ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “Natural Gas Services Group,” the “Company”, “we,” “us,” “our” or “ours” refer to Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. Certain specialized terms used in describing our natural gas compressor business are defined in "Glossary of Industry Terms" on 7.
The Company
We are a leading provider of small to medium horsepower compression equipment to the natural gas industry. We focus primarily on the non-conventional natural gas production business in the United States (such as coal bed methane, gas shale and tight gas), which, according to data from the Energy Information Administration ("EIA"), is the single largest and fastest growing segment of U.S. gas production. We manufacture, fabricate and rent natural gas compressors that enhance the production of natural gas wells and provide maintenance services for those compressors. In addition, we sell custom fabricated natural gas compressors to meet customer specifications dictated by well pressures, production characteristics and particular applications. We also manufacture and sell flare systems for oil and gas plant and production facilities.
The vast majority of our rental operations are in non-conventional natural gas regions, which typically have lower initial reservoir pressures and faster well decline rates. These areas usually require compression to be installed sooner and with greater frequency.
Natural gas compressors are used in a number of applications for the production and enhancement of gas wells and in gas transportation lines and processing plants. Compression equipment is often required to boost a well’s production to economically viable levels and enable gas to continue to flow in the pipeline to its destination.
We increased our revenue to $65.2 million in 2011 from $10.3 million in 2002, the year we completed our initial public offering. During the same period, income from operations increased to $14.9 million from $1.8 million. Our compressor rental fleet has grown from 302 compressors at the end of 2002 to 2,120 compressors at December 31, 2011.
Our revenue increased from $53.9 million to $65.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the year ended December 31, 2010.
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased to $9.8 million ($0.80 per diluted share), as compared to $7.0 million ($0.58 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2010.
At December 31, 2011, current assets were $49.5 million, which included $16.4 million of cash and cash equivalents. Current liabilities were $12.3 million, and our line of credit due in 2014 was $1.0 million. Our stockholders' equity as of December 31, 2011 was $161.5 million.
We were incorporated in Colorado on December 17, 1998 and maintain our principal offices at 508 W. Wall St., Suite 550, Midland, Texas 79701 and our telephone number is (432) 262-2700.
Overview and Outlook
The market for compression equipment and services is substantially dependent on the condition of the natural gas industry and, to a lesser extent, the oil industry. In particular, the willingness of natural gas and oil companies to make capital expenditures on exploration, drilling and production of natural gas and oil in the U.S. The level of activity and capital expenditures has generally been dependent upon the prevailing view of future gas and oil prices, which are influenced by numerous factors, including the level of supply or demand for natural gas and the impact on price of natural gas, worldwide economic activity, interest rates and the cost of capital, environmental regulation, seasonal fluctuations and weather patterns. Natural gas and oil prices and the level of production activity have historically been characterized by significant volatility. Increasing oil and natural gas prices from 2005 through mid-2008 resulted in natural gas and oil operators increasing capital spending for exploration, development and production programs. However, in mid-2008, natural gas and oil prices began to decline. This decline resulted in reduced production and capital spending by some natural gas and oil companies and may result in additional reductions in capital spending.
The reduction in capital expenditures and production in the natural gas and oil industry, combined with continuing problems in the global economy, led to a downturn in the demand for our products and services in 2009 which continued in 2010. In 2011 we experienced a slow recovery which produced an improvement in the utilization rate on our rental fleet and stability in our sales backlog. See “Item 1 -- Business - Our Operating Units” and “Business - Backlog” for more information.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”), total consumption of natural gas in the United States increased 4.1% for the twelve months ended November 2011 compared to the same period 2010. This follows a 5.7% increase in the previous periods from 2009 to 2010. EIA expects total natural gas consumption to increase by 2% in 2012. While we anticipate long-term increased demand for natural gas, we expect our business to remain flat for 2012.
Long-Term Industry Trends
Natural gas prices historically have been volatile, and this volatility is expected to continue. Uncertainty continues to exist as to the direction of future United States and worldwide natural gas and crude oil price trends. Over the last several years gas prices have not shown the resiliency that crude oil prices have. We believe that natural gas is a more environmentally friendly source of energy which is likely to result in increases in demand. Being primarily a provider of services and equipment to natural gas producers, we are more significantly impacted by changes in natural gas prices than by changes in crude oil and condensate prices. Longer term natural gas prices will be determined by the supply and demand for natural gas as well as the prices of competing fuels, such as oil and coal.
We believe part of the growth of the rental compression capacity in the U.S. market has been driven by the trend toward outsourcing by energy producers and processors. Renting does not require the purchaser to make large capital expenditures for new equipment or to obtain financing through a lending institution. This allows the customer’s capital to be used for additional exploration and production of natural gas and oil.
Notwithstanding the current downturn in natural gas prices, we believe that there will continue to be a growing demand for natural gas. We expect long-term demand for our products and services will rise as a result of:
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the increasing demand for and limited supply of energy, both domestically and abroad;
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continued non-conventional gas exploration and production;
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environmental considerations which provide strong incentives to use natural gas in place of other carbon fuels;
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the cost savings of using natural gas rather than electricity for heat generation;
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implementation of international environmental and conservation laws;
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the aging of producing natural gas reserves worldwide; and
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the extensive supply of undeveloped non-conventional natural gas reserves.
Our Operating Units
We identify our segments based upon major revenue sources as Gas Compressor Rental, Engineered Equipment Sales, Service and Maintenance and Corporate. Please refer to Note 10 of the Notes to Financial Statements.
Gas Compressor Rental. Our rental business is primarily focused on non-conventional gas production. We provide rental of small to medium horsepower compression equipment to customers under contracts typically having minimum initial terms of six to 24 months. Historically, in our experience, most customers retain the equipment beyond the expiration of the initial term. By outsourcing their compression needs, we believe our customers are able to increase their revenues by producing a higher volume of natural gas due to greater equipment run-time. Outsourcing also allows our customers to reduce their compressor downtime, operating and maintenance costs and capital investments and more efficiently meet their changing compression needs.
The size, type and geographic diversity of our rental fleet enables us to provide our customers with a range of compression units that can serve a wide variety of applications, and to select the correct equipment for the job, rather than the customer trying to fit the job to its own equipment. We base our gas compressor rental rates on several factors, including the cost and size of the equipment, the type and complexity of service desired by the customer, the length of contract and the inclusion of any other services desired, such as rental, installation, transportation and daily operation.
As of December 31, 2011, we had 2,120 natural gas compressors in our rental fleet totaling approximately 287,764 horsepower, as compared to 1,909 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 248,648 horsepower at December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, we had 1,575 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 220,213 horsepower rented to 98 customers, compared to 1,297 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 174,515 horsepower rented to 97 customers at December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, the utilization rate of our rental fleet was 74.3% compared to 67.9% as of December 31, 2010.
Engineered Equipment Sales. This segment includes the following components:
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Compressor fabrication. Fabrication involves the assembly of compressor components manufactured by us or other vendors into compressor units that are ready for rental or sale. In addition to fabricating compressors for our rental fleet, we engineer and fabricate natural gas compressors for sale to customers to meet their specifications based on well pressure, production characteristics and the particular applications for which compression is sought.
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Compressor manufacturing. We design and manufacture our own proprietary line of reciprocating compressor frames, cylinders and parts known as our “CiP”, or Cylinder-in-Plane, product line. We use the finished components to fabricate compressor units for our rental fleet or for sale to customers. We also sell finished components to other fabricators.
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Flare fabrication. We design, fabricate, sell, install and service flare stacks and related ignition and control devices for the onshore and offshore incineration of gas compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gases. Applications for this equipment are often environmentally and regulatory driven, and we believe we are a leading supplier to this market.
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Parts sales and compressor rebuilds. To provide customer support for our compressor and flare sales businesses, we stock varying levels of replacement parts at our Midland, Texas facility and at field service locations. We also provide an exchange and rebuild program for screw compressors and maintain an inventory of new and used compressors to facilitate this part of our business.
Service and Maintenance. We service and maintain compressors owned by our customers on an “as needed” basis. Natural gas compressors require routine maintenance and periodic refurbishing to prolong their useful life. Routine maintenance includes physical and visual inspections and other parametric checks that indicate a change in the condition of the compressors. We perform wear-particle analysis on all packages and perform overhauls on a condition-based interval or a time-based schedule. Based on our past experience, these maintenance procedures maximize component life and unit availability and minimize downtime.
Business Strategy
During the downturn in the economy, our strategy was to reduce expenses in line with the lower anticipated business activity, and fabricate compressor equipment only in direct response to market requirements. As we see the economy recover, we will continue with this strategy to ensure that growth is balanced with appropriate business risk. See “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Our Performance Trends and Outlook" for more information. Our long-term intentions to grow our revenue and profitability are based on the following business strategies:
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Expand rental fleet. We intend to increase the size of our rental fleet by fabricating compressor units in numbers that correspond to the growth of the market and in relation to market share gains we may experience. We believe our growth will continue to be primarily driven through our placement of small to medium horsepower wellhead natural gas compressors for non-conventional natural gas production, which is the single largest and fastest growing segment of U.S. gas production according to data from the EIA.
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Geographic expansion. We will continue to consolidate our operations in existing areas, as well as pursue focused expansion into new geographic regions as opportunities are identified. We presently provide our products and services to a customer base of oil and natural gas exploration and production companies operating in New Mexico, Texas, Michigan, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kansas.
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Expand our ‘secondary’ product lines. In addition to our primary rental and engineered product business lines, we will emphasize the growth of our other products, e.g., flares, CiP compressor products and general compressor maintenance and repair services.
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Selectively pursue acquisitions. We will continue to evaluate potential acquisitions that would provide us with access to new markets or enhance our current market position.
Competitive Strengths
We believe our competitive strengths include:
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Superior customer service. Our emphasis on the small to medium horsepower markets has enabled us to effectively meet the evolving needs of our customers. We believe these markets have been under-serviced by our larger competitors which, coupled with our personalized services and in-depth knowledge of our customers’ operating needs and growth plans, have allowed us to enhance our relationships with existing customers as well as attract new customers. The size, type and geographic diversity of our rental fleet enable us to provide customers with a range of compression units that can serve a wide variety of applications. We are able to select the correct equipment for the job, rather than the customer trying to fit its application to our equipment.
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Diversified product line. Our compressors are available as high and low pressure rotary screw and reciprocating packages. They are designed to meet a number of applications, including wellhead production, natural gas gathering, natural gas transmission, vapor recovery and gas and plunger lift. In addition, our compressors can be built to handle a variety of gas mixtures, including air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and hydrocarbon gases. A diversified product line helps us compete by being able to satisfy widely varying pressure, volume and production conditions that customers encounter.
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Purpose built rental compressors. Our rental compressor packages have been designed and built to address the primary requirements of our customers in the producing regions in which we operate. Our units are compact in design and are easy, quick and inexpensive to move, install and start-up. Our control systems are technically advanced and allow the operator to start and stop our units remotely and/or in accordance with well conditions. We believe our rental fleet is also one of the newest.
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Experienced management team. On average, our executive and operating management team has over 30 years of oilfield services industry experience. We believe our management team has successfully demonstrated its ability to grow our business both organically and through selective acquisitions.
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Broad geographic presence. We presently provide our products and services to a customer base of oil and natural gas exploration and production companies operating in New Mexico, Texas, Michigan, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kansas. Our footprint allows us to service many of the natural gas producing regions in the United States. We believe that operating in diverse geographic regions allows us better utilization of our compressors, minimal incremental expenses, operating synergies, volume-based purchasing, leveraged inventories and cross-trained personnel.
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Long-standing customer relationships. We have developed long-standing relationships providing compression equipment to many major and independent oil and natural gas companies. Our customers generally continue to rent our compressors after the expiration of the initial terms of our rental agreements, which we believe reflects their satisfaction with the reliability and performance of our services and products.
Major Customers
Sales and rental income to EOG Resources, Inc. ("EOG") and Devon Energy Production, Inc. ("Devon") in the year ended December 31, 2011 amounted to 17% and 16% of revenue, respectively. Sales and rental income to Devon in the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to 19% of revenue. Sales and rental income to XTO Energy, Inc. and Devon in the year ended December 31, 2009 each amounted to 21% of revenue. No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues in 2011, 2010 or 2009. EOG, Devon, and Linn Operating amounted to 39%, 20%, and 11% of our accounts receivable as of December 31, 2011, respectively. BP and Devon amounted to 19% and 10%, respectively, of our accounts receivable as of December 31, 2010. No other customers amounted to more than 10% of our accounts receivable as of December 31, 2010 and 2011. The loss of any of the above customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, depending upon the demand for our compressors at the time of such loss and our ability to attract new customers.
Sales and Marketing
Our sales force pursues the rental and sales market for compressors and flare equipment and other services in their respective territories. Additionally, our personnel coordinate with each other to develop relationships with customers who operate in multiple regions. Our sales and marketing strategy is focused on communication with current customers and potential customers through frequent direct contact, technical assistance, print literature, direct mail and referrals. Our sales and marketing personnel coordinate with our operations personnel in order to promptly respond to and address customer needs. Our overall sales and marketing efforts concentrate on demonstrating our commitment to enhancing the customer’s cash flow through enhanced product design, fabrication, manufacturing, installation, customer service and support.
Competition
We have a number of competitors in the natural gas compression segment, some of which have greater financial resources. We believe that we compete effectively on the basis of price, customer service, including the ability to place personnel in remote locations, flexibility in meeting customer needs, and quality and reliability of our compressors and related services.
Compressor industry participants can achieve significant advantages through increased size and geographic breadth. As the number of rental compressors in our rental fleet increases, the number of sales, support, and maintenance personnel required and the minimum level of inventory do not increase proportionately.
Backlog
As of December 31, 2011, we had a sales backlog of approximately $8.4 million compared to $1.9 million as of December 31, 2010 . We expect to fulfill the backlog in 2012. Sales backlog consists of firm customer orders for which a purchase or work order has been received, satisfactory credit or a financing arrangement exists, and delivery is scheduled. In addition, the major components of our compressors are acquired from suppliers through periodic purchase orders that in many instances require three or four months of lead time prior to delivery of the order.
Employees
As of December 31, 2011, we had 277 total employees. No employees are represented by a labor union, and we believe we have good relations with our employees.
Liability and Other Insurance Coverage
Our equipment and services are provided to customers who are subject to hazards inherent in the oil and gas industry, such as blowouts, explosions, caterings, fires, and oil spills. We maintain liability insurance that we believe is customary in the industry and which includes environmental cleanup, but excludes product warranty insurance because the majority of components on our compressor unit are covered by the manufacturers. We also maintain insurance with respect to our facilities. Based on our historical experience, we believe that our insurance coverage is adequate. However, there is a risk that our insurance may not be sufficient to cover any particular loss or that insurance may not cover all losses. In addition, insurance rates have in the past been subject to wide fluctuation, and changes in coverage could result in less coverage, increases in cost or higher deductibles and retentions.
Government Regulation
All of our operations and facilities are subject to numerous federal, state, foreign and local laws, rules and regulations related to various aspects of our business, including containment and disposal of hazardous materials, oilfield waste, other waste materials and acids.
To date, we have not been required to expend significant resources in order to satisfy applicable environmental laws and regulations. We do not anticipate any material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities or extraordinary expenditures to comply with environmental rules and regulations in the foreseeable future. However, compliance costs under existing laws or under any new requirements could become material and we could incur liabilities for noncompliance.
Our business is generally affected by political developments and by federal, state, foreign and local laws and regulations, which relate to the oil and natural gas industry. The adoption of laws and regulations affecting the oil and natural gas industry for economic, environmental and other policy reasons could increase our costs and could have an adverse effect on our operations. The state and federal environmental laws and regulations that currently apply to our operations could become more stringent in the future.
We have utilized operating and disposal practices that were or are currently standard in the industry. However, materials such as solvents, thinner, waste paint, waste oil, wash down waters and sandblast material may have been disposed of or released in or under properties currently or formerly owned or operated by us or our predecessors. In addition, some of these properties have been operated by third parties over whom we have no control either as to such entities' treatment of materials or the manner in which such materials may have been disposed of or released.
The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, commonly known as CERCLA, and comparable state statutes impose strict liability on:
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owners and operators of sites, and
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persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of "hazardous substances" found at sites.
The federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") and comparable state statutes govern the disposal of "hazardous wastes." Although CERCLA currently excludes certain materials from the definition of "hazardous substances," and the RCRA also excludes certain materials from regulation, such exemptions by Congress under both CERCLA and the RCRA may be deleted, limited or modified in the future. We could become subject to requirements to remove and remediate previously disposed of materials (including materials disposed of or released by prior owners or operators) from properties.
The federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and implementing regulations govern:
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the prevention of discharges, including oil and produced water spills, and
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liability for drainage into waters.
Our operations are also subject to federal, state, and local regulations for the control of air emissions. The federal Clean Air Act and various state and local laws impose on us certain air quality requirements. Amendments to the Clean Air Act revised the definition of "major source" such that emissions from both wellhead and associated equipment involved in oil and natural gas production may be added to determine if a source is a "major source." As a consequence, more facilities may become major sources and thus may require us to make increased compliance expenditures.
We believe that our existing environmental control procedures are adequate and that we are in substantial compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and the phasing in of emission controls and other known regulatory requirements should not have a material adverse affect on our financial condition or operational results. However, it is possible that future developments, such as new or increasingly strict requirements and environmental laws and enforcement policies there under, could lead to material costs of environmental compliance by us. While we may be able to pass on the additional cost of complying with such laws to our customers, there can be no assurance that attempts to do so will be successful. Some risk of environmental liability and other costs are inherent in the nature of our business, however, and there can be no assurance that environmental costs will not rise.
In recent years, increased concern has been raised over the protection of the environment. Legislation to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases has been introduced in Congress, and there has been a wide-ranging policy debate, both nationally and internationally, regarding the impact of these gases and possible means for their regulation. In addition, efforts have been made and continue to be made in the international community toward the adoption of international treaties or protocols that would address global climate change issues, such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in 2009. Also, the EPA has undertaken new efforts to collect information regarding greenhouse gas emissions and their effects. Recently, the EPA declared that certain greenhouse gases represent a danger to human health and proposed to expand its regulations relating to those emissions. To the extent that new laws or other governmental actions restrict the energy industry or impose additional environmental protection requirements that result in increased costs to the oil and gas industry, we could be adversely affected. We cannot determine to what extent our future operations and earnings may be affected by new legislation, new regulations or changes in existing regulations.
Patents, Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property
We believe that the success of our business depends more on the technical competence, creativity and marketing abilities of our employees than on any individual patent, trademark, or copyright. Nevertheless, as part of our ongoing research, development and manufacturing activities, we may seek patents when appropriate on inventions concerning new products and product improvements. We owned one United States patent covering certain flare system technologies; however, it expired in January 2010. We do not own any foreign patents. Although we continue to use the patented technology and consider it useful in certain applications, we do not consider the expired patent to be material to our business as a whole.
Suppliers and Raw Materials
Fabrication of our rental compressors involves the purchase by us of engines, compressors, coolers and other components, and the assembly of these components on skids for delivery to customer locations. These major components of our compressors are acquired through periodic purchase orders placed with third-party suppliers on an "as needed" basis, which typically requires a three to four month lead time with delivery dates scheduled to coincide with our estimated production schedules. Although we do not have formal continuing supply contracts with any major supplier, we believe we have adequate alternative sources available. In the past, we have not experienced any sudden and dramatic increases in the prices of the major components for our compressors. However, the occurrence of such an event could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition, particularly if we are unable to increase our rental rates and sale prices proportionate to any such component price increases.
Available Information
We use our website as a channel of distribution for company information. We make available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of our website ( www.ngsgi.com ) our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. We also make available through our website other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including our proxy statements and reports filed by officers and directors under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, as well as our Code of Business Ethics and the charters to our various Committees of our Board of Directors. Paper copies of our filings are also available, without charge upon written request, at Natural Gas Services Group, Inc., 508 West Wall Street, Suite 550, Midland, Texas 79701. We do not intend for information contained in our website to be part of this report.
Glossary of Industry Terms
"CiP" - A branded, proprietary gas compressor product line designed, manufactured and packaged by the Company. The 'Cylinder in Plane' design results in a compact and vibration-free compressor unit that particularly lends itself to unconventional wellhead applications, air compression and compressed natural gas requirements.
"coal bed methane" - A natural gas generated during coal formation and provided from coal seams or adjacent sandstones.
"gas shale" - Fine grained rocks where the predominant gas storage mechanism is absorption and gas is stored in volumes that are potentially economic.
"reciprocating compressors" - A reciprocating compressor is a type of compressor which compresses vapor by using a piston in a cylinder and a back-and-forth motion.
"screw compressors" - A type of compressor used in vapor compression where two intermesh rotors create pockets of continuously decreasing volume, in which the vapor is compressed and its pressure is increased.
"tight gas" - A gas bearing sandstone or carbonate matrix (which may or may not contain natural fractures) which exhibits a low-permeability (tight) reservoir.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following risks associated with owning our common stock. Although the risks described below are the risks that we believe are material, they are not the only risks relating to our industry, our business and our common stock. Additional risks and uncertainties, including those that we have not yet identified or that we currently believe are immaterial, may also adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Associated With Our Industry
Adverse macroeconomic and business conditions may significantly and negatively affect our results of operations.
Continued weak economic conditions in the United States and abroad have, and will likely continue to, substantially affect our revenue and profitability. The domestic and global financial crisis, continued fluctuating natural gas prices, and the unprecedented levels of disruption and continuing illiquidity in the credit markets have had an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition, and if sustained or worsened, such adverse effects could continue or worsen. Uncertainty and turmoil in the credit markets may negatively impact the ability of our customers to finance purchases of our products and services and could result in a decrease in, or cancellation of, orders included in our backlog or adversely affect the collectability of our receivables. If the availability of credit to our customers is reduced, they may reduce their drilling and production expenditures, thereby decreasing demand for our products and services, which could have a negative impact on our financial condition.
Decreased oil and natural gas prices and oil and gas industry expenditure levels could adversely affect our revenue.
Our revenue is derived primarily from expenditures in the oil and natural gas industry, which, in turn, are based on budgets to explore for, develop and produce oil and natural gas. When these expenditures decline, our revenue will suffer. The industry’s willingness to explore for, develop and produce oil and natural gas depends largely upon the prevailing view of future oil and natural gas prices. Prices for oil and natural gas historically have been, and are likely to continue to be, highly volatile. Many factors affect the supply and demand for oil and natural gas and, therefore, influence oil and natural gas prices, including:
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the level of oil and natural gas production;
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the level of oil and natural gas inventories;
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domestic and worldwide demand for oil and natural gas;
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the expected cost of developing new reserves;
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the cost of producing oil and natural gas;
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the level of drilling and completions activity;
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inclement weather;
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domestic and worldwide economic activity;
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regulatory and other federal and state requirements in the United States;
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the ability of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other large producers to set and maintain production levels and prices for oil;
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political conditions in or affecting oil and natural gas producing countries;
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terrorist activities in the United States and elsewhere;
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the cost of developing alternate energy sources;
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environmental regulation; and
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tax policies.
Depending on the market prices of oil and natural gas, companies exploring for oil and natural gas may cancel or curtail their drilling programs, thereby reducing demand for our equipment and services. Our rental contracts are generally short-term, and oil and natural gas companies tend to respond quickly to upward or downward changes in prices. Any reduction in drilling and production activities may materially erode both pricing and utilization rates for our equipment and services and adversely affects our financial results. As a result, we may suffer losses, be unable to make necessary capital expenditures and be unable to meet our financial obligations.
The intense competition in our industry could result in reduced profitability and loss of market share for us.
In our business segments, we compete with the oil and natural gas industry’s largest equipment and service providers who have greater name recognition than we do. These companies also have substantially greater financial resources, larger operations and greater budgets for marketing, research and development than we do. They may be better able to compete because of their broader geographic dispersion and ability to take advantage of international opportunities, the greater number of compressors in their fleet or their product and service diversity. As a result, we could lose customers and market share to those competitors. These companies may also be better positioned than us to successfully endure downturns in the oil and natural gas industry.
Our operations may be adversely affected if our current competitors or new market entrants introduce new products or services with better prices, features, performance or other competitive characteristics than our products and services. Competitive pressures or other factors also may result in significant price competition that could harm our revenue and our business. Additionally, we may face competition in our efforts to acquire other businesses.
Our industry is highly cyclical, and our results of operations may be volatile.
Our industry is highly cyclical, with periods of high demand and high pricing followed by periods of low demand and low pricing. Periods of low demand intensify the competition in the industry and often result in rental equipment being idle for long periods of time. We may be required to enter into lower rate rental contracts in response to market conditions, and our sales may decrease as a result of such conditions. Due to the short-term nature of most of our rental contracts, changes in market conditions can quickly affect our business. As a result of the cyclicality of our industry, our results of operations may be volatile in the future.
Increased regulation or ban of current fracturing techniques could reduce demand for our compressors
Fracturing (frac) is a process that results in the creation of fractures in geological formations in order to stimulate production from oil and gas wells. Fracturing is also done to increase the rate and ultimate recovery of oil and natural gas. Hydraulic frac is the technique that has allowed domestic oil and natural gas exploration and production companies to produce massive shale deposits often referred to as unconventional plays. Concerns have been raised over possible environmental damages related to fluids used in the frac process. In June, the FRAC (Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals) Act was introduced in Congress via companion bills in the House and Senate. The FRAC Act seeks to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act so that hydraulic fracturing would be regulated on a federal level.
A ban of hydraulic fracing would likely halt some projects, including unconventional projects, at least temporarily. Expanded regulations are likely to introduce a period of uncertainty as companies determine ways to proceed. Any curtailment could result in a reduction of demand for our compressors, potentially effecting both sales and rentals of our units.
We are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations that could require us to take costly compliance actions that could harm our financial condition.
Our fabrication and maintenance operations are significantly affected by stringent and complex federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the discharge of substances into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection. In these operations, we generate and manage hazardous wastes such as solvents, thinner, waste paint, waste oil, wash down wastes, and sandblast material. We attempt to use generally accepted operating and disposal practices and, with respect to acquisitions, will attempt to identify and assess whether there is any environmental risk before completing an acquisition. Based on the nature of the industry, however, hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been disposed of or released on or under properties owned or leased by us or on or under other locations where such wastes have been taken for disposal. The waste on these properties may be subject to federal or state environmental laws that could require us to remove the wastes or remediate sites where they have been released. We could be exposed to liability for cleanup costs, natural resource and other damages as a result of our conduct or the conduct of, or conditions caused by, prior owners, lessees or other third parties. Environmental laws and regulations have changed in the past, and they are likely to change in the future. If current existing regulatory requirements or enforcement policies change, we may be required to make significant unanticipated capital and operating expenditures.
Any failure by us to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations may result in governmental authorities taking actions against our business that could harm our operations and financial condition, including the:
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issuance of administrative, civil and criminal penalties;
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denial or revocation of permits or other authorizations;
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reduction or cessation in operations; and
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performance of site investigatory, remedial or other corrective actions.
Risks Associated With Our Company
As of December 31, 2011, a significant majority of our compressor rentals were for terms of six months or less which, if terminated or not renewed, would adversely impact our revenue and our ability to recover our initial equipment costs.
The length of our compressor rental agreements with our customers varies based on customer needs, equipment configurations and geographic area. In most cases, under currently prevailing rental rates, the initial rental periods are not long enough to enable us to fully recoup the average cost of acquiring or fabricating the equipment. We cannot be sure that a substantial number of our customers will continue to renew their rental agreements or that we will be able to re-rent the equipment to new customers or that any renewals or re-rentals will be at comparable rental rates. The inability to timely renew or re-rent a substantial portion of our compressor rental fleet would have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We could be subject to substantial liability claims that could harm our financial condition.
Our products are used in hazardous drilling and production applications where an accident or a failure of a product can cause personal injury, loss of life, damage to property, equipment or the environment, or suspension of operations. While we maintain insurance coverage, we face the following risks under our insurance coverage:
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we may not be able to continue to obtain insurance on commercially reasonable terms;
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we may be faced with types of liabilities that will not be covered by our insurance, such as damages from significant product liabilities and from environmental contamination;
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the dollar amount of any liabilities may exceed our policy limits; and
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we do not maintain coverage against the risk of interruption of our business.
Any claims made under our policies will likely cause our premiums to increase. Any future damages caused by our products or services that are not covered by insurance, are in excess of policy limits or are subject to substantial deductibles, would reduce our earnings and our cash available for operations.
We might be unable to employ qualified technical personnel, which could hamper our present operations or increase our costs.
Many of the compressors that we sell or rent are mechanically complex and often must perform in harsh conditions. We believe that our success depends upon our ability to employ and retain a sufficient number of technical personnel who have the ability to design, utilize, enhance and maintain these compressors. Our ability to expand our operations depends in part on our ability to increase our skilled labor force. The demand for skilled workers is high, and supply is limited. A significant increase in the wages paid by competing employers could result in a reduction of our skilled labor force or cause an increase in the wage rates that we must pay or both. If either of these events were to occur, our cost structure could increase and our operations and growth potential could be impaired.
We will require a substantial amount of capital to expand our compressor rental fleet and grow our business.
During 2012, the amount we will spend on capital expenditures related to rental compression equipment will be determined primarily by the activity of our customers, and we do not anticipate that demand exceeding what we can fund with internally generated funds and additional bank borrowing with our current bank line. The amount and timing of any of these capital expenditures may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the level of activity in the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry and the presence of alternative uses for our capital, including any acquisitions that we may pursue.
Historically, we have funded our capital expenditures through internally generated funds, borrowings under bank credit facilities and the proceeds of equity financings. Although we believe that cash flows from our operations will provide us with sufficient cash to fund our planned capital expenditures for 2012, we cannot assure you that these sources will be sufficient. We may require additional capital to fund any unanticipated capital expenditures, including any acquisitions, and to fund our growth beyond 2012, and necessary capital may not be available to us when we need it or on acceptable terms. Our ability to raise additional capital will depend on the results of our operations and the status of various capital and industry markets at the time we seek such capital. Failure to generate sufficient cash flow, together with the absence of alternative sources of capital, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
Disruptions in the credit and financial markets have adversely affected financial institutions, inhibited lending and limited access to capital and credit for many companies. Several large financial institutions have either recently failed or been dependent on the assistance of the U.S. federal government to continue to operate as a going concern. Of our $30 million line of credit, we owe $1.0 million as of December 31, 2011. All outstanding principal and unpaid interest is due on December 31, 2014. Although we believe that we will be able to renew our existing line of credit, or obtain a new line of credit with another lender, we can provide no assurance that we will be successful in renewing our line of credit or obtaining a new line. In addition, any renewal of our existing line of credit or creation of a new line of credit may be on terms less favorable that our existing line. For instance, changes in the terms of a new line of credit may include, but not be limited to: a reduction in the borrowing amount, an increase in interest rate to be paid on borrowings under the line, or restrictive covenants that are more onerous than those on our existing line of credit.
We believe that the lender participating in our current credit agreement has adequate capital and resources; however, we can provide no assurance that this lender will continue to operate as a going concern in the future. If our current lender were to fail, it is possible that the borrowing capacity under our credit agreement would be reduced or eliminated. In the event that the availability under our credit agreement was reduced significantly, we could be required to obtain capital from alternate sources in order to finance our capital needs. Our options for addressing such capital constraints would include, but not be limited to (1) obtaining commitments from other banks to fund increased amounts under the terms of our credit agreement, (2) accessing the public capital markets, or (3) delaying certain projects. If it became necessary to access additional capital, any alternatives at the time may be on terms less favorable than under our existing credit agreement terms, which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. If future financing is not available to us when required, as a result of limited access to the credit markets or otherwise, or is not available to us on acceptable terms, we may be unable take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our current debt level may negatively impact our current and future financial stability.
As of December 31, 2011, we had an aggregate of approximately $1.0 million of outstanding indebtedness, and accounts payable and accrued expenses of approximately $7.4 million. As a result of our indebtedness, we might not have the ability to incur any substantial additional indebtedness. The level of our indebtedness could have several important effects on our future operations, including:
•
our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures and other purposes may be limited;
•
a significant portion of our cash flow from operations may be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, thereby reducing funds available for other purposes; and
•
our leverage could make us more vulnerable to economic downturns.
We believe that our current cash position and the amount available under the current revolver are sufficient to meet our capital needs through 2012. If we are unable to service our debt, we will likely be forced to take remedial steps that are contrary to our business plan.
As of December 31, 2011, we had $1.0 million due under our Line of Credit agreement which allows us to borrow up to $30.0 million provided we maintain certain collateral and borrowing base requirements. It is possible that our business will not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to meet our debt service requirements and the payment of principal when due depending on the amount of borrowings on the agreement at any given time. If this were to occur, we may be forced to:
•
sell assets at disadvantageous prices;
•
obtain additional financing; or
•
refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on terms that may be less favorable to us.
Our current credit agreement contains covenants that limit our operating and financial flexibility and, if breached, could expose us to severe remedial provisions.
Under the terms of our loan agreement, we must:
•
comply with a minimum leverage ratio;
•
comply with a commitment coverage ratio;
•
not exceed specified levels of debt; and
•
comply with limits on asset sales.
Our ability to meet the financial ratios and tests under our credit agreement can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may not be able to satisfy those ratios and tests. A breach of any one of these covenants could permit the bank to accelerate the debt so that it is immediately due and payable. If a breach occurred, no further borrowings would be available under our credit agreement. If we were unable to repay the debt, the bank could proceed against and foreclose on our assets, substantially all of which have been pledged as collateral to secure payment of our indebtedness.
If we fail to acquire or successfully integrate additional businesses, our growth may be limited and our results of operations may suffer.
As part of our business strategy, we intend to evaluate potential acquisitions of other businesses or assets. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in consummating any such acquisitions. Successful acquisition of businesses or assets will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to obtain financing and the competitive environment for acquisitions. In addition, we may not be able to successfully integrate any businesses or assets that we acquire in the future. The integration of acquired businesses is likely to be complex and time consuming and place a significant strain on management and may disrupt our business. We also may be adversely impacted by any unknown liabilities of acquired businesses, including environmental liabilities. We may encounter substantial difficulties, costs and delays involved in integrating common accounting, information and communication systems, operating procedures, internal controls and human resources practices, including incompatibility of business cultures and the loss of key employees and customers. These difficulties may reduce our ability to gain customers or retain existing customers, and may increase operating expenses, resulting in reduced revenues and income and a failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions.
The loss of one or more of our current customers could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our business is dependent not only on securing new customers but also on maintaining current customers. We had two customers that accounted for approximately 33% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011, and one customer that accounted for approximately 19% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010. Unless we are able to retain our existing customers, or secure new customers if we lose one or more of our significant customers, our revenue and results of operations would be adversely affected.
Loss of key members of our management could adversely affect our business.
We depend on the continued employment and performance of key members of our executive and senior management team. If any of our key managers resign or become unable to continue in his present role and is not adequately replaced, our business operations could be materially adversely affected. We do not carry any key-man insurance on any of our officers or directors.
Failure to effectively manage our growth and expansion could adversely affect our business and operating results and our internal controls.
We have rapidly and significantly expanded our operations in recent years and anticipate that our growth will continue if we are able to execute our strategy. Our rapid growth has placed significant strain on our management and other resources which, given our expected future growth rate, is likely to continue. To manage our future growth, we must be able to, among other things:
•
accurately assess the number of additional officers and employees we will require and the areas in which they will be required;
•
attract, hire and retain additional highly skilled and motivated officers and employees;
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train and manage our work force in a timely and effective manner;
•
upgrade and expand our office infrastructure so that it is appropriate for our level of activity; and
•
improve our financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures.
Liability to customers under warranties and indemnification provisions may materially and adversely affect our earnings.
We provide warranties as to the proper operation and conformance to specifications of the equipment we manufacture. Our equipment is complex and often deployed in harsh environments. Failure of this equipment to operate properly or to meet specifications may increase our costs by requiring additional engineering resources and services, replacement of parts and equipment or monetary reimbursement to a customer. We have in the past received warranty claims and we expect to continue to receive them in the future. To the extent that we incur substantial warranty claims in any period, our reputation, our ability to obtain future business and our earnings could be materially and adversely affected.
Our rental and sales contracts provide for varying of indemnification from our customers and in most cases may require us to indemnify our customers. Under some of our rental and sales contracts, liability with respect to personnel and property is customarily assigned on a “knock-for-knock” basis, which means that we and our customers assume liability for our respective personnel and property. However, in certain rental and sales contracts we assume liability for damage to our customer’s property and other third-party on the site resulting from our negligence. Since our products are used in hazardous drilling and production applications in the natural energy industry, expenses and liabilities in connection with accidents involving our products and services could be extensive and may exceed our insurance coverages.
Failure to maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to maintain effective internal controls, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and to help prevent financial fraud. If, as a result of deficiencies in our internal controls, we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business decision process may be adversely affected, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the price of our stock could decrease as a result.
We must evaluate our intangible assets annually for impairment.
Our intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization and consist of goodwill and patent costs and other identifiable intangibles.
We did not identify any impairment of our intangibles for the year ended December 31, 2011. Future impairment tests could result in impairments of our intangibles. We expect to continue to amortize our intangible assets with finite lives over the same time periods as previously used, and we will test our intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment at least once each year. In addition, we are required to assess the consumptive life, or longevity, of our intangible assets with finite lives and adjust their amortization periods accordingly. Our net goodwill and intangible assets were recorded on our balance sheet at approximately $12.3 million and $12.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our identifiable intangibles are currently amortized at a rate of $179,000 per year. Any impairment in future periods of those assets, or a reduction in their consumptive lives, could materially and adversely affect our statements of income and financial position.
A reduction in demand primarily for natural gas or prices for this commodity and credit markets could adversely affect our business.
Our results of operations depend upon the level of activity in the energy market, including natural gas development, production, processing and transportation. Oil and natural gas prices and the level of drilling and exploration activity can be volatile. For example, oil and natural gas exploration and development activity and the number of well completions typically decline when there is a significant reduction in oil and natural gas prices or significant instability in energy markets. As a result, the demand for our natural gas compression services could be adversely affected. A reduction in demand could also force us to reduce our pricing substantially. Additionally, our customers’ production from unconventional natural gas sources such as tight sands, shale and coal beds constitute the majority percentage of our business. Such unconventional sources are generally less economically feasible to produce in lower natural gas price environments. These factors could in turn negatively impact the demand for our products and services. A decline in demand for oil and natural gas or prices for those commodities and credit markets generally have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations.
The erosion of the financial condition of our customers could adversely affect our business.
Many of our customers finance their exploration and development activities through cash flow from operations, the incurrence of debt or the issuance of equity. During times when the oil or natural gas markets weaken, our customers are more likely to experience a downturn in their financial condition. Many of our customers’ equity values substantially declined during the recent recession, and the capital markets have not fully recovered making it an unreliable source of financing for some customers. The combination of a reduction in cash flow resulting from declines in commodity prices, a reduction in borrowing bases under reserve-based credit facilities and the lack of availability of debt or equity financing will result in a reduction in our customers’ spending for our products and services in 2012. For example, our customers could seek to preserve capital by canceling month-to-month contracts, canceling or delaying scheduled maintenance of their existing natural gas compression equipment or determining not to enter into any new natural gas compression service contracts or purchase new compression equipment.
Risks Associated With Our Common Stock
The price of our common stock may fluctuate which may cause our common stock to trade at a substantially lower price than the price paid for our common stock.
The trading price of our common stock and the price at which we may sell securities in the future is subject to substantial fluctuations in response to various factors, including our ability to successfully accomplish our business strategy, the trading volume of our stock, changes in governmental regulations, actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly or annual financial results, our involvement in litigation, general market conditions, the prices of oil and natural gas, announcements by us and our competitors, our liquidity, our ability to raise additional funds, and other events.
Future sales of our common stock could adversely affect our stock price.
Substantial sales of our common stock in the public market, or the perception by the market that those sales could occur, may lower our stock price or make it difficult for us to raise additional equity capital in the future. 35% of the outstanding shares of our common stock are owned by four institutional investors, each of which owns more than 5% of our outstanding shares as of March 1, 2012. Potential sales of large amounts of these shares in a short period of time by one or more of these significant investors could have a negative impact on our stock price. In addition, potential sales of our common stock by our directors and officers, who beneficially own approximately 5.59% of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of March 1, 2012, could also have a negative impact on our stock price.
We currently have on file with the SEC an effective “universal” shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which enables us to sell, from time to time, our common stock and other securities covered by the registration statement in one or more public offerings. The shelf registration statement allows us to enter the public markets and consummate sales of the registered securities in rapid fashion and with little or no notice. Issuances of securities under our shelf registration statement may dilute our existing shareholders. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
If we issue debt or equity securities, you may lose certain rights and be diluted.
If we raise funds in the future through the issuance of debt or equity securities, the securities issued may have rights and preferences and privileges senior to those of holders of our common stock, and the terms of the securities may impose restrictions on our operations or dilute your ownership in our Company.
If securities analysts downgrade our stock or cease coverage of us, the price of our stock could decline.
The trading market for our common stock relies in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not control these analysts. Furthermore, there are many large, well-established, publicly traded companies active in our industry and market, which may mean that it is less likely that we will receive widespread analyst coverage. If one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrade our stock, our stock price would likely decline rapidly. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline.
We do not intend to pay, and have restrictions upon our ability to pay, dividends on our common stock.
We have not paid cash dividends in the past and do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Net income from our operations, if any, will be used for the development of our business, including capital expenditures, and to retire debt. In addition, our credit agreement contains restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends on our common stock.
We have a comparatively low number of shares of common stock outstanding and, therefore, our common stock may suffer from limited liquidity and its prices will likely be volatile and its value may be adversely affected.
Because of our relatively low number of outstanding shares of common stock, the trading price of our common stock will likely be subject to significant price fluctuations and limited liquidity. This may adversely affect the value of your investment. In addition, our common stock price could be subject to fluctuations in response to variations in quarterly operating results, changes in management, future announcements concerning us, general trends in the industry and other events or factors as well as those described above.
Provisions contained in our governing documents could hinder a change in control of us.
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage acquisition bids and may limit the price investors are willing to pay for our common stock. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that:
•
directors are elected for three-year terms, with approximately one-third of the board of directors standing for election each year;
•
cumulative voting is not allowed, which limits the ability of minority shareholders to elect any directors;
•
the unanimous vote of the board of directors or the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of all shares entitled to vote in the election of directors is required to change the size of the board of directors; and
•
directors may be removed only for cause and only by the holders of not less than 80% of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to five million shares of preferred stock. The Board of Directors can fix the terms of the preferred stock without any action on the part of our stockholders. The issuance of shares of preferred stock may delay or prevent a change in control transaction. In addition, preferred stock could be used in connection with the Board of Directors’ adoption of a shareholders’ rights plan (also known as a poison pill), which would make it much more difficult to effect a change in control of our company through acquiring or controlling blocks of stock. Also, our directors and officers as a group will continue to beneficially own stock and although this is not a majority of our stock, it confers substantial voting power in the election of directors and management of our company. This would make it difficult for other minority stockholders to effect a change in control or otherwise extend any significant control over our management. This may adversely affect the market price and interfere with the voting and other rights of our common stock.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The table below describes the material facilities owned or leased by Natural Gas Services Group as of December 31, 2011:
We believe that our properties are generally well maintained and in good condition and adequate for our purposes.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are a party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. While management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions, it believes that any ultimate liability arising from these actions will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow. We are not currently a party to any bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, adjustment or similar proceeding, and we are not aware of any other threatened litigation.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NGS”. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported for 2011 and 2010.
As of December 31, 2011 as reflected by our transfer agent records, we had 28 record holders of our common stock. This number does not include any beneficial owners for whom shares of common stock may be held in “nominee” or “street” name. On March 13, 2012, the last reported sale price of our common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange was $13.99 per share.
The following graph shows a five year comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return on Natural Gas Services Group common stock as compared to the cumulative total return of two other indexes: a custom composite index of the Philadelphia Oil Service Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index. These comparisons assume an initial investment of $100 and the reinvestment of dividends.
The performance graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference the Annual Report on Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under those Acts.
Dividends
To date, we have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock. We currently do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future on our common stock. Although we intend to retain our earnings, if any, to finance the growth of our business, our Board of Directors will have the discretion to declare and pay dividends in the future. Payment of dividends in the future will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, and other factors, which our Board of Directors may deem relevant. Our credit agreement also contain restrictions on paying dividends.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes certain information regarding our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2011:
(1)
Total number of shares to be issued upon exercise of options granted to employees, officers, and directors under our 1998 stock option plan.
(2)
Total number of shares to be issued upon exercise of options granted outside of our 1998 stock option plan
to Stephen C. Taylor, our Chief Executive Officer, under the terms of his initial employment.
Repurchase of Equity Securities
No repurchases of our securities were made by us or on our behalf by any “affiliated purchaser” during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
Sale of Unregistered Securities
We made no sales of unregistered securities during the year ended December 31, 2011.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
In the table below, we provide you with selected historical financial data. We have derived this information from our audited financial statements for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2011. This information is only a summary and it is important that you read this information along with our audited financial statements and related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Item 7
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our financial position and results of operations for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our audited financial statements and the related notes.
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. For a description of limitations inherent in forward-looking statements, see “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” on page (ii).
Overview
We fabricate, manufacture, rent and sell natural gas compressors and related equipment. Our primary focus is on the rental of natural gas compressors. Our rental contracts generally provide for initial terms of six to 24 months. After the initial term of our rental contracts, most of our customers have continued to rent our compressors on a month-to-month basis. Rental amounts are paid monthly in advance and include maintenance of the rented compressors. As of December 31, 2011 we had 2,120 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 287,764 horsepower rented to 98 customers, compared to 1,909 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 248,648 horsepower rented to 97 customers at December 31, 2010. Of the 2,120 compressors rented at December 31, 2011, 1,575 were rented on a month-to-month basis.
We also fabricate natural gas compressors for sale to our customers, designing compressors to meet unique specifications dictated by well pressures, production characteristics and particular applications for which compression is sought. Fabrication of compressors involves the purchase by us of engines, compressors, coolers and other components, and then assembling these components on skids for delivery to customer locations. These major components of our compressors are acquired through periodic purchase orders placed with third-party suppliers on an “as needed” basis, which presently requires a three to four month lead time with delivery dates scheduled to coincide with our estimated production schedules. Although we do not have formal continuing supply contracts with any major supplier, we believe we have adequate alternative sources available. In the past, we have not experienced any sudden and dramatic increases in the prices of the major components for our compressors. However, the occurrence of such an event could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition, particularly if we were unable to increase our rental rates and sales prices proportionate to any such component price increases.
We also manufacture a proprietary line of compressor frames, cylinders and parts, known as our CiP (Cylinder-in-Plane) product line. We use finished CiP component products in the fabrication of compressor units for sale or rental by us or sell the finished component products to other compressor fabricators. We also design, fabricate, sell, install and service flare stacks and related ignition and control devices for onshore and offshore incineration of gas compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gases. To provide customer support for our compressor and flare sales businesses, we stock varying levels of replacement parts at our Midland, Texas facility and at field service locations. We also provide an exchange and rebuild program for screw compressors and maintain an inventory of new and used compressors to facilitate this business.
We provide service and maintenance to our customers under written maintenance contracts or on an as required basis in the absence of a service contract. Maintenance agreements typically have terms of six months to one year and require payment of a monthly fee.
The following table sets forth our revenues from each of our three business segments for the periods presented:
Our strategy for growth is focused on our compressor rental business. Margins for our rental business historically run in the high 50% to low 60% range, while margins for the compressor sales business tend to be in the mid 20% range. If our rental business grows and contributes a larger percentage of our total revenues, we expect our overall company-wide margins to improve over time.
The oil and natural gas equipment rental and services industry is cyclical in nature. The most critical factor in assessing the outlook for the industry is the worldwide supply and demand for natural gas and the corresponding changes in commodity prices. As demand and prices increase, oil and natural gas producers increase their capital expenditures for drilling, development and production activities. Generally, the increased capital expenditures ultimately result in greater revenues and profits for service and equipment companies.
In general, we expect our overall business activity and revenues to track the level of activity in the natural gas industry, with changes in domestic natural gas production and consumption levels and prices more significantly affecting our business than changes in crude oil and condensate production and consumption levels and prices. We also believe that demand for compression services and products is driven by declining reservoir pressure in maturing natural gas producing fields and, more recently, by increased focus by producers on non-conventional natural gas production, such as coal bed methane, gas shale and tight gas, which typically requires more compression than production from conventional natural gas reservoirs.
Demand for our products and services was strong throughout most of 2008, but in 2009 the demand declined due to lower natural gas prices, decreased demand for natural gas and the economic recession. During the latter part of 2010 the economy began to recover and demand for our products began to strengthen. This recovery continued into 2011, but natural gas prices remained stagnant.
For fiscal year 2012, our forecasted capital expenditures will be directly dependent upon our customers’ compression requirements and are not anticipated to exceed our internally generated cash flows. Any required capital will be for additions to our compressor rental fleet and/or addition or replacement of service vehicles. We believe that cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our capital and liquidity requirements through 2012. We may require additional capital to fund any unanticipated expenditures, including any acquisitions of other businesses, although that capital may not be available to us when we need it or on acceptable terms.
Notwithstanding the continued weak economy, we believe the long-term trend in our market is favorable.
Critical Accounting Policies and Practices
We have identified the policies below as critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations. In the ordinary course of business, we have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial condition in the preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require our most difficult, subjective, and complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
Our critical accounting policies are as follows:
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revenue recognition;
•
estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable;
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accounting for income taxes;
•
valuation of long-lived and intangible assets and goodwill; and
•
valuation of inventory.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sales of custom and fabricated compressors and flare systems is recognized when title passes to the customer, the customer assumes risks and rewards of ownership, collectability is reasonably assured and delivery occurs as directed by our customer. Revenue from sale of rental units is included in sales revenue when equipment is shipped or title is transferred to the customer. Exchange and rebuild compressor revenue is recognized when both the replacement compressor has been delivered and the rebuild assessment has been completed. Revenue from compressor services is recognized upon providing services to the customer. Maintenance agreement revenue is recognized as services are rendered. Rental revenue is recognized over the terms of the respective rental agreements. Deferred income represents payments received before a product is shipped.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’s current credit worthiness, as determined by our review of their current credit information. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that we have in the past. At December 31, 2011, three customers accounted for approximately 39%, 20%, and 11% of our accounts receivable, and at December 31, 2010, two customers accounted for approximately 19% and 10% of our accounts receivable. A significant change in the liquidity or financial position of these customers could have a material adverse impact on the collectability of our accounts receivables and our future operating results. At December 31, 2011, our allowance for doubtful accounts balance was $296,000 and $171,000 at December 31, 2010
Accounting for Income Taxes
As part of the process of preparing our financial statements, we are required to estimate our federal income taxes as well as income taxes in each of the states in which we operate. This process involves us estimating our actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not probable, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we must include an expense in the tax provision in the statement of operations.
Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets.
Valuation of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets and Goodwill
We assess the impairment of identifiable intangibles, long-lived assets and related goodwill annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:
•
significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
•
significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business;
•
significant negative industry or economic trends; and
•
significant decline in the market value of our stock.
When we determine that the carrying value of intangibles, long-lived assets and related goodwill may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model.
We completed a review of goodwill for impairment during the fourth quarter of 2011. Our analysis considered multiple valuation models, including an estimate of future discounted cash flows, the market capitalization of the Company and trading multiples. Comparing the book value (including goodwill) to the valuation methods results in an over 20% excess market value over book value. Based on the analysis we concluded that no impairment of goodwill was required at December 31, 2011. Future impairment tests could result in impairments of our intangible assets or goodwill.
Inventories
We value our inventory at the lower of the actual cost to purchase and/or manufacture the inventory or the current estimated market value of the inventory. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements. At December 31, 2011, an adjustment was made to remove obsolete inventory which represents 2% of inventory.
Our Performance Trends and Outlook
Given the current economic environment in North America and anticipated impact of continued low natural gas prices and potentially cautious capital spending by customers, we expect the overall activity levels in 2012 to only modestly outpace 2011. Currently, we believe that the strengthening commodity prices will be slow to develop for natural gas. In addition, the recovery of credit and capital market conditions resulting from the recent financial crisis will continue to impact the level of capital spending by our customers in the near term. We believe that the recovery from the recent recession will be slow. The result will likely be lagging capital spending by our customers and therefore slow growth in demand for our products and services. We anticipate industry capital spending will be flat to a moderate increase in 2012 compared 2011 levels, and we believe our fabrication business will likely remain at a similar production level though 2012. We believe our rental operations business will increase assuming the nation recovers from the recession in 2012 and 2013, although we can give no assurances that this will occur.
Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2010
The table below shows our revenues, percentage of total revenues, gross margin, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, and gross margin percentage of each of our segments for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Gross margin is the difference between revenue and cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation.
(1)
For a reconciliation of gross margin to its most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, please read “Item 6. Selected Financial Data - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Total revenue increased from $53.9 million to $65.2 million, or 20.9%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period ended December 31, 2010. This was mainly the result of a 24.6% increase in sales revenue, a 19.5% increase in rental revenue and a 29.0% increase in service and maintenance revenue.
Sales revenue increased from $12.4 million to $15.4 million, or 24.6%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period ended December 31, 2010. This increase is the result of greater demand for our products which resulted in more compressor units being sold to customers primarily from our Tulsa operations. The increase in demand is due to our customers' continued investment in non-conventional shale plays which requires compression for produced natural gas. The price of natural gas on December 31, 2011 was $2.98/MMBtu, down from $4.19/MMBtu one year ago. Because of the significant decline in natural gas prices, along with economic uncertainty and tightened credit, the energy industry continues to encounter reduced capital spending, particularly for goods and services with respect to natural gas activities. In addition, capital project funding was shifted from gas projects to oil projects as the price of oil was not as volatile as gas, and oil prices have rebounded from its lows compared to natural gas prices. Since our compressors are primarily used in the production of natural gas, our compressor sales have been significantly impacted due to the factors described above. Our strategy over time has been to accelerate our rental revenues so that they are a larger component of our top line, but we intend to maintain our ability to build and sell custom fabricated equipment. In support of this, we have continued to cultivate new sales-oriented customers and are entertaining requests for bids on larger reciprocating compressors instead of being solely focused on screw-type equipment. Sales included: (1) compressor unit sales, (2) flare sales, (3) parts sales and (4) compressor rebuilds.
Rental revenue increased from $40.7 million to $48.6 million, or 19.5%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period ended December 31, 2010. This increase was the result of improved rental pricing of our units and the achievement of higher fleet utilization. As of December 31, 2011, we had 2,120 natural gas compressors in our rental fleet totaling approximately 287,764 horsepower, as compared to 1,909 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 248,648 horsepower at December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, we had 1,575 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 220,213 horsepower rented to 98 customers, compared to 1,297 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 174,515 horsepower rented to 97 customers at December 31, 2010. The rental fleet had a utilization of 74.3% as of December 31, 2011.
The overall gross margin percentage decreased to 53.3% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, from 54.1% for the same period ended December 31, 2010. This decrease is the result of rental margins, which represent the largest percent of our revenue at 75%, experiencing a reduction from 60% to 57% for the year end December 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The reduction in rental margin was largely driven by increased costs to maintain and service units under contract. Both sales and third party service and maintenance margins improved for the period ending December 31, 2011 compared to one year earlier. The sales margin increased from 35.3% to 40.3%. The sales margin in 2010 was impacted by the cost of customized orders. Third party service and maintenance margins increased from 38.4% to 59.1% for the period ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same period a year ago. Service and maintenance represents less than 2% of our revenue providing minimal impact on our overall gross margin.
Selling, general, and administrative expense increased slightly to $5.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to the same period ended December 31, 2010. There was no significant increase item of SG&A.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $11.9 million, to $14.0 million, or 17.6%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period ended December 31, 2010. This increase was the result of 211 new gas compressor rental units being added to the rental fleet from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011, thus increasing the depreciable base.
Other income and expense increased to $0.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $0.1million for the same period ended December 31, 2010. This is primarily due to a gain from the sale of our former headquarters during the first quarter of 2011.
Interest expense decreased 71.6% from $0.19 million to $0.06 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, compared to the same period ended December 31, 2010, mainly due to the pay down of our term bank loan agreement.
Provision for income tax increased from $4.3 million to $5.9 million, or 37.2%, and is the result of the increase in taxable income. Our effective tax rate was 38% for both 2011 and 2010.
Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2009
The table below shows our revenues, percentage of total revenues, gross margin, exclusive of depreciation, and gross margin percentage of each of our segments for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Gross margin is the difference between revenue and cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation.
(1) For a reconciliation of gross margin to its most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, please read “Item 6. Selected Financial Data - Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Report.
Total revenue decreased from $67.8 million to $53.9 million, or 20.5%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, compared to the same period ended December 31, 2009. This was mainly the result of a 42.9% decrease in sales revenue, a12.6% decrease in service and maintenance and a 9.9% decrease in rental revenue.
Sales revenue decreased from $21.7 million to $12.4 million, or 42.9%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, compared to the same period ended December 31, 2009. This decrease was the result of lower demand for our products which resulted in fewer compressor units sold to third parties primarily from our Tulsa operations. The downturn in demand was due to the overall slowdown in the economy and specific energy industry factors, especially with respect to prices for natural gas (Henry Hub Spot prices), which were very volatile and declined from a high of $13.31/MMBtu in July 2008 to a low of $2.42/MMBtu in August 2009. The price of natural gas on December 31, 2010 was $4.19/MMBtu, but declined after that time. Because of the significant decline in natural gas prices, along with economic uncertainty and tightened credit, the energy industry encountered reduced capital spending, particularly for goods and services with respect to natural gas activities. In addition, capital project funding was shifted from gas projects to oil projects as the price of oil was not as volatile as gas, and oil prices rebounded from its lows compared to natural gas prices. Since our compressors are primarily used in the production of natural gas, our compressor sales were significantly impacted due to the factors described above. We also had a customer curtail its purchasing activity during the transition period following its acquisition by an industry major.
Rental revenue decreased from $45.1 million to $40.7 million, or 9.9%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, compared to the same period ended December 31, 2009. This decrease was the result of rental price concessions to our customers and returned rental units. As of December 31, 2010, we had 1,909 natural gas compressors in our rental fleet totaling approximately 248,648 horsepower, as compared to 1,776 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 223,694 horsepower at December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2010 we had 1,297 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 174,515 horsepower rented to 97 third parties, compared to 1,159 natural gas compressors totaling approximately 146,512 horsepower rented to 91 third parties at December 31, 2009. The rental fleet had a utilization of 67.9% as of December 31, 2010.
The overall gross margin percentage increased to 54.1% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, from 52.6% for the same period ended December 31, 2009. This increase was result of two factors: (1) rentals, which had a higher margin than our other sources of revenue (rental revenue increased to 75.4% from 66.6% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the same period ended December 31, 2009); and (2) sales margins also increased from 31.3% to 35.3% for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 (3) our service and maintenance margin increased to 38.4% from 31.8% for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the same period ended December 31, 2009. This margin increase was also the result of greater efficiencies in our field service operations.
Selling, general, and administrative expense decreased from $6.2 million, to $5.9 million, or 4.8%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, as compared to the same period ended December 31, 2009.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $11.7 million, to $11.9 million, or 1.7%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, compared to the same period ended December 31, 2009. This increase was the result of 133 new gas compressor rental units being added to the rental fleet from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2010, thus increasing the depreciable base.
Interest expense decreased 67.8% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, compared to the same period ended December 31, 2009, mainly due to the pay down of our term bank loan agreement.
Provision for income tax decreased from $6.2 million to $4.3 million, or 30.7%, and was the result of the decrease in taxable income. Our effective tax rate for 2010 was 38% as compared to 36% in 2009.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our working capital positions as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are set forth below.
Historically, we have funded our operations through public and private offerings of our equity securities, subordinated debt, bank borrowings and cash flow from operations. Proceeds of financings have been primarily used to repay debt, to fund the manufacture and fabrication of additional units for our rental fleet of natural gas compressors and for acquisitions.
For the year ended December 31, 2011, we invested approximately $36.5 million in equipment for our rental fleet and service vehicles. We financed this activity with funds from operations. We also repaid approximately $1.0 million of our debt during 2011.
Cash flows
At December 31, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents of $16.4 million and working capital of $37.2 million, and total debt of $1.0 million on our credit agreement, all which is due in 2014. We had positive net cash flow from operating activities of approximately $33.6 million during 2011. This was primarily from net income of $9.8 million, plus depreciation and amortization of $14.0 million, an increase in deferred taxes of $7.0 million, and an increase of deferred income of $4.5 million.
At December 31, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of $19.1 million, working capital of $40.4 million and total debt of $2.0 million, on our line of credit, all of which was classified as current. We had positive net cash flow from operating activities of approximately $29 million during 2010. This was primarily from net income of $7.0 million, plus depreciation and amortization of $11.9 million, an increase in deferred taxes of $4.2 million, and a decrease in trade accounts receivable and inventory of $4.8 million.
Trade accounts receivable increased $0.4 million in December 31, 2011 as compared to December 31, 2010. This increase mainly resulted from the year over year improvement in both sales and rentals.
Inventory and work in progress increased to $27 million as of the end of 2011, as compared to $21.5 million as of the end of 2010. This increase is mainly a reflection of higher fabrication activity in our rental compression equipment lines.
Debt decreased to $1.0 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $2.0 million at December 31, 2010. This decrease was mainly the result of principal repayment of debt and termination of our term loan and previous line of credit.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
We have contractual obligations and commitments that affect our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. The following table is a summary of our significant cash contractual obligations:
As of December 31, 2011, we had a long-term liability of $275,000 to Midland Development Corporation. This amount is to be recognized as income contingent upon certain staffing requirements in the future. In addition, we entered into a purchase agreement with a vendor on July 30, 2008 pursuant to which we agreed to purchase up to $4.8 million of our paint and coating requirements exclusively from the vendor. In connection with the execution of the agreement, the vendor paid us a $300,000 fee which is considered to be a discount toward future purchases from the vendor. The $300,000 payment we received is recorded as a long-term liability and will decrease as the purchase commitment is fulfilled. The long-term liability remaining as of December 31, 2011 was $248,000.
Senior Bank Borrowings
On December 31, 2010, we paid off our existing term loan at Western National Bank ("WNB") and established a $20 million senior secured revolving credit agreement (subject to a right, on an uncommitted basis, to increase the commitments there under to up to $40 million) with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the "Credit Agreement"). In connection with establishing the Credit Agreement, we paid $2,816,106 to WNB which represented payment in full of the principal and interest owed under our term loan with WNB. In making this payment, we drew $2,000,000 on the line of credit under the Credit Agreement.
On December 30, 2011, we amended and renewed the Credit Agreement, which was set to expire on December 31, 2011 ("the Amended Credit Agreement"). The Amended Credit Agreement increased our aggregate commitment amount from $20 million to $30 million, subject to collateral availability. We also have a right to request from the lender, on an uncommitted basis, an increase of up to $20 million on the aggregate commitment (which could potentially increase the commitment amount to $50 million). The maturity date was extended to December 31, 2014, and the interest rate terms were amended.
Borrowing Base. At any time before the maturity of the Amended Credit Agreement, we may draw, repay and re-borrow amounts available under the borrowing base up to the maximum aggregate availability discussed above. Generally, the borrowing base equals the sum of (a) 80% of our eligible accounts receivable plus (b) 50% of the book value of our eligible general inventory (not to exceed 50% of the commitment amount at the time) plus (c) 75% of the book value of our eligible equipment inventory. JPMorgan Chase Bank (the “Lender”) may adjust the borrowing base components if material deviations in the collateral are discovered in future audits of the collateral.
Interest and Fees. Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, we have the option of selecting the applicable variable rate for each revolving loan, or portion thereof, of either (a) LIBOR multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement), with respect to this rate, for Eurocurrency funding, plus the Applicable Margin (“LIBOR-based”), or (b) CB Floating Rate, which is the Lender’s Prime Rate less the Applicable Margin; provided, however, that no more than three LIBOR-based borrowings under the agreement may be outstanding at any one time. For purposes of the LIBOR-based interest rate, the Applicable Margin is 1.50%. For purposes of the CB Floating Rate, the Applicable Margin is 1.25%.
Accrued interest is payable monthly on outstanding principal amounts, provided that accrued interest on LIBOR-based loans is payable at the end of each interest period, but in no event less frequently than quarterly. In addition, fees and expenses are payable in connection with our requests for letters of credit (generally equal to the Applicable Margin for LIBOR-related borrowings multiplied by the face amount of the requested letter of credit) and administrative and legal costs.
Maturity. The maturity date of the Amended Credit Agreement is December 31, 2014, at which time all amounts borrowed under the agreement will be due and outstanding letters of credit must be cash collateralized. The agreement may be terminated early upon our request or the occurrence of an event of default.
Security. The obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien on all of our inventory and accounts and leases receivables, along with a first priority lien on a variable number of our leased compressor equipment the book value of must be maintained at a minimum of 2.00 to 1.00 commitment coverage ratio (such ratio being equal to (i) the amount of the borrowing base as of such date to (ii) the amount of the commitment as of such date.)
Covenants. The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as covenants which, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; make acquisitions in excess of certain amounts; pay dividends; redeem or repurchase capital stock or senior notes; make investments or loans; make negative pledges; consolidate, merge or effect asset sales; or change the nature of our business.
Events of Default and Acceleration. The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary events of default for credit facilities of this size and type, and includes, without limitation, payment defaults; defaults in performance of covenants or other agreements contained in the transaction documents; inaccuracies in representations and warranties; certain defaults, termination events or similar events; certain defaults with respect to any other Company indebtedness in excess of $50,000; certain bankruptcy or insolvency events; the rendering of certain judgments in excess of $150,000; certain ERISA events; certain change in control events and the defectiveness of any liens under the secured revolving credit agreement. Obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default.
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we were in compliance with all covenants in our respective loan agreements. A default under our Amended Credit Agreement could trigger the acceleration of our bank debt so that it is immediately due and payable. Such default would have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial position and operations.
Shelf Registration Statement
We have an effective $150 million “universal” shelf registration statement on Form S-3 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we filed in 2009. This shelf registration statement enables us to sell, from time to time, the securities covered by the registration statement in one or more public offerings. The securities covered by the registration statement include common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, debt securities, rights to purchase common stock, units consisting of two or more of any of the registered securities and warrants to purchase any of the registered securities. We may offer any of these securities independently or together in any combination with other securities. The shelf registration statement allows us to enter the public markets and consummate sales of the registered securities in rapid fashion and with little or no notice. We have no immediate plans to issue securities under the shelf registration statement, but our management believes that it may facilitate access to additional liquidity in the future. However, there is no assurance that equity or debt capital would be available to us in the public markets should we determine to issue securities under the shelf registration statement.
Components of Our Principal Capital Expenditures
The table below shows the components of our principal capital expenditures for the three years ended December 31, 2011:
The level of our expenditures will vary in future periods depending on energy market conditions and other related economic factors. Based upon existing economic and market conditions, we believe that our operating cash flow and additional bank borrowings may be required to fully fund our net capital expenditures requirements for 2012. We also believe we have significant flexibility with respect to our financing alternatives and adjustment of our expenditure plans if circumstances
warrant. When considered in relation to our total financial capacity, we do not have any material continuing commitments associated with expenditure plans related to our current operations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
From time-to-time, we enter into off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions that can give rise to off-balance sheet obligations. As of December 31, 2011, the off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions that we have entered into include operating lease agreements and purchase agreements. We do not believe that these arrangements are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or availability of, or requirements for, capital resources.
We entered into a purchase agreement with a vendor on July 30, 2008 pursuant to which we agreed to purchase up to $4.8 million of our paint and coating requirements exclusively from the vendor. In connection with the execution of the agreement, the vendor paid us a $300,000 fee which is considered to be a discount toward future purchases from the vendor. As of December 31, 2011 we had met $827,000 of this obligation. The $300,000 payment we received is recorded as a long-term liability and will decrease as the purchase commitment is fulfilled. The long-term liability remaining as of December 31, 2011was $248,000.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. Currently, companies have three alternatives for presenting Comprehensive Income and its components in financial statements. Comprehensive income and its components may be reported below the total of net income in a single statement that reports the results of operations, in a separate statement of comprehensive income that begins with net income, or within the statement of changes in equity. Among the changes, ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option for entities to disclose comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity and as such, requires entities to report comprehensive income and its components either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the case in which a single continuous financial statement is utilized, no longer will the statement be titled “Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income” and instead the statement will solely be titled “Statement of Comprehensive Income.” We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-05 to have an impact on the presentation of our financial statements.
In September 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, for year ended December 31, 2011. We have continued to assess goodwill consistent with previous years.
Environmental Regulations
Various federal, state and local laws and regulations covering the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to protection of human safety and health and the environment, affect our operations and costs. Compliance with these laws and regulations could cause us to incur remediation or other corrective action costs or result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties and the issuance of injunctions delaying or prohibiting operations. In addition, we have acquired certain properties and plant facilities from third parties whose actions with respect to the management and disposal or release of hydrocarbons or other wastes were not under our control. Under environmental laws and regulations, we could be required to remove or remediate wastes disposed of or released by prior owners. In addition, we could be responsible under environmental laws and regulations for properties and plant facilities we lease, but do not own. Compliance with such laws and regulations increases our overall cost of business, but has not had a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition. It is not anticipated, based on current laws and regulations, that we will be required in the near future to expend amounts that are material in relation to our total expenditure budget in order to comply with environmental laws and regulations but such laws and regulations are frequently changed and we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance. We also could incur costs related to the cleanup of sites to which we send equipment and for damages to natural resources or other claims related to releases of regulated substances at such sites.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Commodity Risk
Our commodity risk exposure is the pricing applicable primarily to natural gas production and to lesser extent oil production. Realized commodity prices received for such production are primarily driven by the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil and spot prices applicable to natural gas. Depending on the market prices of oil and natural gas, companies exploring for such resources may cancel or curtail their drilling programs, thereby reducing demand for our equipment and services.
Financial Instruments and Debt Maturities
Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and line of credit. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of the instruments. The fair value of our bank borrowings approximate the carrying amounts as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and were determined based upon interest rates currently available to us.
Customer Credit Risk
We are exposed to the risk of financial non-performance by our customers. Our ability to collect on rentals and sales to our customers is dependent on the liquidity of our customer base. To manage customer credit risk, we monitor credit ratings of our customers. Unless we are able to retain our existing customers, or secure new customers if we lose one or more of our significant customers, our revenue and results of operations would be adversely affected.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Our audited financial statements and supplementary financial data are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on page.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Accounting Officer And Treasurer, of the effectiveness of the design of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or, the “Exchange Act”) as of December 31, 2011, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Accounting Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2011, are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Due to the inherent limitations of control systems, not all misstatements may be detected. Those inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls could be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons or by collusion of two or more people. Our controls and procedures can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the above objectives have been met.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during our last quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and our Principal Accounting Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
•
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that our receipt and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our Board of Directors; and
•
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. A system of internal control may become inadequate over time because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as December 31, 2011 using the criteria set forth by the Commission of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Pursuant to the Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we have included a report of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls as part of this annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year December 31, 2011, BDO USA, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, attested to and issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.
Midland, Texas
We have audited Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying “Item 9A. Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting." Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the balance sheets of Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2011 and our report dated March 14, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Houston, Texas
March 14, 2012
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Corporate Governance” and “The Board of Directors and its Committees” in our definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2011.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section “Executive Compensation” in our definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2011.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section “Principal Shareholders and Security Ownership of Management” in our definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2011.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections “Related Person Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” in our definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2011.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in our definitive proxy statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2011.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
(a)(1) and (a)(2) Financial Statements
For a list of Financial Statements, see “Index to Financial Statements” and incorporated herein by reference.
(a)(3) Exhibits
A list of exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K is set forth below:
Exhibit No. Description
SIGNATURES
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.
NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Date: March 14, 2012
By:
/s/ Stephen C. Taylor
Stephen C. Taylor
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive 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 and on the dates indicated:
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.
Midland, Texas
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended 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. An audit 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, as well as 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 financial position of Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.’s, internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 14, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Houston, Texas
March 14, 2012
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.
Midland, Texas
We have audited the accompanying statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows of Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2009. 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 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as 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 results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ HEIN & ASSOCIATES LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 4, 2010
NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands except per share data)
See accompanying notes to these financial statements.
NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands except per share data)
See accompanying notes to these financial statements.
NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
See accompanying notes to these financial statements.
NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
See accompanying notes to these financial statements.
NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Principles of Consolidation
These notes apply to the financial statements of Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (the "Company", “NGSG”, "Natural Gas Services Group", "we" or "our") (a Colorado corporation). Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. was formed on December 17, 1998 for the purposes of combining the operations of certain manufacturing, service and leasing entities.
Nature of Operations
Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. is a leading provider of small to medium horsepower compression equipment to the natural gas industry. We focus primarily on the non-conventional natural gas production business in the United States (such as coal bed methane, gas shale and tight gas). We manufacture, fabricate and rent natural gas compressors that enhance the production of natural gas wells. NGSG provides maintenance services for its natural gas compressors. In addition, we sell custom fabricated natural gas compressors to meet customer specifications dictated by well pressures, production characteristics and particular applications. We also manufacture and sell flare systems for oil and natural gas plant and production facilities.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the valuation of identifiable intangible assets and goodwill acquired in acquisitions, bad debt allowance and the allowance for inventory obsolescence. It is at least reasonably possible these estimates could be revised in the near term and the revisions could be material.
Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, we consider all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable
Our trade receivables consist of customer obligations for the sale of compressors and flare systems due under normal trade terms, and operating leases for the use of our natural gas compressors. The receivables are not collateralized except as provided for under lease agreements. However, we require deposits of as much as 50% for large custom contracts. We extend credit based on management's assessment of the customer's financial condition, receivable aging, customer disputes and general business and economic conditions. Management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade receivables of $296,000 and $171,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, is adequate.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the sales of custom and fabricated compressors, and flare systems is recognized when title passes to the customer, the customer assumes risks and rewards of ownership, collectability is reasonably assured and delivery occurs as directed by our customer. Exchange and rebuilt compressor revenue is recognized when both the replacement compressor has been delivered and the rebuild assessment has been completed. Revenue from compressor service and retrofitting services is recognized upon providing services to the customer. Maintenance agreement revenue is recognized as services are rendered. Rental revenue is recognized over the terms of the respective rental agreements. Deferred income represents payments received before a product is shipped. Revenue from the sale of rental units is included in sales revenue when equipment is shipped or title is transferred to the customer.
Description of Rental Arrangements
Our rental operations principally consist of the rental of natural gas compressor packages and flare stacks. These arrangements are classified as operating leases. See Note 2.
Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk
Sales and rental income to EOG Resources, Inc. ("EOG") and Devon Energy Production, Inc. ("Devon") in 2011 amounted to 17% and 16% of revenue, respectively. Sales and rental income to Devon in 2010 amounted to 19% of revenue. Sales and rental income to XTO Energy, Inc. and Devon in 2009 each amounted to 21% of revenue. No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues in 2011, 2010 or 2009. EOG, Devon, and Linn Operating amounted to 39%, 20%, and 11% of our accounts receivable as of December 31, 2011, respectively. BP and Devon amounted to 19% and 10%, respectively, of our accounts receivable as of December 31, 2010. No other customers amounted to more than 10% of our accounts receivable as of December 31, 2010 and 2011.
Inventory
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. The cost of inventories is determined by the weighted average method. A reserve is recorded against inventory balances for estimated obsolescence. This reserve is based on specific identification and historical experience and totaled $486,000 and $250,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There were no new completed compressor units at December 31, 2011 or at December 31, 2010 available for sale or for use in our rental fleet. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to forty years. Rental equipment has an estimated useful life of fifteen years.
Gains and losses resulting from sales and dispositions of property and equipment are included in current operations. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the cost in excess of fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in three acquisitions. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or whenever events indicate impairment may have occurred. The annual goodwill impairment test is performed internally in the fourth quarter of each year.
Intangibles
At December 31, 2011, NGSG had intangible assets with a gross carrying value of $4.2 million, which relate to developed technology, acquired customer contracts, distribution agreements and non-compete agreements. The carrying amount net of accumulated amortization at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $2.3 million and $2.5 million respectively. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis with useful lives ranging from 5 to 20 years, with a weighted average remaining life of approximately fourteen years as of December 31, 2011. Amortization expense recognized in each of the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $179,000, $260,000 and $299,000 respectively. In addition, NGSG has an intangible asset with a gross carrying value of $654,000 at December 31, 2011 related to the trade name of SCS which was acquired in our acquisition of Screw Compression Systems in January 2005. This asset is not being amortized as it has been deemed to have an indefinite life.
The following table represents estimated future amortization expense for the years ending December 31, (in thousands).
Our policy is to periodically review intangibles for impairment through an assessment of the estimated future cash flows related to such assets. In the event that assets are found to be carried at amounts in excess of estimated undiscounted future cash flows, then the assets will be adjusted for impairment to a level commensurate with a discounted cash flow analysis of the underlying assets. Based upon our most recent analysis, we believe no impairment of intangible assets exists as of December 31, 2011.
Warranty
We accrue amounts for estimated warranty claims based upon current and historical product warranty costs and any other related information known. The warranty reserve was at $158,000 for both December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Financial Instruments and Concentrations of Credit Risk
Management believes that the fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and line of credit at December 31, 2011 and 2010 approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of the instruments or the use of prevailing market interest rates. We invest our cash primarily in deposits and money market funds with commercial banks. At times, cash balances at banks and financial institutions may exceed federally insured amounts.
Other Income
Other income at 2011 was $0.8 million and is primarily due to a gain from the sale of our former headquarters during the first quarter of 2011.
Per Share Data
Basic earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common stock and common stock equivalent shares outstanding during the period. There were no an anti-dilutive securities in 2011, 2010, and 2009.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
Fair Value Measurement
The financial assets of the company measured at fair value on a recurring basis are cash equivalents and short-term investments. Our short-term investments are generally classified within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.
The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and agency securities and most money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
The type of instruments valued based on quoted prices in markets that are not active, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include most investment-grade corporate bonds, and state, municipal and provincial obligations. Such instruments are generally classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Segments and Related Information
Management believes that it operates in one business segment. Although our MD&A disclosures describe product lines in which we conduct our business; these product lines are managed and operated as one business segment. ASC 280-10-50, “Operating Segments”, define the characteristics of an operating segment as a) being engaged in business activity from which it may earn revenue and incur expenses, b) being reviewed by the company's chief operating decision maker (CODM) for decisions about resources to be allocated and assess its performance and c) having discrete financial information. Although we indeed look at our product to analyze the nature of our revenue, other financial information, such as certain costs and expenses, net income and EBITDA are not captured or analyzed by these categories. Therefore discrete financial information is not available by product line and our CODM does not make resource allocation decisions or assess the performance of the business based on these categories, but rather in the aggregate.
However, should a portion of our business be considered an operating segment; management has additionally reviewed the criteria for aggregation. ASC 280-10-50-11, “Aggregation Criteria”, allows for the aggregation of operating segments if the segments have similar economic characteristics and if the segments are similar in each of the following areas:
•
The nature of the products and services;
•
The nature of the production processes;
•
The type or class of customer for their products and services;
•
The methods used to distribute their products or provide their services; and
•
The nature of the regulatory environment, if applicable.
The Company is engaged in the business of designing and manufacturing compressors and flares. Our compressors and flares are sold and rented to our customers. In addition, we provide service and maintenance on compressors in our fleet and to third parties.These business activities are similar in all geographic areas. Our manufacturing process is essentially the same for the entire Company and is performed in house at our facilities in Midland, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our customers primarily consist of entities in the business of producing natural gas. The maintenance and service of our products is consistent across the entire Company and is performed via an internal fleet of vehicles. The regulatory environment is similar in every jurisdiction in that the most impacting regulations and practices are the result of federal energy policy. In addition, the economic characteristics of each customer arrangement are similar in that we maintain policies at the corporate level..
Therefore, the Company believes that should product lines be considered separate operating segments, they meet the requirements for aggregation as described above.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. Currently, companies have three alternatives for presenting Comprehensive Income and its components in financial statements. Comprehensive income and its components may be reported below the total of net income in a single statement that reports the results of operations, in a separate statement of comprehensive income that begins with net income, or within the statement of changes in equity. Among the changes, ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option for entities to disclose comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity and as such, requires entities to report comprehensive income and its components either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the case in which a single continuous financial statement is utilized, no longer will the statement be titled “Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income” and instead the statement will solely be titled “Statement of Comprehensive Income.” We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-05 to have an impact on the presentation of our financial statements.
In September 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, for year ended December 31, 2011. We have continued to assess goodwill consistent with previous years.
2. Rental Activity
We rent natural gas compressor packages to entities in the petroleum industry. These rental arrangements are classified as operating leases and generally have original terms of six months to two years and continue on a month-to-month basis thereafter. Future minimum rent payments for arrangements not on a month-to-month basis at December 31, 2011 are as follows :
3. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consists of the following at December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
Depreciation expense for property and equipment and the compressors described in Note 2 was $13.8 million, $11.7 million and $11.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
4. Credit Facility
Line of Credit
Our revolving line of credit agreement with WNB allowed us to borrow, repay and re-borrow funds drawn under this agreement, as amended. The total amount that we could borrow and have outstanding at any one time was the lesser of $40.0 million or the amount available for advances under a “borrowing base” calculation established by the bank. The amount of the borrowing base was based primarily upon our receivables, equipment and inventory. The borrowing base was re-determined by the bank on a monthly basis. Interest only on borrowings under the revolving line of credit agreement was payable monthly on the first day of each month. As of December 31, 2009, we had borrowed $7.0 million under the line of credit. The outstanding principal balance was paid in full on July 1, 2010, and the line expired on that date.
Term Loan Facility
We previously had a term loan agreement which commenced November 1, 2006. Principal under this term loan agreement was due and payable in 59 monthly installments of $282,000 each. Interest on the unpaid principal balance was due and payable on the same dates as principal payments. As of December 31, 2009, this term loan agreement had a principal balance of $6.2 million. This agreement was paid off in full terminated in December 2010.
Senior Bank Borrowings
On December 31, 2010, we paid off our existing term loan at Western National Bank ("WNB") and established a $20 million senior secured revolving credit agreement (subject to a right, on an uncommitted basis, to increase the commitments thereunder to up to $40 million) with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the "Credit Agreement"). In connection with establishing the Credit Agreement, we paid $2,816,106 to WNB which represented payment in full of the principal and interest owed under our term loan with WNB. In making this payment, we drew $2,000,000 on the line of credit under the Credit Agreement described above.
On December 30, 2011, we amended and renewed the Credit Agreement, which was set to expire on December 31, 2011 ("the Amended Credit Agreement"). The Amended Credit Agreement increased our aggregate commitment amount from $20 million to $30 million, subject to collateral availability. We also have a right to request from the lender, on an uncommitted basis, an increase of up to $20 million on the aggregate commitment (which could potentially increase the commitment amount to $50 million). The maturity date was extended to December 31, 2014, and the interest rate terms were amended.
Borrowing Base. At any time before the maturity of the Amended Credit Agreement, we may draw, repay and re-borrow amounts available under the borrowing base up to the maximum aggregate availability discussed above. Generally, the borrowing base equals the sum of (a) 80% of our eligible accounts receivable plus (b) 50% of the book value of our eligible general inventory (not to exceed 50% of the commitment amount at the time) plus (c) 75% of the book value of our eligible equipment inventory. JPMorgan Chase Bank (the “Lender”) may adjust the borrowing base components if material deviations in the collateral are discovered in future audits of the collateral.
Interest and Fees. Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, we have the option of selecting the applicable variable rate for each revolving loan, or portion thereof, of either (a) LIBOR multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement), with respect to this rate, for Eurocurrency funding, plus the Applicable Margin (“LIBOR-based”), or (b) CB Floating Rate, which is the Lender’s Prime Rate less the Applicable Margin; provided, however, that no more than three LIBOR-based borrowings under the agreement may be outstanding at any one time. For purposes of the LIBOR-based interest rate, the Applicable Margin ranges is 1.50%. For purposes of the CB Floating Rate, the Applicable Margin is 1.25%.
Accrued interest is payable monthly on outstanding principal amounts, provided that accrued interest on LIBOR-based loans is payable at the end of each interest period, but in no event less frequently than quarterly. In addition, fees and expenses are payable in connection with our requests for letters of credit (generally equal to the Applicable Margin for LIBOR-related borrowings multiplied by the face amount of the requested letter of credit) and administrative and legal costs.
Maturity. The maturity date of the Amended Credit Agreement is December 31, 2014, at which time all amounts borrowed under the agreement will be due and outstanding letters of credit must be cash collateralized. The agreement may be terminated early upon our request or the occurrence of an event of default.
Security. The obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien on all of our inventory and accounts and leases receivables, along with a first priority lien on a variable number of our leased compressor equipment the book value of must be maintained at a minimum of 2.00 to 1.00 commitment coverage ration (such ratio being equal to (i) the amount of the borrowing base as of such date to (ii) the amount of the commitment as of such date.)
Covenants. The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, as well as covenants which, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; make acquisitions in excess of certain amounts; pay dividends; redeem or repurchase capital stock or senior notes; make investments or loans; make negative pledges; consolidate, merge or effect asset sales; or change the nature of our business.
Events of Default and Acceleration. The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary events of default for credit facilities of this size and type, and includes, without limitation, payment defaults; defaults in performance of covenants or other agreements contained in the transaction documents; inaccuracies in representations and warranties; certain defaults, termination events or similar events; certain defaults with respect to any other Company indebtedness in excess of $50,000; certain bankruptcy or insolvency events; the rendering of certain judgments in excess of $150,000; certain ERISA events; certain change in control events and the defectiveness of any liens under the secured revolving credit agreement. Obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement may be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default.
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we were in compliance with all covenants in our respective loan agreements. A default under our Amended Credit Agreement could trigger the acceleration of our bank debt so that it is immediately due and payable. Such default would have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial position and operations.
5. Other Long-term Liabilities
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had a long-term liability of $275,000 to Midland Development Corporation. This amount is to be recognized as income contingent upon certain staffing requirements in the future.
In addition, we entered into a purchase agreement with a vendor on July 30, 2008 pursuant to which we agreed to purchase up to $4.8 million of our paint and coating requirements exclusively from the vendor. In connection with the execution of the agreement, the vendor paid us a $300,000 fee which is considered to be a discount toward future purchases from the vendor. The $300,000 payment we received is recorded as a long-term liability and will decrease as the purchase commitment is fulfilled. The long-term liability remaining for the purchase commitment was $248,000 and $253,000 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
6. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
The income tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred income tax assets and (liabilities) are as follows (in thousands):
The effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate as follows:
Our policy regarding income tax interest and penalties is to expense those items as general and administrative expense. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, there were no significant income tax interest or penalty items in the income statement.
We had a regular income tax net operating loss carry forward of $19.3 million for federal income taxes as of December 31, 2011. This net operating loss will begin to expire in 2031. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal or state income tax examination by tax authorities for years before 2006.
We are subject to extensive tax laws and regulations, including federal, state and local income taxes and value-based taxes such as excise, sales/use, payroll, franchise and ad valorem taxes. As new tax laws and regulations are enacted and changes are made to existing tax laws and regulations we may be subject to increased future tax expenditures. Our tax positions and the resulting liabilities are subject to audits by the respective taxing authority. These audits may result in additional taxes as well as interest and penalties. We are not aware of any tax positions for which the outcome is uncertain or which is subject to a current review by any tax authority associated with our filings. We have also not established a reserve for any potential obligation related to uncertain tax position.
7. Stockholders' Equity
Preferred Stock
We have a total of 5.0 million authorized preferred shares with rights and preferences as designated by the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no issued or outstanding preferred shares.
Securities offering
On August 14, 2009 we filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to register up to $150,000,000 of securities, including debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depository shares, rights to purchase common stock and warrants to purchase any of the foregoing securities. The SEC has declared the statement effective, and we may issue any of the registered securities from time to time in one or more offerings depending on market conditions and our financing needs.
Restricted Securities
On June 16, 2009, at our annual meeting of shareholders, our shareholders adopted the 2009 Restricted Stock/Unit Plan. A total of 300,000 shares of Company common stock are reserved for issuance under the restricted stock plan. During January 2011, we awarded 49,110 restricted shares of stock under the 2009 Restricted Stock Plan for payment of the executive bonus plan of 2009. Of these restricted shares, 20,000 vest over a one-year period and the remainder vest over a three-year period, beginning on the date of grant. Compensation expense related to the restricted shares was approximately $607,000, for the year ended December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2011, there was a total of approximately $224,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to the nonvested portion of these restricted shares. This expense is expected to be recognized over the next two years.
8. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Option Plan
Our 1998 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), which is stockholder approved, permits the grant of stock options to its employees for up to 550,000 shares of common stock. On June 16, 2009, at our annual meeting of shareholders, our shareholders approved a proposed amendment to the Plan to add additional 200,000 shares of common stock to the Plan, thereby authorizing the issuance of up to 750,000 shares of common stock under the Plan. We believe that such awards better align the interests of our employees with our stockholders. Option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our stock at the date of grant; those option awards generally vest based on three years of continuous service and have ten-year contractual terms. Certain option and share awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Plan). The last date that grants can be made under the Plan is March 1, 2016. As of December 31, 2011, 293,357 shares were still available for issue under the Plan.
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected life of options granted is based on the vesting period and historical exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior for similar grants. We use historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model; separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes.
A summary of all option activity as of December 31, 2011 and changes during the year then ended is presented below.
We granted an option to purchase 10,000 shares to our Vice President of Technical Services and 17,000 shares to our non-executive employees on January 24, 2011 at an exercise price of $17.81 with a three year vesting period. We also granted additional options to purchase 3,000 shares to non-executive employees on June 14, 2011 at an exercise price of $15.70 with a three year vesting period.
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $10.00, $7.30 and $6.68 respectively. The total intrinsic value, or the difference between the exercise price and the market price on the date of exercise, of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $127,000, $400,000 and $65,000 respectively. Cash received from stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $123,000, $407,000 and $49,000, respectively.
The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at December 31, 2011:
The summary of the status of our unvested stock options as of December 31, 2011 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:
We recognized stock compensation expense from stock options vesting of $461,000, $804,000 and $584,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for stock based compensation was $148,000, $137,000 and $23,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. As of December 31, 2011, there was approximately $411,000 of total unamortized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. We expect to recognize such cost over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. There was no income tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised for the years ending 2011, 2010 and 2009.
9. Commitments and Contingencies
401(k) Plan
We offer a 401(k) Plan to all employees that have reached the age of eighteen and have completed six months of service. The participants may contribute up to 100% of their salary subject to IRS limitations. Employer contributions are subject to Board discretion and are subject to a vesting schedule of 20% each year after the first year and 100% after six years. We contributed $410,000, $185,000, and $211,000 to the 401(k) Plan in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Rented Facilities
We lease certain of our facilities under operating leases with terms generally ranging from month-to-month to five years. Most facility leases contain renewal options. Remaining future minimum rental payments due under these leases for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in thousands):
Rent expense under such leases was $450,000, $526,000, and $466,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are a party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. While management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions, it believes that any ultimate liability arising from these actions will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow. We are not currently a party to any bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, adjustment or similar proceeding, and we are not aware of any other threatened litigation.
10. Segment Information
Our management identifies segments based upon major revenue sources as shown in the tables below. However, management does not track assets by segment. All sales and assets are currently located in continental United Sates.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
For the Year Ended December 31, 2010
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009
11. Quarterly Financial Data (in thousands, except per share data) - Unaudited
12. Subsequent Events
On March 12, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to sell forty eight compressors from our rental fleet to an existing customer. Under the terms of the agreement, the units will be conveyed on the later of the scheduled delivery dates or receipt of payment. There are two scheduled delivery dates, the first delivery for twenty four units is scheduled for March 15, 2012 and the second delivery of twenty four units is scheduled for April 1, 2012. The total sale of the used units is $10.7 million. Prior to this sale, the remaining contract period for these units sold varied from two to eleven months with total expected rental income of $964,000.
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
Description