Document
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10‑Q

(Mark one)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018

OR

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

For the transition period from ___  to  ___.

Commission file number: 1-07908
ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
 
74-1753147
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
17 South Briar Hollow Lane, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77027
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

(713) 881-3600
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer þ
Non-accelerated filer   o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company   o
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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

A total of 4,217,596 shares of Common Stock were outstanding at May 1, 2018. Our Common Stock trades on the NYSE American (formerly the NYSE MKT) under the ticker symbol “AE.”





ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




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Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
111,536

 
$
109,393

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
 
 
 
 
accounts of $303 and $303, respectively
 
117,153

 
121,353

Inventory
 
19,267

 
12,192

Derivative assets
 
312

 
166

Income tax receivable
 
437

 
1,317

Prepayments and other current assets
 
1,111

 
1,264

Total current assets
 
249,816

 
245,685

Property and equipment, net
 
27,744

 
29,362

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
 
425

 
425

Cash deposits and other assets
 
6,523

 
7,232

Total assets
 
$
284,508

 
$
282,704

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
126,044

 
$
124,706

Accounts payable – related party
 
5

 
5

Derivative liabilities
 
289

 
145

Current portion of capital lease obligations
 
341

 
338

Other current liabilities
 
5,255

 
4,404

Total current liabilities
 
131,934

 
129,598

Other long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Asset retirement obligations
 
1,334

 
1,273

Capital lease obligations
 
1,265

 
1,351

Deferred taxes and other liabilities
 
2,646

 
3,363

Total liabilities
 
137,179

 
135,585

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock – $1.00 par value, 960,000 shares
 
 
 
 
authorized, none outstanding
 

 

Common stock – $0.10 par value, 7,500,000 shares
 
 
 
 
authorized, 4,217,596 shares outstanding
 
422

 
422

Contributed capital
 
11,693

 
11,693

Retained earnings
 
135,214

 
135,004

Total shareholders’ equity
 
147,329

 
147,119

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
284,508

 
$
282,704


See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Table of Contents

ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues:
 
 
 
Marketing
$
373,638

 
$
288,615

Transportation
13,618

 
13,455

Oil and natural gas

 
1,017

Total revenues
387,256

 
303,087

 
 
 
 
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
Marketing
369,183

 
285,153

Transportation
12,301

 
12,162

Oil and natural gas

 
750

General and administrative
2,283

 
2,637

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
2,412

 
3,969

Total costs and expenses
386,179

 
304,671

 
 
 
 
Operating earnings (losses)
1,077

 
(1,584
)
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
Interest income
387

 
159

Interest expense
(19
)
 
(1
)
Total other income (expense), net
368

 
158

 
 
 
 
(Losses) earnings before income taxes
1,445

 
(1,426
)
Income tax benefit (provision)
(307
)
 
566

 
 
 
 
Net (losses) earnings
$
1,138

 
$
(860
)
 
 
 
 
Earnings (losses) per share:
 
 
 
Basic and diluted net (losses) earnings
 
 
 
per common share
$
0.27

 
$
(0.20
)
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of common
 
 
 
shares outstanding
4,218

 
4,218

 
 
 
 
Dividends per common share
$
0.22

 
$
0.22

 
 
 
 


See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




Table of Contents

ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Operating activities:
 
 
 
Net (losses) earnings
$
1,138

 
$
(860
)
Adjustments to reconcile net (losses) earnings to net cash
 
 
 
provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
2,412

 
3,969

Gains (losses) on sales of property
(26
)
 
7

Impairment of oil and natural gas properties

 
3

Deferred income taxes
(709
)
 
60

Net change in fair value contracts
(2
)
 
(420
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
4,200

 
(1,968
)
Inventories
(7,075
)
 
(7,557
)
Income tax receivable
880

 
(736
)
Prepayments and other current assets
153

 
744

Accounts payable
1,377

 
17,746

Accrued liabilities
851

 
1,084

Other
86

 
78

Net cash provided by operating activities
3,285

 
12,150

 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
Property and equipment additions
(866
)
 
(1,006
)
Proceeds from property sales
132

 
39

Insurance and state collateral (deposits) refunds
603

 
476

Net cash used in investing activities
(131
)
 
(491
)
 
 
 
 
Financing activities:
 
 
 
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations
(83
)
 

Dividends paid on common stock
(928
)
 
(928
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,011
)
 
(928
)
 
 
 
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
2,143

 
10,731

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
109,393

 
87,342

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
111,536

 
$
98,073



See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Table of Contents

ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
Common
 
Contributed
 
Retained
 
Shareholders’
 
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2018
 
$
422

 
$
11,693

 
$
135,004

 
$
147,119

Net earnings
 

 

 
1,138

 
1,138

Dividends paid on common stock
 

 

 
(928
)
 
(928
)
Balance, March 31, 2018
 
$
422

 
$
11,693

 
$
135,214

 
$
147,329






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
Common
 
Contributed
 
Retained
 
Shareholders’
 
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2017
 
$
422

 
$
11,693

 
$
139,197

 
$
151,312

Net losses
 

 

 
(860
)
 
(860
)
Dividends paid on common stock
 

 

 
(928
)
 
(928
)
Balance, March 31, 2017
 
$
422

 
$
11,693

 
$
137,409

 
$
149,524




See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization

Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. (“AE”) is a publicly traded Delaware corporation organized in 1973, the common shares of which are listed on the NYSE American LLC under the ticker symbol “AE”. We and our subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the business of crude oil marketing, transportation and storage in various crude oil and natural gas basins in the lower 48 states of the United States (“U.S.”). We also conduct tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals and dry bulk and ISO tank container storage and transportation primarily in the lower 48 states of the U.S. with deliveries into Canada and Mexico and with terminals in the Gulf Coast region of the U.S. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “AE” are intended to mean the business and operations of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.  

Historically, we have operated and reported in three business segments: (i) crude oil marketing, transportation and storage, (ii) tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals and dry bulk and ISO tank container storage and transportation, and (iii) upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production. We exited the upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production business during 2017 with the sale of our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production assets as a result of a voluntary bankruptcy filing for this subsidiary. We expect the bankruptcy case involving the wholly owned subsidiary through which this business was conducted to be dismissed during the second quarter of 2018.

Basis of Presentation

Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the full year of 2018. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals necessary for fair presentation.  The condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements have been omitted and, therefore, these interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Form 10-K”) filed with the SEC on March 12, 2018. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions and information we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be perceived with certainty and, accordingly, these estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the operating environment changes. While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements are appropriate, actual results could differ from those estimates.



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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 2. General Accounting and Disclosure Matters

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Marketable securities are recorded at fair value based on market quotations from actively traded liquid markets.

A three-tier hierarchy has been established that classifies fair value amounts recognized in the financial statements based on the observability of inputs used to estimate such fair values.  The hierarchy considers fair value amounts based on observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) to be more reliable and predictable than those based primarily on unobservable inputs (Level 3).  At each balance sheet reporting date, we categorize our financial assets and liabilities using this hierarchy.

Fair value contracts consist of derivative financial instruments and are recorded as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized immediately in earnings unless the derivatives qualify for, and we elect, cash flow hedge accounting. We had no contracts designated for hedge accounting during any current reporting periods (see Note 9 for further information).

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

As a result of the voluntary bankruptcy filing in April 2017 of one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Adams Resources Exploration Corporation (“AREC”), and our loss of control of AREC, we deconsolidated AREC in April 2017, and we recorded our investment in this subsidiary under the cost method of accounting. At March 31, 2018, our remaining investment in AREC was $0.4 million. We expect the bankruptcy case to be dismissed during the second quarter of 2018.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this approach, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of these items and their respective tax basis. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act was enacted into law resulting in a reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for years beginning in 2018, which impacts our income tax provision or benefit.

Letter of Credit Facility

We maintain a Credit and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association to provide up to a $60 million stand-by letter of credit facility used to support crude oil purchases within our crude oil marketing segment and for other purposes. We are currently using the letter of credit facility for a letter of credit related to our insurance program. This facility is collateralized by the eligible accounts receivable within our crude oil marketing segment and expires on August 27, 2019.

The issued stand-by letters of credit are canceled as the underlying purchase obligations are satisfied by cash payment when due. The letter of credit facility places certain restrictions on Gulfmark Energy, Inc., one of our wholly owned subsidiaries. These restrictions include the maintenance of positive net earnings excluding inventory valuation changes, as defined, among other restrictions. We are currently in compliance with all such financial covenants. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $0.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, outstanding under this facility.


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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Expenditures for additions, improvements and other enhancements to property and equipment are capitalized, and minor replacements, maintenance and repairs that do not extend asset life or add value are charged to expense as incurred. When property and equipment assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in results of operations in operating costs and expenses for the respective period. Property and equipment, except for land, is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated average useful lives of three to twenty years.

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever there is evidence that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Any impairment recognized is permanent and may not be restored. Property and equipment is reviewed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. For properties requiring impairment, the fair value is estimated based on an internal discounted cash flow model. Cash flows are developed based on estimated future production, and prices are then discounted using a market based rate of return consistent with that used by us in evaluating cash flows for other assets of a similar nature.

See Note 5 for additional information regarding our property and equipment.

Recent Accounting Developments

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), which requires substantially all leases (with the exception of leases with a term of one year or less) to be recorded on the balance sheet using a method referred to as the right-of-use (“ROU”) asset approach. We plan to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach.

The new standard introduces two lease accounting models, which result in a lease being classified as either a “finance” or “operating” lease on the basis of whether the lessee effectively obtains control of the underlying asset during the lease term. A lease would be classified as a finance lease if it meets one of five classification criteria, four of which are generally consistent with current lease accounting guidance. By default, a lease that does not meet the criteria to be classified as a finance lease will be deemed an operating lease. Regardless of classification, the initial measurement of both lease types will result in the balance sheet recognition of a ROU asset representing a company’s right to use the underlying asset for a specified period of time and a corresponding lease liability. The lease liability will be recognized at the present value of the future lease payments, and the ROU asset will equal the lease liability adjusted for any prepaid rent, lease incentives provided by the lessor, and any indirect costs.

The subsequent measurement of each type of lease varies. Leases classified as a finance lease will be accounted for using the effective interest method. Under this approach, a lessee will amortize the ROU asset (generally on a straight-line basis in a manner similar to depreciation) and the discount on the lease liability (as a component of interest expense). Leases classified as an operating lease will result in the recognition of a single lease expense amount that is recorded on a straight-line basis (or another systematic basis, if more appropriate).

We have started the process of reviewing our lease agreements in light of the new guidance. Although we are in the early stages of our ASC 842 implementation project, we anticipate that this new lease guidance will cause significant changes to the way leases are recorded, presented and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements.



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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 3. Revenue Recognition

Adoption of ASC 606

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) and all related Accounting Standards Updates by applying the modified retrospective method to all contracts that were not completed on January 1, 2018. The modified retrospective approach required us to recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The adoption of the new revenue standard did not result in a cumulative effect adjustment to our retained earnings since there was no significant impact upon adoption. We expect the impact of the adoption of the new standard to remain immaterial to our net earnings on an ongoing basis.

Revenue Recognition

The new revenue standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new revenue standard requires entities to recognize revenue through the application of a five-step model, which includes: identification of the contract, identification of the performance obligations, determination of the transaction price, allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations, and recognition of revenue as the entity satisfies the performance obligations.

Our revenues are primarily generated from the marketing, transportation and storage of crude oil and other related products and the tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals and dry bulk. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account in ASC 606. To identify the performance obligations, we considered all of the products or services promised in the contracts with customers, whether explicitly stated or implied based on customary business practices. Revenue is recognized when, or as, each performance obligation is satisfied under terms of the contract.

For our crude oil marketing segment, most of our crude oil purchase and sale contracts qualify and are designated as non-trading activities, and we consider these contracts as normal purchases and sales activity. For normal purchases and sales, our customers are invoiced monthly based upon contractually agreed upon terms with revenue recognized in the month in which the physical product is delivered to the customer, generally upon delivery of the product to the customer. Revenue is recognized based on the transaction price and the quantity delivered.

The majority of our crude oil sales contracts have multiple distinct performance obligations as the promise to transfer the individual goods (e.g., barrels of crude oil) is separately identifiable from the other goods promised within the contracts. Our performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time. For normal sales arrangements, revenue is recognized in the month in which control of the physical product is transferred to the customer, generally upon delivery of the product to the customer.

For our transportation segment, each sales order associated with our master transportation agreements was considered a distinct performance obligation. The performance obligations associated with this segment are satisfied over time as the goods and services are delivered.

Practical Expedients

In connection with our adoption of ASC 606, we used significant judgment when assessing our contracts for impact upon adoption. For example, our contracts often include promises to transfer various goods and services to a customer. Determining whether goods and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together will continue to require significant judgment. We also used practical expedients permitted by ASC 606 when applicable. These practical expedients included:

Applying the new guidance only to contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018; and

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Not accounting for the effects of significant financing components if the company expects that the period between when the entity transfers a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.

Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable and customer advances and deposits (contract liabilities) on our consolidated balance sheet. Currently, we do not record any contract assets in our financial statements due to the timing of revenue recognized and when our customers are billed. Our crude oil marketing customers are generally billed monthly based on contractually agreed upon terms. However, we sometimes receive advances or deposits from customers before revenue is recognized, resulting in contract liabilities. These contract assets and liabilities, if any, are reported on our consolidated balance sheet at the end of each reporting period.

Revenue Disaggregation

The following table disaggregates our revenue by segment and by major source for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (in thousands):
 
Reporting Segments
 
 
Marketing
 
Transportation
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from contracts with customers
$
360,085

 
$
13,618

 
$
373,703

Other (1)
13,553

 

 
13,553

Total revenues
$
373,638

 
$
13,618

 
$
387,256

 
 
 
 
 
 
Timing of revenue recognition:
 
 
 
 
 
Goods transferred at a point in time
$
360,085

 
$

 
$
360,085

Services transferred over time

 
13,618

 
13,618

Total revenues from contracts with customers
$
360,085

 
$
13,618

 
$
373,703

_______________
(1)
Other marketing revenues are recognized under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and ASC 845, Nonmonetary Transactions – Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty.

Other Marketing Revenue

Certain of the commodity purchase and sale contracts utilized by our crude oil marketing business qualify as derivative instruments with certain specifically identified contracts also designated as trading activity. From the time of contract origination, these trading activity contracts are marked-to-market and recorded on a net revenue basis in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Certain of our crude oil contracts may be with a single counterparty to provide for similar quantities of crude oil to be bought and sold at different locations. These contracts are entered into for a variety of reasons, including effecting the transportation of the commodity, to minimize credit exposure, and/or to meet the competitive demands of the customer. These buy/sell arrangements are reflected on a net revenue basis in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.


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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Reporting these crude oil contracts on a gross revenue basis would increase our reported revenues as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Revenue gross-up
$
45,691

 
$
57,565



Note 4. Prepayments and Other Current Assets

The components of prepayments and other current assets were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Insurance premiums
$
414

 
$
425

Rents, licenses and other
697

 
839

Total
$
1,111

 
$
1,264



Note 5. Property and Equipment

The historical costs of our property and equipment and related accumulated depreciation balances were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
Estimated
 
 
 
 
 
Useful Life
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
in Years
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tractors and trailers (1)
5 – 6
 
$
86,492

 
$
88,065

Field equipment
2 – 5
 
18,827

 
18,490

Buildings
5 – 39
 
15,728

 
15,727

Office equipment
1 – 5
 
1,831

 
1,929

Land
 
 
1,790

 
1,790

Construction in progress
 
 
761

 
275

Total
 
 
125,429

 
126,276

Less accumulated depreciation
 
 
(97,685
)
 
(96,914
)
Property and equipment, net
 
 
$
27,744

 
$
29,362

______________
(1)
Amounts include assets held under capital leases for certain tractors in our marketing segment. Gross property and equipment associated with assets held under capital leases were $1.8 million and $1.8 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Accumulated amortization associated with assets held under capital leases were $0.2 million and $0.1 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively (see Note 11 for further information).

    

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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Components of depreciation, depletion and amortization expense were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Depreciation, depletion and amortization, excluding amounts
 
 
 
under capital leases
$
2,322

 
$
3,969

Amortization of property and equipment under capital leases
90

 

Total depreciation, depletion and amortization
$
2,412

 
$
3,969



Note 6. Cash Deposits and Other Assets

Components of cash deposits and other assets were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Amounts associated with liability insurance program:
 
 
 
Insurance collateral deposits
$
3,517

 
$
3,767

Excess loss fund
1,959

 
2,284

Accumulated interest income
627

 
814

Other amounts:
 
 
 
State collateral deposits
53

 
57

Materials and supplies
331

 
273

Other
36

 
37

Total
$
6,523

 
$
7,232


We have established certain deposits to support participation in our liability insurance program and remittance of state crude oil severance taxes and other state collateral deposits. Insurance collateral deposits are held by the insurance company to cover past or potential open claims based upon a percentage of the maximum assessment under our insurance policies. Insurance collateral deposits are invested at the discretion of our insurance carrier. Excess amounts in our loss fund represent premium payments in excess of claims incurred to date that we may be entitled to recover through settlement or commutation as claim periods are closed. Interest income is earned on the majority of amounts held by the insurance companies and will be paid to us upon settlement of policy years.

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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 7. Segment Reporting

Historically, our three reporting segments have been: (i) crude oil marketing, transportation and storage, (ii) tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals and dry bulk and ISO tank container storage and transportation, and (iii) upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production. Our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production wholly owned subsidiary filed for bankruptcy in April 2017, and as a result of our loss of control of the wholly owned subsidiary, AREC was deconsolidated and is accounted for under the cost method of accounting. AREC remained a reportable segment until its deconsolidation, effective April 30, 2017.

Information concerning our various business activities was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Reporting Segments
 
 
 
Marketing
 
Transportation
 
Oil and Gas
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
373,638

 
$
13,618

 
$

 
$
387,256

Segment operating (losses) earnings (1)
2,958

 
402

 

 
3,360

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
1,497

 
915

 

 
2,412

Property and equipment additions
793

 
73

 

 
866

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
288,615

 
$
13,455

 
$
1,017

 
$
303,087

Segment operating (losses) earnings (1)
1,393

 
(298
)
 
(42
)
 
1,053

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
2,069

 
1,591

 
309

 
3,969

Property and equipment additions
82

 
102

 
822

 
1,006

_______________
(1)
Our marketing segment’s operating earnings included inventory liquidation gains of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and inventory valuation losses of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Segment operating earnings reflect revenues net of operating costs and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and are reconciled to earnings (losses) before income taxes, as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Segment operating earnings
$
3,360

 
$
1,053

General and administrative
(2,283
)
 
(2,637
)
Operating earnings (losses)
1,077

 
(1,584
)
Interest income
387

 
159

Interest expense
(19
)
 
(1
)
(Losses) earnings before income taxes
$
1,445

 
$
(1,426
)


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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Identifiable assets by industry segment were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Reporting segment:
 
 
 
Marketing
$
135,759

 
$
134,745

Transportation
29,422

 
29,069

Oil and Gas (1)
425

 
425

Cash and other assets
118,902

 
118,465

Total assets
$
284,508

 
$
282,704

____________________
(1)
Amounts represent our cost method investment in this segment.

Intersegment sales are insignificant. Other identifiable assets are primarily corporate cash, corporate accounts receivable, investments and properties not identified with any specific segment of our business. Accounting policies for transactions between reportable segments are consistent with applicable accounting policies as disclosed herein.


Note 8. Transactions with Affiliates

We enter into certain transactions in the normal course of business with affiliated entities including direct cost reimbursement for shared phone and administrative services. In addition, we lease our corporate office space from an affiliated entity.

We utilize our former affiliate, Bencap LLC (“Bencap”), to administer certain of our employee medical benefit programs including a detail audit of individual medical claims. Bencap earns a fee from us for providing such services at a discounted amount from its standard charge to non-affiliates. We had an equity method investment in Bencap, which was forfeited during the first quarter of 2017. As a result, we have no further ownership interest in Bencap.

Activities with affiliates were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Affiliate billings to us
$
15

 
$
12

Billings to affiliates
2

 
1

Rentals paid to affiliate
122

 
167

Fees paid to Bencap (1)

 
108

___________________
(1)
Amount represents fees paid to Bencap through the date of the forfeiture of our investment during the first quarter of 2017. As a result of the investment forfeiture, Bencap is no longer an affiliate.





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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 9. Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

Derivative Instruments

In the normal course of our operations, our crude oil marketing segment purchases and sells crude oil. We seek to profit by procuring the commodity as it is produced and then delivering the material to the end users or the intermediate use marketplace. As typical for the industry, these transactions are made pursuant to the terms of forward month commodity purchase and/or sale contracts. Some of these contracts meet the definition of a derivative instrument, and therefore, we account for these contracts at fair value, unless the normal purchase and sale exception is applicable. These types of underlying contracts are standard for the industry and are the governing document for our crude oil marketing segment. None of our derivative instruments have been designated as hedging instruments.

At March 31, 2018, we had in place 20 commodity purchase and sale contracts, of which two of these contracts had no fair value associated with them as the contractual prices of crude oil were within the range of prices specified in the agreements. These commodity purchase and sale contracts encompassed approximately:
322 barrels per day of crude oil during April through May 2018;
258 barrels per day of crude oil during June 2018;
646 barrels per day of crude oil during July 2018;
322 barrels per day of crude oil during August through September 2018;
258 barrels per day of crude oil during October through December 2018; and
322 barrels per day of crude oil during January 2019 through March 2019.
The estimated fair value of forward month commodity contracts (derivatives) reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet were as follows at the date indicated (in thousands):
 
March 31, 2018
 
Balance Sheet Location and Amount
 
Current
 
Other
 
Current
 
Other
 
Assets
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Liabilities
Asset derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value forward hydrocarbon commodity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
contracts at gross valuation
$
312

 
$

 
$

 
$

Liability derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value forward hydrocarbon commodity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
contracts at gross valuation

 

 
289

 

Less counterparty offsets

 

 

 

As reported fair value contracts
$
312

 
$

 
$
289

 
$


At December 31, 2017, we had in place 20 commodity purchase and sale contracts, of which four of these contracts had no fair value associated with them as the contractual prices of crude oil were within the range of prices specified in the agreements. These commodity purchase and sale contracts encompassed approximately:
452 barrels per day of crude oil during January 2018;
322 barrels per day of crude oil during February through May 2018;
258 barrels per day of crude oil during June 2018;

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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


646 barrels per day of crude oil during July 2018;
322 barrels per day of crude oil during August through September 2018; and
258 barrels per day of crude oil during October through December 2018.
The estimated fair value of forward month commodity contracts (derivatives) reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet were as follows at the date indicated (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2017
 
Balance Sheet Location and Amount
 
Current
 
Other
 
Current
 
Other
 
Assets
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Liabilities
Asset derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value forward hydrocarbon commodity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
contracts at gross valuation
$
166

 
$

 
$

 
$

Liability derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value forward hydrocarbon commodity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
contracts at gross valuation

 

 
145

 

Less counterparty offsets

 

 

 

As reported fair value contracts
$
166

 
$

 
$
145

 
$


We only enter into commodity contracts with creditworthy counterparties and evaluate our exposure to significant counterparties on an ongoing basis. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we were not holding nor have we posted any collateral to support our forward month fair value derivative activity. We are not subject to any credit-risk related trigger events. We have no other financial investment arrangements that would serve to offset our derivative contracts.

Forward month commodity contracts (derivatives) reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Gains (losses)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Revenues – marketing
$
1

 
$
420



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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Fair Value Measurements

The following tables set forth, by level with the Level 1, 2 and 3 fair value hierarchy, the carrying values of our financial assets and liabilities at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Prices
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in Active
 
Significant
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Markets for
 
Other
 
Significant
 
 
 
 
 
Identical Assets
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
 
 
 
 
 
and Liabilities
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Counterparty
 
 
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Offsets
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$

 
$
312

 
$

 
$

 
$
312

Current liabilities

 
(289
)
 

 

 
(289
)
Net value
$

 
$
23

 
$

 
$

 
$
23


 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
 
 
 
Quoted Prices
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in Active
 
Significant
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Markets for
 
Other
 
Significant
 
 
 
 
 
Identical Assets
 
Observable
 
Unobservable
 
 
 
 
 
and Liabilities
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Counterparty
 
 
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Offsets
 
Total
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$

 
$
166

 
$

 
$

 
$
166

Current liabilities

 
(145
)
 

 

 
(145
)
Net value
$

 
$
21

 
$

 
$

 
$
21


These assets and liabilities are measured on a recurring basis and are classified based on the lowest level of input used to estimate their fair value. Our assessment of the relative significance of these inputs requires judgments.

When determining fair value measurements, we make credit valuation adjustments to reflect both our own nonperformance risk and our counterparty’s nonperformance risk. When adjusting the fair value of derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we consider the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements. Credit valuation adjustments utilize Level 3 inputs, such as credit scores to evaluate the likelihood of default by us or our counterparties. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, credit valuation adjustments were not significant to the overall valuation of our fair value contracts. As a result, applicable fair value assets and liabilities are included in their entirety in the fair value hierarchy.


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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 10. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental cash flows and non-cash transactions were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
19

 
$

Cash paid for federal and state taxes
52

 
14

 
 
 
 
Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
Change in accounts payable related to property and equipment additions
(39
)
 
836



Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

Capital Lease Obligations

We have entered into capital leases for certain of our tractors in our crude oil marketing segment. The following table summarizes our principal contractual commitments outstanding under our capital leases at March 31, 2018 for the next five years, and in total thereafter (in thousands):
Remainder of 2018
$
299

2019
398

2020
398

2021
398

2022
255

Thereafter

Total minimum lease payments
1,748

Less: Amount representing interest
(142
)
Present value of capital lease obligations
1,606

Less current portion of capital lease obligations
(341
)
Total long-term capital lease obligations
$
1,265


Operating Lease Obligations

We lease certain property and equipment under noncancellable and cancelable operating leases. Our significant lease agreements consist of (i) arrangements with independent truck owner-operators for use of their equipment and driver services; (ii) leased office space; and (iii) certain lease and terminal access contracts in order to provide tank storage and dock access for our crude oil marketing business. Currently, our significant lease agreements have terms that range from one to eight years.


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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Lease expense is charged to operating costs and expenses on a straight-line basis over the period of expected economic benefit. Contingent rental payments are expensed as incurred. We are generally required to perform routine maintenance on the underlying leased assets. Maintenance and repairs of leased assets resulting from our operations are charged to expense as incurred. Rental expense was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Rental expense
$
2,587

 
$
3,228


At March 31, 2018, rental obligations under non-cancelable operating leases and terminal arrangements with terms in excess of one year for the next five years and thereafter are payable as follows (in thousands):
Remainder of 2018
$
2,897

2019
2,016

2020
1,623

2021
1,513

2022
1,481

Thereafter
2,923

Total operating lease payments
$
12,453


Insurance Policies

Under our automobile and workers’ compensation insurance policies that were in place through September 30, 2017, we pre-funded our estimated losses, and therefore, we could either receive a return of premium paid or be assessed for additional premiums up to pre-established limits. Additionally, in certain instances, the risk of insured losses was shared with a group of similarly situated entities through an insurance captive. We have appropriately recognized estimated expenses and liabilities related to these policies for losses incurred but not reported to us or our insurance carrier. The amount of pre-funded insurance premiums left to cover potential future losses are presented in the table below. If the potential insurance claims do not further develop, the pre-funded premiums will be returned to us as a premium refund.

Effective October 1, 2017, we changed the structure of our automobile and workers’ compensation insurance policies. We exited the group captive and now establish a liability for expected claims incurred but not reported on a monthly basis as we move forward. As claims are paid, the liability is relieved. The amount of pre-funded insurance premiums left to cover potential future losses and our accruals for automobile and workers’ compensation claims were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Pre-funded premiums for losses incurred but not reported
$
732

 
$
988

Accrued automobile and workers’ compensation claims
867

 
450



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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


We maintain a self-insurance program for managing employee medical claims. A liability for expected claims incurred but not reported is established on a monthly basis. As claims are paid, the liability is relieved. We also maintain third party insurance stop-loss coverage for annual aggregate medical claims exceeding $4.5 million. Medical accrual amounts were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Accrued medical claims
$
1,353

 
$
1,329


Litigation

From time to time as incidental to our operations, we may become involved in various lawsuits and/or disputes. Primarily as an operator of an extensive trucking fleet, we are a party to motor vehicle accidents, worker compensation claims and other items of general liability as would be typical for the industry. We are presently unaware of any claims against us that are either outside the scope of insurance coverage or that may exceed the level of insurance coverage and could potentially represent a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.



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Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following information should be read in conjunction with our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes, together with our discussion and analysis of financial position and results of operations, included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Form 10-K”), as filed on March 12, 2018 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”).

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and information that are based on our beliefs, as well as assumptions made by us and information currently available to us. When used in this document, words such as “anticipate,” “project,” “expect,” “plan,” “seek,” “goal,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “will,” “believe,” “may,” “potential” and similar expressions and statements regarding our plans and objectives for future operations are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct.  Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and assumptions as described in more detail under Part I, Item 1A of our 2017 Form 10-K and within Part II, Item 1A of this quarterly report.  If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or expected.  You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements in this quarterly report speak only as of the date hereof.  Except as required by federal and state securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason.

Overview of Business

Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. (“AE”), a Delaware corporation organized in 1973, and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the business of crude oil marketing, transportation and storage in various crude oil and natural gas basins in the lower 48 states of the United States (“U.S.”). We also conduct tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals and dry bulk and ISO tank container storage and transportation primarily in the lower 48 states of the U.S. with deliveries into Canada and Mexico, and with terminals in the Gulf Coast region of the U.S. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “AE” are intended to mean the business and operations of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.  

Historically, we have operated and reported in three business segments: (i) crude oil marketing, transportation and storage, (ii) tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals and dry bulk and ISO tank container storage and transportation, and (iii) upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production. We exited the upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production business during 2017 with the sale of our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production assets as a result of a voluntary bankruptcy filing for this subsidiary. We expect the bankruptcy case involving the wholly owned subsidiary through which this business was conducted to be dismissed during the second quarter of 2018.



    





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Table of Contents

Results of Operations

Marketing

Our crude oil marketing segment revenues, operating earnings and selected costs were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
373,638

 
$
288,615

 
29
%
Operating earnings
2,958

 
1,393

 
112
%
Depreciation and amortization
1,497

 
2,069

 
(28
%)
Driver commissions
3,055

 
3,062

 
%
Insurance
1,289

 
1,239

 
4
%
Fuel
1,515

 
1,354

 
12
%
_________________________________
(1)
Represents the percentage increase (decrease) from the prior year period.

Volume and price information were as follows for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Field level purchase volumes – per day (1)
 
 
   
Crude oil – barrels
65,194

 
66,374

 
 
 
 
Average purchase price
 
 
 
Crude oil – per barrel
$
64.01

 
$
49.02

_________________________________
(1)
Reflects the volume purchased from third parties at the field level of operations.

Crude oil marketing revenues increased by $85.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily as a result of an increase in the market price of crude oil, which increased revenues by approximately $91.8 million, partially offset by lower crude oil volumes, which decreased revenues by approximately $6.8 million. The average crude oil price received was $49.02 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which increased to $64.01 for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Our crude oil marketing operating earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased by $1.6 million as compared to the same period in 2017, primarily as a result of an increase in the market price of crude oil. Operating earnings were also impacted by inventory valuation changes (as shown in the table below).

Driver commissions during the three months ended March 31, 2018 were consistent with the same period in 2017, with a slight decrease in crude oil marketing volumes in the 2018 period. Insurance costs increased by $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017, primarily as a result of increased mileage during the 2018 period as compared to the 2017 period, partially offset by favorable driver safety performance during the 2018 period. Fuel costs increased by $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 consistent with higher crude oil prices during the 2018 period and an increase in the price of diesel fuel during the 2018 period as compared to the 2017 period. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $0.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017, primarily as a result of certain tractors, trailers and field equipment being fully depreciated during 2017.

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Table of Contents

Field Level Operating Earnings (Non-GAAP Financial Measure). Inventory valuations and forward commodity contract (derivatives or mark-to-market) valuations are two significant factors affecting comparative crude oil marketing segment operating earnings. As a purchaser and shipper of crude oil, we hold inventory in storage tanks and third-party pipelines. During periods of increasing crude oil prices, we recognize inventory liquidation gains while during periods of falling prices, we recognize inventory liquidation and valuation losses.

Crude oil marketing operating earnings can be affected by the valuations of our forward month commodity contracts (derivative instruments). These non-cash valuations are calculated and recorded at each period end based on the underlying data existing as of such date. We generally enter into these derivative contracts as part of a pricing strategy based on crude oil purchases at the wellhead (field level). The valuation of derivative instruments at period end requires the recognition of non-cash “mark-to-market” gains and losses.

The impact of inventory liquidations and derivative valuations on our crude oil marketing segment operating earnings is summarized in the following reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measure for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
As reported segment operating earnings (1)
$
2,958

 
$
1,393

Add (subtract):
 
 
 
Inventory liquidation gains
(552
)
 

Inventory valuation losses

 
658

Derivative valuation (gains) losses
(1
)
 
(420
)
Field level operating earnings (2)
$
2,405

 
$
1,631

________________________________
(1)
Segment operating earnings included inventory liquidation gains of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and inventory valuation losses of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
(2)
The use of field level operating earnings is (a) unique to us, (b) not a substitute for a GAAP measure and (c) may not be comparable to any similar measures developed by industry participants. We utilize this data to evaluate the profitability of our operations.

Field level operating earnings and field level purchase volumes depict our day-to-day operation of acquiring crude oil at the wellhead, transporting the product and delivering the product to market sales point. Field level operating earnings increased during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 due to an increase in the market price of crude oil, which increased revenues, and the effects of lower barge costs, which reduced operating expenses.

We held crude oil inventory at a weighted average composite price as follows at the dates indicated (in barrels):
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
Average
 
 
 
Average
 
Barrels
 
Price
 
Barrels
 
Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil inventory
296,808

 
$
64.91

 
198,011

 
$
61.57


Historically, prices received for crude oil have been volatile and unpredictable with price volatility expected to continue. See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2017 Form 10-K.


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Table of Contents

Transportation

Our transportation segment revenues, operating earnings (losses) and selected costs were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
13,618

 
$
13,455

 
1
%
Operating earnings (losses)
$
402

 
$
(298
)
 
(235
%)
Depreciation and amortization
$
915

 
$
1,591

 
(42
%)
Driver commissions
$
2,880

 
$
2,836

 
2
%
Insurance
$
1,402

 
$
1,381

 
2
%
Fuel
$
1,876

 
$
1,632

 
15
%
Maintenance expense
$
1,527

 
$
1,638

 
(7
%)
Mileage (000s)
5,070

 
5,618

 
(10
%)
________________________________
(1)
Represents the percentage increase (decrease) from the prior year period.

Our revenue rate structure includes a component for fuel costs in which fuel cost fluctuations are largely passed through to the customer over time. Revenues, net of fuel cost, were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Total transportation revenue
$
13,618

 
$
13,455

Diesel fuel cost
(1,876
)
 
(1,632
)
Revenues, net of fuel cost (1)
$
11,742

 
$
11,823

_________________________________
(1)
Revenues, net of fuel cost, is a non-GAAP financial measure and is utilized for internal analysis of the results of our transportation segment.

Transportation revenues increased by $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily as a result of a new transportation agreement entered into in January 2018 and higher transportation rates in the 2018 period. Revenues, net of fuel cost, decreased by $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily as a result of an increase in the price of diesel during the 2018 period, partially offset by increased activity in our transportation segment. Transportation activity began to increase during late 2017, and we continue to pursue our strategy of streamlining operations and diversifying offerings in our transportation segment. This increase in services resulted in an increase in variable expenses related to transportation activities. Fuel costs increased by $0.2 million as a result of an increase in the price of diesel during the 2018 period as compared to the 2017 period. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017, primarily as a result of certain tractors, trailers and field equipment being fully depreciated during 2017.


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Table of Contents

Oil and Gas

Our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production segment revenues and operating earnings (losses) were primarily a function of crude oil and natural gas prices and volumes. We accounted for our upstream operations under the successful efforts method of accounting. As a result of AREC’s bankruptcy filing in April 2017 and our loss of control of this subsidiary, we deconsolidated AREC effective with its bankruptcy filing in 2017 and recorded our investment in AREC under the cost method of accounting. Our results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were for the period in which AREC was consolidated.

Our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production segment revenues, operating losses and depreciation and depletion expense were as follows for the period indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
 
Revenues
$
1,017

Operating losses
(42
)
Depreciation and depletion
309


Volume and price information were as follows for the period indicated (volumes in thousands):  
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
Crude oil
 
Volume – barrels
8,474

Average price per barrel
$
48.78

 
 
Natural gas
 
Volume – Mcf
140,707

Average price per Mcf
$
2.99

 
 
Natural gas liquids
 
Volume – barrels
7,293

Average price per barrel
$
25.00


General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense decreased by $0.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 primarily due to the deconsolidation of AREC in April 2017 and lower personnel costs in the 2018 period as a result of an early retirement program implemented in August 2017.

Income Taxes

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes is based upon federal and state tax rates, and variations in amounts are consistent with taxable income (loss) in the respective accounting periods.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act was enacted into law resulting in a reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for years beginning in 2018. As a result of the lower tax rate, our provision for income taxes reflects the effects of the new tax rate during the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.

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Outlook
    
We plan to operate our remaining business segments with internally generated cash flows during 2018, but intend to remain flexible as the focus will be on increasing efficiencies and on business development opportunities. During 2018, we plan to leverage our investment in our transportation segment’s Houston terminal with the continued efforts to diversify service offerings and grow in new or existing areas with our crude oil marketing segment.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Our liquidity is from our cash balance and net cash provided by operating activities and is therefore dependent on the success of future operations. If our cash inflow subsides or turns negative, we will evaluate our investment plan accordingly and remain flexible.

One of our wholly owned subsidiaries, AREC, filed for bankruptcy in April 2017. Over the past few years, we have de-emphasized our upstream operations and do not expect this Chapter 11 filing by AREC to have a material adverse impact on any of our core businesses. As a result of an auction process, AREC sold its assets for approximately $5.2 million during 2017. After settlement of certain claims in late 2017, AE received approximately $2.8 million from AREC in December 2017. AE anticipates receiving an additional $0.4 million in 2018 when the bankruptcy case is dismissed.

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had no bank debt or other forms of debenture obligations. We maintain cash balances in order to meet the timing of day-to-day cash needs. Cash and working capital, the excess of current assets over current liabilities, were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
111,536

 
$
109,393

Working capital
117,882

 
116,087


We maintain a stand-by letter of credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association to provide for the issuance of up to $60 million in stand-by letters of credit for the benefit of suppliers of crude oil within our crude oil marketing segment and for other purposes. Stand-by letters of credit are issued as needed and are canceled as the underlying purchase obligations are satisfied by cash payment when due. The issuance of stand-by letters of credit enables us to avoid posting cash collateral when procuring crude oil supply. We are currently using the letter of credit facility for a letter of credit related to our insurance program. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $0.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, outstanding under this facility.

We believe current cash balances, together with expected cash generated from future operations, and the ease of financing truck and trailer additions through leasing arrangements (should the need arise) will be sufficient to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity needs.

We utilize cash from operations to make discretionary investments in our marketing and transportation businesses. With the exception of operating and capital lease commitments primarily associated with storage tank terminal arrangements, leased office space and tractors, our future commitments and planned investments can be readily curtailed if operating cash flows decrease. See “Other Items” below for information regarding our operating and capital lease obligations.


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The most significant item affecting future increases or decreases in liquidity is earnings from operations, and these earnings are dependent on the success of future operations. See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2017 Form 10-K.

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Cash Flows from Operating, Investing and Financing Activities

Our consolidated cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
3,285

 
$
12,150

Investing activities
(131
)
 
(491
)
Financing activities
(1,011
)
 
(928
)

Operating activities. Net cash flows provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased by $8.9 million when compared to the same period in 2017. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in operating expenses and the timing of collections of accounts receivable and payments of accounts payable, partially offset by increased revenues.

At various times each month, we may make cash prepayments and/or early payments in advance of the normal due date to certain suppliers of crude oil within our crude oil marketing operations. Crude oil supply prepayments are recouped and advanced from month to month as the suppliers deliver product to us. In addition, in order to secure crude oil supply, we may also “early pay” our suppliers in advance of the normal payment due date of the twentieth of the month following the month of production. These “early payments” reduce cash and accounts payable as of the balance sheet date. We also require certain customers to make similar early payments or to post cash collateral with us in order to support their purchases from us. Early payments and cash collateral received from customers increases cash and reduces accounts receivable as of the balance sheet date.

Early payments were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Early payments received
$
19,699

 
$
20,078

Early payments to suppliers
4,825

 
6,100


We rely heavily on our ability to obtain open-line trade credit from our suppliers especially with respect to our crude oil marketing operations. During the fourth quarter of 2017 and during the first quarter of 2018, we elected to make several early payments in our crude oil marketing operations. Our cash balance increased by approximately $2.1 million as of March 31, 2018 relative to the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily as a result of the timing of the prepayments made and received during each period.

Investing activities. Net cash flows used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased by $0.4 million when compared to the same period in 2017. The decrease in net cash flows used in investing activities during the 2018 period was primarily due to a $0.1 million increase in cash proceeds from the sales of assets, a $0.1 million decrease in capital spending for property and equipment (see following table) and a $0.1 million increase in insurance and state collateral refunds.


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Capital spending was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Crude oil marketing
$
793

 
$
82

Truck transportation
73

 
102

Oil and natural gas exploration

 
822

Capital spending
$
866

 
$
1,006

 
Financing activities. Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 increased by $0.1 million when compared to the same period in 2017. During each of the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we paid a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per common share, or $0.9 million. During the 2018 period, we paid $0.1 million of principal repayments on capital lease obligations that we entered into in 2017 for certain of our tractors in our crude oil marketing segment, with principal contractual commitments to be paid over a period of five years.


Other Items

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations at March 31, 2018 (in thousands):
 
 
 
Payments due by period
 
Total
 
Less than 1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
More than 5 years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital lease obligations (1)
$
1,748

 
$
299

 
$
796

 
$
653

 
$

Operating lease obligations (2)
12,453

 
2,897

 
3,639

 
2,994

 
2,923

Total contractual obligations
$
14,201

 
$
3,196

 
$
4,435

 
$
3,647

 
$
2,923

______________
(1)
Amounts represent our principal contractual commitments, including interest, outstanding under capital leases for certain tractors in our crude oil marketing segment.
(2)
Amounts represent rental obligations under non-cancelable operating leases and terminal arrangements with terms in excess of one year.

We maintain certain lease arrangements with independent truck owner-operators for use of their equipment and driver services on a month-to-month basis. In addition, we enter into office space and certain lease and terminal access contracts in order to provide tank storage and dock access for our crude oil marketing business. These storage and access contracts require certain minimum monthly payments for the term of the contracts. Rental expense was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
Rental expense
$
2,587

 
$
3,228


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably expected to have a material current or future effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


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Recent Accounting Pronouncements    

For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Related Party Transactions

For more information regarding related party transactions, see Note 8 in the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

A discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates is included in our 2017 Form 10-K. Certain of these accounting policies require the use of estimates. There have been no material changes to our accounting policies since the disclosures provided in our 2017 Form 10-K.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There have been no material changes to our “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” that have occurred since the disclosures provided in our 2017 Form 10-K.


Item 4. Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, our Executive Chairman and our Chief Financial Officer concluded:

(i)
that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures; and

(ii)
that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time as incidental to our operations, we may become involved in various lawsuits and/or disputes. Primarily as an operator of an extensive trucking fleet, we are a party to motor vehicle accidents, worker compensation claims and other items of general liability as would be typical for the industry. We are presently unaware of any claims against us that are either outside the scope of insurance coverage or that may exceed the level of insurance coverage and could potentially represent a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
    

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in our 2017 Form 10-K and the risk factors and other cautionary statements contained in our other SEC filings, which could materially affect our businesses, financial condition or future results. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our 2017 Form 10-K or our other SEC filings.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.



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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit
 
Number
Exhibit
 
 
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987).
3.2
10.1+*
10.2*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1*
32.2*
101.CAL*
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
101.LAB*
XBRL Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
101.SCH*
XBRL Schema Document
____________
+ Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.
*Filed or furnished (in the case of Exhibit 32.1 and 32.2) with this report.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 
 
ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: May 9, 2018
By:
/s/ Townes G. Pressler
 
 
Townes G. Pressler
 
 
Executive Chairman
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Sharon C. Davis
 
 
Sharon C. Davis
 
 
Interim Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
 
 
Accounting Officer)


33