consequently reduced.
The amount of cash we have available for distribution to holders of our common and subordinated units depends primarily on our cash flow rather than on our profitability, which may prevent us from making distributions, even during periods in which we record net income.
The amount of cash we have available for distribution depends primarily upon our cash flow and not solely on profitability, which will be affected by depreciation, amortization, impairment loss and other non-cash items. As a result, we may make cash distributions during periods when we record losses for financial accounting purposes and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record net earnings for financial accounting purposes.
Increases in interest rates could adversely impact our unit price, our ability to issue equity or incur debt for acquisitions or other purposes, and our ability to make cash distributions at our intended levels.
Interest rates may increase in the future. As a result, interest rates on our credit facilities or future credit facilities and debt offerings could be higher than current levels, causing our financing costs to increase accordingly. As with other yield-oriented securities, our unit price will be impacted by our level of our cash distributions and implied distribution yield. The distribution yield is often used by investors to compare and rank yield-oriented securities for investment decision making purposes. Therefore, changes in interest rates, either positive or negative, may affect the yield requirements of investors who invest in our units, and a rising interest rate environment could have an adverse impact on our unit price and our ability to issue equity or incur debt for acquisitions or other purposes and to make cash distributions at our intended levels.
A failure in our operational and communications systems, loss of power, natural disasters, or cyber security attacks on any of our facilities, or those of third-parties, may adversely affect our financial results.
Our business is dependent upon our operational systems to process a large amount of data and a substantial number of transactions. If any of our financial, operational or other data processing systems fail or have other significant shortcomings, our financial results could be adversely affected. Our financial results could also be adversely affected if an employee causes our operational or financial systems to fail, either as a result of inadvertent error or by deliberately tampering with or manipulating our operational systems. In addition, dependence upon automated systems may further increase the risk that operational system flaws, employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect.
Due to technology advances, we have become more reliant on technology to help increase efficiency in our business. We use computer programs to help run our financial and operations processes, and this may subject our business to increased risks. Any future cyber security attacks that affect our facilities, communications systems, our customers or any of our financial data could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, cyber-attacks on our customer and employee data may result in a financial loss and may negatively impact our reputation. We do not maintain specialized insurance for possible liability resulting from a cyber-attack on our assets that may shut down all or part of our business. Third-party systems on which we rely could also suffer operational system failure. Any of these occurrences could disrupt our business, result in potential liability or reputational damage or otherwise have an adverse effect on our financial results.
If we fail to develop or maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or prevent fraud, which would likely have a negative impact on the market price of our common units.
Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports, prevent fraud and to operate successfully as a publicly traded partnership. Our efforts to develop and maintain our internal controls may not be successful, and we may be unable to maintain effective controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future or to comply with our obligations under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404. For example, Section 404 requires, among other things, us to annually review and report on, and our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to, the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. We must comply with Section 404 (except for the requirement for an auditor’s attestation report, as described below) beginning with our fiscal year ending December 31, 2014. Any failure to develop, implement or maintain effective internal controls or to improve our internal controls could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Given the difficulties inherent in the design and operation of internal controls over financial reporting, we can provide no assurance as to our, or our independent registered public accounting firm’s conclusions about the effectiveness of our internal controls, and we may incur significant costs in our efforts to comply with Section 404. Ineffective internal controls could subject us to regulatory scrutiny and a loss of confidence in our reported financial information, which could have an adverse effect on our business and would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our common units. We currently utilize two distinct accounting systems for our business, one for the TIR entities and one for the remainder of our business. We may experience difficulties consolidating these accounting systems, or may be delayed in implementing our plan to consolidate these systems, and any such difficulties or delay may impact our ability to timely file reports with the SEC and/or to comply with the covenants under our current and future credit facilities.
We are required to disclose changes made in our internal control over financial reporting on a quarterly basis, and we are required to assess the effectiveness of our controls annually. However, for as long as we are an “emerging growth company” under the recently enacted Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years. Even if we conclude that the our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is qualified if it is not satisfied with our controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us.
A sustained failure of our information technology systems could adversely affect our business.
An enterprise-wide information system will be developed and integrated into our operations. If our information technology systems are disrupted due to problems with the integration of our information system or otherwise, we may face difficulties in generating timely and accurate financial information. Such a disruption to our information technology systems could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders. In addition, we may not realize the benefits we anticipate from the implementation of our enterprise-wide information system.
Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us
Our general partner and its affiliates, including Cypress Holdings, have conflicts of interest with us and limited fiduciary duties to us and our unitholders, and they may favor their own interests to our detriment and that of our unitholders. Additionally, we have no control over the business decisions and operations of Cypress Holdings, and Cypress Holdings is under no obligation to adopt a business strategy that favors us.
Cypress Holdings and its affiliates own a 63.6% limited partner interest in us and own and control our general partner and appoint all of the officers and directors of our general partner. Although our general partner has a duty to manage us in a manner that is in the best interests of our partnership and our unitholders, the directors and officers of our general partner also have a fiduciary duty to manage our general partner in a manner that is in the best interests of its owner, Cypress Holdings. Conflicts of interest may arise between Cypress Holdings and its affiliates, including our general partner, on the one hand, and us and our unitholders, on the other hand. In resolving these conflicts of interest, our general partner may favor its own interests and the interests of its affiliates, including Cypress Holdings, over the interests of our common unitholders. These conflicts include, among others, the following situations:
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neither our partnership agreement nor any other agreement requires Cypress Holdings to pursue a business strategy that favors us or utilizes our assets, which could involve decisions by Cypress Holdings to invest in competitors, pursue and grow particular markets, or undertake acquisition opportunities for itself. Cypress Holdings’ directors and officers have a fiduciary duty to make these decisions in the best interests of Cypress Holdings; |
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our general partner is allowed to take into account the interests of parties other than us, such as Cypress Holdings, in resolving conflicts of interest; |
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Cypress Holdings may be constrained by the terms of its debt instruments from taking actions, or refraining from taking actions, that may be in our best interests; |
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our partnership agreement replaces the fiduciary duties that would otherwise be owed by our general partner with contractual standards governing its duties, limiting our general partner’s liabilities and restricting the remedies available to our unitholders for actions that, without such limitations, might constitute breaches of fiduciary duty; |
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except in limited circumstances, our general partner has the power and authority to conduct our business without unitholder approval; |
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our general partner will determine the amount and timing of asset purchases and sales, borrowings, issuance of additional partnership securities and the creation, reduction or increase of cash reserves, each of which can affect the amount of cash that is distributed to our unitholders; |
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expenditure, which would not reduce operating surplus, or a maintenance capital expenditure, which would reduce our operating surplus, and whether to set aside cash for future maintenance capital expenditures on certain of our assets that will need extensive repairs during their useful lives. This determination can affect the amount of available cash from operating surplus that is distributed to our unitholders and to our general partner, the amount of adjusted operating surplus generated in any given period and the ability of the subordinated units to convert into common units; |
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our general partner will determine which costs incurred by it are reimbursable by us; |
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our general partner may cause us to borrow funds in order to permit the payment of cash distributions, even if the purpose or effect of the borrowing is to make a distribution on the subordinated units, to make incentive distributions or to accelerate the expiration of the subordination period; |
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our partnership agreement permits us to classify up to $10.0 million as operating surplus, even if it is generated from asset sales, non-working capital borrowings or other sources that would otherwise constitute capital surplus. This cash may be used to fund distributions on our subordinated units or to our general partner in respect of the general partner interest or the incentive distribution rights; |
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our partnership agreement does not restrict our general partner from causing us to pay it or its affiliates for any services rendered to us or entering into additional contractual arrangements with any of these entities on our behalf; |
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our general partner intends to limit its liability regarding our contractual and other obligations; |
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our general partner may exercise its right to call and purchase all of the common units not owned by it and its affiliates if it and its affiliates own more than 80.0% of the common units; |
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our general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed to us by our general partner and its affiliates; |
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our general partner decides whether to retain separate counsel, accountants or others to perform services for us; and |
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our general partner may elect to cause us to issue common units to it in connection with a resetting of the target distribution levels related to our general partner’s incentive distribution rights without the approval of the conflicts committee of the board of directors of our general partner, which we refer to as our conflicts committee, or our unitholders. This election may result in lower distributions to our common unitholders in certain situations. |
Under the terms of our partnership agreement, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any analogous doctrine, does not apply to our general partner or any of its affiliates, including its executive officers, directors and owners. Any such person or entity that becomes aware of a potential transaction, agreement, arrangement or other matter that may be an opportunity for us will not have any duty to communicate or offer such opportunity to us. Any such person or entity will not be liable to us or to any limited partner for breach of any fiduciary duty or other duty by reason of the fact that such person or entity pursues or acquires such opportunity for itself, directs such opportunity to another person or entity or does not communicate such opportunity or information to us. This may create actual and potential conflicts of interest between us and affiliates of our general partner and result in less than favorable treatment of us and our unitholders. Please read “Conflicts of Interest and Duties.”
Our partnership agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash, which could limit our ability to grow and make acquisitions.
Our partnership agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash to our unitholders. As a result, we expect to rely primarily upon external financing sources, including commercial bank borrowings and the issuance of debt and equity securities, to fund our acquisitions and expansion capital expenditures. Therefore, to the extent we are unable to finance our growth externally, our cash distribution policy will significantly impair our ability to grow. In addition, because we will distribute all of our available cash, our growth may not be as fast as that of businesses that reinvest their available cash to expand ongoing operations. To the extent we issue additional units in connection with any acquisitions or expansion capital expenditures, the payment of distributions on those additional units may increase the risk that we will be unable to maintain or increase our per unit distribution level. There are no limitations in our partnership agreement, and we do not anticipate there being limitations in our indebtedness, on our ability to issue additional units, including units ranking senior to our common units as to distributions or in liquidation or that have special voting rights and other rights, and our unitholders will have no preemptive or other rights (solely as a result of their status as unitholders) to purchase any such additional units. The incurrence of additional commercial borrowings or other debt to finance our growth strategy would result in increased interest expense, which, in turn, may reduce the amount of cash that we have available to distribute to our unitholders.
Our partnership agreement replaces our general partner’s fiduciary duties to holders of our common units with contractual standards governing its duties.
Delaware law provides that Delaware limited partnerships may, in their partnership agreements, expand, restrict or eliminate the fiduciary duties otherwise owed by the general partner to limited partners and the partnership, provided that partnership agreements may not eliminate the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing. This implied covenant is a judicial doctrine utilized by Delaware courts in connection with interpreting ambiguities in partnership agreements and other contracts, and does not form the basis of any separate or independent fiduciary duty in addition to the express contractual duties set forth in our partnership agreement. Under the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing, a court will enforce the reasonable expectations of the partners where the language in the partnership agreement does not provide for a clear course of action.
As permitted by Delaware law, our partnership agreement contains provisions that eliminate the fiduciary standards to which our general partner would otherwise be held by state fiduciary duty law and replaces those duties with several different contractual standards. For example, our partnership agreement permits our general partner to make a number of decisions in its individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our general partner, free of any duties to us and our unitholders other than the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing. This provision entitles our general partner to consider only the interests and factors that it desires and relieves it of any duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, us, our affiliates or our limited partners. Examples of decisions that our general partner may make in its individual capacity include:
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how to allocate corporate opportunities among us and its affiliates; |
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whether to exercise its limited call right; |
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whether to seek approval of the resolution of a conflict of interest by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of our general partner; |
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how to exercise its voting rights with respect to the units it owns; |
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whether to elect to reset target distribution levels; |
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whether to transfer the incentive distribution rights or any units it owns to a third party; and |
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whether or not to consent to any merger, consolidation or conversion of the partnership or amendment to the partnership agreement. |
By purchasing a common unit, a unitholder is treated as having consented to the provisions in our partnership agreement, including the provisions discussed above. Please read “Conflicts of Interest and Duties.”
Our general partner intends to limit its liability regarding our obligations.
Our general partner intends to limit its liability under contractual arrangements so that counterparties to such agreements have recourse only against our assets and not against our general partner or its assets or any affiliate of our general partner or its assets. Our general partner may therefore cause us to incur indebtedness or other obligations that are nonrecourse to our general partner. Our partnership agreement provides that any action taken by our general partner to limit its liability is not a breach of our general partner’s fiduciary duties, even if we could have obtained terms that are more favorable without the limitation on liability. In addition, we are obligated to reimburse or indemnify our general partner to the extent that it incurs obligations on our behalf. Any such reimbursement or indemnification payments would reduce the amount of cash otherwise available for distribution to our unitholders.
Our partnership agreement restricts the remedies available to holders of our common and subordinated units for actions taken by our general partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duty.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions that restrict the remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duty under state fiduciary duty law. For example, our partnership agreement:
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provides that whenever our general partner makes a determination or takes, or declines to take, any other action in its capacity as our general partner, our general partner is required to make such determination, or take or decline to take such other action, in good faith, meaning that it subjectively believed that the determination or the decision to take or decline to take such action was in the best interests of our partnership, and will not be subject to any other or different standard imposed by our partnership agreement, Delaware law, or any other law, rule or regulation, or at equity; |
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provides that our general partner will not have any liability to us or our unitholders for decisions made in its capacity as a general partner so long as it acted in good faith; |
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provides that our general partner and its officers and directors will not be liable for monetary damages to us or our limited partners resulting from any act or omission unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that our general partner or its officers and directors, as the case may be, acted in bad faith or engaged in intentional fraud or willful misconduct or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that the conduct was unlawful; and |
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provides that our general partner will not be in breach of its obligations under our partnership agreement or its fiduciary duties to us or our limited partners if a transaction with an affiliate or the resolution of a conflict of interest is approved in accordance with, or otherwise meets the standards set forth in, our partnership agreement. |
In connection with a situation involving a transaction with an affiliate or a conflict of interest, our partnership agreement provides that any determination by our general partner must be made in good faith, and that our conflicts committee and the board of directors of our general partner are entitled to a presumption that they acted in good faith. In any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or the partnership, the person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming such presumption. Please read “Conflicts of Interest and Duties.”
Cost reimbursements and fees due to our general partner for services provided to us or on our behalf following the expiration of the omnibus agreement could be substantial and will reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
Pursuant to the omnibus agreement, prior to making any distributions to our unitholders, we will pay our general partner a quarterly administrative fee of $1.0 million for the provision of certain general and administrative expenses. This fee is subject to increase by an amount equal to the producer price index plus one percent or, with the concurrence of the conflicts committee, in the event of an expansion of our operations, including through acquisitions or internal growth. The amount of this fee is below the amount we would expect to reimburse the general partner for such services in the absence of the fee. In the event of termination of the omnibus agreement, in lieu of the quarterly fee, we will be required by our partnership agreement to reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for all costs and expenses that they incur on our behalf for managing and controlling our business and operations, at which time we expect our payment for these services to increase. This increase may be substantial. Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner will determine in good faith the expenses that are allocable to us. Furthermore, our general partner and its affiliates will allocate other expenses related to our operations to us and may provide us other services for which we will be charged fees as determined by our general partner. Payments to our general partner and its affiliates following the expiration of the omnibus agreement could be substantial and will reduce the amount of cash we have available to distribute to unitholders.
Unitholders have very limited voting rights and, even if they are dissatisfied, they cannot remove our general partner without its consent.
Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, unitholders have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business and, therefore, limited ability to influence management’s decisions regarding our business. For example, unlike holders of stock in a public corporation, unitholders will not have “say-on-pay” advisory voting rights. Unitholders did not elect our general partner or the board of directors of our general partner and will have no right to elect our general partner or the board of directors of our general partner on an annual or other continuing basis. The board of directors of our general partner is chosen by the member of our general partner, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cypress Holdings. Furthermore, if the unitholders are dissatisfied with the performance of our general partner, they will have little ability to remove our general partner. As a result of these limitations, the price at which our common units will trade could be diminished because of the absence or reduction of a takeover premium in the trading price.
The unitholders will be unable initially to remove our general partner without its consent because our general partner and its affiliates own sufficient units to be able to prevent its removal. The vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of all outstanding common units and subordinated units voting together as a single class is required to remove our general partner. Our general partner and its affiliates own 63.6% of the common units and subordinated units (excluding common units purchased by certain of our officers, directors and other affiliates under our directed unit program). Also, if our general partner is removed without cause during the subordination period and common units and subordinated units held by our general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal, all remaining subordinated units will automatically be converted into common units, and any existing arrearages on our common units will be extinguished. A removal of our general partner under these circumstances would adversely affect our common units by prematurely eliminating their distribution and liquidation preference over our subordinated units, which would otherwise have continued until we had met certain distribution and performance tests.
“Cause” is narrowly defined under our partnership agreement to mean that a court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final, non-appealable judgment finding the general partner liable for actual fraud or willful misconduct in its capacity as our general partner. Cause does not include most cases of charges of poor management of the business, so the removal of our general partner because of the unitholders’ dissatisfaction with our general partner’s performance in managing our partnership will most likely result in the termination of the subordination period and conversion of our subordinated unites to common units.
Furthermore, unitholders’ voting rights are further restricted by the partnership agreement provision providing that any units held by a person that owns 20.0% or more of any class of units then outstanding, other than our general partner, its affiliates, their transferees, and persons who acquired such units with the prior approval of the board of directors of our general partner, cannot vote on any matter.
Our partnership agreement also contains provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or to acquire information about our operations, as well as other provisions limiting the unitholders’ ability to influence the manner or direction of management.
Our general partner interest or the control of our general partner may be transferred to a third party without unitholder consent.
Our general partner may transfer its general partner interest to a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or substantially all of its assets without the consent of the unitholders. Furthermore, there is no restriction in our partnership agreement on the ability of Cypress Holdings to transfer its membership interest in our general partner to a third party. The new owner of our general partner would then be in a position to replace the board of directors and officers of our general partner with its own choices.
We may issue additional units without unitholder approval, which would dilute unitholders’ existing ownership interests.
At any time, we may issue an unlimited number of general partner interests or limited partner interests of any type without the approval of our unitholders and our unitholders will have no preemptive or other rights (solely as a result of their status as unitholders) to purchase any such general partner interests or limited partner interests. Further, there are no limitations in our partnership agreement on our ability to issue equity securities that rank equal or senior to our common units as to distributions or in liquidation or that have special voting rights and other rights. The issuance by us of additional common units or other equity securities of equal or senior rank will have the following effects:
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our existing unitholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease; |
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the amount of cash we have available to distribute on each unit may decrease; |
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because a lower percentage of total outstanding units will be subordinated units, the risk that a shortfall in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution will be borne by our common unitholders will increase; |
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the ratio of taxable income to distributions may increase; |
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the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit may be diminished; and |
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the market price of our common units may decline. |
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The issuance by us of additional general partner interests may have the following effects, among others, if such general partner interests are issued to a person who is not an affiliate of Cypress Holdings: |
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management of our business may no longer reside solely with our current general partner; and |
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affiliates of the newly admitted general partner may compete with us, and neither that general partner nor such affiliates will have any obligation to present business opportunities to us. |
Cypress Holdings or its unitholders, directors or officers may sell units in the public or private markets, and such sales could have an adverse impact on the trading price of the common units.
Our general partner and its controlled affiliates hold 1,344,650 common units and 5,612,699 subordinated units. All of the subordinated units will convert into common units at the end of the subordination period and may convert earlier under certain circumstances. Additionally, we have agreed to provide Cypress Holdings with certain registration rights under applicable securities laws. The sale of these units in the public or private markets could have an adverse impact on the price of the common units or on any trading market that may develop.
Our general partner’s discretion in establishing cash reserves may reduce the amount of cash we have available to distribute to unitholders.
Our partnership agreement requires our general partner to deduct from operating surplus the cash reserves that it determines are necessary to fund our future operating expenditures. In addition, the partnership agreement permits the general partner to reduce available cash by establishing cash reserves for the proper conduct of our business, to comply with applicable law or agreements to which we are a party, or to provide funds for future distributions to partners. These cash reserves will affect the amount of cash we have available to distribute to unitholders.
Affiliates of our general partner, including, but not limited to, Cypress Holdings, may compete with us, and neither our general partner nor its affiliates have any obligation to present business opportunities to us.
Neither our partnership agreement nor our omnibus agreement will prohibit Cypress Holdings or any other affiliates of our general partner from owning assets or engaging in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. Under the terms of our partnership agreement, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any analogous doctrine, will not apply to our general partner or any of its affiliates, including Cypress Holdings. Any such entity that becomes aware of a potential transaction, agreement, arrangement or other matter that may be an opportunity for us will not have any duty to communicate or offer such opportunity to us. Moreover, except for the obligations set forth in the omnibus agreement, neither Cypress Holdings nor any of its affiliates have a contractual obligation to offer us the opportunity to purchase additional assets from it, and we are unable to predict whether or when such an offer may be presented and acted upon. As a result, competition from Cypress Holdings and other affiliates of our general partner could materially and adversely impact our results of operations and distributable cash flow.
Our right of first offer on certain of Cypress Holdings’ assets is subject to risks and uncertainty, and ultimately we may not acquire any of those assets.
Our omnibus agreement provides us with a right of first offer on certain assets owned by and ownership interests held by Cypress Holdings and its subsidiaries that they decide to sell during the five-year period following the closing of our IPO. The consummation and timing of any acquisition by us of the assets covered by our right to first offer will depend upon, among other things, our ability to reach an agreement with Cypress Holdings on price and other terms and our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms. Accordingly, we can provide no assurance whether, when or on what terms we will be able to successfully consummate any future acquisitions pursuant to our right of first offer, and Cypress Holdings is under no obligation to accept any offer that we may choose to make or to enter into any commercial agreements with us. For these or a variety of other reasons, we may decide not to exercise our right of first offer when we are permitted to do so, and our decision will not be subject to unitholder approval. In addition, our right of first offer may be, upon a change of control of our general partner, or by agreement between us and Cypress Holdings, terminated by Cypress Holdings at any time after it no longer controls our general partner.
Our general partner has a limited call right that may require our unitholders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price.
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more than 80.0% of our then-outstanding common units, our general partner will have the right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not less than their then-current market price. As a result, unitholders may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price and may not receive any return on unitholders’ investment. Unitholders may also incur a tax liability upon a sale of their units. Our general partner and its affiliates own approximately 22.8% of our common units (excluding any common units purchased by certain of our officers, directors and other affiliates under our directed unit program). At the end of the subordination period (which could occur as early as December 31, 2014), assuming no additional issuances of common units by us (other than upon the conversion of the subordinated units), our general partner and its affiliates will own approximately 58.8% of our outstanding common units (excluding any common units purchased by certain of our officers, directors and other affiliates under our directed unit program) and therefore would not be able to exercise the call right at that time.
Unitholders may have to repay distributions that were wrongfully distributed to them.
Under certain circumstances, unitholders may have to repay amounts wrongfully distributed to them. Under Section 17-607 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, we may not make a distribution to unitholders if the distribution would cause our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets. Delaware law provides that for a period of three years from the date of the impermissible distribution, limited partners who received the distribution and who knew at the time of the distribution that it violated Delaware law will be liable to the limited partnership for the distribution amount. Transferees of common units are liable for the obligations of the transferor to make contributions to the partnership that are known to the transferee at the time of the transfer and for unknown obligations if the liabilities could be determined from our partnership agreement. Liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interest and liabilities that are non-recourse to the partnership are not counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is permitted.
The price of our common units may fluctuate significantly, and unitholders could lose all or part of their investment.
There are only 4,312,500 publicly traded common units held by our public unitholders. Cypress Holdings through a wholly owned subsidiary and its controlled affiliates own 1,344,650 common units and 5,612,699 subordinated units, representing an aggregate 58.8% limited partner interest in us. We do not know how liquid our trading market might be. Additionally, the lack of liquidity may result in wide bid-ask spreads, contribute to significant fluctuations in the market price of the common units and limit the number of investors who are able to buy the common units.
Our general partner, or any transferee holding incentive distribution rights, may elect to cause us to issue common units to it in connection with a resetting of the target distribution levels related to its incentive distribution rights, without the approval of our conflicts committee or the holders of our common units. This could result in lower distributions to holders of our common units.
Our general partner has the right, at any time units are outstanding and it has received distributions on its incentive distribution rights at the highest level to which it is entitled (50.0%) for each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters and the amount of such distribution did not exceed the adjusted operating surplus for such quarter, to reset the initial target distribution levels at higher levels based on our distributions at the time of the exercise of the reset election. Following a reset election, the minimum quarterly distribution will be adjusted to equal the reset minimum quarterly distribution, and the target distribution levels will be reset to correspondingly higher levels based on percentage increases above the reset minimum quarterly distribution.
If our general partner elects to reset the target distribution levels, it will be entitled to receive a number of common units equal to that number of common units that would have entitled their holder to an average aggregate quarterly cash distribution in the prior two quarters equal to the average of the distributions to our general partner on the incentive distribution rights in such two quarters. We anticipate that our general partner would exercise this reset right in order to facilitate acquisitions or internal growth projects that would not be sufficiently accretive to cash distributions per common unit without such conversion. It is possible, however, that our general partner could exercise this reset election at a time when it is experiencing, or expects to experience, declines in the cash distributions it receives related to its incentive distribution rights and may, therefore, desire to be issued common units rather than retain the right to receive distributions based on the initial target distribution levels. This risk could be elevated if our incentive distribution rights have been transferred to a third party. As a result, a reset election may cause our common unitholders to experience a reduction in the amount of cash distributions that they would have otherwise received had we not issued new common units in connection with resetting the target distribution levels. Additionally, our general partner has the right to transfer all or any portion of our incentive distribution rights at any time, and such transferee shall have the same rights as the general partner relative to resetting target distributions if our general partner concurs that the tests for resetting target distributions have been fulfilled.
We will incur increased costs as a result of being a publicly traded partnership.
As a publicly traded partnership, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the NYSE have required changes in the corporate governance practices of publicly traded companies. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make these activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, as a result of becoming a publicly traded partnership, we are required to have at least three independent directors, create an audit committee and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures, including the preparation of reports on internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, we will incur additional costs associated with our publicly traded partnership reporting requirements and our general partner will maintain director and officer liability insurance under a separate policy. It is possible that our incremental costs of being a publicly traded partnership will be higher than we currently estimate. This incremental public company cost will initially be included in a $4.0 million annual administrative fee we will pay our general partner for providing us with certain partnership overhead services; however, in the event of termination of the omnibus agreement, we will be required by our partnership agreement to reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for all costs and expenses that they incur on our behalf for managing and controlling our business and operations, which we expect would be greater than $4.0 million. In addition, the $4.0 million annual administrative fee will be subject to an increase by an annual amount equal to the producer price index plus one percent.
The NYSE does not require a publicly traded limited partnership like us to comply with certain of its corporate governance requirements.
Our common units trade on the NYSE. Because we are a publicly traded limited partnership, the NYSE does not require us to have a majority of independent directors on our general partner’s board of directors or to establish a compensation committee or a nominating and corporate governance committee. Additionally, any future issuance of additional common units or other securities, including to affiliates, will not be subject to the NYSE’s shareholder approval rules that apply to a corporation. Accordingly, unitholders will not have the same protections afforded to certain corporations that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.
The incentive distribution rights of our general partner may be transferred to a third party without unitholder consent.
Our general partner may transfer its incentive distribution rights to a third party at any time without the consent of our unitholders. If our general partner transfers its incentive distribution rights to a third party but retains its general partner interest, our general partner may not have the same incentive to grow our partnership and increase quarterly distributions to unitholders over time as it would if it had retained ownership of its incentive distribution rights. For example, a transfer of incentive distribution rights by our general partner could reduce the likelihood that Cypress Holdings, which owns our general partner, will sell or contribute additional assets to us, as Cypress Holdings would have less of an economic incentive to grow our business, which in turn would impact our ability to grow our asset base.
A unitholder’s liability may not be limited if a court finds that unitholder action constitutes control of our business.
A general partner of a partnership generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of the partnership, except for those contractual obligations of the partnership that are expressly made without recourse to the general partner. Our partnership is organized under Delaware law, and we conduct business in a number of other states. The limitations on the liability of holders of limited partner interests for the obligations of a limited partnership have not been clearly established in some of the other states in which we do business. A unitholder could be liable for any and all of our obligations as if a unitholder were a general partner if a court or government agency were to determine that:
|
· |
Unitholders’ right to act with other unitholders to remove or replace our general partner, to approve some amendments to our partnership agreement or to take other actions under our partnership agreement constitute “control” of our business. |
Tax Risks
Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If the IRS were to treat us as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, which would subject us to entity-level taxation, then our cash available for distribution to our unitholders would be substantially reduced.
The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in the common units depends largely on our being treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. We have not requested a ruling from the IRS with respect to our treatment as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
Despite the fact that we are a limited partnership under Delaware law, it is possible in certain circumstances for a partnership such as ours to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. A change in our business or a change in current law could cause us to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject us to taxation as an entity.
If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would pay federal income tax on our taxable income at the corporate tax rate, which is currently a maximum of 35.0%, and would likely pay state and local income tax at varying rates. Distributions would generally be taxed again as corporate dividends (to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits), and no income, gains, losses, deductions or credits would flow through to a unitholder. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a corporation, our cash available for distribution to a unitholder would be substantially reduced. Therefore, if we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, there would be a material reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to our unitholders, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of our common units.
Our partnership agreement provides that, if a law is enacted or existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner that subjects us to taxation as a corporation or otherwise subjects us to entity-level taxation for federal, state or local income tax purposes, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels may be adjusted to reflect the impact of that law on us.
If we were subjected to a material amount of additional entity-level taxation by individual states, counties or cities, it would reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
Changes in current state, county or city law may subject us to additional entity-level taxation by individual states, countries or cities. Because of widespread state budget deficits and other reasons, several states are evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity-level taxation through the imposition of state income, franchise and other forms of taxation. Imposition of any such taxes may substantially reduce the cash available for distribution to a unitholder. Our partnership agreement provides that, if a law is enacted or existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner that subjects us to entity-level taxation, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels may be adjusted to reflect the impact of that law on us.
The tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships or an investment in our common units could be subject to potential legislative, judicial or administrative changes and differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis.
The present federal income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships, including us, or an investment in our common units may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial interpretation at any time. For example, from time to time, members of Congress propose and consider substantive changes to the existing federal income tax laws that affect publicly traded partnerships. Any modification to the federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof may or may not be retroactively applied and could make it more difficult or impossible to meet the exception for us to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. We are unable to predict whether any such changes will ultimately be enacted. However, it is possible that a change in law could affect us, and any such changes could negatively impact the value of an investment in our common units.
Our unitholders’ share of our income will be taxable to them for federal income tax purposes even if they do not receive any cash distributions from us.
Because a unitholder will be treated as a partner to whom we will allocate taxable income that could be different in amount than the cash we distribute, a unitholder’s allocable share of our taxable income will be taxable to it, which may require the payment of federal income taxes and, in some cases, state and local income taxes, on its share of our taxable income even if it receives no cash distributions from us. Our unitholders may not receive cash distributions from us equal to their share of our taxable income or even equal to the actual tax liability that results from that income.
If the IRS contests the federal income tax positions we take, the market for our common units may be adversely impacted and the cost of any IRS contest will reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
We have not requested a ruling from the IRS with respect to our treatment as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The IRS may adopt positions that differ from the conclusions of our counsel or from the positions we take, and the IRS’s positions may ultimately be sustained. It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all of our counsel’s conclusions or the positions we take and such positions may not ultimately be sustained. A court may not agree with some or all of our counsel’s conclusions or the positions we take. Any contest with the IRS, and the outcome of any IRS contest, may have a materially adverse impact on the market for our common units and the price at which they trade. In addition, our costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner, because the costs will reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders and for incentive distributions to our general partner.
Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our common units could be more or less than expected.
If our unitholders sell common units, they will recognize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the amount realized and their tax basis in those common units. Because distributions in excess of their allocable share of our net taxable income decrease their tax basis in their common units, the amount, if any, of such prior excess distributions with respect to the common units a unitholder sells will, in effect, become taxable income to the unitholder if it sells such common units at a price greater than its tax basis in those common units, even if the price received is less than its original cost. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the amount realized on any sale of unitholders’ common units, whether or not representing gain, may be taxed as ordinary income due to potential recapture items, including depreciation recapture. In addition, because the amount realized includes a unitholder’s share of our nonrecourse liabilities, a unitholder that sells common units may incur a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash received from the sale.
Tax-exempt entities and non-U.S. persons face unique tax issues from owning our common units that may result in adverse tax consequences to them.
Investment in common units by tax-exempt entities, such as employee benefit plans and individual retirement accounts (known as IRAs), and non-U.S. persons raises issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of our income allocated to organizations that are exempt from federal income tax, including IRAs and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to them. Distributions to non-U.S. persons will be reduced by withholding taxes at the highest applicable effective tax rate, and non-U.S. persons will be required to file federal income tax returns and pay tax on their share of our taxable income. If a unitholder is a tax-exempt entity or a non-U.S. person, a unitholder should consult a tax advisor before investing in our common units.
TIR conducts activities that may not generate qualifying income, and we intend to conduct these activities in a separate subsidiary that will be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Corporate federal income tax paid by this subsidiary will reduce our cash available for distribution.
In order to maintain our status as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, 90% or more of our gross income in each tax year must be qualifying income under Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code. In an attempt to ensure that 90% or more of our gross income in each tax year is qualifying income, we currently intend to conduct the portion of our business related to these operations in a separate subsidiary that will be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We estimate that these operations will represent approximately 8% of the combined gross margin of the TIR entities in the future.
This corporate subsidiary will be subject to corporate-level tax, which will reduce the cash available for distribution to us and, in turn, to our unitholders. If the IRS were to successfully assert that any corporate subsidiary has more tax liability than we anticipate or legislation were enacted that increased the corporate tax rate, our cash available for distribution to our unitholders would be further reduced.
We will treat each purchaser of common units as having the same tax benefits without regard to the actual common units purchased. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of the common units.
Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of common units and because of other reasons, we have adopted depreciation and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects of existing Treasury Regulations. A successful IRS challenge to those positions could adversely affect the amount of tax benefits available to a unitholder. It also could affect the timing of these tax benefits or the amount of gain from unitholders’ sale of common units and could have a negative impact on the value of our common units or result in audit adjustments to unitholders’ tax returns.
We prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction for federal income tax purposes between transferors and transferees of our units each month based upon the ownership of our units on the first day of each month, instead of on the basis of the date a particular unit is transferred. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.
We will prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction for federal income tax purposes between transferors and transferees of our units each month based upon the ownership of our units on the first day of each month, instead of on the basis of the date a particular unit is transferred.
The use of this proration method may not be permitted under existing Treasury Regulations, and, accordingly, our counsel is unable to opine as to the validity of this method. However, the U.S. Treasury Department has issued proposed regulations that provide a safe harbor pursuant to which publicly traded partnerships may use a similar monthly simplifying convention to allocate tax items among transferor and transferee unitholders. Nonetheless, the proposed regulations do not specifically authorize the use of the proration method we will adopt. If the IRS were to challenge this method or new Treasury regulations were issued, we may be required to change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.
A unitholder whose common units are loaned to a “short seller” to effect a short sale of common units may be considered as having disposed of those common units. If so, he would no longer be treated for federal income tax purposes as a partner with respect to those common units during the period of the loan and may recognize gain or loss from the disposition.
Because a unitholder whose common units are loaned to a “short seller” to effect a short sale of common units may be considered as having disposed of the loaned common units, he may no longer be treated for federal income tax purposes as a partner with respect to those common units during the period of the loan to the short seller and the unitholder may recognize gain or loss from such disposition. Moreover, during the period of the loan to the short seller, any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to those common units may not be reportable by the unitholder and any cash distributions received by the unitholder as to those common units could be fully taxable as ordinary income.
We will adopt certain valuation methodologies and monthly conventions for federal income tax purposes that may result in a shift of income, gain, loss and deduction between our general partner and our unitholders. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of the common units.
When we issue additional units or engage in certain other transactions, we will determine the fair market value of our assets and allocate any unrealized gain or loss attributable to our assets to the capital accounts of our unitholders and our general partner for purposes of determining our incentive distributions. Our methodology may be viewed as understating the value of our assets. In that case, there may be a shift of income, gain, loss and deduction between certain unitholders and our general partner, which may be unfavorable to such unitholders. Moreover, under our valuation methods, subsequent purchasers of common units may have a greater portion of their Internal Revenue Code Section 743(b) adjustment allocated to our tangible assets and a lesser portion allocated to our intangible assets. The IRS may challenge our valuation methods, or our allocation of the Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to our tangible and intangible assets, and allocations of taxable income, gain, loss and deduction between our general partner, in its capacity as holder of our incentive distribution rights, and certain of our unitholders.
A successful IRS challenge to these methods or allocations could adversely affect the amount of taxable income or loss being allocated to our unitholders. It also could affect the amount of taxable gain from our unitholders’ sale of common units and could have a negative impact on the value of the common units or result in audit adjustments to our unitholders’ tax returns without the benefit of additional deductions.
The sale or exchange of 50.0% or more of our capital and profits interests during any twelve-month period will result in the termination of our partnership for federal income tax purposes.
We will be considered to have technically terminated our partnership for federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of 50.0% or more of the total interests in our capital and profits within a twelve month period. For purposes of determining whether the 50.0% threshold has been met, multiple sales of the same interest will be counted only once. Our technical termination would, among other things, result in the closing of our taxable year for all unitholders, which would result in us filing two tax returns (and our unitholders could receive two Schedules K-1 if relief was not available, as described below) for one fiscal year and could result in a deferral of depreciation deductions allowable in computing our taxable income. In the case of a unitholder reporting on a taxable year other than a fiscal year ending December 31, the closing of our taxable year may also result in more than twelve months of our taxable income or loss being includable in his taxable income for the year of termination. Our termination currently would not affect our classification as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, but instead we would be treated as a new partnership for federal income tax purposes. If treated as a new partnership, we must make new tax elections, including a new election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code, and could be subject to penalties if we are unable to determine that a termination occurred. The IRS has announced a publicly traded partnership technical termination relief program whereby, if a publicly traded partnership that technically terminated requests publicly traded partnership technical termination relief and such relief is granted by the IRS, among other things, the partnership will only have to provide one Schedule K-1 to unitholders for the year notwithstanding two partnership tax years.
As a result of investing in our common units, a unitholder may become subject to state and local taxes and return filing requirements in jurisdictions where we operate or own or acquire properties.
In addition to federal income taxes, our unitholders will likely be subject to other taxes, including state and local taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions in which we conduct business or control property now or in the future, even if they do not live in any of those jurisdictions. Our unitholders will likely be required to file state and local income tax returns and pay state and local income taxes in some or all of these various jurisdictions. Further, our unitholders may be subject to penalties for failure to comply with those requirements. We initially expect to own property or conduct business in many states, most of which impose an income tax on individuals, corporations and other entities. As we make acquisitions or expand our business, we may control assets or conduct business in additional states that impose a personal income tax. It is each unitholder’s responsibility to file all federal, state and local tax returns. Our counsel has not rendered an opinion on the state or local tax consequences of an investment in our common units. Unitholders should consult their tax advisors.
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UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
|
Not Applicable.
Our Properties
In our Water and Environmental Services segment, as of December 31, 2013, we had an aggregate of approximately 115 thousand barrels of maximum daily disposal capacity in the following SWD facilities, all of which were built since June 2011 with new well bores, using completion techniques consistent with current industry practices and utilizing well depths of at least 5,000 feet and injection intervals beginning at least 4,000 feet beneath the surface:
Location
|
|
County
|
|
In-service Date
|
|
Leased or Owned
|
Tioga, ND
|
|
Williams
|
|
June 2011
|
|
Owned
|
Manning, ND
|
|
Dunn
|
|
Dec. 2011
|
|
Owned
|
Grassy Butte, ND
|
|
McKenzie
|
|
May 2012
|
|
Leased
|
New Town, ND (1)
|
|
Mountrail
|
|
June 2012
|
|
Leased
|
Pecos, TX (1)
|
|
Reeves
|
|
July 2012
|
|
Owned
|
Williston, ND
|
|
Williams
|
|
Aug. 2012
|
|
Owned
|
Stanley, ND
|
|
Mountrail
|
|
Sept. 2012
|
|
Owned
|
Orla, TX (1)
|
|
Reeves
|
|
Sept. 2012
|
|
Owned
|
Belfield, ND
|
|
Billings
|
|
Oct. 2012
|
|
Leased
|
Watford City, ND (2)
|
|
McKenzie
|
|
May 2013
|
|
Leased
|
(1) |
Currently receives piped water. |
(2) |
We own 51.0% of CES, a management and development company that owns a 25.0% non-controlling interest in this SWD facility. |
In addition to the above properties we own or lease, we also manage three other SWD facilities in the Bakken Shale region, one of which is owned by Cypress Holdings.
We do not own or lease any significant properties in our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment.
Our corporate headquarters are located at 5727 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 500, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105. We lease 7,279 square feet of general office space at our corporate headquarters. The lease expires in February 2018 unless terminated earlier under certain circumstances specified in our lease.
TIR’s corporate headquarters are located at 4111 S. Darlington Ave., Suite 1000, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135. TIR leases 12,909 square feet of general office space at its corporate headquarters. A lease for 2,255 square feet expired on February 28, 2014, and TIR currently occupies on a month-to-month basis while working with the landlord on an extension of the term of such lease. The remaining lease expires on June 30, 2018 unless terminated earlier under certain circumstances specified in our lease.
From time to time, we are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. Like other partnerships, our operations are subject to extensive and rapidly changing federal and state environmental, health and safety and other laws and regulations governing air emissions, wastewater discharges, and solid and hazardous waste management activities.
We are not a party to any other material pending or overtly threatened legal or governmental proceedings, other than proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course and are incidental to our business.
Not Applicable.
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MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
|
Our common units are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “CELP.”
Common units began trading on January 15, 2014, at an initial offering price of $20.00 per common unit. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our common units. On March 27, 2014, the closing price for the common units was $21.87 per unit and there were approximately five unitholders of record of the Partnership’s common units. The number of unit holders was computed based on the number of record holders at March 27, 2014. This number does not include unitholders whose units are held in trust by other entities. The actual number of unitholders is greater than the number of holders of record.
We have also issued 5,913,000 subordinated units, for which there is no established public trading market. 5,612,699 of the subordinated units are effectively held by Cypress Holdings and its controlled affiliates, either directly or indirectly through its ownership of CEP TIR. The remaining 300,301 subordinated units are held directly by certain beneficial owners and management.
Cash Distributions to Unitholders
We intend to make cash distributions to unitholders on a quarterly basis, although there is no assurance as to the future cash distributions since they are dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors.
Our Cash Distribution Policy
Our partnership agreement requires that, within 45 days after the end of each quarter, beginning with the quarter ending March 31, 2014, we distribute all of our available cash to unitholders of record on the applicable record date. We will prorate the minimum quarterly distribution payable in respect of the quarter ending March 31, 2014 for the period from January 21, 2014 (the date of the closing of our IPO) through March 31, 2014.
Definition of Available Cash
Available cash, for any quarter, consists of all cash and cash equivalents on hand at the end of that quarter:
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· |
less, the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner at the date of determination of available cash for the quarter to: |
provide for the proper conduct of our business, which could include, but is not limited to, amounts reserved for capital expenditures, working capital and operating expenses;
comply with applicable law, any of our debt instruments or other agreements; or
provide funds for distributions to our unitholders (including our general partner) for any one or more of the next four quarters (provided that our general partner may not establish cash reserves for the payment of future distributions unless it determines that the establishment of reserves will not prevent us from distributing the minimum quarterly distribution on all common units and any cumulative arrearages on such common units for such quarter);
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· |
plus, if our general partner so determines, all or a portion of cash on hand on the date of determination of available cash for the quarter, including cash on hand resulting from working capital borrowings made after the end of the quarter. |
During Subordination Period
Our partnership agreement requires that we make distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter in the following manner during the subordination period:
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· |
first, 100.0% to the common unitholders, pro rata, until we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; |
|
· |
second, 100.0% to the common unitholders, pro rata, until we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to any arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for any prior quarters during the subordination period; |
|
· |
third, 100.0% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, until we distribute for each subordinated unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and |
|
· |
thereafter, in the manner described in “—General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights” below. |
The preceding discussion is based on the assumptions that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities. Unless earlier terminated pursuant to the terms of our partnership agreement, the subordination period will extend until the first business day of any quarter beginning after December 31, 2016, that the Partnership meets the financial tests set forth in the Partnership Agreement, but may end sooner if the Partnership meets additional financial tests.
After Subordination Period
Our partnership agreement requires that after the subordination period, we make distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter in the following manner:
|
· |
first, 100.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, until we distribute for each outstanding unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and |
|
· |
thereafter, in the manner described in “—General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights” below. |
The preceding discussion is based on the assumptions that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.
General Partner Interest and Incentive Distribution Rights
Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels have been achieved. Our general partner currently holds the incentive distribution rights, but may transfer these rights separately from its general partner interest, subject to restrictions in the partnership agreement.
The following discussion assumes there are no arrearages on common units and that our general partner continues to own the incentive distribution rights.
If for any quarter:
|
· |
we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the common and subordinated unitholders in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution; and |
|
· |
we have distributed available cash from operating surplus on outstanding common units in an amount necessary to eliminate any cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution; |
then, our partnership agreement requires that we distribute any additional available cash from operating surplus for that quarter among the unitholders and the general partner in the following manner:
|
· |
first, 100.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.445625 per unit for that quarter (the “first target distribution”); |
|
· |
second, 85.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15.0% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.484375 per unit for that quarter (the “second target distribution”); and |
|
· |
third, 75.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25.0% to our general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.581250 per unit for that quarter (the “third target distribution”); and |
|
· |
thereafter, 50.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50.0% to our general partner. |
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
See “Item 12 — Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Unitholder Matters” for information regarding our equity compensation plans as of March 27, 2014.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None not previously reported on a current report on Form 8-K.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
The following table should be read together with “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical financial statements and accompanying notes included in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
We were formed in September 2013 and our historical financial operating results primarily reflect costs associated with our initial public offering. Therefore, we present the historical financial statements and data of Cypress LLC and our Predecessor. Set forth below is the following financial data:
•selected historical financial data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 and as of December 31, 2012 and for the period from March 15, 2012 (Inception) through December 31, 2012 of Cypress LLC, and selected historical financial data for the period from June 1, 2011 (Predecessor Inception) through December 31, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Predecessor, which have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Cypress Energy Partners, LLC that are included in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
We do not provide selected historical financial data for the TIR entities, in which we received a 50.1% interest in each at the closing of our IPO. For historical financial data for the TIR entities please read the audited combined financial statements of the Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the audited consolidated financial statements of Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 included in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
The following table also presents Adjusted EBITDA, which we use in evaluating the performance and liquidity of our business. This financial measure is not calculated or presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. We explain this measure below and reconcile it to net income and net cash from operating activities, its most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.
|
|
Cypress LLC
|
|
|
Predecessor
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2013
|
|
|
Period from March 15 (Inception) through December 31, 2012 (1)
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2012
|
|
|
Period from June 1 (Inception) through December 31, 2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except operational data)
|
|
Income Statement Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
22,392
|
|
|
$
|
619
|
|
|
$
|
12,203
|
|
|
$
|
2,944
|
|
Costs of sales
|
|
|
7,643
|
|
|
|
309
|
|
|
|
3,662
|
|
|
|
503
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
14,749
|
|
|
|
310
|
|
|
|
8,541
|
|
|
|
2,441
|
|
General and administrative expense
|
|
|
3,334
|
|
|
|
2,056
|
|
|
|
477
|
|
|
|
138
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense
|
|
|
4,084
|
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
|
1,398
|
|
|
|
123
|
|
Operating income (loss)
|
|
|
(473
|
)
|
|
|
(1,845
|
)
|
|
|
6,666
|
|
|
|
2,180
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
111
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
10,764
|
|
|
|
(1,845
|
)
|
|
|
6,595
|
|
|
|
2,162
|
|
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net income attributable to controlling interests
|
|
|
10,742
|
|
|
|
(1,845
|
) |
|
|
6,595
|
|
|
|
2,162
|
|
Balance Sheet Data - Period End
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
81,865
|
|
|
$
|
85,342
|
|
|
$
|
27,588
|
|
|
$
|
14,476
|
|
Total debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,314
|
|
|
|
2,798
|
|
Member’s equity
|
|
|
79,645
|
|
|
|
71,651
|
|
|
|
24,769
|
|
|
|
9,265
|
|
Cash Flows Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
$
|
10,368
|
|
|
$
|
(2,244
|
)
|
|
$
|
7,246
|
|
|
$
|
1,106
|
|
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
(3,140
|
)
|
|
|
(70,670
|
)
|
|
|
(15,236
|
)
|
|
|
(10,860
|
)
|
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(3,467
|
)
|
|
|
73,496
|
|
|
|
8,425
|
|
|
|
9,901
|
|
Other financial data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
11,456
|
|
|
$
|
(1,746
|
)
|
|
$
|
8,104
|
|
|
$
|
2,320
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to controlling interests
|
|
|
11,425
|
|
|
|
(1,746
|
)
|
|
|
8,104
|
|
|
|
2,320
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
3,140
|
|
|
|
70,670
|
|
|
|
15,236
|
|
|
|
10,860
|
|
Operational data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total barrels of saltwater disposed (in thousands)
|
|
|
19,666
|
|
|
|
551
|
|
|
|
8,674
|
|
|
|
1,641
|
|
Average revenue per barrel
|
|
$
|
1.14
|
|
|
$
|
1.12
|
|
|
$
|
1.41
|
|
|
$
|
1.79
|
|
(1) During the period from its inception through the date of its acquisition of the Predecessor on December 31, 2012, Cypress LLC had no significant assets or operations.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income, plus interest expense, depreciation and amortization expenses, income tax expense and impairments related to SWD facilities, one of which was retained by Cypress Holdings, less the gain on the reversal of a contingent liability related to the acquisition of the Cypress LLC Predecessor. Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors and commercial banks, to assess:
|
•
|
the financial performance of our assets without regard to the impact of financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis of our assets;
|
|
•
|
the viability of capital expenditure projects and the overall rates of return on alternative investment opportunities;
|
|
•
|
our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures;
|
|
•
|
the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to make debt payments and to make distributions; and
|
|
•
|
our operating performance as compared to those of other companies in our industry without regard to the impact of financing methods and capital structure.
|
We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA will provide useful information to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. Net income is the GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income. Because adjusted EBITDA may be defined differently by other companies in our industry our definitions of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA as presented below may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) and net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, as applicable, for each of the periods indicated.
|
|
Cypress LLC
|
|
|
Predecessor
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2013
|
|
|
Period from March 15 (Inception) through December 31, 2012 (1)
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2012
|
|
|
Period from June 1 (Inception) through December 31, 2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (loss)
|
|
$
|
10,764
|
|
|
$
|
(1,845
|
)
|
|
$
|
6,595
|
|
|
$
|
2,162
|
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
111
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
4,084
|
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
|
1,398
|
|
|
|
123
|
|
Impairments
|
|
|
7,804
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Less:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on reversal of contingent consideration
|
|
|
11,250
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
11,456
|
|
|
$
|
(1,746
|
)
|
|
$
|
8,104
|
|
|
$
|
2,320
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Controlling Interest to Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interest (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to controlling interest |
|
$ |
10,742 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization attributable to controlling interest |
|
|
4,075 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairments attributable to controlling interest |
|
|
7,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense attributable to controlling interest |
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on reversal of contingent consideration attributable to controlling interest |
|
|
11,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to controlling interest |
|
$ |
11,425 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
$
|
10,368
|
|
|
$
|
(2,244
|
)
|
|
$
|
7,246
|
|
|
$
|
1,106
|
|
Changes in accounts receivable
|
|
|
(549
|
)
|
|
|
(741
|
)
|
|
|
(219
|
)
|
|
|
(1,638
|
)
|
Changes in inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
(47
|
)
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
(353
|
)
|
|
|
(125
|
)
|
Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(408
|
)
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
584
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(111
|
)
|
|
|
(35
|
)
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(54
|
) |
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(30 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
$
|
11,456
|
|
|
$
|
(1,746
|
)
|
|
$
|
8,104
|
|
|
$
|
2,320
|
|
(1) During the period from its inception through the date of its acquisition of the Predecessor on December 31, 2012, the Cypress LLC had no significant assets or operations.
(2) There were no non controlling interests prior to October 1, 2013.
ITEM 7. |
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
|
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains a discussion of our business, including a general overview of our properties, our results of operations, our liquidity and capital resources, and our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk. Because we were formed in September 2013 and our historical financial operating results primarily reflect costs incurred associated with our IPO, we present the historical financial statements and discussion and analysis of Cypress LLC, including its Predecessor, and of the TIR entities on a combined basis. At the closing of our IPO on January 21, 2014, Cypress LLC and a 50.1% interest in the TIR entities were contributed to us and became our Water and Environmental Services segment and our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment, respectively. On June 26, 2013, Cypress Holdings indirectly acquired a controlling interest in the TIR entities. The contribution of the TIR entities will be treated for accounting purposes as a combination of entities under common control and the results of the TIR entities will be included in our financial statements for periods subsequent to June 26, 2013. Accordingly, the operating results and discussion and analysis for the TIR entities is for the period from June 26, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The financial information for Cypress LLC and the TIR entities included in “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statement of Cypress Energy Partners, LLC as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and the audited combined financial statements of the Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the audited consolidated financial statements of Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 included in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs and expected performance. The forward-looking statements are dependent upon events, risks and uncertainties that may be outside our control, including among other things, the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, market prices for oil and natural gas, production volumes, estimates of proved reserves, capital expenditures, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory changes and other uncertainties, as well as those factors discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, all of which are difficult to predict. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed may not occur. See “Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the front of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
We are a growth-oriented master limited partnership that provides saltwater disposal and other water and environmental services to U.S. onshore oil and natural gas producers and trucking companies. Through our Water and Environmental Services segment, which is comprised of the historical operations of Cypress LLC and its Predecessor, we own and operate nine SWD facilities, seven of which are in the Bakken Shale region of the Williston Basin in North Dakota and two of which are in the Permian Basin in west Texas. We also manage four other SWD facilities in the Bakken Shale region. Our Water and Environmental Services segment customers are oil and natural gas exploration and production companies and trucking companies operating in the regions that we serve. Through our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment, we provide independent pipeline inspection and integrity services to various energy, public utility and pipeline companies. The Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment is comprised of the operations of the TIR entities since Cypress Holdings obtained control on June 26, 2013. In both of these business segments, we work closely with our customers to help them comply with increasingly complex and strict environmental and safety rules and regulations applicable to production and pipeline operations and reduce their operating costs.
We will generate revenue in our Water and Environmental Services segment primarily by treating flowback and produced water and injecting the saltwater into our SWD facilities. Our results in the Water and Environmental Services segment are driven primarily by the volumes of produced water and flowback water we inject into our SWD facilities and the fees we charge for our services. These fees are charged on a per barrel basis and vary based on the quantity and type of saltwater disposed, competitive dynamics and operating costs. In addition, for minimal marginal cost, we generate revenue by selling residual oil we recover from the flowback and produced water. Through our 51.0% ownership interest in CES we also generate revenue managing SWD facilities for a fee.
Through our 50.1% ownership interests in the TIR entities, we will generate revenue in our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment primarily by providing inspection and integrity services on midstream pipelines, gathering systems and distribution systems, including data gathering and supervision of third-party construction, inspection, and maintenance and repair projects. Our results in the Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment are driven primarily by the number of inspectors that perform services for our customers and the fees that we charge for those services, which depend on the type and number of inspectors used on a particular project, the nature of the project and the duration of the project. We charge our inspectors’ services out to customers on a per project basis, including per diem charges, mileage and other reimbursement items.
How We Evaluate Our Operations
Our management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. We view these metrics as significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and intend to review these measurements frequently for consistency and trend analysis. These metrics include:
|
• |
saltwater disposal and residual oil volumes in the Water and Environmental Services segment; |
|
• |
inspector headcount in the Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment; |
|
• |
distributable cash flow. |
Saltwater Disposal and Residual Oil Volumes
The amount of revenue we generate in our Water and Environmental Services segment depends primarily on the volume of produced water and flowback water that we dispose for our customers pursuant to published or negotiated rates, as well as the volume of residual oil that we sell pursuant to published rates that are determined based on the quality of the oil sold. Our revenues from produced water, flowback water or residual oil sales are generated pursuant to contracts that are short-term in nature. Revenues in this segment are recognized when the service is performed and collectability of fees is reasonably assured. The volumes of saltwater disposed at our SWD facilities are driven by water volumes generated from existing oil and natural gas wells during their useful lives and development drilling and production volumes from the wells located near our facilities. Producers’ willingness to engage in new drilling is determined by a number of factors, the most important of which are the prevailing and projected prices of oil, natural gas and NGLs, the cost to drill and operate a well, the availability and cost of capital and environmental and governmental regulations. We generally expect the level of drilling to positively correlate with long-term trends in prices of oil, natural gas and NGLs. Similarly, oil and natural gas production levels nationally and regionally generally tend to positively correlate with drilling activity.
Approximately 25% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 in our Water and Environmental Services segment was derived from sales of residual oil recovered during the saltwater treatment process. Our ability to recover sufficient volumes of residual oil is dependent upon the residual oil content in the saltwater we treat, which is, among other things, a function of water type, chemistry, source and temperature. Generally, where outside temperatures are lower, there is less residual oil content and separation is more difficult. Thus, our residual oil recovery during the winter season is lower than our recovery during the summer season in North Dakota. Additionally, residual oil content will decrease if, among other things, producers begin recovering higher levels of residual oil in saltwater prior to delivering such saltwater to us for treatment.
Inspector Headcount
The amount of revenue we generate in our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment depends primarily on the number of inspectors that perform services for our customers. The number of inspectors engaged on projects is driven by the type of project, prevailing market rates, the age and condition of customers’ midstream pipelines, gathering systems and distribution systems and the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the inspection and maintenance of those assets.
Operating Expenses
The primary components of our operating expenses that we evaluate include costs of sales or services, general and administrative, and depreciation and amortization.
Costs of sales or services. We seek to maximize the profitability of our operations in part by minimizing, to the extent appropriate, expenses directly tied to operating and maintaining our assets. Repair and maintenance costs, employee-related costs, residual oil disposal costs and utilities expenses are the primary cost of sales components in our Water and Environmental Services segment. These expenses generally remain relatively stable across broad ranges of saltwater disposal volumes but can fluctuate from period to period depending on the mix of activities performed during that period and the timing of these expenses. We seek to manage our operations and repair and maintenance capital expenditures on our SWD facilities and related assets by scheduling repairs and maintenance over time to avoid significant variability in our maintenance capital expenditures, downtime and minimize their impact on our cash flows. Employee-or-contractor-related costs and per diem expenses are the primary costs of services components in our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment. These expenses fluctuate from period to period based on the number, type and location of projects on which we are engaged at any given time.
General and administrative. Cypress LLC’s historical general and administrative expenses included expenses related to royalty expenses, management fees, legal fees and other expenses for the operation of our wells.
Under the omnibus agreement, our general partner charges us an annual administrative fee of $4.0 million (payable in equal quarterly installments) for the provision of certain partnership overhead expenses. This fee is subject to an increase by an annual amount equal to PPI plus one percent or, with the concurrence of the conflicts committee, in the event of an expansion of our operations, including through acquisitions or internal growth. The amount of this fee is approximately the amount we would expect to reimburse the general partner for such services in the absence of the fee.
Included in this administrative fee are our incremental general and administrative expenses attributable to operating as a publicly traded partnership, such as expenses associated with annual and quarterly SEC reporting; tax return and Schedule K-1 preparation and distribution expenses; Sarbanes-Oxley compliance; listing on the New York Stock Exchange; independent registered public accounting firm fees; legal fees; investor relations, registrar and transfer agent fees; director and officer liability insurance costs and director compensation, which we estimate to be approximately $2.0 million. These incremental partnership overhead expenses are not reflected in our historical financial statements. For the year ending December 31, 2014, pursuant to the omnibus agreement, $1.0 million of this partnership overhead expense attributable to our operating as a publicly traded partnership will be absorbed by Cypress Holdings and affiliates, the owners of the 49.9% non-controlling interests in the TIR entities. Included in the administrative fee for future general and administrative expenses will be compensation expense associated with the Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. In the event of termination of the omnibus agreement, in lieu of the quarterly fee, we will be required by our partnership agreement to reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for all costs and expenses that they incur on our behalf for managing and controlling our business and operations, at which time we expect our payment for these services to increase. This increase may be substantial. Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner will determine in good faith the expenses that are allocable to us. Furthermore, our general partner and its affiliates allocate other expenses related to our operations to us and may provide us other services for which we will be charged fees as determined by our general partner. Payments to our general partner and its affiliates following the expiration of the omnibus agreement could be substantial and will reduce the amount of cash we have available to distribute to unitholders.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense consists of our estimate of the decrease in value of the assets capitalized in property, plant and equipment as a result of using the assets throughout the applicable year. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis. We estimate our assets have useful lives ranging from three years to 39 years. The facilities, wells and equipment constituted 91.0% of our assets as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 and have useful lives of nine to 15 years.
Segment Gross Margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow
We view segment gross margin as one of our primary management tools, and we track this item on a regular basis, both as an absolute amount and as a percentage of revenues compared to prior periods. We also track Adjusted EBITDA, and we define Adjusted EBITDA as net income, plus interest expense, depreciation and amortization expenses, income tax expense and impairments related to SWD facilities, one of which is retained by Cypress Holdings, less a gain on the reversal of a contingent liability related to the acquisition of the Cypress LLC Predecessor. Although we have not quantified distributable cash flow on a historical basis, we intend to use distributable cash flow, which we define as Adjusted EBITDA less net cash interest paid and maintenance capital expenditures, to analyze our performance. Distributable cash flow will not reflect changes in working capital balances, which could be significant as headcount of our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment varies period to period. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP, supplemental financial measure used by management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and research analysts, to assess:
|
•
|
our operating performance as compared to those of other providers of similar services, without regard to financing methods, historical cost basis or capital structure;
|
|
•
|
the ability of our assets to generate sufficient cash flow to support our indebtedness and make distributions to our partners;
|
|
•
|
the viability of capital expenditure projects and the overall rates of return on alternative investment opportunities;
|
|
•
|
our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures; and
|
|
•
|
the viability of acquisitions and other capital expenditure projects and the rates of return on various investment opportunities.
|
Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow are not financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide useful information to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. Net income is the GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to distributable cash flow is net cash provided by operating activities. Our non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Each of these non-GAAP financial measures has important limitations as an analytical tool because it excludes some but not all items that affect the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. You should not consider any of Adjusted EBITDA or distributable cash flow in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow may be defined differently by other companies in our industry, our definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility.
For a further discussion of the non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and reconciliation of that measure to their most comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, please read “Item 6 — Selected Financial Data — Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Outlook
Our Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment is experiencing increased customer demand for our inspectors, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013 and continuing throughout the first quarter of 2014. This increased demand has resulted in an increase in the number of inspectors we have employed or engaged during this period. Our Water and Environmental Services segment has been impacted by a more pronounced seasonal reduction in saltwater received at our SWD facilities than during past winters, resulting in our disposing of decreased volumes of salt water, beginning in December of 2013 and continuing through a majority of the first quarter of 2014. We believe these reduced volumes have resulted from factors including our customers’ reduced activities during the severe winter experienced in the geographic area where our Bakken Shale SWD facilities are located, as well as competition in both of the regions in which we operate. While we believe much of the recent decline in our saltwater volumes is weather related and seasonal, we do not have sufficient information to determine whether or how long the trends in either segment will continue. We do not expect that factors underlying these trends will impact the distribution forecast for the year ending December 31, 2014 contained in the IPO prospectus.
Results of Operations – Cypress LLC and the Predecessor
Results Presented and Factors Affecting the Comparability of the Historical Financial
Results of Cypress LLC and the Predecessor and of our Future Results
The Predecessor’s inception date was June 1, 2011, and Cypress LLC’s inception date was March 15, 2012. Cypress LLC acquired its Predecessor on December 31, 2012.
Cypress LLC incurred costs associated with its formation and acquisition activities but had no material operations until its acquisition of four newly constructed EPA Class II SWD facilities from Moxie Disposal Systems, LLC and Peach Energy Services, LLC, or collectively the Moxie Assets, on December 3, 2012. Therefore, the financial and operating data for 2011 discussed below represents the Predecessor’s operations from June 1, 2011 (Inception) through December 31, 2011 and the financial and operating data for 2012 discussed below represents the Predecessor’s operations from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. The financial and operating data for the year ended December 31, 2013 discussed below represents Cypress LLC’s operations from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013.
The historical results of operations for the periods presented may not be comparable, either to each other or to our future results of operations, for the reasons described below:
|
· |
Cypress LLC had no operations until its acquisition of the Moxie Assets on December 3, 2012. Financial data for Cypress LLC for the period from Inception through December 31, 2012, is excluded from the tables below. |
|
· |
The financial and operating data presented below only include management services that are performed by CES, in which we owned a 51.0% interest, for the period of October 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. |
|
· |
Historical results of Cypress LLC and its Predecessor include results of an SWD facility located in Sheridan County, Montana and a permit relating to a potential SWD facility that was distributed to Cypress Holdings prior to the closing of our IPO. In addition, historical results of Cypress LLC for the year ended December 31, 2013 include an impairment relating to that facility. |
|
· |
Cypress LLC’s Predecessor had one operating SWD facility on June 30, 2011, two operating SWD facilities on December 31, 2011, five SWD facilities on June 30, 2012 and six SWD facilities on December 31, 2012. Financial data for Cypress LLC for the period from inception through December 31, 2012, is excluded from the tables below. |
|
· |
General and administrative expenses of the Predecessor’s SWD facilities represent expenses associated with those assets as stand-alone businesses and may not represent sales and general and administrative expenses we will incur to operate those assets as part of a larger business. Operating expenses associated with Cypress LLC’s headquarters office, primarily consisting of management salaries and general and administrative expenses, are not reflected in the results of its Predecessor. |
The following table compares the operating results of Cypress LLC and its Predecessor for the periods indicated.
|
|
Cypress LLC Year Ended December 31, 2013
|
|
|
Predecessor Year Ended December 31, 2012
|
|
|
Change 2013 to 2012
|
|
|
Predecessor Period from June 1 (Inception) through December 31, 2011
|
|
|
Change 2012 to 2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands except per barrel data)
|
|
|
|
|
Income Statement Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
22,392
|
|
|
$
|
12,203
|
|
|
$
|
10,189
|
|
|
$
|
2,944
|
|
|
$
|
9,259
|
|
Costs of sales
|
|
|
7,643
|
|
|
|
3,662
|
|
|
|
3,981
|
|
|
|
503
|
|
|
|
3,159
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
$
|
14,749
|
|
|
$
|
8,541
|
|
|
$
|
6,208
|
|
|
$
|
2,441
|
|
|
$
|
6,100
|
|
Gross margin %
|
|
|
66
|
%
|
|
|
70
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
83
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
Total barrels of saltwater disposed
|
|
|
19,666
|
|
|
|
8,674
|
|
|
|
10,992
|
|
|
|
1,641
|
|
|
|
7,033
|
|
Average revenue per barrel
|
|
$
|
1.14
|
|
|
$
|
1.41
|
|
|
$
|
(0.27
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.79
|
|
|
$
|
(0.38
|
)
|
Cypress LLC Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to
Predecessor Year Ended December 31, 2012
Total Revenues
Cypress LLC’s revenues were $22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to its Predecessor’s $12.2 million for the same period of 2012, an increase of 83%. The overall increase in saltwater disposal revenues was primarily driven by an increase in saltwater disposal volumes from 8.7 million barrels for the year ended December 31, 2012 to 19.7 million barrels for the same period in 2013. This increase in saltwater disposal volumes was associated with the addition of four wells in December 2012, which was offset somewhat by a decline in average pricing across the wells from $1.41 per barrel of disposed saltwater for 2012 to $1.14 per barrel in 2013. The decline in revenue per barrel was primarily attributable to our decision to reduce pricing in the Bakken Shale region due to competitive pressures and to the addition of two wells in the Permian Basin which have lower average pricing relative to the Bakken wells due to regional market differences and lower operating expenses. The Bakken Shale region has differential pricing between flowback and produced water. The revenues also reflected an increase in residual oil revenues from the year ended December 31, 2012 due to the addition of the Moxie Assets located in west Texas, which have historically generated more residual oil sales volumes than our other wells.
Costs of Sales
Cypress LLC’s costs of sales were $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to its Predecessor’s costs of sales of $3.7 million for the same period of 2012, an increase of 105%. This increase was primarily attributable to only five wells being operational during the majority of the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to nine wells operating for the majority of 2013. Incremental costs of sales attributable to wells not in operation at December 31, 2012 were $3.4 million.
Gross Margin
Gross margin was $14.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $8.5 million for the same period of 2012, an increase of $6.2 million or 73%. The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by the increase in revenue for the same period. Gross margin as a percentage of total revenues declined to 66% for the year ended December 31, 2013 from 70% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decline in gross margin as a percentage of revenue is primarily a result of higher costs of sales attributable to higher repair and maintenance expenses attributable to the fact that most of the wells did not come on line until 2012.
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
Cypress LLC's depreciation and amortization expenses were $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to its Predecessor's $1.4 million for the same period in 2012, an increase of 193%. Depreciation and amortization for Cypress LLC increased primarily as a result of its having more SWD wells and a higher depreciable basis in the SWD wells acquired from the Predecessor on December 31, 2012.
General and Administrative Expenses
Cypress LLC’s general and administrative expenses were $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $0.5 million for its Predecessor for the same period in 2012, an increase of 560%. General and administrative expenses increased by $2.3 million attributable to $0.5 in incremental expenses associated with operating the Moxie wells for a full year and $1.8 million attributable to Cypress LLC corporate office activities. The increase in the corporate activities was largely attributable to an increase in professional services of $1.2 million incurred primarily in relation to legal and accounting services. The remaining corporate activity costs were associated with corporate salaries of $0.5 million that were not included in the 2012 Predecessor results. The general and administrative expenses associated with the Predecessor wells increased $0.5 million due to the variable costs of running the facilities with higher volumes of saltwater disposed primarily associated with the start date of wells that commenced operations in 2012.
Net Income
Cypress LLC recorded net income of approximately $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to its Predecessor’s net income of $6.6 million for the same period in 2012, an increase of 62%. Operationally, this increase in net income was primarily the result of higher segment gross margin from the increased number of well sites of $6.2 million offset by higher operating expenses, primarily depreciation and amortization ($2.7 million increase) and general and administrative expenses ($2.8 million increase) associated with the expanded operations. Additionally, net income was impacted by the $11.3 million gain recorded for the reversal of contingent consideration from the acquisition of the Cypress LLC Predecessor on December 31, 2012 offset by $7.8 million in impairments recorded on two of its SWD facilities.
Predecessor Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to
the Predecessor Period from June 1, 2011 (Inception) to December 31, 2011
Total Revenues
Revenues were $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $2.9 million for the period from June 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, an increase of 321%. The overall increase in saltwater disposal revenues was primarily driven by a 444% increase in saltwater disposal volumes from 1.6 million barrels for the year ended December 31, 2011 to 8.7 million barrels for the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase in saltwater disposal volumes was associated with the addition of four wells between the comparable periods, which was offset somewhat by a 21% decline in average pricing across the wells from $1.79 per barrel of disposed saltwater for the period from June 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 to $1.41 for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decline in revenue per barrel was primarily attributable to the decision to reduce pricing in the Bakken Shale region due to competitive pressures and an increase in the mix of produced water volumes.
Costs of Sales
Costs of sales were $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $0.5 million for the period from June 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, an increase of 640%. The increase is primarily attributable to higher employment costs, repairs and maintenance and utility costs associated with operating the four additional SWD facilities.
Gross Margin
Gross margin was $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $2.4 million for the period from June 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, an increase of $6.1 million or 254%. The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by the increase in revenue for the same period.
Depreciation Expense
The depreciation expense was $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $0.1 million for the period from June 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, an increase of 1,300%. The increase was primarily due to having a full year of depreciation on wells placed in service in 2011 and the addition of four new wells in 2012.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses were $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $0.1 million for the period from June 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, an increase of 400%. The increase was primarily attributable to the operation of four additional SWD facilities.
Net Income
Net income was $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $2.2 million for the period from June 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, an increase of 200%. This increase in net income was primarily driven by an increase in revenue associated with the opening of four additional SWD facilities and having a full year of operations for the two SWD facilities in operation at December 31, 2011, offset by their corresponding costs of sales, depreciation expense and general and administrative and other expenses.
Combined Results of Operations – Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
The following table summarizes historical combined financial statements information of the TIR entities for the period from June 27, 2013 through December 31, 2013 which represents the operation of the TIR entities from the point in which Cypress Holdings obtained control. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited combined financial statements of the Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the audited consolidated financial statements of Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 included in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
|
|
Tulsa Inspection
Resources Entities
|
|
|
|
Period from June
27, 2013 through
December 31, 2013
|
|
Income Statement Data
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
227,046
|
|
Costs of services
|
|
|
206,344
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
$
|
20,702
|
|
Operational data
|
|
|
|
|
Average number of inspectors (per week)
|
|
|
1,706
|
|
Average revenue per inspector (per week)
|
|
$
|
4,952
|
|
Combined Results of Operations for the Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities for the Period from June 27, 2013 through December 31, 2013.
Total Revenues
Revenues were $226.9 million for the period. The average weekly inspector headcount for the period was 1,706 resulting in average revenue per inspector of $5,030.
Costs of Services
Costs of services were $206.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Costs of services are primarily driven by the payroll costs associated with the average inspector headcount during the period and to a lesser extent reimbursable expenses associated with the inspectors including per diem, mileage, etc.
Gross Margin
Gross margin was $20.7 million or 9% of total revenues for the period.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation expense was $1.3 million for the period. Net property and equipment was $1.2 million at December 31, 2013 and consists primarily of small equipment. Amortization expenses primarily reflects amortization associated with the fair value of the TIR entities’ intangible assets.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses were $9.2 million for the period. General and administrative expenses for the period include recurring expenses associated with administrative personnel, including salaries and related expenses as well as some non-recurring expenses incurred in conjunction with the acquisition by Cypress Holdings. Change of control bonus payments totaling $1.8 million were made during 2013 along with increased legal and professional fees totaling $0.5 million associated with the change of control and subsequent company conversion to a limited liability company.
Net Loss
The net loss for the period was $9.6 million. Net income is driven by total operating income of $10.2 million offset by interest expense of $4.0 million, income tax expense of $15.0 million and an impairment of intangible assets of $0.7 million. Income tax expense includes taxes of $15.0 million associated with the conversion of Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. to a limited liability company effective December 9, 2013.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We anticipate that we will continue to make significant growth capital expenditures in the future, including acquiring new SWD facilities or expanding our existing assets and offerings in our current business segments. In addition, the working capital needs of the TIR entities are substantial. Please read “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — The working capital needs of the TIR entities are substantial”, which could require us to seek additional financing that we may not be able to obtain on satisfactory terms, or at all. Consequently, our ability to develop and maintain sources of funds to meet our capital requirements is critical to our ability to meet our growth objectives. We expect that our future growth capital expenditures will be funded by borrowings under our credit agreement and the issuance of debt and equity securities. However, we may not be able to raise additional funds on desired or favorable terms or at all.
Since the acquisition of the Moxie assets in December 2012, Cypress LLC’s sources of liquidity have included cash generated from operations and equity investments by Cypress Holdings, the owner of our general partner.
At December 31, 2013, our sources of liquidity included:
|
· |
cash generated from operations, which resulted in $4.3 million in cash on the balance sheet at December 31, 2013; |
|
· |
borrowings under our credit agreement under which we had $45.0 million available for borrowings at December 31, 2013; and |
|
· |
issuances of equity securities. |
We believe that the cash generated from these sources will be sufficient to allow us to meet our requirements for minimum quarterly distributions, working capital and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.
Cash Flows
The following table reflects cash flows for the applicable periods for Cypress LLC and its Predecessor:
|
|
Cypress LLC
|
|
|
Predecessor
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities
|
|
$
|
10,368
|
|
|
$
|
7,246
|
|
|
$
|
1,106
|
|
Investing Activities
|
|
|
(3,140
|
)
|
|
|
(15,236
|
)
|
|
|
(10,860
|
)
|
Financing Activities
|
|
|
(3,467
|
)
|
|
|
8,425
|
|
|
|
9,901
|
|
For the period from June 27, 2013 through December 31, 2013, the TIR entities, on a combined basis, had a net increase in cash of $12.3 million resulting from cash used in operating and investing activities of $2.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, offset by cash provided by financing activities of $15.1 million.
Cypress LLC Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to
the Predecessor Year Ended December 31, 2012
Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $7.2 million for the same period in 2012. This increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily a result of five additional SWD wells in 2013 compared to 2012.
Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $15.2 million for the same period in 2012. This decrease in cash used in investing activities was primarily a result of the absence of SWD facility construction and acquisition in 2013.
Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $8.4 million for the same period in 2012, primarily as a result of equity financings incurred by the Predecessor in 2012 to fund the construction of SWD facilities that were not incurred in 2013. This decrease in cash provided by financing activities was primarily a result of the absence of SWD facility construction and acquisition activity in 2013.
Predecessor Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to
the Predecessor Year Ended December 31, 2011
Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily a result of having two operating SWD facilities on December 31, 2011 with operating results for seven months, compared to six SWD facilities on December 31, 2012.
Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $15.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily a result of completing construction on four SWD facilities in 2012 compared to the completion of only two SWD facilities in 2011.
Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $9.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This decrease in cash provided by financing activities was primarily a result of having more cash flow from operating activities in 2012 to fund investing activities compared to 2011.
Working Capital
Our working capital was $6.6 million at December 31, 2013, compared to $1.9 million at December 31, 2012 and a deficit of $1.0 million at December 31, 2011.
The $4.7 million increase in working capital of our Water and Environmental Services segment from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 was primarily a result of the following factors:
|
· |
our operations at December 31, 2013 were more extensive than at December 31, 2012; |
|
· |
accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 were $3.5 million, or $0.5 million more than the $3.0 million accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2012 based upon increased revenues; and |
|
· |
cash at December 31, 2013 was $4.3 million, or $3.7 million more than the $0.6 million cash balance at December 31, 2012 based upon increased cash from operations. |
The $2.9 million increase in working capital from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012 was primarily a result of the following factors:
|
· |
the construction of SWD facilities in 2011 led to higher accounts payable at December 31, 2011 of $2.4 million compared to $0.4 million at December 31, 2012; and |
|
· |
cash at December 31, 2011 was $0.1 million compared to $0.6 million at December 31, 2012 due to more SWD wells generating cash flow from operations. |
The historical working capital analysis above does not address the historic working capital requirements of the TIR entities. In the future, our working capital requirements will be driven in part by a combination of changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable and compensation owed to our inspectors in the U.S. and payments to our inspectors in Canada. The TIR entities have substantial working capital needs throughout the year as they pay their inspectors in the U.S. on a weekly basis and in Canada on a bi-weekly basis but typically receive payment from their customers 45 to 90 days after the services have been performed. We intend to make borrowings under our credit agreement to fund the working capital needs of the TIR entities, and these borrowings will reduce the amount of credit available for other uses, such as acquisitions and growth projects, and increases interest expense, thereby reducing cash flow. Please read “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — The working capital needs of the TIR entities are substantial, which could require us to seek additional financing that we may not be able to obtain on satisfactory terms, or at all.”
Capital Requirements
The Water and Environmental Services segment has capital needs requiring investment for the maintenance of existing SWD facilities and the acquisition or construction and development of new SWD facilities. Our partnership agreement will require that we categorize our capital expenditures as either maintenance capital expenditures or expansion capital expenditures.
|
• |
Maintenance capital expenditures are those cash expenditures that will enable us to maintain our operating capacity or operating income over the long-term. Maintenance capital expenditures include tankage, workovers, pipelines, pumps and other improvement of existing capital assets, including the construction or development of new capital assets to replace our existing saltwater disposal systems as they become obsolete. Other examples of maintenance capital expenditures are expenditures to repair, refurbish and replace tubing and packers on the SWD well itself to maintain equipment reliability, integrity and safety, as well as to address environmental laws and regulations. |
|
• |
Expansion capital expenditures are those capital expenditures that we expect will increase our operating capacity or operating income over the long-term. Expansion capital expenditures include the acquisition of assets or businesses from Cypress Holdings or third-parties and the construction or development of additional saltwater disposal capacity, to the extent such expenditures are expected to expand our long-term operating capacity or operating income. Expansion capital expenditures include interest payments (and related fees) on debt incurred to finance all or a portion of expansion capital expenditures in respect of the period from the date that we enter into a binding obligation to commence the construction, development, replacement, improvement, automation or expansion of a capital asset and ending on the earlier to occur of the date that such capital improvement commences commercial service and the date that such capital improvement is abandoned or disposed of. |
Our historical accounting records did not differentiate between maintenance and expansion capital expenditures.
Our future expansion capital expenditures may vary significantly from period to period based on the investment opportunities available to us. We expect to fund future capital expenditures from cash flow generated from our operations, borrowings under our credit agreement, the issuance of additional partnership units or debt offerings.
The current Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Services segment of the business requires only limited capital expenditures, primarily purchases of office equipment.
Our Credit Agreement
On December 24, 2013, we along with our affiliates Cypress LLC, CEP TIR, and TIR (collectively, the “Borrowers”), entered into a $120 million secured credit agreement with Deutsche Bank and BMO acting as arrangers. The credit agreement matures on December 24, 2016 and consists of a $65.0 million senior secured working capital revolving credit facility and a $55.0 million senior secured acquisition revolving credit facility. Under this credit agreement, which we refer to as our “credit agreement,” Cypress LLC, TIR, and CEP TIR are co-borrowers and co-guarantors with us. CEP TIR’s assets consist only of its 36.2% interests in the TIR entities, and CEP TIR agreed in its operating agreement not to borrow under the credit agreement and not to engage in any business other than owning minority interests in the TIR entities. The credit agreement has an accordion feature that allows us to increase the available revolving borrowings under the facilities by up to an additional $100.0 million, subject to our receiving increased commitments from existing lenders or new commitments from new lenders and the satisfaction of certain other conditions. At December 31, 2013 we had $30.0 million available under the $55.0 million senior secured acquisition revolving credit facility and $15.0 million available under our $65.0 million senior secured borrowing base revolving credit facility. The obligations under our credit agreement are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all assets of the Borrowers.
We used borrowings under our credit agreement to repay and retire the outstanding indebtedness under TIR’s revolving credit facility and mezzanine facilities as well as to fund income tax payments associated with the TIR’s conversion from a taxable corporation to a limited liability company. We intend to use the remaining borrowing capacity to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and for general partnership purposes.
All borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest, at our option, at (i) a base rate plus a margin of 1.25% to 2.75% per annum or (“Base Rate Borrowing”) (ii) an adjusted LIBOR rate plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.75% per annum (“LIBOR Borrowings”). The applicable margin is determined based on the combined leverage ratio of the Borrowers, as defined in the credit agreement. At December 31, 2013, the interest rate in effect on outstanding LIBOR Borrowings was 3.14%, calculated as the LIBOR rate of 0.225% plus a margin of 2.92%. There were no Base Rate Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2013. Interest on Base Rate Borrowings is payable monthly. Interest on LIBOR Borrowings is paid upon maturity of the underlying LIBOR contract, but no less often than quarterly. Commitment fees are charged at a rate of 0.50% on any unused credit and payable monthly. Our credit agreement contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictive provisions. Our credit agreement also requires maintenance of certain financial covenants, including a combined total adjusted leverage ratio (as defined in our credit agreement) of not more than 4.0 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio (as defined in our credit agreement) of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. At December 31, 2013, our total adjusted leverage ratio was 0.80 to 1.0 and our interest coverage ratio was 4.88 to 1.0.
In addition, our credit agreement restricts our ability to make distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, our equity interests, provided, however, that we may make distributions of available cash so long as, both at the time of the distribution and after giving effect to the distribution, no default exists under our credit agreement, the borrowers and the guarantors are in compliance with the financial covenants, the borrowing base (which includes 100% of cash on hand) exceeds the amount of outstanding credit extensions under the working capital revolving credit facility by at least $5.0 million and at least $5.0 million in lender commitments are available to be drawn under the borrowing base revolving credit facility. Our calculated borrowing base was $72.1 million at December 31, 2013 which exceeds our maximum availability under the working capital revolving credit facility. The borrowing base calculation at December 31, 2013 includes $15.0 million of cash that is reserved for the payment of income taxes associated with the conversion of TIR from a taxable entity to a pass through entity for federal income tax purposes which was paid in March 2014. Availability under the acquisition revolving credit facility is not subject to a borrowing base calculation.
In addition, our credit agreement contains events of default customary for facilities of this nature. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, subject to the terms and conditions of our credit agreement, the lenders may declare any outstanding principal of our credit agreement debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable and may exercise the other remedies set forth or referred to in our credit agreement.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Currently, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of Cypress LLC’s and the TIR entities contractual obligations and other commitments, as of December 31, 2013, is shown in the table below. This table includes our contractual obligations under the credit agreement we entered into on December 24, 2013.
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Less Than
1 Year
|
|
|
1 – 3 Years
|
|
|
3 – 5 Years
|
|
|
More Than
5 Years
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
$
|
75,000
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
75,000
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Lease obligations
|
|
|
2,511
|
|
|
|
614
|
|
|
|
883
|
|
|
|
452
|
|
|
|
562
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
77,511
|
|
|
$
|
614
|
|
|
$
|
75,883
|
|
|
$
|
452
|
|
|
$
|
562
|
|
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to select appropriate accounting policies and to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. See “Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in each of the audited financial statements included in “Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” for descriptions of our major accounting policies and estimates. Certain of these accounting policies and estimates involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is a reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts would have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been used. The following discussions of critical accounting estimates, including any related discussion of contingencies, address all important accounting areas where the nature of accounting estimates or assumptions could be material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change.
As a company with less than $1 billion in revenue during its last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we have elected to opt out of the exemption that allows emerging growth companies to extend the transition period for complying with new or revised financial accounting standards (this election is irrevocable).
Business Combinations and Intangible Assets Including Goodwill
We account for acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets, is recorded as goodwill. Given the time it takes to obtain pertinent information to finalize the acquired company’s balance sheet, it may be several quarters before we are able to finalize those initial fair value estimates. Accordingly, it is not uncommon for the initial estimates to be subsequently revised. The results of operations of acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date.
Our recorded identifiable intangible assets primarily include the estimated value assigned to non-compete agreements and customer relationships of our Water and Environmental Services segment, and customers lists and an assembled workforce database for our Pipeline and Inspection and Integrity Services segment. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which is the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to our future cash flows. We have no indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill. The determination of the fair value of the intangible assets and the estimated useful lives are based on an analysis of all pertinent factors including (1) the use of widely-accepted valuation approaches, the income approach, or the cost approach, (2) our expected use of the asset, (3) the expected useful life of related assets, (4) any legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions, including renewal or extension periods that would cause substantial costs or modifications to existing agreements, and (5) the effects of demand, competition, and other economic factors. Should any of the underlying assumptions indicate that the value of the intangible assets might be impaired, we may be required to reduce the carrying value and subsequent useful life of the asset. If the underlying assumptions governing the amortization of an intangible asset were later determined to have significantly changed, we may be required to adjust the amortization period of such asset to reflect any new estimate of its useful life. Any write-down of the value or unfavorable change in the useful life of an intangible asset would increase expense at that time.
At December 31, 2013, Cypress LLC and the TIR entities had $34.8 million and $40.6 of goodwill, respectively, recorded in conjunction with past business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized, but, is subject to annual reviews on November 1 for impairment at a reporting unit level. The reporting unit or units used to evaluate and measure goodwill for impairment are determined primarily from the manner in which the business is managed or operated. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a component that is one level below an operating segment. In accordance with ASC 350 “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other”, we have assessed the reporting unit definitions and determined that at December 31, 2013, Cypress LLC, TIR, TIR NDE, and the combined Canadian entities, TIR Canada and TIR Foley, are the appropriate reporting units for testing goodwill impairment.
The Company computes the fair value of the reporting units employing multiple valuation methodologies, including a market approach (market price multiples of comparable companies) and an income approach (discounted cash flow analysis).
This approach is consistent with the requirement to utilize all appropriate valuation techniques as described in ASC 820-10-35-24 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The values ascertained using these methods were weighted to obtain a total fair value. The computations require management to make significant estimates and market participant based assumptions. Critical estimates and market participant based assumptions that are used as part of these evaluations include, among other things, selection of comparable publicly traded companies, the discount rate applied to future earnings reflecting a weighted average cost of capital rate, earnings growth assumptions, and a control premium on the market approach values. Our estimate of water volumes disposed and revenue per barrel of water disposed are critical assumptions used in our discounted cash flow analysis for Cypress LLC. A significant decline in water volumes disposed and / or revenue per barrel disposed across our facilities could result in an impairment of goodwill. Gross margin is a critical assumption used in our discounted cash flow analysis for the TIR entities. Our inability to achieve projected gross margins could result in an impairment of goodwill. Specifically, a decline in projected gross margin of 1% or more for the combined Canadian TIR entities would have resulted in an impairment of goodwill.
A discounted cash flow analysis requires us to make various judgmental assumptions about sales, operating margins, capital expenditures, working capital and growth rates. Assumptions about sales, operating margins, capital expenditures and growth rates are based on our budgets, business plans, economic projections, and anticipated future cash flows. In determining the fair value of our reporting units, we were required to make significant judgments and estimates regarding the impact of anticipated economic factors on our business. The forecast assumptions used in the period ended December 31, 2013 makes certain assumptions about future pricing, volumes and expected maintenance capital expenditures. Assumptions are also made for a “normalized” perpetual growth rate for periods beyond the long range financial forecast period.
Our estimates of fair value are sensitive to changes in all of these variables, certain of which relate to broader macroeconomic conditions outside our control. As a result, actual performance in the near and longer-term could be different from these expectations and assumptions. This could be caused by events such as strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions and the impact of economic factors, such as continued increases in oilfield development in our customer base. In addition, some of the inherent estimates and assumptions used in determining fair value of the reporting units are outside the control of management, including interest rates, cost of capital and our credit ratings. While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of the reporting units and other intangible assets, it is possible a material change could occur.
Depreciation Methods, Estimated Useful Lives of Property
Depreciation expense represents the systematic and rational write-off of the cost of property and equipment, net of residual or salvage value (if any), to the results of operations for the quarterly and annual periods the assets are used. We depreciate our property and equipment using the straight-line method, which results in it recording depreciation expense evenly over the estimated life of the individual asset. The estimate of depreciation expense requires us to make assumptions regarding the useful economic lives and residual values of our assets. At the time we acquired and placed our property and equipment in service, we developed assumptions about such lives and residual values that we believe are reasonable; however, circumstances may develop that could require us to change these assumptions in future periods, which would change our depreciation expense amounts prospectively. We currently use a life of 15 years for wells and related equipment, which include subsurface well completion and other improvements. We use a life of nine years for tanks, plumbing and storage tanks, and 39 years for buildings. We believe that these lives represent the economic lives of the assets and that substantial capital expenditures would need to be incurred to extend their economic lives. Examples of such circumstances include changes in laws and regulations that limit the estimated economic life of an asset; changes in technology that render an asset obsolete; or changes in expected salvage values. At this time, we do not believe that it is likely that any of these circumstances will occur.
Impairments of Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when we believe events or changes in circumstances indicate that we may not be able to recover the carrying value. Our computations utilize judgments and assumptions that include the undiscounted future cash flows, discounted future cash flows, estimated fair value of the asset, and the current and future economic environment in which the asset is operated.
Significant judgments and assumptions in these assessments include estimates of water disposal rates, disposal volumes, expected capital costs, oil and gas drilling and producing volumes in the markets served, risks associated with the different zones into which saltwater is disposed and our estimate of an applicable discount rate commensurate with the risk of the underlying cash flow estimates. Additionally, judgment is used to determine the probability of sale with respect to assets considered for disposal. The assessment performed indicated a carrying value in excess of those undiscounted cash flows and the well’s calculated fair value.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, Cypress LLC identified impairment indicators at two of its facilities and reviewed the associated long-lived assets for impairment. Cypress LLC recognized impairment charges during the period for these assets. These impairment reviews utilized inputs generally consistent with those described above. Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our estimate of future cash flows used to evaluate these assets. The use of alternate judgments and assumptions could result in the recognition of different levels of impairment charges in the consolidated financial statements. A decrease in projected revenues of 10% would result in an additional impairment of $133 thousand.
Income Taxes
As a limited partnership, we are generally not subject to state and federal income tax and would therefore not recognize deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the expected future income tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the related income tax basis. However, the Canadian subsidiaries included in the combined financial statements of the TIR entities are subject to Canadian taxes. As such these entities apply the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, income taxes are provided for all items included in its statement of operations, regardless of the period when such items will be reported for tax purposes. Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences, principally relating to depreciation, amortization and provisions for losses. Management provides a valuation allowance against deferred asset amounts which are not considered more-likely-than-not to be realized. There was no valuation allowance at December 31, 2013.
We are also subject to Texas margin tax for certain of our operations, and may recognize deferred income tax liabilities and assets for Texas margin taxes in the future. We are subject to a statutory requirement that our non-qualifying income cannot exceed 10.0% of our total gross income, determined on a calendar year basis under the applicable income tax provisions. If the amount of our non-qualifying income exceeds this statutory limit, we would be taxed as a corporation.
ITEM 7A. |
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|
We are exposed to market risk, including the effects of adverse changes in commodity prices and interest rates as described below.
The primary objective of the following information is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information about our potential exposure to market risks. The term “market risk” refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in oil, natural gas and NGL prices and interest rates. The disclosures are not meant to be precise indicators of expected future losses, but rather indicators of reasonably possible losses. All of our market risk sensitive instruments were entered into for purposes other than speculative trading.
Commodity Price Risk
We are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in the prices of crude oil in our Water and Environmental Services segment. Both our profitability and our cash flow are affected by volatility in the prices of these commodities. Crude oil prices are impacted by changes in the supply and demand for crude oil, as well as market uncertainty. For a discussion of the volatility of crude oil prices, please read “Risk Factors.” Adverse effects on our cash flow from reductions in crude oil prices could adversely affect our ability to make distributions to unitholders. We do not currently hedge our exposure to crude oil prices.
A hypothetical change in commodity prices of 1.0% would result in an increase or decrease of our gross operating margin of approximately $56 thousand.
Interest Rate Risk
We currently have exposure to changes in interest rates on our indebtedness associated with our credit agreement. We may implement swap or cap structures to mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk; however, we do not currently have any swaps or cap structures in place. As of
December 31, 2013, our exposure consists of floating interest rate fluctuations on our outstanding indebtedness under our credit agreement of $75.0 million since there was no interest rate swap effective as of that date. A hypothetical change in interest rates of 1.0% would result in an increase or decrease of our annual interest expense of approximately $0.8 million.
The credit markets have recently experienced historical lows in interest rates. As the overall economy strengthens, it is possible that monetary policy will continue to tighten further, resulting in higher interest rates to counter possible inflation. Interest rates on floating rate credit facilities and future debt offerings could be higher than current levels, causing our financing costs to increase accordingly.
Counterparty and Customer Credit Risk
Our credit exposure generally relates to receivables for services provided. If any significant customer of ours should have credit or financial problems resulting in a delay or failure to repay the amounts they owe to us, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 8. |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
The financial statements starting on page F-1 of this Annual Report; together with the reports of Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm and Grant Thornton LLP, are incorporated by reference into this Item 8.
ITEM 9. |
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
|
None.
ITEM 9A. |
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our general partner, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our general partner, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon the evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our general partner have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2013. Additionally, we are implementing a quarterly
sub-certification process whereby all members of upper management and certain other management will review our filings and confirm their responsibility for, among other things, the effectiveness of key controls in their functional areas and that they are unaware of inaccuracies or omissions in our financial statements.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
This Annual Report does not include management's assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting due to a transition period established by rules of the SEC for new public companies.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
This Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by the rules of the SEC for newly public companies. Pursuant to the recently enacted JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for up to five years or through such earlier date that we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
None
ITEM 9B. |
OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
ITEM 10. |
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
MANAGEMENT
Management of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
We are managed by the executive officers of CEM, which is owned by our general partner and certain of its affiliates. Our general partner is not elected by our unitholders and will not be subject to re-election by our unitholders in the future. Cypress Holdings indirectly owns all of the membership interests in our general partner. Our general partner has a board of directors, and our unitholders are not entitled to elect the directors or directly or indirectly to participate in our management or operations. Our general partner will be liable, as general partner, for all of our debts (to the extent not paid from our assets), except for indebtedness or other obligations that are made specifically nonrecourse to it. Whenever possible, we intend to incur indebtedness that is nonrecourse to our general partner.
Our general partner has six directors. Cypress Holdings will appoint all members to the board of directors of our general partner. Pursuant to our general partner's operating agreement, Cypress Holdings appointed to our board of directors (i) Peter C. Boylan III, who has the right to serve as a director as long as CEP Capital Partners, LLC, an entity controlled by Mr. Boylan, is a member of Cypress Holdings and (ii) such other individuals selected by Mr. Boylan that, together with Mr. Boylan, constitute a percentage of the board of directors equal to the percentage of Cypress Holdings that CEP Capital Partners, LLC owns. In his exercise of this right, Mr. Boylan has appointed himself and may appoint others to the board. We have three independent directors who qualify for service on the audit committee. Our board of directors has determined that Henry Cornell, John T. McNabb II, and Stan Lybarger are independent under the independence standards of the NYSE and eligible for service on the audit committee. Despite the fact that Mr. Cornell beneficially owns 2.0% of Cypress Holdings, which together with its controlled affiliates owns approximately 58.8% of our outstanding limited partner interests, the board of directors determined he is independent in that he does not have a current relationship with us that would interfere with the exercise of his independent judgment in carrying out his responsibilities as a director.
Our general partner has the sole responsibility for providing the employees and other personnel necessary to conduct our operations. All of the employees that conduct our business are employed by affiliates of our general partner, but we sometimes refer to these individuals in this report as our employees. Employees of the TIR entities were transferred to an affiliate of our general partner subsequent to the closing of our IPO.
Director Independence
Although most companies listed on the NYSE are required to have a majority of independent directors serving on the board of directors of the listed company, the NYSE does not require a publicly traded limited partnership like us to have a majority of independent directors on the board of directors of our general partner or to establish a compensation or a nominating and corporate governance committee. We are, however, required to have an audit committee of at least three members within one year of the date our common units are first listed on the NYSE, and all of our audit committee members are required to meet the independence and financial literacy tests established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The board of directors of our general partner has an audit committee and a conflicts committee, and may have such other committees as the board of directors shall determine from time to time. Each of the standing committees of the board of directors will have the composition and responsibilities described below.
Audit Committee
Our general partner has an audit committee comprised of three directors who each meet the independence and experience standards established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act. Henry Cornell, John T. McNabb II, and Stan Lybarger serve as members of our audit committee. Stan Lybarger began serving as Chairman of the audit committee upon his appointment on March 5, 2014. Mr. McNabb served as Chairman prior to that date. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Lybarger, and Mr. McNabb each have such accounting or related financial management expertise sufficient to qualify as an audit committee financial expert in accordance with Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K. Our audit committee will assist the board of directors in its oversight of the integrity of our financial statements and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and corporate policies and controls. Our audit committee will have the sole authority to retain and terminate our independent registered public accounting firm, approve all auditing services and related fees and the terms thereof, and pre-approve any non-audit services to be rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm. Our audit committee will also be responsible for confirming the independence and objectivity of our independent registered public accounting firm. Our independent registered public accounting firm will be given unrestricted access to our audit committee.
Conflicts Committee
At least two members of the board of directors of our general partner will serve on our conflicts committee to review specific matters that may involve conflicts of interest in accordance with the terms of our partnership agreement. John T. McNabb II and Stan Lybarger serve as the members of the conflicts committee. Mr. McNabb serves as the Chairman of the conflicts committee. The board of directors of our general partner will determine whether to refer a matter to the conflicts committee on a case-by-case basis. The members of our conflicts committee may not be officers or employees of our general partner or directors, officers, or employees of its affiliates, and must meet the independence and experience standards established by the NYSE and the Exchange Act to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors. In addition, the members of our conflicts committee may not own any interest in our general partner or any interest in us or our subsidiaries other than common units or awards under our incentive compensation plan. If our general partner seeks approval from the conflicts committee, then it will be presumed that, in making its decision, the conflicts committee acted in good faith, and in any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or the partnership challenging such determination, the person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming such presumption. Please read “Conflicts of Interest and Duties.”
Directors and Executive Officers of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC
Directors are elected by Cypress Holdings and hold office until their successors have been elected or qualified or until their earlier death, resignation, removal or disqualification. Executive officers are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, the board of directors. The following table shows information for the directors and executive officers of our general partner.
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position with Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC
|
Peter C. Boylan III
|
|
50
|
|
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
|
G. Les Austin
|
|
48
|
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
Richard M. Carson
|
|
47
|
|
Vice President and General Counsel
|
Jeff English
|
|
39
|
|
Vice President of Operations
|
Don LaBass
|
|
46
|
|
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
|
Jim Dowdy
|
|
47
|
|
Vice President of Corporate Development
|
Henry Cornell
|
|
57
|
|
Director
|
Phil Gisi
|
|
53
|
|
Director
|
Stan Lybarger
|
|
64
|
|
Director & Audit Committee Chairman
|
John T. McNabb II
|
|
69
|
|
Director & Conflicts Committee Chairman
|
Charles C. Stephenson, Jr.
|
|
77
|
|
Director
|
Peter C. Boylan III is co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cypress Holdings and Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, having served in that capacity since September 2013. Since March 2002, Mr. Boylan has been the Chief Executive Officer of Boylan Partners, LLC, a provider of investment and advisory services. From 1995 to 2004, Mr. Boylan served in a variety of senior executive management positions of various public and private companies controlled by Liberty Media Corporation, including serving as a board member, Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of several different companies. Mr. Boylan currently serves on the board of directors of publicly traded BOK Financial Corporation, a $27.5 billion regional financial services and bank holding company, and MRC Global Inc., a global industrial supplier of upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the energy industry. Mr. Boylan has also served on a number of other public and private company boards of directors over the last 20 years. In 2004, after a federal judge dismissed an SEC civil suit filed against Mr. Boylan in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (Western Division), he entered into court ordered mediation with the SEC leading to a civil settlement and a Final Judgment against Mr. Boylan, enjoining him from violating the anti-fraud, books and records and other provisions of the federal securities laws and ordering the payment of $600,000 in disgorgement and civil penalties. Mr. Boylan consented to the entry of the order without admitting or denying any wrongdoing. The Final Judgment and settlement had no officer and director bar. The judgment against Mr. Boylan arose out of a complaint filed against Mr. Boylan and other executive officers by the SEC, alleging that Mr. Boylan and other executive officers violated various provisions of the U.S. securities laws during his tenure as co-president, co-chief operating officer and director of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc., or Gemstar, from July 2000 to April 2002. Gemstar indemnified Mr. Boylan for legal fees and expenses.
Mr. Boylan has extensive corporate senior executive management and leadership experience, and specific expertise with accounting, finance, audit, risk and compensation committee service, intellectual property, corporate development, health care, media, cable and satellite TV, software development, technology, energy and civic and community service. We believe this experience suits Mr. Boylan to serve as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
G. Les Austin is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, having served in that capacity since September 2013. Mr. Austin has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cypress LLC since October 1, 2012. Mr. Austin served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, secretary and treasurer of RAM Energy Resources, Inc. from April 2008 until its sale in February 2012. Mr. Austin served as Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Matrix Service Company from June 2004 to March 2008. Mr. Austin also served Matrix as Vice President, Accounting and Administration, Vice President of Financial Reporting and Technology, and as Vice President of Financial Planning and Reporting. Mr. Austin served as Vice President of Finance for Flint Energy Construction Company from February 1994 to March 1999. Prior to February 1994, Mr. Austin was an audit manager with Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Austin received a B.S. in Accounting and Information Technology from Oklahoma State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In addition, Mr. Austin serves as a director on the Advisory Board of Oklahoma State University School of Accounting.
Richard M. Carson is Vice President and General Counsel, having served in that capacity since September 2013. Mr. Carson previously served as a director, officer and shareholder of Gable & Gotwals, an Oklahoma law firm, where he practiced securities, corporate finance, transactional and environmental law, primarily for clients in the energy industry, including several master limited partnerships. Prior to joining Gable & Gotwals, from 1999 to 2008, Mr. Carson served in the legal department of The Williams Companies, Inc., where he counseled Williams in regard to securities, corporate finance and environmental matters, particularly relating to Williams’ master limited partnership subsidiaries, Williams Partners L.P., Williams Pipeline Partners L.P., and Williams Energy Partners L.P. (predecessor to Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.). Mr. Carson began his career in 1991 working in legal, compliance and management roles, primarily in the environmental services industry, before joining Williams. Mr. Carson received a Juris Doctor in 1991 from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tulsa’s Honors Program in 1988. Mr. Carson serves on the City of Tulsa’s Ethics Advisory Committee and on the board of directors of Land Legacy, a nonprofit land conservation organization, and he previously served as the Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Environmental Law Section and the Environmental Auditing Roundtable’s South-Central Region.
Jeff English is Vice President of Operations of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, having served in that capacity since September 2013. Mr. English has served as Vice President Operations of Cypress LLC since February 25, 2013. From 2011 to 2013, Mr. English was Vice President of Operations for Bosque Systems, LLC, a water management company with annual revenues of approximately $45 million in 2012, where he managed operations (including health, safety and environmental, construction, compliance) in five regions and three business lines. From 2001 to 2011, Mr. English served as a senior director of operations for Vartec Telecom, a telecom company with annual revenues of $200 million. Prior to that, Mr. English was a senior consultant at Ernst & Young specializing in change management and business process improvement for complex customer relationship management system implementation. Mr. English is a graduate of Baylor University, with a M.A., Business Communication and Southwestern University.
Don LaBass is Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, having served in that capacity since September 2013. Mr. LaBass has served as VP Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Cypress LLC since July 2013. Mr. LaBass previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Cherokee Nation Businesses, or CNB, a diversified tribal holding company whose operations included gaming, manufacturing and professional services. Prior to joining CNB, from 1998 to 2005, Mr. LaBass served in senior financial positions with BOK Financial Corporation as well as Gemstar TV Guide International, Inc. and its Predecessors from 2005 until 2013. Mr. LaBass began his career in 1990 in public accounting with KPMG. Mr. LaBass received a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Oklahoma. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In addition, Mr. LaBass serves on the board of directors of the Eastern Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Jim Dowdy is Vice President of Corporate Development of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, having served in that capacity since September 2013. Mr. Dowdy has served as VP Corporate Development of Cypress LLC since June 2013. From 1993 to 2013, Mr. Dowdy worked for Samson Resources Company, a private exploration and production company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mr. Dowdy has over 20 years of oil and natural gas acquisition and divestiture experience and has completed numerous oil and natural gas transactions with an aggregate value in excess of $2 billion. Mr. Dowdy received a B.B.A. with a major in finance from Northeastern State University.
Henry Cornell has served as a director on the board of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC since January 14, 2014. Mr. Cornell was formerly a vice-chairman of the merchant banking division of Goldman Sachs & Co., where he worked for nearly 30 years prior to his retirement in February 2013. Mr. Cornell served on the firm’s corporate, real estate and infrastructure investment committees. He also led Goldman Sachs & Co.’s investment activities in Asia from 1988 - 2000. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs & Co., Mr. Cornell worked at Davis Polk & Wardwell. He currently serves on the board of directors of MRC Global Inc., and is on the international advisory board of Sotheby’s. Mr. Cornell is also the chairman of the board of the Citizens Committee for New York City, a trustee of the Asia Society, a trustee of the Whitney Museum, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Mr. Cornell received his B.A. from Grinnell College in 1976 and his J.D. from New York Law School in 1981.
Mr. Cornell’s experience as a vice-chairman of the merchant banking division of Goldman Sachs & Co. and his extensive management experience as a senior partner at Goldman Sachs & Co. qualifies him to serve on our board of directors. We believe Mr. Cornell’s significant prior and current service as a director of public and private companies will suit him to serve as a director.
Phil Gisi has served as a director on the board of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC since January 14, 2014. Mr. Gisi has served as a director of Cypress LLC since the acquisition of assets from SBG Energy Services, LLC on December 31, 2012. Mr. Gisi is primarily involved in
the senior housing and assisted living business and is the owner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Edgewood Group LLC and Edgewood Vista Senior Living, Inc., Grand Forks, North Dakota. These companies develop, own and manage assisted living and memory care communities, employing over 1,800 people in seven states with a capacity of about 2,500 residents in 44 locations. Mr. Gisi was also co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of SBG Energy Services, LLC, which provides fluid transportation, water disposal and other services to the oil field industry in western North Dakota. Mr. Gisi currently serves as a board member of Altru Health System in Grand Forks, University of North Dakota, or UND, Alumni Association and UND Foundation, and is a Member of the Alumni Advisory Council of the College of Business and Public Administration at UND.
Mr. Gisi’s service as President and Chief Executive Officer of Edgewood, and his extensive experience leading management teams enables him to serve on our board of directors. We believe Mr. Gisi’s significant prior and current service in the water and environmental industry, including his prior service on Cypress LLC’s board, will suit him to serve as director.
Stan Lybarger has served as a director on the board of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC since March 5, 2014. Mr. Lybarger retired as president and chief executive officer of BOK Financial, a top 25 US-based bank holding company, on January 1, 2014. He continues to serve on the board of directors of that corporation. Mr. Lybarger had a 40-year career with BOK Financial. Mr. Lybarger served as its first president and chief operating officer, in addition to continuing to hold that title for Bank of Oklahoma. He became the chief executive officer for BOK Financial and Bank of Oklahoma in 1996. Lybarger earned B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Kansas, and a Certification from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.
Mr. Lybarger has also been an industry and community leader for decades and has held leadership positions at a number of organizations, including serving on the Federal Advisory Council (a 12-member council which consults and advises the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, DC), the Executive Committee of the Financial Institutions Division of the American Bankers Association, Chairman of the Tulsa Stadium Trust, Chairman of the Tulsa Metro Chamber, Chairman of the Oklahoma State Chamber, Chairman of The Oklahoma Business Roundtable, Chairman of Tulsa Area United Way.
Mr. Lybarger’s experience leading BOK Financial and his deep knowledge and relationships in the energy industry qualifies him to serve on our board of directors. We believe Mr. Lybarger’s prior and current service as a director of public and private companies will suit him to serve as a director.
John T. McNabb II has served as a director on the board of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC since January 14, 2014 and serves as Chairman of our conflicts committee. Mr. McNabb is Vice Chairman of Investment Banking at Duff & Phelps LP, a global independent provider of financial advisory and investment banking services, a position he assumed on June 30, 2011. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps, he was founder and Chairman of the board of directors of Growth Capital Partners, L.P., an investment and merchant banking firm that provided financial advisory services to middle market companies throughout the United States, for 19 years. Previously, he was a managing director of Bankers Trust New York Corporation and a board member of BT Southwest, Inc., the southwest U.S. merchant banking affiliate of Bankers Trust, from 1989 to 1992. Mr. McNabb started his career, after serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam conflict, with Mobil Oil in its exploration and production division. He has served on the boards of eight public companies, including Hiland Partners, LP, Warrior Energy Services Corporation, Hugoton Energy Corporation and Vintage Petroleum, Inc. and currently serves as non-executive Chairman of Willbros Group and serves on the board and was formerly lead director of Continental Resources, Inc. Mr. McNabb earned both his undergraduate and MBA degrees from Duke University.
Mr. McNabb’s service as a partner in two independent exploration and production companies, and his extensive experience leading management teams and serving as a financial advisor to energy industry companies enables him to chair our conflicts committee with respect to industry matters. We believe Mr. McNabb’s significant prior and current service on the boards of numerous public and private companies, including his prior service in chairing the audit committees of three public companies qualifies him as one of our audit committee financial experts, and his extensive knowledge of the petroleum industry, finance, corporate governance and oversight matters will qualify him to serve as a director.
Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. has served as a director on the board of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC since January 14, 2014. Since 2006, Mr. Stephenson has served as Chairman of the board of Premier Natural Resources, an independent oil and gas company of which he is also a co-founder. Mr. Stephenson is an owner of Regent Private Capital II LLC and was a co-founder and director of Growth Capital Partners, an investment and merchant banking firm. From 1983 to 2006, Mr. Stephenson worked for Vintage Petroleum, Inc., which he founded and for which he served as Chairman of the board, President and Chief Executive Officer at the time of its sale to Occidental Petroleum in 2006. Mr. Stephenson received a B.S. in petroleum engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Stephenson is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and has served on the board of the National Petroleum Council.
Mr. Stephenson’s experience founding two successful energy companies, and his decades of experience leading management teams and serving as chief executive officer, enables him to serve on our board of directors. We believe Mr. Stephenson’s significant prior and current experience as a senior executive in the energy industry will suit him to serve as director.
Board Leadership Structure
The chief executive officer of our general partner currently serves as the chairman of the board. The board of directors of our general partner has no policy with respect to the separation of the offices of chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer. Instead, that relationship is defined and governed by the amended and restated limited liability company agreement of our general partner, which permits the same person to hold both offices. Directors of the board of directors of our general partner are designated or elected by a wholly owned subsidiary of Cypress Holdings. Accordingly, unlike holders of common stock in a corporation, our unitholders will have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business or governance, subject in all cases to any specific unitholder rights contained in our partnership agreement.
Board Role in Risk Oversight
Our corporate governance guidelines will provide that the board of directors of our general partner is responsible for reviewing the process for assessing the major risks facing us and the options for their mitigation. This responsibility will be largely satisfied by our audit committee, which is responsible for reviewing and discussing with management and our registered public accounting firm our major risk exposures and the policies management has implemented to monitor such exposures, including our financial risk exposures and risk management policies
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our general partner’s board of directors and officers, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a class of our equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act to file certain reports with the SEC and NYSE concerning beneficial ownership of such securities. However, since we did not complete our IPO until January 21, 2014, Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act did not apply during the year ended December 31, 2013 to our directors, officers and beneficial owners of 10 percent or more of our common units.
Corporate Governance
The board of directors of our general partner has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines that outline important policies and practices regarding our governance and a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to the directors, officers and employees of our general partner and its affiliates and us.
We make available free of charge, within the “Corporate Governance” section of our website at ir.cypressenergy.com, the Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Audit Committee Charter. The information contained on, or connected to, our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report that we file with or furnish to the SEC.
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined under the JOBS Act. As such, we are permitted to meet the disclosure requirements of Item 402 of Regulation S-K by providing the reduced disclosures required of a smaller reporting company.
Compensation Overview
We do not directly employ any of the persons responsible for managing our business. Our general partner, under the direction of its board of directors, or the board, is responsible for managing our operations and CEM employs the employees that operate our business. The compensation payable to the officers of our general partner is paid by CEM and such payments are reimbursed by us. However, we sometimes refer to the employees and officers of our general partner as our employees and officers in this report.
This executive compensation disclosure provides an overview of the executive compensation program for our named executive officers identified below for 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2013, our named executive officers, or our NEOs, were:
|
· |
Peter C. Boylan III, our President and Chief Executive Officer; |
|
· |
G. Les Austin, our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and |
|
· |
Richard M. Carson, our Vice President and General Counsel. |
Summary Compensation Table For 2013
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation paid to our NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
|
|
Unit
Awards(1)
|
|
All Other Compensation(2)
|
|
Total
|
|
Peter C. Boylan III
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
$
|
258,420
|
|
|
$ |
—
|
|
|
$
|
28,676
|
|
|
$
|
287,096
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
$ |
187,500
|
|
|
$ |
—
|
|
|
$ |
18,983
|
|
|
$ |
206,483
|
|
G. Les Austin
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
$
|
175,000
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$ |
—
|
|
|
$
|
175,000
|
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
$ |
43,750
|
|
|
$ |
200,000
|
|
|
$ |
—
|
|
|
$ |
243,750
|
|
Richard M. Carson
Vice President and General Counsel
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
$
|
44,000
|
(3) |
|
$
|
100,046
|
|
|
$ |
—
|
|
|
$
|
144,046
|
|
(1) |
Represents an award of Class C Units in Cypress LLC granted to Mr. Austin and Mr. Carson, in each case in connection with their commencement of employment or service with CEM. The amount shown reflects the grant date fair value of the award, as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information, please see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Cypress LLC for the years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, included in Item 8 in this Annual Report. |
(2) |
Represents cash payments provided for healthcare premiums for Mr. Boylan in 2012 and 2013. These payments were made in lieu of our providing any health or welfare benefits during 2012 and 2013. |
(3) |
Mr. Carson commenced service as our Vice President and General Counsel in September 2013 and became a full time employee of CEM on January 1, 2014. The amount shown represents payments made in respect of Mr. Carson’s part-time service with us during 2013 pursuant to an arrangement with Mr. Carson’s former law firm. |
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Additional Narrative Disclosure
Elements of the compensation program. For 2013, compensation for our NEOs was limited to base salary and an initial equity award granted to Mr. Carson. None of our NEOs were eligible for an annual bonus or received any other compensation items in 2012.
Base compensation for 2013. Base salaries for our NEOs were initially set at modest levels, primarily due to our limited operating history at the time such salaries were determined, and none of our executive officers have received any significant base salary increases since their commencement of employment with us and no base salary increases were made since January 1, 2013. However, following the IPO on February 1, 2014, our NEOs were granted salary increases and in the future, their salaries may continue to be increased from time to time to bring them more in line with competitive salaries in our industry. The following table sets forth the current annualized base salary rates for our NEOs:
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Current
Base Salary
|
|
Peter C. Boylan III
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
$
|
361,066
|
|
G. Les Austin
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
$
|
215,000
|
|
Richard M. Carson
Vice President and General Counsel
|
|
$
|
212,500
|
|
Discretionary long-term equity incentive awards. In December 2012, in connection with his commencement of employment, Mr. Austin, received a one-time award of Class C Units in Cypress LLC, which were intended to allow Mr. Austin to share in the future equity appreciation of Cypress LLC from and after the date of grant of such Class C Units. Mr. Carson received a similar award in connection with his commencement of service in September 2013. The awards vest in three equal annual installments on the third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the grantee’s commencement of service with us, respectively. In connection with our IPO, the Class C Units in Cypress LLC were converted into subordinated units in us on an equivalent value basis, based on the per unit price in our IPO and with the same vesting terms as applied to the Class C Units. Mr. Austin’s award converted into 30,143 subordinated units and Mr. Carson’s award converted into 14,308 subordinated units.
In connection with our IPO, we adopted a new long-term equity incentive plan, or the LTIP, under which we expect to make periodic grants of equity and equity-based awards in us to our NEOs and other key employees and other service providers. The LTIP is discussed in more detail under “— Compensation Overview — Our 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan” below.
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2013
The following table provides information regarding the outstanding and unvested long-term equity incentive awards held by Mr. Austin and Mr. Carson as of December 31, 2013. None of our NEOs held any option awards that were outstanding as of December 31, 2013.
|
|
Unit Awards
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of Units
That Have not
Vested (#) (2)
|
|
Market Value of Units
That Have Not
Vested ($) (3)
|
|
Peter C. Boylan III (1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
G. Les Austin
|
|
|
30,143
|
|
|
$ |
602,860
|
|
Richard M. Carson
|
|
|
14,308
|
|
|
$ |
286,160
|
|
(1) |
Mr. Boylan held no unvested equity awards as of December 31, 2013. As our co-founder, he owns part of Cypress Holdings. |
(2) |
The awards are scheduled to vest in three equal annual installments on each of October 1, 2015, 2016 and 2017 for Mr. Austin and December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 for Mr. Carson. The amount shown represents the number of subordinated units in us into which the awards outstanding at December 31, 2013 converted upon the closing of the initial public offering on January 21, 2014 based upon the initial public offering price of $20.00 per common unit. |
(3) |
Amount shown reflects the per-unit value based upon the IPO price of $20.00 per common unit. |
Severance and change in control arrangements. None of our NEOs has entered into any employment or severance agreements with our general partner or any of its affiliates, nor do we expect our general partner or one of its affiliates to enter into any customary employment agreements with our executives prior to or in connection with our IPO.
The terms of Mr. Austin’s and Mr. Carson’s long-term equity incentive awards provide that in the event of a change in control of Cypress LLC, their awards would become fully vested, effective as of immediately prior to such change in control.
Following the consummation of our IPO, due to our becoming a public company and our continued growth as an operating company generally, we expect that our compensation policies and practices will evolve and that we may pay elements of compensation to our executives that are not reflected in our historical compensation programs as described above. In particular, we expect that the future compensation of our executive officers will include a significant component of incentive compensation based on our performance. We expect to employ a compensation philosophy that will emphasize pay-for-performance, focused primarily on the ability to increase sustainable quarterly distributions to our unitholders. We expect that pay-for-performance will be based on a combination of our performance and the individual executive officer’s impact on our performance. We believe this pay-for-performance approach will generally align the interests of our executive officers with the interests of our unitholders, and at the same time enable us to maintain a lower level of base overhead in the event our operating and financial performance do not meet our expectations.
We will design our executive compensation to attract and retain individuals with the background and skills necessary to successfully execute our business strategies, to motivate those individuals to reach short-term and long-term goals in a way that aligns their interests with the interests of our unitholders, and to reward success in reaching those goals. We expect to use three primary elements of compensation to implement our executive compensation policy: salary, cash bonus, and long-term equity incentive awards. The determination of an executive officer’s cash bonus will reflect his or her relative contribution to achieving or exceeding annual goals. The determination of long-term equity incentive awards will be based on an executive officer’s expected contribution to long-term performance objectives. Long-term equity incentive awards will generally require the continued employment of the recipient during the vesting period, which provides a forfeitable long-term incentive to encourage executive retention.
We also provide a basic benefits package available to all full-time employees, which currently includes medical, dental, disability and life insurance and will include a 401(k) plan. We do not expect to maintain a defined benefit pension plan for our executive officers, because we believe such plans primarily reward longevity rather than performance.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, our NEOs or other employees who also served as members of the board of directors of our general partner did not receive additional compensation for their service as directors. Additionally, directors who were not officers, employees or paid consultants or advisors of us or our general partner did not receive compensation for their services as directors.
Officers, employees or paid consultants or advisors of us or our general partner or its affiliates who also serve as directors will not receive additional compensation for their service as directors. Our independent directors who are not officers, employees or paid consultants or advisors of us or our general partner or its affiliates will receive cash and equity-based compensation for their services as directors.
Our expected director compensation program consists of the following:
|
· |
an annual cash retainer of $25,000, |
|
· |
an additional annual cash retainer of (i) $5,000 for service as the chair of our conflicts committee and (ii) $7,500 for service as the chair of our audit committee, |
|
· |
an annual equity-based award granted under our LTIP, having a value as of the grant date of $25,000. Equity-based awards are initially expected to be subject to vesting in equal annual installments over a period of three years, based upon continued service as an independent director, and |
Directors will also receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses associated with attending such board or committee meetings and director and officer liability insurance coverage. Each
director will be fully indemnified by us for actions associated with being a director to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.
In addition to the compensation described above, John T. McNabb II was awarded one phantom unit under the LTIP for each common unit he purchased in the directed unit program for a total of 7,500 phantom units. The phantom units will vest in three equal annual installments. Mr. Lybarger will be entitled to the same award if he acquires any common units in the open market. On March 26, 2014, our three independent directors were each awarded 1,135 phantom units as part of their 2014 annual compensation.
Our 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Our general partner adopted the LTIP in connection with our IPO for officers, directors and employees of our general partner or its affiliates, and any consultants, affiliates of our general partner or other individuals who perform services for us. Our general partner may issue our executive officers and other service providers long-term equity based awards under the plan, which awards will be intended to compensate the recipients thereof based on the performance of our common units and their continued employment during the vesting period, as well as align their long-term interests with those of our unitholders. We will be responsible for the cost of awards granted under our LTIP and all determinations with respect to awards to be made under our LTIP will be made by the board of directors of our general partner or any committee thereof that may be established for such purpose or by any delegate of the board of directors or such committee, subject to applicable law, which we refer to as the plan administrator. We currently expect that the board of directors of our general partner or a committee thereof will be designated as the plan administrator. The following description reflects the terms of the LTIP.
General. The LTIP will provide for the grant, from time to time at the discretion of the board of directors or any delegate thereof, subject to applicable law, of unit awards, restricted units, phantom units, unit options, unit appreciation rights, distribution equivalent rights, profits interest units and other unit-based awards. The purpose of awards under the LTIP is to provide additional incentive compensation to employees providing services to us, and to align the economic interests of such employees with the interests of our unitholders. The LTIP will limit the number of units that may be delivered pursuant to vested awards to 1,182,600 common units or 10% of our current units outstanding, subject to proportionate adjustment in the event of unit splits and similar events. Common units subject to awards that are cancelled, forfeited, withheld to satisfy exercise prices or tax withholding obligations or otherwise terminated without delivery of the common units will be available for delivery pursuant to other awards.
Substitute awards. The LTIP will provide that awards may be granted in assumption of, or in substitution for, existing awards in another entity in connection with a merger, consolidation or acquisition by us or one of our affiliates of another entity or the securities or assets of another entity (including in connection with the acquisition by us or one of our affiliates of additional securities of an entity that is an existing affiliate of us). To the extent permitted by applicable law and securities exchange rules, common units issued pursuant to awards that are granted in assumption or, in substitution for such other awards will not be counted against the number of common units available for issuance pursuant to the LTIP.
Restricted units and phantom units. A restricted unit is a common unit that is subject to forfeiture. Upon vesting, the forfeiture restrictions lapse and the recipient holds a common unit that is not subject to forfeiture. A phantom unit is a notional unit that entitles the grantee to receive a common unit upon the vesting of the phantom unit or on a deferred basis upon specified future dates or events or, in the discretion of the administrator, cash equal to the fair market value of a common unit. The administrator of the LTIP may make grants of restricted and phantom units under the LTIP that contain such terms, consistent with the LTIP, as the administrator may determine are appropriate, including the period over which restricted or phantom units will vest. The administrator of the LTIP may, in its discretion, base vesting on the grantee’s completion of a period of service or upon the achievement of specified financial objectives or other criteria or upon a change of control (as defined in the LTIP) or as otherwise described in an award agreement.
Distributions made by us with respect to awards of restricted units may be subject to the same vesting requirements as the restricted units.
Distribution equivalent rights. The administrator of the LTIP, in its discretion, may also grant distribution equivalent rights, either as stand-alone awards or in tandem with other awards. Distribution equivalent rights are rights to receive an amount in cash, restricted units or phantom units equal to all or a portion of the cash distributions made on units during the period an award remains outstanding.
Unit options and unit appreciation rights. The LTIP may also permit the grant of options covering common units. Unit options represent the right to purchase a number of common units at a specified exercise price. Unit appreciation rights represent the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a number of common units over a specified exercise price, either in cash or in common units. Unit options and unit appreciation rights may be granted to such eligible individuals and with such terms as the administrator of the LTIP may determine, consistent with the LTIP; however, a unit option or unit appreciation right must have an exercise price equal to at least the fair market value of a common unit on the date of grant.
Unit awards. Awards covering common units may be granted under the LTIP with such terms and conditions, including restrictions on transferability, as the administrator of the LTIP may establish.
Profits interest units. Awards granted to grantees who are partners, or granted to grantees in anticipation of the grantee becoming a partner or granted as otherwise determined by the administrator, may consist of profits interest units. The administrator will determine the applicable vesting dates, conditions to vesting and restrictions on transferability and any other restrictions for profits interest awards.
Other unit-based awards. The LTIP may also permit the grant of “other unit-based awards,” which are awards that, in whole or in part, are valued or based on or related to the value of a common unit. The vesting of another unit-based award may be based on a participant’s continued service, the achievement of performance criteria or other measures. On vesting or on a deferred basis upon specified future dates or events, another unit-based award may be paid in cash and/or in units (including restricted units), or any combination thereof as the administrator of the LTIP may determine.
Source of common units. Common units to be delivered with respect to awards may be newly-issued units, common units acquired by us or our general partner in the open market, common units already owned by our general partner or us, common units acquired by our general partner directly from us or any other person or any combination of the foregoing.
Certain transactions. The administrator of the LTIP will have broad discretion to equitably adjust the provisions of the LTIP and the terms and conditions of existing and future awards, including with respect to the aggregate number and type of units subject to the LTIP and awards granted pursuant to the LTIP, to prevent the dilution or enlargement of intended benefits and/or facilitate necessary or desirable changes in the event of certain transactions and events affecting our units, such as unit splits, mergers, acquisitions, consolidations and other extraordinary transactions. In the case of certain events or changes in capitalization that could result in additional compensation expense to us or our general partner if adjustments to awards with respect to such event were discretionary, then equitable adjustments will be non-discretionary. The administrator of the LTIP may also provide for the acceleration, cash-out, termination, assumption, substitution or conversion of awards in the event of certain unusual or nonrecurring events or transactions.
Amendment or termination of long-term incentive plan. The administrator of the LTIP, at its discretion, may terminate the LTIP at any time with respect to the common units for which a grant has not previously been made. The administrator of the LTIP also has the right to alter or amend the LTIP or any part of it from time to time or to amend any outstanding award made under the LTIP, provided that no change in any outstanding award may be made that would materially impair the vested rights of the participant without the consent of the affected participant or result in taxation to the participant under Section 409A of the Code.
Conversion and issuance of equity awards in connection with our IPO. Prior to consummation of the IPO, Cypress LLC granted equity-based awards to certain of our key employees, other than our named executive officers, which awards were generally intended to provide for the grantees to share in the future equity appreciation of Cypress LLC. The awards are all currently unvested and will vest in three equal installments on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the respective grant dates. In connection with the IPO on January 15, 2014, these awards were assumed by us and were converted on an equivalent value basis into phantom units in us upon vesting and were granted under the LTIP. We also made additional grants of phantom units to other employees in connection with the IPO, which grants have a similar five-year vesting schedule. Our named executive officers did not receive any of these grants. The number of phantom units that were issued in respect of these awards were determined based upon the IPO price per unit of $20.00. The total number of phantom units issued at IPO on January 21, 2014, including the phantom units issued in connection with the conversion described above, was 76,800. We also granted 7,500 phantom units to a member of our board of directors at IPO on January 21, 2014. In addition, we made a further round of phantom unit grants on February 1, 2014 as part of our 2014 compensation program for executives and key employees. These additional grants, which include grants to our named executive officers, were for 29,138 phantom units. On March 26, 2014 our three independent directors were awarded 3,405 phantom units as part of their annual compensation.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
As a limited partnership, we are not required by the NYSE to establish a compensation committee. Mr. Boylan III, who serves as the Chairman of the Board participates in his capacity as a director in the deliberations of the Board concerning executive officer compensation. In addition, Mr. Boylan III makes recommendations to the Board regarding named executive officer compensation but abstains from any decision regarding his own compensation.
Compensation Committee Report
Neither we nor our general partner has a compensation committee. The board of directors of our general partner has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Overview set forth above and based on this review and discussion has approved it for inclusion in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Members of the Board of Directors of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC
|
Peter C. Boylan III
|
Henry Cornell
|
Phil Gisi
|
Stan Lybarger
|
John T. McNabb II
|
Charles C. Stephenson, Jr.
|
ITEM 12. |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of units of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., as of March 27, 2014, held by beneficial owners of 5.0% or more of the units, by each director and named executive officer of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, our general partner, and by all directors and executive officers of our general partner as a group. The percentage of units beneficially owned is based on a total of 5,913,000 common units and 5,913,000 subordinated units outstanding.
The amounts and percentage of units beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. In computing the number of common units beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, common units subject to options or warrants held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 27, 2014, if any, are deemed outstanding, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as indicated by footnote, the persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all units shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where applicable. The address for each of the beneficial owners below is 5727 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 500, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105.
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
|
Common Units Beneficially Owned
|
|
|
Percentage of Common Units Beneficially Owned
|
|
|
Subordinated Units Beneficially Owned
|
|
|
Percentage of Subordinated Units Beneficially Owned
|
|
|
Percentage of Total Common Units and Subordinated Units Beneficially Owned
|
|
Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC (1)(2)
|
|
|
1,344,650
|
|
|
|
22.8
|
%
|
|
|
5,612,699
|
|
|
|
94.8
|
%
|
|
|
58.8
|
%
|
Peter C. Boylan III
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
G. Les Austin
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
30,143
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Richard M. Carson
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
14,308
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Jeff English
|
|
|
200
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Don LaBass
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Jim Dowdy
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Henry Cornell
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Phil Gisi
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
John T. McNabb II
|
|
|
7,500
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Charles C. Stephenson, Jr.
|
|
|
198,400
|
|
|
|
3.4
|
%
|
|
|
198,400
|
|
|
|
3.4
|
%
|
|
|
3.4
|
%
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (consisting of 10 persons)
|
|
|
227,100
|
|
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
|
|
242,851
|
|
|
|
4.2
|
%
|
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
* |
An asterisk indicates that person or entity owns less than one percent. |
(1) |
Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC owns 100.0% of Cypress Energy Holdings II, LLC, which owns 100.0% of our general partner. Cypress Energy Holdings II, LLC owns 11.4% of our common units and 83.4% of our subordinated units. The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC:
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
|
Ownership Interest
Ratio (a)
|
|
Cynthia A. Field Trust (b)
|
|
|
36.750
|
%
|
Charles C. Stephenson, Jr.
|
|
|
27.468
|
%
|
CEP Capital Partners, LLC (c)
|
|
|
24.500
|
%
|
Henry Cornell
|
|
|
2.000
|
%
|
Lawrence D. Field, Jr. Trust – 2007 (b)
|
|
|
1.547
|
%
|
Alex S. Field Trust – 2007 (b)
|
|
|
1.547
|
%
|
Andrew M. Field Trust – 2007 (b)
|
|
|
1.547
|
%
|
Corry C. Stephenson Trust – 2007 (b)
|
|
|
1.547
|
%
|
Kelly C. Stephenson Trust – 2007 (b)
|
|
|
1.547
|
%
|
Julie A. Stephenson Trust – 2007 (b)
|
|
|
1.547
|
%
|
|
(a) |
Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC is managed by a three-member board of directors consisting of Peter C. Boylan III, Lawrence D. Field and Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. The election of each director requires the affirmative vote of members representing at least a majority of the voting ratio of Cypress Energy Holdings and the concurrence of CEP Capital. |
|
(b) |
Voting rights of the trust are exercised by Cynthia Field, as trustee. |
|
(c) |
CEP Capital Partners, LLC is owned and controlled by affiliates of Peter C. Boylan III, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. |
(2) |
Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC owns 100.0% of Cypress Energy Investments, LLC, which owns 100.0% of CEP TIR. CEP TIR owns 11.4% of our common units and 11.4% of our subordinated units. |
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
In connection with the consummation of our IPO on January 21, 2014, the board of directors of our general partner adopted the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The following table provides certain information with respect to this plan as of March 27, 2014:
|
|
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
|
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
|
|
Number of
securities remaining
available for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1):
|
|
|
116,843 (2) |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
1,065,757 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders: |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total: |
|
|
116,843 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
1,065,757 |
|
(1) |
Our general partner adopted the Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan in January 2014 in connection with the completion of our IPO. |
(2)
|
Amount shown represents outstanding phantom units. The phantom units do not have an exercise price.
|
ITEM 13. |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS |
Conflicts of Interest and Duties
Under our partnership agreement, our general partner has a contractual duty to manage us in a manner it believes is in the best interests of our partnership and unitholders. However, because our general partner is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cypress Holdings, the officers and directors of our general partner have a duty to manage the business of our general partner in a manner that is in the best interests of Cypress Holdings. As a result of this relationship, conflicts of interest may arise in the future between us and our unitholders, on the one hand, and our general partner and its affiliates, including Cypress Holdings, on the other hand. For example, our general partner will be entitled to make determinations that affect the amount of cash distributions we make to the holders of common units, which in turn has an effect on whether our general partner receives incentive cash distributions. In addition, our general partner may determine to manage our business in a way that directly benefits Cypress Holdings’ businesses, rather than indirectly benefitting Cypress Holdings solely through its ownership interests in us. We expect that any future decision by Cypress Holdings in this regard will be made on a case-by-case basis. However, all of these actions are permitted under our partnership agreement and will not be a breach of any duty (fiduciary or otherwise) of our general partner.
Delaware law provides that Delaware limited partnerships may, in their partnership agreements, expand, restrict or eliminate the duties (including fiduciary duties) otherwise owed by the general partner to limited partners and the partnership. As permitted by Delaware law, our partnership agreement contains various provisions replacing the fiduciary duties that would otherwise be owed by our general partner with contractual standards governing the duties of the general partner and contractual methods of resolving conflicts of interest. The effect of these provisions is to restrict the remedies available to unitholders for actions that might otherwise constitute breaches of our general partner’s fiduciary duties. Our partnership agreement also provides that affiliates of our general partner, including Cypress Holdings and its controlled affiliates, are permitted to compete with us, and neither our general partner nor its affiliates have any obligation to present business opportunities to us. By purchasing a common unit, the purchaser agrees to be bound by the terms of our partnership agreement, and pursuant to the terms of our partnership agreement each holder of common units consents to various actions and potential conflicts of interest contemplated in our partnership agreement that might otherwise be considered a breach of fiduciary or other duties under Delaware law.
The general partner and its controlled affiliates own 1,344,650 common units and 5,612,699 subordinated units, representing a 58.8% limited partner interest in us. In addition, our general partner owns a 0.0% non-economic general partner interest in us.
Distributions and Payments to Our General Partner and Its Affiliates
The following table summarizes the distributions and payments to be made by us to our general partner and its controlled affiliates in connection with the formation, ongoing operation, and liquidation of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. These distributions and payments were determined by and among affiliated entities and, consequently, are not the result of arm’s-length negotiations.
Formation Stage
|
|
|
The consideration received by our general partner and its controlled affiliates prior to or in connection with the IPO for the contribution of the assets and liabilities to us
|
|
1,344,650 common units;
5,612,699 subordinated units;
0.0% non-economic general partner interest;
the incentive distribution rights; and
a cash payment of approximately $80.2 million from the proceeds of the IPO.
|
|
|
|
Operational Stage
|
|
|
Distributions of available cash to our general partner and its controlled affiliates
|
|
We will generally make cash distributions to the unitholders pro rata, including Cypress Holdings and its controlled affiliates, as holder of an aggregate of 1,344,650 common units and 5,612,699 subordinated units. In addition, if distributions exceed the minimum quarterly distribution and target distribution levels, the incentive distribution rights held by our general partner will entitle our general partner to increasing percentages of the distributions in steps, up to 50% of the distributions above the highest target distribution level.
Assuming we generate sufficient distributable cash flow to support the payment of the full minimum quarterly distribution on all of our outstanding units for four quarters, our general partner and its affiliates would receive an annual distribution of approximately $10.8 million ($10.2 million for the pro-rata period from the closing of our IPO on January 21, 2014 through December 31, 2014.)
|
Payments to our general partner and its affiliates
|
|
Under our partnership agreement, we are required to reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for all costs and expenses that they incur on our behalf for managing and controlling our business and operations. Except to the extent specified under our omnibus agreement, our general partner determines the amount of these expenses and such determinations must be made in good faith under the terms of our partnership agreement. Under our omnibus agreement, we will reimburse our general partner a $4.0 million annual administrative fee for expenses incurred by it and their respective affiliates in providing certain partnership overhead services to us, including the provision of executive management services by certain officers of our general partner. This fee also includes $2.0 million in estimated annual cash expense we expect to incur as a result of being a publicly traded partnership. The $4.0 million annual administrative fee is subject to increase by an annual amount equal to PPI plus one percent or, with the concurrence of the conflicts committee, in the event of an expansion of our operations, including through acquisitions or internal growth. Please read “— Agreements with Affiliates — Omnibus Agreement” below and “Compensation Overview.”
|
|
|
|
Withdrawal or removal of our general partner
|
|
If our general partner withdraws or is removed, its general partner interest and its incentive distribution rights will either be sold to the new general partner for cash or converted into common units, in each case for an amount equal to the fair market value of those interests.
|
|
|
|
Liquidation Stage
|
|
|
Liquidation
|
|
Upon our liquidation, the partners, including our general partner, will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions according to their respective capital account balances.
|
Agreements with Affiliates
On January 21, 2014, we and other parties entered into the various agreements associated with the closing of our IPO, including the vesting of assets in, and the assumption of liabilities by, us and our subsidiaries.
Omnibus Agreement
We are party to an omnibus agreement with Cypress Holdings, CEM, Cypress LLC, our general partner, CEP TIR, the TIR entities, Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and Cynthia Field that address the following matters, among other things:
|
· |
our payment of an annual administrative fee initially in the amount of $4.0 million to be paid in quarterly installments to Cypress Holdings for providing us with certain partnership overhead services, including for certain executive management services by certain officers of our general partner, and compensation expense for all employees required to manage and operate our business. This fee also includes the incremental general and administrative expenses we will incur as a result of being a publicly traded partnership; |
|
· |
limitations on the amount of indebtedness CEP TIR may incur under our credit agreement and the allocation of certain interest expenses to the TIR entities; |
|
· |
our right of first offer on Cypress Holdings’ and its subsidiaries’ assets used in, and entities primarily engaged in, providing saltwater disposal and other water and environmental services and pipeline inspection and integrity services, including the remaining interest in the TIR entities; and |
|
· |
indemnification of us by Cypress Holdings for certain environmental and other liabilities, including events and conditions associated with our operation of assets that occur prior to the closing of the IPO and our obligation to indemnify Cypress Holdings for events and conditions associated with the operation of our assets that occur after the closing of the IPO and for environmental liabilities related to our assets to the extent Cypress Holdings is not required to indemnify us. |
So long as Cypress Holdings controls our general partner, the omnibus agreement will remain in full force and effect, unless we and Cypress Holdings agree to terminate it sooner. If Cypress Holdings ceases to control our general partner, either party may terminate the omnibus agreement, provided that the indemnification obligations will remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms. We and Cypress Holdings may agree to amend the omnibus agreement; however, amendments that the general partner determines are adverse to our unitholders will also require the approval of the conflicts committee.
Payment of Administrative Fee and Reimbursement of Expenses
We pay an annual administrative fee, initially in the amount of $4.0 million, in quarterly installments to Cypress Holdings. The administrative fee is intended to reimburse Cypress Holdings for providing us with certain partnership overhead services, including for certain executive management services by certain officers of our general partner, and for paying on our behalf all compensation expense for the employees required to manage and operate our business and all expenses incurred by us as a result of our becoming and continuing as a publicly traded entity, including costs associated with Exchange Act filings, independent public accounting firm fees, partnership governance and compliance, registrar and transfer agent fees, tax return and Schedule K-1 preparation and distribution, legal fees and director compensation. In addition to the administrative fee, we also reimburse Cypress Holdings each quarter for any taxes incurred by Cypress Holdings in connection with providing services to us.
Pursuant to the omnibus agreement, Cypress LLC allocates a portion of the administrative fee to the TIR entities based on the gross margin contribution of each of the TIR entities, or as otherwise determined by our board of directors and conflicts committee. After Cypress LLC determines the allocation of the administrative fee to each of the TIR entities, the non-controlling holders of the TIR entities agree to pay their respective shares of such administrative fee based on their proportionate ownership of the applicable TIR entity.
The amount of the administrative fee is subject to increase each year by the percentage equal to the increase, if any, in the PPI plus 1.0%. In addition, the administrative fee may be increased with the approval of our conflicts committee in the event of an expansion of our operations, including though acquisitions or internal growth, a change in applicable law or regulation, or as agreed upon by us and our general partner.
Indebtedness
Pursuant to the omnibus agreement, on a quarterly basis, Cypress LLC allocates a portion of the interest paid under the credit agreement to the TIR entities based on the application of the borrowings under the credit agreement, or as otherwise determined by our board of directors and conflicts committee. After Cypress LLC determines the allocation of the interest to each of the TIR entities, the non-controlling holders of the TIR entities agree to pay their respective shares of such interest cost based on their proportionate ownership of the applicable TIR entity. In addition, non-controlling interest holders are charged a fee under the omnibus agreement that will equal the interest expense the non-controlling holders would have paid to incur $10.0 million in incremental borrowings under our credit agreement to purchase the non-controlling interest holders’ interests in the TIR entities plus the full amount of loan origination fees we incurred under our credit agreement.
Right of First Offer
Under our omnibus agreement, if Cypress Holdings or its controlled subsidiaries decide to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of the assets or entities listed below within a five-year period following the closing of the IPO, Cypress Holdings will provide notice to us of such intended disposition and provide us with the opportunity to make the first offer on:
|
· |
any assets used in, or entities engaged primarily in, providing saltwater disposal and other water and environmental services to U.S. onshore oil and natural gas producers and trucking companies in the U.S., including any assets or entities currently owned by or acquired from SBG Energy Services, LLC; and |
|
· |
any assets used in, or entities engaged primarily in, providing pipeline inspection and integrity services, including additional equity interests in the TIR entities. |
After receiving the notice of Cypress Holdings’ intention to sell or transfer such assets, we will have 45 days to make an offer to Cypress Holdings with our proposed terms for the acquisition. The consummation and timing of any acquisition by us of the assets covered by our right of first offer will depend upon, among other things, our ability to reach an agreement with Cypress Holdings on price and other terms and our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms. Accordingly, we can provide no assurance whether, when or on what terms we will be able to successfully consummate any future acquisitions pursuant to our right of first offer, and Cypress Holdings is under no obligation to accept any offer that we may choose to make or to enter into any commercial agreements with us.
Indemnification
Under the omnibus agreement, Cypress Holdings will indemnify us, without giving effect to any cap, for the following matters:
|
· |
Environmental: all known and unknown environmental liabilities that are associated with the ownership or operation of our assets and due to occurrences on or before the closing of the IPO. Indemnification for any unknown environmental liabilities will be limited to liabilities arising out of occurrences in existence before the closing of the IPO and identified prior to the third anniversary of the closing of the IPO, and will be subject to an aggregate deductible of $350,000 before we are entitled to indemnification; |
|
· |
Retained Assets: all events and conditions associated with any assets retained by Cypress Holdings regardless of when they occur; |
|
· |
IPO Transactions: for a period of five years after the closing of the IPO to the extent not covered by other indemnifications in the omnibus agreement, the formation transactions, asset contributions and ownership of the contributed assets prior to the closing, as well as any event or condition that arise out of ownership of the contributed assets prior to closing; |
|
· |
Titles and Permits: for a period of five years after the closing of the IPO, any failure to have at the closing of the offering any title, right of way, consent, license, permit, or approval necessary for us to own or operate our assets in substantially the same manner that the assets were owned or operated immediately prior to the closing of the IPO and as described in this report, subject to an aggregate deductible of $500,000; |
|
· |
Litigation: any legal proceedings attributable to ownership or operation of the contributed assets prior to the closing of the IPO, except that indemnification for any legal proceeding not known at the time of the closing of the IPO is subject to an aggregate deductible of $250,000; |
|
· |
TIR Restructuring Transactions: the acquisition of the shares in Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and the merger of Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. with TIR; and |
|
· |
Tax Liabilities: for a period up to 60 days past the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations, any tax liability attributable to the assets contributed to us arising prior to the closing of the IPO or otherwise related to Cypress Holdings’ contribution of those assets to us in connection with the IPO. |
We have agreed to indemnify Cypress Holdings, without giving effect to any deductible or cap, for events and conditions associated with the operation of our assets that occur after the closing of the IPO and for environmental liabilities related to our assets to the extent Cypress Holdings is not required to indemnify us as described above.
Contribution Agreement
In connection with the closing of the IPO, we entered into a contribution agreement with Cypress Holdings and certain of its subsidiaries that effected the restructuring transactions, including the transfer of Cypress LLC to us and the use of the net proceeds of the IPO.
One of our directors, Phil Gisi, is also a director and executive officer of SBG Energy Services, LLC, or SBG, and Rud Transportation LLC, an affiliate of SBG. As discussed below, we have commercial arrangements with SBG, SBG Disposal LLC and Rud Transportation LLC, and we believe the terms of these transactions are similar to what would have been obtained from an unaffiliated third party.
SBG Management Services Agreement
On December 31, 2012, Cypress Holdings, acting through one of its subsidiaries, entered into a management services agreement with SBG Disposal LLC. Pursuant to this agreement, SBG Disposal LLC will provide day-to-day oversight, management, development, construction and operations of the seven SWD facilities we acquired from SBG Energy Services, LLC. Effective October 1, 2013, SBG Disposal LLC contributed this agreement to CES, which is owned 49.0% by SBG Disposal LLC All personnel providing such services became employees of Cypress Energy Management – Bakken Operations, LLC a wholly owned subsidiary of CEM, on December 22, 2013. This agreement has a five year term that will automatically renew for 90 day periods unless terminated by either party with written notice. Prior to the contribution of the management agreement, SBG Disposal LLC was paid a monthly fee equal to 4.75% of gross revenues in addition to reimbursable expenses such as direct staffing expenses and supplies.
SBG Option Agreement
On December 31, 2012, Cypress LLC, acting through a subsidiary, entered into an option agreement with SBG. Pursuant to this agreement, SBG, the sole member of SBG Disposal, LLC, or SBG Disposal, granted Cypress LLC the option to purchase 51.0% of the membership interests in SBG Disposal for $500,000. On December 6, 2013, Cypress LLC, acting through a subsidiary, effectively exercised this option by entering into an asset contribution and assumption agreement with SBG Disposal, or the asset contribution agreement, through which SBG Disposal conveyed certain of its assets, including all fixed assets, to CES in exchange for a 49.0% membership interest in CES and a cash payment from CES of $500,000. This transaction was effective October 1, 2013. The assets contributed included a 25.0% non-controlling interest in an SWD facility in Watford City, North Dakota and five management services agreements related to SBG Disposal’s management of 11 SWD facilities in North Dakota, seven of which we own. CES is consolidated in the financial statements of Cypress LLC beginning October 1, 2013.
Pursuant to the CES operating agreement between Cypress LLC and SBG Disposal, CES is managed by a board of three managers, two of which are appointed by Cypress LLC, and one of which is appointed by SBG Disposal. All management decisions of CES are made by the majority vote of the board of managers; however, amending CES’s organizational documents in a way that adversely impacts SBG Disposal, or entering into or amending contracts with Cypress LLC or one of its affiliates, other than in the general course of business, also requires the affirmative vote of the manager appointed by SBG Disposal. Pursuant to the operating agreement, the available cash of CES shall be distributed to the members pro rata in accordance with their respective membership interests.
The CES operating agreement also provides Cypress LLC with the right to purchase SBG Disposal’s 49.0% membership interest in CES at fair market value. If Cypress LLC exercises this call option, Cypress LLC is required under the operating agreement to provide notice to SBG Disposal of its exercise of the call option along with its calculation of the fair market value of the 49.0% membership interest to be acquired. If SBG Disposal objects to Cypress LLC’s fair
market value calculation, the fair market value of the membership interest shall be calculated by an appraiser pursuant to the appraisal provisions in the operating agreement.
SBG Omnibus Option Agreement
On December 31, 2012, Cypress Holdings, acting through one of its subsidiaries, entered into an omnibus option agreement with SBG and its owners, including Philip Gisi. Pursuant to this agreement, Cypress Holdings has the first right to negotiate with the owners of SBG if they decide to sell the membership interest in SBG. The agreement also provides Cypress Holdings with the first right to negotiate with SBG if SBG decides to sell any of the following assets:
|
· |
its membership interest in Rud Transportation LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of SBG that owns approximately 125 tractor and trailers engaged in hauling water to and from producers in North Dakota. |
|
· |
all of SBG’s right to any water pipeline construction, development or acquisition opportunity; and |
|
· |
all of SBG’s interest in its gas and diesel wholesale venture. |
|
· |
All of SBG’s interest in its hot water and rail spur ventures. |
Cypress Holdings also acquired the right to purchase certain other assets that it does not currently anticipate exercising.
The first rights to negotiate described above continue in each case until December 31, 2017. Additionally, pursuant to the omnibus option agreement, Cypress Holdings has the right to purchase part of SBG and the option price to purchase the first 5.0% of SBG is $10 per membership unit of SBG. In addition, the option price to purchase the first 5.0% of any of the other assets set forth in the omnibus option agreement is set at 5.0% of the actual cost the owners of such asset expended to acquire the asset. In addition, the omnibus option agreement provides Cypress Holdings with a right of first refusal to match the terms on which SBG intends to sell one of the above-listed assets to a third party if Cypress Holdings is unable to reach an agreement to buy that asset from SBG in the first instance. Please see Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements of Cypress Energy Partners, LLC for the year ended December 31, 2012 for further information regarding the options discussed above, as well as the other options under the omnibus option agreement that we do not anticipate exercising.
Assignment and Assumption Agreements
On November 7, 2013, the lenders of TIR’s prior mezzanine facilities irrevocably assigned and sold to TIR Capital Partners, LLC, or TIR Capital, all of the lenders’ rights and obligations under the mezzanine facilities, and TIR Capital irrevocably purchased and assumed all of such rights and obligations for approximately $20 million. From November 7 to December 24, 2013 when the mezzanine facilities were repaid and retired from borrowings under the credit agreement, TIR paid TIR Capital, as the new lender under the mezzanine facilities, interest on the outstanding balance of the mezzanine facilities at a rate of 14.7%, or an aggregate amount of approximately $0.4 million. In addition, on December 5, 2013, Wells Fargo irrevocably assigned and sold to TIR Capital all of its rights and obligations under TIR’s prior revolving credit facility, and TIR Capital irrevocably purchased and assumed all of such rights and obligations for approximately $38 million. From December 5 to December 24, 2013 when the revolving credit facility was repaid and retired from borrowings under the credit agreement, TIR paid TIR Capital, as the new lender under the revolving credit facility, interest on all outstanding advances at the annualized rate of LIBOR plus 4.0%, or an aggregate amount of approximately $0.1 million. TIR Capital was a newly formed financing entity owned and controlled jointly by Peter C. Boylan III, our Chief Executive Officer and an indirect owner of our general partner, and Charles C. Stephenson, Jr., a director of our general partner, an indirect owner of our general partner and a partial owner of the TIR entities.
Mr. Boylan’s Sharing Interest in Cypress Holdings
In connection with the formation of Cypress Holdings, as a co-founder, Mr. Boylan, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer was issued a limited liability company interest in Cypress Holdings, based upon his arms’ length negotiation with Charles C. Stephenson, Jr., the
other co-founder of Cypress Holdings. The terms of Mr. Boylan’s limited liability company interest provided that Mr. Boylan initially receive a 5.0% sharing interest in the profits and losses of Cypress Holdings and in any distributions made by Cypress Holdings in respect of its equity securities, which sharing interest increasing to 24.50% effective on the earlier of April 1, 2015 or the IPO of our equity securities. As a result, Mr. Boylan’s sharing interest in Cypress Holdings was increased to 24.50% (25% prior to admission of Henry Cornell) in connection with the consummation of the IPO.
Procedures for Review, Approval and Ratification of Related Person Transactions
The board of directors of our general partner adopted a related party transactions policy in connection with the closing of the IPO that provides that the board of directors of our general partner or its authorized committee will review on at least a quarterly basis all related person transactions that are required to be disclosed under SEC rules and, when appropriate, initially authorize or ratify all such transactions. In the event that the board of directors of our general partner or its authorized committee considers ratification of a related person transaction and determines not to so ratify, the code of business conduct and ethics will provide that our management will make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the transaction.
The related party transactions policy provides that, in determining whether or not to recommend the initial approval or ratification of a related person transaction, the board of directors of our general partner or its authorized committee should consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available, including (if applicable) but not limited to: (1) whether there is an appropriate business justification for the transaction; (2) the benefits that accrue to us as a result of the transaction; (3) the terms available to unrelated third-parties entering into similar transactions; (4) the impact of the transaction on a director’s independence (in the event the related person is a director, an immediate family member of a director or an entity in which a director or an immediate family member of a director is a partner, shareholder, member or executive officer); (5) the availability of other sources for comparable products or services; (6) whether it is a single transaction or a series of ongoing, related transactions; and (7) whether entering into the transaction would be consistent with the code of business conduct and ethics.
ITEM 14. |
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
We have engaged Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. The following table sets forth fees we have paid to Ernst & Young LLP for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Audit Fees(1)
|
|
$
|
1,968
|
|
Audit-Related Fees(2)
|
|
|
145
|
|
Tax Fees(3)
|
|
|
493
|
|
All Other Fees
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
2,606
|
|
(1)
|
Fees for audit services include fees associated with the annual audit of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. and its Predecessor, the reviews of the Company’s quarterly reports included on Form S-1, and fees associated with our IPO.
|
(2)
|
Include fees related to acquisition audits and accounting consultations.
|
(3)
|
Includes fees for tax services for Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. and Cypress Energy Partners, LLC in connection with tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.
|
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our audit committee has adopted an audit committee charter which requires the audit committee to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. The audit committee does not delegate its pre-approval responsibilities to management or to an individual member of the audit committee. Since our audit committee was not established until January 2014 our board of directors pre-approved all services reported in the audit, audit-related, tax, and all other fees categories above.
|
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
|
(a) Documents to be filed as part of this Annual Report
1. Financial Statements: See the accompanying Index to Financial Statements set forth on page F-1.
2. Financial Statement Schedules: Financial Statement Schedules are omitted because they are not required, not significant, not applicable or the information is shown in another schedule, the financial statements or the notes to consolidated financial statements.
3. Exhibits: See “Exhibit Index” below.
Exhibit number
|
|
Description
|
3.1
|
|
Limited Partnership Agreement of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Registration Statement on Form DRS filed on September 20, 2013)
|
3.2
|
|
First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. dated as of January 21, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2014)
|
3.3
|
|
Certificate of Formation of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on December 17, 2013)
|
3.4
|
|
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC dated as of January 21, 2014. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2014)
|
3.5
|
|
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on December 17, 2013)
|
10.1
|
|
Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement dated as of January 21, 2014, by and among Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, Cypress Energy Holdings II, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners – SBG, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC, Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC, Mr. Charles C. Stephenson, Jr., Ms. Cynthia Field, Mr. G. Les Austin and Mr. Richard Carson. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2014)
|
10.2†
|
|
Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2014)
|
10.3
|
|
Omnibus Agreement dated as of January 21, 2014, by and among Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC, Cypress Energy Management, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC, Foley Inspection Services ULC, Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC, Tulsa Inspection Resources – Canada ULC, Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC, Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, LLC, Charles C. Stephenson, Jr. and Cynthia Field. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2014)
|
10.4†
|
|
Form of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan Phantom Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on December 17, 2013)
|
10.5
|
|
Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed on January 10, 2014)
|
|
|
List of Subsidiaries of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
|
|
|
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
|
|
|
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
|
|
|
Certification of Peter C. Boylan, III pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
|
Certification of G. Les Austin pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished only pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b))
|
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tulsa, State of Oklahoma, on March 31, 2014.
|
Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, its general partner
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ G. Les Austin
|
|
By:
|
G. Les Austin
|
|
Title:
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
Signature
|
|
Title
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Peter C. Boylan III
|
|
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
|
|
March 31, 2014
|
Peter C. Boylan III
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ G. Les Austin
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
|
|
March 31, 2014
|
G. Les Austin
|
|
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/Henry Cornell
|
|
Director
|
|
March 31, 2014
|
Henry Cornell
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Philip Gisi
|
|
Director
|
|
March 31, 2014
|
Philip Gisi
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Stanley Lybarger
|
|
Director
|
|
March 31, 2014
|
Stanley Lybarger
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ John T. McNabb II
|
|
Director
|
|
March 31, 2014
|
John T. McNabb II
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Charles C. Stephenson, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
March 31, 2014
|
Charles C. Stephenson, Jr.
|
|
|
|
|
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.
|
|
|
|
|
F-2
|
|
F-3
|
|
F-4
|
|
F-5
|
|
F-6
|
|
|
CYPRESS ENERGY PARTNERS, LLC
|
|
|
|
|
F-10
|
|
F-11
|
|
F-12
|
|
F-13
|
|
F-14
|
|
F-15
|
TULSA INSPECTION RESOURCES ENTITIES COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
F-34
|
|
F-35
|
|
F-36
|
|
F-37
|
|
F-38
|
|
F-39
|
|
|
TULSA INSPECTION RESOURCES, INC.
|
|
|
|
|
F-64
|
|
F-65
|
|
F-66
|
|
F-67
|
|
F-68
|
|
F-69
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Cypress Energy Partners, GP, LLC
General Partner of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
and the Limited Partners of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. (the “Partnership”) as of December 31, 2013, and the
related statements of operations and partners’ equity for the period from September 19, 2013 (Inception) to December 31, 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. at December 31, 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from September 19, 2013 (Inception) to December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
|
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
|
|
|
Tulsa, Oklahoma
|
|
March 31, 2014
|
|
Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2013
Assets
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
$
|
147
|
|
Deferred offering costs
|
|
|
2,539
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
2,686
|
|
Debt issuance cost
|
|
|
2,149
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
4,835
|
|
Liabilities and members’ equity
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
$
|
19
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
19
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
19
|
|
Partners' capital:
|
|
|
|
|
Limited partner
|
|
|
-
|
|
General partner
|
|
|
4,816
|
|
Total liabilities and partners' capital
|
|
$
|
4,835
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
Statement of Operations
For the Period from September 19, 2013 (Inception) Through
December 31, 2013
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offering expenses
|
|
$
|
1,376
|
|
Operating loss
|
|
|
(1,376
|
)
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
18
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(1,394
|
)
|
See accompanying notes.
Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
Statement of Partners’ Equity
For the Period from September 19, 2013 (Inception) Through
December 31, 2013
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Limited Partner
|
|
|
General Partner
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Inception formation
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Contributions receivable from limited partner
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Contributions from general partner
|
|
|
6,210
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,210
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(1,394
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(1,394
|
)
|
Members’ equity at December 31, 2013
|
|
$
|
4,816
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4,816
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2013
1. Formation of the Partnership
Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. (the “Partnership”) is a Delaware limited partnership formed on September 19, 2013 to provide saltwater disposal and other water and environmental services to U.S. onshore oil and natural gas producers and trucking companies and to provide independent pipeline inspection and integrity services to producers and pipeline companies. On that date, Cypress Energy Holdings II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Holdings II”), agreed to contribute $1 thousand to the Partnership in exchange for a 100% limited partner interest. The agreement to contribute has been recorded as a contribution receivable and is reflected in the accompanying balance sheet as a reduction to partners’ capital included in Contributions from limited partner line item in the Statement of Partners’ Equity. Holdings II owns a 100% interest in Cypress Energy Partners GP, LLC, our general partner. Holdings II is owned 100% by Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC (“Holdings”).
2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. A statement of cash flows has not been presented because the Partnership had no cash transactions as of December 31, 2013.
Significant Accounting Policies
Income Taxes
We generally are not a taxable entity for federal or state and local income tax purposes. The tax on net income is generally borne by individual partners. Net income for financial statement purposes may differ significantly from taxable income of unitholders as a result of differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities and the taxable income allocation requirements under our partnership agreement. The aggregated difference in the basis of our net assets for financial and tax reporting purposes cannot be readily determined because information regarding each partners’ tax attributes in us is not available to us.
Offering Costs
Incremental costs directly attributable to an offering of equity securities are deferred and charged against the gross proceeds of the offering as a reduction partners’ equity including underwriter fees, legal and accounting fees associated with the preparation of the registration statement, and other costs related to the promotion of the offering. All other costs that are not directly related to the offering are expensed as incurred.
Debt Issuance Costs
Direct and incremental costs related to the issuance of debt such as legal fees, printing costs and underwriters’ fees, among others, paid to parties other than creditors are capitalized and reported as deferred costs. Deferred costs are recognized as additional interest expense over the life of the debt instrument under the effective interest method.
Contributions from General Partner
During 2013, entities affiliated with our general partner incurred $6.2 million of costs associated with our initial public offering and our credit agreement. These costs were transferred to the Partnership as offering costs, deferred offering cost or debt issuance costs and have been recorded as contributions to the Partnership.
Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2013
3. Credit Agreement
On December 24, 2013, we along with our affiliates Cypress Energy Partners (“CEP LLC”) LLC, Cypress Energy Partners - TIR, LLC (“CEP-TIR”), and Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC (“TIR”) (together, the “Borrowers”), entered into a $120 million secured credit agreement as co-borrowers and co-guarantors. The credit agreement matures on December 24, 2016 and consists of a $65.0 million senior secured working capital revolving credit facility and a $55.0 million senior secured acquisition revolving credit facility. CEP TIR agreed in its operating agreement not to borrow under the credit agreement and not to engage in any business other than owning minority interests in TIR and other affiliated entities. The credit agreement has an accordion feature that allows us to increase the available revolving borrowings under the facilities by up to an additional $100.0 million, subject to our receiving increased commitments from existing lenders or new commitments from new lenders and the satisfaction of certain other conditions. At December 31, 2013, there were outstanding borrowings under the credit agreement of $75.0 million which were recorded at TIR. Borrowings under the credit agreement are due at maturity. If at any time outstanding borrowings exceed the combined borrowing base of the Borrowers, principal in the amount of the excess is due upon submission of the borrowing base calculation. We had $30.0 million of availability under the acquisition revolving credit facility and $15.0 million of availability under the borrowing base revolving credit facility at December 31, 2013. The obligations under our credit agreement are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all assets of the Borrowers.
All borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest, at our option, at (i) a base rate plus a margin of 1.25% to 2.75% per annum (“Base Rate Borrowing”) or (ii) an adjusted LIBOR rate plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.75% per annum (“LIBOR Borrowings”). The applicable margin is determined based on the combined leverage ratio of the Borrowers, as defined in the credit agreement. At December 31, 2013, the interest rate in effect on outstanding LIBOR Borrowings was 3.14%, calculated as the weighted average LIBOR rate of 0.225% plus a weighted average margin of 2.92%. There were no Base Rate Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2013. Interest on Base Rate Borrowings is payable monthly. Interest on LIBOR Borrowings is paid upon maturity of the underlying LIBOR contract, but no less often than quarterly. Commitment fees are charged at a rate of 0.50% on any unused credit and payable monthly.
Our credit agreement contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictive provisions. Our credit agreement also requires maintenance of certain financial covenants, including a combined total adjusted leverage ratio (as defined in our credit agreement) of not more than 4.0 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio (as defined in our credit agreement) of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. At December 31, 2013, our total adjusted leverage ratio was 0.80 to 1.0 and our interest coverage ratio was 4.88 to 1.0. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, subject to the terms and conditions of our credit agreement, the lenders may declare any outstanding principal of our credit agreement debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable and may exercise the other remedies set forth or referred to in our credit agreement.
In addition, our credit agreement restricts our ability to make distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, our equity interests, provided, however, that we may make distributions of available cash so long as, both at the time of the distribution and after giving effect to the distribution, no default exists under our credit agreement, the borrowers and the guarantors are in compliance with the financial covenants, the borrowing base (which includes 100% of cash on hand) exceeds the amount of outstanding credit extensions under the working capital revolving credit facility by at least $5.0 million and at least $5.0 million in lender commitments are available to be drawn under the borrowing base revolving credit facility. Our calculated borrowing base was $72.1 million at December 31, 2013 which exceeds our maximum availability under the working capital revolving credit facility. Availability under the acquisition revolving credit facility is not subject to a borrowing base calculation.
Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 2013
4. Subsequent Events
The Partnership has evaluated subsequent events through March 31, 2014, which is the date these financial statements were issued.
Initial Public Offering
On January 21, 2014, the Partnership completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) of 4,312,500 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership at a price to the public of $20.00 per common unit ($18.70 per common unit, net of underwriting discounts and commissions) which included a 562,500 unit over-allotment option that was exercised by the underwriters. We received net proceeds of approximately $80.2 million from the IPO, after deducting underwriting discounts and structuring fees. The net proceeds from the IPO were distributed to Holdings II as reimbursement for certain capital expenditures it incurred with respect to assets contributed to us.
In addition to the underwriting and structuring fees, the Partnership incurred expenses of $2.5 million directly related to the preparation of the registration statement which are reflected as deferred offering expenses on the balance sheet at December 31, 2013. All of the deferred offering expenses were netted against proceeds received from the IPO as a component of partners’ equity at the closing of the IPO. The Partnership also incurred accounting and legal fees totaling $1.4 million attributable to the IPO that were not directly related to the preparation of the registration statement and were expensed as incurred. These costs are reflected as offering expenses in the Partnerships statement of operations.
Restructuring Transactions
At the closing of the IPO, Holdings II conveyed its 100% member interest in CEP LLC to the Partnership in exchange for (a) an aggregate 47.8% interest in the Partnership, and (b) the right to receive the proceeds of the IPO. Holdings II subsequently conveyed a 0.4% interest in the Partnership to certain members of management.
Affiliates of Holdings II, conveyed an aggregate 50.1% interest in Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC (“TIR LLC”), Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, LLC and Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC (collectively, the “TIR Entities”) to the Partnership in exchange for an aggregate 11.4% ownership in the Partnership. The Partnership subsequently conveyed its interest in the TIR Entities to CEP LLC.
Omnibus Agreement
At the closing of the IPO, we entered into an omnibus agreement with Holdings, CEP LLC, CEP-TIR, our general partner, the TIR Entities, and other related parties that will address the following matters, among other things:
• our payment of an annual administrative fee initially in the amount of $4.0 million to be paid in quarterly installments to Holdings for providing us with certain partnership overhead services, including for certain executive management services by certain officers of our general partner, and compensation expense for all employees required to manage and operate our business. This fee also includes the incremental general and administrative expenses we will incur as a result of being a publicly traded partnership;
• limitations on the amount of indebtedness CEP-TIR may incur under our new credit agreement and the allocation of certain interest expenses to the TIR Entities;
• indemnification of us by Holdings for certain environmental and other liabilities, including events and conditions associated with our operation of assets that occur prior to the closing of this offering and our obligation to indemnify Holdings for events and conditions associated with the operation of our assets that occur after the closing of this offering and for environmental liabilities related to our assets to the extent Holdings is not required to indemnify us.
So long as Holdings controls our general partner, the omnibus agreement will remain in full force and effect, unless we and Holdings agree to terminate it sooner. If Holdings ceases to control our general partner, either party may terminate the omnibus agreement, provided that the indemnification obligations will remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.
Long-term Incentive Plan
Our general partner adopted a long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) in connection with the IPO. Prior to consummation of the IPO, CEP, LLC granted equity-based awards to certain key employees. At the closing of the IPO, these awards were assumed by the Partnership and converted on an equivalent value basis into subordinated or phantom restricted units in the Partnership depending on the type of award. The awards are all currently unvested and will vest in three equal installments on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the respective grant dates. Vesting under the CEP, LLC assumed awards are retroactive to the initial grant date. The awards will be considered for all purposes to have been granted under the Partnership’s LTIP. The CEP, LLC awards were converted into 44,451 subordinated units and 44,250 restricted units.
In addition to the converted CEP awards, the Partnership made the following additional grants subsequent to December 31, 2013:
|
•
|
32,550 phantom restricted units on January 21, 2014 to certain key employees. The awards vest in equal installments on the third, fourth, and fifth anniversaries of the grant date.
|
|
•
|
7,500 phantom restricted units on January 21, 2014 to members of the board of directors. The director awards vest ratably over a three year period from grant date.
|
|
•
|
29,138 phantom restricted units granted on February 1, 2014 to certain key employees. The awards vest in equal installments on the third, fourth, and fifth anniversaries of the grant date.
|
|
•
|
3,405 phantom restricted units granted on March 26, 2014, to members of the board of directors. The director awards vest ratably over a three year period from grant date.
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Member of
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cypress Energy Partners, LLC (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, member's equity and cash flows for each of the two years ended December 31, 2013 and for the period from June 1, 2011 (Inception) to December 31, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Cypress Energy Partners, LLC at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2013 and for the period from June 1, 2011 (Inception) to December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
|
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
|
|
|
Tulsa, Oklahoma
|
|
March 31, 2014
|
|
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2013 and 2012
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
Assets
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
4,343
|
|
|
$
|
582
|
|
Trade accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
2,907 |
|
|
|
2,598
|
|
Related-party accounts receivable
|
|
|
599 |
|
|
|
439
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
272
|
|
|
|
221
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
114
|
|
|
|
117
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
548
|
|
|
|
468
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
8,783
|
|
|
|
4,425
|
|
Property and equipment, at cost:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
41,531
|
|
|
|
46,853
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
3,509
|
|
|
|
97
|
|
Total property and equipment
|
|
|
38,022
|
|
|
|
46,756
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
34,848
|
|
|
|
33,877
|
|
Other intangible assets, net of amortization
|
|
|
182
|
|
|
|
284
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
81,865
|
|
|
$
|
85,342
|
|
Liabilities and member's equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
1,045
|
|
|
$
|
702
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
1,166
|
|
|
|
198
|
|
Contingent consideration
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
11,250
|
|
Related-party payables
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,534
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
2,211
|
|
|
|
13,684
|
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
2,220
|
|
|
|
13,691
|
|
Member's equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member's equity - controlling interest
|
|
|
78,926
|
|
|
|
71,651
|
|
Member's equity - non controlling interest
|
|
|
719
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total liabilities and member's equity
|
|
$
|
81,865
|
|
|
$
|
85,342
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013, the Period from March 15, 2012 through
December 31, 2012, and for our Predecessor for the Year Ended December 31, 2012,
and for the Period from June 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011
|
|
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
|
|
|
Predecessor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 15, 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 1, 2011
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Through
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Through
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
22,392
|
|
|
$
|
619
|
|
|
$
|
12,203
|
|
|
$
|
2,944
|
|
Costs of sales
|
|
|
7,643
|
|
|
|
309
|
|
|
|
3,662
|
|
|
|
503
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
14,749
|
|
|
|
310
|
|
|
|
8,541
|
|
|
|
2,441
|
|
Operating costs and expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
|
|
|
4,084
|
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
|
1,398
|
|
|
|
123
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
3,334
|
|
|
|
2,056
|
|
|
|
477
|
|
|
|
138
|
|
Impairment of facilities
|
|
|
7,804
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Operating income (loss)
|
|
|
(473
|
)
|
|
|
(1,845
|
)
|
|
|
6,666
|
|
|
|
2,180
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
111
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
Gain on reversal of contingent consideration
|
|
|
11,250
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net income (loss) before income tax expense
|
|
|
10,818
|
|
|
|
(1,845
|
)
|
|
|
6,595
|
|
|
|
2,162
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
10,764
|
|
|
|
(1,845
|
)
|
|
|
6,595
|
|
|
|
2,162
|
|
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest
|
|
$
|
10,742
|
|
|
$
|
(1,845
|
)
|
|
$
|
6,595
|
|
|
$
|
2,162
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Consolidated Statement of Member's Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and for our Predecessor for
the Year Ended December 31, 2012 and the Period
from June 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011
|
|
Predecessor
|
|
|
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
|
|
|
|
Member's Equity
|
|
|
Member's Equity
|
|
|
Non-controlling Interest
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Balance, June 1, 2011 (Predecessor Inception)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Capital contributions
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net advances from members
|
|
|
7,003
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
2,162
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Member's equity at December 31, 2011
|
|
|
9,265
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Capital contributions
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Net advances from (distributions to) members
|
|
|
8,907
|
|
|
|
(505
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(505
|
) |
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
6,595
|
|
|
|
(1,845
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(1845
|
) |
Purchase of Predecessor equity
|
|
|
(24,769
|
)
|
|
|
24,769
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
24,769
|
|
Increase in basis of Predecessor net assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
21,961
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
21,961
|
|
Member contributions
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
27,270
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
27,270
|
|
Member's equity at December 31, 2012
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
71,651
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
71,651
|
|
Net advances to member
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(3,467
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(3,467
|
)
|
Sale of member interest in subsidiary
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
697
|
|
|
|
697
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10,742
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
10,764
|
|
Member's equity at December 31, 2013
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
78,926
|
|
|
$
|
719
|
|
|
$
|
79,645
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013, the Period from March 15, 2012 through December 31, 2012,
and for our Predecessor for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
and for the Period from June 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011
|
|
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
|
|
|
Predecessor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 15, 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 1, 2011
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Through
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Through
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
10,764
|
|
|
$
|
(1,845
|
)
|
|
$
|
6,595
|
|
|
$
|
2,162
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
4,084
|
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
|
1,398
|
|
|
|
123
|
|
Impairments of facilities
|
|
|
7,804
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Gain on reversal of contingent consideration
|
|
|
(11,250
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(30
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(549
|
)
|
|
|
(741
|
)
|
|
|
(219
|
)
|
|
|
(1,638
|
)
|
Inventory, prepaid expenses, and other assets
|
|
|
(47
|
)
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
(353
|
)
|
|
|
(125
|
)
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
(408
|
)
|
|
|
255
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
584
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
10,368
|
|
|
|
(2,244
|
)
|
|
|
7,246
|
|
|
|
1,106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of business
|
|
|
(500
|
)
|
|
|
(70,612
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
|
|
(2,640
|
)
|
|
|
(58
|
)
|
|
|
(15,236
|
)
|
|
|
(10,860
|
)
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(3,140
|
)
|
|
|
(70,670
|
)
|
|
|
(15,236
|
)
|
|
|
(10,860
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2,900
|
|
Repayments of debt
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(484
|
)
|
|
|
(102
|
)
|
Contributions from members
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
74,001
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
Net (distributions to) advances from members
|
|
|
(3,467
|
)
|
|
|
(505
|
)
|
|
|
8,907
|
|
|
|
7,003
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(3,467
|
)
|
|
|
73,496
|
|
|
|
8,425
|
|
|
|
9,901
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
3,761
|
|
|
|
582
|
|
|
|
435
|
|
|
|
147
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
582
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
147
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
|
|
$
|
4,343
|
|
|
$
|
582
|
|
|
$
|
582
|
|
|
$
|
147
|
|
Non-cash items:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable excluded from capital expenditures
|
|
$
|
330
|
|
|
$
|
145
|
|
|
$
|
91
|
|
|
$
|
1,828
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2013 and 2012
1. Organization and Operations
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC (“Cypress”) is a Delaware limited liability company, which was formed on March 15, 2012 (Inception) to provide saltwater disposal and other water and environmental services to U.S. onshore oil and natural gas producers and trucking companies. On December 31, 2012, Cypress acquired 100% of the outstanding units of seven North Dakota limited liability companies from SBG Energy Services, LLC (“SBG Acquisition”). These seven companies collectively comprise our predecessor for accounting purposes (“Cypress Energy Partners Predecessor” or the “Predecessor”). These Predecessor entities were formed in 2011 and 2012, with the first being formed on June 1, 2011 (“Predecessor Inception”). Cypress and the Predecessor together are referred to as the Company.
In total, Cypress through its wholly owned subsidiaries owns and operates ten commercial salt water disposal (“SWD”) wells in the Bakken shale region of the Williston basin in North Dakota and in the Permian basin in Texas. All of the facilities are built with redundant equipment, full-time attendants, and remote monitoring to minimize downtime and increase efficiency for peak utilization. These facilities also contain sophisticated oil skimming processes that remove any remaining oil from water delivered to the sites. In addition to its owned wells, Cypress, through its consolidated 51% subsidiary, Cypress Energy Services, LLC (“CES”), has management agreements in place to provide management and staffing services for three additional SWD facilities in the Bakken. CES owns a 25% member interest in one of the managed wells.
The financial statements presented herein include the consolidated balance sheets of Cypress Energy Partners, LLC for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the consolidated statements of operations, member's equity and cash flows for Cypress Energy Partners, LLC for the year ended December 31, 2013 and for the period from Inception through December 31, 2012, and the consolidated statements of operations, members’ equity and cash flows for the Predecessor for the year ended December 31, 2012 and for the period from Predecessor Inception through December 31, 2011.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all investments purchased with initial maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of investments in highly liquid securities. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents reported in the balance sheet approximate fair value.
The cash balances at December 31, 2013, are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250 thousand per financial institution. At times, cash balances may be in excess of the FDIC insurance limit.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
Areas requiring the use of assumptions, judgments, and estimates relate to the amount of expected future cash flows used in determining possible impairments of goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, the determination of fair values associated with the allocation of purchase price in business combinations, and future asset retirement obligations. Certain estimates are inherently imprecise and may change as future information becomes available. Judgments and assumptions used in the Company’s estimate of future cash flows and an asset’s fair value include such matters as the estimation of oil and gas drilling and producing volumes in the markets served, risks associated with the different geological formation zones into which salt water is disposed, expected future disposal rates and commodity prices, capital expenditures, operating costs and appropriate discount rates. The use of alternative judgments and/or assumptions could result in a different outcome.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of land, land improvements, buildings, facilities, wells, and equipment, computer and office equipment, and vehicles. The Company records property and equipment at cost. Costs of renewals and improvements that substantially extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation for these assets is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. Upon retirement or disposition of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gain or losses, if any, reflected in results of operations.
The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows:
Asset Category
|
Life
|
|
|
Land improvements
|
15 years
|
Buildings
|
39 years
|
Facilities, wells, and equipment
|
9-15 years
|
Computer and office equipment
|
3-5 years
|
Vehicles
|
5 years
|
Revenue Recognition
Water disposal and oil revenues are recognized when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Water disposal revenues are based on the Company’s published or negotiated water disposal rates. Customers deliver water to be disposed to facilities and revenue is recognized when actual volumes of water are off-loaded at the facilities. Oil disposal revenues are determined based on published rates subject to adjustments based on the quality of the oil sold and are recognized when actual volumes are delivered to the customer who determines the quality of the oil and collectability is reasonably assured.
Accounts Receivable
The Company disposes of water for customers and sells oil to various customers. Amounts are considered past due after 30 days. The Company determines accounts receivable allowances based on management’s assessment of the creditworthiness of the customers and other collection actions. At December 31, 2013, the Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $121 thousand and recorded bad debt expense of $121 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company had no allowance or bad debt expense recorded prior to 2013. The Company charges interest on past-due balances.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
Inventory
The Company valued its crude oil inventory purchased as part of the Moxie and SBG Acquisitions (see Note 3) at fair value. The Company values its miscellaneous supplies inventory at cost. Miscellaneous supplies are removed on a FIFO basis and purchased crude oil inventory is removed as it is sold. Inventory at December 31, 2013 consisted of $114 thousand in miscellaneous supplies. Inventory at December 31, 2012, consisted of $88 thousand in miscellaneous supplies and $29 thousand in purchased crude oil.
Income Taxes
The Company is a limited liability company. No provision for income taxes is included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Income taxes, if any, for the Company are generally payable by the individual members of the Company. There are no differences between the reported amounts and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The Company is subject to a margin based tax in the state of Texas and recognized $54 thousand in tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no taxes recorded prior to 2013.
The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions for recognition and measurement in the financial statements. To recognize a tax position, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more likely than not threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The amount of tax benefit recognized with respect to any tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company had no uncertain tax positions that required recognition in the financial statements at December 31, 2013 or 2012. Any interest or penalties would be recognized as a component of income tax expense.
Unit-Based Compensation
The cost of employee services received in exchange for equity instruments is measured based on the grant-date fair value of those instruments. That cost is recognized over the requisite service period (often the vesting period) as discussed in Note 9.
Certain members and employees of the Company have been granted incentive units that vest over time and may result in cash payments to the members and employees upon the occurrence of certain payouts defined in the LLC Agreement in conjunction with any merger, sale, or other transaction involving substantially all of the Company’s assets (see Note 9 below). The fair value of such cash payments is measured at the date the incentive units are granted and revalued in each subsequent reporting period. The expense is recognized straight-line over the life of the instrument.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company’s water disposal and oil revenues and related accounts receivable are derived from a variety of customers, including both trucking and exploration and production companies. The ten largest customers of Cypress LLC and the Predecessor combined generated approximately 55% and 73% of the combined revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The ten largest customers generated 96% of the Predecessor's revenues for the period from Predecessor Inception through December 31, 2011.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
For the year ended December 31, 2012, we had two customers, Power Fuels, Inc. and Oxy USA, Inc., that represented 21% and 15% of the consolidated revenues (on a combined basis), respectively. For the period from Predecessor Inception through December 31, 2011, the Predecessor had one customer, Hess Corporation, which represented 66% of consolidated revenues.
If one or more of these customers were to default on their payment obligations, we may not be able to replace any of these customers in a timely fashion, on favorable terms, or at all. Management believes that any credit risk imposed by a concentration in producers and trucking companies in the oil and natural gas industry is offset by the creditworthiness of the Company’s customer base.
Environmental
The Company is subject to extensive federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws regulate the discharge of materials into the environment and may require the Company to mitigate the environmental effects of disposal activities such as the release of petroleum or salt water at various sites. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that have no future economic benefits are accrued when known and estimable. The Company currently has no recorded liabilities for environmental assessments or remediation.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company has obligations under its lease agreements and state and federal regulations to remove equipment and restore land at the end of its salt water disposal operations. Accounting standards require that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made and that the associated asset retirement costs be part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Subsequently, the asset retirement cost included in the carrying amount of the related wells and equipment is charged to expense through depreciation. Changes in the liability due to passage of time are recognized as accretion expense and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the liability. The Company recognizes asset retirement obligations for its salt water disposal operations at the end of the month when disturbance of the ground occurs during the construction of a well. Such obligations consist of future costs, net of recoverable salvage value of tangible equipment, to plug and abandon the salt water disposal wells when the wells permanently cease operations.
The Company estimates the fair value of the asset retirement obligation (ARO) based on discounted cash flow projections using numerous estimates, assumptions, and judgments regarding such factors as the existence of a legal obligation for an ARO; amounts and timing of settlements; the credit-adjusted, risk-free rate to be used; and inflation rates.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
The activity for Cypress for the year ended December 31, 2013 and for the period from Inception through December 31, 2012, is as follows:
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Asset retirement obligation, beginning of period
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Liabilities incurred - acquired wells
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
Liabilities incurred - new wells
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Accretion expense
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Asset retirement obligation, end of period
|
|
$
|
9
|
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
The activity for our Predecessor for the year ended December 31, 2012 and for the period from Predecessor Inception through December 31, 2011, is as follows:
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Asset retirement obligations, beginning of period
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Liabilities incurred – constructed wells
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Accretion expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Asset retirement obligations, end of period
|
|
$
|
5
|
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, related-party receivables and payables, and accounts payable approximate their fair values.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets and liabilities are reported at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values:
Impairments of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews its property and equipment and intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate, in the judgment of the Company’s management that a decline in the recoverability of their carrying value may have occurred. When an indicator of impairment has occurred, the Company compares its estimate of undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets to the carrying value of the assets to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If the estimate of undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset group, the Company determines the amount of the impairment recognized in the financial statements by estimating the fair value of the assets using a discounted cash flow model and recording a loss for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Assets are grouped for impairment purposes at each SWD facility, which includes the well and supporting well equipment and infrastructure, as this represents the lowest level of cash flows associated with the asset group. The Company recorded impairment losses for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaling $7.8 million (see Note 6).
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of the assets and liabilities of businesses acquired.
The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis on November 1st of each year or more frequently as facts and circumstances change, as required by ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). The goodwill impairment test has three steps: a qualitative review and a two-step quantitative method. The preliminary step allows for a qualitative analysis to determine the likelihood of impairment. If the qualitative review results in a more likely than not probability of impairment, the first quantitative step is required. The first step identifies potential impairments by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The fair values are determined based on a combination of valuation techniques including the expected present value of future cash flows, a market multiple approach, and a comparable transaction approach. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the goodwill to fair value. In 2013, certain qualitative factors and judgment were used to determine the likelihood of goodwill impairment for the Company’s one reporting unit. The analysis did not result in an impairment charge. Prior to December 31, 2012, the Company had no goodwill. The Company recognized goodwill of $971 thousand during the year ended December 2013 related to a business combination (see Note 3).
Noncontrolling Interest
As discussed in Note 3, effective October 1, 2013, we own a 51% interest in, and consolidate Cypress Energy Services, LLC (CES). The non-controlling interest shown in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 reflects the 49% membership interest in CES that is owned by SBG Energy Services, LLC. The net income attributable to non-controlling interest shown in our consolidated statement of operations reflects 49% of the net income of CES for the period from acquisition date through December 31, 2013.
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Cypress uses the equity method to account for its investment in an unconsolidated affiliate where it does not have control, but has significant influence. CES holds a 25% interest in Alati Arnegard, LLC which owns an SWD facility in the Bakken. In addition to holding a 25% interest in Alati Arnegard, LLC, CES provides management and staffing services to the facility.
Business Combinations
Accounting guidance defines a business as consisting of inputs and processes applied to those inputs that have the ability to create outputs.
The Company evaluates all potential acquisitions and changes in control to determine whether it has purchased or acquired control of a business as discussed above. If the acquired or new controlled assets meet the definition of a business it is accounted for as a business combination; otherwise it is accounted for as an asset acquisition. The transactions discussed in Note 3 below have been accounted for as business combinations.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
3. Business Combinations
2013 Business Combination
SBG Disposal Contribution
Effective October 1, 2013, SBG Disposal LLC contributed certain assets to CES including certain property and equipment, SWD facility management contracts, including contracts to provide services to Cypress SWD facilities, a 25% interest in Alati Arnegard, LLC and certain working capital in exchange for $500 thousand from available cash on hand and a 49% ownership in CES. In conjunction with the SBG Acquisition discussed below, the Company had previously assigned a fair value of $225 thousand to its option to purchase these assets. The exercise of the option, along with the cash purchase price, totaled $725 thousand. In addition, the 49% interest in CES had a fair value of $697 thousand resulting in total consideration of $1.4 million.
The acquisition qualifies as a business combination and will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, we recognized amounts for identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated acquisition date fair values. The Company used a discounted cash flow model to value the customer relationships and the 25% interest in the SWD facilities and made market assumptions for the estimation of future water to be disposed of as discussed in Note 2. The Company also used an estimate of replacement cost to value the acquired property and equipment. Due to the unobservable nature of the inputs, these estimates of the fair value of the acquired wells are considered Level 3 fair value estimates. The purchase price and assessment of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the SBG Disposal acquisition were as follows:
Fair value of net assets and liabilities:
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$
|
35
|
|
Customer relationships
|
|
|
150
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
971
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
300
|
|
Total assets acquired
|
|
|
1,456
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
35
|
|
Total purchase price
|
|
$
|
1,421
|
|
The customer relationships will be amortized over a five year period.
2012 Business Combinations
Moxie Acquisition
In December 2012, Cypress acquired four commercial salt water disposal wells through two agreements for a total purchase price of approximately $23.9 million, subject to customary adjustments. The acquisitions were funded with available cash from initial member equity contributions. The effective date of the acquisition was December 3, 2012, and the Company took over operations of the wells on December 4, 2012.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
SBG (Predecessor) Acquisition
In December 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests in six operating commercial salt water disposal wells, one under-construction commercial salt water disposal well, and an option to acquire a business and various other rights of first refusal to purchase other businesses and assets from SBG Energy Services, LLC (SBG), including (1) a right of first refusal to purchase all or a portion of the then-issued and outstanding limited liability membership interests of SBG Energy Services, LLC; (2) a right of first refusal to purchase all or a portion of the membership interests of GREnergy LLC, which owns a rail spur and warehouse in Bismarck, North Dakota; (3) a right of first refusal to purchase all or a portion of the then-issued and outstanding limited liability membership interest of Rud Transportation LLC, which owns 25 tractor/trailer units and other equipment; (4) a right of first refusal to purchase all or a portion of SBG’s right, title, and interest in and to any water pipeline construction, development, or acquisition opportunity now or hereafter granted to SBG; (5) a right of first refusal to purchase all or a portion of SBG’s right, title, and interest in and to that certain exclusive, multiyear hot water supply agreement with a customer to purchase and resell water from certain electric generating stations; (6) a right of first refusal to purchase all or a portion of SBG’s right, title, and interest in and to that certain landfill opportunity with a customer related to the development of an unused landfill for disposal of oil field waste; (7) a right of first refusal to purchase all or a portion of SBG’s right, title, and interest in a gas and diesel wholesale venture; and (8) the right to purchase a 51% interest in certain assets of SBG Disposal, LLC for $500.0 thousand, including a 25% percent ownership interest in a limited liability company that owns and operates a salt water disposal well (Purchase Option). The Company assigned a fair value of $225.0 thousand to the Purchase Option which was exercised on October 1, 2013 as discussed above. With the exception of the Purchase Option, the opportunities described above are rights of first refusal to purchase businesses that were not yet operational or were not yet mature, therefore we determined that they had no material value. The total purchase price was approximately $47.3 million, net of customary adjustments. One of these customary adjustments included the requirement of SBG to include $8.2 million for a series of well improvement and construction reserves, which effectively reduced the purchase price. Any future capital obligations related to these SBG well improvements or new SWD facility construction projects are the responsibility of the Company. The acquisition was funded with available cash from member equity contributions. The closing date of the acquisition was December 31, 2012.
The Moxie and SBG Acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations. The Company recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair market values as of the closing dates. The fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Fair value measurements also utilize the following primary assumptions of market participants. To estimate the fair value of the acquired wells, the Company used a discounted cash flow model and made market assumptions for the estimation of future water to be disposed of due to oil and gas drilling and production volumes in the markets served, risks associated with the different zones into which salt water is disposed, expected future disposal rates and commodity prices, capital expenditures, operating costs, and appropriate discount rates. Due to the unobservable nature of the inputs, these estimates of the fair value of the acquired wells are considered Level 3 fair value estimates.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
The purchase price and assessment of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the Moxie and SBG acquisitions were as follows:
|
|
Moxie Acquisition
|
|
|
SBG Acquisition
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Fair value of net assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$
|
288
|
|
|
$
|
2,947
|
|
|
$
|
3,235
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
16,634
|
|
|
|
30,017
|
|
|
|
46,651
|
|
Related-party notes receivable
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
438
|
|
|
|
438
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
6,903
|
|
|
|
26,974
|
|
|
|
33,877
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
225
|
|
|
|
285
|
|
Total assets acquired
|
|
|
23,885
|
|
|
|
60,601
|
|
|
|
84,486
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
|
500
|
|
Related-party notes payable
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,534
|
|
|
|
1,534
|
|
Contingent consideration due sellers
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,250
|
|
|
|
11,250
|
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
Total liabilities assumed
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
13,289
|
|
|
|
13,292
|
|
Total purchase price
|
|
$
|
23,882
|
|
|
$
|
47,312
|
|
|
$
|
71,194
|
|
Contingent consideration was due to sellers based upon the acquired assets meeting certain profitability thresholds for 2013. Management’s initial estimate was that the sellers would be due $11.25 million based upon achieving 50% of their maximum possible results by attaining $12.75 million in 2013 EBITDA (earnings before income taxes, depreciation, and amortization) on the acquired wells. Accordingly, Cypress recorded a liability for the contingent consideration totaling $11.25 million. Based on the actual performance of these wells for 2013 and the forecasted EBITDA for the remainder of the year, management estimated that the financial results would be below the minimum threshold for the seller to earn any contingent consideration. Based on this analysis, the seller and Cypress reached an agreement effective October 30, 2013 to cancel the Class B units issued in conjunction with the transaction. The contingent liability was reversed in full during the second quarter 2013 and is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as a gain on reversal of contingent consideration. The EBITDA forecast is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement.
Intangible assets consist primarily of various 36-month noncompete agreements associated with the Moxie Acquisition to which the Company has assigned a fair value of $60 thousand as well as the $225 thousand Purchase Option discussed above which was contributed to the SBG Disposal acquisition. The noncompete agreements are being amortized ratably over three years.
Goodwill for the Moxie and SBG transactions is measured at cost being the cost in excess of the fair value of identified assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities. The Company believes the locations, synergies created by combining these entities, and the projected future cash flows of the acquired entities merit the recognition of this asset. The goodwill is fully deductible for tax purposes by our member.
The following summarized pro forma consolidated income statement information for the year ended December 31, 2013 presents the pro forma results of operations as if the SBG Disposal acquisition was completed on January 1, 2013. SBG Disposal had minimal operating activities prior to January 1, 2013. The information for the year ended December 31, 2012 presents the combined results of the Company as if the Moxie acquisition occurred on July 1, 2012 (inception of the Moxie wells).
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
|
|
For the Year Ended
December, 31
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
As Reported
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
As Reported
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
22,392 |
|
|
$
|
23,204 |
|
|
$
|
619
|
|
|
$
|
13,699
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
10,764 |
|
|
$
|
10,891 |
|
|
$
|
(1,845
|
)
|
|
$
|
4,383
|
|
These pro forma results are for comparative purposes only and may not be indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisitions been completed on the described dates, or the results that will be attained in the future.
4. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following, recorded at cost, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
Asset Category
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Land
|
|
$
|
2,165
|
|
|
$
|
2,165
|
|
Land improvements
|
|
|
2,794
|
|
|
|
3,662
|
|
Buildings
|
|
|
1,674
|
|
|
|
1,855
|
|
Facilities, wells, and equipment
|
|
|
34,798
|
|
|
|
39,128
|
|
Computer and office equipment
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
Work in progress
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
41,531
|
|
|
|
46,853
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(3,509
|
)
|
|
|
(97
|
)
|
Net property and equipment
|
|
$
|
38,022
|
|
|
$
|
46,756
|
|
Depreciation expense was $4.1 million and $97 thousand for Cypress for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the period from March 15, 2012 through December 31, 2012, and $1.4 million and $123 thousand for the Predecessor for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the period from Predecessor Inception through December 31, 2011, respectively. Additionally, as a result of our impairment analysis we wrote down the value of certain Property & Equipment which resulted in a decrease of accumulated depreciation of $639 thousand. See Note 6 for more information.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
5. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
|
|
|
December 31, 2013
|
|
|
December 31, 2012
|
|
|
Useful
|
|
Gross
Carrying
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
Gross
Carrying
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
Lives
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Customer relationships
|
5 years
|
|
$
|
150
|
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Non-compete agreements
|
3 years
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
Total
|
|
|
$
|
210
|
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
|
$
|
60
|
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
Amortization expense for Cypress in 2013 and 2012 was $26 thousand and $2 thousand, respectively. The Predecessor had no amortization expense in 2012 or 2011.
Future amortization expense of our intangible assets is estimated to be as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ending December 31,
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2014
|
|
$
|
50
|
|
2015
|
|
|
48
|
|
2016
|
|
|
30
|
|
2017
|
|
|
30
|
|
2018
|
|
|
24
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
$
|
182
|
|
6. Impairment of Long-lived Assets
During 2013, the Company recorded impairments on two of its SWD facilities as follows:
Sheridan Facility – The Company’s Sheridan facility began experiencing excess operating pressures during 2013 indicating the possibility of an operational malfunction. Disposal activities were suspended at the facility during the year as the Company diagnosed the issues and developed a repair plan. In addition to the operational issues, the Company has experienced declining revenues and operational losses at the facility due to decreased oil production in proximity to the facility. As a result of these impairment indicators, the Company compared its estimate of undiscounted future cash flows from the facility to the carrying amount of the long-lived assets of the facility, and determined that they were no longer recoverable and were impaired.
Tioga Facility – The Company has experienced declining revenues and operating losses at its Tioga facility since acquiring the facility on December 31, 2012 due to increased competition in proximity to the facility. Given these impairment indicators, the Company compared its estimate of undiscounted future cash flows from the facility to the carrying amount of the long-lived assets of the facility, and determined that they were no longer recoverable and were impaired.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
The Company wrote the Sheridan facility and Tioga facility assets down from their carrying value of $9.3 million to their estimated fair value of $1.5 million and recognized impairments of facilities totaling $7.8 million as a component of operating loss in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company had no impairments of long-lived assets for the year ended December 31, 2012 or for the period from June 1, 2011 (Inception) through December 31, 2011.
The following table shows the impaired assets by asset category:
Asset Category
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land improvements
|
|
$
|
1,033
|
|
Buildings
|
|
|
480
|
|
Facilities, wells, and equipment
|
|
|
6,930
|
|
|
|
|
8,443
|
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(639
|
)
|
Impairment of facilities
|
|
$
|
7,804
|
|
Fair value was determined using expected future cash flows which is a Level 3 input as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurement. The cash flows are those expected to be generated by the market participants, discounted at the Company’s estimated cost of capital. Because of the uncertainties surrounding the repair of the facility and the market conditions, including the Company’s ability to generate and maintain sufficient revenues to operate the facility profitably, our estimate of expected future cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to further adjust our determination of fair value.
7. Fair Value Measurement
The following table presents, by level within the fair value hierarchy, certain of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, related party receivables, accounts payable and related party payables approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Therefore, these assets and liabilities are not presented in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements Using
|
|
|
|
Carrying
Amount
|
|
|
Fair
Value
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
|
|
|
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
|
|
|
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Liabilities at December 31, 2013:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation liabilities
|
|
$
|
71
|
|
|
$
|
71
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
71
|
|
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
8. Credit Agreement
On December 24, 2013, Cypress entered into a $120.0 million secured credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks. The Company is a co-borrower and co-guarantor along with affiliated entities, Cypress Energy Partners, LP, Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC (“CEP-TIR”) and Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC (“TIR”) (together, the “Borrowers“). The Credit Agreement matures on December 24, 2016 and consists of a $65.0 million senior secured working capital revolving credit facility and a $55.0 million senior secured acquisition revolving credit facility. The Credit Agreement has an accordion feature that allows us to increase the available revolving borrowings under the facilities by up to an additional $100.0 million, subject to our receiving increased commitments from existing lenders or new commitments from new lenders and the satisfaction of certain other conditions. At December 31, 2013, there were outstanding borrowings under the agreement of $75.0 million which were recorded at TIR. We had $30.0 million of availability under the acquisition revolving credit facility and $15.0 million of availability under the borrowing base revolving credit facility at December 31, 2013. The obligations under our Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all assets of the Borrowers.
All borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at our option, at (i) a base rate plus a margin of 1.25% to 2.75% per annum or (“Base Rate Borrowing”) (ii) an adjusted LIBOR rate plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.75% per annum (“LIBOR Borrowings”). The applicable margin is determined based on the combined leverage ratio of the Borrowers, as defined in the Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2013, the interest rate in effect on outstanding LIBOR Borrowings was 3.14%, calculated as the weighted average LIBOR rate of 0.225% plus a weighted average margin of 2.92%. There were no Base Rate Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2013. Interest on Base Rate Borrowings is payable monthly. Interest on LIBOR Borrowings is paid upon maturity of the underlying LIBOR contract, but no less often than quarterly. Commitment fees are charged at a rate of 0.50% on any unused credit and payable monthly.
Our Credit Agreement contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictive provisions. Our Credit Agreement also requires maintenance of certain financial covenants, including a combined total adjusted leverage ratio (as defined in our Credit Agreement) of not more than 4.0 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio (as defined in our Credit Agreement) of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. At December 31, 2013, our total adjusted leverage ratio was 0.80 to 1.0 and our interest coverage ratio was 4.88 to 1.0. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, subject to the terms and conditions of our Credit Agreement, the lenders may declare any outstanding principal of our Credit Agreement debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable and may exercise the other remedies set forth or referred to in our Credit Agreement.
In addition, our Credit Agreement restricts our ability to make distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, our equity interests, provided, however, that we may make distributions of available cash so long as, both at the time of the distribution and after giving effect to the distribution, no default exists under our Credit Agreement, the borrowers and the guarantors are in compliance with the financial covenants, the borrowing base (which includes 100% of cash on hand) exceeds the amount of outstanding credit extensions under the working capital revolving credit facility by at least $5.0 million and at least $5.0 million in lender commitments are available to be drawn under the borrowing base revolving credit facility. The combined calculated borrowing base of the Borrowers was $72.1 million at December 31, 2013 which exceeds our maximum availability under the working capital revolving credit facility. Availability under the acquisition revolving credit facility is not subject to a borrowing base calculation. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are due at maturity. If at any time outstanding borrowings under the working capital facility exceed the combined borrowing base of the Borrowers, principal in the amount of the excess is due upon submission of the borrowing base calculation.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
9. Members’ Equity
Class A Units
On March 15, 2012, Cypress and its sole member entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “Agreement”) whereby the sole member of the Company committed $1 thousand in equity contributions for member equity interests in the Company. The sole member committed an additional $74.0 million throughout 2012 for additional member equity interest in the Company to fund acquisitions as well as for general corporate purposes. All of the sole members’ equity contributions were recorded as Class A units. These Class A units are accounted for as equity and recorded in member's equity in the consolidated balance sheets.
Class B Units
As discussed in Note 3 above, all Class B units issued to the seller of SBG were cancelled during the second quarter of 2013.
Class C Units
As discussed in Note 10 below, the Company had issued Class C units in the form of Profits Interests Units to certain employees of the Company. These Class C units had different net profits distribution rights until certain net profits levels are reached, at which time they are treated the same as Class A units. As discussed in Note 10, on December 23, 2013, the Class C unitholders exchanged their units for a membership interest in the sole member of Cypress, Cypress Energy Holdings, LLC (CEH). The Class C Units were effectively cancelled on that date (see Note 10).
Distributions to / Advances from Members
The Company provides treasury and accounts payable services for CEH and other affiliates. Amounts paid on behalf of CEH and its affiliates, net of cash transfers from CEH, are treated as advances to CEH as a component of Member's Equity. Cumulative advances as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $3.5 million and $505 thousand, respectively.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
10. Equity Compensation
Certain employees of the Company are eligible to receive equity-based compensation in the form of Profits Interests Units (also, Class C units) and Phantom Profits Interests Units, collectively Units, under the terms of the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). The fair value of the awards issued is determined based on the fair market value of the shares at each reporting date. The fair market value of the Class C units was determined based upon a fair value model of the Company incorporating market based multiples of EBITDA as well as assumptions about future operating cash flows. The fair value of the Phantom Profits Interests Units was determined using a Black-Scholes call option formula. The fair value is measured at each reporting period and amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and the period from March 15, 2012 through December 31, 2012, the Company recognized $51 thousand and $20 thousand in compensation expense, respectively, related to the LTIP which is recorded in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. There was no LTIP prior to 2012. Activity under the LTIP for 2012 included the grant of 40,000 units at a grant date fair value of $10 per unit. The following table sets forth the grants and forfeitures of Units under the LTIP for the period from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013:
|
|
Units
|
|
|
Weighted Average Reporting Date Fair Value/ Unit
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Units at January 1, 2013
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
$
|
10.54
|
|
Units Granted
|
|
|
93
|
|
|
|
2.64
|
|
Units Vested
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
- |
|
Units Exchanged
|
|
|
(29
|
)
|
|
|
10.54
|
|
Units Forfeited
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
|
10.54
|
|
Units at December 31, 2013
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
$
|
1.74
|
|
The Units vest over a five-year period from the date of grant, with one third vesting at the end of the third year, one third at the end of the fourth year and one third vesting at the end of the fifth year or will vest in full upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Change, as defined in the Agreement. Profits Interests Units participate in distributions; however, for those distributions related to units not yet vested, the distributions are held in escrow until such time as the underlying units vest.
On December 23, 2013, participants in the LTIP with Class C units exchanged the units for a member interest in CEH. There were 29,493 units exchanged. By agreement, the member interest in CEH is subject to the same vesting, forfeiture and other terms and conditions as the Class C units and has the same value as the assigned fair value of the Class C units. Accordingly, the member interest in CEH has been valued based on the valuation of the Class C units. The total compensation expense recorded by the Company under the LTIP includes $38 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $20 thousand for the period from March 15, 2012 through December 31, 2012 associated with the exchanged Class C units.
11. Related-Party Transactions
Cypress reimburses affiliated entities for general and administrative and management labor expenses allocated to us based on the estimated use of such services. The fee includes direct expenses plus an allocation of compensation costs based on employee time expended and other indirect expenses based on estimated usage. Management believes this allocation methodology is a reasonable method of allocating general and administrative expenses and provides for a reasonably accurate depiction of what our general and administrative expenses would be on a stand-alone basis. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred fees for these services totaling $359 thousand and $85 thousand respectively, which are included in general and administrative expense in the statement of operations.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
In 2013, the Company began allocating certain general and administrative expenses including rent and general office expenses to an affiliate. The allocation is recorded as a reduction of general and administrative expenses. Total allocated costs to Cypress Energy Investments were $650 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The Company acquired a related-party receivable and related-party payable at December 31, 2012, of $439 thousand and $1.5 million, respectively, as disclosed in Note 3 above. These amounts relate to truck hauling, management fees, insurance, and other miscellaneous costs incurred prior to the SBG Acquisition with SBG-related entities. These amounts were settled in 2013. Fees and employee costs of $48 thousand were paid to SBG-related entities prior to the sale of the SBG disposal facilities to the Company on December 31, 2012, as described in Note 3 above.
The seller of SBG became a board member of the Company effective December 31, 2012, and he or his employees continue to own several entities with which the Company does business including the following:
SBG Disposal, LLC- Prior to the acquisition of certain management fee contracts by Cypress Energy Services, LLC effective October 1, 2013 (see Note 3), SBG Disposal, LLC provided staffing, management and back office services for the Company’s SWD facilities. SBG Disposal, LLC provided services totaling $2.0 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively and $310.0 thousand for the period from June 1, 2011 (Inception) through December 31, 2011. These costs are included in cost of goods sold. There were no accounts payable to SBG Disposal, LLC at December 31, 2013. Accounts payable to SBG Disposal, LLC at December 31, 2012 are included as a component of the related party payable acquired from SBG Energy Services, LLC at December 31, 2012.
Rud Transportation, LLC (Rud) – Rud is a trucking company that hauls water to the Company’s SWD facilities. Total revenue recognized by the Company from Rud was $1.8 million and $601 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There was no revenue recognized from Rud for the year ended December 31, 2011. In addition, the Company paid Rud $15 thousand in 2012 that was recorded as construction in progress. Accounts receivable from Rud was $396 thousand at December 31, 2013 and is include in related party accounts receivable. Accounts receivable from Rud at December 31, 2012 is included as component of the related party payable acquired from SBG Energy Services, LLC at December 31, 2012.
In addition, the Company made miscellaneous payments to other entities related to our board member which are individually immaterial to our financial statements. For the years-ending December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 the payments were $67 thousand, $61 thousand and $7 thousand respectively.
The Company provides management services to its 25% owned investee company, Alati Arnegard, LLC (Arnegard). Management fee revenue earned from Arnegard totaled $173 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013. In addition to the management fee services, Cypress billed Arnegard $30 thousand for reimbursable costs incurred on behalf of Arnegard. Accounts receivable from Arnegard totaled $203 thousand at December 31, 2013 and is included in related party accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheets.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
12. Commitments and Contingencies
Letters of Credit
The Company has various performance obligations which are secured with short-term security deposits of $500 thousand, included in Other Current Assets on the consolidated balance sheet, and under letters of credit totaling $39 thousand.
Litigation
The Company has not been involved in any litigation during the period from June 1, 2011 (Inception) through December 31, 2013, and did not acquire any known contingent liabilities in connection with the previously discussed acquisitions in Note 3 above.
Leases
The Company entered into three land lease agreements on two operating salt water disposal facilities and one salt water disposal facility under construction in connection with the SBG acquisition discussed in Note 3 above. The leases provided for an initial term of 15 years with one 15-year renewal. The Company also has one office lease in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lease expense under these operating leases was $105 thousand and $27 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013 and for the period from March 15, 2012 through December 31, 2012, respectively.
Our Predecessor had lease expense under the land lease agreement totaling $23 thousand and $9 thousand for 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Minimum annual lease commitments under the current office lease and other operating leases at December 31, 2013, for the following years as follows:
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2014
|
|
$
|
95
|
|
2015
|
|
|
96
|
|
2016
|
|
|
98
|
|
2017
|
|
|
100
|
|
2018
|
|
|
36
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
562
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
987
|
|
13. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through March 31, 2014, which is the date these financial statements were available to be issued.
Initial Public Offering and Restructuring
On January 21, 2014, Cypress Energy Partners, LP (the Partnership) completed an initial public offering of 4,312,500 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership at a price to the public of $20.00 per common unit ($18.70 per common unit, net of underwriting discounts and commissions) which included a 562,500 unit over-allotment option that was exercised by the underwriters (the IPO). At the closing of the IPO, the Company’s sole member conveyed its 100% member interest in the Company to the Partnership in exchange for (a) an aggregate 47.8% interest in the Partnership (0.4% was subsequently conveyed to certain members of management), and (b) the right to receive the proceeds of the IPO.
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
Parties under common control with the Company, conveyed an aggregate 50.1% interest in Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC, Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, LLC.(“TIR-NDE”) and Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC (“TIR Holdings”) (collectively, “the TIR Entities”) to the Partnership in exchange for an aggregate 11.4% ownership in the Partnership. The Partnership subsequently conveyed its interest in the TIR Entities to the Company.
Subsequent to December 31, 2013 but prior to the contribution of the Company to the Partnership, the Company distributed its interest in SBG Sheridan Facility, LLC, which owns and operates a SWD facility in Sheridan, Montana as well as its interest in three other non-operating subsidiaries. The following table shows summarized financial information for the distributed entities:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$
|
95
|
|
|
$
|
800
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
370
|
|
|
|
4,992
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
465
|
|
|
$
|
5,792
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
$
|
21
|
|
|
$
|
197
|
|
ARO liability
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
$
|
22
|
|
|
$
|
198
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
160
|
|
|
$
|
1,357
|
|
Costs of sales
|
|
|
296
|
|
|
|
625
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
(136
|
)
|
|
|
732
|
|
Operating costs and expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
|
|
|
248
|
|
|
|
243
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
Impairment of facilities
|
|
|
4,375
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
(4,800
|
)
|
|
|
414
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
(4,800
|
)
|
|
$
|
396
|
|
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued
December 31, 2013 and 2012
Long-term Incentive Plan
The general partner of the Partnership adopted a long-term incentive plan (“Partnership LTIP”) in connection with the IPO. At the closing of the IPO, these awards previously granted under the Cypress Energy Partners, LLC LTIP were assumed by the Partnership and converted on an equivalent value basis into subordinated or phantom restricted units in the Partnership depending on the type of award. The awards are all currently unvested and will vest in three equal installments on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the respective grant dates. Vesting on the Cypress assumed awards is retroactive to the initial grant date. The awards will be considered for all purposes to have been granted under the Partnership LTIP. The Cypress awards were converted into 44,451 subordinated units and 44,250 restricted units.
Omnibus Agreement
At the closing of the IPO, Cypress, the Partnership and other affiliates entered into an omnibus agreement with Holdings. Among other things, the agreement calls for an annual administrative fee to be paid by the Partnership in the amount of $4.0 million. The fee will be paid in quarterly installments to Holdings for providing the Partnership with certain overhead services, including executive management services by certain officers of our general partner, and compensation expense for all employees required to manage and operate our business. Cypress will be allocated a pro rata portion of the fee based on its gross margin contribution relative to the TIR Entities.
14. Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)
The following table sets forth certain unaudited financial data for each quarter during, 2013 and 2012. The information presented for 2012 includes the combined information of Cypress Energy Partners, LLC and our Predecessor. The unaudited quarterly information includes all normal recurring adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the information shown.
2013
|
|
Quarter Ended,
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
5,433
|
|
|
$
|
5,130
|
|
|
$
|
6,102
|
|
|
$
|
5,727
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
3,720
|
|
|
|
3,259
|
|
|
|
4,150
|
|
|
|
3,620
|
|
Impairment of facilities
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,375
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,429
|
|
Gain on reversal of contingent consideration
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
11,250
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
2,095
|
|
|
|
8,191
|
|
|
|
2,296
|
|
|
|
(1,818
|
)
|
Net income attributable to controlling interest
|
|
|
2,095
|
|
|
|
8,191
|
|
|
|
2,296
|
|
|
|
(1,840
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2012
|
|
Quarter Ended,
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
March 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
September 30,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
2,705
|
|
|
$
|
3,463
|
|
|
$
|
3,014
|
|
|
$
|
3,640
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
2,186
|
|
|
|
2,638
|
|
|
|
2,034
|
|
|
|
1,993 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
1,420
|
|
|
|
2,041
|
|
|
|
1,238
|
|
|
|
51 |
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Members of
Cypress Energy Partners, LLC
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet of Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC, Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, LLC, and Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC (collectively the “TIR Entities”) as of December 31, 2013, and the related combined statements of operations and comprehensive income, members’ equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the TIR Entities’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the TIR Entities’ internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the TIR Entities’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of the TIR Entities at December 31, 2013, and the combined results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
March 31, 2014
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Combined Balance Sheet
December 31, 2013
|
|
2013
|
|
Assets
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
22,369
|
|
Trade accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
57,225
|
|
Deferred tax asset
|
|
|
134
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other
|
|
|
448
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
80,176
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
1,166
|
|
Intangible assets, net
|
|
|
32,369
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
40,618
|
|
Other noncurrent assets
|
|
|
23
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
154,352
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and members' equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
1,643
|
|
Accrued payroll and other
|
|
|
9,482
|
|
Income taxes payable - US
|
|
|
14,989
|
|
Income taxes payable - Canada
|
|
|
1,169
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
27,283
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long term debt
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
Deferred tax liability, net
|
|
|
541
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
102,824
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (footnote 14)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members' equity:
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(112
|
)
|
Members' equity
|
|
|
51,640
|
|
Total members’ equity
|
|
|
51,528
|
|
Total liabilities and members’ equity
|
|
$
|
154,352
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Combined Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
For the year ended December 31, 2013
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inspection service revenues
|
|
$
|
379,890
|
|
Cost of services
|
|
|
344,858
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
35,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,528
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
18,047
|
|
Impairment of intangible asset |
|
|
702 |
|
Operating income
|
|
|
13,755
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income (expense), net
|
|
|
(6,361
|
)
|
Other income (expense), net
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
Income before income tax expense
|
|
|
7,392
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(16,254 |
)
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(8,862
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive loss:
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
(710
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive loss
|
|
$
|
(9,572
|
)
|
See accompanying notes.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Combined Statement of Members’ Equity
For the year ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
|
|
Predecessor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tulsa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, January 1, 2013
|
|
$
|
13,833
|
|
|
$
|
223
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
14,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
953
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,994 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(13,809 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(8,862
|
) |
Stock option expense
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
153
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(598
|
)
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(112 |
) |
|
|
(710
|
)
|
Allocation of net parent investment to its shareholders
|
|
|
(14,849
|
)
|
|
|
375
|
|
|
|
63,617
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
49,143
|
|
Purchases of treasury shares
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(572
|
)
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(572
|
)
|
Tax benefit of stock options exercised over fair market value
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
528
|
|
Company conversion to limited liability company
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(68,229
|
)
|
|
|
572
|
|
|
|
67,657
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
-
|
|
Receivables from affiliate, net
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(2,208
|
)
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(2,208
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2013
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
51,640
|
|
|
$
|
(112
|
)
|
|
$
|
51,528
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Combined Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2013
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Operating activities
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(8,862
|
)
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities -
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,710
|
|
Bad debt expense
|
|
|
269
|
|
Impairment of intangible asset
|
|
|
702
|
|
Deferred tax benefit
|
|
|
(2,464
|
)
|
Interest expense for debt issuance costs and accretion of debt discount
|
|
|
1,940
|
|
Stock option expense
|
|
|
153
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities-
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(19,027
|
)
|
Income taxes payable
|
|
|
16,099
|
|
Other current assets and liabilities
|
|
|
1,808
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(6,672
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(551
|
)
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(551
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Net payments of factoring agreement
|
|
|
(26,592
|
)
|
Purchase of treasury stock
|
|
|
(572
|
)
|
Tax benefit from stock options exercised
|
|
|
681
|
|
Payments of asset purchase agreement
|
|
|
(188
|
)
|
Principal payments on notes payable
|
|
|
(19,756
|
)
|
Payments for debt issuance
|
|
|
(1,436
|
)
|
Proceeds from issuance of long term debt
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
Payments on behalf of affiliate
|
|
|
(2,208
|
)
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
24,929
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effects of exchange rates on cash
|
|
|
(381
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
17,325
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
|
|
|
5,044
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
|
|
$
|
22,369
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest and fees
|
|
$
|
4,329
|
|
Cash paid for income taxes
|
|
$
|
2,076
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
1. |
Organization and Operations |
The Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities (the “Company” or “TIR Entities”), represent the combined financial statements of Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC (“TIR”), a Delaware limited liability company, Tulsa Inspection Resources Nondestructive Examination, LLC (“TIR-NDE”), a Delaware limited liability company, and Tulsa Inspection Resources Holdings, LLC a Delaware limited liability company (“TIR-H”), along with its subsidiaries, Tulsa Inspection Resources-Canada, ULC (“TIR-Canada”) and Foley Inspection Services, ULC (“Foley”), Canadian corporations, which are all entities under the common management of Cypress Energy Partners – TIR, LLC (“CEP-TIR”). The TIR Entities provide inspection services for the construction and maintenance of oil and gas pipelines and related facilities.
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc., (“TIR”) an Oklahoma corporation, was originally formed on July 10, 2003 to provide inspection services for the construction and maintenance of oil and gas pipelines and related facilities.
On June 30, 2009, TIR formed Tulsa Inspection Resources – Canada, Inc. (“TIR – Canada”) to expand operations into Canada. On July 8, 2010, TIR purchased Foley Inspection Services, Inc. (“Foley”) to further increase the Company’s presence in the Canadian market.
On August 10, 2012, the Company incorporated a new subsidiary, Tulsa Inspection Resources – Nondestructive Examination, Inc. (“TIR – NDE”), an Oklahoma Corporation, to provide nondestructive testing services to existing and potential customers. These services are performed by certified technicians who use various examination techniques, including ultrasonic testing, to identify and communicate information related to anomalies in the customer’s pipeline or related facilities.
Our parent company, CEP-TIR and its affiliates owned 44.6 shares (40%) of the Company on January 1, 2013. CEP-TIR and its affiliates obtained control of TIR, TIR-NDE, TIR-Canada and Foley, in a step acquisition on June 26, 2013 by purchasing 26.45 outstanding shares (22%). Following the purchase, CEP-TIR, along with its affiliates, owned 62% of the outstanding shares of the Company. As discussed in Note 3, the share acquisition resulted in a revaluation of the Company’s assets and liabilities to fair value under purchase accounting. Due to the revaluation, the results of operations for the period from January 1, 2013 to June 26, 2013 are referred to as the “TIR Predecessor.”
On October 31, 2013, CEP-TIR and affiliates, as part of the planned conversion of the Company to a limited liability company, made a tender offer to the non-majority shareholders of TIR cash consideration in exchange for their outstanding shares. The offer to purchase the non-majority owned shares expired on December 2, 2013. On December 9, 2013, the majority shareholders approved the conversion and merger of the Company with Tulsa Inspection Resources, LLC, thereby cancelling the remaining non-majority shareholders’ ownership in the Company.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
Also on December 9, 2013, TIR converted the legal structure of TIR-NDE to become a limited liability company and converted the Canadian subsidiaries, TIR-Canada and Foley, from Alberta corporations to Alberta Unlimited Liability Companies.
Subsequent to the conversion, CEP-TIR and its affiliates approved the distribution of ownership interests in TIR-NDE, Foley and TIR-Canada to its members. Following the distribution, CEP-TIR and its affiliates conveyed their ownership units in Foley and TIR-Canada in exchange for unit ownership of TIR-H, a newly formed entity created as a holding company for the Canadian subsidiaries. The purpose of the merger, conversion, distribution and conveyance were to convert the ownership structure of the companies to limited liability entities, whose ownership could be exchanged for units of a master limited partnership.
Subsequent to December 31, 2013, CEP-TIR, and its affiliates, contributed units totaling 50.1% of ownership in each TIR, TIR-NDE and TIR-H to Cypress Energy Partners, L.P., a publicly-traded master limited partnership, in exchange for 929,250 common and 929,250 subordinated units. The common units of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CELP”.
2. |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
Combined Presentation
After the distribution of ownership interest in the TIR Entities to CEP-TIR and its affiliates, TIR no longer had a direct ownership in TIR-NDE, TIR-Canada and Foley. To provide comparable presentation to the Company’s historical consolidated financial statements, the accompanying financial statements include the financial information of the TIR Entities presented on a combined basis as entities under common management and control as this presentation is the most comparable presentation to the historical consolidated financial information of the TIR Entities. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the combined financial statements.
Cash and Equivalents
Cash consists of cash in banking accounts held in the United States and Canada. The Company’s cash balances in the U.S. at December 31, 2013 are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250 thousand per financial institution. The Company’s cash balances in Canada at December 31, 2013 are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) up to $100 thousand per financial institution. At times, cash balances may be in excess of the FDIC or CDIC insurance limits.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of the Company’s combined financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the combined financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Areas requiring the use of assumptions, judgments, and estimates relate to the amount of expected future cash flows used in determining possible impairments of long-lived assets and future retirement obligations. Certain estimates are inherently imprecise and may change as future information becomes available.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisting of field and office equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of these assets is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. Field equipment depreciation is part of the services delivered to the customer and included in cost of services on the combined statement of operations and comprehensive loss. Upon retirement or disposition of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gain or losses, if any, reflected in results of operations.
The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows:
Asset category |
|
Life |
Office equipment
|
|
3 - 7 years
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
1 - 3 years
|
Field equipment
|
|
5 - 7 years
|
Revenue Recognition
Services are performed under contracts with customers, which may be terminated at any time. Generally, inspection services and Company-provided equipment are billed on a per day basis. Service revenue is recognized when the services are provided and collectability is reasonably assured.
Accounts Receivable
The Company provides inspection services to relatively few customers. Customer relationships are generally long-term and we have a good collection history. The Company determines accounts receivable allowances based on management’s assessment of the creditworthiness of the customers and other collection actions. Trade receivables are written off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received. The Company had an allowance of $110 thousand at December 31, 2013 and recorded bad debt expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 of $269 thousand.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
The Company does not typically charge interest on past due trade receivables and does not require collateral for its trade receivables.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired on the date of acquisition. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortized, but is evaluated annually as of November 1 for impairment, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
Our evaluation of goodwill impairment includes an assessment of events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If so, we further compare our estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the fair value of that goodwill, an impairment is recognized in the amount of the excess.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of trade names and trademarks, customer relationships and inspector database. Separate intangible assets that are not determined to have an indefinite life are amortized over their useful lives.
The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of the intangible assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of these assets may not be recoverable. In performing the review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets. Should the value of the intangible assets be impaired, we will reduce the carrying value and subsequent useful life of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss, if impairment exists, is calculated based on the excess of the carrying amounts of the assets over their estimated fair value, computed using discounted cash flows.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
The estimated useful lives of intangibles are as follows:
Customer relationships
|
|
20 years
|
Trade names and trademarks
|
|
10 years
|
Inspector database
|
|
10 years
|
Income Taxes
TIR, TIR-NDE, and TIR-H are organized as pass-through entities for U.S. federal tax purposes. As a result, the corresponding members of these entities are responsible for U.S. federal income taxes based on their respective share of taxable income. Net income for financial purposes may differ significantly from taxable income reported to members as a result of differences between the tax bases and the financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities.
The Canadian subsidiaries owned by TIR-H are subject to Canadian taxes. As such, these entities apply the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, income taxes are provided for all items included in its statement of operations, regardless of the period when such items will be reported for tax purposes. Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences, principally relating to depreciation, amortization and provisions for losses. Management provides a valuation allowance against deferred asset amounts which are not considered more-likely-than-not to be realized. There was no valuation allowance at December 31, 2013.
Income tax expense reported includes the combined income taxes for TIR Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2013 through June 26, 2013, as well as the combined income taxes for the period from June 27, 2013 through December 31, 2013.
The Company evaluates uncertain tax positions for recognition and measurement in the financial statements. To recognize a tax position, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation, based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more likely than not threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The amount of tax benefit recognized with respect to any tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Any interest or penalties would be recognized as a component of income tax expense. The Company had no uncertain tax positions that required recognition in the financial statements as of December 31, 2013. The years ending December 31, 2010 through 2013 are open tax years that have not been examined by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Company operates in both the US and Canada in a single line of business as the Company’s customers operate oil and gas pipelines and related facilities. Our three largest customers, Enbridge, Enterprise and DCP Midstream generated approximately 53% of our inspection revenue billed in 2013, contributing revenues of 26%, 17% and 10%, respectively. In addition, two customers accounted for approximately 50% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2013. If one or more of these customers were to default on their payment obligations, we may not be able to replace any of these customers in a timely fashion, on favorable terms, or at all. Management believes that any credit risk imposed by a concentration in producers in the oil and natural gas industry is offset by the creditworthiness of the Company’s customer base.
The assets and liabilities of TIR-Canada and Foley are denominated in the Canadian dollar. The net liabilities of the two Canadian divisions total approximately $1.3 million at December 31, 2013.
Fair Value Measurement
The Company utilizes fair value measurements to measure assets in a business combination or assess impairment of properties, equipment intangible assets and goodwill. Fair value is the amount received from the sale of an asset or the amount paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (an exit price) at the measurement date. Fair value is a market-based measurement considered from the perspective of a market participant. The Company uses market data or assumptions that it believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or unobservable. The Company applies both market and income approaches for fair value measurements using the best available information while utilizing valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
|
• |
Level 1—Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that management has the ability to access. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. |
|
• |
Level 2—Inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable. These inputs are either directly observable in the marketplace or indirectly observable through corroboration with market data for substantially the full contractual term of the asset or liability being measured. |
|
• |
Level 3—Inputs that are not observable for which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability being measured. These inputs reflect management’s best estimate of the assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value. |
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
Foreign Currency Translation
The reporting currency is the US dollar. Non-US dollar denominated monetary items are translated into US dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-US dollar denominated non-monetary items are translated to US dollars at the exchange rate in effect when the transactions occur. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate in effect during the period. Foreign exchange gains or losses on translation are included in other comprehensive income.
Share Based Compensation
Certain employees of TIR were granted long-term incentive compensation awards under the 2011 Stock Option Plan, which consisted of grants of non-statutory stock options to employees that vest over a specific service period. The Company accounts for share-based compensation at fair value and records compensation costs over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. As each award vests, adjustments are made to compensation costs for any difference between estimated forfeitures and the actual forfeitures related to the awards. The fair value of the option awards is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model takes into account certain variables, which are explained further in Note 13.
Our parent company, CEP-TIR and its affiliates, obtained control of TIR, TIR-NDE, TIR-Canada and Foley, in a step acquisition on June 26, 2013 by purchasing 26.45 outstanding shares (22%) of the Company for $11.9 million, increasing the ownership of CEP-TIR and its affiliates, from 40% to 62%. This acquisition of control on June 26, 2013 qualifies as a business combination by CEP-TIR and therefore the assets and liabilities were recorded at their fair value in the records of CEP-TIR as the Company was not a wholly-owned subsidiary. The fair value is the price that would be received in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
From June 26, 2013 to October 30, 2013, CEP-TIR made several private purchases of outstanding shares of the Company.
On October 31, 2013, in an attempt to purchase the remaining ownership of the Company, CEP-TIR offered the remaining non-majority shareholders cash consideration of $451 thousand per share for their outstanding shares. The offer for shares expired on December 2, 2013 with 32.9 shares (28%) of the Company still not owned by CEP-TIR and its affiliates. Subsequently, on December 9, 2013, the majority shareholders of TIR, as part of the planned conversion of the Company to a limited liability company, approved a merger into TIR, LLC, at which time the non-majority shareholders outstanding shares were cancelled. As part of the merger agreement, CEP-TIR assumed the liability to pay the remaining non-majority shareholders of TIR cash consideration of $451 thousand per share, plus interest, in exchange for their cancelled shares. In addition, the Company paid approximately $379 thousand in legal and other professional fees associated with the transactions, which are included in general and administrative expenses on the combined statement of operations and comprehensive loss. After the conversion, CEP-TIR and its affiliates, controlled 100% of the outstanding units of TIR and therefore, the fair value of the assets and liabilities recorded by CEP-TIR on June 26, 2013 were pushed down to the Company as of June 26, 2013, the date that CEP-TIR originally obtained control.
The Company used various measurements to determine fair value including replacement costs, liquidation values, future cash flows on a discounted basis, payoff values, average industry royalty rates, among other measurements. Due to the unobservable nature of these assumptions, these fair value measurements are considered to be Level 3 fair value estimates.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
The purchase price and assessment of the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the Company as of June 26, 2013 were as follows:
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities as of June 26, 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
10,108
|
|
Other working capital, net
|
|
|
33,990
|
|
Fixed assets
|
|
|
1,075
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
|
|
Trade names and trademarks
|
|
|
10,850
|
|
Inspector database
|
|
|
2,080
|
|
Customer relationships
|
|
|
21,380
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
40,638
|
|
Total fair value of assets acquired
|
|
|
120,121
|
|
Mezzanine debt
|
|
|
(19,756
|
)
|
Factoring debt
|
|
|
(36,748
|
)
|
Total liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(56,504
|
)
|
Net assets and liabilities as of June 26, 2013
|
|
$
|
63,617
|
|
The fair value of the cash, working capital, fixed assets and debts matched their estimated carrying value as of June 26, 2013. The fair value of the Company’s Trade Names and Trademarks and Customer Relationships were determined by applying a discounted cash flow model to the future estimated revenues generated from these assets. The asset values are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of ten and twenty years, respectively. The fair value of the Inspector Database was determined using a replacement cost approach. The Inspector Database is being amortized over its remaining useful life of 10 years. Goodwill is measured at fair value in excess of identified assets and liabilities at the date of the business combination. Fair value is determined primarily by the recent price of the Company shares, which were traded in private transactions between affiliated and non-affiliated parties. The Company believes its locations, synergies and the future cash flows associated with the businesses merit the recognition of this asset. The goodwill is allocated to the Company’s reporting units and tested annually for impairment and, subsequent to the Company’s December 9, 2013 conversion and associated step up in tax basis, is fully deductible for tax purposes by our members.
As a result of the new basis of our underlying assets and liabilities, we refer to our results of operations and cash flows for the period from January 1, 2013 to June 26, 2013 as TIR Predecessor. The following shows the results of operations and cash flows contributed by TIR Predecessor and those contributed after the new basis of accounting was established (referred to as “TIR Combined” and in total) as disclosed in our statement of operations and comprehensive loss and statement of cash flows:
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TIR Predecessor
|
|
|
TIR Combined
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
|
January 1 through
|
|
|
June 27 through
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
June 26, 2013
|
|
|
December 31, 2013
|
|
|
December 31, 2013
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inspection service revenues
|
|
$
|
152,989
|
|
|
$
|
226,901
|
|
|
$
|
379,890
|
|
Cost of services
|
|
|
138,515
|
|
|
|
206,343
|
|
|
|
344,858
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
14,474
|
|
|
|
20,558
|
|
|
|
35,032
|
|
General and administrative expense
|
|
|
8,872
|
|
|
|
9,175
|
|
|
|
18,047
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense
|
|
|
1,201
|
|
|
|
1,327
|
|
|
|
2,528
|
|
Impairment of intangible asset |
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
702 |
|
|
|
702 |
|
Operating income
|
|
|
4,401
|
|
|
|
9,354
|
|
|
|
13,755
|
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income (expense), net
|
|
|
(2,379
|
)
|
|
|
(3,982
|
)
|
|
|
(6,361
|
)
|
Other, net
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
Income before income tax expense
|
|
|
2,024
|
|
|
|
5,368
|
|
|
|
7,392
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(1,071
|
)
|
|
|
(15,183
|
)
|
|
|
(16,254
|
)
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
953
|
|
|
$
|
(9,815
|
)
|
|
$
|
(8,862
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive loss:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
(598
|
)
|
|
|
(112
|
)
|
|
|
(710
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
$
|
355
|
|
|
$
|
(9,927
|
)
|
|
$
|
(9,572
|
)
|
Statement of Cash Flows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TIR Predecessor
|
|
|
TIR Combined
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
|
January 1 through
|
|
|
June 27 through
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
|
June 26, 2013
|
|
|
December 31, 2013
|
|
|
December 31, 2013
|
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
$
|
(4,205
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2,467
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6,672
|
)
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(241
|
)
|
|
|
(310
|
)
|
|
|
(551
|
)
|
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
9,802
|
|
|
|
15,127
|
|
|
|
24,929
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effects of exchange rates on cash
|
|
|
(291
|
)
|
|
|
(90
|
)
|
|
|
(381
|
)
|
Net increase in cash
|
|
|
5,065
|
|
|
|
12,260
|
|
|
|
17,325
|
|
Cash at beginning of period
|
|
|
5,044
|
|
|
|
10,109
|
|
|
|
5,044
|
|
Cash at end of period
|
|
$
|
10,109
|
|
|
$
|
22,369
|
|
|
$
|
22,369
|
|
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
4. |
Trade Accounts Receivable |
Accounts receivable consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade accounts receivable
|
|
$
|
57,228
|
|
Other employee advances
|
|
|
107
|
|
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
(110
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade accounts receivable, net
|
|
$
|
57,225
|
|
An allowance for uncollectible accounts is provided based on management’s evaluation of outstanding accounts receivable. Amounts are written off against the allowance when collectability is no longer probable. Following is a summary of the valuation account:
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of period
|
|
$
|
(47
|
)
|
Additions charged to general and administrative expense
|
|
|
(269
|
)
|
Amounts written off, net of recoveries
|
|
|
206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of period
|
|
$
|
(110
|
)
|
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
5. |
Property and Equipment |
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office equipment
|
|
$
|
471
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
93
|
|
Software
|
|
|
273
|
|
Field equipment
|
|
|
537
|
|
|
|
|
1,374
|
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(208
|
)
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
1,166
|
|
Depreciation expense totaled $397 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013, including field equipment depreciation expense of $182 thousand, which was included as part of Cost of services. Depreciation expense for TIR-Predecessor was $186 thousand for the period end June 26, 2013. Foreign currency translation for accumulated depreciation was $3 thousand for the period ending December 31, 2013.
Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
Gross Value
|
|
|
Accumulated Amortization
|
|
|
Net Value
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer relationships
|
|
$ |
21,360
|
|
|
$
|
(547
|
)
|
|
$
|
20,813
|
|
Trademarks and trade names
|
|
|
10,135
|
|
|
|
(553
|
)
|
|
|
9,582
|
|
Inspector database
|
|
|
2,080
|
|
|
|
(106
|
)
|
|
|
1,974
|
|
Total intangibles
|
|
$
|
33,575
|
|
|
$
|
(1,206
|
)
|
|
$
|
32,369
|
|
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
During the year, the Company determined that one of its trade names had been impaired and identified that the fair value of the trade name, using an undiscounted cash flow model, was less than its carrying amount. A $702 thousand adjustment was made to reduce the carrying value of the trade name to its fair value. The fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow model applied to the expected royalty values generated from the use of the trade name. Management estimates of the future royalties associated with the use of the trade name were based on forecasted total revenues. Actual results could vary as much as fifty percent from these estimates, which could have a further impact on the fair value of the trade name. The impairment loss is included in the impairment of intangible asset caption on the Combined Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
The Company recognized $2.3 million in amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Estimated amortization of intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter is as follows at December 31, 2013:
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
$
|
2,339
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2,339
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2,281
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2,281
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2,282
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
20,847
|
|
|
|
$
|
32,369
|
|
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
The following is a summary of changes in Goodwill during the year:
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TIR
|
|
|
TIR-NDE
|
|
|
TIR-H
|
|
|
Combined
|
|
Goodwill - January 1, 2013
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,186
|
|
|
$
|
1,186
|
|
Allocation of parent investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to members (See Note 3)
|
|
|
33,579
|
|
|
|
5,260
|
|
|
|
677
|
|
|
|
39,516
|
|
Foreign currency translation
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(84
|
)
|
|
|
(84 |
)
|
Goodwill - December 31, 2013
|
|
$
|
33,579
|
|
|
$
|
5,260
|
|
|
$
|
1,779 |
|
|
$
|
40,618
|
|
The Company leases office space in the U.S. in Oklahoma, Texas and California and also leases office space in Calgary, Alberta. The leases expire from 2014 through 2018. Some leases require stipulated rent increases annually. The Company has the option to extend the lease expiring in 2014 for an additional three years. The Company also leases office equipment under operating lease agreements which expire between 2015 and 2018. The Company recognizes rent expense for all operating leases on a straight-line basis in equal amounts over the lease term.
The Company has subleased an existing office lease which expires in 2014. The expected future payments received under this non-cancellable sublease total $78 thousand as of December 31, 2013. Sublease payments are offset against rent expense when received.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
Rent expense, net totaled $569 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013. Minimum annual lease commitments under the current operating leases at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2014
|
|
$
|
519
|
|
2015
|
|
|
373
|
|
2016
|
|
|
316
|
|
2017
|
|
|
225
|
|
2018
|
|
|
91
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,524
|
|
9. |
Obligation Under Factoring Agreement |
On February 29, 2012, the Company entered into a $25.0 million factoring agreement with a bank which was to expire on March 1, 2015. The $25.0 million agreement was allocated between separate Canadian and U.S. facilities, with the Canadian borrowings limited to no more than $7.5 million of the combined amount. The bank factored trade accounts receivable invoices at a 90% advance rate and deposited the funds into the Company’s operating account. The bank charged interest on factored receivables at an annualized rate of LIBOR plus 4.75% on U.S. invoices and Canadian Dealer Offered Rate (“CDOR”) plus 5.3% on Canadian invoices, for the duration the invoice remained financed. In addition to interest charges, the agreement called for a facility renewal fee of 0.50% charged annually.
On September 6, 2012, April 11, 2013, and August 20, 2013, the factoring agreement with the bank was amended to increase the facility size to $30.0 million, $40.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively. In addition, the April 11, 2013 amendment reduced the interest rate charged on factored receivables to an annualized rate of LIBOR plus 4.0% on US invoices and Canadian Dealer Offered Rate (“CDOR”) plus 4.55% on Canadian invoices.
On December 5, 2013, the Company executed an amendment to the factoring agreement whereby the bank assigned the obligations owed under the factoring agreement to TIR Capital Partners, LLC (“TIR-Capital”), an affiliated company, in exchange for full payment of the outstanding balances and interest owed under the agreements from TIR-Capital along with a one-time fee of $750 thousand, and associated attorney’s fees of $73 thousand, charged to the Company. The interest rate and maturity date under the assigned factoring agreement remained unchanged. In connection with the amendment, the Company also executed a new $50.0 million term note with TIR-Capital, whereby the Company could borrow funds based on the collateral value of its receivables, rather than borrowing funds through factoring invoices. During 2013, the weighted average interest rate on factored receivables was 4.8%.
On December 24, 2013, the Company entered into a new lending agreement (see Note 10), paying off the balance owed on the $50.0 million term note and terminating the factoring agreement. The Company wrote off to interest expense $1.2 million of previously capitalized debt issue costs associated with the termination of the factoring agreement.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
On March 12, 2009, the Company entered into a loan agreement with various lenders for Senior Subordinated Notes (“Notes I”) in the aggregate sum of $17.0 million due March 12, 2014. The Notes bore interest at 14% annually, and the Company was only required to make monthly interest payments until the notes mature in 2014. The Notes were secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company. Additionally, the Company was subject to certain financial covenants including a maximum debt to EBITDA ratio (the “Funded Leverage Ratio”), a minimum EBITDA to principal and interest expense ratio (the “Fixed Charge Ratio”), a maximum capital expenditure amount and a minimum EBITDA amount.
On July 8, 2010, the Company executed an amendment to the loan agreement whereby all of the financial covenants were amended and restated beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2010 and a new covenant of a maximum net funded debt to EBITDA ratio (the “Net Funded Leverage Ratio”) was added to the agreement. The provisions of all covenants were met by the Company during 2013.
On July 8, 2010, the Company entered into a loan agreement with the same group of lenders for a second set of Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Notes II”) in the aggregate sum of $2.8 million due March 12, 2014. The Notes II bore interest at 17.5% annually, and the Company was only required to make monthly interest payments until the Notes mature in 2014. The Notes II were also secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and subject to the same financial covenants as Notes I.
The Company issued warrants in connection with Notes I and Notes II which were treated as a discount on the debt (see Note 11). Accretion expense was recognized over the life of the loan using the effective interest method. The warrants were cancelled on December 9, 2013. The Company recognized accretion expense of $520 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2013 which is included in interest expense in the combined statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
On October 11, 2013, in connection with the sale of warrants to CEP-TIR, the Company executed the an amendment to the Notes I and Notes II loan agreements, whereby in exchange for extending the loan maturity to June 1, 2015 along with certain modifications to the change of control definitions, the Company agreed to amend the interest rates of Notes I and Notes II to 16% and 19.5%, respectively. The increased interest rates would take effect on March 13, 2014.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
On November 7, 2013, the Company executed an Assignment and Assumption Agreement between the group of lenders and TIR-Capital, whereby the Senior Subordinated Notes I and II were assigned to TIR-Capital. A one-time repayment charge of $225 thousand and associated attorney’s fees of $81 thousand were charged to the Company in connection with the transfer. On December 24, 2013, the Company entered into a new lending agreement, paying off the principal and interest amounts owed on Notes I and Notes II and terminating the associated lending agreements. The Company wrote off to interest expense $287 thousand of previously capitalized debt issue costs associated with the termination of the lending agreements.
On December 24, 2013, the Company, along with its affiliates CEP-TIR, Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. (“Cypress LP”) and Cypress Energy Partners, LLC (“Cypress LLC”) (collectively, the “Borrowers”), entered into a $120 million secured credit agreement with Deutsche Bank and BMO acting as arrangers. The credit agreement matures on December 24, 2016 and consists of a $65.0 million senior secured working capital revolving credit facility and a $55.0 million senior secured acquisition revolving credit facility. Under this credit agreement, which we refer to as our “credit agreement,” Cypress LLC, Cypress LP, and CEP TIR are co-borrowers and co-guarantors with us. The credit agreement has an accordion feature that allows us to increase the available revolving borrowings under the facilities by up to an additional $100.0 million, subject to our receiving increased commitments from existing lenders or new commitments from new lenders and the satisfaction of certain other conditions. At December 31, 2013 we had $30.0 million available under the $55.0 million senior secured acquisition revolving credit facility and $15.0 million available under our $65.0 million senior secured borrowing base revolving credit facility. The obligations under our credit agreement are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all assets of the Borrowers.
We used borrowings under our credit agreement to repay and retire the outstanding indebtedness under the factoring agreement (Note 9) and Notes I and Notes II as well as to fund income tax payments associated with the Company’s conversion from a taxable corporation to a limited liability company. We intend to use the remaining borrowing capacity to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and for general partnership purposes.
All borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest, at our option, at (i) a base rate plus a margin of 1.25% to 2.75% per annum (“Base Rate Borrowings”) or (ii) an adjusted LIBOR rate plus a margin of 2.25% to 3.75% per annum (“LIBOR Borrowings”). The applicable margin is determined based on the combined leverage ratio of the Borrowers, as defined in the credit agreement. At December 31, 2013, the interest rate in effect on outstanding LIBOR Borrowings was 3.14%, calculated as the LIBOR rate of 0.225% plus a margin of 2.92%. There were no Base Rate Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2013. Interest on Base Rate Borrowings is payable monthly. Interest on LIBOR Borrowings is paid upon maturity of the underlying LIBOR contract, but no less often than quarterly. Commitment fees are charged at a rate of 0.50% on any unused credit and payable monthly. Our credit agreement contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants and restrictive provisions. Our credit agreement also requires maintenance of certain financial covenants, including a combined total adjusted leverage ratio (as defined in our credit agreement) of not more than 4.0 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio (as defined in our credit agreement) of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. At December 31, 2013, our total adjusted leverage ratio was 0.80 to 1.0 and our interest coverage ratio was 4.88 to 1.0.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
In addition, our credit agreement restricts our ability to make distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, our equity interests, provided however, that we may make distributions of available cash so long as, both at the time of the distribution and after giving effect to the distribution, no default exists under our credit agreement, the borrowers and the guarantors are in compliance with the financial covenants, the borrowing base (which includes 100% of cash on hand) exceeds the amount of outstanding credit extensions under the working capital revolving credit facility by at least $5.0 million and at least $5.0 million in lender commitments are available to be drawn under the borrowing base revolving credit facility. Our calculated borrowing base was $72.1 million at December 31, 2013 which exceeds our maximum availability under the working capital revolving credit facility. Availability under the acquisition revolving credit facility is not subject to a borrowing base calculation.
In addition, our credit agreement contains events of default customary for facilities of this nature. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, subject to the terms and conditions of our credit agreement, the lenders may declare any outstanding principal of our credit agreement debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable and may exercise the other remedies set forth or referred to in our credit agreement.
The Company executed an Asset Purchase Agreement with a new employee on September 4, 2012 totaling $250 thousand. The Asset Purchase Agreement specifies four payments of $63 thousand to be paid quarterly beginning December 1, 2012.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
The following table reflects the changes in long term debt during the year:
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
January 1,
|
|
|
Net borrowings or
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
repayments
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior subordinated Notes I (14% interest rate)
|
|
$
|
17,000
|
|
|
$
|
(17,000
|
)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Senior subordinated Notes II (17.5% interest rate)
|
|
|
2,756
|
|
|
|
(2,756
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Unamortized debt discount on Notes I and II
|
|
|
(520
|
)
|
|
|
520
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset purchase agreement
|
|
|
188
|
|
|
|
(188
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Acquisition revolving credit facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Libor plus margin (3.6% at December 31, 2013)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Borrowing base revolving credit facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Libor plus margin (3.0% at December 31, 2013)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
Total long term debt
|
|
$
|
19,424
|
|
|
$
|
55,576
|
|
|
$
|
75,000
|
|
Aggregate maturities of debt at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2014
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
2015
|
|
|
-
|
|
2016
|
|
|
75,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
75,000
|
|
In connection with the Senior Subordinated Notes I and Notes II (see Note 10) on March 12, 2009, and July 8, 2010, the Company issued warrants to the lenders for 23.75 and 2.21 shares of common stock at $0.01 per share, respectively. The warrants expire ten years from the date of issuance. The Company estimated the fair value of the warrants to be $977 thousand using an EBITDA multiple pricing model.
On October 11, 2013, CEP-TIR entered into an agreement with the lenders to purchase the 25.96 outstanding warrants along with other shares owned by the lenders and the Notes I and Notes II (see Note 10). Following the purchase of warrants by CEP-TIR, the warrants remained un-exercised and were cancelled upon the conversion of the Company to a limited liability company.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
TIR, TIR-NDE and TIR-H are pass through entities for federal income tax purposes. As such, the balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 contains no deferred tax assets or liabilities related to these entities. TIR-H owns two Canadian subsidiaries, Foley and TIR-Canada, which are also pass through entities for U.S. tax purposes but taxable corporations for Canadian tax purposes. The deferred tax assets and liabilities related to the Canadian entities consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Current deferred tax asset:
|
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
28
|
|
Canadian net operating loss
|
|
|
105
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
134
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current deferred tax asset (liability):
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
(544
|
)
|
Total
|
|
$
|
(541
|
)
|
From January 1, 2013 to December 9, 2013, the Company operated as a taxable corporation. On December 9, 2013, the majority shareholders of TIR approved the conversion of the legal structure of the Company from a state law corporation to a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). The purpose of the conversion was to change the structure of equity ownership to units of an LLC, to allow for pass-through tax treatment when the ownership was to be exchanged for units in the January 21, 2014 initial public offering of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P.
As part of the conversion, the Company recognized a one-time tax provision of $15.0 million associated with the gain on the deemed sale of the Company. To calculate the gain on conversion, the Company determined the fair value of the assets and liabilities as of the date of conversion. The Company used various measurements to determine fair value including estimating replacement costs, liquidation values, future cash flows on a discounted basis, payoff values, average industry royalty rates, among other measurements. Due to the unobservable nature of the assumptions used in the valuation analysis, these fair value measurements are considered to be Level 3 fair value estimates. The resulting fair value of the Company was used as the hypothetical proceeds under the deemed sale at conversion and the tax provision was calculated on the resulting gain. The tax expense associated with the conversion of the Company on December 9, 2013 is included in income tax expense on the combined statement of operations and comprehensive loss and income taxes payable - US on the combined balance sheet.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
The Canadian net operating loss has an expiration of 2025 and as such, the Company has made no provision against this deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2013. The Company also periodically becomes eligible for specific tax credits which are utilized by the Company when received.
Significant components of the income tax expense (benefit) are as follows at December 31:
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Current expense:
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
15,743
|
|
State
|
|
|
2,576
|
|
Canadian
|
|
|
290
|
|
Total current expense
|
|
|
18,609
|
|
Deferred expense (benefit):
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
(1,662
|
)
|
State
|
|
|
(417
|
)
|
Canadian
|
|
|
(276
|
)
|
Total deferred expense (benefit)
|
|
|
(2,355
|
)
|
Income tax expense
|
|
$
|
16,254
|
|
The following table summarizes the differences between the U.S. federal rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for financial statement purposes for the period which the Company operated as a taxable corporation:
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statutory tax rate
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
Income not subject to federal taxes
|
|
|
2.5
|
%
|
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefits
|
|
|
11.3
|
%
|
Tax credits and exclusions
|
|
|
(3.8
|
%)
|
Tax on conversion of Company to LLC
|
|
|
174.4
|
%
|
Other, including Canada income taxes
|
|
|
0.5
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company's effective tax rate
|
|
|
219.9
|
%
|
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
13.
|
Share based compensation
|
On January 1, 2011, the Company executed the Stock Option Plan to allow certain share based compensation to be issued to employees, non-employee directors and contractors. Under the plan, the Company may award up to 14 shares of common stock from authorized unissued shares or shares held in treasury. At the discretion of the administrator of the Stock Option Plan, employees, non-employee directors and consultants may be granted awards in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options or restricted shares, any of which may be service, market or performance based awards.
Total recognized compensation expense related to the non-qualified stock options issued was $153 thousand during 2013. The Company recognizes compensation costs, net of a forfeiture rate, at the grant date fair value as the options become vested. The non-qualified options granted to employees during 2011 were scheduled to vest over a three year period based on the Company achieving a minimum EBITDA target and the employee continuing to remain employed with the Company, unless a liquidation event occurs, at which time all of the remaining unvested portion of the options outstanding become vested.
During the fourth quarter, the board authorized the vesting of certain management options. Management opted to execute the vested options using a cashless exercise, net of employee owed taxes, after which the issued shares were subsequently sold to CEP-TIR. The Company paid the employee taxes owed of $572 thousand, recording the payment as a purchase of treasury shares. The shares were purchased from the employees at their estimated fair value, which was determined based on several factors including the average price of recent share transactions between affiliated and non-affiliated parties. The employees recognized compensation expense for the excess of the fair value of the shares received over the price paid for the shares, totaling $1.75 million. The tax benefit associated with the employee compensation totaled $702 thousand, of which $174 thousand was included in the 2013 tax provision, offsetting the cumulative tax benefit from compensation expense previously recorded by the Company. The remaining $528 thousand, representing the additional tax benefit above the tax benefit from options previously expensed by the Company, is included as a reduction of equity. Additionally, certain management options were forfeited as a result of the conversion of the Company on December 9, 2013.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
Option activity and changes during the year were as follows:
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
Quantity
|
|
|
Intrinsic Value
|
|
|
|
(in shares)
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at January 1
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
$ |
2,450
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
(1,750
|
)
|
Forfeited or expired
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
(700
|
)
|
Outstanding at December 31
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$ |
-
|
|
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $1.75 million and the tax benefit realized was $702 thousand.
The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value the non-qualified options issued. During January 2011, the Company granted 7 options to purchase common stock to certain employees. The table below presents the weighted average value and assumptions used in determining each option’s fair value during 2011. Volatility was determined using the calculated method by taking an average of the historical volatility of comparable public companies’ common share price.
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise price
|
|
$
|
101,834
|
|
Weighted average fair value of underlying shares
|
|
$
|
101,834
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
|
2.74
|
%
|
Expected life in years
|
|
|
7
|
|
Expected volatility
|
|
|
47.51
|
%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
|
|
-
|
|
14.
|
Commitments and Contingencies
|
The Company has employment agreements with certain of its executives. The executive employment agreements are effective for a term of two-to-five years from the commencement date, after which time they will continue on an “at-will” basis. These agreements provide for minimum annual compensation, adjusted for annual increases as authorized by the Board of Directors, as well as eligibility to participate in any incentive stock plans adopted by the Company. Certain agreements provide for severance payments in the event of specified termination of employment. As of December 31, 2013, the aggregate commitment for future compensation and severance was approximately $915 thousand.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
Certain customer contracts offer our customers the opportunity to perform periodic compliance audits, which include the examination of the accuracy of our invoices. Should our invoices be determined to be inaccurate, the contract offers the customer the right to receive a “credit or refund” for any overcharges identified. During 2013, the Company has recorded loss reserves of approximately $420 thousand associated with the probable settlement related to two ongoing customer audits. Both audits are expected to be concluded by the end of the second quarter of 2014.
15.
|
Related Party Transaction
|
The Company had a management services agreement with one of the lenders, which was cancelled on November 11, 2013 when the associated outstanding debt was assigned to TIR-Capital (See Note 10). The Company recognized $130.0 thousand of expense associated with this agreement during 2013. The Company also has a management agreement with a significant owner. The Company recognized $150.0 thousand of expense under this agreement during 2013.
During 2013, the Company had business activity with Contract Pro, a nonaffiliated Canadian company owned by two former Foley employees. Contract Pro offers employment services to specific individuals that could not otherwise be employed or placed by Foley. Foley invoices customers for the services of the Contract Pro employees and makes the associated payments to Contract Pro, while keeping a portion of the proceeds. In addition, Contract Pro reimbursed Foley for certain services, as the company shared the Foley offices for a portion of the 2013 calendar year. During 2013, Contract Pro separated their operations from Foley’s offices and the owners of Contract Pro resigned their employment positions with Foley. The payments, net of Contract Pro reimbursements, made by Foley and TIR Canada to Contract Pro during 2013 totaled $1.3 million.
The Company paid certain expenses on behalf of an affiliate associated with the June 26, 2013 business combination, the December 9, 2013 conversion of the Company to a limited liability company and other costs associated with the initial public offering costs of Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. The Company recognized reduction in equity for these payments of $2.2 million at December 31, 2013.
Tulsa Inspection Resources Entities
Notes to combined financial statements
December 31, 2013
On January 21, 2014, Cypress Energy Partners, L.P. completed an initial public offering of 4,312,500 common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership at a price to the public of $20.00 per common unit ($18.70 per common unit, net of underwriting discounts and commissions) which included a 562,500 unit over-allotment option that was exercised by the underwriters (the IPO). At the closing of the IPO, CEP-TIR, and its affiliates, contributed units totaling 50.1% of their ownership in each TIR, TIR-NDE and TIR-H to the Partnership, in exchange for an aggregate 15.8% interest in the Partnership.
Management has evaluated subsequent events through March 31, 2014, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. No subsequent events were identified requiring additional recognition or disclosure in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. (an Oklahoma corporation) and subsidiaries (“the Company”), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
Management’s responsibility for the financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
March 29, 2013
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2012 and 2011
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands except share information and par value)
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
5,044
|
|
|
$
|
2,459
|
|
Restricted cash
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,514
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
38,466
|
|
|
|
18,302
|
|
Refundable income taxes – Canada
|
|
|
160
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other
|
|
|
516
|
|
|
|
324
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
44,186
|
|
|
|
22,599
|
|
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
|
|
|
1,025
|
|
|
|
848
|
|
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
|
|
|
24,061
|
|
|
|
25,979
|
|
GOODWILL
|
|
|
1,186
|
|
|
|
1,161
|
|
DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS, net
|
|
|
366
|
|
|
|
337
|
|
OTHER ASSETS
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
58
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
70,841
|
|
|
$
|
50,982
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
1,315
|
|
|
$
|
1,197
|
|
Accrued payroll and other
|
|
|
8,075
|
|
|
|
3,855
|
|
Income taxes payable – US
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
83
|
|
Income taxes payable – Canada
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
265
|
|
Obligation under factoring agreement
|
|
|
26,592
|
|
|
|
15,679
|
|
Current maturities of notes payable
|
|
|
188
|
|
|
|
1,169
|
|
Current non-compete liability
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
117
|
|
|
|
53
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
36,352
|
|
|
|
22,304
|
|
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable, less current maturities
|
|
|
19,236
|
|
|
|
19,064
|
|
Deferred tax liability
|
|
|
1,197
|
|
|
|
446
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 200 shares authorized; 139 and 130 shares issued; 113 and 101 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
12,197
|
|
|
|
10,164
|
|
Less treasury stock, at cost; 26 and 29 shares at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
223
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
Retained earnings (deficit)
|
|
|
1,636
|
|
|
|
(1,026
|
)
|
Total stockholders’ equity
|
|
|
14,056
|
|
|
|
9,168
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
|
|
$
|
70,841
|
|
|
$
|
50,982
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
and Comprehensive Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
INSPECTION SERVICE REVENUES
|
|
$
|
233,803
|
|
|
$
|
145,287
|
|
COST OF SERVICES
|
|
|
211,404
|
|
|
|
130,107
|
|
GROSS PROFIT
|
|
|
22,399
|
|
|
|
15,180
|
|
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
|
|
|
10,528
|
|
|
|
6,441
|
|
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
|
|
|
2,438
|
|
|
|
2,590
|
|
OPERATING INCOME
|
|
|
9,433
|
|
|
|
6,149
|
|
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income (expense), net
|
|
|
(4,956
|
)
|
|
|
(4,907
|
)
|
Other, net
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
|
|
|
4,483
|
|
|
|
1,256
|
|
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
|
|
|
(1,821
|
)
|
|
|
(493
|
)
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$
|
2,662
|
|
|
$
|
763
|
|
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
193
|
|
|
|
(91
|
)
|
|
|
|
193
|
|
|
|
(91
|
)
|
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
|
$
|
2,855
|
|
|
$
|
672
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
(In Thousands)
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
|
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
|
|
|
Treasury
Stock
|
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
|
|
|
Retained
(Deficit)/
Earnings
|
|
|
Total Stockholders' Equity
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2010
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
10,072
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
121
|
|
|
$
|
(1,789
|
)
|
|
$
|
8,404
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
763
|
|
|
|
763
|
|
Stock based compensation
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
92
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
92
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(91
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(91
|
)
|
Balance, December 31, 2011
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
10,164
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
(1,026
|
)
|
|
|
9,168
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
2,662
|
|
|
|
2,662
|
|
Issuance of shares
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,906
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,906
|
|
Stock based compensation
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
127
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
127
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
193
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
193
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2012
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
12,197
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
223
|
|
|
$
|
1,636
|
|
|
$
|
14,056
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2012 and 2011
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
2,662
|
|
|
$
|
763
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,569
|
|
|
|
2,694
|
|
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
|
|
|
790
|
|
|
|
(51
|
)
|
Accretion of debt discount
|
|
|
172
|
|
|
|
172
|
|
Interest expense for debt issuance costs
|
|
|
304
|
|
|
|
132
|
|
Stock based compensation
|
|
|
127
|
|
|
|
92
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(20,164
|
)
|
|
|
(3,475
|
)
|
Income taxes payable (refundable)
|
|
|
(442
|
)
|
|
|
567
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other
|
|
|
(208
|
)
|
|
|
51
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
371
|
|
|
|
189
|
|
Accrued payroll and benefits
|
|
|
3,967
|
|
|
|
1,162
|
|
Non-compete liability
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
(279
|
)
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
|
|
|
(9,855
|
)
|
|
|
2,017
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments for the purchase of property and equipment
|
|
|
(470
|
)
|
|
|
(211
|
)
|
Payment for purchase of intangible asset
|
|
|
(63
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(533
|
)
|
|
|
(211
|
)
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds from factoring agreement
|
|
|
10,878
|
|
|
|
2,117
|
|
Net proceeds from issuance of stock
|
|
|
1,906
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Principal payments on notes payable
|
|
|
(84
|
)
|
|
|
(288
|
)
|
Payments for debt issuance
|
|
|
(332
|
)
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
Principal payments on seller financing note
|
|
|
(1,072
|
)
|
|
|
(852
|
)
|
Change in restricted cash
|
|
|
1,514
|
|
|
|
(798
|
)
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
12,810
|
|
|
|
139
|
|
EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH
|
|
|
163
|
|
|
|
(49
|
)
|
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
2,585
|
|
|
|
1,896
|
|
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR
|
|
|
2,459
|
|
|
|
563
|
|
CASH, END OF YEAR
|
|
$
|
5,044
|
|
|
$
|
2,459
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest and fees
|
|
$
|
4,956
|
|
|
$
|
4,658
|
|
Cash paid for income taxes
|
|
$
|
1,501
|
|
|
$
|
149
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
A — Description of Business and Basis of Financial Statements
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. (“TIR”), an Oklahoma corporation, along with its subsidiaries, Tulsa Inspection Resources — Nondestructive Examination, Inc. (“TIR-NDE”), an Oklahoma corporation, Tulsa Inspection Resources — Canada, Inc. (“TIR-Canada”) and Foley Inspection Services, Inc. (“Foley”), Canadian corporations, provide inspection services for the construction and maintenance of oil and gas pipelines and related facilities.
On June 30, 2009, TIR-Canada was formed by TIR to expand operations into Canada. On July 8, 2010, Foley was purchased by TIR to further increase the Company’s presence in the Canadian market.
On August 10, 2012, the Company incorporated a new subsidiary, Tulsa Inspection Resources — Nondestructive Examination, Inc. (“TIR-NDE”), an Oklahoma Corporation, to provide nondestructive testing (“NDT”) services to existing and potential customers. These services are performed by certified technicians who use various examination techniques, including ultrasonic testing, to identify and communicate information related to anomalies in the customer’s pipeline or related facilities.
B — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
1. Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TIR and its wholly owned subsidiaries, TIR-NDE, TIR-Canada and Foley (collectively the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
2. Cash
Cash consists of cash in interest-bearing checking accounts. Any restrictions to cash are due to factoring agreements and are properly classified.
3. Revenue Recognition
Services are performed under contracts with customers, which may be terminated at any time. Generally, inspection services and Company-provided equipment are billed on a per day basis. Service revenue is recognized when the services are provided and collectability is reasonably assured.
4. Trade Receivables
Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amounts. The Company provides inspection services to relatively few customers. Customer relationships are generally long-term and collection history is excellent. Management assesses the need for an allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and by considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Trade receivables are written off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $47 thousand.
A trade receivable is considered to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding past the terms of the invoice. The Company does not typically charge interest on past due trade receivables and does not require collateral for its trade receivables.
The Company routinely factors the majority of its trade receivables to a third party with full recourse (see Note H).
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
B — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
5. Intangible Assets
The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful lives of the intangible assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of these assets may not be recoverable. In performing the review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets. The amount of the impairment loss, if impairment exists, is calculated based on the excess of the carrying amounts of the assets over their estimated fair value computed using discounted cash flows. No impairment losses were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
6. Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of the assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is evaluated at least annually for impairment by first comparing management’s estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit, or operating segment, with the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a computation of the implied fair value of goodwill would then be compared to its related carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized in the amount of the excess. Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our estimate of future cash flows used to determine the reporting unit’s fair value. The use of alternate judgments and/or assumptions could result in a different outcome. There was no impairment recognized in the years ended December 31, 2012 or 2011.
7. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisting of field and office equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the asset’s estimated useful life. Field equipment depreciation is part of the services delivered to the customer and included in Cost of Services on the consolidated statement of operations.
The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows:
Office equipment
|
|
3 - 7 years
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
Remaining life of the lease
|
Field equipment
|
|
5 - 7 years
|
8. Income Taxes
The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, income taxes are provided for all items included in the consolidated statements of operations, regardless of the period when such items will be reported for tax purposes. Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences, principally relating to depreciation, amortization and provisions for losses. Management provides a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets for amounts which are not considered more-likely-than-not to be realized. There was no valuation allowance at December 31, 2012 or 2011.
The policy of the Company is to reflect interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions when, and if, they become applicable. The Company has not recognized any potential interest or penalties in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2012 or 2011. The years ending December 31, 2010 through 2012 are open tax years.
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
B — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
9. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.
10. Share Based Compensation
The Company accounts for share-based compensation at fair value. The company records compensation costs for share-based compensation awards over the requisite service period (vesting period). Compensation expense is recognized net of estimated forfeitures. As each award vests, adjustments are made to compensation costs for any difference between estimated forfeitures and the actual forfeitures related to the awards. The fair value of the option awards is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model takes into account certain variables, which are explained further in Note M.
11. Reclassifications
Certain items from prior year have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation. The reclassifications did not have a material impact on the financial statements and there was no impact on net income.
C — Acquisitions
On September 4, 2012 the Company executed an Asset Purchase and License Agreement (“Asset Purchase Agreement”) totaling $250 thousand with a newly hired employee to purchase certain intangible assets specific to the NDT industry. The assets purchased included customer lists, patented testing procedures developed by the employee prior to employment and an exclusive license to the use of trademarked NDT equipment registered in the employee’s name. The terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement require payments to be made quarterly (see Note I).
D — Intangible Assets
The Company’s intangible assets represent the estimated fair values of customer contracts and relationships and non-compete agreements. The customer contracts and relationships are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives of 5 – 15 years. The non-compete agreements are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the respective contracts.
Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Customer contracts and relationships
|
|
$
|
31,827
|
|
|
$
|
31,562
|
|
Other intangibles
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Non-compete agreements
|
|
|
1,154
|
|
|
|
1,147
|
|
|
|
|
33,081
|
|
|
|
32,709
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(9,020
|
)
|
|
|
(6,730
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
24,061
|
|
|
$
|
25,979
|
|
The Company recognized $2.3 million and $2.5 million in amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
D — Intangible Assets – (continued)
Estimated amortization of intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter is as follows at December 31, 2012:
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2013
|
|
$
|
2,213
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2,162
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2,162
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2,162
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2,162
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
13,200
|
|
E — Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Billed
|
|
$
|
36,956
|
|
|
$
|
18,110
|
|
Unbilled
|
|
|
1,491
|
|
|
|
160
|
|
Other
|
|
|
66
|
|
|
|
79
|
|
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
(47
|
)
|
|
|
(47
|
)
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
$
|
38,466
|
|
|
$
|
18,302
|
|
Unbilled receivables result from inspection services performed and equipment rentals not billed as of the year-end.
F — Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Office equipment
|
|
$
|
583
|
|
|
$
|
307
|
|
Auto
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
Software
|
|
|
374
|
|
|
|
357
|
|
Field equipment
|
|
|
623
|
|
|
|
490
|
|
|
|
|
1,699
|
|
|
|
1,225
|
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(674
|
)
|
|
|
(377
|
)
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
1,025
|
|
|
$
|
848
|
|
Depreciation expense totaled $295 thousand and $234 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Field equipment depreciation expense of $131 thousand and $104 thousand were included as part of Cost of Services in 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
G — Leases
The Company leases office space under the terms of operating lease agreements. The leases expire from 2014 through 2018. Some leases require stipulated rent increases annually. The Company has the option to extend the lease expiring in 2014 for an additional three years. The Company also leases office equipment under operating lease agreements which expire between 2013 and 2017. The Company recognizes expense on a straight-line basis in equal amounts over the lease term.
Rent expense under the leases totaled $459 thousand and $260 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Approximate future minimum rentals under these noncancelable operating leases are as follows at December 31, 2012:
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2013
|
|
$
|
559
|
|
2014
|
|
|
522
|
|
2015
|
|
|
378
|
|
2016
|
|
|
346
|
|
2017
|
|
|
211
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
80
|
|
H — Obligation under Factoring Agreement
On April 29, 2010, the Company entered into a $15 million factoring agreement which had an expiration of April 29, 2012. The discount fee was set at 0.85%. The reserve amount was initially set at 5% and remained at 5% through the loan term. The bank required TIR to repurchase all or a portion of receivables from any customer if a minimum payment due on one or more receivables remained unpaid following 120 days after the invoice date.
The bank deposited the proceeds from receivables sold, less a discount fee of 0.85%, to TIR’s operating account. The bank retained 5% of the amounts payable to TIR as a reserve to provide for satisfaction of TIR’s repurchase obligation. The reserve was held in a separate interest-bearing account for the benefit of TIR. The reserve balance was $670 thousand at December 31, 2011, and is classified as restricted cash on the balance sheet. Customer payments were made directly to the bank. The obligation under the factoring agreement at December 31, 2011, was $13.4 million.
The collateral for the factoring agreement consisted of a security interest by the bank in all future accounts receivable excluding the three specific customers listed below and all property and equipment of TIR.
Additionally during August 2011, TIR entered into a new factoring agreement with a financing company for factoring receivables of three specific customers for a term of 6 months. This financing was in addition to the $15 million agreement that existed with the previous bank. The discount fee was set at 1.75%. The reserve amount was initially set at 20% with an additional reserve added during the term of 20% of unvalidated invoices that had been funded.
The financing company deposited the proceeds from receivables sold, less a discount fee of 1.75%, to TIR’s operating account. The financing company retained 20% of the amounts payable to TIR as a reserve to provide for satisfaction of TIR’s repurchase obligation. The reserve balance was $844 thousand at December 31, 2011 and is classified as restricted cash on the balance sheet. Customer payments were made directly to the financing company. The obligation under the factoring agreement at December 31, 2011 was $2.3 million.
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
H — Obligation under Factoring Agreement – (continued)
On February 29, 2012, the Company entered into a new $25 million factoring agreement with a bank which expires March 1, 2015. This new agreement replaced the two previous factoring agreements. The $25 million agreement is allocated between separate Canadian and U.S. facilities, with the Canadian borrowings limited to no more than $7.5 million of the combined amount. The bank factors the invoices at a 90% advance rate and deposits the funds into the Company’s operating account. The bank charges interest on purchased receivables at an annualized rate of LIBOR plus 4.75% on U.S. invoices and Canadian Dealer Offered Rate (“CDOR”) plus 5.3% on Canadian invoices, for the duration the invoice remains financed. In addition to interest charges, the agreement calls for a facility renewal fee of 0.50% charged annually.
On September 6, 2012, the factoring agreement with the bank was amended to $30 million to support the continued growth of the Company. On October 29, 2012 the Company further amended the agreement to provide a temporary increase to $33 million for the period from October 29, 2012 through January 31, 2013, at which time the facility returned back to $30 million. The obligation under the new factoring agreement at December 31, 2012 was $26.6 million.
The collateral for the US portion of the factoring agreements consists of a senior secured interest in all assets of TIR. The collateral for the Canadian portion of the factoring agreements consists of a senior secured interest in the accounts receivables of Foley and TIR-Canada.
I — Debt
On March 12, 2009, the Company entered into a loan agreement with various lenders for Senior Subordinated Notes (“the Notes”) in the aggregate sum of $17 million due March 12, 2014. The Notes bear interest at 14% annually, and the Company is only required to make monthly interest payments until the Notes mature in 2014. The Notes are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company after consideration of the Company’s collateral obligations under the factoring agreement discussed in Note H. Additionally, the Company is subject to certain financial covenants. These include a maximum debt to EBITDA ratio (the “Funded Leverage Ratio”), a minimum EBITDA to principal and interest expense ratio (the “Fixed Charge Ratio”), a maximum capital expenditure amount and a minimum EBITDA amount.
On July 8, 2010, the Company signed the First Amendment to the loan agreement. All of the financial covenants were amended and restated beginning the quarter ended June 30, 2010 and a new covenant of a maximum net funded debt to EBITDA ratio (the “Net Funded Leverage Ratio”) was added to the agreement.
On July 8, 2010, the Company entered into a loan agreement with the same group of lenders for a second set of Senior Subordinated Notes (“Senior Subordinated Notes II”) in the aggregate sum of $2.8 million due March 12, 2014. The Notes bear interest at 17.5% annually, and the Company is only required to make monthly interest payments until the Notes mature in 2014. The Notes are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company after consideration of the Company’s collateral obligations under the factoring agreement discussed in Note H. Additionally, the Company is subject to certain financial covenants. These include a Net Funded Leverage Ratio, a Fixed Charges Ratio, a minimum EBITDA, a maximum subordinated debt to EBITDA ratio (the “Net Subordinated Debt Leverage Ratio”) and a maximum annual capital expenditure amount.
The Company violated the maximum annual capital expenditure covenant during 2012, but obtained a waiver for this violation through the date of this report. The provisions of all other covenants were met by the Company during 2012.
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
I — Debt – (continued)
The Company issued warrants in connection with the Senior Subordinated Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes II which resulted in a discount on the debt (see Note J). Accretion expense is being recognized over the life of the loan using the effective interest method. The Company recognized accretion expense of $172 thousand and $172 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
On July 8, 2010, the Company entered into a seller financing note in connection with the Foley Acquisition in the sum of $2.2 million Canadian dollars, ($2.1 million US dollars at the date of issuance) (the “Seller Financing Note”). The Seller Financing Note bears interest at 4% annually. The Company made payments on December 31, 2010; July 15, 2011; January 14, 2012; and paid the final balance on July 15, 2012. The Seller Financing Note was secured by substantially all the assets of the Company. This note was subordinate to the Senior Subordinated Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes II.
The Company executed an Asset Purchase Agreement with a new employee on September 4, 2012 totaling $250 thousand (see Note C). The Asset Purchase Agreement specifies four payments of $68 thousand to be paid quarterly beginning December 1, 2012.
Notes payable consisted of the following at December 31:
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Note payable to a bank, monthly principal and interest payments of $12 thousand; interest at Chase Prime plus 1.00% (4.25% at December 31, 2011), due November 21, 2012
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
84
|
|
Senior subordinated notes I and II, net of debt discount of $519 thousand and $692 thousand at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
|
|
|
19,236
|
|
|
|
19,064
|
|
Asset Purchase Agreement
|
|
|
188
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Seller financing note
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,050
|
|
Other notes payable
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
Notes payable
|
|
|
19,424
|
|
|
|
20,233
|
|
Less: current maturities
|
|
|
(188
|
)
|
|
|
(1,169
|
)
|
Notes payable, less current maturities
|
|
|
19,236
|
|
|
|
19,064
|
|
Long-term debt maturities are as follows at December 31, 2012:
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2013
|
|
$
|
188
|
|
2014
|
|
|
19,236
|
|
|
|
$
|
19,424
|
|
J — Warrants
In connection with the Senior Subordinated Notes (see Note I) on March 12, 2009, the Company issued warrants to the lenders. The warrants grant the lenders the right to acquire 23.75 shares of common stock of the Company at $0.01 per share. The warrants expire ten years from the date of issuance. The fair value of the warrants was $822 thousand and was determined
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
J — Warrants – (continued)
using an EBITDA multiple pricing model. The majority shareholder contributed 23.75 shares of stock for the Company to hold in treasury in the event of the exercise of the warrants.
On March 12, 2009 the Company granted the lender conditional warrants that have a three year term, are exercisable at $0.01 per share, and offer the right to acquire five shares of common stock of the Company in the event of a change of control of the Company or a change in the Company’s line of business. The majority shareholder contributed five shares of stock for the Company to hold in treasury in the event of the exercise of the warrants. The warrants expire in increments on the anniversary of issuance until all of the warrants expire on March 12, 2012. It was determined that the fair value related to these warrants would be minimal due to the uncertainty of the occurrence of the events required for them to be exercisable. On March 12, 2012, the remaining conditional warrants expired and the shares held in treasury were returned to the majority shareholder.
In connection with the Senior Subordinated Notes II (see Note I), on July 8, 2010, the Company amended the warrants issued to the lenders under the Senior Subordinated Notes. As amended, the warrants granted the lenders the right to acquire 2.21 additional shares of common stock of the Company at $0.01 per share. The warrants expire ten years from the date of issuance. The fair value of the warrants was $155 thousand and was determined using an EBITDA multiple pricing model. The Company added 2.21 shares of stock to hold in treasury in the event of the exercise of the warrants.
K — Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company operates in both the US and Canada in a single line of business as the Company’s customers operate oil and gas pipelines and related facilities. Three of the Company’s customers accounted for approximately 43% of inspection revenue in 2012 and two customers accounted for approximately 24% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2012. Two of the Company’s customers accounted for approximately 38% of inspection revenue in 2011 and two customers accounted for approximately 32% of the Company’s accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2011.
The Company maintains account balances at certain banks, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (“CDIC”), depending on the location of the funds. At times, cash balances may be in excess of the FDIC or CDIC insurance limit. The Company does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk with respect to its cash balances.
L — Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are composed of the following at December 31, 2012 and 2011:
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Current deferred tax assets (liabilities)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
$
|
(136
|
)
|
|
$
|
(71
|
)
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
(117
|
)
|
|
$
|
(53
|
)
|
Non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
$
|
(347
|
)
|
|
$
|
(253
|
)
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
(847
|
)
|
|
|
(872
|
)
|
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
L — Income Taxes – (continued)
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
1
|
|
Canadian NOL
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
US NOL
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
664
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
(1,197
|
)
|
|
$
|
(446
|
)
|
Significant components of the income tax provision (benefit) are as follows at December 31, 2012 and 2011:
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Current provision:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
642
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
State
|
|
|
199
|
|
|
|
195
|
|
Canadian
|
|
|
190
|
|
|
|
307
|
|
Total current provision
|
|
|
1,031
|
|
|
|
502
|
|
Deferred provision:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
735
|
|
|
|
(62
|
)
|
State
|
|
|
168
|
|
|
|
(10
|
)
|
Canadian
|
|
|
(113
|
)
|
|
|
63
|
|
Total deferred provision (benefit)
|
|
|
790
|
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
Income tax provision
|
|
$
|
1,821
|
|
|
$
|
493
|
|
The following table summarizes the differences between the U.S. federal rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for financial statement purposes for the year ended:
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
Statutory tax rate
|
|
|
34
|
%
|
|
|
34
|
%
|
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
|
8
|
%
|
Tax credits and exclusions
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
|
|
6
|
%
|
Other, including Canada income taxes
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(9
|
%)
|
Company’s effective tax rate
|
|
|
41
|
%
|
|
|
39
|
%
|
M — Stock Based Compensation
On January 1, 2011, the Company executed the Stock Option Plan to allow certain stock based compensation to be issued to employees, non-employee directors and contractors. Under the Plan, up to 14 shares of Common Stock may be subject of the awards. At the discretion of the administrator of the Stock Option Plan, employees, non-employee directors and consultants may be granted awards in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options or restricted shares, any of which may be service, market or performance based awards.
Total recognized compensation expense related to the non-qualified stock options issued was $127 thousand during 2012. The Company recognized tax benefits of $43 thousand associated with this expense during the year. The Company recognizes compensation costs, net of a forfeiture rate, as the options become vested. The non-qualified options granted to employees during 2011 vest over a three year period based on the Company achieving a minimum EBITDA target and the employee continuing to remain employed with the Company, unless a liquidation event occurs, at which time all of the remaining unvested portion of the options outstanding become vested. In
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
M — Stock Based Compensation – (continued)
addition, if the minimum EBITDA target is missed during the initial three year vesting period, the option vesting target extends out an additional year. All non-qualified options issued expire 10 years from the grant date.
Option activity and changes were as follows:
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
Outstanding at January 1
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Forfeited or expired
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Outstanding at December 31
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
|
|
7.0
|
|
As of December 31, 2012, $153 thousand of total unrecognized compensation costs related to share options is expected to be recognized over the next year. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the options granted during 2011 was $371 thousand. There were no exercise or forfeitures of options by employees during 2011 or 2012.
The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value the non-qualified options issued. During January 2011, the Company granted 7.0 options to purchase common stock to certain employees. The table below presents the weighted average value and assumptions used in determining each option’s fair value during 2011. Volatility was determined using the calculated method by taking an average of the historical volatility of comparable public companies’ common share price.
|
|
2011
|
|
Exercise price
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Weighted average fair value of underlying shares (in thousands)
|
|
$
|
102
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
|
2.74
|
%
|
Expected life in years
|
|
|
7
|
|
Expected volatility
|
|
|
47.51
|
%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
|
|
—
|
|
N — Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has employment agreements with certain of its executive officers and other management personnel. The executive employment agreements are effective for a term of two to three years from the commencement date, after which time they will continue on an “at-will” basis. These agreements provide for minimum annual compensation, adjusted for annual increases as authorized by the Board of Directors, as well as eligibility to participate in any incentive stock plans adopted by the Company. Certain agreements provide for severance payments in the event of specified termination of employment. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the aggregate commitment for future compensation and severance was $1.8 million and $219 thousand, respectively.
O — Related Party Transaction
The Company has a management agreement with one of the lenders. The Company pays the lender $38 thousand per quarter for management and advisory services. The Company recognized $150 thousand of expense each year for December 31, 2012 and 2011 related to this agreement.
The Company also has a management agreement with the majority shareholder. Under the terms of the agreement, no payments were made to the majority shareholder until the payoff of a
Tulsa Inspection Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2012 and 2011
O — Related Party Transaction – (continued)
certain amortizing bank note held by the Company. The Company paid the bank note off on February 29, 2012 and thereafter began making payments to the majority shareholder as outlined in the agreement. The Company recognized $113 thousand of expense under this agreement during 2012.
During 2012, Foley began doing business with Contract Pro, a nonaffiliated Canadian company owned by two Foley employees. Contract Pro offers employment services to specific individuals that do not want to provide services as an independent contractor to Foley. Foley invoices customers for the services of the Contract Pro employees and makes the associated payments to Contract Pro, while keeping a portion of the proceeds. In addition, Contract Pro reimburses Foley for certain services as the company shares the Foley offices. The payments, net of Contract Pro reimbursements, made by Foley to Contract Pro during 2012 totaled $1.4 million.
P — Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated subsequent events through March 29, 2013, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. No subsequent events were identified requiring additional recognition or disclosure in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
F-79