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


FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
þANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172023


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


For the transition period from ___ to ___.


Commission file number: 1-7908
ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
DELAWARE74-1753147
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
17 SOUTH BRIAR HOLLOW LANE, SUITE 100, HOUSTON, TEXASTexas 77027
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(713) 881-3600
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Title of Each ClassName of Each Exchange On Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.10 Par ValueAENYSE MKTAmerican LLC


Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:Act: None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes oNo þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes oNo þ


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 Website, 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). Yesþ No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ


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 oAccelerated filerþNon-accelerated filer oSmaller reporting company oþ Emerging growth companyo


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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. þ
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.o
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes oNo þ


The aggregate market value of the company’sCompany’s voting and non-voting common shares held by non-affiliates as of the close of business on June 30, 20172023 was $88,123,994$87,396,622 based on the closing price of $41.08$35.15 per one share of common stock as reported on the NYSE MKTAmerican LLC for such date. There were 4,217,5962,566,649 shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 1, 2018.

2024.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of StockholdersShareholders to be held May 8, 20186, 2024 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.annual report on Form 10-K.



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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION


This annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20172023 (our “annual report”) contains various forward-looking statements 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 this annual 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 annual 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.


PART I


Items 1 and 2. Business and Properties.


General


Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. (“AE”) is a publicly traded Delaware corporation organized in 1973, the1973. Our common shares of which are listed on the NYSE MKTAmerican LLC (“NYSE MKT”American”) under the ticker symbol “AE”. We andThrough our subsidiaries, we are primarily engaged in the businesscrude oil marketing, truck and pipeline transportation of crude oil, marketing, transportationand terminalling and storage in various crude oil and natural gas basins in the lower 48 states of the United States (“U.S.”). We alsoIn addition, we conduct tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt 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 seventeen terminals inacross the Gulf Coast region ofU.S. We also recycle and repurpose off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals from producers in the U.S. Our headquarters are located in 27,93222,197 square feet of office space located at 17 South Briar Hollow Lane, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77027, and the telephone number of that address is (713) 881-3600.77027. 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 operatedWe operate and reportedreport in threefour business segments: (i) crude oil marketing, transportation and storage,storage; (ii) tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt and dry bulk; (iii) pipeline transportation, terminalling and storage of crude oil; and (iv) interstate bulk transportation logistics of crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and ISO tank container storageother petroleum products and transportation,recycling and (iii) upstreamrepurposing of off-specification fuels, lubricants, 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.

other chemicals. For detailed financial information regarding our business segments, see Note 89 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this annual report.


2017 Developments

Subsidiary Bankruptcy, Deconsolidation and Sale

On April 21, 2017, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Adams Resources Exploration Corporation (“AREC”), filed a voluntary petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), Case No. 17-10866 (KG). AREC operated its business and managed its properties as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and order of the Bankruptcy Court. AE was the primary creditor in the Chapter 11 process.

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During the second quarter of 2017, we recorded a non-cash charge of approximately $1.6 million associated with the deconsolidation of AREC, which reflected the excess of the net assets of AREC over its estimated fair value based on an expected sales transaction price of approximately $5.0 million, net of estimated transaction costs. During the third quarter of 2017, Bankruptcy Court approval was obtained on three asset purchase and sales agreements with three unaffiliated parties, and AREC closed on the sales of substantially all of its assets.

In October 2017, AREC submitted its liquidation plan to the Bankruptcy Court for approval. In connection with the sales of these assets and submission of the liquidation plan, we recognized an additional loss of $1.9 million during the third quarter of 2017, which represents the difference between the proceeds we expect to be paid upon settlement of the bankruptcy, net of anticipated remaining closing costs identified as part of the liquidation plan, and the book value of our cost method investment. In December 2017, we received proceeds of approximately $2.8 million from AREC related to the settlement of a portion of the bankruptcy process. We obtained approval of a confirmed plan in December 2017, and we expect the case to be dismissed during the first half of 2018. We anticipate receiving an additional $0.4 million in 2018 when the bankruptcy case is dismissed.

In connection with the bankruptcy filing, AREC entered into a Debtor in Possession Credit and Security Agreement (“DIP Credit Agreement”) with AE dated as of April 25, 2017, in an aggregate amount of up to $1.25 million. AREC borrowed approximately $0.4 million under the DIP Credit Agreement, and the amount was repaid during the third quarter of 2017 with proceeds from the sales of the assets. See Note 3 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Voluntary Early Retirement Program

In August 2017, we implemented a voluntary early retirement program for certain employees, which resulted in an increase in personnel expenses of approximately $1.4 million. Of this amount, approximately $1.0 million was included in general and administrative expenses and $0.4 million was included in operating expenses.

Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

During the third quarter of 2017, we completed a review of our investment in VestaCare, Inc. (“VestaCare”) and determined that there was an other than temporary impairment as the current projected operating results of VestaCare did not support the carrying value of our investment. As such, we recognized a pre-tax impairment charge of $2.5 million during the third quarter of 2017 related to our investment in VestaCare. See Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Business Segments


Crude Oil Marketing


Our crude oil marketing segment consists of the operations of our wholly owned subsidiary, GulfmarkGulfMark Energy, Inc. (“Gulfmark”GulfMark”). Our crude oil marketing activities generate revenue from the sale and delivery of crude oil purchased either directly from producers or from others on the open market. We also derive revenue from third party transportation contracts. We purchase crude oil and arrange sales and deliveries to refiners and other customers, primarily onshore in Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Michigan, Wyoming, Colorado and Louisiana.
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Our crude oil marketing activities includes a fleet of approximately 144163 tractor-trailer rigs, the majority of which we own and operate, used to transport crude oil. We also maintain over 164approximately 180 pipeline inventory locations or injection stations. We have the ability to barge crude oil from foursix crude oil storage facilities along the IntercoastalIntracoastal Waterway of Texas and Louisiana, and we maintainhave access to approximately 425,000889,000 barrels of storage capacity at the dock facilities in order to access waterborne markets for our products.


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The following table shows the age of our owned and leased tractors and trailers within our crude oil marketing segment at December 31, 2017:2023:
Tractors (1)
 Trailers
Tractors (1)
Tractors (1)
Trailers (2)
   
Model Year:   
Model Year:
Model Year:
2024
2024
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
201816
 
20174
 
201519
 3
201439
 23
201359
 41
20127
 14
2011
 75
2008 and earlier
 45
2010 and earlier
Total144
 201
____________________
(1)Includes 15 tractors that we lease from a third party under a capital lease agreement. See Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

(1)Includes twenty-seven 2024 tractors, twenty-one 2023 tractors, sixteen 2021 tractors and five 2019 tractors that we lease from third parties under finance lease agreements.
(2)Includes two 2024 trailers, one 2007 trailer and two 2004 trailers that we lease from third parties under finance lease agreements. See Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

We purchase crude oil at the field (wellhead) level. Volume and price information were as follows for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Field level purchase volumes – per day (1)
     
Crude oil – barrels
Crude oil – barrels
Crude oil – barrels67,447
 72,900
 106,400
     
Average purchase price     
Average purchase price
Average purchase price
Crude oil – per barrel$49.88 $39.30 $45.41
Crude oil – per barrel
Crude oil – per barrel
____________________
(1)Reflects the volume purchased from third parties at the field level of operations.

(1)Reflects the volume purchased from third parties at the field level of operations.
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Field level purchase volumes depict our day-to-day operations of acquiring crude oil at the wellhead, transporting crude oil, and delivering it to market sales points. We held crude oil inventory at a weighted average composite price as follows at the dates indicated (in barrels):

 December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
   Average   Average   Average
 Barrels Price Barrels Price Barrels Price
            
Crude oil inventory198,011
 $61.57 255,146
 $51.22 261,718
 $29.31
December 31,
202320222021
AverageAverageAverage
BarrelsPriceBarrelsPriceBarrelsPrice
Crude oil inventory267,731 $72.35 328,562 $78.39 259,489 $71.86 


We deliver physical supplies to refinery customers or enter into commodity exchange transactions from time to time to protect from a decline in inventory valuation. During the year ended December 31, 2017,2023, we had sales to fourtwo customers that comprised 22.8 percent, 17.1 percent, 10.8approximately 11.4 percent and 10.711.1 percent, respectively, of total consolidated revenues. We believe alternative market outlets for our commodity sales are readily available and a loss of any of these customers would not have a material adverse effect on our operations. See Note 1419 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding credit risk.


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Operating results for our crude oil marketing segment are sensitive to a number of factors. These factors include commodity location, grades of product, individual customer demand for grades or location of product, localized market price structures, availability of transportation facilities, actual delivery volumes that vary from expected quantities, and the timing and costs to deliver the commodity to the customer.


Transportation


Our transportation segment consists of the operations of our wholly owned subsidiary, Service Transport Company (“STC”). STC transports liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt and to a lesser extent, dry bulk on a “for hire” basis throughout the continental U.S., and into Canada and Mexico. For deliveries into Mexico, our drivers meet a third party carrier at the border, and the third party contractor delivers the products to the customer within Mexico. STCWe do not own any of the products that we haul; rather we act as a third party carrier to deliver our customers’ products from point A to point B, using predominately our employees and our owned or leased tractors and trailers. However, we also provides ISO tank container storage anduse contracted independent owner operators to provide transportation for customers.services. Transportation services are provided to customers under multiple load contracts in addition to loads covered under STC’s standard price list. Our customers include major oil and chemical companies and large and mid-sized industrial companies.
The following table shows the age of our owned and leased tractors and trailers within our transportation segment at December 31, 2017:
 
Tractors (1)
 Trailers
    
Model Year:   
201630
 52
201538
 30
20141
 35
2013102
 
201270
 30
20113
 
2008 and earlier
 384
Total244
 531
____________________
(1)Excludes 35 independent contractor tractors.

Miles traveled was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Mileage21,835
 22,611
 25,205


STC also operates truckseventeen terminals in ten states: (i) Texas, with terminals in Houston, Corpus Christi, Nederland and Nederland, Texas, andFreeport; (ii) Louisiana, with terminals in Baton Rouge (St. Gabriel), Louisiana, St. Rose and Sterlington; (iii) Florida, with terminals in Jacksonville and Tampa; (iv) Augusta, Georgia; (v) Mobile, Alabama; (vi) Charlotte, North Carolina; (vii) Cincinnati, Ohio; (viii) South Charleston, West Virginia; (ix) Memphis, Tennessee; and (x) Illinois, with terminals in East St. Louis and Joliet. The St. Gabriel, Louisiana and Mobile (Saraland), Alabama. the Corpus Christi, Texas terminals are situated on 11.5 acres and 3.5 acres, respectively, that we own, and both include an office building, maintenance bays and tank cleaning facilities.

Transportation operations are headquartered at a terminal facility situated on 26.5 acres that we own in Houston, Texas. This property includes maintenance facilities, an office building,administrative offices and terminal facility, tank wash rack facilities and a water treatment system. The St. Gabriel, Louisiana terminal is situated on 11.5 acres that we own and includes an office building, maintenance bays and tank cleaning facilities. Pursuant to regulatory requirements, STC holds a Hazardous Materials Certificate of Registration issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”).



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The following table shows the age of our owned and leased tractors and trailers within our transportation segment at December 31, 2023:

Tractors (1) (2)
Trailers (3)
Model Year:
202424 34 
202337 22 
202231 51 
202133 12 
2020129 100 
201949 — 
2018— 20 
2016— 
201575 
2014— 34 
2013— 
2012— 28 
2008 and earlier— 348 
Total305 735 
____________________
(1)Excludes 90 contracted independent owner operator tractors.
(2)Includes fifteen 2024 tractors, thirty-five 2023 tractors and thirty-three 2021 tractors that we lease from third parties under finance lease agreements.
(3)Includes fourteen 2024 trailers, twenty-two 2023 trailers, twenty 2020 trailers and twenty 2018 trailers that we lease from third parties under finance lease agreements. See Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Miles traveled was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Mileage25,487 26,510 27,902 

All company and independent contractor tractors are equipped with in-cab communication technology, enabling two-way communications between our dispatch office and our drivers, through both standardized and free-form messaging, including electronic logging. We have also installed electronic logging devices (ELDs) on 100 percent of our tractor fleet. This technology enables us to dispatch drivers efficiently in response to customers’ requests and to provide real-time information to customers about the status of their shipments. We have also equipped our tractor fleet with forward-facing and inward facing event recorders.These cameras are constantly recording the movements of the vehicles, and our management team is alerted via email in the event the unit triggers a G-force event.A snapshot of this recording is then sent to our management team for review.

STC is a recognized certified partner withholds the American Chemistry Council’s certification as a Responsible Care Management System (“RCMS”); the company. The scope of this RCMS certification covers the carriage of bulk liquids throughout STC’s area of operations as well as the tank trailer cleaning facilities and equipment maintenance. Certification was granted based on STC’s conformance to the RCMS’s comprehensive environmental health, safety and security requirements. STC’s quality management process is one of its major assets.  The practice of using statistical process control covering safety, on-time performance and customer satisfaction aids continuous improvement in all areas of quality service.   The American Chemistry Responsible Care Partners serve the chemical industry and implement and monitor the seven Codes of Management Practices.  The seven codes address compliance and continuing improvement in (1) Community Awareness and Emergency Response, (2) Pollution Prevention, (3) Process Safety, (4) Distribution, (5) Employee Health and Safety, (6) Product Stewardship, and (7) Security.

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STC is a Partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) SmartWay Transport Partnership, a national voluntary program developed by the EPA and freight industry representatives to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution and promote cleaner, more efficient ground freight transportation.
Investments
During 2020, STC applied for and received its first bronze star rating from EcoVadis, a global leader in monitoring, benchmarking and enabling sustainability in global supply chains.

During 2022, STC won the National Tank Truck Carriers’ (“NTTC”) Heil Trophy Award for its 2021 efforts. This esteemed award recognizes tank truck operations in North America with the best safety program and safety record for the year. STC claimed NTTC’s Heil Trophy Award in the Harvison division, which spotlights carriers whose trucks traveled more than 15 million miles during the previous year. NTTC’s longest-running safety contest annually recognizes North American for-hire and private tank truck fleets with elite safety programs and records. Winners are determined by their safety records, safety and preventive maintenance programs, personnel safety programs and record, and contributions to tank truck industry and general highway safety causes.

STC is a member of Texas TRANSCAER®, a non-profit organization with membership from the chemical, transportation and emergency response industries. The mission of Texas TRANSCAER® is to promote safe transportation and handling of hazardous materials, educate about the safety and security of hazardous materials that are transported through communities, and provide education and training for emergency responders along transportation routes. As members of Texas TRANSCAER®, STC Safety Personnel assist with training events for first responders all over Texas.

Our strategy is to build long-term relationships with our customers based upon the highest level of customer service, safety and reliability. We believe that our commitment to safety, flexibility, size and capabilities provide us with a competitive advantage over other carriers.

Pipeline and Storage

Our pipeline and storage segment consists of the operations of two of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, which constitute the VEX Pipeline System: (i) Victoria Express Pipeline, L.L.C. (“VEX”), which we acquired on October 22, 2020 and which owns the VEX pipeline, and (ii) GulfMark Terminals, LLC (“GMT”), which was formed in October 2020 to hold the related terminal facility assets we acquired with the VEX Pipeline System. The VEX Pipeline System complements our existing storage terminal and dock at the Port of Victoria, where with our crude oil marketing segment, we control approximately 450,000 barrels of storage with three docks.

Through 2021, pipeline and storage segment revenues were earned from a third-party shipper under a contract that had been in place at the time of the acquisition, and revenues were also earned from GulfMark, an affiliated shipper. The third-party contract ended in 2021, and all pipeline and storage segment revenues through mid-2023 were earned from GulfMark. In mid-2023, we began receiving revenue from an unaffiliated shipper. We are also currently constructing a new pipeline connection between the VEX Pipeline System and the Max Midstream pipeline system, and we expect to complete construction and place the assets into commercial service during the second half of 2024. In addition, we are exploring new connections with several other pipeline systems, for new crude oil supply opportunities both upstream and downstream of the pipeline, to enhance the crude oil supply and take-away capability of the system.

Volume information was as follows for the periods indicated (in barrels per day):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Pipeline throughput9,140 11,084 7,670 
Terminalling10,026 11,296 8,132 

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The VEX Pipeline System, with truck and storage terminals at both Cuero and the Port of Victoria, Texas, is a crude oil and condensate pipeline system, which connects the heart of the Eagle Ford Basin to the Gulf Coast waterborne market. The VEX Pipeline System includes 56 miles of 12-inch pipeline, which spans DeWitt County to Port of Victoria in Victoria County, Texas, with approximately 400,000 barrels of above ground storage at its two terminals. The pipeline system has a current capacity of 90,000 barrels per day and is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) and the Texas Railroad Commission. The VEX Pipeline System can receive crude oil by pipeline and truck, and has downstream pipeline connections to two terminals today, with potential for additional downstream connection opportunities in the future.

The Cuero terminal has 40,000 barrels per day of offload capacity via eight truck unloading stations, with two 100,000-barrel storage tanks and one 16,000-barrel storage tank. The Port of Victoria terminal has 30,000 barrels per day of truck offload capacity via six truck unloading stations and water access via two barge docks, which have been leased from the Port Authority in Victoria. The Port of Victoria has four 50,000-barrel storage tanks and one 10,000-barrel storage tank.

The VEX Pipeline System supports GulfMark’s Gulf Coast region crude oil supply and marketing business and integrates into GulfMark’s value chain, serving as the link between producers/operators and our end-user markets we supply directly along the Gulf Coast waterborne market. We have the opportunity to increase our efficiency by more effectively managing the pipeline and terminalling portion of our overall transportation costs.

Logistics and Repurposing

Our logistics and repurposing segment consists of the operations of two of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, Firebird and Phoenix, which we acquired on August 12, 2022. Firebird is headquartered in Humble, Texas, and currently operates seven terminal locations throughout Texas. Firebird transports crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and other petroleum products on a “for hire” basis largely in the Eagle Ford basin. We do not own any of the products that we haul through Firebird; rather we act as a third-party carrier to deliver our customers’ products from point A to point B, using predominately our employees and our owned or leased tractors and trailers. However, we also use contracted independent owner-operators to provide transportation services. Firebird provides transportation services to customers under multiple load contracts in addition to loads covered under its standard price list. Our customers include major oil and chemical companies and large and mid-sized industrial companies. Firebird provides transportation services to Phoenix, and crude oil transportation services to GulfMark, when additional trucking capacity is required.

Phoenix is also headquartered in Humble, Texas. Phoenix repurposes and finds beneficial uses for off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals from producers in the U.S. With an advanced laboratory, sophisticated technology, and access to an expansive fleet of trucks, Phoenix can provide a solution for customers needing help managing off-specification fuels or oils. In addition to the removal from the customer site, Phoenix markets these refinery and plant co-products into the fuels or feedstock markets. Phoenix markets on approximately six different levels, ranging from heavy fuel oils to light-end naphthas. Phoenix utilizes Firebird’s fleet to assist in the transportation of these products, and has begun to utilize STC to also assist in the transportation of these products.

On May 4, 2023, we acquired approximately 10.6 acres of land in the Gulf Inland Industrial Park, located in Dayton, Texas, for approximately $1.8 million to build a new processing facility for Phoenix with rail spur and siding, product storage, and truck rack. Phoenix intends to build new infrastructure to service its existing customers and to create opportunities for growing the business. Phoenix also plans to relocate its headquarters from Humble, Texas to this new location. We expect to break ground on the Dayton facility during the second quarter of 2024. When completed, this facility will allow us to operate our rail and trucking business more efficiently, as well as open up opportunities to process a wider variety of products.
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The following table shows the age of our owned and leased tractors and trailers within our logistics and repurposing segment at December 31, 2023:

Tractors (1) (2)
Trailers
Model Year:
202415 — 
202317 — 
2022— 
202121 
202014 
201916 
201823 
2017— 
2016
201518 
201431 
201315 
201243 
2011— 16 
2010 and earlier71 
Total137 210 
____________________
(1)Excludes 10 contracted independent owner operator tractors.
(2)Includes six 2024 tractors and two 2023 tractors that we lease from third parties under finance lease agreements. See Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

All company and independent tractors in this segment are equipped with similar in-cab communication technology and event recorders as our STC tractors, described above under “—Transportation”. All tractors are also equipped with electronic logs.

Investment in Unconsolidated AffiliatesAffiliate


We own an approximate 15 percent equity interest (less than 3 percent voting interest) in VestaCare, Inc., a California corporation (“VestaCare”), through Adams Resources Medical Management, Inc. (“ARMM”), a wholly owned subsidiary. We acquired our interest in VestaCare in April 2016 for a $2.5 million cash payment, which we impaired during the third quarter ofin 2017. VestaCare provides an array of software as a service (SaaS) electronic payment technologies to medical providers, payers and patients including VestaCare’s most recent product offering, VestaPay™. VestaPay™ allows medical care providers to structure fully automated and dynamically updating electronic payment plans for their patients. We do not currently have any plans to pursue additional medical-related investments. See Note 72 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.


Competition


In all phases of our operations, we encounter strong competition from a number of regional and national entities. Many of these competitors possess financial resources substantially in excess of ours.ours and may have a more expansive geographic footprint than we have. We face competition principally in establishing trade credit, pricing of available materials, quality of service and qualitylocation of service. Our strategy is to build long-term partnerships with our customers based upon the safety of our operations, reliability and superior customer service.


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Our crude oil marketing division competessegment and our logistics and repurposing segment compete with major crude oil companies and other large industrial concerns that own or control significant refining, midstream and marketing facilities. These major crude oil companies may offer their products to others on more favorable terms than those available to us.


In the trucking industry, the tank lines transportation business is extremely competitive and fragmented. Price, service and location are the major competitive factors in each local market.

Seasonality


In the trucking industry, revenue has historically followed a seasonal pattern for various commodities and customer businesses. Peak freight demand has historically occurred in the months of September, October and November. After the December holiday season and during the remaining winter months, freight volumes are typically lower as many customers reduce shipment levels. Operating expenses have historically been higher in the winter months primarily due to decreased fuel efficiency, increased cold weather-related maintenance costs, of revenue equipment, and increased insurance claim costs attributable to adverse winter weather conditions. Revenue can also be impacted by weather, holidays and the number of business days that occur during a given period, as revenue is directly related to the available working days of shippers.


Although our crude oil marketing business issegment and our logistics and repurposing segment are not materially affected by seasonality, certain aspects of our operations are impacted by seasonal changes, such as tropical weather conditions, energy demand in connection with heating and cooling requirements and the summer driving season.



Inflation and Other Cost Increases

Most of our operating expenses are inflation-sensitive, with inflation generally producing increased costs of operations. We are experiencing increased inflation in the costs of various goods and services we use to operate our business, including the cost of equipment, tires, repairs and maintenance and compensation paid to drivers. These and other factors may continue to impact our costs, expenses and capital expenditures, and could continue to have an impact on customer demand for our services as customers manage the impact of inflation on their resources.

In order to mitigate the effect of price increases on our business, from time to time, we enter into monthly commodity purchase and sale contracts for up to 300,000 barrels of crude oil and commodity purchase contracts for the purchase of diesel fuel. See Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding these contracts.

In addition to inflation, fluctuations in fuel prices can affect profitability. Most of our transportation contracts with customers contain fuel surcharge provisions. Although we historically have been able to pass through most long-term increases in fuel prices and operating taxes to transportation customers in the form of surcharges and higher rates, there is no guarantee that this will be possible in the future. In addition, we are not able to obtain the benefit of a fuel surcharge on the crude oil marketing segment private fleet. See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.”


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Regulatory Matters


We are subject to an extensive variety of evolving federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing the storage, transportation, manufacture, use, discharge, release and disposal of product and contaminants into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Below is a non-exclusive listing of the environmental laws, each as amended, that potentially impact our activities.business.


The Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended.1976.
The Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended.1972.
The Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended.1970.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act.
The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, as amended.1976.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended.1970.
Texas Clean Air Act.
Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act.
Texas Water Code.
Texas Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1991, as amended.1991.

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Railroad Commission of Texas (“RRC”)


The RRC regulates, among other things, the drilling and operation of crude oil and natural gas wells, the operation of crude oil and natural gas pipelines, the disposal of crude oil and natural gas production wastes, and certain storage of crude oil and natural gas.gas in Texas. RRC regulations govern the generation, management and disposal of waste from these crude oil and natural gas operations and provide for the cleanup of contamination from crude oil and natural gas operations. These regulations primarily affect our crude oil marketing segment, our pipeline and storage segment and our logistics and repurposing segment.


Louisiana Office of Conservation


The Louisiana Office of Conservation has primary statutory responsibility for regulation and conservation of crude oil, natural gas, and other natural resources in the State of Louisiana. Their objectives are to (i) regulate the exploration and production of crude oil, natural gas and other hydrocarbons, (ii) control and allocate energy supplies and distribution thereof, and (iii) protect public safety and the environment from oilfield waste, including the regulation of underground injection and disposal practices.


State and Local Government Regulation

Many states are authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) to enforce regulations promulgated under various federal statutes. In addition, there are numerous other state and local authorities that regulate the environment, some of which impose more stringent environmental standards than federal laws and regulations. The penalties for violations of state law vary, but typically include injunctive relief and recovery of damages for injury to air, water or property as well as fines for non-compliance.

Trucking Activities


Our crude oil marketing, transportation and transportationlogistics and repurposing businesses operate truck fleets pursuant to the authority of the DOT and various state authorities. Trucking operations must be conducted in accordance with various laws relating to pollution and environmental control as well as safety requirements prescribed by states and by the DOT. Matters such as weight and dimension of equipment are also subject to federal and state regulations. These regulations also require mandatory drug testing of drivers and require certain tests for alcohol levels in drivers and other safety personnel. The regulations also impose hours of service restrictions and mandatory rest periods. The trucking industry is subject to possible regulatory and legislative changes, such as increasingly stringent environmental requirements or limits on vehicle weight and size. Regulatory change may affect the economics of the industry by requiring changes in operating practices or by changing the demand for private and common or contract carrier services or the cost of providing truckload services. In addition, our tank wash facilities are subject to increasingly stringent local, state and federal environmental regulations.



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We have implemented security procedures for drivers and terminal facilities. Satellite tracking transponders installed in the power units are used to communicate emergencies to us and to maintain constant information as to the unit’s location. If necessary, our terminal personnel will notify local law enforcement agencies. In addition, we are able to advise a customer of the status and location of their loads. Remote cameras and enhanced lighting coverage in the staging and parking areas have augmented terminal security. We have a focus on safety in the communities in which we operate, including leveraging camera technology to enhance driver behavior and awareness. Our crude oil marketing and transportation businesses are Partners in the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership, a national voluntary program developed by the EPA and freight industry representatives to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution and promote cleaner, more efficient ground freight transportation.


FERC Regulation

The VEX Pipeline System, which we acquired in 2020, is regulated by the FERC as a common carrier interstate pipeline under the Interstate Commerce Act (“ICA”), the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and related rules and orders. The ICA and its implementing regulations give the FERC authority to regulate the rates charged for service on interstate common carrier pipelines and generally require the rates and practices of interstate liquids pipelines to be just, reasonable, not unduly discriminatory and not unduly preferential. The ICA also requires tariffs that set forth the rates a common carrier pipeline charges for providing transportation services on its interstate common carrier liquids pipelines, as well as the rules and regulations governing these services, to be maintained on file with the FERC and posted publicly. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 and its implementing regulations allow interstate common carrier liquids pipelines to annually index their rates up to a prescribed ceiling level and require that such pipelines index their rates down to the prescribed ceiling level if the index is negative. In addition, the FERC retains cost-of-service ratemaking, market-based rates and settlement rates as alternatives to the indexing approach. The ICA also permits interested parties to challenge new or changed rates and gives the FERC the authority to change rates and order refunds.

Changes in the FERC’s methodologies for approving rates could adversely affect us. In addition, challenges to our regulated rates could be filed with the FERC and future decisions by the FERC regarding our regulated rates could adversely affect our cash flows. We believe the transportation rates currently charged by our interstate liquids pipeline is in accordance with the ICA and applicable FERC regulations. However, we cannot predict the rates we will be allowed to charge in the future for transportation services by such pipeline.

Pipeline Safety

We are subject to regulation by the DOT as authorized under various provisions of Title 49 of the United States Code and comparable state statutes relating to the design, installation, testing, construction, operation, replacement and management of our pipeline facilities. Among other things, these statutes also require companies that own or operate pipelines to permit access to and copying of pertinent records, file certain reports and provide other information as required by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. The DOT regulates natural gas and hazardous liquids pipelines through its Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”). PHMSA continues to implement and enforce these rules and has discretion to assess significant fines should non-compliance be determined.

The development and/or implementation of more stringent requirements pursuant to DOT regulations, as well as any implementation of the PHMSA rules thereunder or reinterpretation of guidance by PHMSA or any state agencies with respect thereto, may result in us incurring significant and unanticipated expenditures to comply with such standards. Until any such proposed regulations or guidance are finalized or issued, the impact on our operations, if any, cannot be known.


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Regulatory Status and Potential Environmental Liability


Our operations and facilities are subject to numerous federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations including those described above, as well as associated permitting and licensing requirements. We regard compliance with applicable environmental regulations as a critical component of our overall operation, and devote significant attention to providing quality service and products to our customers, protecting the health and safety of our employees, and protecting our facilities from damage. We believe we have obtained or applied for all permits and approvals required under existing environmental laws and regulations to operate our current business. We are not subject to any pending or threatened environmental litigation or enforcement actions which could materially and adversely affect our business.


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We have, where appropriate, implemented operating procedures at each of our facilities designed to assure compliance with environmental laws and regulation. However, given the nature of our business, we are subject to environmental risks, and the possibility remains that our ownership of our facilities and our operations and activities could result in civil or criminal enforcement and public as well as private actions against us, which may necessitate or generate mandatory cleanup activities, revocation of required permits or licenses, denial of application for future permits, and/or significant fines, penalties or damages, any and all of which could have a material adverse effect on us. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for further discussion. At December 31, 2017, we are not aware


Human Capital Resources

General

Our business strategy and ability to serve customers relies on employing talented professionals and attracting, training, developing and retaining a skilled workforce.

There is substantial competition for qualified truck drivers in the trucking industry. Recruitment, training, and retention of any unresolved environmental issuesa professional driver workforce is essential to our continued growth and fulfillment of customer needs. We hire qualified professional drivers who hold a valid commercial driver’s license, satisfy applicable federal and state safety performance and measurement requirements, and meet our hiring criteria. These guidelines relate primarily to safety history, road test evaluations, and various other evaluations, which include physical examinations and mandatory drug and alcohol testing. We provide comfortable, late model equipment, encourage direct communication with management, pay competitive wages and benefits, and offer other incentives intended to encourage driver safety, retention and long-term employment. Prior to being released for which additional accounting accruals are necessary.individual duty, each new hire is required to undergo a mandatory training and evaluation period by a certified driver trainer/instructor. The length of this training period will be dependent on experience and the new hire adaptation to company policies and procedures.


Employees


At December 31, 2017,2023, we employed 575 persons. None741 persons, of our employees are represented by a union.which 485, or 65 percent, were truck drivers. We believe our employee relations are satisfactory.

Federalsatisfactory, and State Taxation

Wenone of our employees are subject to union contracts or part of a collective bargaining unit.

Independent Contractors

In addition to company drivers, we enter into contracts with independent contractors, who provide a tractor and a driver and are responsible for all operating expenses in exchange for an agreed upon fee structure. At December 31, 2023, we had 100 independent contractor operated tractors in our transportation and logistics and repurposing segments, which comprised approximately 17 percent of our professional truck driving fleet.


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Health and Safety

Safety is one of our guiding principles as we are committed to providing our employees a safe working environment. We have implemented safety programs and management practices to promote a culture of safety. We are continuously working toward maintaining a strong safety culture to emphasize the provisionsimportance of our employees’ role in identifying, mitigating and communicating safety risks.

In light of the Internal Revenue Codecurrent COVID-19 pandemic, we have updated and implemented our pandemic plan to ensure the continuation of 1986,safe and reliable service to customers and to maintain the safety of our employees, as amended (the “Code”)well as to incorporate any new governmental guidance and rules and regulations regarding workplace safety. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been deemed an essential entity by virtue of the transportation services we provide.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to providing a professional work environment where all employees are treated with respect and dignity and provided with equal opportunities. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also support the hiring of veterans and are honored to provide opportunities to men and women who have served their respective countries. In accordance

We also partner with the Code,Women in Trucking Association to support our efforts to advance the careers of women and gender diversity. It is our goal to empower the professional development of all employees and to operate from a mindset of sharing, caring, inclusion and equity.

We support basic human rights throughout our business enterprise and prohibit the use of child, compulsory or forced labor. Our employees are strictly prohibited from using our equipment to transport, or our facilities to shelter, unauthorized persons, or to take any other act in support of human trafficking or human rights abuses. Employees are required to immediately report any human trafficking concerns to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

We work with Truckers Against Trafficking (“TAT”) to train all over-the-road drivers on how to spot and report signs of human trafficking. Our drivers receive training from TAT and become registered as TAT trained and certified.

Benefits

Our compensation and benefits programs are designed to attract, retain and motivate our employees and to reward them for their services and success. In addition to providing competitive salaries and other compensation opportunities, we computedoffer comprehensive and competitive benefits to our income tax provision basedeligible employees including, depending on a 35 percent tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cutlocation, life 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. We conduct a significant amount of business within the State of Texas. Texas operations are subject to a one-half percent state tax on its revenues net of cost of goods sold as defined by the state. We believe we are currently in compliance with all federalhealth (medical, dental and state tax regulations.vision) insurance, prescription drug benefits, flexible spending accounts, parental leave, disability coverage, mental and behavioral health resources, paid time off and retirement savings plan.


Available Information


We electronically file certain documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We file annual reportsAnnual Reports on Form 10-K; quarterly reportsQuarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; and current reportsCurrent Reports on Form 8-K (as appropriate); along with any related amendments and supplements thereto. You may read and copy any material we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information regarding the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.



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We also make available free of charge, through the “Investor Relations” link on our website, www.adamsresources.com, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, simultaneously with or as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such materials with, or furnishing such materials to, the SEC, and on our website www.adamsresources.com.SEC. The information on our website, or information about us on any other website, is not incorporated by reference into this report.




Item 1A.     Risk Factors.


An investment in our common stock involves certain risks.  If any of the following key risks were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  In any such circumstance and others described below, the trading price of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.



Risk Related to our Business
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Economic developmentsDifficulty in attracting and retaining drivers could damagenegatively affect our operations and materially reducelimit our profitability and cash flows.growth.


Potential disruptionsThere is substantial competition for qualified personnel, particularly drivers, in the credit marketstrucking industry. We operate in geographic areas where there is currently a shortage of drivers. Regulatory requirements, including electronic logging, and concerns about global economic growthan improving U.S. jobs market, could continue to reduce the number of eligible drivers in our markets. Any shortage of drivers could result in temporary under-utilization of our equipment, difficulty in meeting our customers’ demands and increased compensation levels, each of which could have a significantmaterial adverse impacteffect on globalour business, results of operations and financial marketscondition. A loss of qualified drivers could lead to an increased frequency in the number of accidents, potential claims exposure and, commodity prices. These factorsindirectly, insurance costs.

Difficulty in attracting qualified drivers could contributealso require us to limit our growth. Our strategy is to grow in part by expanding existing customer relationships into new markets. However, we may have difficulty finding qualified drivers on a declinetimely basis when presented with new customer opportunities, which could result in our stock priceinability to accept or service this business or could require us to increase the wages we pay in order to attract drivers. If we are unable to hire qualified drivers to service business opportunities in new markets, we may have to temporarily send drivers from existing terminals to those new markets, causing us to incur significant costs relating to out-of-town driver pay and corresponding market capitalization. If commodity prices experience a period of rapid decline, or a prolonged period of low commodity prices, our future earnings will be reduced. We currently do not have bank debt obligations. If the capitalexpenses. In making acquisitions and credit markets experience volatility and the availability of funds become limited, our customers and suppliers may incur increased costs associated with issuing commercial paper and/or other debt instruments and this, in turn, could adversely affect our ability to secure supply and make profitable sales.

General economic conditions could reduce demand for chemical based trucking services.

Customer demand for our products and services is substantially dependent upon the general economic conditions for the U.S., which are cyclical in nature. In particular, demand for liquid chemical truck transportation services is dependent on activity within the petrochemical sectorconverting private fleets, some of the U.S. economy. Chemical sector demand typically varies with the housingdrivers in those fleets may not meet our standards, which would require us to find qualified drivers to replace them. If we are unable to find and auto markets as well as the relative strength of the U.S. dollarretain such qualified drivers on terms acceptable to foreign currencies. A relatively strong U.S. dollar exchange rateus, we may be adverseforced to forgo opportunities to expand or maintain our transportation operation since it tends to suppress export demand for petrochemicals. Conversely, a weak U.S. dollar exchange rate tends to stimulate export demand for petrochemicals.business.


Our business is dependent on the ability to obtain trade and other credit.


Our future development and growth depends, in part, on our ability to successfully obtain credit from suppliers and other parties. TradeWe rely on trade credit arrangements are relied upon as a significant source of liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by operating cash flow.flow, our revolving line of credit or letters of credit. If global financial markets and economic conditions disrupt and reduce stability in general, and the solvency of creditors specifically, the availability of funding from credit markets would be reduced as many lenders and institutional investors would enact tighter lending standards, refuse to refinance existing debt on terms similar to current debt or, in some cases, cease to provide funding to borrowers. These issues coupled with weak economic conditions would make it more difficult for us, our suppliers and our customers to obtain funding. If we are unable to obtain trade or other forms of credit on reasonable and competitive terms, the ability to continue our marketing businesses, pursue improvements, and continue future growth will be limited. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain future credit arrangements on commercially reasonable terms.


Fluctuations in
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We have a concentrated customer base and receive half of our revenue from a small number of customers.

Our largest customers consist of large multinational integrated crude oil companies and natural gas prices could have an adverse effect on us.

Our futureindependent domestic refiners of crude oil. In addition, we transact business with independent crude oil producers, major chemical companies, crude oil trading companies and a variety of commercial energy users. Within this group of customers, we derive approximately 50 percent of our revenue from four to five large crude oil refining customers. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we had sales to two customers that comprised approximately 11.4 percent and 11.1 percent, respectively, of total consolidated revenues. While we believe alternative markets are available, our financial condition revenues,and results of operations may be adversely affected if we lose these customers or if these customers experience operating and future rate of growth are materially affected by crude oil and natural gas prices that historically have been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatilefinancial performance decline or there is a decrease in the future. Crude oil and natural gas prices depend on factors outside of our control. These factors include:their demand.

supply and demand for crude oil and natural gas and expectations regarding supply and demand;
political conditions in other crude oil-producing countries, including the possibility of insurgency or war in such areas;
economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide;
governmental regulations and taxation;
impact of energy conservation efforts;
the price and availability of alternative fuel sources;
weather conditions;
availability of local, interstate and intrastate transportation systems; and
market uncertainty.

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The financial soundness of customers could affect our business and operating results.


Constraints in the financial markets and other macro-economic challenges that might affect the economy of the U.S. and other parts of the world could cause our customers to experience cash flow concerns. As a result, if our customers’ operating and financial performance deteriorates, or if they are unable to make scheduled payments or obtain credit, customers would not be able to pay, or may delay payment of, accounts receivable owed to us. Any inability of current and/or potential customers to pay for services may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.


We generate revenues under contracts that must be renegotiated periodically.

Substantially all of our revenues are generated under contracts which expire periodically or which must be frequently renegotiated, extended or replaced. Whether these contracts are renegotiated, extended or replaced is often subject to factors beyond our control. These factors include sudden fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, our counterparties’ ability to pay for or accept the contracted volumes and, most importantly, an extremely competitive marketplace for the services we offer. We cannot assure you that the costs and pricing of our services can remain competitive in the marketplace or that we will be successful in renegotiating our contracts.

Anticipated or scheduled volumes will differ from actual or delivered volumes.

Our crude oil marketing business purchases initial production of crude oil at the wellhead under contracts requiring us to accept the actual volume produced. We generally resell this production under contracts requiring a fixed volume to be delivered. We estimate our anticipated supply and match that supply estimate for both volume and pricing formulas with committed sales volumes. Since actual wellhead volumes produced will rarely equal anticipated supply, our marketing margins may be adversely impacted. In many instances, any losses resulting from the difference between actual supply volumes compared to committed sales volumes must be absorbed by us.

We may face opposition to the operation of our pipeline and facilities from various groups.

We may face opposition to the operation of our pipeline and facilities from environmental groups, landowners, tribal groups, local groups and other advocates. Such opposition could take many forms, including organized protests, attempts to block or sabotage our operations, intervention in regulatory or administrative proceedings involving our assets, or lawsuits or other actions designed to prevent, disrupt or delay the operation of our assets and business. In addition, acts of sabotage or eco-terrorism could cause significant damage or injury to people, property or the environment or lead to extended interruptions of our operations. Any such event that interrupts the revenues generated by our operations, or which causes us to make significant expenditures not covered by insurance, could reduce our cash available for paying dividends to our shareholders and, accordingly, adversely affect our financial condition and the market price of our securities.


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Our pipeline integrity program as well as compliance with pipeline safety laws and regulations may impose significant costs and liabilities on us.

If we were to incur material costs in connection with our pipeline integrity program or pipeline safety laws and regulations, those costs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The DOT requires pipeline operators to develop integrity management programs to comprehensively evaluate their pipelines. The majority of the costs to comply with this integrity management rule are associated with pipeline integrity testing and any repairs found to be necessary as a result of such testing. Changes such as advances in pipeline inspection tools and identification of additional threats to a pipeline’s integrity, among other things, can have a significant impact on the costs to perform integrity testing and repairs. We will continue our pipeline integrity testing programs to assess and maintain the integrity of our pipeline. The results of these tests could cause us to incur significant and unanticipated capital and operating expenditures for repairs or upgrades deemed necessary to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of our pipeline.

The rates of our regulated assets are subject to review and possible adjustment by federal and state regulators, which could adversely affect our revenues.

The FERC regulates the tariff rates and terms and conditions of service for our interstate common carrier liquids pipeline operations. To be lawful under the ICA, interstate tariff rates, terms and conditions of service must be just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory, and must be on file with the FERC. In addition, pipelines may not confer any undue preference upon any shipper. Shippers may protest (and the FERC may investigate) the lawfulness of new or changed tariff rates. The FERC can suspend those tariff rates for up to seven months. It can also require refunds of amounts collected pursuant to rates that are ultimately found to be unlawful and prescribe new rates prospectively. The FERC and interested parties can also challenge tariff rates that have become final and effective. The FERC can also order new rates to take effect prospectively and order reparations for past rates that exceed the just and reasonable level up to two years prior to the date of a complaint. Due to the complexity of rate making, the lawfulness of any rate is never assured. A successful challenge of our rates could adversely affect our revenues.

The intrastate liquids pipeline transportation services we provide are subject to various state laws and regulations that apply to the rates we charge and the terms and conditions of the services we offer. Although state regulation typically is less onerous than FERC regulation, the rates we charge and the provision of our services may be subject to challenge.

Environmental liabilities and environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on us.

Our business is subject to environmental hazards such as spills, leaks or any discharges of petroleum products and hazardous substances. These environmental hazards could expose us to material liabilities for property damage, personal injuries, and/or environmental harms, including the costs of investigating, remediating and monitoring contaminated properties.


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Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations govern many aspects of our business, such as transportation and waste management, as well as permitting and licensing requirements. There are no assurances that we will be able to comply with conditions or restrictions contained in any permit issued by a regulatory agency governing our operations. Further, additional conditions may be included in the renewal or amendment of any permit issued to or held by us, and any permit that has been issued remains subject to renewal, modification, suspension, or revocation by the agency with jurisdiction. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations can require significant costs or may require a decrease in business activities. Moreover, noncompliance with these laws and regulations could subject us to significant administrative, civil, and/or criminal fines and/or penalties, as well as potential injunctive relief. In many instances, liability is often “strict,” meaning it is imposed without a requirement of intent or fault by the regulated entity, and this can include not only fines and penalties, but also liability relating to the cleanup of contaminated properties. See discussion under “Item 1 and 2. Business and Properties —Regulatory Matters,” for additional detail.

Restrictions and covenants in our Credit Agreement reduce operating flexibility and create the potential for defaults, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Under our credit agreement with Cadence Bank (“Credit Agreement”), we may borrow or issue letters of credit in an aggregate of up to $60.0 million under a revolving credit facility, subject to our compliance with certain financial covenants. The Credit Agreement also includes a term loan in the initial principal amount of $25.0 million. At December 31, 2023, we had $21.9 million of borrowings outstanding under the term loan and $13.0 million of letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement.

The terms of our Credit Agreement restrict our ability to, among other things (and subject in each case, to various exceptions and conditions):

incur additional indebtedness,
create additional liens on our assets,
make certain investments,
pay dividends,
dispose of our assets or engage in a merger or other similar transaction, or
engage in transactions with affiliates.

Our ability to comply with the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement depends on our operating performance, which in turn depends significantly on prevailing economic, financial and business conditions and other factors that are beyond our control. Therefore, despite our best efforts and execution of our strategic plan, we may be unable to comply with these financial covenants in the future.

At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all financial covenants. However, if in the future there are economic declines, we can make no assurance that these declines will not negatively impact our financial results and, in turn, our ability to meet these financial covenant requirements. If we fail to comply with certain covenants, including our financial covenants, we could be in default under our Credit Agreement. In the event of such a default, the lenders under the Credit Agreement are entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of the maturity of all loans and to take all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor against the collateral under the related security documents and applicable law. Any of these events could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, these restrictions reduce our operating flexibility and could prevent us from exploiting certain investment, acquisition, or other time-sensitive business opportunities.


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Our indebtedness, along with the variable interest rates we pay on our indebtedness, could adversely affect our business and our ability to execute our business strategy.

We have a $25.0 million term loan and a revolving credit facility that permits us to borrow up to $60.0 million in additional loans and letters of credit (with letters of credit not to exceed $30.0 million). Our Credit Agreement bears interest at variable rates, which will generally change as interest rates change. During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, we experienced, and we may continue to experience, increases in interest on our variable rate loans. If interest rates increase and we do not hedge such variable rates, our debt service obligations will increase even when the amount borrowed may stay the same. In an increasing interest rate environment, we bear the risk that the rates we are charged by the lenders under our Credit Agreement will increase faster than the earnings and cash flow of our business, which could reduce our profitability, adversely affect our ability to service our debt, cause us to breach covenants in our Credit Agreement, or divert capital that we would otherwise be able to use to grow the business or declare dividends in order to fulfill our debt service requirements.

Risk Related to our Industry

Public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, could disrupt or continue to disrupt our operations and adversely impact our business and financial results.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a number of adverse economic effects, including changes in consumer behavior related to the economic slowdown, disruption of historical supply and demand patterns, and changes in the work force, which has affected our business and the businesses of our customers and suppliers. These adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak have impacted our operations and services.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created business challenges primarily related to changes in the work force, which have impacted our ability to hire and retain qualified truck drivers, and created issues with the supply chain, resulting in delays in purchasing items, including new tractors. While demand for transportation of products and demand for crude oil has largely rebounded from 2020 levels during the initial stages of the pandemic, our growth has been limited in certain markets by the availability of truck drivers.

We have been seeking ways to overcome supply shortages in tractors, by additional maintenance to extend vehicle lives, shortages in tires and other inventory by having additional items on hand and increases in the price of diesel fuel by continuing to pass costs through to customers or attempting to reduce costs through efficiencies. If the pandemic continues to affect global supply chains and fuel costs, we may be unable to pass costs through to customers or maintain our operating margins.

We continue to monitor the effect of the pandemic on our financial condition, liquidity, operations, customers, industry and workforce. If the pandemic and its economic effects continue or worsen, particularly in light of new and variant strains of the virus and the plateau of vaccination rates, it may have a material adverse effect on our results of future operations, financial position and liquidity.

Should the coronavirus continue to spread, our business operations could be delayed or interrupted. For instance, our operations would be adversely impacted if a number of our administrative personnel, drivers or field personnel are infected and become ill or are quarantined. At this time, we believe that our business would generally be exempted from shelter-in-place orders or other mandated local travel restrictions as an essential service but there can be no assurance as the scope of restrictions imposed by local or state governments.

While the potential economic impact brought by and the duration of public health emergencies such as the coronavirus may be difficult to assess or predict, such emergencies may cause significant disruption of global financial markets, which may reduce our ability to access capital either at all or on favorable terms. In addition, a recession, depression or other sustained adverse market event resulting from the spread or worsening of the coronavirus or other public health emergencies could materially and adversely affect our business and financial results.
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General economic conditions could reduce demand for chemical-based trucking services.

Customer demand for our products and services is substantially dependent upon the general economic conditions for the U.S., which are cyclical in nature. In particular, demand for liquid chemical truck transportation services is dependent on activity within the petrochemical sector of the U.S. economy. Chemical sector demand typically varies with the housing and auto markets as well as the relative strength of the U.S. dollar to foreign currencies. A relatively strong U.S. dollar exchange rate may be adverse to our transportation operation since it tends to suppress export demand for petrochemicals. Conversely, a weak U.S. dollar exchange rate tends to stimulate export demand for petrochemicals.

Fluctuations in crude oil prices could have an adverse effect on us.

Our future financial condition, revenues, results of operations and future rate of growth are materially affected by crude oil prices that historically have been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. Crude oil prices depend on factors outside of our control. These factors include:

supply and demand for crude oil and expectations regarding supply and demand;
political conditions in other crude oil-producing countries, including the possibility of insurgency or war in such areas;
economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide;
the impact of public health epidemics, like the global coronavirus outbreak beginning in 2020;
governmental regulations and taxation;
the impact of energy conservation efforts;
the price and availability of alternative fuel sources;
weather conditions;
availability of local, interstate and intrastate transportation systems; and
market uncertainty.

Increases in the price of diesel fuel and availability of diesel fuel could have an adverse effect on us.

As an integral part of our crude oil marketing, transportation and logistics and repurposing businesses, we operate approximately 605 tractors, and diesel fuel costs are a significant component of our operating expenses. The market price for fuel can be extremely volatile and is affected by a number of economic and political factors. In addition, changes in federal or state regulations can impact the price of fuel, as well as increase the amount we pay in fuel taxes.

In our transportation segment, we typically incorporate a fuel surcharge provision in our customer contracts. During periods of high prices, we attempt to recoup rising diesel fuel costs through the pricing of our services. However, our customers may be able to negotiate contracts that minimize or eliminate our ability to pass on fuel price increases. We are also not able to obtain the benefit of a fuel surcharge on the crude oil marketing segment private fleet.

Our operations may also be adversely affected by any limit on the availability of fuel. Disruptions in the political climate in key oil producing regions in the world, particularly in the event of wars or other armed conflicts, could severely limit the availability of fuel in the U.S. In the event we face significant difficulty in obtaining fuel, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially adversely affected.

Insurance and claims expenses, including for self-insured risks, could significantly reduce our earnings.

Transportation of hazardous materials involves certain operating hazards such as automobile accidents, explosions, fires and pollution. Any of these operating hazards could cause serious injuries, fatalities or property damage, which could expose us to liability. The payment of any of these liabilities could reduce, or even eliminate, the funds available for other areas.
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Table of Contents


Consistent with the industry standard, our insurance policies provide limited coverage for losses or liabilities relating to pollution, with broader coverage provided for sudden and accidental occurrences. Insurance might be inadequate to cover all liabilities. Obtaining insurance for our line of business can become difficult and costly. Typically, when insurance cost escalates, we may reduce our level of coverage, and more risk may be retained to offset cost increases.

Beginning in 2021, we self-insure a significant portion of our claims exposure resulting from auto liability, general liability and workers’ compensation through our wholly owned captive insurance company. Although we reserve for anticipated losses and expenses based on actuarial reviews and periodically evaluate and adjust our claims reserves to reflect our experience, estimating the number and severity of claims, as well as related costs to settle or resolve them, is inherently difficult, and such costs could exceed our estimates. Accordingly, our actual losses associated with insured claims may differ materially from our estimates and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations in material amounts.

We maintain an insurance program for potential losses that are in excess of the amounts that we insure through the captive, as well as potential losses from other categories of claims. Although we believe our aggregate insurance limits should be sufficient to cover our historic or future claims amounts, it is possible that one or more claims could exceed our aggregate coverage limits. If any claim were to exceed our aggregate insurance coverage, we would bear the excess, in addition to the amount in the captive.

Given the current claims settlement environment, the amount of commercially available insurance coverage is decreasing, and the premiums for this coverage are increasing significantly. For the foregoing reasons, our insurance and claims expenses may increase, or we could increase our self-insured retention as policies are renewed or replaced. In addition, we may assume additional risk within our captive insurance company that we may or may not reinsure. Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected if (1) our costs or losses significantly exceed our aggregate self-insurance and excess coverage limits, (2) we are unable to obtain affordable insurance coverage in amounts we deem sufficient, (3) our insurance carriers fail to pay on our insurance claims, or (4) we experience a claim for which coverage is not provided.

Counterparty credit default could have an adverse effect on us.


Our revenues are generated under contracts with various counterparties, and our results of operations could be adversely affected by non-performance under the various contracts. A counterparty’s default or non-performance could be caused by factors beyond our control. A default could occur as a result of circumstances relating directly to the counterparty, or due to circumstances caused by other market participants having a direct or indirect relationship with the counterparty. We seek to mitigate the risk of default by evaluating the financial strength of potential counterparties; however, despite mitigation efforts, contractual defaults maydo occur from time to time.


Potentially escalating diesel fuel prices could have an adverse effect on us.

As an integral part of our marketing and transportation businesses, we operate approximately 390 truck-tractors, and diesel fuel costs are a significant component of our operating expenses. These costs generally fluctuate with increasing and decreasing world crude oil prices. During periods of high prices, we attempt to recoup rising diesel fuel costs through the pricing of our services; however to the extent these costs escalate, our operating earnings will generally be adversely affected.

Revenues are generated under contracts that must be renegotiated periodically.

Substantially all of our revenues are generated under contracts which expire periodically or which must be frequently renegotiated, extended or replaced. Whether these contracts are renegotiated, extended or replaced is often subject to factors beyond our control. These factors include sudden fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, counterparty ability to pay for or accept the contracted volumes and, most importantly, an extremely competitive marketplace for the services we offer. We cannot assure you that the costs and pricing of our services can remain competitive in the marketplace or that we will be successful in renegotiating our contracts.

Anticipated or scheduled volumes will differ from actual or delivered volumes.

Our crude oil marketing business purchases initial production of crude oil at the wellhead under contracts requiring us to accept the actual volume produced. The resale of this production is generally under contracts requiring a fixed volume to be delivered. We estimate our anticipated supply and match that supply estimate for both volume and pricing formulas with committed sales volumes. Since actual wellhead volumes produced will never equal anticipated supply, our marketing margins may be adversely impacted. In many instances, any losses resulting from the difference between actual supply volumes compared to committed sales volumes must be absorbed by us.

Environmental liabilities and environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on us.

Our business is subject to environmental hazards such as spills, leaks or any discharges of petroleum products and hazardous substances. These environmental hazards could expose us to material liabilities for property damage, personal injuries, and/or environmental harms, including the costs of investigating and rectifying contaminated properties.


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Environmental laws and regulations govern many aspects of our business, such as drilling and exploration, production, transportation and waste management. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations can require significant costs or may require a decrease in production. Moreover, noncompliance with these laws and regulations could subject us to significant administrative, civil, and/or criminal fines and/or penalties, as well as potential injunctive relief. See discussion under Item 1 and 2. Business and Properties —Regulatory Matters, and in the sections that follow, for additional detail.

Our operations could result in liabilities that may not be fully covered by insurance.

Transportation of hazardous materials involves certain operating hazards such as automobile accidents, explosions, fires and pollution. Any of these operating hazards could cause serious injuries, fatalities or property damage, which could expose us to liability. The payment of any of these liabilities could reduce, or even eliminate, the funds available for other areas.

Consistent with the industry standard, our insurance policies provide limited coverage for losses or liabilities relating to pollution, with broader coverage provided for sudden and accidental occurrences. Insurance might be inadequate to cover all liabilities. Obtaining insurance for our line of business can become difficult and costly. Typically, when insurance cost escalates, we may reduce our level of coverage, and more risk may be retained to offset cost increases. If substantial liability is incurred and damages are not covered by insurance or exceed policy limits, our operation and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

We could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws or regulations.

The Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Treasury Department, Congress and the states frequently review federal or state income tax legislation. We cannot predict whether, when, or to what extent new federal or state tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any such legislative action may prospectively or retroactively modify tax treatment and, therefore, may adversely affect taxation of us.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law on December 22, 2017, is expected to have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate and net income as reported under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. both in the first fiscal quarter of 2018 and subsequent reporting periods to which the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is effective. However, given the many changes resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we are assessing the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and there can be no assurances that it will have a favorable impact. You should consult with your tax advisors with respect to the effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and any other regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and the potential effect on your investment in AE.

Our business is subject to changing government regulations.


Federal, state or local government agencies may impose environmental, labor or other regulations that increase costs and/or terminate or suspend operations. Our business is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations. These regulations relate to, among other things, transportation of crude oil and natural gas. Existing laws and regulations could be changed, and any changes could increase costs of compliance and costs of operations.


Security issues exist relating to drivers, equipment and terminal facilities.

We transport liquid combustible materials including petrochemicals, and these materials may be a target for terrorist attacks. While we employ a variety of security measures to mitigate risks, we cannot assure you that such events will not occur.



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Current and future litigation could have an adverse effect on us.

We are currently involved in certain administrative and civil legal proceedings as part of the ordinary course of our business. Moreover, as incidental to operations, we sometimes become involved in various lawsuits and/or disputes. Lawsuits and other legal proceedings can involve substantial costs, including the costs associated with investigation, litigation and possible settlement, judgment, penalty or fine. Although we maintain insurance to mitigate these costs, we cannot assure you that costs associated with lawsuits or other legal proceedings will not exceed the limits of insurance policies. Our results of operations could be adversely affected if a judgment, penalty or fine is not fully covered by insurance.

Climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of “greenhouse gases” (“GHGs”) could result in increased operating or compliance costs and reduced demand for the crude oil and natural gas we produce, market and transport.


More stringent laws and regulations relating to climate change and GHGs may be adopted andwhich could cause us to incur material expenses to comply with such laws and regulations. In 2014, the absence of comprehensive federal legislation on GHG emission control, the EPA attempted to require the permitting of GHG emissions; although theU.S. Supreme Court struck down the permitting requirements, it upheld the EPA’s authority to controlregulate GHG emissions whenemissions. Pursuant to EPA regulations, a permit isgoverning GHG emission may be required, due toin conjunction with authorization of emissions of other pollutants. The EPA also requires, the reporting ofpursuant to its GHG emissions fromReporting Rule, specified large GHG emission sources includingto report their GHG emissions. Regulated sources include, without limitation, onshore and offshore crude oil and natural gas production facilities and onshore crude oil and natural gas processing, transmission, storage and distribution facilities. Reporting of GHG emissions from such large facilities is required on an annual basis. We do not presently operate any such large GHG emissionemissions sources, but if we were to do so, in the future, we would incur costs associated with evaluating and meeting this reporting obligation.


In May 2016,Our industry is subject to regular enactment of new or amended federal, state, and local environmental health and safety statutes, regulation, and ballot initiatives, as well as judicial decisions interpreting these requirements, which have become more stringent over time. We expect these trends to continue, which could lead to material increases in our costs for future environmental, health, and safety compliance. These requirements may also impose substantial capital and operating costs and operational limitations on us and may adversely affect our business.

Regulation of methane and volatile organic compound (“VOC”) emissions has varied significantly between recent administrations, but regulation of these emissions is becoming increasingly stringent. Increased regulatory oversight by the EPA finalized rulesmay result in increased compliance costs for our business. More directly, these costs may extend to reduceour customers and the industry as a whole, which could lead to a diminution in our customers’ business and their exploration and production activities, and ultimately detrimentally affect our business.

Regulation of menthane and VOC emissions from oil and gas operation in particular is becoming more pervasive and comprehensive. In December 2023, EPA issued a final rule to further regulate methane emissions and VOCs from new, modified or reconstructed sources in the crude oil and natural gas sector, althoughindustry sources—implementing regulations known as OOOOb and OOOOc. The rule includes a comprehensive suite of pollution reduction standards including, among others, the rules are currentlycreation of a new New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) for oil and gas industry sources; a requirement that all well sites and compressor stations be routinely monitored for leaks; and the subjectcreation of litigationwhat is known as a Super Emitter Program that authorizes third parties to remotely monitor regulated facilities and in June 2017,notify EPA when certain significant methane releases occur. Under OOOOb, a new NSPS includes generally more stringent standards for “new” emission sources not regulated previously under the EPA proposed a 2-year stay ofprevious rules—this being any facility constructed, reconstructed, or modified after December 6, 2022. Under OOOOc, the rules. The EPA announced in March 2016 that it also intends to reduce methane emissionsrule includes the first oil and gas emission guidelines for existing sources, butwhich requires states to enforce standards largely consistent with those of Subpart OOOOb on existing oil and gas emissions sources. The state implementation plans are required to be submitted within two years of the EPA announcedrule’s finalization and regulated entities will be required to comply within three years of the submittal deadline.

These rules may require us and the industry to expend material sums on compliance, including equipment repair, replacement, and monitoring, which may reduce overall industry activity and demands which could have an adverse impact on our business. Further, states may adopt laws or regulations more stringent than the federal rules, which would remain in March 2017 that it no longer intends to pursue regulationplace regardless of methane emissions from existing sources. In November 2016, the outcome of any federal rules stay or litigation, thus potentially causing additional impact on our business and the industry as a whole, which could adversely affect our business.

The Bureau of Land Management issued(“BLM”) has similarly promulgated proposed and final rulesmethane emission rulemakings, which also seek to reduce methane emissions from venting, flaring, and leaks during crude oil and natural gas operations on public lands, althoughlands. The increased regulation of the present administration is proposing to delay the implementation dates applicable to requirements under these rules. Several states, are pursuing similar measures to regulate emissions of methane from new and existing sources within the crude oil and natural gas source category.industry’s operations could adversely affect our business, our customers’ business, and others. The heightened standards may increase the cost to our customers in delivering hydrocarbons and, as a result, may result in a diminution of product transported and our business generally.

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In addition, the U.S. Congress has considered legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs, and many states and regions have already taken legal measures to reduce or measure GHG emission levels, often involving the planned development of GHG emission inventories and/or regional cap and trade programs. Most of these cap and trade programs require major sources of emissions or major producers of fuels to acquire and surrender emission allowances. TheGenerally, the number of allowances available for purchase is reduced each year in an effort to reduce overall GHG emissions, and the cost of these allowances could escalate significantly over time. In the markets in which we currently operate, our operations are not materially affected by such GHG cap and trade programs. On an international level, almost 200 nations agreed in December 2015 to an international climate change agreement in Paris, France that calls for countries to set their own GHG emissions targets and to be transparent about the measures each country will use to achieve its GHG emissions targets. Although the present administration has announced its intention to withdrawU.S. withdrew from the Paris accord in November 2020, it rejoined under the new administration in February 2021. Further, several states and local governments remain committed to itsthe principles of the international climate agreement in their effectuation of policy and regulations. It is not possible at this time to predict how or when the U.S. might impose restrictions on GHGs as a result of the international climate change agreement. The adoption and implementation of any legislation or regulatory programs imposing GHG reporting obligations on, or limiting emissions of GHGs from, our equipment and operations could require us to incur costs to reduce emissions of GHGs associated with our operations including costs to operate and maintain our facilities, install new emission controls on our facilities, acquire allowances to authorize our GHG emissions, pay any taxes related to GHG emissions and administer and manage a GHG emissions program. Such programs also could adversely affect demand for the crude oil and natural gas that we market and transport.



Generally, the promulgation of climate change laws or regulations restricting or regulating GHG emissions from our operations could increase our costs to operate by increasing control technology requirements or changing regulatory obligations. In the United States, the EPA’s current and proposed regulation of GHG emissions may result in an increased cost of our operations as well as that of our customers, which in either case could adversely affect our business.

In addition to the regulation of operations, the SEC has adopted disclosure rules in March 2024 that will generally require public companies, after a transition period, to disclose climate-related risks and impacts, mitigation or adaptation activities, board oversight of climate-related risks, capitalized costs, expenses and losses incurred as a result of severe weather events and other natural conditions, and other climate-related information, and will require many public companies to monitor and report direct GHG emissions and indirect GHG emissions from the purchase of energy. Even though we will be exempt from the more onerous emissions-related disclosure requirements for so long as we continue to qualify as a “smaller reporting company,” the rules may impose substantial compliance costs on our business, the impact of which we are currently unable to quantify.

The Inflation Reduction Act may have implications for our customers and our business operations.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IR Act”) put in place broad-reaching tax, loan, incentive and other programs. The IR Act’s provisions include, but are not limited to: incentives for carbon capture and hydrogen projects; royalties on gas produced from federal land, including gas consumed or lost by venting, flaring or equipment releases; new charges for methane emissions from certain oil and gas operations; and new and expanded tax credits for certain renewable energy projects, among others. It is possible that, as implemented, the IR Act could in some ways alter our operations as well as those of our customers. There is the possibility that incentives for carbon capture and hydrogen projects may, among other things, prompt development of new or repurposing existing pipeline infrastructure. It is not clear how these developments will impact our business.


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Our reputation may be adversely affected if we are not able to achieve our Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) goals.

There is increasing shareholder and stakeholder focus upon the development and implementation of more robust ESG and sustainability policies, practices, and disclosures around climate-related risk identification and mitigation—as shown by the SEC’s proposed Climate Change Disclosure Rule. This focus has included, but is not limited to, expansion of mandatory and voluntary reporting, including disclosures on climate change, sustainability efforts, natural resources, waste reduction, energy, human capital, and risk oversight. Developing and implementing these new ESG and sustainability practices, new disclosure requirement responses, and monitoring networks can involve significant costs and require extended time commitment from employees, officers, and directors.

Further, certain investors and lenders are integrating ESG factors into their decision making in conjunction with traditional financial considerations. To the extent that ESG and sustainability metrics and targets become applicable to our operations (whether voluntary, aspirational, or otherwise), our failure to achieve these targets, or a perception among key stakeholders that such targets are insufficient, unattainable, or merely placeholders, could damage our reputation, competitive position, share price, and overall business.

General Risk Factors

Economic developments could damage our operations and materially reduce our profitability and cash flows.

Potential disruptions in the credit markets and concerns about global economic growth could have a significant adverse impact on global financial markets and commodity prices. These factors could contribute to a decline in our stock price and corresponding market capitalization. If commodity prices experience a period of rapid decline, or a prolonged period of low commodity prices, our future earnings will be reduced. We currently rely on our bank Credit Agreement to issue letters of credit and to fund certain working capital needs from time to time. If the capital and credit markets experience volatility and the availability of funds become limited, our customers and suppliers may incur increased costs associated with issuing commercial paper and/or other debt instruments and this, in turn, could adversely affect our ability to secure supply and make profitable sales.

Current and future litigation could have an adverse effect on us.

We are currently involved in certain administrative and civil legal proceedings as part of the ordinary course of our business. Moreover, as incidental to operations, we sometimes become involved in various lawsuits and/or disputes. Lawsuits and other legal proceedings can involve substantial costs, including the costs associated with investigation, litigation and possible settlement, judgment, penalty or fine. Although we maintain insurance to mitigate these costs, we cannot guarantee that costs associated with lawsuits or other legal proceedings will not exceed the limits of insurance policies. Our results of operations could be adversely affected if a judgment, penalty or fine is not fully covered by insurance.

We could be adversely affected by changes in tax laws or regulations.

The Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Treasury Department, Congress and the states frequently review federal or state income tax legislation. We cannot predict whether, when, or to what extent new federal or state tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any such legislative action may prospectively or retroactively modify tax treatment and, therefore, may adversely affect taxation of us.


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We are subject to potential physical risks associated with climate change.
In an interpretative guidance on
The potential physical effects of climate change disclosures,and the SEC indicates that climate changepotential increase in frequency of severe weather events on our operations and business are highly uncertain and vary largely depending on the geographical and environmental features of each facility and region. Regardless, our facilities still face the risk of these physical effects. Examples of potential physical risks include floods, water shortages and quality, hurricane-force winds, wildfires, freezing temperatures and snowstorms, and rising sea levels at our coastal or near-coastal facilities.

Our pipeline and storage facilities are fixed in place and in some cases near the coast, which may be particularly vulnerable. Depending on the physical effects of weather events, these facilities could potentially be required to temporarily or even permanently shut down operations. Further, these potential disruptions may hinder or prevent our ability to transport or receive products in these areas. Extended periods of disruption could have an adverse effect on our operations and therefore our business. Further, the severityoverall oil and gas industry within the same region may also be negatively affected and/or disrupted resulting in diminution in our business and that of weather (including hurricanesour customers.

We currently have systems in place to manage physical risks, but if such events occur they may still have an adverse effect on our assets and floods), sea levels, the arability of farmland,operations. We have incurred and water availabilitywill continue to incur costs to protect our assets from physical risks and quality.to further mitigate such risks. If such effectsevents were to occur, our operations have the potential tomay be adversely affected. Potential adverse effects could includeaffected, including: disruption of our marketing and transportation activities, including, for example, damages to our facilities from powerful winds or floods, or increases in our costs of operation, or reductions in the efficiency of our operations, as well as potentiallyincurrence of substantial costs to repair damaged facilities; and potential increased costs for insurance coveragescoverage in the aftermath of such effects. Significant physicalevents.

These effects of climate change could also have an indirect effect on our financing and operations by disrupting the transportation or process relatedprocess-related services provided by companies or suppliers with whom we have a business relationship. In addition,Additionally, the demand for and consumption of our products and services (due to changechanges in both costs and weather patterns), and the economic health of the regions in which we operate, could have a material adverse effectimpact on our business, financial condition, results of operationsour customers, and cash flows. We may not be able to recover through insurance some or any of the damages, losses or costs that may result from potential physical effects of climate change.our suppliers—thus, further indirectly impacting us.


Cyber-attacks or other disruptions to our information technology systems could lead to reduced revenue, increased costs, liability claims, fines or harm to our competitive position.


We arerely on our information technology systems to conduct our business, including systems of third-party vendors. These systems include information used to operate our assets and cloud-based services. These systems have been subject to attempted security breaches and cyber-attacks in the past, and may be subject to such attacks in the future.

Cyber-attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and U.S. government warnings have indicated that infrastructure assets, including pipelines, may be specifically targeted by certain groups. These attacks include, without limitation, malicious software, ransomware, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, and other electronic security breaches. These attacks may be perpetrated by state-sponsored groups, “hacktivists”, criminal organizations or private individuals (including employee malfeasance). These cybersecurity risks include cyber-attacks on both us and third parties who provide material services to us. In addition to disrupting operations, cyber security breaches could also affect our ability to operate or control our facilities, render data or systems unusable, or result in the theft of sensitive, confidential or customer information. These events could also damage our reputation, and result in losses from remedial actions, loss of business or potential liability to third parties.


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We may incur increasing costs in connection with our efforts to enhance and ensure security and in response to actual or attempted cybersecurity attacks. Substantial aspects of our business depend on the secure operation of our computer systems and websites. Security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss, misuse or interruption of sensitive and critical information and functions, including our own proprietary information and that of our customers, suppliers and employees.  Such breaches could result in operational impacts, reputational harm, competitive disadvantage, litigation, regulatory enforcement actions and liability. While we devote substantial resources to maintaining adequate levels of cybersecurity, we cannot assure you that we will be able to prevent all of the rapidly evolving types of cyberattacks. Actual or anticipated attacks and risks may cause us to incur increasing costs for technology, personnel and services to enhance security or to respond to occurrences.


We have programs, processes and technologies in place to attempt to prevent, detect, contain, respond to and mitigate security-related threats and potential incidents. We undertake ongoing improvements to our systems, connected devices and information-sharing products in order to minimize vulnerabilities, in accordance with industry and regulatory standards; however, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access change frequently and can be difficult to detect and anticipating,detect. Anticipating, identifying or preventing these intrusions or mitigating them if and when they occur is challenging and makes us more vulnerable to cyber-attackscyberattacks than other companies not similarly situated.


If our security measures are circumvented, proprietary information may be misappropriated, our operations may be disrupted, and our computers or those of our customers or other third parties may be damaged. Compromises of our security may result in an interruption of operations, violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant legal and financial exposure, damage to our reputation, and a loss of confidence in our security measures.



Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.


None.




Item 1C.    Cybersecurity.

We operate in the logistics and crude oil distribution sector, which is subject to various cybersecurity risks from cybersecurity threats that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operations, cash flows or reputation.

While we have not experienced material cybersecurity threats or incidents, or threats or incidents that are reasonably likely to materially affect us, there can be no guarantee that we will not be the subject of future successful attacks, threats or incidents. Information on cybersecurity risks and threats we face can be found in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors—“Cyber-attacks or other disruptions to our information technology systems could lead to reduced revenue, increased costs, liability claims, fine or harm to our competitive position”.

Our business depends on the availability, reliability and security of our information systems, networks, data, and intellectual property. Any disruption, compromise, or breach of our systems or data due to a cybersecurity threat or incident could adversely affect our operations, physical assets and infrastructure, customer service, product development and competitive position. They may also result in a breach of our contractual obligations or legal duties to protect the privacy and confidentiality of our stakeholders. Such a breach could expose us to business interruption, lost revenue, ransom payments, remediation costs, liabilities to affected parties, cybersecurity protection costs, lost assets, litigation, regulatory scrutiny and actions, reputational harm, customer dissatisfaction, harm to our relationships, or loss of market share.



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Governance

Our Board has delegated the primary responsibility to oversee cybersecurity matters to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee regularly reviews the measures we implement to identify and mitigate data protection and cybersecurity risks. As part of such reviews, the Board and Audit Committee receive reports and presentations from members of our senior leadership for overseeing our cybersecurity risk management, including our Corporate Information Technology Director, which address a wide range of topics including recent developments, evolving standards, vulnerability assessments, third-party and independent reviews, the threat environment, technological trends and information security considerations arising with respect to our peers and third parties. Such members of our senior leadership also report to the Board directly at least annually on cybersecurity matters, including information security and cybersecurity risk.

At the management level, our Corporate Information Technology Director, who has extensive cybersecurity knowledge and skills gained from over 30 years of work experience at our company and elsewhere, heads the team responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining information security and cybersecurity practices across our businesses and reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

The Corporate Information Technology Director receives reports on information security and cybersecurity threats and, in conjunction with management, regularly reviews risk management measures we implement to identify and mitigate information security and cybersecurity risks. In addition to our internal cybersecurity capabilities, we also regularly engage assessors, consultants, auditors, and other third parties to assist with assessing, identifying, and managing cybersecurity risks.

We have protocols by which certain cybersecurity incidents that meet established reporting thresholds are escalated within the Company and, where appropriate, reported promptly to the Board and Audit Committee, as well as ongoing updates regarding any such incident until it has been addressed.

Risk Management and Strategy

We have implemented a risk-based approach to identify and assess the cybersecurity threats that could affect our business and information systems. This approach includes a variety of mechanisms, controls, technologies, methods, systems, protocols and physical safeguards, along with the use of third-party consultants and experts, that are reasonably designed to protect our information, and that of our stakeholders, against cybersecurity threats that may result in material adverse effects on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our information systems. We monitor and evaluate our cybersecurity posture and performance on an ongoing basis through regular vulnerability scans, penetration tests and threat intelligence feeds.

We continue to improve our cybersecurity risk assessment program and activities for assessing, identifying and managing cybersecurity risks through industry standard security frameworks and leading practices, including risk assessments and remediations, software and services, continuous systems monitoring, vendor risk management processes, incident response plans, phishing simulations, employee training, and communication programs, among other measures. We also employ processes designed to assess, identify, and manage the potential impact of a security incident at various customers and critical partners, including third-party vendors, service providers, or any cybersecurity incident otherwise impacting the third-party technology and systems we use.

We engage with third-party service providers in order to maintain awareness of the latest security trends and continuously promote comprehensive cybersecurity practices consistent with industry best practices.


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Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.


From time to time as incidental to our operations, we may become involved in various lawsuits and/or disputes. Primarily asAs an operator of an extensive trucking fleet, we are a party to motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation claims and other items of general liability as would be typical for the industry. We are currently 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.


See Note 1318 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.




Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures.


Not applicable.




PART II


Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Our common stock is traded on the NYSE MKTAmerican under the ticker symbol “AE”. As of February 28, 2018,March 1, 2024, there were approximately 140109 shareholders of record of our common shares. The following table presents high and low sales prices forshares, however, the actual number of beneficial holders of our common stock formay be substantially greater than the periods presented as reported by the NYSE MKT and the amount,stated number of holders of record date and payment date of the quarterly cash dividends we paid on eachbecause a substantial portion of our common shares with respectstock is held in street name.

We have paid dividends to such periods.our common shareholders each year since 1994. Our Board of Directors expects to continue paying dividends for the foreseeable future, although the declaration, amount and timing of any dividends falls within the sole discretion of our Board, whose decision will depend on many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements and other factors that our Board may deem relevant.
     Cash Dividend History
 Price Ranges Per Record Payment
 High Low Share Date Date
2015         
1st Quarter$73.28 $47.31 $0.22 6/3/2015 6/17/2015
2nd Quarter$70.00 $39.00 $0.22 9/3/2015 9/17/2015
3rd Quarter$48.60 $38.88 $0.22 12/2/2015 12/16/2015
4th Quarter$46.86 $33.55 $0.22 3/11/2016 3/23/2016
          
2016         
1st Quarter$43.00 $30.00 $0.22 6/3/2016 6/17/2016
2nd Quarter$44.27 $35.25 $0.22 9/6/2016 9/19/2016
3rd Quarter$39.47 $29.64 $0.22 12/5/2016 12/19/2016
4th Quarter$44.00 $35.17 $0.22 3/10/2017 3/24/2017
          
2017         
1st Quarter$41.99 $34.23 $0.22 6/2/2017 6/16/2017
2nd Quarter$43.80 $35.64 $0.22 9/6/2017 9/20/2017
3rd Quarter$42.77 $32.80 $0.22 12/5/2017 12/19/2017
4th Quarter$50.59 $40.36 $0.22 3/9/2018 3/23/2018



Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities


None.




Performance Graph


The following graph compares the total shareholder return performance of our common stock with the performance of: (i) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”) and (ii) the S&P 500 Integrated Oil and Gas Index.Index (“S&P Integrated Oil & Gas”). The graph assumes that $100 was invested in our common stock and each comparison index beginning on December 31, 20122018 and that all dividends were reinvested on a quarterly basis on the ex-dividend dates. The graph was prepared under the applicable rules of the SEC based on data supplied by Research Data Group. The stock performance shown on the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

The information under the caption “Performance Graph” above is not deemed to be “filed” as part of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, and is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such information will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing we make under the Securities Act unless we explicitly incorporate it into such filing at such time.

3039
December 31,
201820192020202120222023
Adams Resources & Energy, Inc.$100.00 $101.14 $66.46 $79.27 $114.09 $78.79 
S&P 500100.00 131.49 155.68 200.37 164.08 207.21 
S&P Integrated Oil & Gas100.00 107.19 71.37 109.06 192.43 175.08 


Item 6.     [Reserved]
28
 December 31,
 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
            
Adams Resources & Energy, Inc.$100.00
 $197.45
 $146.15
 $114.46
 $120.99
 $135.74
S&P 500100.00
 132.39
 150.51
 152.59
 170.84
 208.14
S&P Integrated Oil & Gas100.00
 121.53
 113.35
 97.64
 121.21
 123.73

16






Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The following table presents our selected historical consolidated financial data. This information has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this annual report, which presents our audited balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholders’ equity for the three years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As presented in the table, amounts are in thousands (except per share data).
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Statements of operations data:         
Revenues:         
Marketing$1,267,275
 $1,043,775
 $1,875,885
 $4,050,497
 $3,863,057
Transportation53,358
 52,355
 63,331
 68,968
 68,783
Oil and natural gas1,427
 3,410
 5,063
 13,361
 14,129
Total revenues1,322,060
 1,099,540
 1,944,279
 4,132,826
 3,945,969
          
Costs and expenses:         
Marketing1,247,763
 1,016,733
 1,841,893
 4,020,017
 3,815,006
Transportation48,538
 45,154
 52,076
 56,802
 56,504
Oil and natural gas948
 2,084
 6,931
 7,817
 6,117
Oil and natural gas property impairments (1)
3
 313
 12,082
 8,009
 2,631
Oil and natural gas property sale (2)

 
 
 (2,528) 
General and administrative9,707
 10,410
 9,939
 8,613
 9,060
Depreciation, depletion and amortization13,599
 18,792
 23,717
 24,615
 22,275
          
Operating earnings (losses)1,502
 6,054
 (2,359) 9,481
 34,376
          
Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary (3)
(3,505) 
 
 
 
Impairment of investment in unconsolidated         
affiliate (4)
(2,500) 
 
 
 
Interest income (expense)1,076
 580
 314
 299
 174
          
Earnings (losses) from continuing operations(3,427) 6,634
 (2,045) 9,780
 34,550
          
Income tax (provision) benefit2,945
 (2,691) 770
 (3,561) (12,429)
          
Earnings (losses) before investment in         
unconsolidated affiliate         
and discontinued operations(482) 3,943
 (1,275) 6,219
 22,121
          
Discontinued operations, net of taxes
 
 
 304
 (511)
Losses from investment in unconsolidated         
affiliate, net of tax (5)

 (1,430) 
 
 
Net (losses) earnings$(482) $2,513
 $(1,275) $6,523
 $21,610
          
Earnings (losses) per share:         
From continuing operations$(0.11) $0.94
 $(0.30) $1.48
 $5.24
From investment in unconsolidated         
affiliate
 (0.34) 
 
 
From discontinued operations
 
 
 0.07
 (0.12)
Basic and diluted earnings per share$(0.11) $0.60
 $(0.30) $1.55
 $5.12
          
Dividends per common share$0.88
 $0.88
 $0.88
 $0.88
 $0.66
          

17




 December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Balance sheet data: 
         
Cash$109,393
 $87,342
 $91,877
 $80,184
 $60,733
Total assets282,704
 246,872
 243,215
 340,814
 448,082
Long-term debt
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity147,119
 151,312
 152,510
 157,497
 154,685
Dividends on common shares3,711
 3,711
 3,712
 3,711
 2,783
________________________
(1)During 2015, we recognized an impairment of $10.3 million on producing properties, and an impairment of $1.8 million on non-producing properties.
(2)During 2014, we sold certain crude oil and natural gas producing properties for $4.1 million, producing a net gain of $2.5 million.
(3)During 2017, we recognized an impairment related to the bankruptcy, deconsolidation and sale of our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production subsidiary.
(4)During 2017, we recognized an impairment on our medical investment in VestaCare.
(5)During 2016, we recognized losses and an impairment on our medical investment in Bencap LLC (“Bencap”). We have no other medical-related investments, and we currently do not have any plans to pursue additional medical-related investments.


18




Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


The following information should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included under Part II, Item 8 of this annual report. Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (“U.S.”).



Overview of Business


Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. (“AE”), a Delaware corporation organized in 1973, and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the businesscrude oil marketing, truck and pipeline transportation of crude oil, marketing, transportationand terminalling and storage in various crude oil and natural gas basins in the lower 48 states of the U.S. We alsoIn addition, we conduct tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt 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 seventeen terminals across the U.S. We also recycle and repurpose off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals from producers in the Gulf Coast region of the U.S.


Historically, we have operatedWe operate and reportedreport in threefour business segments: (i) crude oil marketing, transportation and storage,storage; (ii) tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt and dry bulk; (iii) pipeline transportation, terminalling and storage of crude oil; and (iv) interstate bulk transportation logistics of crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and ISO tank container storageother petroleum products and transportation,recycling and (iii) upstreamrepurposing of off-specification fuels, lubricants, 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.

2017 Developments

Subsidiary Bankruptcy, Deconsolidation and Sale

On April 21, 2017, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, AREC, filed a voluntary petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. AREC operated its business and managed its properties as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and order of the Bankruptcy Court. AE was the primary creditor in the Chapter 11 process.

During the second quarter of 2017, we recorded a non-cash charge of approximately $1.6 million associated with the deconsolidation of AREC, which reflected the excess of the net assets of AREC over its estimated fair value based on an expected sales transaction price of approximately $5.0 million, net of estimated transaction costs. During the third quarter of 2017, Bankruptcy Court approval was obtained on three asset purchase and sales agreements with three unaffiliated parties, and AREC closed on the sales of substantially all of its assets.

In October 2017, AREC submitted its liquidation plan to the Bankruptcy Court for approval. In connection with the sales of these assets and submission of the liquidation plan, we recognized an additional loss of $1.9 million during the third quarter of 2017, which represents the difference between the proceeds we expect to be paid upon settlement of the bankruptcy, net of anticipated remaining closing costs identified as part of the liquidation plan, and the book value of our cost method investment. In December 2017, we received proceeds of approximately $2.8 million from AREC related to the settlement of a portion of the bankruptcy process. We obtained approval of a confirmed plan in December 2017, and we expect the case to be dismissed during the first half of 2018. We anticipate receiving an additional $0.4 million in 2018 when the bankruptcy case is dismissed.

In connection with the bankruptcy filing, AREC entered into the DIP Credit Agreement with AE, which was repaid during the third quarter of 2017 with proceeds from the sales of the assets.other chemicals. See Note 39 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.information regarding our business segments.




19




Voluntary Early Retirement Program

In August 2017, we implemented a voluntary early retirement program for certain employees, which resulted in an increase in personnel expenses of approximately $1.4 million. Of this amount, approximately $1.0 million was included in general and administrative expenses and $0.4 million was included in operating expenses.

Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

During the third quarter of 2017, we completed a review of our investment in VestaCare and determined that there was an other than temporary impairment as the current projected operating results of VestaCare did not support the carrying value of our investment. As such, we recognized a pre-tax impairment charge of $2.5 million during the third quarter of 2017 related to our investment in VestaCare. See Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.


Results of Operations


Crude Oil Marketing


Our crude oil marketing segment revenues, operating earnings and selected costs were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 
Change (1)
 2015 
Change (1)
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
202320232022
Change (1)
2021
Change (1)
         
Revenues$1,267,275
 $1,043,775
 21.4% $1,875,885
 (44.4%)
Operating earnings11,700
 17,045
 (31.4%) 22,895
 (25.6%)
Revenues
Revenues$2,585,355 $3,232,193 (20.0 %)$1,930,042 67.5 %
Operating earnings (2)
Operating earnings (2)
17,029 15,874 7.3 %25,243 (37.1 %)
Depreciation and amortization7,812
 9,997
 (21.9%) 11,097
 (9.9%)Depreciation and amortization8,042 7,724 7,724 4.1 4.1 %6,673 15.8 15.8 %
Driver commissions13,058
 14,933
 (12.6%) 22,262
 (32.9%)
Gains on sales of assetsGains on sales of assets2,730 1,738 57.1 %368 372.3 %
Driver compensationDriver compensation19,560 19,598 (0.2 %)17,717 10.6 %
Insurance4,509
 7,442
 (39.4%) 8,732
 (14.8%)Insurance7,261 7,954 7,954 (8.7 (8.7 %)6,193 28.4 28.4 %
Fuel5,278
 5,397
 (2.2%) 9,928
 (45.6%)Fuel10,427 12,518 12,518 (16.7 (16.7 %)8,064 55.2 55.2 %
____________________
(1)Represents the percentage increase (decrease) from the prior year.

(1)Represents the percentage increase (decrease) from the prior year.
(2)Operating earnings included net inventory valuation losses of $0.8 million, net inventory valuation losses of $2.0 million and net inventory liquidation gains of $10.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.


29

Volume and price information were as follows for the periods indicated:

Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Field level purchase volumes – per day (1)
     
Crude oil – barrels
Crude oil – barrels
Crude oil – barrels67,447
 72,900
 106,400
     
Average purchase price     
Average purchase price
Average purchase price
Crude oil – per barrel$49.88
 $39.30
 $45.41
Crude oil – per barrel
Crude oil – per barrel
____________________
(1)Reflects the volume purchased from third parties at the field level of operations.

(1)Reflects the volume purchased from third parties at the field level of operations.
2017
2023 compared to 20162022. Crude oil marketing revenues decreased by $646.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily as a result of a decrease in the market price of crude oil, which decreased revenues by approximately $444.4 million, and lower crude oil volumes, which decreased revenues by approximately $202.4 million. The average crude oil price was $92.63 per barrel for 2022, which decreased to $74.96 per barrel for 2023. Revenues from our volumes are mostly based upon the market price in our market areas, primarily in the Gulf Coast. The decrease in the market price of crude oil during 2023 as compared to 2022 was primarily due to weakness in the Chinese economy and concern over economic recession, which caused crude oil prices to fall. During the third quarter of 2023, OPEC oil production cuts and U.S. inventory draws from the Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast resulted in an increase in crude oil prices.

Revenues also decreased due to the termination on October 31, 2023 and non-renewal of our five year purchase contract in North Texas and South Central Oklahoma (the “Red River area”). In October 2018, we acquired a trucking company that owned approximately 113 tractors and 126 trailers operating in the Red River area, and subsequently entered into a new revenue agreement at that time. During the five year period, volumes handled in the Red River area ranged from an average of 25,000 to 28,000 barrels per day. The purchase price for Red River area volumes was based on a contractual price for volumes in North Texas and Oklahoma, which had been slightly lower than the purchase price for legacy volumes. The termination of this contract has resulted in a decrease in the average crude oil volumes for the crude oil marketing segment beginning in November 2023.

Driver compensation remained relatively flat during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, despite a decrease in the overall driver count in 2023. At the end of October 2023, we had approximately 49 drivers dedicated to the Red River area, which were either terminated or redeployed to other areas of our businesses.

Insurance costs decreased by $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to a lower overall driver count in 2023 and premium reductions due to our safety performance during the current year, partially offset by an overall increase in insurance premiums. Fuel costs decreased by $2.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, consistent with a lower driver count and lower fuel prices in 2023, as compared to 2022.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to the timing of purchases and retirements of tractors and other field equipment during 2022 and 2023. In connection with the termination of the Red River contract, we sold 36 tractors and 65 trailers during the fourth quarter of 2023, resulting in gains of approximately $2.4 million, and also transferred tractors and trailers to other areas of our businesses.


30

Our crude oil marketing operating earnings for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $1.2 million as compared to 2022, primarily as a result of inventory valuation losses of $2.0 million in 2022 compared to valuation losses of $0.8 million in 2023 (as shown in the table below) and lower fuel costs and insurance costs in 2023 as compared to 2022, partially offset by a decrease in the average market price of crude oil and a decrease in crude oil volumes in 2023.

2022 compared to 2021. Crude oil marketing revenues increased by $223.5$1,302.2 million during the year ended December 31, 20172022 as compared to 20162021, primarily as a result of an increase in the market price of crude oil, which increased revenues by approximately $329.7$1,104.2 million, partially offset by lowerand higher crude oil volumes, which decreasedincreased revenues by approximately $106.2$198.0 million. The average crude oil price received was $39.30$65.48 for 2016,2021, which increased to $49.88$92.63 for 2017.2022. Revenues from our volumes are mostly based upon the market price in our market areas, primarily in the Gulf Coast. The market price of crude oil increased during 2022 as compared to 2021 primarily as a result of a return of global crude oil demand following the pandemic, which combined with a perceived shortage of global crude oil production. In addition, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia contributed to an increase in the market price of crude oil in the first half of 2022. In the second half of 2022, weakness in the Chinese economy and concern over economic recession caused crude oil prices to fall, while still remaining historically high.



Driver compensation increased by $1.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2021, primarily as a result of higher volumes transported in 2022 and an increase in driver pay as compared to 2021, partially offset by a lower overall driver count in 2022.
20

Insurance costs increased by $1.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2021, primarily due to an increase in insurance premiums, partially offset by a lower overall driver count in 2022. Fuel costs increased by $4.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2021, consistent with higher fuel prices in 2022, as compared to 2021.




Our crude oil marketing operating earnings for the year ended December 31, 20172022 decreased by $5.3$9.4 million as compared to 2016,2021, primarily as a result of declines in crude oil volumes, including declines as a result of the effects of Hurricane Harvey, which affected the Gulf Coast area in late August and early September 2017, as well as a narrowing of margins during 2017. Operating earnings were also impacted by inventory valuation changeslosses of $2.0 million in 2022 as compared to inventory liquidation gains of $10.3 million in 2021 (as shown in the table below), and the implementationhigher operating expenses in August 2017 of a voluntary early retirement program for certain employees, which resulted in an increase in personnel expenses of approximately $0.4 million. During the latter part of 2017, volumes began increasing as activity in certain marketing areas increased primarily as a result of increased wellhead purchases.

Driver commissions decreased by $1.9 million during the year ended December 31, 20172022 as compared to 2016, primarily as a result of the decrease in crude oil marketing volumes in 2017. Insurance costs decreased by $2.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016, primarily as a result of favorable driver safety performance and reduced mileage during 2017 as compared to 2016. Fuel costs decreased by $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016 consistent with decreased marketing volumes and lower crude oil prices during 2016,2021, partially offset by an increase in the price of diesel fuel during 2017 as compared to 2016.

2016 compared to 2015. Crude oil marketing revenues decreased by $832.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015, primarily as a result of lower crude oil volumes, which decreased revenues by approximately $475.5 million and a decrease in theaverage market price of crude oil which decreased revenues by approximately $356.6 million. The average crude oil price received was $45.41 for 2015, which decreased to $39.30 for 2016. Lower crude oil prices resulted in curtailed drilling efforts in most areas. Crude marketing volumes decreased as a result of lower wellhead purchases in 2016 as compared to 2015.

Our marketing segment operating earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $5.9 million as compared to 2015, primarily as a result of declinesand an increase in crude oil volumes and a decrease in the market price of crude oil. Volume declines resulted from a decrease in wellhead purchases, partially offset by inventory valuation changes (as shown in the table below).2022.


Driver commissions decreased by $7.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015, primarily as a result of the decrease in crude oil marketing volumes. Insurance costs decreased by $1.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015, primarily as a result of favorable driver safety performance during 2016 as compared to 2015. Fuel costs decreased by $4.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015 consistent with decreased marketing volumes and lower crude oil prices during 2016 as compared to 2015.

Field Level Operating Earnings (Non-GAAP Financial Measure). Inventory valuations and forward commodity contract (derivatives or mark-to-market)derivative instrument (mark-to-market) valuations are two significant factors affecting comparative crude oil marketing segment operating earnings.earnings or losses. As a purchaser and shipper of crude oil, we hold inventory in storage tanks and third-party pipelines. DuringGenerally, 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).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 onto protect crude oil purchases at the wellhead (field level).inventory value from market price fluctuations. 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 valuations and derivative valuations on our crude oil marketing segment operating earnings is summarized in the following reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measure and provides management a measure of the business unit’s performance by removing the impact of inventory valuation and liquidation adjustments for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
     
As reported segment operating earnings (1)
$11,700
 $17,045
 $22,895
As reported segment operating earnings
As reported segment operating earnings
As reported segment operating earnings
Add (subtract):     
Inventory liquidation gains(3,372) (8,243) 
Inventory liquidation gains
Inventory liquidation gains
Inventory valuation losses
 
 5,357
Derivative valuation (gains) losses27
 (243) 188
Field level operating earnings (2)
$8,355
 $8,559
 $28,440
Derivative valuation gains
Field level operating earnings (1)
____________________
(1)Segment operating earnings included inventory liquidation gains of $3.3 million and $8.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and inventory valuation losses of $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.
(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.

(1)The use of field level operating earnings is unique to us, not a substitute for a GAAP measure and 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 points. Field level operating earnings decreased slightly during the year ended December 31, 20172023 as compared to 2016,2022, primarily due to increased personnel costs related toa decrease in the voluntary early retirement program,average market price of crude oil and a decrease in crude oil volumes in 2023, partially offset by increased volumeslower fuel costs and the effects of a newly negotiated barge contract, which reduced operating expenses, beginninginsurance costs in the third quarter of 2017.2023 as compared to 2022.


Field level operating earnings decreasedincreased during the year ended December 31, 20162022 as compared to 2015 as competition and additional industry infrastructure development progressed2021, primarily due to an increase in the region. A key factor in unit margins is the value difference betweenaverage market price of crude oil suppliesand an increase in the mid-continent region of the U.S. versus crude oil supplyvolumes in 2022, which increased revenues, partially offset by higher operating costs in the eastern region of the U.S. We have been able to capture some of this value difference by shipping crude oil from the Texas Gulf Coast to other locations.2022.


We held crude oil inventory at a weighted average composite price as follows at the dates indicated (in barrels)barrels and price per barrel):
December 31,
202320222021
AverageAverageAverage
BarrelsPriceBarrelsPriceBarrelsPrice
Crude oil inventory267,731 $72.35 328,562 $78.39 259,489 $71.86 
 December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
   Average   Average   Average
 Barrels Price Barrels Price Barrels Price
            
Crude oil inventory198,011
 $61.57
 255,146
 $51.22
 261,718
 $29.31


Historically, prices received for crude oil have been volatile and unpredictable with price volatility expected to continue. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors.




Transportation


Our transportation segment revenues, operating earnings (losses) and selected costs were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 
Change (1)
 2015 
Change (1)
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
202320232022
Change (1)
2021
Change (1)
         
Revenues$53,358
 $52,355
 1.9% $63,331
 (17.3%)
Operating earnings (losses)$(544) $(48) 1033.3% $3,701
 (101.3%)
Revenues
Revenues$98,359 $112,376 (12.5 %)$94,498 18.9 %
Operating earningsOperating earnings$5,091 $10,891 (53.3 %)$7,104 53.3 %
Depreciation and amortization$5,364
 $7,249
 (26.0%) $7,554
 (4.0%)Depreciation and amortization$12,277 $$11,512 6.6 6.6 %$12,099 (4.9 (4.9 %)
Driver commissions$11,546
 $11,227
 2.8% $13,265
 (15.4%)Driver commissions$14,020 $$15,193 (7.7 (7.7 %)$14,948 1.6 1.6 %
Insurance$5,452
 $4,952
 10.1% $4,543
 9.0%Insurance$7,884 $$8,760 (10.0 (10.0 %)$8,368 4.7 4.7 %
Fuel$6,401
 $5,688
 12.5% $8,134
 (30.1%)Fuel$10,280 $$12,574 (18.2 (18.2 %)$8,201 53.3 53.3 %
Maintenance expense$6,061
 $5,410
 12.0% $6,365
 (15.0%)Maintenance expense$4,683 $$5,282 (11.3 (11.3 %)$3,932 34.3 34.3 %
Mileage (000s)21,836
 22,611
 (3.4%) 25,205
 (10.3%)Mileage (000s)25,487 26,510 26,510 (3.9 (3.9 %)27,902 (5.0 (5.0 %)
____________________
(1)Represents the percentage increase (decrease) from the prior year.

(1)Represents the percentage increase (decrease) from the prior year.

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,costs, were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
     
Total transportation revenue$53,358
 $52,355
 $63,331
Total transportation revenue
Total transportation revenue
Diesel fuel cost(6,401) (5,688) (8,134)
Revenues, net of fuel cost (1)
$46,957
 $46,667
 $55,197
Revenues, net of fuel costs (1)
____________________
(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.

2017 compared to 2016. (1)Revenues, net of fuel cost, increasedcosts, is a non-GAAP financial measure and is utilized for internal analysis of the results of our transportation segment.

2023 compared to 2022. Transportation revenues decreased by $0.3$14.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2017,2023 as compared to 2022. Transportation revenues, net of fuel costs, decreased by $11.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022. These decreases in transportation revenues were primarily due to a decrease in volumes and decreased transportation rates during 2023 as a result of a softening in the transportation market due to changes in demand, supply chain issues and inflation. Softening of customer demand during 2023 led us to close two terminals, one in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and another in Atlanta, Georgia, with drivers being reassigned to nearby terminals, bringing our total to seventeen terminals in ten states by the end of 2023.

Driver commissions decreased by $1.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to a decrease in the overall driver count and lower mileage during 2023, partially offset by an increase in driver pay in July 2023.

Fuel costs decreased by $2.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily as a result of increased activitya decrease in 2023 in the price of fuel, lower miles traveled during 2023 and a lower overall driver count during 2023. Insurance costs decreased $0.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to a lower overall driver count in 2023 and premium reductions due to our safety performance during 2023, partially offset by an overall increase in insurance premiums. Maintenance expense decreased by $0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to lower repairs and maintenance for tractors and trailers in our fleet, partially offset by escalating prices of parts, repairs and maintenance.
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Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily as a result of the timing of purchases and leases of new tractors and trailers in 2022 and 2023. See the following table for details regarding tractor and trailer purchases, sales and leases.

Our transportation segment. We beganoperating earnings decreased by $5.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to see2022, primarily due to lower revenues as a slight increaseresult of lower volumes, decreased transportation rates and higher maintenance costs, partially offset by lower fuel costs, driver commissions and insurance costs.

2022 compared to 2021. Transportation revenues increased by $17.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2021. Transportation revenues, net of fuel costs, increased by $13.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2021. These increases in transportation activityrevenues were primarily due to increased transportation rates during late 2017,2022 through continued negotiations with customers. In addition, as a result of customer demand, we opened four new terminals during the second half of 2021. These terminals, located in Charleston, West Virginia, West Memphis, Arkansas, Joliet, Illinois, and we continueAugusta, Georgia, increased revenues by approximately $8.1 million during 2022. These increases also reflect the effect of a severe winter storm in February 2021 and the resulting power outages affecting Texas, which resulted in a significant decline in transportation services for over a week and a temporary loss of revenues in 2021. In addition, our Louisiana operations were impacted by Hurricane Ida in August 2021, resulting in a loss of days worked by drivers in the area, thus decreasing revenues. The impact of the storm affected our Louisiana locations through mid-September 2021.

Driver commissions increased by $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to pursue our strategy of streamlining operations and diversifying offerings in our transportation segment. This increase in services resulted in2021, primarily due to an increase in variable expenses related to transportation activities. driver pay in mid-2022 and an increase in the number of drivers, partially offset by lower mileage during 2022. In addition, driver commissions were impacted by Hurricane Ida in August 2021, which affected our Louisiana operations, resulting in a loss of days worked by drivers in the area, thus decreasing driver commissions. The impact of the storm affected our Louisiana locations through mid-September 2021.

Fuel costs increased by $0.7$4.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2021, primarily as a result of an increase in the price of dieselfuel during 2017 as compared to 2016. Our operating results for 2017 were also adversely impacted2022. Insurance costs increased by Hurricane Harvey, which affected the Gulf Coast area in late August and early September of 2017, resulting in decreased revenues and lower mileage during 2017.

2016 compared to 2015. Revenues, net of fuel cost, decreased by $8.5$0.4 million during the year ended December 31, 20162022 as compared to 2015, because of lower demand as indicated2021, primarily due to an increase in insurance premiums in 2022. Maintenance expense increased by $1.4 million during the decreased mileage during 2016year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2015. The combination2021, primarily due to repairs and maintenance for older tractors and trailers in our fleet and escalating prices of lower demandparts, repairs and excess industry-wide trucking capacity led to pressures on volumesmaintenance.

Depreciation and freight rates throughout 2016. The result is an adverse impact on operating earnings. During 2016, we reduced expenses through staff reductions and selling of older inefficient equipment. Fuelamortization expense decreased by $2.4$0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2021, primarily as a result of lower mileagethe timing of purchases and leases of new tractors and trailers in 2021 and 2022.

Our transportation operating earnings increased by $3.8 million during 2016the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2015.2021, primarily due to higher revenues as a result of increased transportation rates and revenues from new terminals, partially offset by higher fuel costs, maintenance costs, driver commissions and insurance costs.




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Equipment additions and retirementretirements for the transportation fleet were as follows for the periods indicated:

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
     
New truck-tractors purchased
       30 units
       60 units
Truck-tractors retired21 units
 
 
New tractors purchased
New tractors purchased
New tractors purchased11 units3 units28 units
New tractors leasedNew tractors leased40 units10 units
Tractors retiredTractors retired73 units4 units79 units
New trailers purchased
       54 units
       12 units
New trailers purchased20 units1 unit67 units
New trailers leasedNew trailers leased23 units13 units
Trailers retired
       50 units
 
Trailers retired74 units85 units33 units


The salesales of retired equipment in our transportation segment produced gains of less than $0.1approximately $1.7 million, $0.4$0.8 million and less than $0.1$0.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.


Our customers are primarily in the domestic petrochemical industry. Customer demand is affected by low natural gas prices (a basic feedstock cost for the petrochemical industry) and high export demand for petrochemicals. During 2016, the competitive landscape in the transportation sector remained difficult

Pipeline and led to lower revenues in this segment. During late 2017, we have seen an increase in customer demand for chemical tank trucking, and we are working on capturing those opportunities.Storage

Oil and Gas

Our upstream crude oilpipeline 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 and recorded our investment in AREC under the cost method of accounting. Our results for 2017 are only through April 30, 2017, during the period in which AREC was consolidated.

Our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and productionstorage segment revenues, operating earnings (losses)losses and selected costs were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 
Change (1)
 2015 
Change (1)
          
Revenues (2)
$1,427
 $3,410
 (58.2%) $5,063
 (32.6%)
Operating earnings (losses) (2)
53
 (533) 109.9% (19,016) 97.2%
Depreciation and depletion (2)
423
 1,546
 (72.6%) 5,066
 (69.5%)
Dry hole expense (2)

 
 0.0% 817
 (100.0%)
Prospect impairments (2)
3
 283
 (98.9%) 1,758
 (83.9%)
Producing property impairments (2)

 30
 (100.0%) 10,324
 (99.7%)
Year Ended December 31,
20232022
Change (1)
2021
Change (1)
Segment revenues (2)
$3,267 $3,804 (14.1 %)$4,524 (15.9 %)
Less: Intersegment revenues (2)
(2,944)(3,804)(22.6 %)(3,860)(1.5 %)
Revenues$323 $— 0.0 %$664 (100.0 %)
Operating losses(3,855)(3,579)7.7 %(2,487)43.9 %
Depreciation and amortization1,071 1,077 (0.6 %)1,025 5.1 %
Insurance842 772 9.1 %726 6.3 %
____________________
(1)Represents the percentage increase (decrease) from the prior year.
(2)Results for 2017 represents amounts for the period from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017.

(1)Represents the percentage increase (decrease) from the prior year.
2017 compared to 2016. Our upstream(2)Segment revenues include intersegment revenues from our crude oil and natural gas exploration and production revenues and depreciation and depletion expense decreased $2.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 2016. These decreases were primarily as a result of the deconsolidation of AREC effective with its bankruptcy filing in April 2017 (four months of revenues and expenses in 2017 versus twelve months of revenues and expenses in 2016) as well as production declines offsetting commodity price increases in 2017.


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2016 compared to 2015. Our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and productionmarketing segment, revenues and depreciation and depletion expense decreased $1.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015, primarily as a result of production declines. Sales volumes decreased following normal production declines as persistently low prices curtailed the development of crude oil and natural gas properties in 2015 and 2016. Contributing to operating losses were property impairments as shown in the table above. Property impairments in 2015 occurred as result of declines in crude oil prices. Depreciation and depletion expense, calculated on a units-of-production basis, decreased primarilywhich are eliminated due to lower production volumesconsolidation in 2016.our consolidated statements of operations.


Volume and price information was as follows for the periods indicated (volumes(in barrels per day):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Pipeline throughput9,140 11,084 7,670 
Terminalling10,026 11,296 8,132 


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2023 compared to 2022. Pipeline and storage segment revenues decreased by $0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022. Intersegment revenues, which are revenues earned from GulfMark, an affiliated shipper, decreased by $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to lower volumes transported by GulfMark during 2023. All pipeline and storage revenues earned from GulfMark are eliminated in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
        
Crude oil     
Volume – barrels (1)
11,643
 34,200
 50,000
Average price per barrel$49.44
 $38.07
 $46.51
      
Natural gas     
Volume – Mcf (1)
189,488
 662,000
 889,000
Average price per Mcf$2.86
 $2.26
 $2.46
      
Natural gas liquids     
Volume – barrels (1)
11,204
 42,500
 42,100
Average price per barrel$26.77
 $14.39
 $12.70

(1)Volumes for 2017 are only through April 30, 2017 as a result of the deconsolidation of this subsidiary due to its bankruptcy filing.

Duringconsolidation, with the period from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017, we participatedoffset to marketing costs and expenses in the drillingour consolidated statements of six wells in the Permian Basin and one well in the Haynesville Shale with no dry holes.operations. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we participated in the drilling of seven wells in Permian Basin with no dry holes,2022, all pipeline and storage segment revenues were earned from GulfMark, while during the year ended December 31, 2015,2023, approximately $0.3 million of revenues were earned from third party customers.

We are currently constructing a new pipeline connection between the VEX Pipeline System and the Max Midstream pipeline system, and we participated inexpect to place the drillingassets into commercial service during the second half of 14 wells2024. In addition, we are exploring new connections with one dry hole.other pipeline systems, for new crude oil supply opportunities both upstream and downstream of the pipeline, to enhance the crude oil supply and take-away capability of the system.


DuringOur pipeline and storage operating losses increased by $0.3 million during the yearsyear ended December 31, 20162023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to increases in operating salaries and 2015, impairment charges for crude oilwages and natural gas properties were approximately $0.3 millionrelated personnel costs, materials and $12.1 million, respectively.supplies and outside service costs in 2023, partially offset by an increase in third party revenues in 2023.


Capitalized crude oil2022 compared to 2021. Pipeline and natural gas property costs were amortized in expense as the underlying crude oil and natural gas reserves were produced (units-of-production method).

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expensesstorage segment revenues decreased by $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 20172022 as compared to 2016,2021. Intersegment revenues, which are revenues earned from GulfMark, an affiliated shipper, decreased by $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2021, primarily due to lower volumes transported by GulfMark during 2022. All pipeline and storage revenues earned from GulfMark are eliminated in consolidation, with the offset to marketing costs and expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2022, all pipeline and storage segment revenues were earned from GulfMark, while during the year ended December 31, 2021, approximately $0.7 million of revenues were earned from third party customers.

Our pipeline and storage operating losses increased by $1.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2021, primarily due to the deconsolidationthird-party revenue contract ending, which resulted in lower revenues of AREC$0.7 million, and increases in April 2017 (four monthsoperating salaries and wages and related personnel costs, materials and supplies, outside service costs and insurance costs in 2022.

Logistics and Repurposing

Our logistics and repurposing segment revenues, operating (losses) earnings and selected costs were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
2023
2022 (1)
Revenues$61,256 $22,348 
Operating (losses) earnings(934)303 
Depreciation and amortization6,473 2,394 
Driver commissions8,927 3,767 
Insurance2,559 776 
Fuel3,673 1,796 
____________________
(1)Represents the period from acquisition, August 12, 2022 through December 31, 2022.


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On August 12, 2022, we acquired all of the equity interests of Firebird and Phoenix. Firebird is an interstate bulk motor carrier of crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and ͏other petroleum products. At the time of acquisition, Firebird had six terminal locations throughout Texas and owned 123 tractors and 216 trailers largely in the Eagle Ford basin. Phoenix ͏recycles and repurposes off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals from ͏producers in the U.S. See Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the acquisition.

On May 4, 2023, we acquired approximately 10.6 acres of land in the Gulf Inland Industrial Park, located in Dayton, Texas, for approximately $1.8 million to build a new processing facility for Phoenix with rail spur and siding, product storage, and truck rack. Phoenix intends to build new infrastructure to service its existing customers and to create opportunities for growing the business. Phoenix also plans to relocate its headquarters from Humble, Texas to this new location.

2023 compared to 2022. Revenues earned from Firebird operations were approximately $28.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, while revenues earned from Phoenix operations were approximately $33.1 million during the same period. Revenues earned from Firebird operations were approximately $9.5 million for the period from the August 12, 2022 acquisition date through December 31, 2022, while revenues earned from Phoenix operations were approximately $12.9 million during the same period.

Operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2023 include driver commissions of $8.9 million, fuel costs of $3.7 million, maintenance expenses of $2.4 million and insurance costs of $2.6 million. Depreciation expense was $5.4 million and amortization expense related to intangible assets was $1.1 million during the current year. Operating losses during the year ended December 31, 2023 were $0.9 million.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expenses decreased by $2.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to an adjustment in 2017 versus twelve months2023 of expensethe $2.6 million contingent consideration accrual related to the Firebird and Phoenix acquisition in 2016)2022 (see Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information), and lower salaries and wages and related personnel costs and legal fees, partially offset by higher insurance costs, outside service costs, audit fees and banking fees primarily related to outstanding letters of credit. The 2022 period also includes approximately $0.6 million of costs related to the repurchase of our common shares from an affiliate (see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information) and approximately $0.5 million of acquisition related costs for the purchase of Firebird and Phoenix.

General and administrative expenses increased by $4.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 2021, primarily due to higher salaries and wages and related personnel costs, audit fees, legal fees, outside service costs and insurance costs. As described above, 2022 also includes approximately $0.6 million of costs related to the repurchase of our common shares from an affiliate and approximately $0.5 million of acquisition related costs for the purchase of Firebird and Phoenix.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased by $2.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to an increase in interest expense of approximately $1.0$1.6 million in personnel expenses in 2017 as a result of a voluntary early retirement programhigher borrowings under the revolving portion of the Credit Agreement and the outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan of $21.9 million under our Credit Agreement. Interest expense also increased approximately $1.0 million related to our entry into new finance leases in 2023 (see Note 17 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for certain employees, and higher legal and audit feesfurther information). The 2022 period includes the write off of debt issuance costs of $0.4 million related to the Wells Fargo credit agreement that we terminated in 2017.October 2022 (see Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information).

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General and administrative expenses

Interest expense increased by $0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 20162022 as compared to 2015,2021, primarily as a result of increased use of outside consultants in the fourth quarter of 2016.  Expenses in 2015 were higher due to a $1.1the write off of debt issuance costs of $0.4 million lump sum payment made duringrelated to the first quarterWells Fargo credit agreement that we terminated in October 2022, and an increase of 2015$0.3 million related to the outstanding Term Loan under our former President upon his retirement.

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TableCredit Agreement. We entered into the Credit Agreement with Cadence Bank in October 2022 and used the proceeds from the Term Loan to partially fund the repurchase of Contents


Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

During the second quartershares from KSA Industries, Inc. (“KSA”) and certain of 2017, we deconsolidated AREC effective with its bankruptcy filingaffiliates on April 21, 2017 and recorded our investment in AREC under the cost method of accounting. Based upon bids received in the auction processOctober 31, 2022 (see Note 310 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information), we determined that the fair value of our investment in AREC was expected to be lower than its net book value immediately prior to the deconsolidation. As a result, during the second quarter of 2017, we recorded a non-cash charge of $1.6 million associated with the deconsolidation of AREC, which reflected the excess of the net assets of AREC over its estimated fair value based on an expected sales transaction price of approximately $5.0 million, net of estimated transaction costs. During the third quarter of 2017, we recognized an additional loss of $1.9 million, which represents the difference between the proceeds we expect to be paid upon settlement of the bankruptcy, net of anticipated remaining closing costs identified as part of the liquidation plan, and the book value of our cost method investment..

During the third quarter of 2017, we completed a review of our investment in VestaCare and determined that there was an other than temporary impairment as the current projected operating results of VestaCare did not support the carrying value of our investment. As such, we recognized a pre-tax impairment charge of $2.5 million during the third quarter of 2017 related to our investment in VestaCare.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we completed a review of our equity method investment in Bencap and determined that there was an other than temporary impairment. Under the terms of the investment agreement, Bencap had the option to request borrowings from us of up to $1.5 million (on or after December 5, 2016 but before October 31, 2018) that we were required to provide or forfeit our 30 percent member interest. During 2016, our management determined that we were unlikely to provide additional funding due to Bencap’s lower than projected revenue growth and operating losses since investment inception. During the third quarter of 2016, we recognized an after-tax net loss of $1.4 million to write-off our investment in Bencap, which included a pre-tax impairment charge of $1.7 million, pre-tax losses from the equity method investment of $0.5 million and a tax benefit of $0.8 million.


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,March 27, 2020, the Tax CutCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and JobsEconomic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was enacted and signed into law resultingin response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, permits net operating losses (“NOL”) incurred in tax years 2018, 2019 and 2020 to offset 100 percent of taxable income and be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes.

The NOL carryback provision in the CARES Act resulted in a reductioncash benefit to us for the fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020. We carried back our NOL for the fiscal year 2018 to 2013 and received a cash refund of approximately $2.7 million in June 2020. We carried back our NOL for the fiscal year 2019 to 2014 and received a cash refund of approximately $3.7 million in April 2021. We carried back our NOL for the fiscal year 2020 to 2015 and 2016 and received a cash refund of approximately $6.9 million in June 2022.

We account for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of our provision for federal corporateand state income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for years beginning in 2018.taxes. At December 31, 2017,2023 and 2022, we had a deferredhave not recorded any uncertain tax liability of approximately $3.3 million (reflecting a reduction of approximately $2.0 million resulting frombenefits.

For the lower rate under which those deferred taxes would be expected to be recovered or settled). As a result of the loweryears ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, our effective tax rate we expectwas approximately 56.4 percent and 35.5 percent, respectively, which is higher than our statutory tax rate primarily due to see a decreasenon-deductible expenses, the mix of earnings in either our provision for or benefit fromstates with higher tax rates and less earnings before income taxes during 2018 as compared to 2017.prior years.


At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had deferred tax liabilities of approximately $12.9 million and $15.4 million, respectively. We recorded net tax liabilities in 2022 of approximately $6.2 million related to the tax effect of our estimated fair value allocations related to the purchase of Firebird and Phoenix (Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information).

See Note 1114 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.





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Liquidity and Capital Resources


LiquidityGeneral


Our primary sources of liquidity is fromare (i) our cash balance, and net(ii) cash provided byflow from operating activities, (iii) borrowings under our Credit Agreement and (iv) funds received from the sale of equity securities. Our primary cash requirements include, but are not limited to, (i) ordinary course of business uses, such as the payment of amounts related to the purchase of crude oil, and other expenses, (ii) discretionary capital spending for investments in our business and (iii) dividends to our shareholders. We believe we will have sufficient liquidity through our current cash balances, availability under our Credit Agreement, expected cash generated from future operations, and the ease of financing tractor and trailer additions through leasing arrangements (should the need arise) to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity needs for the reasonably foreseeable future. Our cash balance and cash flow from operating activities 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.

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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. In connection with its bankruptcy filing, AREC entered into the DIP Credit Agreement with AE. AREC borrowed approximately $0.4 million under the DIP Credit Agreement, and the amount was repaid during the third quarter of 2017 with proceeds from the sales of the assets. AE was the primary creditor in AREC’s Chapter 11 process. As a result of an auction process (see Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), 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. AE anticipates receiving an additional $0.4 million in 2018 when the bankruptcy case is dismissed.


At December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, 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 cash equivalents (excluding restricted cash) and working capital, the excess of current assets over current liabilities, were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):

December 31,
2017 2016 2015
December 31,December 31,
2023202320222021
     
Cash and cash equivalents$109,393
 $87,342
 $91,877
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
Working capital116,087
 106,444
 96,340


Our cash balance at December 31, 2023 increased by 62.0 percent from December 31, 2022, as discussed further below.

We maintainhave in place a stand-by letter ofCredit Agreement with Cadence Bank. The Credit Agreement provides for (a) a revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association to providethat allows for the issuance ofborrowings up to $60$60.0 million in stand-byaggregate principal amount from time to time, and (b) a term loan in aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million (the “Term Loan”). We may also obtain letters of credit under the revolving credit facility up to a maximum amount of $30.0 million, which reduces availability under the revolving credit facility by a like amount. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility may be, at our option, base rate loans (defined by reference to the higher of the prime rate, the federal funds rate or an adjusted term secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) for a one month tenor plus one percent) or SOFR loans, in each case plus an applicable margin, the amount of which is determined by reference to our consolidated total leverage ratio, and is between 1 percent and 2 percent for base rate loans and between 2 percent and 3 percent for SOFR loans.

The Term Loan amortizes on a 10-year schedule with quarterly payments beginning December 31, 2022, and matures October 27, 2027. Proceeds of the Term Loan were used, together with additional cash on hand, to fund the repurchase of shares from KSA and certain of its affiliates on October 31, 2022. The Term Loan bears interest at the SOFR loan rate plus the applicable margin for SOFR loans.

We are required to maintain compliance with certain financial covenants under the Credit Agreement, including a consolidated leverage ratio, an asset coverage ratio and a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. We were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2023.

On August 2, 2023, we entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement. The amendment (i) clarifies our ability to exclude crude oil inventory valuation losses (and, to the extent included in our consolidated net income, inventory liquidation gains) from the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for purposes of the related financial covenants, (ii) provides for the benefitexclusion of suppliersunusual and non-recurring losses and expenses from the calculation of crude oil within our crude oil marketing segmentConsolidated EBITDA, not to exceed ten percent (10%) of Consolidated EBITDA for the period, and for other purposes. Stand-by(iii) amends the definition of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to include letters of credit are issued as needed and are canceled asbanker’s acceptances only to the underlying purchase obligations are satisfied by cash payment when due. The issuance of stand-byextent such letters of credit enables us to avoid posting cash collateral when procuring crude oil supply. We are currently usingor banker’s acceptances have been drawn, for purposes of the letter of credit facility for a letter of credit relatedConsolidated Total Leverage Ratio calculation (as defined in the Credit Agreement). The Amendment applies to our insurance program. fiscal period ending June 30, 2023 and thereafter.

At December 31, 2017,2023, we had $2.2$21.9 million outstanding under this facility. During January 2018, the letterCredit Agreement, representing the remaining principal balance of the Term Loan, with a weighted average interest rate of 7.69 percent. We also had $13.0 million of letters of credit amount outstanding decreased to approximately $0.9 million.issued under the Credit Agreement at a fee of 2.25 percent per annum. No letter of credit amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility. See Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.


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On December 23, 2020, we entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement (“ATM Agreement”) with B. Riley Securities, Inc., as agent (the “Agent”). Pursuant to the ATM Agreement, we may offer to sell shares of our common stock through or to the Agent for cash from time to time. The total number of shares of common stock to be sold, if any, and the price the shares will be sold at will be determined by us periodically in connection with any such sales, though the total amount sold may not exceed the limitations stated in the applicable registration statement. We filed a registration statement initially registering an aggregate of $20.0 million of shares of common stock for sale under the ATM Agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2016.2023, we received net proceeds of approximately $0.5 million (net of offering costs to the Agent of $27 thousand) from the sale of 14,680 of our common shares at an average price per share of approximately $40.74 under the ATM Agreement. In December 2023, we filed a new registration statement which replaced our prior shelf registration statement and restored the aggregate of $20.0 million of shares of common stock for sale under the ATM Agreement. The registration statement was declared effective on January 5, 2024. The full capacity of the ATM agreement remains unsold.

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.four business segments. With the exception of operating and capitalfinance lease commitments primarily associated with storage tank terminal arrangements, leased office space, tractors, trailers and tractors,other equipment, 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 capitalfinance lease obligations. 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.


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.


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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):

Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
     
Cash provided by (used in):     
Cash provided by (used in):
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
Operating activities
Operating activities$26,096
 $6,944
 $25,477
Investing activities(216) (7,768) (10,072)
Financing activities(3,829) (3,711) (3,712)


Operating activities. Net cash flows provided by operating activities was $30.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $19.2 million when2023 as compared to 2016. This$13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net cash flows from operating activities of $16.5 million was primarily due to an increasechanges in revenues, partially offsetour working capital accounts, including a decrease in the price of our crude oil inventory, which decreased from $78.39 per barrel at December 31, 2022 to $72.35 per barrel at December 31, 2023, and a decrease of 18.5 percent in the number of barrels held in inventory. Early payments made to suppliers decreased by increased operating and general and administrative expenses.approximately $9.5 million in 2023, while early payments received from customers decreased by approximately $12.4 million in 2023. Earnings also decreased by $3.3 million in 2023 as compared to 2022.


Net cash flows provided by operating activities was $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $18.5 million when2022 as compared to 2015. This$81.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in net cash flows from operating activities of $67.2 million was primarily due to a decreaselower earnings of $8.4 million in revenues, partially offset2022 and changes in our working capital accounts. Early payments received from customers decreased by a decreaseapproximately $7.6 million in operating2022, and generalearly payments made to suppliers increased by approximately $8.3 million in 2022. In addition, crude oil inventory increased by $8.0 million at December 31, 2022, primarily due to an increase in the price of our crude oil inventory, which increased from $71.86 per barrel at December 31, 2021 to $78.39 per barrel at December 31, 2022, and administrative expenses.an increase of 26.6 percent in the number of barrels held in inventory.

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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 received from customers and prepayments made to suppliers were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
December 31,
202320222021
Early payments received$32,850 $45,265 $52,841 
Early payments to suppliers4,546 14,055 5,732 
 December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Early payments received$20,078
 $15,032
 $16,770
Cash collateral received
 
 840
Prepayments to suppliers
 
 167
Early payments to suppliers6,100
 14,382
 11,645


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 quarterThe timing of 2016, we elected to make several early payments in our crude oil marketing operations. Our cash balance increased by approximately $22.1 million at December 31, 2017 relative to the year ended December 31, 2016 as the year end 2016 balance was slightly lower than normal as a resultand receipts of these early payments made during the fourth quarter of 2016. Consistent with higher crude commodity prices, the need for early payments was higher at December 31, 2017 as compared to December 31, 2016pays received and 2015.paid can have a significant impact on our cash balance.



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Investing activities. Net cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 20172023 decreased by $7.6$32.9 million when compared to 2016. The2022. This decrease in net cash flows used in investing activities was primarily due to a $5.8payment of $33.1 million decreasefor the acquisition of Firebird and Phoenix in August 2022 (see Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information) and an increase of $5.7 million in cash proceeds from sales of assets, partially offset by an increase of $4.4 million in capital spending for property and equipment (see table“Capital Spending” below), and a $4.7 million decrease in investments in unconsolidated affiliates and the receipt of $2.8 million of proceeds related to the partial settlement of AREC’s bankruptcy, partially offset by a $3.0 million decrease in cash proceeds from the sales of assets. During 2016, we invested a total of $4.7$1.5 million in two medical-related investments, VestaCareinsurance and Bencap.state collateral refunds in 2023.


Net cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased2022 increased by $2.3$25.9 million when compared to 2015. The decrease2021. This increase in net cash flows used in investing activities was primarily due to a $2.6payment of $33.1 million for the acquisition of Firebird and Phoenix in August 2022, partially offset by a decrease of $4.9 million in capital spending for property and equipment (see table“Capital Spending” below) and a $3.0, an increase of $0.8 million increase in cash proceeds from the sales of assets partially offset by a $4.7and an increase of $1.5 million increase in investmentsinsurance and state collateral refunds in unconsolidated affiliates, as discussed above.2022.


Financing activities. CashNet cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased2023 decreased by $0.1$41.0 million when compared to 20162022. The change in net cash flows from financing activities was primarily due to the following cash outflows and 2015.inflows:

borrowings and repayments under revolving credit agreements in place during each year (see Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information). During each2023, we borrowed and repaid $76.0 million under the revolving credit facility under our Credit Agreement with Cadence Bank, while during 2022, we borrowed and repaid $92.0 million under the credit agreements with Cadence Bank or Wells Fargo in place during 2022. Borrowings were primarily used for working capital purposes.
borrowing under our Term Loan. During 2022, we borrowed $25.0 million under the Term Loan with Cadence Bank to partially fund the repurchase of the shares from KSA and affiliates (see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information). During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we made principal payments of $2.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, on the Term Loan.
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cash payment to repurchase shares. During 2022, we made a cash payment in October 2022 of $69.9 million for the repurchase of an aggregate of 1,942,433 shares of our common stock from KSA and affiliates (see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information).
principal repayments under finance lease obligations. During 2023, we had an increase of $3.8 million in principal repayments made for finance lease obligations (see “Material Cash Requirements” below for information regarding our finance lease obligations).
net proceeds from the sale of equity. During 2023, we had a decrease of $1.2 million in net proceeds from the sale of common shares under the ATM program as compared to 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we received net proceeds of approximately $0.5 million from the sale of 14,680 of our common shares, while during the year ended December 31, 2022, we received net proceeds of approximately $1.7 million from the sale of 46,524 of our common shares.
payment of debt issuance costs. During 2022, we made payments of $1.7 million for debt issuance costs related to our entry into the Credit Agreement with Cadence Bank.
cash payment of dividends. During both of the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023 and 2015,2022, we paid a quarterlyaggregate cash dividenddividends of $0.22$0.96 per common share, ($0.88or totals of $2.5 million and $3.8 million, respectively. On October 31, 2022, the number of common shares outstanding decreased by 1.9 million as a result of the repurchase of the shares from KSA and affiliates.

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased by $38.3 million when compared to 2021. The change in net cash flows from financing activities was primarily due to the following cash outflows and inflows:

a cash payment in October 2022 of $69.9 million for the repurchase of an aggregate of 1,942,433 shares of our common stock from KSA and affiliates;
an increase in 2022 of $0.4 million in principal repayments made for finance lease obligations (see “Material Cash Requirements” below for information regarding our finance lease obligations);
a decrease in 2022 of $1.1 million in net proceeds from the sale of common shares under the ATM program. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we received net proceeds of approximately $1.7 million from the sale of 46,524 of our common shares, while during the year ended December 31, 2021, we received net proceeds of approximately $2.8 million from the sale of 97,623 of our common shares.
an increase in 2022 in net borrowings under our credit agreements with Wells Fargo and Cadence Bank. During 2022, we borrowed and repaid $92.0 million under the credit agreements, primarily for working capital purposes. We also borrowed $25.0 million under the Term Loan with Cadence Bank to partially fund the repurchase of the shares from KSA and affiliates, and made a principal repayment of $0.6 million in December 2022 on the Term Loan. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we borrowed $8.0 million under the credit agreement primarily to repay the $10.0 million outstanding payable related to the purchase of the VEX pipeline system in October 2020, and repaid the $8.0 million during 2021.
a cash outflow in 2022 of $1.7 million for debt issuance costs related to the Credit Agreement with Cadence Bank;
a cash outflow in 2022 as a result of the payment of the $10.0 million outstanding payable related to the purchase of the VEX Pipeline System in October 2020;
a decrease in 2022 in cash dividends paid on our common shares. During both of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we paid aggregate cash dividends of $0.96 per common share, per year), or $3.7 million. During 2017, we paid $0.1totals of $3.8 million and $4.1 million, respectively. On October 31, 2022, the number of principal repayments on capital lease obligations that we entered into in 2017 for certaincommon shares outstanding decreased by 1.9 million as a result of our tractors in our marketing segment, with principal contractual commitments to be paid over a periodthe repurchase of five years.the shares from KSA and affiliates.



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Capital ProjectsSpending


We use cash from operations and existing cash balances to make discretionary investments in our marketing and transportation businesses. Capital spending for the past five years was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
          
Crude oil marketing (1)
$468
 $1,321
 $2,126
 $13,598
 $11,343
Truck transportation351
 6,868
 6,579
 8,994
 3,165
Oil and natural gas exploration1,825
 295
 2,369
 7,931
 13,094
Medical management
 4,700
 
 
 
Capital spending$2,644
 $13,184
 $11,074
 $30,523
 $27,602
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Crude oil marketing (1)
$1,185 $4,534 $3,245 
Transportation (2)
5,130 1,608 7,960 
Pipeline and storage1,503 1,050 1,169 
Logistics and repurposing (3)
3,967 282 — 
Other (4)
112 17 
Capital spending$11,897 $7,491 $12,382 
_______________
(1)Our marketing segment amount for 2017 does not include approximately $1.8 million of tractors acquired under capital leases.

Our crude oil marketing segment spending levels were consistent during 2013 and 2014 and were backed by crude oil prices remaining strong, in the $90 – $100 per barrel range. In late 2014, crude oil prices fell and we curtailed spending during 2015, 2016 and 2017.

In our transportation segment, 2013 was stable with an increase in expenditures in 2014 to add capacity tracking with the petrochemical industry expansion efforts. However, in late 2015 and continuing into 2016 and 2017, demand for truck services weakened. The major project for 2016 was improvements to the existing Houston terminal facility. We are seeing increased demand in our transportation segment in 2017 and have plans to grow this segment in 2017.

We exited the crude oil and natural gas exploration and production business with the bankruptcy filing and subsequent sale of our crude oil and natural gas assets. We currently do not have any plans to pursue additional medical-related investments.



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Other Items

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations at December 31, 2017 (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)
$1,847
 $398
 $796
 $653
 $
Operating lease obligations (2)
3,407
 2,758
 531
 95
 23
Purchase obligations (3)
123,238
 123,238
 
 
 
Total contractual obligations$128,492
 $126,394
 $1,327
 $748
 $23
___________________
(1)(1)Amounts represent our principal contractual commitments, including interest, outstanding under capital leases we entered into during 2017 for certain tractors in our marketing segment.
(2)Amounts represent rental obligations under non-cancelable operating leases and terminal arrangements with terms in excess of one year.
(3)Amount represents commitments to purchase certain quantities of crude oil substantially in January 2018 in connection with our crude oil marketing activities. These commodity purchase obligations are the basis for commodity sales, which generate the cash flow necessary to meet such purchase obligations.

In January 2018, we entered into a new lease agreement with a seven year term for storage tanks and other related assets in the Port of Victoria area of Texas in our crude oil marketing segment. Annual commitments for the years ended December 31, 2018 through 2025 will2023, 2022 and 2021, do not include approximately $8.0 million, $5.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of tractors, trailers and other equipment acquired under finance leases.
(2)Amounts for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, do not include approximately $8.6 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of tractors and trailers acquired under finance leases.
(3)Amount for the year ended December 31, 2023 does not include approximately $1.3 million of tractors acquired under finance leases. Amount for the year ended December 31, 2022 does not include approximately $33.1 million of capital spending related to the acquisition of Firebird and Phoenix.
(4)Amounts relate to the purchase of a company vehicle and office and computer equipment, which are not attributed or allocated to any of our reporting segments.

As a result of the uncertainty relating to the economic environment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we significantly reduced our capital spending in 2023, 2022 and 2021 and, as a result, entered into finance lease agreements for the use of tractors and trailers. See “Material Cash Requirements” below for information regarding our finance lease obligations.

Crude oil marketing. Capital expenditures during 2023 were for the purchase of various field equipment. Capital expenditures during 2022 were for the purchase of 20 tractors, 10 trailers and other field equipment, and during 2021, were for the purchase of 16 tractors, 2 trailers and other field equipment.

Transportation. Capital expenditures during 2023 were for the purchase of eleven tractors, twenty trailers and various field equipment. Capital expenditures during 2022 were for the purchase of three tractors, one trailer and other field equipment, and during 2021, were for the purchase of 28 tractors, 67 trailers and computer software and equipment.

Pipeline and storage. Capital expenditures during 2023 were for the continued construction of a pipeline connection, which is expected to be approximately $1.5 million per year,placed in commercial service during the second half of 2024. Capital expenditures during 2022 were for the purchase of land and easements in connection with a totalplanned pipeline connection, and during 2021, were for the purchase of computer equipment and field equipment.

Logistics and repurposing. Capital expenditures during 2023 were for the purchase of approximately $10.1 million.10.6 acres of land in the Gulf Inland Industrial Park, located in Dayton, Texas, for approximately $1.8 million to build a new processing facility for Phoenix, 15 tractors, four trailers and various field equipment. Capital expenditures for 2022 were for the purchase of field equipment.


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Material Cash Requirements

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations with material cash requirements at December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Payments due by period
Contractual ObligationsTotalLess than 1 year1-3 years3-5 yearsMore than 5 years
Credit Agreement (1)
$26,942 $4,094 $7,612 $15,236 $— 
Finance lease obligations (2)
29,198 7,463 12,899 8,836 — 
Operating lease obligations (3)
6,168 3,009 2,320 821 18 
Purchase obligations:
Crude oil marketing — crude oil (4)
137,257 137,257 — — — 
Tractors and trailers (5)
7,632 7,632 — — — 
Total contractual obligations$207,197 $159,455 $22,831 $24,893 $18 
___________________
(1)Represents scheduled future maturities for amounts due under the Term Loan under our Credit Agreement plus estimated cash payments for interest. Interest payments are based upon the principal amount of the amount outstanding and the applicable interest rate at December 31, 2023. See Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about our Credit Agreement.
(2)Amounts represent our principal contractual commitments, including interest, outstanding under finance leases for tractors, trailers, tank storage and throughput arrangements and other equipment.
(3)Amounts represent rental obligations under non-cancelable operating leases and terminal arrangements with terms in excess of one year.
(4)Amount represents commitments to purchase certain quantities of crude oil substantially in January 2024 in connection with our crude oil marketing activities. These commodity purchase obligations are the basis for commodity sales, which generate the cash flow necessary to meet these purchase obligations.
(5)Amount represents commitments to purchase nine new tractors and thirteen new trailers in our transportation business, 28 new tractors in our crude oil marketing business, and two new trailers in our logistics and repurposing segment.

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):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Rental expense$26,503 $23,176 $21,604 


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 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Rental expense$12,073
 $11,314
 $11,168
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Insurance


Our primary insurance needs are workers’ compensation, automobile and umbrella liability coverage for our trucking fleet and medical insurance for our employees. See Note 18 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. Insurance costs were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Insurance costs$10,438
 $13,330
 $15,570
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Insurance costs$18,986 $18,777 $15,610 

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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Related Party Transactions


For information regarding our related party transactions, see Note 9 of10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this annual report.


Recent Accounting Developments


For information regarding recent accounting developments, see Note 2 ofin the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this annual report.




Outlook


We took various steps to streamline our business in 2017, which we anticipate will lead to increased margins in bothOne of our core segments during 2018. Our focus in 2018primary opportunities for 2024 will be to expand our relationships with existing customers by providing additional services to them through our recently acquired new lines of business. We also plan to expand on our other businesses by capitalizing on integration opportunities we can offer our customers. In addition, we will continue to focus on expanding our core businesses while delivering value to our shareholders. We will work to achieve positive results in markets with strong competition and workingmargin pressures throughout all segments of our business. We also plan to continue to focus on strategic business development. In spite of recovering crude oil pricescutting costs to combat inflation by negotiating with suppliers and increased production in our crude oil gathering and marketing core areas, margins remain tight. Competition with peers and with pipeline direct connects to lease production remains challenging.by operating efficiently.


Our major objectives for 20182024 are as follows:


MarketingCrude oil marketing – We will have aplan to focus on increasing margins to maximize cash flow and capturing midstream opportunities associated with increasing rig counts, drillingin an inflationary market. We will continue to take advantage of our recently upgraded fleet dispatch and completion activitymaintenance software system to help drive more efficiency in the U.S.our fleet operations and lower our operating costs, which we believe will help drive increased profitability. In addition, we will look for opportunities to increase our trucking fleet to add to our overall ability to gather and distribute crude oil.


Transportation – We plan to continue to increase truck utilization, upgrade our fleet quality and enhance driver retention and recruitment. The transportation segment is uniquely positionedWe also plan to take advantagecontinue to capitalize on our recent acquisitions and organic expansions to improve quality of majorrevenue through improved efficiencies. We will continue to look for ways to expand our terminal footprint to put us in a position to better compete for new business.

Pipeline and storage – We will focus on opportunities to increase our pipeline and storage utilization, by identifying opportunities with our existing and new customers to increase volumes. In addition, we will look to capitalize on our new pipeline connection, scheduled to come on-line in the second half of 2024, as well as continuing to look for new connections for the pipeline system both upstream and downstream infrastructure projectsof the pipeline, to increase the crude oil supply and take-away capability of the system.

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Logistics and repurposing – We will focus on maintaining the relationships that are taking place acrossthese entities have developed over their years of operations and look to expand the Gulf Coast.customer base by offering these new services to our other divisions customers. We believe by integrating this business with certain aspects of our other businesses, we can bring additional overall value to both our customers and to our shareholders. We expect to break ground on the Dayton facility during the second quarter of 2024. When completed, this facility will allow us to operate our rail and trucking business more efficiently, as well as open up opportunities to process a wider variety of products.


Strategic business development – We will deploy a disciplined investment approach to growth in our two corefour segments and funding new growth opportunities that are adjacent and complimentary to existing operating activities.



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


In our financial reporting processes, we employ methods, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of our financial statements.  These methods, estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period.  Investors should be aware that actual results could differ from these estimates if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect.  The following sections discuss the use of estimates within our critical accounting policies and estimates.


Goodwill and Intangible Assets

We allocate the purchase price of acquired businesses to their identifiable tangible assets and liabilities, such as accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. We also allocate a portion of the purchase price to identifiable intangible assets, such as non-compete agreements, trade names and customer relationships. Allocations are based on estimated fair values of assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes are recorded for any differences between the assigned values and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Estimated deferred taxes are based on available information concerning the tax bases of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and loss carryforwards at the acquisition date, although such estimates may change in the future as additional information becomes known. We use all available information to estimate fair values including quoted market prices, the carrying value of acquired assets, and widely accepted valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows.

Certain estimates and judgments are required in the application of the fair value techniques, including estimates of future cash flows and the selection of a discount rate, as well as the use of “Level 3” measurements as defined in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure. Any remaining excess of cost over allocated fair values is recorded as goodwill. We typically engage third-party valuation experts to assist in determining the fair values for both the identifiable tangible and intangible assets. The judgments made in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, could materially impact our results of operations.

At December 31, 2023, our goodwill balance was approximately $6.7 million. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the carrying values of our intangible assets were $8.0 million and $9.7 million, respectively. See Note 6 and Note 8 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Fair Value Accounting


We enter into certain forward commodity contracts that are required to be recorded at fair value, and these contracts 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 the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 2015.


2021.
31
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We utilize a market approach to valuing our commodity contracts. On a contract by contract, forward month by forward month basis, we obtain observable market data for valuing our contracts that typically have durations of less than 18 months. At December 31, 2017,2023, all of our market value measurements were based on inputs based on observable market data (Level 2 inputs). See discussion under “Fair Value Measurements” in Note 102 and Note 13 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


Our fair value contracts give rise to market risk, which represents the potential loss that may result from a change in the market value of a particular commitment. We monitor and manage our exposure to market risk to ensure compliance with our risk management policies. These risk management policies are regularly assessed to ensure their appropriateness given our objectives, strategies and current market conditions.


Trade AccountsLiability and AllowanceContingency Accruals, including those related to Insurance Liabilities

We establish a liability under the automobile and workers’ compensation insurance policies for Doubtful Accounts

Our trade accounts receivable has high volume and complexity of transactions and a high degree of interdependence with third parties. We manage our receivables by participating inexpected claims incurred but not reported on a monthly settlement process with each of our counterparties. Ongoing account balances are monitored monthly, and we attemptbasis. We retain a third-party consulting actuary to gain the cooperation of our counterparties to reconcile outstanding balances. We also place great emphasis on collecting cash balances due and paying only bonafide and properly supported claims. In addition, we maintain and monitor our bad debt allowance. We perform credit evaluations of our customers and grant creditestablish loss development factors, based on past payment history, financial conditions and anticipatedhistorical claims experience as well as industry conditions. Customer payments are regularly monitored and a provision for doubtful accounts is established based on specific situations and overall industry conditions. However, a degree of risk remains dueexperience. We apply those factors to the custom and practicescurrent claims information to derive an estimate of the industry.ultimate claims liability. See Note 218 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Liability and Contingency Accruals


From time to time as incidental to our operations, we become involved in various accidents, lawsuits and/or disputes. As an operator of an extensive trucking fleet, we are a party to motor vehicle accidents, worker compensation claims or other items of general liability as are typical for the industry. In addition, we have extensive operations that must comply with a wide variety of tax laws, environmental laws and labor laws, among others. Should an incident occur, we evaluate the claim based on its nature, the facts and circumstances and the applicability of insurance coverage. When our assessment indicates that it is probable that a liability has occurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, we make appropriate accruals or disclosure. We base our estimates on all known facts at the time and our assessment of the ultimate outcome, including consultation with external experts and counsel. We revise these estimates as additional information is obtained or resolution is achieved.

At December 31, 2017,2023, we weredo not awarebelieve any of any contingencies or liabilities thatour outstanding legal matters would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


Revenue Recognition


We account for our revenues under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASC 606’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. ASC 606 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, storage and terminalling of crude oil and other related products, the tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt and dry bulk and the recycling and repurposing of off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals. 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. Payment is typically due in full within 30 days of the invoice date.


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Crude oil marketing segment. Crude oil marketing activities generate revenues from the sale and delivery of crude oil purchased either directly from producers or on the open market. 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 onupon contractually agreed upon terms. Revenue isterms 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. Where required, we alsoRevenue 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.

Transportation segment. Transportation activities generate revenue from the truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt or dry bulk from point A to point B for customers. Each sales order is associated with our master transportation agreements and is considered a distinct performance obligation. The performance obligations associated with this segment are satisfied over time as the goods and services are delivered.

Pipeline and storage segment. Pipeline and storage activities generate revenue by transporting crude oil on our pipeline and providing storage and terminalling services for our customers. Our operations generally consist of fee-based activities associated with the transportation of crude oil and providing storage and terminalling services for crude oil. Revenues from pipeline tariffs and fees are associated with the transportation of crude oil at a published tariff. We primarily recognize pipeline tariff and fee revenues over time as services are rendered, based on the volumes transported. As is common in the pipeline transportation industry, our tariffs incorporate a loss allowance factor. We recognize the allowance volumes collected as part of the transaction price and record this non-cash consideration at fair value, measured as of the contract inception date.

Storage fees are typically recognized in revenue ratably over the term of the contract regardless of the actual storage capacity utilized as our performance obligation is to make available storage capacity for a period of time. Terminalling fees are recognized as the crude oil enters or mark-to-market gainsexits the terminal and losses related to its commodity activities. See discussion under “Revenue Recognition” in Note 2is received from or delivered to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Transportationconnecting carrier or third-party terminal, as applicable.

Logistics and repurposing. Logistics activities generate revenue from the truck transportation of crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and other petroleum products from point A to point B for customers. Each sales order is associated with our master transportation agreements and is considered a distinct performance obligation. The performance obligations associated with this segment are satisfied over time as the goods and services are delivered.

Recycling and repurposing activities generate revenue by repurposing off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals. These recycling and repurposing activities generate revenues from the sale and delivery of product purchased directly from the customer. 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 related revenue is recognized as the service is provided.quantity delivered.


See Note 23 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion regarding our adoption on January 1, 2018 of the new accounting standard related to revenue recognition.



further information.
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Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures aboutAbout Market RiskRisk.


In the normal course of business, we are exposed to certain risks, including changes in interest rates and commodity prices.


Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to the risk of changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2023, we had $21.9 million of borrowings outstanding under our Credit Agreement. A hypothetical ten percent change in the average interest rates applicable to the borrowings under our Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2023 would result in a change of approximately $0.2 million annually in interest expense.

Commodity Price Risk


Our major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to our marketing and production of crude oil and natural gas.marketing segment. Realized pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing spot prices applicable to crude oil and natural gas.oil. Commodity price risk in our crude oil marketing operations represents the potential loss that may result from a change in the market value of an asset or a commitment. From time to time, we enter into forward contracts to minimize or hedge the impact of market fluctuations on our purchases of crude oil and natural gas.oil. In each instance, we lock in a separate matching price support contract with a third party in order to minimize the risk of these financial instruments. Substantially all forward contracts fall within a six-month to eighteen-month term with no contracts extending longer than two years in duration.twelve-month term.


Certain forward contracts are recorded at fair value, depending on our assessments of numerous accounting standards and positions that comply with GAAP in the U.S. The fair value of these contracts is reflected in the balance sheet as fair value assets and liabilities and any revaluation is recognized on a net basis in our results of operations (see Note 2 and Note 13 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information).


Historically, prices received for crude oil and natural gas sales have been volatile and unpredictable with price volatility expected to continue. From January 1, 20162023 through December 31, 2017,2023, our crude oil monthly average wholesale purchase costs ranged from ana monthly average low of $26.26$67.27 per barrel to a monthly average high of $60.16$86.93 per barrel, during the same period.while from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, our crude oil monthly average wholesale purchase costs ranged from a monthly average low of $74.96 per barrel to a monthly average high of $113.24 per barrel. A hypothetical ten percent additional adverse change in average hydrocarboncrude oil prices, assuming no changes in volume levels, would have reduced earnings by approximately $1.2$1.9 million and $1.6$2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, respectively.

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Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.






ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page No.
Page No.
ReportsReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmsFirm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20172023 and 20162022
Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20162023, 2022 and 20152021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1   – Organization and Basis of Presentation
Note 2   – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 3   – Subsidiary Bankruptcy, Deconsolidation and SaleRevenue Recognition
Note 4   – Prepayments and Other Current Assets
Note 5   – Property and Equipment
Note 6   – Cash Deposits and Other AssetsAcquisition
Note 7   – Investments in Unconsolidated AffiliatesOther Assets
Note 8   – Segment ReportingIntangible Assets and Goodwill
Note 9  – Segment Reporting
Note 10 – Transactions with Affiliates
Note 1011 – Other Current Liabilities
Note 12 – Long-Term Debt
Note 13 – Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
Note 1114 – Income Taxes
Note 1215 – Stock-Based Compensation Plan
Note 16 – Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Note 1317 – Leases
Note 18 – Commitments and Contingencies
Note 1419 – Concentration of Credit Risk
Note 15 – Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
Note 16 – Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)



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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Adams Resources & Energy, Inc.:


Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”)Company) as of December 31, 2017,2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the yearyears in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2023, and the related notes (collectively, the “consolidatedconsolidated financial statements”)statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017,2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the yearyears in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 12, 201813, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion


These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
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Measurement of accrued liabilities for automobile and workers’ compensation claims

As discussed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company establishes accrued liabilities for automobile and workers’ compensation claims reported plus an estimate for loss development and potential claims that have been incurred but not reported to the Company or its insurance provider. The estimates are based on insurance adjusters’ estimates, historical experience and statistical methods commonly used within the insurance industry. The Company retains a third-party actuary to review its accrued liabilities for such claims. As of December 31, 2023, the accrued liabilities for automobile and workers’ compensation were $5.8 million.

We identified the assessment of the accrued liabilities for automobile and workers’ compensation claims that have been incurred but not reported as a critical audit matter. Specialized skills and knowledge were required to evaluate the Company’s actuarial models and underlying assumptions made by the Company to estimate these accrued liabilities for incurred but not reported claims. Specifically, the accrued liabilities were sensitive to possible changes to the following key underlying assumptions:

incurred and paid loss development factors used in the determination of the ultimate loss
initial expected loss rates
the selection of estimated loss among estimates derived using different methods.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s process to estimate accrued liabilities for automobile and workers compensation claims that have been incurred but not reported, including controls related to the development of the key assumptions listed above. In addition, we involved actuarial professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:

assessing the actuarial models and procedures used by the Company by comparing them to generally accepted actuarial methods and procedures to estimate the ultimate losses
evaluating the Company’s key assumptions and judgments underlying the Company’s estimate by developing an independent range of the incurred but not reported claims and comparing it against the Company’s recorded amount.

/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.

Houston, Texas
March 12, 2018



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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Adams Resources & Energy, Inc.
Houston, Texas

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016. 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. 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Houston, Texas
March 31, 201713, 2024










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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31,
20232022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$33,256 $20,532 
Restricted cash11,990 10,535 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $117 and $88, respectively
164,295 189,039 
Inventory19,827 26,919 
Prepayments and other current assets3,103 3,118 
Total current assets232,471 250,143 
Property and equipment, net105,065 106,425 
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net5,832 7,720 
Intangible assets, net7,985 9,745 
Goodwill6,673 6,428 
Other assets3,308 3,698 
Total assets$361,334 $384,159 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$183,102 $204,391 
Accounts payable – related party— 31 
Derivative liabilities— 330 
Current portion of finance lease obligations6,206 4,382 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities2,829 2,712 
Current portion of long-term debt2,500 — 
Other current liabilities16,150 19,214 
Total current liabilities210,787 231,060 
Other long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt19,375 24,375 
Asset retirement obligations2,514 2,459 
Finance lease obligations19,685 12,085 
Operating lease liabilities3,006 5,007 
Deferred taxes and other liabilities13,251 15,996 
Total liabilities268,618 290,982 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
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, 2,547,154 and 2,495,484 shares outstanding, respectively
253 248 
Contributed capital21,802 19,965 
Retained earnings70,661 72,964 
Total shareholders’ equity92,716 93,177 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$361,334 $384,159 
  December 31,
  2017 2016
ASSETS    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $109,393
 $87,342
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $303 and $225, respectively
 121,353
 87,162
Inventory 12,192
 13,070
Derivative assets 166
 112
Income tax receivable 1,317
 2,735
Prepayments and other current assets 1,264
 2,097
Total current assets 245,685
 192,518
Property and equipment, net 29,362
 46,325
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 425
 2,500
Cash deposits and other assets 7,232
 5,529
Total assets $282,704
 $246,872
     
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable $124,706
 $79,897
Accounts payable – related party 5
 53
Derivative liabilities 145
 64
Current portion of capital lease obligations 338
 
Other current liabilities 4,404
 6,060
Total current liabilities 129,598
 86,074
Other long-term liabilities:    
Asset retirement obligations 1,273
 2,329
Capital lease obligations 1,351
 
Deferred taxes and other liabilities 3,363
 7,157
Total liabilities 135,585
 95,560
     
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) 
 
     
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 135,004
 139,197
Total shareholders’ equity 147,119
 151,312
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $282,704

$246,872


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)

  Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Revenues:      
Marketing $1,267,275
 $1,043,775
 $1,875,885
Transportation 53,358
 52,355
 63,331
Oil and natural gas 1,427
 3,410
 5,063
Total revenues 1,322,060
 1,099,540
 1,944,279
       
Costs and expenses:      
Marketing 1,247,763
 1,016,733
 1,841,893
Transportation 48,538
 45,154
 52,076
Oil and natural gas 948
 2,084
 6,931
Oil and natural gas property impairments 3
 313
 12,082
General and administrative 9,707
 10,410
 9,939
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 13,599
 18,792
 23,717
Total costs and expenses 1,320,558
 1,093,486
 1,946,638
       
Operating earnings (losses) 1,502
 6,054
 (2,359)
       
Other income (expense):      
Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary (Note 3) (3,505) 
 
Impairment of investment in unconsolidated affiliate (2,500) 
 
Interest income 1,103
 582
 327
Interest expense (27) (2) (13)
Total other income (expense), net (4,929) 580
 314
       
(Losses) earnings before income taxes and investment      
in unconsolidated affiliate (3,427) 6,634
 (2,045)
       
Income tax (provision) benefit:      
Current (895) (2,778) (4,073)
Deferred 3,840
 87
 4,843
Income tax benefit (provision) 2,945
 (2,691) 770
       
Earnings (losses) from continuing operations (482) 3,943
 (1,275)
Losses from investment in unconsolidated affiliate, net of      
tax benefit of $—, $770 and $—, respectively 
 (1,430) 
Net (losses) earnings $(482) $2,513
 $(1,275)
       
Earnings (losses) per share:      
From continuing operations $(0.11) $0.94
 $(0.30)
From investment in unconsolidated affiliate 
 (0.34) 
Basic and diluted net (losses) earnings per common share $(0.11) $0.60
 $(0.30)
       
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 4,218
 4,218
 4,218
       
Dividends per common share $0.88
 $0.88
 $0.88
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Revenues:
Marketing$2,585,355 $3,232,193 $1,930,042 
Transportation98,359 112,376 94,498 
Pipeline and storage323 — 664 
Logistics and repurposing61,256 22,348 — 
Total revenues2,745,293 3,366,917 2,025,204 
Costs and expenses:
Marketing2,560,284 3,208,595 1,898,126 
Transportation80,991 89,973 75,295 
Pipeline and storage3,107 2,502 2,126 
Logistics and repurposing55,717 19,651 — 
General and administrative14,932 17,718 13,701 
Depreciation and amortization27,863 22,707 19,797 
Total costs and expenses2,742,894 3,361,146 2,009,045 
Operating earnings2,399 5,771 16,159 
Other income (expense):
Interest income1,471 921 243 
Interest expense(3,384)(1,287)(746)
Total other (expense) income, net(1,913)(366)(503)
Earnings before income taxes486 5,405 15,656 
Income tax (provision) benefit:
Current(2,690)(4,054)(5,169)
Deferred2,416 2,136 1,401 
Income tax provision(274)(1,918)(3,768)
Net earnings$212 $3,487 $11,888 
Earnings per share:
Basic net earnings per common share$0.08 $0.86 $2.78 
Diluted net earnings per common share$0.08 $0.85 $2.75 
Dividends per common share$0.96 $0.96 $0.96 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
  Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Operating activities:      
Net (losses) earnings $(482) $2,513
 $(1,275)
Adjustments to reconcile net (losses) earnings to net cash      
provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 13,599
 18,792
 23,717
Gains on sale of property (594) (1,966) (535)
Dry hole costs incurred 
 
 817
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties 3
 313
 12,082
Provision for doubtful accounts 78
 19
 27
Deferred income taxes (3,840) (857) (4,843)
Net change in fair value contracts 27
 (243) 188
Losses from equity investment 
 468
 
Impairment of investments in unconsolidated affiliates 2,500
 1,732
 
Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary (Note 3) 3,505
 
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable (34,935) (15,368) 72,594
Accounts receivable/payable, affiliates 271
 
 
Inventories 878
 (5,399) 5,810
Income tax receivable 1,418
 (148) (1,617)
Prepayments and other current assets 831
 492
 8,351
Accounts payable 44,790
 6,984
 (87,404)
Accrued liabilities (991) 52
 (166)
Other (962) (440) (2,269)
Net cash provided by operating activities 26,096
 6,944
 25,477
       
Investing activities:      
Property and equipment additions (2,644) (8,484) (11,074)
Proceeds from property sales 720
 3,706
 719
Proceeds from sales of AREC assets 2,775
 
 
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 
 (4,700) 
Insurance and state collateral (deposits) refunds (1,067) 1,710
 283
Net cash used in investing activities (216) (7,768) (10,072)
       
Financing activities:      
Principal repayments of capital lease obligations (118) 
 
Dividends paid on common stock (3,711) (3,711) (3,712)
Net cash used in financing activities (3,829) (3,711) (3,712)
       
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 22,051
 (4,535) 11,693
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 87,342
 91,877
 80,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $109,393
 $87,342
 $91,877

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Operating activities:
Net earnings$212 $3,487 $11,888 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization27,863 22,707 19,797 
Gains on sales of property(4,036)(2,512)(733)
Provision for doubtful accounts29 (20)(6)
Stock-based compensation expense1,193 1,022 854 
Change in contingent consideration liability(2,566)— — 
Deferred income taxes(2,416)(2,136)(1,401)
Net change in fair value contracts(330)353 (14)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable24,715 (46,577)(37,984)
Accounts receivable/payable, affiliates(31)33 (2)
Inventories7,092 (7,334)394 
Income tax receivable— 6,424 6,864 
Prepayments and other current assets15 (592)575 
Accounts payable(21,270)34,762 82,170 
Accrued liabilities(415)4,327 (692)
Other220 (167)(684)
Net cash provided by operating activities30,275 13,777 81,026 
Investing activities:
Property and equipment additions(11,897)(7,491)(12,382)
Acquisition of Firebird and Phoenix, net of cash acquired— (33,147)— 
Proceeds from property sales8,785 3,102 2,286 
Insurance and state collateral refunds— 1,533 — 
Net cash used in investing activities(3,112)(36,003)(10,096)
Financing activities:
Borrowings under Credit Agreement76,000 117,000 8,000 
Repayments under Credit Agreement(78,500)(92,625)(8,000)
Principal repayments of finance lease obligations(8,516)(4,741)(4,367)
Cash paid for debt issuance costs— (1,679)— 
Payment for financed portion of VEX acquisition— — (10,000)
Repurchase of common shares from KSA— (69,928)— 
Net proceeds from sale of equity549 1,724 2,830 
Dividends paid on common stock(2,517)(3,775)(4,141)
Net cash used in financing activities(12,984)(54,024)(15,678)
Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents,
   including restricted cash
14,179 (76,250)55,252 
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash,
   at beginning of period
31,067 107,317 52,065 
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash,
   at end of period
$45,246 $31,067 $107,317 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)thousands, except per share data)

Total
CommonContributedRetainedShareholders’
StockCapitalEarningsEquity
Balance, January 1, 2021$423 $13,340 $135,329 $149,092 
Net earnings— — 11,888 11,888 
Stock-based compensation expense— 854 — 854 
Shares sold under at-the-market
offering program2,821 — 2,830 
Vesting of restricted awards(1)— — 
Cancellation of shares withheld to cover
taxes upon vesting of restricted awards— (101)— (101)
Dividends declared:
Common stock, $0.96 per share— — (4,112)(4,112)
Awards under LTIP, $0.96 per share— — (65)(65)
Balance, December 31, 2021433 16,913 143,040 160,386 
Net earnings— — 3,487 3,487 
Stock-based compensation expense— 1,022 — 1,022 
Shares sold under at-the-market
offering program1,719 — 1,724 
Vesting of restricted awards(2)— — 
Cancellation of shares withheld to cover
taxes upon vesting of restricted awards— (110)— (110)
Issuance of common shares for acquisition423 — 425 
Repurchase of common shares(194)— (69,734)(69,928)
Dividends declared:
Common stock, $0.96 per share— — (3,746)(3,746)
Awards under LTIP, $0.96 per share— — (83)(83)
Balance, December 31, 2022248 19,965 72,964 93,177 
Net earnings— — 212 212 
Stock-based compensation expense— 1,193 — 1,193 
Shares sold under at-the-market
offering program548 — 549 
Vesting of restricted awards318 — 322 
Cancellation of shares withheld to cover
taxes upon vesting of restricted awards— (222)— (222)
Dividends declared:
Common stock, $0.96 per share— — (2,434)(2,434)
Awards under LTIP, $0.96 per share— — (81)(81)
Balance, December 31, 2023$253 $21,802 $70,661 $92,716 

        Total
  Common Contributed Retained Stockholders’
  Stock Capital Earnings Equity
         
Balance, January 1, 2015 $422
 $11,693
 $145,382
 $157,497
Net losses 
 
 (1,275) (1,275)
Dividends paid on common stock 
 
 (3,712) (3,712)
Balance, December 31, 2015 422
 11,693
 140,395
 152,510
Net earnings 
 
 2,513
 2,513
Dividends paid on common stock 
 
 (3,711) (3,711)
Balance, December 31, 2016 422
 11,693
 139,197
 151,312
Net losses 
 
 (482) (482)
Dividends paid on common stock 
 
 (3,711) (3,711)
Balance, December 31, 2017 $422
 $11,693
 $135,004
 $147,119



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.




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ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO 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 MKTAmerican LLC (“NYSE MKT”) under the ticker symbol “AE”. We andThrough our subsidiaries, we are primarily engaged in the businesscrude oil marketing, truck and pipeline transportation of crude oil, marketing, transportationand terminalling and storage in various crude oil and natural gas basins in the lower 48 states of the United States (“U.S.”). We alsoIn addition, we conduct tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt 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 seventeen terminals inacross the Gulf Coast region ofU.S. We also recycle and repurpose off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals from producers in the U.S. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Adams” or the “Company” or “AE” are intended to mean the business and operations of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.


On April 21, 2017, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Adams Resources Exploration Corporation (“AREC”), filed a voluntary petitionWe operate and report in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) seeking relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”), Case No. 17-10866 (KG). AREC operated its business and managed its properties as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and order of the Bankruptcy Court. AE was the primary creditor in the Chapter 11 process.

On May 3, 2017, AREC filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court for approval of an auction process to sell its assets pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code and for approval to engage an advisor to conduct the auction. The auction commenced on July 19, 2017 to determine the highest or otherwise best bid to acquire all or substantially all of AREC’s assets. During the third quarter of 2017, Bankruptcy Court approval was obtained on three asset purchase and sales agreements with three unaffiliated parties, and AREC closed on the sales of substantially all of its assets (see Note 3 for further information).

As a result of AREC’s voluntary bankruptcy filing in April 2017, we no longer controlled the operations of AREC; therefore, we deconsolidated AREC effective with the bankruptcy filing and recorded our investment in AREC under the cost method (see Note 3 for further information). We obtained approval of a confirmed plan in December 2017, and we expect the case to be dismissed during the first half of 2018. 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.

Historically, we have operated and reported in threefour business segments: (i) crude oil marketing, transportation and storage,storage; (ii) tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt and dry bulk; (iii) pipeline transportation, terminalling and storage of crude oil; and (iv) interstate bulk transportation logistics of crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and ISO tank container storageother petroleum products and transportation,recycling and (iii) upstreamrepurposing of off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and natural gas exploration and production. We exited the crude oil and natural gas exploration and production business during 2017 with the sale of our crude oil and natural gas exploration and production assets (seeother chemicals. See Note 39 for further information).information regarding our business segments.


The consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.


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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 the consolidated financial statements are appropriate, actual results could differ from those estimates.




Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


We adhere to the following significant accounting policies in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts


Accounts receivable associated with crude oil marketing activities comprise approximately 9087 percent of our total receivables, and industry practice requires payment for these sales to occur within 20 days of the end of the month following a transaction. Our customer makeup, credit policies and the relatively short duration of receivables mitigate the uncertainty typically associated with receivables management. AnWe manage our crude oil marketing receivables by participating in a monthly settlement process with each of our counterparties. Ongoing account balances are monitored monthly, and we reconcile outstanding balances with counterparties. We also place great emphasis on collecting cash balances due.


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We maintain and monitor our allowance for doubtful accounts is provided where appropriate.

accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on specific identification combined with a review of the general status of the aging of all accounts. We consider the following factors in our review of our allowance for doubtful accounts: (i) historical experience with customers, (ii) the perceived financial stability of customers based on our research, (iii) the levels of credit we grant to customers, and (iv) the duration of the receivable. We may increase the allowance for doubtful accounts in response to the specific identification of customers involved in bankruptcy proceedings and similar financial difficulties. On a routine basis, we review estimates associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts to ensure that we have recorded sufficient reserves to cover potential losses. Customer payments are regularly monitored. However, a degree of risk remains due to the custom and practices of the industry. See Note 1419 for further information regarding credit risk.


The following table presents our allowance for doubtful accounts activity for the periods indicated (in thousands):
December 31,
202320222021
Balance at beginning of period$88 $108 $114 
Charges to costs and expenses75 — — 
Deductions(46)(20)(6)
Balance at end of period$117 $88 $108 
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Balance at beginning of period$225
 $206
 $179
Charges to costs and expenses137
 100
 116
Deductions(59) (81) (89)
Balance at end of period$303
 $225
 $206


Cash, and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash


Cash and cash equivalents represent unrestricted cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months from the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with major financial institutions, and deposit amounts may exceed the amount of federally backed insurance provided. While we regularly monitor the financial stability of these institutions, cash and cash equivalents ultimately remain at risk subject to the financial viability of these institutions.



The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the consolidated balance sheets that totals to the amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
December 31,
20232022
Cash and cash equivalents$33,256 $20,532 
Restricted cash:
Collateral for outstanding letters of credit (1)
111 892 
Captive insurance subsidiary (2)
11,879 9,643 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the
consolidated statements of cash flows$45,246 $31,067 
_______________
(1)Represents amounts that are held in a segregated bank account by Wells Fargo Bank as collateral for an outstanding letter of credit.
(2)$1.5 million of the restricted cash balance relates to the initial capitalization of our captive insurance company formed in late 2020, and the remainder primarily represents amounts paid to our captive insurance company for insurance premiums.


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Common Shares Outstanding

The following table reconciles our outstanding common stock for the periods indicated:
Common
shares
Balance, January 1, 20214,243,716 
Vesting of restricted stock unit awards (see Note 15)14,244 
Vesting of performance share unit awards (see Note 15)2,461 
Shares withheld to cover taxes upon vesting of equity awards(3,043)
Shares sold under at-the-market offering program97,623 
Balance, December 31, 20214,355,001 
Vesting of restricted stock unit awards (see Note 15)21,814 
Vesting of performance share unit awards (see Note 15)3,125 
Shares withheld to cover taxes upon vesting of equity awards(3,806)
Shares sold under at-the-market offering program46,524 
Issuance of shares in acquisition (see Note 6)15,259 
Repurchase of common shares (see Note 10)(1,942,433)
Balance, December 31, 20222,495,484 
Vesting of restricted stock unit awards (see Note 15)22,227 
Vesting of performance share unit awards (see Note 15)12,680 
Shares withheld to cover taxes upon vesting of equity awards(8,089)
Shares sold under at-the-market offering program14,680 
Vesting of shares issued in acquisition (see Note 6)10,172 
Balance, December 31, 20232,547,154 

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 product 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.


Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing our net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by giving effect to all potential common shares outstanding, including shares related to unvested restricted stock unit awards. Unvested restricted stock unit awards granted under the Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (“2018 LTIP”), or granted as employment inducement awards outside of the 2018 LTIP, are not considered to be participating securities as the holders of these shares do not have non-forfeitable dividend rights in the event of our declaration of a dividend for common shares (see Note 15 for further information).


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A reconciliation of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Earnings per share numerator:
Net earnings$212 $3,487 $11,888 
Denominator:
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding (1)
2,535 4,053 4,283 
Basic earnings per share$0.08 $0.86 $2.78 
Diluted earnings per share:
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Common shares (1)
2,535 4,053 4,283 
Restricted stock unit awards18 23 23 
Performance share unit awards (2)
15 15 17 
Total2,568 4,091 4,323 
Diluted earnings per share$0.08 $0.85 $2.75 
_______________
(1)On October 31, 2022, we repurchased 1,942,433 shares from an affiliate (see Note 10 for further information). As these shares were outstanding for the majority of 2022, the weighted average number of shares outstanding for 2022 reflects the impact of those shares being outstanding through October 31, 2022.
(2)The dilutive effect of performance share awards are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share when the performance share award performance conditions have been achieved. The performance conditions for the performance share unit awards granted in 2021, 2022 and 2023 were achieved as of December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Employee Benefits


We maintain a 401(k) savings plan for the benefit of our employees. We do not maintain any other pension or retirement plans. Our 401(k) plan contributory expenses were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Contributory expenses$1,431 $1,283 $1,159 


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 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Contributory expenses$734
 $757
 $768
Equity At-The-Market Offerings


Earnings Per ShareOn December 23, 2020, we entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement with B. Riley Securities, Inc., as agent (“Agent”), under which we may offer to sell our common shares through or to the Agent for cash from time to time. Shares sold under the agreement were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands, except share data):


Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potentially dilutive common stock shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of shares outstanding was 4,217,596 for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. There were no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during those periods.
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Gross proceeds from sale of common shares$598 $1,869 $2,996 
Less offering costs paid to Agent(27)(84)(135)
Less other offering costs(22)(61)(31)
Net proceeds from sale of common shares$549 $1,724 $2,830 
Number of common shares sold14,680 46,524 97,623 
Average price per share$40.74 $40.20 $30.70 


Fair Value Measurements


The carrying amounts reported in the 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. The fair value of our term loan under our credit agreement (see Note 12 for further information) is representative of the carrying value based upon the variable terms and management’s opinion that the current rates available to us with the same maturity and security structure are equivalent to that of the debt.


Our fair value estimates are based on either (i) actual market data or (ii) assumptions that other market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including estimates of risk, in the principal market of the asset or liability at a specified measurement date. Recognized valuation techniques employ inputs such as contractual prices, quoted market prices or rates, operating costs, discount factors and business growth rates. These inputs may be either readily observable, corroborated by market data or generally unobservable. In developing our estimates of fair value, we endeavor to utilize the best information available and apply market-based data to the highest extent possible. Accordingly, we utilize valuation techniques (such as the market approach) that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.


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.


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The characteristics of the fair value amounts classified within each level of the hierarchy are described as follows:


Level 1 fair values are based on quoted prices, which are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. Active markets are defined as those in which transactions for identical assets or liabilities occur with sufficient frequency so as to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. For Level 1 valuation of marketable securities, we utilize market quotations provided by our primary financial institution. For the valuations of derivative financial instruments, we utilize the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) for certain commodity valuations.



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Level 2 fair values are based on (a) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, (b) quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities but in markets that are not actively traded or in which little information is released to the public, (c) observable inputs other than quoted prices, and (d) inputs derived from observable market data. Source data for Level 2 inputs include information provided by the NYMEX, published price data and indices, third party price survey data and broker provided forward price statistics.


Level 3 fair values are based on unobservable market data inputs for assets or liabilities.


See Note 6 for a discussion of the Level 3 inputs used in the determination of the fair value of the intangible assets acquired in asset acquisitions and intangible assets acquired and contingent consideration issued in a business combination.

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 of the current reporting periods (see Note 1013 for further information).


Fair value estimates are based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, and we use a fair value hierarchy of three levels that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Currently, for all items presented herein, we utilize a market approach to valuing our contracts. On a contract by contract, forward month by forward month basis, we obtain observable market data for valuing our contracts. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data.


Impairment Testing for Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill


Long-lived assets (primarily property and equipment)equipment and intangible assets) are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets with carrying values that are not expected to be recovered through future cash flows are written-down to their estimated fair values. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is deemed not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the asset’s carrying value exceeds the sum of its undiscounted cash flows, a non-cash asset impairment charge equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its estimated fair value is recorded. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at a specified measurement date. We measure fair value using market price indicators or, in the absence of such data, appropriate valuation techniques. See

Goodwill, which represents the cost of an acquired business in excess of the fair value of its net assets at the acquisition date, is subject to annual impairment testing in the fourth quarter of each year or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill may not be recoverable. We recognized goodwill in a business combination, which occurred in August 2022 (see Note 106 for information regardingfurther information). We will test goodwill for impairment charges relatedat the reporting unit (or operating segment) level following guidance in ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. An impairment of goodwill represents the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value (including its respective goodwill) exceeds its fair value, not to long-lived assets.exceed the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill.



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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 such items and their respective tax basis (see Note 1114 for further information). 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 impacted our income tax provision or benefit.

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous states. We record uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more-likely-than-not the tax positions will impactbe sustained on the basis of technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

Interest and penalties related to income taxes are included in the benefit (provision) for income taxes in our deferredconsolidated statements of operations.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was enacted and signed into law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, permits net operating losses (“NOL”) incurred in tax assetsyears 2018, 2019 and liabilities.2020 to offset 100 percent of taxable income and be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes.



The NOL carryback provision in the CARES Act resulted in cash benefits to us for the fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020. We carried back our NOL for fiscal year 2018 to 2013 and received a cash refund of approximately $2.7 million in June 2020. We carried back our NOL for the fiscal year 2019 to 2014 and received a cash refund of approximately $3.7 million in April 2021. We carried back our NOL for fiscal year 2020 to 2015 and 2016 and received a cash refund of approximately $6.9 million in June 2022.
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Inventory, and Linefill and Base Gas


Inventory consists of crude oil held in storage tanks and at third-party pipelines as part of our crude oil marketing and pipeline and storage operations. Crude oil inventory is carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. At the end of each reporting period, we assess the carrying value of our inventory and make adjustments necessary to reduce the carrying value to the applicable net realizable value. Any resulting adjustments are a component of marketing costs and expenses or pipeline and storage costs and expenses on our consolidated statements of operations.


LetterLinefill and base gas in assets we own are recorded at historical cost and consist of Credit Facilitycrude oil. We classify as linefill or base gas our proportionate share of barrels used to fill a pipeline that we own and barrels that represent the minimum working requirements in storage tanks that we own. These crude oil barrels are not considered to be available for sale because the volumes must be maintained in order to continue normal operation of the related pipeline or tanks. Linefill and base gas are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. Linefill and base gas are included in “Property and equipment” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 5 for additional information regarding linefill and base gas.



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Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

We maintainown an approximate 15 percent equity interest (less than 3 percent voting interest) in VestaCare, Inc., 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 facilityCalifornia corporation (“VestaCare”), which we purchased for a letter of credit related to our insurance program. This facility is collateralized by the eligible accounts receivable within the 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$2.5 million cash payment when due. The letterin 2016. VestaCare provides an array of credit facility places certain restrictions on Gulfmark Energy, Inc., onesoftware as a service (SaaS) electronic payment technologies to medical providers, payers and patients including VestaCare’s product offering, VestaPay™. VestaPay™ allows medical care providers to structure fully automated and dynamically updating electronic payment plans for their patients. We account for this investment under the cost method of accounting. During 2017, we reviewed our wholly owned subsidiaries. These restrictions includeinvestment in VestaCare and determined that the maintenancecurrent projected operating results did not support the carrying value of the investment. As a combined 1.1result, during 2017, we recognized an impairment charge of $2.5 million to 1.0 current ratio and the maintenance of positive net earnings excluding inventory valuation changes, as defined, among other restrictions. We are currentlywrite-off our investment in compliance with all such financial covenants.VestaCare. At December 31, 2017,2023, we had $2.2 million outstanding under this facility. No letter of credit amounts were outstanding at December 31, 2016.continue to own an approximate 15 percent equity interest in VestaCare.


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 threetwo to twentythirty-nine years.

Oil and natural gas exploration and development expenditures were accounted for in accordance with the successful efforts method of accounting.  Direct costs of acquiring developed or undeveloped leasehold acreage, including lease bonus, brokerage and other fees, were capitalized. Exploratory drilling costs were initially capitalized until the properties were evaluated and determined to be either productive or nonproductive.  These evaluations were made on a quarterly basis.  If an exploratory well was determined to be nonproductive, the costs of drilling the well were charged to expense. Costs incurred to drill and complete development wells, including dry holes, were capitalized.  At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had no unevaluated or “suspended” exploratory drilling costs. In April 2017, our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production subsidiary was deconsolidated and accounted for under the cost method of accounting (see Notes 1 and 3 for further discussion).

We capitalize interest costs, if any, incurred in connection with major capital expenditures while the asset is in its construction phase. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life as a component of depreciation expense. When capitalized interest is recorded, it reduces interest expense.


Asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) are legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from their acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation. When an ARO is incurred, we record a liability for the ARO and capitalize an equal amount as an increase in the carrying value of the related long-lived asset. ARO amounts are measured at their estimated fair value using expected present value techniques. Over time, the ARO liability is accreted to its present value (through accretion expense), and the capitalized amount is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related long-lived asset. We will incur a gain or loss to the extent that our ARO liabilities are not settled at their recorded amounts.


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


Stock-Based Compensation

We measure all share-based payment awards, including the issuance of restricted stock unit awards and performance share unit awards to employees and board members, using a fair-value based method. The cost of services received from employees and non-employee board members in exchange for awards of equity instruments is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations based on the estimated fair value of those awards on the grant date and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The fair value of restricted stock unit awards and performance share unit awards is based on the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. We account for forfeitures as they occur. See Note 15 for additional information regarding our 2018 LTIP.


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Note 3. Revenue Recognition


Certain commodity purchaseWe account for our revenues under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASC 606’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. ASC 606 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 sale contracts utilized by ourrecognition of revenue as the entity satisfies the performance obligations.

Our revenues are primarily generated from the marketing, transportation, storage and terminalling of crude oil marketing business qualify as derivative instruments with certain specifically identified contracts also designated as trading activities. Fromand other related products, the timetank truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt and dry bulk and the recycling and repurposing of off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract origination, these trading activity contracts are marked-to-marketto transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and recorded on a net revenue basisis the unit of account in ASC 606. To identify the performance obligations, we considered all of the products or services promised in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.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. Payment is typically due in full within 30 days of the invoice date.


The following information describes the nature of our significant revenue streams by segment and type:

Crude oil marketing segment. Crude oil marketing activities generate revenues from the sale and delivery of crude oil purchased either directly from producers or on the open market. 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.

Transportation segment. Transportation activities generate revenue from the truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt or dry bulk from point A to point B for customers. Each sales order is associated with our master transportation agreements and is considered a distinct performance obligation. The performance obligations associated with this segment are satisfied over time as the goods and services are delivered.

Pipeline and storage segment. Pipeline and storage activities generate revenue by transporting crude oil on our pipeline and providing storage and terminalling services for our customers. Our operations generally consist of fee-based activities associated with the transportation of crude oil and providing storage and terminalling services for crude oil. Revenues from pipeline tariffs and fees are associated with the transportation of crude oil at a published tariff. We primarily recognize pipeline tariff and fee revenues over time as services are rendered, based on the volumes transported. As is common in the pipeline transportation industry, our tariffs incorporate a loss allowance factor. We recognize the allowance volumes collected as part of the transaction price and record this non-cash consideration at fair value, measured as of the contract inception date.

Storage fees are typically recognized in revenue ratably over the term of the contract regardless of the actual storage capacity utilized as our performance obligation is to make available storage capacity for a period of time. Terminalling fees are recognized as the crude oil enters or exits the terminal and is received from or delivered to the connecting carrier or third-party terminal, as applicable.
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Logistics and repurposing segment. Logistics activities generate revenue from the truck transportation of crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and other petroleum products from point A to point B for customers. Each sales order is associated with our master transportation agreements and is considered a distinct performance obligation. The performance obligations associated with this segment are satisfied over time as the goods and services are delivered.

Recycling and repurposing activities generate revenue by repurposing off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals. These salesrecycling and repurposing activities generate revenues from the sale and delivery of product purchased directly from the customer. 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.

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 sheets. 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 sheets at the end of each reporting period.


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Revenue Disaggregation

The following table disaggregates our revenue by segment and by major source for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
 Crude oil marketing:
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Goods transferred at a point in time$2,530,323 $3,189,660 $1,898,160 
Services transferred over time763 — — 
Total revenues from contracts with customers2,531,086 3,189,660 1,898,160 
Other (1)
54,269 42,533 31,882 
Total crude oil marketing revenue$2,585,355 $3,232,193 $1,930,042 
 Transportation:
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Goods transferred at a point in time$— $— $— 
Services transferred over time98,359 112,376 94,498 
Total revenues from contracts with customers98,359 112,376 94,498 
Other— — — 
Total transportation revenue$98,359 $112,376 $94,498 
 Pipeline and storage: (2)
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Goods transferred at a point in time$— $— $— 
Services transferred over time323 — 664 
Total revenues from contracts with customers323 — 664 
Other— — — 
Total pipeline and storage revenue$323 $— $664 
 Logistics and repurposing: (3)
Revenue from contracts with customers:
Goods transferred at a point in time$33,074 $12,865 $— 
Services transferred over time28,182 9,483 — 
Total revenues from contracts with customers61,256 22,348 — 
Other— — — 
Total logistics and repurposing revenue$61,256 $22,348 $— 
Subtotal:
Total revenues from contracts with customers$2,691,024 $3,324,384 $1,993,322 
Total other (1)
54,269 42,533 31,882 
Total consolidated revenues$2,745,293 $3,366,917 $2,025,204 
_______________
(1)Other crude oil marketing revenues are recognized under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and ASC 845, Nonmonetary Transactions – Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty.
(2)All pipeline and storage revenue earned in 2022 and a substantial portion of the revenue earned in 2023 and 2021 were from an affiliated shipper, GulfMark Energy, Inc. (“GulfMark”), our subsidiary, and eliminated in consolidation.
(3)On August 12, 2022, we acquired a transportation logistics and recycling and repurposing business, resulting in a new operating segment. See Note 6 and Note 9 for further information.
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Other Crude Oil Marketing Revenue

Certain of the commodity purchase and sale contracts utilized by our crude oil marketing segment qualify as derivative instruments with certain specifically identified contracts also designated as trading activity. From the time of contract origination, these contracts are marked-to-market and recorded on a grossnet revenue basis in the accompanying consolidated financial statements because we take title, have risk of loss for the products, are the primary obligor for the purchase, establish the sale price independently with a third party and maintain credit risk associated with the sale of the product.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.


Reporting these crude oil contracts on a gross revenue basis would increase our reported revenues as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Revenue gross-up$899,068 $1,557,510 $761,369 



 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Revenue gross-up$203,095
 $314,270
 $480,111

Transportation segment customers are invoiced, and the related revenue is recognized as the service is provided.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). The new accounting standard, along with its related amendments, replaces the current rules-based GAAP governing revenue recognition with a principles-based approach. Under the new standard, a company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods and services. The standard also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. ASC 606 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and may be applied on either a full or modified retrospective basis.
We adopted the new standard and all related amendments on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. This approach required us to apply the new revenue standard to (i) all new revenue contracts entered into after January 1, 2018 and (ii) all existing revenue contracts open as of January 1, 2018, with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings, if applicable.  In accordance with this approach, our consolidated revenues for periods prior to January 1, 2018 will not be restated. In addition, no cumulative adjustment will be required to be made to our retained earnings, as there are no material differences in the nature, amount, timing or uncertainty of revenues recognized following our adoption of this new standard on January 1, 2018. We have also evaluated our business processes, systems and controls to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the recognition and disclosure requirements under the new revenue guidance.


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Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued 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.


Note 3. Subsidiary Bankruptcy, Deconsolidation and Sale

Bankruptcy Filing, Deconsolidation and Sale

On April 21, 2017, AREC filed a voluntary petition in the Bankruptcy Court seeking relief under the Bankruptcy Code. AREC operated its business and managed its properties as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and order of the Bankruptcy Court. As a result of AREC’s bankruptcy filing, AE ceded its authority to the Bankruptcy Court, and AE management could not carry on AREC activities in the ordinary course of business without Bankruptcy Court approval. AE managed the day-to-day operations of AREC, but did not have discretion to make significant capital or operating budgetary changes or decisions or to purchase or sell significant assets, as AREC’s material decisions were subject to review and approval by the Bankruptcy Court. For these reasons, we concluded that AE lost control of AREC, and no longer had significant influence over AREC during the pendency of the bankruptcy. Therefore, we deconsolidated AREC effective with the filing of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2017.

In order to deconsolidate AREC, the carrying values of the assets and liabilities of AREC were removed from our consolidated balance sheet as of April 30, 2017, and we recorded our investment in AREC at its estimated fair value of approximately $5.0 million. We determined the fair value of our investment based upon bids we received in an auction process (see Note 1 for further discussion). We also determined that the estimated fair value of our investment in AREC was expected to be lower than its net book value immediately prior to the deconsolidation. As a result, during the second quarter of 2017, we recorded a non-cash charge of approximately $1.6 million associated with the deconsolidation of AREC, which reflected the excess of the net assets of AREC over its estimated fair value based on the expected sales transaction price of approximately $5.0 million, net of estimated transaction costs. Subsequent to the deconsolidation of AREC, we accounted for our investment in AREC using the cost method of accounting because AE did not exercise significant influence over the operations of AREC due to the Chapter 11 filing.


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On August 1, 2017, a hearing was held before the Bankruptcy Court seeking approval of asset purchase and sales agreements under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code with three unaffiliated parties to purchase AREC’s crudeoil and natural gas assets for aggregate cash proceeds of approximately $5.2 million. The Bankruptcy Court approved the asset purchase and sales agreements, and we closed on the sales of these assets during the third quarter of 2017.

In October 2017, AREC submitted its liquidation plan to the Bankruptcy Court for approval. In connection with the sales of these assets and submission of the liquidation plan, we recognized an additional loss of $1.9 million during the third quarter of 2017, which represents the difference between the proceeds we expect to be paid upon settlement of the bankruptcy, net of anticipated remaining closing costs identified as part of the liquidation plan, and the book value of our cost method investment. In December 2017, we received proceeds of approximately $2.8 million from AREC related to the settlement of a portion of the bankruptcy process. The bankruptcy process is expected to be completed with a confirmed plan during 2018.

DIP Financing – Related Party Relationship

In connection with the bankruptcy filing, AREC entered into a Debtor in Possession Credit and Security Agreement with AE (“DIP Credit Agreement”) dated as of April 25, 2017, in an aggregate amount of up to $1.25 million, of which the funds were to be used by AREC solely to fund operations through August 11, 2017. Loans under the DIP Credit Agreement accrued interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.0 percent per annum and were due and payable upon the earlier of (a) twelve months after the petition date, (b) the closing of the sale of substantially all of AREC’s assets, (c) the effective date of a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization of AREC, and (d) the date that the DIP loan was accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default, as defined in the DIP Credit Agreement. AREC borrowed approximately $0.4 million under the DIP Credit Agreement, and the amount was repaid during the third quarter of 2017 with proceeds from the sales of the assets.


Note 4. Prepayments and Other Current Assets


The components of prepayments and other current assets were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):

December 31,
20232022
Insurance premiums$798 $1,220 
Rents, licenses and other2,305 1,898 
Total prepayments and other current assets$3,103 $3,118 


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 December 31,
 2017 2016
    
Insurance premiums$425
 $1,403
Rents, licenses and other839
 694
Total$1,264
 $2,097



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Note 5. Property and Equipment


The historical costs of our property and equipment and related accumulated depreciation and amortization balances were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):

Estimated
Useful Life
Useful Life
Useful LifeDecember 31,
in Yearsin Years20232022
Estimated    
Useful Life December 31,
in Years 2017 2016
     
Tractors and trailers (1)
5 – 6 $88,065
 $89,576
Oil and gas (successful efforts)
 
 62,784
Tractors and trailers
Tractors and trailers
Tractors and trailers
Field equipment2 – 5 18,490
 18,282
Finance lease ROU assets (1)
Pipeline and related facilities
Linefill and base gas (2)
Buildings5 – 39 15,727
 15,707
Office equipment1 – 5 1,929
 1,913
Land 1,790
 1,790
Construction in progress 275
 596
Total 126,276
 190,648
Less accumulated depreciation (96,914) (144,323)
Total property and equipment, at cost
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
Property and equipment, net $29,362
 $46,325
______________
(1)2017 includes assets held under capital leases. During the third quarter of 2017, we entered into capital leases for certain tractors in our marketing segment. Gross property and equipment and accumulated amortization associated with assets held under capital leases were $1.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017 (see Note 13 for further information).

(1)Our finance lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets arise from leasing arrangements for the right to use various classes of underlying assets including tractors, trailers, a tank storage and throughput arrangement and office equipment (see Note 17 for further information). Accumulated amortization of the assets presented as “Finance lease ROU assets” was $11.0 million and $9.9 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(2)Linefill and base gas represents crude oil in the VEX pipeline and storage tanks we own, and the crude oil is recorded at historical cost.

Components of depreciation depletion and amortization expense were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Depreciation, depletion and amortization, excluding amounts     
under capital leases$13,478
 $18,792
 $23,717
Amortization of property and equipment under capital leases121
 
 
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization$13,599
 $18,792
 $23,717
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Depreciation and amortization, excluding amounts
under finance leases$18,525 $16,330 $14,264 
Amortization of intangible assets (see Note 8)1,760 1,177 789 
Amortization of property and equipment under finance leases7,578 5,200 4,744 
Total depreciation and amortization$27,863 $22,707 $19,797 

Crude Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production Assets

Our subsidiary that owned the upstream crudeoil and natural gas exploration and production assets was deconsolidated effective with its bankruptcy filing in April 2017 and subsequently accounted for as a cost method investment (see Note 3). These upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production assets were sold during the third quarter of 2017. We have no further interest in these assets.

Impairment provisions including in upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production segment operating losses were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Producing property impairments$
 $30
 $10,324
Non-producing property impairments3
 283
 1,758
Total crude oil and natural gas impairments$3
 $313
 $12,082

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At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had no capitalized costs for non-producing crude oil and natural gas leasehold interests.


Gains on salesSales of assetsAssets


We sold certain used truckstractors, trailers and other equipment from our marketing and transportation segments and recorded net pre-tax gains as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Gains on sales of used tractors, trailers and equipment$4,036 $2,512 $733 

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 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Sales of used trucks and equipment$594
 $1,966
 $535
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Asset Retirement Obligations


We record AROs for the estimated retirement costs associated with certain tangible long-lived assets. The estimated fair value of AROs are recorded in the period in which they are incurred and the corresponding cost is capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its then present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, an increase or decrease to expense is recognized. AThe following table reflects a summary of our AROs is presented as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
     
ARO liability beginning balance$2,329
 $2,469
 $2,464
ARO liability at beginning of year
ARO liability at beginning of year
ARO liability at beginning of year
Liabilities incurred18
 162
 39
Accretion of discount58
 92
 93
Liabilities settled(261) (394) (127)
Deconsolidation of subsidiary (1)
(871) 
 
ARO liability ending balance$1,273
 $2,329
 $2,469
ARO liability at end of year
ARO liability at end of year
ARO liability at end of year
_______________
(1)Relates to our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production subsidiary that was deconsolidated in April 2017 as a result of its bankruptcy filing (see Note 3 for further information).




Note 6. Cash DepositsAcquisition

Business Combination — Firebird and Other AssetsPhoenix


ComponentsOn August 12, 2022, we entered into a purchase agreement with each of Scott Bosard, Trey Bosard and Tyler Bosard (collectively, the “Sellers”) to acquire all of the equity interests of Firebird Bulk Carriers, Inc. (“Firebird”) and Phoenix Oil, Inc. (“Phoenix”) for approximately $39.3 million, consisting of a cash depositspayment of $35.4 million, 45,777 of our common shares valued at $1.4 million, of which 15,259 shares were issued immediately and 30,518 shares will be issued over a three year period, and contingent consideration valued at approximately $2.6 million. We funded the cash consideration using cash on hand at the time of acquisition. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, the purchase price was subject to customary post-closing adjustment provisions, including an earn-out payable to the Sellers to the extent the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of Phoenix exceeded a specified threshold during the twelve full calendar months after the closing date of the acquisition.

Firebird is an interstate bulk motor carrier of crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and other assets were as followspetroleum products. Firebird is headquartered in Humble, Texas, and at the dates indicatedtime of acquisition, had six terminal locations throughout Texas, and operated 123 tractors and 216 trailers largely in the Eagle Ford basin. Phoenix is also headquartered in Humble, Texas, and recycles and repurposes off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals from producers in the U.S. Firebird and Phoenix have formed our new logistics and repurposing segment. We expect that this acquisition will offer us the opportunity to expand our value chain and market impact, with numerous synergies benefiting the combined companies.

The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration paid and issued for Firebird and Phoenix (in thousands):

 December 31,
 2017 2016
    
Amounts associated with liability insurance program:   
Insurance collateral deposits$3,767
 $2,599
Excess loss fund2,284
 1,450
Accumulated interest income814
 812
Other amounts:   
State collateral deposits57
 143
Materials and supplies273
 354
Other37
 171
Total$7,232
 $5,529
Cash$35,350 
Value of AE common shares issued1,364 
Contingent consideration arrangement2,566 
Fair value of total consideration transferred$39,280 


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The fair market value of the common shares issued in this transaction was determined based upon the closing share price of AE common stock on August 12, 2022 of $33.75, discounted to present value using the appropriate discount rate.

We accounted for the acquisition of Firebird and Phoenix under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. The allocation of purchase consideration was based upon the estimated fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition.

During the second quarter of 2023, based upon a review of the terms of the contingent consideration calculation, we determined that no payment would be made to the Sellers, and as such, we adjusted our accrual of $2.6 million that had been recorded as part of the purchase price allocation. The reversal of the accrual for the contingent consideration is included in general and administrative expense on our consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents the final purchase price allocation of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date of August 12, 2022 (in thousands):

Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents$2,203 
Accounts receivable4,653 
Inventory643 
Other current assets137 
Property and equipment24,809 
Intangible assets7,607 
Goodwill6,673 
Other assets458 
Total assets acquired$47,183 
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities$(1,696)
Deferred tax liabilities(6,207)
Total liabilities assumed$(7,903)
Net assets acquired$39,280 

The purchase price allocation was subject to revision as acquisition-date fair value analyses were completed and if additional information about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date became available. During the second quarter of 2023, we revised the fair value of certain tractors and trailers, resulting in a decrease in the amount allocated to property and equipment of $0.2 million and with a corresponding increase in goodwill. No other changes to the purchase price allocation occurred. The purchase price consideration, as well as the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, was finalized during the second quarter of 2023.

The estimated fair value of the acquired property and equipment was determined using a combination of the cost approach and the market approach, specifically determining the replacement cost value of each type of asset.

Acquired identifiable intangible assets consists of approximately $5.1 million for customer relationships, $2.2 million for trade names, and $0.3 million for noncompete agreements entered into with the Sellers in connection with the acquisition. The estimated fair value of the acquired customer relationship intangible assets was determined using an income approach, specifically a discounted cash flow analysis, and are being amortized on a modified straight-line basis over a period of ten years, with the amortization more heavily weighted in the earlier years. The income approach estimates the future benefits of the customer relationships and deducts the expenses incurred in servicing the relationships and the contributions from the other business assets to derive the future net
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benefits of these assets. The future net benefits are discounted back to present value using the appropriate discount rate, which results in the value of the customer relationships. The estimated fair value of the trade names was determined using the relief from royalty method, a form of the income approach, and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 15 years. The estimated fair value of the noncompete agreements was determined using an income approach, specifically a discounted cash flow analysis, and are being amortized over a period of five years.

The goodwill of approximately $6.7 million arising from this acquisition is primarily attributed to our ability to generate increased revenues, earnings and cash flow by expanding our addressable market and client base and with the assembled workforce that we acquired. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. We recorded net tax liabilities of approximately $6.2 million related to the tax effect of our estimated fair value allocations.

The discounted cash flow analysis used to estimate the fair value of the Firebird and Phoenix intangible assets relied on Level 3 fair value inputs. Level 3 fair values are based on unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset at the measurement date. The valuations were based on the information that was available as of the acquisition date, and the expectations and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by our management. There are inherent uncertainties and management judgment required in these determinations. The fair value measurements of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on valuations involving significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

This newly acquired business contributed $22.3 million of revenues and $0.2 million of net earnings to our consolidated revenues and net earnings, respectively, for the period from acquisition through December 31, 2022. We incurred approximately $0.4 million of acquisition costs in connection with this acquisition, which have been expensed in general and administrative expense as incurred.

In connection with the acquisition of Firebird and Phoenix, we entered into four operating lease agreements for office and terminal locations with Scott Bosard, one of the Sellers, for periods ranging from two to five years (see Note 10 and Note 17 for further information).

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated results of operations in the table below are provided for illustrative purposes only and summarize the combined results of our operations and those of Firebird and Phoenix. For purposes of this pro forma presentation, the acquisition of Firebird and Phoenix is assumed to have occurred on January 1, 2021. The pro forma financial information for all periods presented also includes the estimated business combination accounting effects resulting from this acquisition, notably amortization expense from the acquired intangible assets and certain other integration related impacts. This unaudited pro forma financial information should not be relied upon as being indicative of the historical results that would have been obtained if the acquisition had actually occurred on January 1, 2021, nor of the results of operations that may be obtained in the future (in thousands).

Year Ended December 31,
20222021
Revenues$3,411,168 $2,074,803 
Net earnings5,538 13,822 
Basic net earnings per common share$1.36 $3.22 
Diluted net earnings per common share$1.35 $3.19 



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Note 7. Other Assets

Components of other assets were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):

December 31,
20232022
Insurance collateral deposits$605 $463 
State collateral deposits23 23 
Materials and supplies1,050 1,257 
Debt issuance costs1,259 1,595 
Other371 360 
Total other assets$3,308 $3,698 

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 assessmentexpected losses under our insurance policies. 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.

programs. Insurance collateral deposits are invested at the discretion of our insurance carrier. This fair value measure relies on inputs


Note 8. Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes our intangible assets at the dates indicated (in thousands):

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
GrossAccumulatedGrossAccumulated
ValueAmortizationNetValueAmortizationNet
Customer relationships:
EH Transport (1)
$1,703 $(1,237)$466 $1,703 $(1,010)$693 
CTL (2)
3,173 (1,745)1,428 3,173 (1,286)1,887 
Phoenix (3)
5,072 (1,223)3,849 5,072 (360)4,712 
Total customer relationships9,948 (4,205)5,743 9,948 (2,656)7,292 
Trade names (3)
2,218 (205)2,013 2,218 (57)2,161 
Noncompete agreements (3)
317 (88)229 317 (25)292 
Intangible assets, net$12,483 $(4,498)$7,985 $12,483 $(2,738)$9,745 
____________
(1)Amount relates to the acquisition of transportation assets from quoted prices for similarEH Transport, Inc. in 2019, and are included in our transportation segment. These assets are being amortized using a modified straight-line approach and is thus categorized ashave a “Level 3” valuationremaining useful life of approximately 2.5 years.
(2)Amount relates to the acquisition of transportation assets from Comcar Industries, Inc. in 2020, and are included in our transportation segment. These assets are being amortized using a modified straight-line approach and have a remaining useful life of approximately 3.5 years.
(3)Amounts relate to the fair value hierarchy (seeacquisition of Firebird and Phoenix in 2022, and are included in our logistics and repurposing segment. Customer relationships, trade names and noncompete agreements have remaining useful lives of approximately 8.5 years, 13.5 years and 3.5 years, respectively. See Note 106 for further information).information.


Note 7. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

At December 31, 2017, we had no remaining balances in our medical-related investments. We currently do not have any plans to pursue additional medical-related investments.

Bencap

In December 2015, we formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, Adams Resources Medical Management, Inc. (“ARMM”), and in January 2016, ARMM acquired a 30 percent member interest in Bencap LLC (“Bencap”) for a $2.2 million cash payment. Bencap provides medical insurance brokerage and medical claims auditing services to employers utilizing ERISA governed employee benefit plans. We accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting.

Under the terms of the investment agreement, Bencap had the option to request borrowings from us of up to $1.5 million (on or after December 5, 2016 but before October 31, 2018) that we were required to provide or forfeit our 30 percent member interest. During 2016, our management determined that we were unlikely to provide additional funding due to Bencap’s lower than projected revenue growth and operating losses since investment inception. We completed a review of our equity method investment in Bencap during 2016 and determined that there was an other than temporary impairment. During the third quarter of 2016, we recognized an after-tax net loss of $1.4 million to write-off our investment in Bencap, which consisted of a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $1.7 million, pre-tax losses from the equity method investment of $0.5 million and an income tax benefit of $0.8 million. In February 2017, in accordance with the terms of the investment agreement, Bencap requested additional funding of approximately $0.5 million from us. We declined the additional funding request and as a result, forfeited our 30 percent member interest in Bencap. At December 31, 2017, we had no further ownership interest in Bencap.

VestaCare

In April 2016, ARMM acquired an approximate 15 percent equity interest (less than 3 percent voting interest) in VestaCare, Inc., a California corporation (“VestaCare”), for a $2.5 million cash payment. VestaCare provides an array of software as a service (SaaS) electronic payment technologies to medical providers, payers and patients including VestaCare’s most recent product offering, VestaPay™. VestaPay™ allows medical care providers to structure fully automated and dynamically updating electronic payment plans for their patients. We account for this investment under the cost method of accounting. During the third quarter of 2017, we reviewed our investment in VestaCare and determined that the current projected operating results did not support the carrying value of the investment. As such, during the third quarter of 2017, we recognized an impairment charge of $2.5 million to write-off our investment in VestaCare. At December 31, 2017, we continue to own an approximate 15 percent equity interest in VestaCare.



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AREC

As a result of AREC’s voluntary bankruptcy filing in April 2017During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and our loss of control of AREC, we deconsolidated AREC in April 2017, and2021, we recorded $1.8 million, $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of amortization expense related to these intangible assets.

The following table presents our investmentforecast of amortization expense associated with these intangible assets for the years indicated (in thousands):

20242025202620272028
Amortization expense$1,658 $1,555 $1,306 $908 $575 

Customer Relationship Intangible Assets. Customer relationship intangible assets represent the estimated economic value assigned to commercial relationships acquired in this subsidiary underconnection with business and asset acquisitions. The estimated fair value of each customer relationship intangible asset was determined at the cost methodtime of accounting. We recordedacquisition using a non-cash charge duringdiscounted cash flow analysis, which incorporated various assumptions regarding the second quarteracquired business or assets. The assumptions may include Level 3 fair value inputs, including the rate of 2017retention of approximately $1.6 millionthe customers of the acquisition, the rate of retention of our existing business and projected future revenues associated with the deconsolidationcustomers. The customer relationship intangible assets are being amortized in a manner that closely resembles the pattern in which we expect to benefit from the relationships.

Trade Names and Noncompete Agreements Intangible Assets. Trade names intangible assets represent the estimated economic value of AREC,the commercial trade names acquired in connection with the Firebird and Phoenix acquisition in August 2022. The trade names intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the period in which reflectedwe expect to benefit from the use of the trade names.

Noncompete agreements intangible assets represent the estimated economic value of the three noncompete agreements that we entered into with the former owners of Firebird and Phoenix. The noncompete agreements intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreements.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the cost of an acquired business in excess of the fair value of the net assets of AREC over its estimated fair value based on the expected sales transaction price, net of estimated transaction costs. As a result of the sale of substantially all of AREC’s assets during the third quarter of 2017, we recognized an additional loss of $1.9at acquisition. Our goodwill balance was $6.7 million which represents the difference between the net proceeds we expect to be paid upon settlement of the bankruptcy, net of anticipated remaining closing costs identified as part of the liquidation plan,at December 31, 2023 and the book value of our cost method investment. In December 2017, we received proceeds of approximately $2.8 million from AREC relatedrelates to the settlement of a portion of the bankruptcy process. At December 31, 2017,Firebird and Phoenix acquisition included in our remaining investment in AREC was $0.4 million (see Note 3 for further information). The remaining investment will be removed upon settlement of the bankruptcy, which is anticipated during the first half of 2018.logistics and repurposing segment.





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Note 8.9. Segment Reporting


Historically, our three reporting segments have been:We operate and report in four business segments: (i) crude oil marketing, transportation and storage,storage; (ii) tank truck transportation of liquid chemicals, pressurized gases, asphalt and dry bulk; (iii) pipeline transportation, terminalling and storage of crude oil; and (iv) interstate bulk transportation logistics of crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and ISO tank container storageother petroleum products and transportation,recycling and (iii) upstreamrepurposing of off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and natural gas explorationother chemicals. Our business segments are generally organized and production. Our upstream crude oil and natural gas exploration and production wholly owned subsidiary filed for bankruptcy in April 2017 (seemanaged according to the types of services rendered. See Note 3 for further information), and as a result of our loss of controlsummary of the wholly owned subsidiary, AREC was deconsolidatedtypes of products and services from which each segment derives its revenues.

Our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) (our Chief Executive Officer) evaluates segment performance based on measures including segment operating earnings (losses) and capital spending (property and equipment additions). Segment operating earnings (losses) is accounted for under the cost method of accounting. AREC remained a reportablecalculated as segment until its deconsolidation, effective April 30, 2017.revenues less segment operating costs and depreciation and amortization expense.

Information concerning our various business activities was follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
74
 Reporting Segments  
 Marketing Transportation Oil and Gas Total
        
Year Ended December 31, 2017       
Revenues$1,267,275
 $53,358
 $1,427
 $1,322,060
Segment operating (losses) earnings (1) (2)
11,700
 (544) 53
 11,209
Depreciation, depletion and amortization7,812
 5,364
 423
 13,599
Property and equipment additions (3)
468
 351
 1,825
 2,644
        
Year Ended December 31, 2016       
Revenues$1,043,775
 $52,355
 $3,410
 $1,099,540
Segment operating (losses) earnings (1)
17,045
 (48) (533) 16,464
Depreciation, depletion and amortization9,997
 7,249
 1,546
 18,792
Property and equipment additions1,321
 6,868
 295
 8,484
        
Year Ended December 31, 2015       
Revenues$1,875,885
 $63,331
 $5,063
 $1,944,279
Segment operating (losses) earnings (1) (4)
22,895
 3,701
 (19,016) 7,580
Depreciation, depletion and amortization11,097
 7,554
 5,066
 23,717
Property and equipment additions2,126
 6,579
 2,369
 11,074
_________________
(1)Our marketing segment’s operating earnings included inventory liquidation gains of $3.3 million and $8.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and inventory valuation losses of $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.
(2)Segment operating (losses) earnings includes approximately $0.4 million of costs related to a voluntary early retirement program that was implemented in August 2017.
(3)Our marketing segment’s property and equipment additions do not include approximately $1.8 million of tractors acquired during the third quarter of 2017 under capital leases. See Note 13 for further information.
(4)
Our crude oil and natural gassegment’s operating earnings included property impairments of $12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.


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Financial information by reporting segment was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Reporting Segments
Crude oil marketingTrans-portationPipeline and storage
Logistics and repurposing (1)
OtherTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Segment revenues (2)
$2,585,355 $98,769 $3,267 $65,920 $— $2,753,311 
Less: Intersegment revenues (2)
— (410)(2,944)(4,664)— (8,018)
Revenues$2,585,355 $98,359 $323 $61,256 $— $2,745,293 
Segment operating earnings (losses) (3)
17,029 5,091 (3,855)(934)— 17,331 
Depreciation and amortization8,042 12,277 1,071 6,473 — 27,863 
Property and equipment additions (4) (5)
1,185 5,130 1,503 3,967 112 11,897 
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Segment revenues (2)
$3,232,193 $112,653 $3,804 $24,654 $— $3,373,304 
Less: Intersegment revenues (2)
— (277)(3,804)(2,306)— (6,387)
Revenues$3,232,193 $112,376 $— $22,348 $— $3,366,917 
Segment operating earnings (losses) (3)
15,874 10,891 (3,579)303 — 23,489 
Depreciation and amortization7,724 11,512 1,077 2,394 — 22,707 
Property and equipment additions (4) (5)
4,534 1,608 1,050 282 17 7,491 
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Segment revenues (2)
$1,930,042 $94,824 $4,524 $— $— $2,029,390 
Less: Intersegment revenues (2)
— (326)(3,860)— — (4,186)
Revenues$1,930,042 $94,498 $664 $— $— $2,025,204 
Segment operating earnings (losses) (3)
25,243 7,104 (2,487)— — 29,860 
Depreciation and amortization6,673 12,099 1,025 — — 19,797 
Property and equipment additions (4) (5)
3,245 7,960 1,169 — 12,382 
_______________
(1)On August 12, 2022, we acquired a transportation logistics and recycling and repurposing business, resulting in a new operating segment. See Note 6 for further information.
(2)Segment revenues include intersegment amounts that are eliminated due to consolidation in operating costs and expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Intersegment activities are conducted at posted tariff rates where applicable, or otherwise at rates similar to those charged to third parties or rates that we believe approximate market at the time the agreement is executed.
(3)Our crude oil marketing segment’s operating earnings included net inventory valuation losses of $0.8 million, net inventory valuation losses of $2.0 million, and net inventory liquidation gains of $10.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(4)Our segment property and equipment additions do not include assets acquired under finance leases during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. See Note 17 for further information.
(5)Amounts included in property and equipment additions for Other are additions for computer or other office equipment and a company vehicle at our corporate headquarters, which were not attributed or allocated to any of our reporting segments.

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Segment operating earnings reflect revenues net of operating costs and depreciation depletion and amortization expense and are reconciled to earnings (losses) before income taxes, and investment in unconsolidated affiliate, as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Segment operating earnings$11,209
 $16,464
 $7,580
General and administrative (1)
(9,707) (10,410) (9,939)
Operating earnings (losses)1,502
 6,054
 (2,359)
Loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary(3,505) 
 
Impairment of investment in unconsolidated affiliate(2,500) 
 
Interest income1,103
 582
 327
Interest expense(27) (2) (13)
(Losses) earnings before income taxes and investment     
in unconsolidated affiliate$(3,427) $6,634
 $(2,045)
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Segment operating earnings$17,331 $23,489 $29,860 
General and administrative(14,932)(17,718)(13,701)
Operating earnings2,399 5,771 16,159 
 Interest income1,471 921 243 
Interest expense(3,384)(1,287)(746)
Earnings before income taxes$486 $5,405 $15,656 
_______________
(1)General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 included approximately $1.0 million of costs related to a voluntary early retirement program we implemented in August 2017.


Identifiable assets by industry segment were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):

December 31,
2017 2016 2015
December 31,December 31,
2023202320222021
     
Reporting segment:     
Reporting segment:
Reporting segment:
Marketing
Marketing
Marketing$134,745
 $107,257
 $96,723
Transportation29,069
 32,120
 35,010
Oil and Gas (1)
425
 7,279
 8,930
Cash and other118,465
 100,216
 102,552
Pipeline and storage
Logistics and repurposing (1)
Cash and other (2)
Total assets$282,704
 $246,872
 $243,215
____________________
(1)At December 31, 2017, amount represents our remaining cost method investment in this segment. See Note 3 for further information.

_________________
Intersegment sales are insignificant. (1)On August 12, 2022, we acquired a transportation logistics and recycling and repurposing business, resulting in a new operating segment. See Note 6 for further information.
(2)Other identifiable assets are primarily corporate cash, corporate accounts receivable, investmentsproperties and propertiesoperating lease right-of-use assets not identified with any specific segment of our business.

All of our property and equipment is located in the U.S. Substantially all of our consolidated revenues are earned in the U.S. and derived from a wide customer base. Accounting policies for transactions between reportablebusiness segments are consistent with applicable accounting policies as disclosed herein.




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Note 9.10. Transactions with Affiliates


We enter into certain transactions in the normal course of business with affiliated entities includingentities. Activities with affiliates were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
KSA and affiliate billings to us$— $$13 
Billings to KSA and affiliates21 14 
Rentals paid to affiliate of KSA232 549 605 
Payments to an affiliate of KSA for purchase of vehicles (1)
157 78 469 
Rentals paid to affiliates of Scott Bosard (2)
562 170 — 
Crude oil purchases from affiliate (3)
19,391 4,044 — 
_________________
(1)Amounts paid to West Point Buick GMC were for the purchase of three, two and twelve pickup trucks during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are net of trade-in values.
(2)2022 amounts are for rentals paid to affiliates of Scott Bosard from the period from August 12, 2022 through December 31, 2022, the period in which Scott Bosard is a related party in 2022.
(3)From time to time, GulfMark purchases crude oil from Endeavor Natural Gas, L.P., of which a member of our Board of Directors is the Managing Partner.

Affiliated transactions included direct cost reimbursement for shared phone and administrative services. In addition, weservices from KSA Industries, Inc. (“KSA”), an affiliated entity. We lease our corporate office space in a building operated by 17 South Briar Hollow Lane, LLC, an affiliate of KSA. In addition, we purchase pickup trucks from West Point Buick GMC, an affiliated entity.affiliate of KSA. KSA was our largest shareholder until October 31, 2022.


We utilizeOn October 31, 2022, we entered into a Stock Repurchase Agreement (the “Repurchase Agreement”) with KSA and certain members of the family of the late Kenneth Stanley Adams, Jr., our former affiliate, Bencap, to administer certainfounder (collectively, the “KSA Sellers”). Under the terms of the Repurchase Agreement, we purchased an aggregate of 1,942,433 shares of our employee medical benefit programs includingcommon stock from the KSA Sellers for an aggregate purchase price of $69.9 million, at a detail auditprice of individual medical claims$36.00 per share. The purchase price was funded with the proceeds of the $25.0 million term loan under our credit agreement with Cadence Bank (see Note 1312 for further information). Bencap earns a fee, with the balance funded with cash on hand at the time of the transaction.

An affiliate of KSA served on our Board of Directors through the date of our 2023 annual meeting, when he retired. As of May 31, 2023, KSA and its affiliates are no longer related parties. The table above consequently does not reflect any payments to or from usKSA after that date.

In connection with the acquisition of Firebird and Phoenix on August 12, 2022 (see Note 6 for providing such services at a discounted amountfurther information), we entered into four operating lease agreements for office and terminal locations with entities owned by Scott Bosard, one of the Sellers, for periods ranging from its standard chargetwo to non-affiliates. As discussed in Note 7, at December 31, 2017, we have no further ownership interest in Bencap.five years.




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Note 11. Other Current Liabilities
Activities with affiliates
The components of other current liabilities were as follows forat the periodsdates indicated (in thousands):

December 31,
20232022
Accrual for payroll, benefits and bonuses$5,684 $6,435 
Accrued automobile and workers’ compensation claims5,804 5,579 
Contingent consideration for acquisition (see Note 6)— 2,566 
Accrued medical claims997 1,007 
Accrued taxes2,453 2,208 
Other1,212 1,419 
Total other current liabilities$16,150 $19,214 


Note 12. Long-Term Debt
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Overhead recoveries (1)
$
 $32
 $97
Affiliate billings to us81
 65
 68
Billings to affiliates4
 5
 35
Rentals paid to affiliate583
 628
 618
Fee paid to Bencap (2)
108
 583
 

___________________
(1)In connection with the operation of certain crude oil and natural gas properties, we charged related parties for administrative overhead. In late 2016, these charges ended as properties were either plugged and abandoned or operating responsibilities for these properties were transferred to another entity.
(2)Amount represents fees paid to Bencap through the forfeiture of our investment during the first quarter of 2017. As a result of the investment forfeiture, Bencap is no longer an affiliate.

Cadence Bank Credit Agreement
DIP Financing

On October 27, 2022, we entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Cadence Bank, as administrative agent, swingline lender and issuing lender, and the other lenders party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”). The Credit Agreement provides for (a) a revolving credit facility that allows for borrowings up to $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount from time to time (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and (b) a Term Loan in aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million (the “Term Loan”). The Revolving Credit Facility matures on October 27, 2027 unless earlier terminated.

For each borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility, we may elect whether such loans bear interest at (i) the Base Rate plus Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans; or (ii) Term secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus the Applicable Margin for SOFR Loans. The Base Rate is the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5 percent and (c) Adjusted Term SOFR for a one month tenor in effect on the date of determination plus 1.0 percent. The Applicable Margin to be added to a Base Rate borrowing under either (a), (b) or (c) in the preceding sentence is an amount determined quarterly between 1.0 percent and 2.0 percent depending on our consolidated total leverage ratio. The Applicable Margin to be added to a Term SOFR borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility is an amount determined quarterly between 2.0 percent and 3.0 percent depending on our consolidated total leverage ratio.A commitment fee of 0.25 percent per annum accrues on the daily average unused amount of the commitments of the Lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility. We may obtain letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility up to a maximum amount of $30.0 million. The amount of our outstanding letters of credit reduces availability under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Term Loan amortizes on a ten year schedule with quarterly payments beginning December 31, 2022, and matures on October 27, 2027 unless earlier accelerated. The Term Loan may be prepaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty, and must be prepaid with proceeds of any future debt issuance, the proceeds of any equity issuance to the extent proceeds exceed $2.0 million in any quarter with limited exceptions, and the proceeds of certain asset dispositions. The Term Loan bears interest at the SOFR Rate plus the Applicable Margin for SOFR Rate Loans as described above. In connection with its voluntary bankruptcy filing, AREC entered into the DIP Credit Agreement with AE, of which amounts outstanding were repaid during the third quarter of 2017 with proceeds from the sales of AREC’s assets. We earned interest income of approximately $0.1KSA stock repurchase (see Note 10), we borrowed $25.0 million under the DIPTerm Loan.


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Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, throughwe are required to maintain compliance with the following financial covenants on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to any borrowings (in each case commencing with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2017 (see Note 32022): (i) the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio shall not be greater than 2.50 to 1.00; (ii) the Asset Coverage Ratio shall not be less than 2.00 to 1.00; and (iii) the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall not be less than 1.25 to 1.00. Each of such ratios is calculated as outlined in the Credit Agreement and subject to certain exclusions and qualifications described therein.

On August 2, 2023, we entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Amendment (i) clarifies our ability to exclude crude oil inventory valuation losses (and, to the extent included in our consolidated net income, inventory liquidation gains) from the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of the related financial covenants, (ii) provides for the exclusion of unusual and non-recurring losses and expenses from the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA, not to exceed 10.0 percent of Consolidated EBITDA for the period, and (iii) amends the definition of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to include letters of credit and banker’s acceptances only to the extent such letters of credit or banker’s acceptances have been drawn, for purposes of the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio calculation in the Credit Agreement. The Amendment applies to our fiscal period ending June 30, 2023 and thereafter.

The Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants. The affirmative covenants require us to provide the Lenders with certain financial statements, business plans, compliance certificates and other documents and reports and to comply with certain laws. The negative covenants restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create additional liens on our assets, make certain investments, dispose of our assets or engage in a merger or other similar transaction or engage in transactions with affiliates, subject, in each case, to the various exceptions and conditions described in the Credit Agreement. The negative covenants further information).restrict our ability to make certain restricted payments.



Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a pledge of substantially all of our personal property and substantially all of the personal property of certain other of our direct and indirect subsidiaries.

At December 31, 2023, we had $21.9 million outstanding under the Term Loan at a weighted average interest rate of 7.69 percent, and $13.0 million letters of credit outstanding at a fee of 2.25 percent. No amounts were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The following table presents the scheduled maturities of principal amounts of our debt obligations at December 31, 2023 for the next five years, and in total thereafter (in thousands):


2024$2,500 
20252,500 
20262,500 
202714,375 
2028— 
Thereafter— 
Total debt maturities$21,875 

At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. We incurred $1.6 million of debt issuance costs in connection with our entry into the Credit Agreement, which are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Credit Agreement.


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Wells Fargo Credit Agreement

On May 4, 2021, we entered into a credit agreement (“Wells Fargo Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Agent and Issuing Lender, under which we could borrow or issue letters of credit in an aggregate of up to $40.0 million under a revolving credit facility (the “Wells Fargo Revolving Credit Facility”), which was to mature on May 4, 2024. On August 11, 2022, we entered into an amendment to our Wells Fargo Credit Agreement, which increased our borrowing capacity up to $60.0 million and extended the maturity of the facility to August 11, 2025.

The Wells Fargo Credit Agreement amendment also provided for the replacement of LIBOR with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“SOFR”). Borrowings under the Wells Fargo Revolving Credit Facility bore interest, at our election, at (i) the Base Rate plus Applicable Margin; or (ii) the Adjusted Term SOFR plus Applicable Margin. Base Rate was the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate, plus 0.50 percent and (c) Adjusted Term SOFR for an interest period of one month plus 1.00 percent. The Applicable Margin to be added to a Base Rate borrowing was 0.75 percent. The Applicable Margin to be added to an Adjusted Term SOFR borrowing was 1.75 percent. A commitment fee of 0.25 percent per annum accrued on the daily average unused amount of the commitments under the Wells Fargo Revolving Credit Facility.

On October 27, 2022, we terminated the Wells Fargo Credit Agreement, and we wrote off $0.4 million of unamortized debt issuance costs to interest expense. No further amounts are outstanding under this credit agreement.


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Note 10.13. Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements


Derivative Instruments


At December 31, 2017,2023, we had in place 20 commodity purchase and sale contracts,no derivative instruments. At December 31, 2022, we had in place three derivative instruments, entered into in 2022 for a total of which four of these contracts had no fair value associated with them as the contractual prices300,000 barrels of crude oil were withinto be purchased and sold in January 2023, and one derivative instrument, also entered into in 2022, for the rangepurchase of prices specified in the agreements. These contracts encompassed approximately:
452 barrels126,000 gallons of diesel fuel per day of crude oilmonth 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;
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 October2023 through December 2018.

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2023.
The estimated fair value of forward month commodity contracts (derivatives)derivative instruments reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets were as follows at the datedates 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
 $

At December 31, 2016, two contracts comprised our derivative valuations. These contracts encompassed approximately 65 barrels per day of diesel fuel during January through March 2017 and 145,000 barrels of crude oil per month during January through April 2017.

The estimated fair value of forward month commodity contracts (derivatives) reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet were as follows at the date indicated (in thousands):
 December 31, 2016
 Balance Sheet Location and Amount
 Current Other Current Other
 Assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities
Asset derivatives:       
Fair value forward hydrocarbon commodity       
contracts at gross valuation$378
 $
 $
 $
Liability derivatives:       
Fair value forward hydrocarbon commodity       
contracts at gross valuation
 
 330
 
Less counterparty offsets(266) 
 (266) 
As reported fair value contracts$112
 $
 $64
 $

Balance Sheet Location and Amount
CurrentOtherCurrentOther
December 31, 2023AssetsAssetsLiabilitiesLiabilities
Asset derivatives:
Fair value forward hydrocarbon derivative
instruments at gross valuation$— $— $— $— 
Liability derivatives:
Fair value forward hydrocarbon derivative
instruments at gross valuation— — — — 
Less counterparty offsets— — — — 
As reported fair value contracts$— $— $— $— 
December 31, 2022
Asset derivatives:
Fair value forward hydrocarbon derivative
instruments at gross valuation$$— $— $— 
Liability derivatives:
Fair value forward hydrocarbon derivative
instruments at gross valuation— — 330 — 
Less counterparty offsets— — — — 
As reported fair value contracts$— $— $330 $— 
We only enter into commodity contractsderivative instruments with creditworthy counterparties and evaluate our exposure to significant counterparties on an ongoing basis. At December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, 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)derivative instruments reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 Gains (Losses)
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Revenues – marketing$(26) $243
 $(188)
Gains (Losses)
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Revenues – marketing$— $(23)$14 
Costs and expenses – marketing(330)330 — 



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Fair Value Measurements


The following tables set forth,table reflects, 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):

Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices
Quoted Prices
Quoted Prices
in Active
in Active
in Active
Markets for
Markets for
Markets for
Identical Assets
Identical Assets
Identical Assets
and Liabilities
and Liabilities
and Liabilities
(Level 1)
(Level 1)
(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)OffsetsTotal
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
         
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2023
Derivatives:         
Derivatives:
Derivatives:
Current assets
Current assets
Current assets$
 $166
 $
 $
 $166
Current liabilities
 (145) 
 
 (145)
Net value$
 $21
 $
 $
 $21
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2022
Derivatives:
Derivatives:
Derivatives:
Current assets
Current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net value

 December 31, 2016
 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$
 $378
 $
 $(266) $112
Current liabilities
 (330) 
 266
 (64)
Net value$
 $48
 $
 $
 $48


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 December 31, 20172023 and 2016,2022, 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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Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

Certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment. The following table presents categories of long-lived assets that were subject to non-recurring fair value measurements during the year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
   Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using  
   Quoted Prices      
   in Active Significant    
 Carrying Markets for Other Significant Total
 Value at Identical Assets Observable Unobservable Non-Cash
 December 31, and Liabilities Inputs Inputs Impairment
 2017 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Loss
          
Oil and gas properties -         
Investment in AREC$425
 $
 $425
 $
 $3,505
Investment in VestaCare
 
 
 
 2,500
         $6,005

The following table presents categories of long-lived assets that were subject to non-recurring fair value measurements during the year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands):
   Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using  
   Quoted Prices      
   in Active Significant    
 Carrying Markets for Other Significant Total
 Value at Identical Assets Observable Unobservable Non-Cash
 December 31, and Liabilities Inputs Inputs Impairment
 2016 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Loss
          
Investment in Bencap$
 $
 $
 $
 $2,200
Oil and gas properties62,784
 
 
 62,784
 313
         $2,513

The following table presents categories of long-lived assets that were subject to non-recurring fair value measurements during the year ended December 31, 2015 (in thousands):
   Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using  
   Quoted Prices      
   in Active Significant    
 Carrying Markets for Other Significant Total
 Value at Identical Assets Observable Unobservable Non-Cash
 December 31, and Liabilities Inputs Inputs Impairment
 2015 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Loss
          
Oil and gas properties$77,117
 $
 $
 $77,117
 $12,082



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Note 11.14. Income Taxes


The components of our income tax (provision) benefit were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015
Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
Current:     
Federal
Federal
Federal$(1,418) $(2,103) $(3,883)
State523
 (675) (190)
Total current(895) (2,778) (4,073)
Deferred:     
Federal3,722
 777
 5,011
Federal
Federal
State118
 80
 (168)
Total deferred3,840
 857
 4,843
Total provision for (benefit from) income taxes (1)
$2,945
 $(1,921) $770
Total (provision for) benefit from income taxes
______________
(1)
2016 includes a tax benefit of $0.8 million related to losses from our investment in Bencap, and is included in the loss from investment in unconsolidated affiliate category on the consolidated statements of operations.


A reconciliation of the provision for (benefit from)(provision for) benefit from income taxes with amounts determined by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to income before income taxes was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Pre-tax net book income (1)
$(3,427) $4,434
 $(2,045)
      
Statutory federal income tax (provision) benefit$1,165
 $(1,552) $716
State income tax (provision) benefit736
 (387) (233)
Federal statutory depletion153
 62
 144
Federal tax rate adjustment2,007
 
 
Valuation allowance(1,038) 
 
Other(78) (44) 143
Total provision for (benefit from) income taxes$2,945
 $(1,921) $770
Effective income tax rate (2)
86% 43% 38%
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Pre-tax net book income$486 $5,405 $15,656 
Statutory federal income tax provision$(102)$(1,135)$(3,288)
State income tax provision(266)(478)(224)
Permanent differences115 (296)(94)
Return to provision adjustments(88)
Other(28)(17)(74)
Total provision for income taxes$(274)$(1,918)$(3,768)
Effective income tax rate (1)
56 %35 %24 %
_______________
(1)2016 includes the pre-tax loss from investment in unconsolidated affiliate of $2.2 million.
(2)
Excluding the adjustment related to the federal tax rate change, the effective income tax rate for 2017 is 58 percent.

(1)Our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is higher than our statutory tax rate primarily due to non-deductible expenses, the mix of earnings in states with higher tax rates and less earnings before income taxes as compared to prior years.




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Deferred income taxes reflect the net difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the underlying income tax basis in these items. The components of the federal deferred tax asset (liability) were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
December 31,
20232022
Long-term deferred tax asset (liability):
Prepaid and other insurance$(804)$(707)
Property(12,559)(15,208)
ROU assets1,292 1,701 
ROU liabilities(1,293)(1,701)
Amortization(562)(869)
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate536 537 
Valuation allowance related to investment in unconsolidated affiliate(525)(537)
Net operating loss396 239 
Other571 1,168 
Net long-term deferred tax liability(12,948)(15,377)
Net deferred tax liability$(12,948)$(15,377)
 December 31,
 2017 2016
    
Long-term deferred tax asset (liability): (1)
   
Prepaid and other insurance$(684) $(1,058)
Property(2,497) (7,341)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates623
 606
Valuation allowance related to investments in unconsolidated affiliates(623) 
Uniform capitalization
 729
Other(121) (93)
Net long-term deferred tax liability(3,302) (7,157)
Net deferred tax liability$(3,302) $(7,157)
______________
(1)Amounts as of December 31, 2017 have been revalued at 21 percent as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017.


Financial statement recognition and measurement of positions taken, or expected to be taken, by an entity in its income tax returns must consider the uncertainty and judgment involved in the determination and filing of income taxes. Tax positions taken in an income tax return that are recognized in the financial statements must satisfy a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, assuming that the tax position will be examined by taxing authorities with full knowledge of all relevant information. We have no significant unrecognized tax benefits. Interest and penalties associated with income tax liabilities are classified as income tax expense.


The earliest tax years remaining open for audit for federal and major states of operations are as follows:

Earliest Open
Tax Year
FederalEarliest Open2017
TexasTax Year2019
Louisiana2020
FederalMichigan2013
Texas2013
Louisiana2014
Michigan20132019


Other Matters

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Act changed many aspects of U.S. corporate income taxation and included a reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, implementation of a territorial tax system and imposition of a tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. We recognized the tax effects of the Act in the year ended December 31, 2017 and recorded a $2.0 million tax benefit, which relates entirely to the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities to the 21 percent tax rate. Upon completion of our 2017 U.S. income tax return in 2018, we may identify additional remeasurement adjustments to our recorded deferred tax liabilities. We will continue to assess our income taxes as future guidance is issued but do not currently anticipate significant revisions will be necessary. Any such revisions will be treated in accordance with the measurement period guidance outlined in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.




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Note 15. Stock-Based Compensation Plan

In May 2018, our shareholders approved the 2018 LTIP, a long-term incentive plan under which any employee or non-employee director who provides services to us is eligible to participate in the plan. The 2018 LTIP, which is overseen by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, provides for the grant of various types of equity awards, of which restricted stock unit awards and performance-based compensation awards have been granted. We began awarding stock-based compensation to eligible employees and directors in June 2018. In May 2022, our shareholders approved an amendment and restatement of the 2018 LTIP, in which the maximum number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2018 LTIP was increased by 150,000 shares to a total of 300,000 shares, and the term of the 2018 LTIP was extended through February 23, 2032. After giving effect to awards granted and forfeitures made under the 2018 LTIP, and the achievement of performance factors through December 31, 2023, a total of 149,889 shares were available for issuance.

Compensation expense recognized in connection with equity-based awards was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Compensation expense$1,193 $1,022 $854 

On August 12, 2022, we granted equity inducement awards to each of Trey Bosard and Tyler Bosard in connection with the acquisition of Firebird and Phoenix (see Note 6 for further information), pursuant to their respective employment agreements. As an inducement material to each of their accepting employment with Phoenix following the acquisition, the Board of Directors approved a grant of $0.5 million of restricted stock units to each of Trey Bosard and Tyler Bosard. The inducement awards were granted outside the terms of the 2018 LTIP. The inducement awards vest in three separate tranches on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.

If dividends are paid with respect to our common shares during the vesting period, an equivalent amount will accrue and be held by us without interest until the restricted stock unit awards and performance share unit awards vest, at which time the amount will be paid to the recipient. If the award is forfeited prior to vesting, the accrued dividends will also be forfeited. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $138,700 and $140,300, respectively, of accrued dividend amounts for awards granted under the 2018 LTIP.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards

A restricted stock unit award is a grant of a right to receive our common shares in the future at no cost to the recipient apart from fulfilling service and other conditions once a defined vesting period expires, subject to customary forfeiture provisions. A restricted stock unit award will either be settled by the delivery of common shares or by the payment of cash based upon the fair market value of a specified number of shares, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, subject to the terms of the applicable award agreement. The Compensation Committee intends for these awards to vest with the settlement of common shares. Restricted stock unit awards generally vest at a rate of approximately 33 percent per year beginning one year after the grant date and are non-vested until the required service periods expire.

The fair value of a restricted stock unit award is based on the market price per share of our common shares on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized based on the grant date fair value over the requisite service or vesting period.


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The following table presents restricted stock unit award activity for the periods indicated:
Weighted-
Average Grant
Number ofDate Fair Value
Shares
per Share (1)
Restricted stock unit awards at January 1, 202127,490 $28.64 
Granted under 2018 LTIP (2)
26,369 $29.70 
Vested(14,244)$30.20 
Forfeited(1,350)$28.92 
Restricted stock unit awards at December 31, 202138,265 $28.78 
Granted under 2018 LTIP (3)
26,796 $31.83 
Granted as inducement awards (4)
30,518 $33.75 
Vested(21,814)$29.22 
Forfeited(3,521)$30.33 
Restricted stock unit awards at December 31, 202270,244 $31.89 
Granted under 2018 LTIP (5)
23,409 $57.18 
Vested(32,399)$32.15 
Forfeited(2,667)$46.95 
Restricted stock unit awards at December 31, 202358,587 $41.16 
____________________
(1)Determined by dividing the aggregate grant date fair value of awards by the number of awards issued.
(2)The aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards issued during 2021 was $0.8 million based on grant date market prices of our common shares ranging from $29.70 to $30.00 per share.
(3)The aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards issued during 2022 was $0.9 million based on grant date market prices of our common shares ranging from $31.80 to $37.42 per share.
(4)These awards were granted in connection with the acquisition of Firebird and Phoenix (see Note 6 for further information). The aggregate grant date fair value of these restricted stock unit awards issued on August 12, 2022 was $1.0 million based on a grant date market price of our common shares of $33.75 per share.
(5)The aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards issued during 2023 was $1.3 million based on grant date market prices of our common shares ranging from $37.56 to $58.05 per share.

Unrecognized compensation cost associated with restricted stock unit awards was approximately $0.6 million at December 31, 2023. Due to the graded vesting provisions of these awards, we expect to recognize the remaining compensation cost for these awards over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.

Performance Share Unit Awards

An award granted as performance-based compensation is awarded to a participant contingent upon attainment of our future performance goals during a performance cycle. Performance goals are pre-established by the Compensation Committee. Following the end of the performance period, the holder of a performance-based compensation award is entitled to receive payment of an amount not exceeding the number of shares of common stock subject to, or the maximum value of, the performance-based compensation award, based on the achievement of the performance measures for the performance period. The performance share unit awards generally vest in full approximately three years after grant date, and are non-vested until the required service period expires.

The fair value of a performance share unit award is based on the market price per share of our common shares on the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized based on the grant date fair value over the requisite service or vesting period. Compensation expense is generally adjusted for the performance goals on a quarterly basis.
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The following table presents performance share unit award activity for the periods indicated:
Weighted-
Average Grant
Number ofDate Fair Value
Shares
per Share (1)
Performance share unit awards at January 1, 202116,241 $27.67 
Granted under 2018 LTIP (2)
12,205 $29.70 
Awards cancelled due to performance factor decrease (3)
(4,493)$29.70 
Vested(2,461)$43.00 
Forfeited— $— 
Performance share unit awards at December 31, 202121,492 $26.64 
Granted under 2018 LTIP (4)
13,458 $31.80 
Awards increased due to performance factor increase (3)
159 $31.80 
Vested(3,125)$38.22 
Forfeited(1,297)$30.87 
Performance share unit awards at December 31, 202230,687 $28.59 
Granted under 2018 LTIP (5)
12,061 $56.84 
Awards cancelled due to performance factor decrease (3)
(11,824)$56.82 
Vested(12,680)$25.12 
Forfeited(820)$38.86 
Performance share unit awards at December 31, 202317,424 $31.03 
____________________
(1)Determined by dividing the aggregate grant date fair value of awards by the number of awards issued.
(2)The aggregate grant date fair value of performance share unit awards issued during 2021 was $0.4 million based on a grant date market price of our common shares of $29.70 per share and assuming a performance factor of 100 percent.
(3)The performance factor for awards granted in 2021 was set at 63.1 percent based on a comparison of actual results for 2021 to performance goals. The performance factor for awards granted in 2022 was set at 101.4 percent based upon a comparison of actual results for 2022 to performance goals. The performance factor for awards granted in 2023 was set at 0.0 percent based upon a comparison of actual results for 2023 to performance goals.
(4)The aggregate grant date fair value of performance share unit awards issued during 2022 was $0.4 million based on a grant date market price of our common shares of $31.80 per share and assuming a performance factor of 100 percent.
(5)The aggregate grant date fair value of performance share unit awards issued during 2023 was $0.7 million based on a grant date market price of our common shares ranging from $38.42 to $58.05 per share and assuming a performance factor of 100 percent.

Unrecognized compensation cost associated with performance share unit awards was approximately $0.1 million at December 31, 2023. We expect to recognize the remaining compensation cost for these awards over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.


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Note 12.16. Supplemental Cash Flow Information


Supplemental cash flows and non-cash transactions were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Cash paid for interest$3,511 $425 $746 
Cash paid for federal and state income taxes2,498 3,020 2,251 
Cash refund for NOL carryback under CARES Act— 6,907 3,712 
Non-cash transactions:
Change in accounts payable related to property and equipment
    additions
52 (52)— 
Property and equipment acquired under finance leases17,940 7,873 2,083 
Issuance of common shares in acquisition (see Note 6)— 425 — 

See Note 17 for information related to non-cash transactions related to leases.


Note 17. Leases

We account for leases under ASC 842, Leases, which requires lessees to recognize a ROU asset and a corresponding lease liability for leases with terms longer than twelve months. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets, current liabilities and long-term operating lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, current liabilities and long-term finance lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. For determining the present value of lease payments, we use the discount rate implicit in the lease when readily determinable. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use an incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments that approximates the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term. At adoption, the ROU asset also includes any lease payment made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

We are a lessee in noncancellable (i) operating leases for office space, equipment and lease and terminal access contracts for tank storage and dock access for our crude oil marketing business, and (ii) finance leases for tractors, trailers, a tank storage and throughput arrangement in our crude oil marketing business and office equipment. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. Our lease agreements have remaining lease terms ranging from one year to approximately eight years. The majority of our finance lease agreements for tractors and trailers contain residual value guarantee provisions, which would become due at the expiration of the finance lease if the fair value of the lease vehicles is less than the guaranteed residual value or if we elect to purchase the asset at the end of the lease term. At December 31, 2023, we have recorded a liability of $5.5 million for the estimated end of term payment related to these residual value guarantees as we expect that we will pay the full amount of the guarantees at the end of the leases.


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 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Cash paid for interest$22
 $2
 $13
Cash paid for federal and state taxes459
 2,589
 6,197
      
Non-cash transactions:     
Change in accounts payable related to property and equipment
    additions
70
 679
 1,707
Property and equipment acquired under capital leases1,808
 
 
Our lease agreements do not contain any leases with material variable lease payments (i.e., payments that depend on a percentage of sales of a lessee or payments that increase based upon an index such as CPI), residual value guarantees probable of being paid other than those noted above or material restrictive covenants. Lease agreements with lease and non-lease components are generally accounted for separately when practical. For leases where the lease and non-lease component are comingled and the non-lease component is determined to be insignificant when compared to the lease component, the lease and the non-lease components are treated as a single lease component for all asset classes.



Some leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term for generally one year with exercise of lease renewal options being at our sole discretion as lessee.

The following table provides the components of lease expense for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of ROU assets$7,578 $5,200 $4,744 
Interest on lease liabilities1,349 364 413 
Operating lease cost3,641 3,019 2,560 
Short-term lease cost13,908 14,573 13,880 
Variable lease cost27 20 
Total lease expense$26,503 $23,176 $21,604 

The following table provides supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases for the periods indicated (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases (1)
$3,178 $2,929 $2,560 
Operating cash flows from finance leases (1)
1,234 356 326 
Financing cash flows from finance leases8,516 4,741 4,367 
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities:
Finance leases17,940 7,873 2,083 
Operating leases (2)
1,020 3,269 1,385 
______________
(1)Amounts are included in Other operating activities on the consolidated cash flow statements.
(2)2022 amount includes four operating lease agreements for office and terminal locations with affiliates of Scott Bosard, one of the Sellers of Firebird and Phoenix, for periods ranging from two to five years (see Note 6 and Note 10 for further information).


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The following table provides lease terms and discount rates for the periods indicated:

Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Finance leases3.573.543.60
Operating leases2.923.523.85
Weighted-average discount rate:
Finance leases5.6 %3.5 %2.6 %
Operating leases4.3 %4.0 %3.8 %

The following table provides supplemental balance sheet information related to leases at the dates indicated (in thousands):

December 31,
20232022
Assets
Finance lease ROU assets (1)
$24,681 $15,264 
Operating lease ROU assets5,832 7,720 
Liabilities
Current
Finance lease liabilities6,206 4,382 
Operating lease liabilities2,829 2,712 
Noncurrent
Finance lease liabilities19,685 12,085 
Operating lease liabilities3,006 5,007 
______________
(1)Amounts are included in Property and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following table provides maturities of undiscounted lease liabilities at December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
FinanceOperating
LeaseLease
2024$7,463 $3,009 
20257,284 1,273 
20265,615 1,047 
20276,047 602 
20282,789 219 
Thereafter— 18 
Total lease payments29,198 6,168 
Less: Interest(3,307)(333)
Present value of lease liabilities25,891 5,835 
Less: Current portion of lease obligation(6,206)(2,829)
Total long-term lease obligation$19,685 $3,006 

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The following table provides maturities of undiscounted lease liabilities at December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
FinanceOperating
LeaseLease
2023$4,870 $2,958 
20243,629 2,617 
20254,652 962 
20262,482 879 
20272,179 570 
Thereafter— 237 
Total lease payments17,812 8,223 
Less: Interest(1,345)(504)
Present value of lease liabilities16,467 7,719 
Less: Current portion of lease obligation(4,382)(2,712)
Total long-term lease obligation$12,085 $5,007 


Note 13. Commitment18. Commitments and Contingencies


Capital Lease ObligationsInsurance


DuringWe have accrued liabilities for estimated workers’ compensation and other casualty claims incurred based upon claim reserves plus an estimate for loss development and incurred but not reported claims. We self-insure a significant portion of expected losses relating to workers’ compensation, general liability and automobile liability, with a self-insured retention of $1.0 million. On October 1, 2023, the third quarter of 2017,self-insurance retention was increased to $1.5 million for the auto policy. Insurance is purchased over our retention to reduce our exposure to catastrophic events. Estimates are recorded for potential and incurred outstanding liabilities for workers’ compensation, auto and general liability claims and claims that are incurred but not reported. Estimates are based on adjusters’ estimates, historical experience and statistical methods commonly used within the insurance industry that we entered into capital leases for certainbelieve are reliable. We have also engaged a third-party actuary to perform a review of our tractorsaccrued liability for these claims as well as potential funded losses in our marketing segment. The following table summarizescaptive insurance company. Insurance estimates include certain assumptions and management judgments regarding the frequency and severity of claims, claim development and settlement practices and the selection of estimated loss among estimates derived using different methods. Unanticipated changes in these factors may produce materially different amounts of expense that would be reported under these programs.

On October 1, 2020, we elected to utilize a wholly owned insurance captive to insure the self-insured retention for our principal contractual commitments outstandingworkers’ compensation, general liability and automobile liability insurance programs.All accrued liabilities associated with periods from October 1, 2017 through current were transferred to the captive.

We maintain excess property and casualty programs with third-party insurers in an effort to limit the financial impact of significant events covered under these programs. Our operating subsidiaries pay premiums to both the excess and reinsurance carriers and our capital leases at December 31, 2017captive for the next five years, andestimated losses based on an external actuarial analysis. These premiums held by our wholly owned captive are currently held in total thereafter (in thousands):a restricted account, resulting in a transfer of risk from our operating subsidiaries to the captive.

We also maintain a self-insurance program for managing employee medical claims in excess of employee deductibles. As claims are paid, the liability is relieved.We also maintain third party insurance stop-loss coverage for individual medical claims exceeding a certain minimum threshold. In addition, we maintain $1.3 million of umbrella insurance coverage for annual aggregate medical claims exceeding approximately $11.3 million.

91
2018$398
2019398
2020398
2021398
2022255
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments1,847
Less: Amount representing interest(158)
Present value of capital lease obligations1,689
Less current portion of capital lease obligations(338)
Total long-term capital lease obligations$1,351

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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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 followsOur accruals for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Rental expense$12,073
 $11,314
 $11,168

At December 31, 2017, 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):
  2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total
               
Operating leases $2,758
 $463
 $68
 $63
 $32
 $23
 $3,407

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 totaled as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 December 31,
 2017 2016
    
Pre-funded premiums for losses incurred but not reported$988
 $2,657

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 have 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. At December 31, 2017, our accrual for automobile and workers’ compensation claims was $0.5 million.
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):

 December 31,
 2017 2016
    
Accrued medical claims$1,329
 $1,411
December 31,
20232022
Accrued automobile and workers’ compensation claims$5,804 $5,579 
Accrued medical claims997 1,007 


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



Litigation

AREC was named as a defendant in a number of Louisiana lawsuits involving alleged environmental contamination from prior drilling operations. Such suits typically allege improper disposal of oilfield wastes in earthen pits, with one matter involving allegations that drilling operations in 1986 contributed to the formation of a sinkhole in 2012 (the “Sinkhole Cases”). The Sinkhole Cases, while arising from a singular event, include a number of different lawsuits brought in Louisiana State Court and one consolidated action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  In addition to the Sinkhole Cases, AREC is also currently involved in two other suits. These suits are styled LePetit Chateau Deluxe v. Adams Resources Exploration Corporation dated March 2004 filed in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, and Henning Management, LLC v. Adams Resources Exploration Corporation dated November 2013 filed in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. Each suit involves multiple industry defendants with substantially larger proportional interest in the properties. In the LePetit Chateau Deluxe matter, all the larger defendants have settled the case.

The plaintiffs in each of these matters are seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. While we do not believe that these claims will result in a material adverse effect on us, significant attorney fees may be incurred to address claims related to these suits. At December 31, 2016, we had $0.5 million accrued for future legal costs for these matters. During May 2017, AREC was dismissed without prejudice as a party to the suit with Henning Management. We also determined that the likelihood of future claims from other remaining litigation was remote. As such, we released the $0.5 million accrual for future legal settlements related to these matters. At December 31, 2017, we had no remaining accruals for legal costs for these matters.


From time to time as incidental to our operations, we may become involved in various lawsuits and/or disputes. Primarily asAs 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.operations or cash flows.


Guarantees


AE issuesWe issue parent guarantees of commitments associated with the activities of itsour subsidiary companies. The guarantees generally result from subsidiary commodity purchase obligations, subsidiary operating lease commitments and subsidiary banking transactions. The nature of these arrangements is to guarantee the performance of the subsidiary in meeting their respective underlying obligations. The parentWe would only be called upon to perform under the guarantee in the event of a payment default by the applicable subsidiary company. In satisfying suchthese obligations, the parentwe would first look to the assets of the defaulting subsidiary company.


At December 31, 2017,2023, parental guaranteed obligations were approximately $48.2$58.2 million. Currently, neither AEwe nor any of itsour subsidiaries has any other types of guarantees outstanding that require liability recognition.recognition, except for the residual value guarantees for certain of our finance leases (see Note 17 for further discussion).




Note 14.19. Concentration of Credit Risk


We may incur credit risk to the extent our customers do not fulfill their obligations to us pursuant to contractual terms. Risks of nonpayment and nonperformance by our customers are a major consideration in our business, and our credit procedures and policies may not be adequate to sufficiently eliminate customer credit risk. Managing credit risk involves a number of considerations, such as the financial profile of the customer, the value of collateral held, if any, specific terms and duration of the contractual agreement, and the customer’s sensitivity to economic developments. We have established various procedures to manage credit exposure, including initial credit approval, credit limits and rights of offset. We also utilize letters of credit and guarantees to limit exposure.


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



Our largest customers consist of large multinational integrated crude oil companies and independent domestic refiners of crude oil. In addition, we transact business with independent crude oil producers, major chemical concerns,companies, crude oil trading companies and a variety of commercial energy users. Within this group of customers, we derive approximately 50 percent of our revenues from threefour to five large crude oil refining customers. While we have ongoing established relationships with certain domestic refiners of crude oil, alternative markets are readily available since we supply less than one percent of U.S. domestic refiner demand. As a fungible commodity delivered to major Gulf Coast supply points, our crude oil sales can be readily delivered to alternative end markets.



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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following tables reflect the percentages of individual customer sales in excess of 10 percent of our consolidated revenues and individual customer receivables in excess of 10 percent of our total consolidated receivables for the periods indicated. We believe that a loss of any of thosethe customers where we currently derive more than 10 percent of our revenues would not have a material adverse effect on our operations as shown in the table below:we would be able to replace that customer’s activity with a similar customer or customers.

Individual customer salesIndividual customer receivables in excess
in excess of 10% of revenuesof 10% of total receivables
Year Ended December 31,December 31,
202320222021202320222021
11.4 %22.4 %23.7 %— %— %11.5 %
11.1 %11.3 %11.6 %16 %10.8 %17.0 %
23 %16.0 %12.6 %



93
Individual customer sales Individual customer receivables in excess
in excess of 10% of revenues of 10% of total receivables
for the year ended December 31, at December 31,
2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
           
22.8% 18.2% 24.4% 19.1% 20.9% 20.3%
17.1% 16.5% 13.8% 15.0% 14.0% 16.5%
10.8% 15.9%   11.1% 10.1% 12.7%
10.7% 10.6%   10.4%    



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


Note 15. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following table presents selected quarterly financial data for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):
 First Second Third Fourth
 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
Year Ended December 31, 2017       
Revenues$303,087
 $315,202
 $295,311
 $408,460
Operating (losses) earnings(1,584) 619
 (1,290) 3,757
Earnings (losses) from continuing operations(860) (282) (3,033) 3,693
Net (losses) earnings(860) (282) (3,033) 3,693
        
Earnings (losses) per share:       
From continuing operations$(0.20) $(0.07) $(0.72) $0.88
From investment in unconsolidated       
affiliate
 
 
 
Basic and diluted net (losses) earnings per share$(0.20) $(0.07) $(0.72) $0.88
        
Year Ended December 31, 2016       
Revenues$250,531
 $293,163
 $256,877
 $298,969
Operating (losses) earnings2,339
 5,601
 (1,822) (64)
Earnings (losses) from continuing operations1,554
 3,540
 (983) (168)
Net (losses) earnings1,430
 3,404
 (2,153) (168)
        
Earnings (losses) per share:       
From continuing operations$0.37
 $0.84
 $(0.23) $(0.04)
From investment in unconsolidated       
affiliate(0.03) (0.03) (0.28) 
Basic and diluted net (losses) earnings per share$0.34
 $0.81
 $(0.51) $(0.04)




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


Note 16. Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)

Our wholly owned subsidiary, AREC, participated in the exploration and development of domestic crude oil and natural gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin of West Texas and the Haynesville Shale. AREC’s offices were maintained in Houston, and at December 31, 2016, we held an interest in 470 producing wells of which we operated six. As discussed further in Note 3, AREC was deconsolidated effective with its bankruptcy filing in April 2017, and we recorded our investment in AREC under the cost method of accounting in April 2017. During the third quarter of 2017, AREC closed on the sale of substantially all of its assets. As a result of the sales of these assets, we no longer have an ownership interest in any crude oil and natural gas producing activities. In the disclosures and tables below, amounts for 2017 are for the period from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017, as a result of the deconsolidation of AREC due to its bankruptcy filing.

Crude Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities

Total costs incurred in crude oil and natural gas exploration and development activities, all within the U.S., were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Property acquisition costs:     
Unproved$4
 $32
 $348
Proved
 
 
Exploration costs:     
Expensed5
 291
 1,667
Capitalized
 
 
Development costs1,815
 
 370
Total costs incurred$1,824
 $323
 $2,385

The aggregate capitalized costs relative to crude oil and natural gas producing activities were as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
 December 31,
 2017 2016
    
Unproved crude oil and natural gas properties$
 $
Proved crude oil and natural gas properties
 62,784
Subtotal
 62,784
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
 (56,426)
Net capitalized cost$
 $6,358


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


Estimated Crude Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

The following information regarding estimates of our proved crude oil and natural gas reserves, substantially all located onshore in Texas and Louisiana, was based on reports prepared on our behalf by our independent petroleum engineers. Because crude oil and natural gas reserve estimates are inherently imprecise and require extensive judgments of reservoir engineering data, they are generally less precise than estimates made in conjunction with financial disclosures. The revisions of previous estimates as reflected in the table below result from changes in commodity pricing assumptions and from more precise engineering calculations based upon additional production histories and price changes. As discussed previously, AREC was deconsolidated effective with its bankruptcy filing in April 2017, and we recorded our investment in AREC under the cost method of accounting in April 2017. During the third quarter of 2017, AREC closed on the sale of substantially all of its assets. As a result of the sales of these assets, we no longer have an ownership interested in any crude oil and natural gas producing activities. In the tables below, amounts for 2017 are for the period from January 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017, as a result of the deconsolidation of AREC due to its bankruptcy filing.

Proved developed and undeveloped reserves were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 Natural Crude Natural Crude Natural Crude
 Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil
 (Mcf) (Bbls) (Mcf) (Bbls) (Mcf) (Bbls)
Total proved reserves:                
Beginning of year4,214
 187
 4,835
 226
 5,611
 318
Revisions of previous estimates
 
 65
 24
 27
 (2)
Crude oil and natural gas reserves sold(4,067) (170) (175) (4) 
 (3)
Extensions, discoveries and other           
reserve additions42
 6
 151
 18
 86
 13
Production(189) (23) (662) (77) (889) (100)
End of year
 
 4,214
 187
 4,835
 226

The components of our previously owned proved crude oil and natural gas reserves, all within the U.S., were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 Natural Crude Natural Crude Natural Crude
 Gas Oil Gas Oil Gas Oil
 (Mcf) (Bbls) (Mcf) (Bbls) (Mcf) (Bbls)
            
Proved developed reserves
 
 4,214
 187
 4,813
 223
Proved undeveloped reserves
 
 
 
 22
 3
Total proved reserves
 
 4,214
 187
 4,835
 226

We had developed internal policies and controls for estimating and recording crude oil and natural gas reserve data. The estimation and recording of proved reserves is required to be in compliance with SEC definitions and guidance. We assigned responsibility for compliance in reserve bookings to the office of President of AREC. No portion of this individual’s compensation was directly dependent on the quantity of reserves booked. Reserve estimates are required to be made by qualified reserve estimators, as defined by Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Standards.


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


We employed a third party petroleum consultant, Ryder Scott Company, to prepare our crude oil and natural gas reserve data estimates as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The firm of Ryder Scott is well recognized within the industry for more than 50 years. As prescribed by the SEC, such proved reserves were estimated using 12-month average crude oil and natural gas prices, based on the first-day-of-the-month price for each month in the period, and year-end production and development costs for each of the years presented, all without escalation.

The process of estimating crude oil and natural gas reserves is complex and requires significant judgment. Uncertainties are inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves, including many factors beyond the estimator’s control. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating subsurface accumulations of crude oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner, and the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and the interpretation thereof. As a result, assessments by different engineers often vary, sometimes significantly. In addition, physical factors such as the results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of an estimate, as well as economic factors such as changes in product prices, may justify revision of such estimates. Accordingly, crude oil and natural gas quantities ultimately recovered will vary from reserve estimates.

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows from Crude Oil and Natural Gas Operations and Changes Therein

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows was determined based on the economic conditions in effect at the end of the years presented, except in those instances where fixed and determinable gas price escalations were included in contracts. The disclosures below do not purport to present the fair market value of our previously owned crude oil and natural gas reserves. An estimate of the fair market value would also take into account, among other things, the recovery of reserves in excess of proved reserves, anticipated future changes in prices and costs, a discount factor more representative of the time value of money and risks inherent in reserve estimates. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Future gross revenues$
 $17,938
 $23,040
Future costs:     
Lease operating expenses
 (12,421) (14,524)
Development costs
 (38) (103)
Future net cash flows before income taxes
 5,479
 8,413
Discount at 10% per annum
 (2,002) (2,987)
Discounted future net cash flows before income taxes
 3,477
 5,426
Future income taxes, net of discount at 10% per annum
 (1,217) (1,899)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows$
 $2,260
 $3,527

The estimated value of crude oil and natural gas reserves and future net revenues derived therefrom are highly dependent upon crude oil and natural gas commodity price assumptions. For such estimates, our independent petroleum engineers assumed market prices as presented in the table below:
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Market price:     
Crude oil per barrel$
 $38.34
 $45.83
Natural gas per thousand cubic feet (Mcf)$
 $2.56
 $2.62


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


These prices were based on the unweighted arithmetic average of the prices in effect on the first day of the month for each month of the respective twelve month periods as required by SEC regulations. The prices reported in the reserve disclosures for natural gas included the value of associated natural gas liquids. Crude oil and natural gas reserve values and future net cash flow estimates are very sensitive to pricing assumptions and will vary accordingly.

The effect of income taxes and discounting on the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows was as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Future net cash flows before income taxes$
 $5,479
 $8,413
Future income taxes
 (1,918) (2,945)
Future net cash flows
 3,561
 5,468
Discount at 10% per annum
 (1,301) (1,941)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows$
 $2,260
 $3,527

The principal sources of changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Beginning of year$2,260
 $3,527
 $15,744
Sale of crude oil and natural gas reserves(2,732) (350) (54)
Net change in prices and production costs
 (1,391) (17,622)
New field discoveries and extensions, net of future
   production costs
94
 275
 292
Sales of crude oil and natural gas produced, net of production costs(476) 87
 1,038
Net change due to revisions in quantity estimates
 181
 38
Accretion of discount130
 194
 1,116
Production rate changes and other(493) (945) (3,603)
Net change in income taxes1,217
 682
 6,578
End of year$
 $2,260
 $3,527

Results of Operations for Crude Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities

The results of crude oil and natural gas producing activities, excluding corporate overhead and interest costs, were as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
      
Revenues$1,427
 $3,410
 $5,063
Costs and expenses:     
Production(951) (3,337) (7,022)
Producing property impairment
 (30) (10,324)
Exploration
 
 (1,667)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(423) (1,546) (5,066)
Operating loss before income taxes53
 (1,503) (19,016)
Income tax benefit (expense)(19) 526
 6,656
Operating earnings (losses)$34
 $(977) $(12,360)

69




Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
On June 7, 2017, we dismissed Deloitte & Touche, LLP (“Deloitte”) as our independent registered public accounting firm. There was no dispute or disagreement with the firm on any issue. On June 7, 2017, we appointed KPMG LLP as our new independent registered public accounting firm to perform independent audit services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

None.



Item 9A.     Controls and Procedures.


Disclosure Controls and Procedures


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

(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.


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

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the fourth quarter of 2017,2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AS OF DECEMBERManagement’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting as of December 31, 20172023


Management of Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our Chief Executive ChairmanOfficer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.


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 policies and procedures may deteriorate.


Management, including the Company’s Chief Executive ChairmanOfficer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.2023.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria described in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  Based on this assessment, management, including the Company’s Chief Executive ChairmanOfficer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.2023.


70





KPMG LLP has issued its attestation report regarding our internal control over financial reporting. That report is included within this Item 9A (See “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”).

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Table of Contents
Pursuant to the requirements of Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this annual report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in their respective capacities indicated below on March 12, 2018.13, 2024.



/s/ Townes G. PresslerKevin J. Roycraft/s/ Josh C. AndersTracy E. Ohmart
Townes G. PresslerKevin J. RoycraftJosh C. AndersTracy E. Ohmart
Chief Executive ChairmanOfficerChief Financial Officer




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Adams Resources & Energy, Inc.:


Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


We have audited Adams Resources & Energy, Inc.’s and subsidiariessubsidiaries’ (the “Company”)Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheetsheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017,2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the yearyears in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017,2023, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated March 12, 201813, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion


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 Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Overover Financial Reporting as of December 31, 2017.2023. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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 of internal control over financial reporting 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.


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Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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.

/s/ KPMG LLP


Houston, Texas
March 12, 201813, 2024




Item 9B.     Other Information.


None.


Item 9C.     Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.

None.


PART III




Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Item 10.     Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information required by this item will be included in our definitive Proxy Statement in connection with our 20182024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2018“2024 Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2023, under the headings “Election of Directors”Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” and “Executive Officers”“Code of Ethics” and is incorporated herein by reference.



Item 11.Executive Compensation.

Item 11.     Executive Compensation.

The information required by this item will be set forth in our 20182024 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2023, under the heading “Executiveheadings “Summary Compensation Table,” “Compensation Overview” and “2023 Director Compensation” and is incorporated herein by reference.



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Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by this item will be set forth in our 20182024 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2023, under the heading “Voting Securitiesheadings “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Principal Holders Thereof”Management” and “Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” and is incorporated herein by reference.




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Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this item will be set forth in our 20182024 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2023, under the headings “Transactions with Related Parties”Persons” and “Director Independence” and is incorporated herein by reference.




Item 14.Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Our independent registered accounting public accounting firm is KPMG LLP, Houston, TX, Auditor Firm ID: 185.

The information required by this item will be set forth in our 20182024 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2023, under the heading “Principal AccountingAccountant Fees and Services” and is incorporated herein by reference.




PART IV

Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)The following documents are filed as a part of this annual report:


(1)
Financial Statements: See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” beginning on page 34 of this annual report for the financial statements included herein.

(1)Financial Statements: See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” beginning on page 50 of this annual report for the financial statements included herein.
(2)Financial Statement Schedules: The separate filing of financial statement schedules has been omitted because such schedules are either not applicable or the information called for therein appears in the footnotes of our Consolidated Financial Statements.


(3)Exhibits:
(2)Financial Statement Schedules: The separate filing of financial statement schedules has been omitted because such schedules are either not applicable or the information called for therein appears in the footnotes of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3)Exhibits:

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10.4+
10.5+
Number
Exhibit
10.6+
10.4*10.7+
10.8
10.9+
10.10+
10.11
10.12
10.13
21*
23.1*
31.1*
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Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
31.2*
32.1*
32.2*
99.197*
101.CAL*Inline XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*Inline XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.INS*Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.LAB*Inline XBRL Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*Inline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
101.SCH*Inline XBRL Schema Document
104*Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
______________________

* Filed foror furnished (in the case of Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2) with this report.
+ Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.



Item 16.     Form 10-K Summary.
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary


Not applicable.

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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 on March 12, 2018.13, 2024.


ADAMS RESOURCES & ENERGY, INC.
(Registrant)
By:/s/ Townes G. PresslerKevin J. Roycraft
Townes G. PresslerKevin J. Roycraft
Chief Executive ChairmanOfficer
(Principal Executive Officer)
By:/s/ Josh C. AndersTracy E. Ohmart
Josh C. AndersTracy E. Ohmart
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer)
























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100



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated below on March 12, 2018.13, 2024.



SignatureTitle
SignatureTitle
/s/ Townes G. PresslerDirector and Executive Chairman of the Board
Townes G. Pressler
/s/ Larry E. BellDirector
Larry E. Bell
/s/ Murray E. BrasseuxDirector
Murray E. Brasseux
/s/ Dennis E. DominicDirector
Dennis E. Dominic
/s/ Michelle A. EarleyDirector
Michelle A. Earley
/s/ Richard C. JennerDirector
Richard C. Jenner
/s/ John O. Niemann Jr.Director
John O. Niemann Jr.
/s/ E.C. Reinauer, Jr.Kevin J. RoycraftDirector
E.C. Reinauer, Jr.Kevin J. Roycraft
/s/ W.R. ScofieldDirector
W.R. Scofield



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