EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 890447
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 890447_10-K_2021_0001628280-21-004184.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Corporate History:
We were formed as a Nevada corporation on May 14, 2008. Pursuant to an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 19, 2008, by and between Vertex Holdings, L.P. (formerly Vertex Energy, L.P.), a Texas limited partnership (“Holdings”), us, World Waste Technologies, Inc., a California corporation (“WWT” or “World Waste”), Vertex Merger Sub, LLC, a California limited liability company and our wholly-owned subsidiary (“Merger Subsidiary”), and Benjamin P. Cowart, our Chief Executive Officer, as agent for our shareholders (as amended from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”). Effective on April 16, 2009, World Waste merged with and into Merger Subsidiary, with Merger Subsidiary continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming our wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Merger”). In connection with the Merger, (i) each outstanding share of World Waste common stock was cancelled and exchanged for 0.10 shares of our common stock; (ii) each outstanding share of World Waste Series A preferred stock was cancelled and exchanged for 0.4062 shares of our Series A preferred stock; and (iii) each outstanding share of World Waste Series B preferred stock was cancelled and exchanged for 11.651 shares of our Series A preferred stock.
Additionally, as a result of the Merger, as the successor entity of World Waste, we assumed World Waste’s filing obligations with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our common stock began trading on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol “VTNR.OB” effective May 4, 2009. Subsequently, effective February 13, 2013, our common stock began trading on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “VTNR”, where it has continued to trade.
Prior Material Acquisitions and Transactions
Vertex Holdings Acquisition
Effective as of August 31, 2012, we acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of Vertex Acquisition Sub, LLC (“Acquisition Sub”), a special purpose entity consisting of substantially all of the assets of Holdings and real-estate properties of B & S Cowart Family L.P. (“B&S LP” and the “Acquisition”). Prior to closing the Acquisition, Holdings contributed to Acquisition Sub substantially all of its assets and liabilities relating to the business of transporting, storing, processing and re-refining petroleum products, crudes and used lubricants, including all of the outstanding equity interests in Holdings’ wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Cedar Marine Terminals, L.P. (“CMT” or "Cedar Marine Terminals"), which operates a 19-acre bulk liquid storage facility and terminal on the Houston Ship Channel, which serves as a truck-in, barge-out facility and provides throughput terminal operations and which terminal is also the site of our proprietary, patented, Thermal Chemical Extraction Process ("TCEP") (described below); Crossroad Carriers, L.P. (“Crossroad”) is a common carrier that provides transportation and logistical services for liquid petroleum products, as well as other hazardous materials and product streams; Vertex Recovery, L.P. (“Vertex Recovery”), is a generator solutions company for the recycling and collection of used oil and oil-related residual materials from large regional and national customers throughout the U.S. and Canada, which it facilitates through a network of independent recyclers and franchise collectors; and H&H Oil, L.P. (“H&H Oil”), which collects and recycles used oil and residual materials from customers based in Austin, Baytown, Dallas, San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas and B&S LP contributed real estate associated with the operations of H&H Oil.
Benjamin P. Cowart, our Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman and largest shareholder directly or indirectly owned a 77% interest in Holdings and a 100% interest in B&S LP at the time of the acquisition. Additionally, Chris Carlson, our Chief Financial Officer, owned a 10% interest in Holdings at the time of the acquisition.
Omega Refining Acquisition
In May, 2014, we acquired certain of the assets of Omega Refining, LLC (“Omega Refining”), Bango Refining NV, LLC (“Bango Refining”) and Omega Holdings Company LLC (“Omega Holdings” and collectively with Omega Refining and Bango Refining, “Omega” or the “sellers”) related to (1) the operation of oil re-refineries and, in connection therewith, purchasing used lubricating oils and re-refining such oils into processed oils and other products for the distribution, supply and sale to end-customers and (2) the provision of related products and support services. The assets included Omega’s Marrero, Louisiana plant which produces vacuum gas oil (VGO) and a Bango, Nevada plant which produces base lubricating oils. We acquired the assets in the name of our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Vertex Refining LA, LLC. The assets and operations acquired from Omega fall under our Black Oil segment. Bango Refining operations were sold in January 2016.
Heartland Acquisition
In December, 2014, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Warren Ohio Holdings Co., LLC, f/k/a Heartland Group Holdings, LLC (“Heartland”) related to and used in an oil re-refinery and, in connection with the collecting, aggregating and purchasing of used lubricating oils and the re-refining of such oils into processed oils and other products for the distribution, supply and sale to end-customers, including raw materials, finished products and work-in-process, equipment and other fixed assets, customer lists and marketing information, the name ‘Heartland’ and other related trade names, Heartland’s real property relating to its used oil refining facility located in Columbus, Ohio, the ownership of 65% of which was transferred to Tensile in connection with the Heartland SPV (discussed below), effective January 1, 2020, used oil storage and transfer facilities located in Columbus, Zanesville and Norwalk, Ohio, and leases related to storage and transfer facilities located in Zanesville, Ohio, Mount Sterling, Kentucky, and Ravenswood, West Virginia (collectively, the “Heartland Assets”). The Heartland Assets were acquired by our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Vertex Refining OH, LLC ("Vertex OH"). The assets and operations acquired from Heartland fall under our Black Oil segment.
Myrtle Grove Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement
On July 26, 2019 (the “MG Closing Date”), Vertex Refining Myrtle Grove LLC (“MG SPV”), a Delaware limited liability company, which entity was formed as a special purpose vehicle in connection with the transactions, described in greater detail below, Vertex Operating, Tensile-Myrtle Grove Acquisition Corporation (“Tensile-MG”), an affiliate of Tensile Capital Partners Master Fund LP, an investment fund based in San Francisco, California (“Tensile”), and solely for the purposes of the MG Guaranty (defined below), the Company, entered into and closed the transactions contemplated by a Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (the “MG Share Purchase”).
Prior to entering into the MG Share Purchase, Vertex Operating’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Vertex Refining LA, LLC, (“Vertex LA”), transferred all of the operating assets owned by it and related to the planned development of the MG Refinery (as defined below), which the parties agreed had a fair market value of $22,666,667, to MG SPV in consideration for 21,667 Class A Units and 1,000 Class B Units of MG SPV, which units were distributed to Vertex Operating. At the closing of the MG Share Purchase (on the MG Closing Date), Vertex Operating sold 1,000 of the Class B Units to Tensile-MG in consideration of the payment to it of $1 million by Tensile-MG, and Tensile-MG purchased an additional 3,000 Class B Units directly from MG SPV for $3 million (less Tensile’s fees and expenses incurred in connection with the transaction, totaling $850,000).
As a result of the transaction, Tensile, through Tensile-MG, acquired an approximate 15% ownership interest in MG SPV, which in turn now owns the Company’s former Belle Chasse, Louisiana, re-refining complex (the “MG Refinery”). Vertex Operating owns the remaining 85% of MG SPV.
MG SPV Limited Liability Company Agreement
The Class B Units held by Tensile-MG are convertible into Class A Units at the option of Tensile-MG, as provided in the Limited Liability Company Agreement of MG SPV dated July 25, 2019 (the “MG Company Agreement”), based on a conversion price (initially one-for-one) which may be reduced from time to time if new Units of MG SPV are issued, and automatically convert into Series A Units upon certain events described in the MG Company Agreement.
Additionally, the Class B Unit holders may force MG SPV to redeem the outstanding Class B Units at any time on or after the earlier of (a) July 26, 2024 and (ii) the occurrence of an MG Triggering Event (defined below)(an “MG Redemption”). The cash purchase price for such redeemed Class B Units is the greater of (y) the fair market value of such units (without discount for illiquidity, minority status or otherwise) as determined by a qualified third party agreed to in writing by a majority of the holders seeking an MG Redemption and Vertex Operating (provided that Vertex Operating still owns Class A Units on such date) and (z) the original per-unit price for such Class B Units plus any unpaid Class B preference. The preference is defined as the greater of the (A) aggregate unpaid Class B yield, equal to 22.5% per year and (B) amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class B Unit holders through such MG Redemption date. “MG Triggering Events” mean (a) any dissolution, winding up or liquidation of the Company, Vertex Operating or any significant subsidiary of Vertex Operating, (b) any sale, lease, license or disposition of any material assets of the Company, Vertex Operating or any significant subsidiary of Vertex Operating, (c) any transaction or series of related transactions (whether by merger, exchange, contribution, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization, combination or otherwise) involving the Company, Vertex Operating or any significant subsidiary of Vertex Operating, the result of which is that the holders of the voting securities of the relevant entity as of the MG Closing Date are no longer the beneficial owners, in the aggregate, after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the entity, subject to certain other requirements set forth in the MG Company Agreement, (d) the failure of Vertex Operating to operate MG SPV in good faith with appropriate resources, or (e) the material failure of the
Company and its affiliates to comply with the terms of the contribution agreement, whereby the Company contributed assets and operations to MG SPV.
Distributions of available cash of MG SPV pursuant to the MG Company Agreement (including pursuant to liquidations of MG SPV), subject to certain exemptions set forth therein, are to be made (a) first, to the holders of the Class B Units, in an amount equal to the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid “Class B Yield” (equal to an annual return of 22.5% per annum) and (B) an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class B Unit holders (initially Tensile-MG)(such aggregate capital invested by the Class B Unit holders, the “MG Invested Capital”, which totals $3 million as of the Closing Date), less prior distributions (the greater amount of (A) and (B), the “Class B Priority Distributions”); (b) second, the Class B Unitholders, together as a separate and distinct class, are entitled to receive an amount equal to the aggregate MG Invested Capital; (c) third, the Class A Unitholders (other than Class A Unitholders which received Class A Units upon conversion of Class B Units), together as a separate and distinct class, are entitled to receive all or a portion of any distribution equal to the sum of all distributions made under sections (a) and (b) above; and (d) fourth, to the holders of Units who are eligible to receive such distributions in proportion to the number of Units held by such holders
On or after July 26, 2022, the Company or any of its subsidiaries, may elect to purchase all of the outstanding units of MG SPV held by Tensile-MG (or any assignee of Tensile-MG) as discussed in the MG Company Agreement.
On the MG Closing Date, Tensile-MG, Vertex Operating and the Company entered into a right of first offer letter agreement (the “ROFO Agreement”), whereby we agreed that if we, at any time, propose to issue, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise directly or indirectly dispose of any equity or debt securities of (x) MG SPV and/or (y) Cedar Marine Terminals, L.P., or any other entity formed or designated to operate the Cedar Marine Terminal in Baytown, Texas, we would provide Tensile-MG written notice of such, and Tensile-MG would have thirty days to purchase the amount of securities offered on terms at least as favorable as those in the original proposal. The rights under the ROFO Agreement continue to apply until such time, if ever, as Tensile-MG has acquired $50 million of securities pursuant to the terms thereof.
Heads of Agreement
On January 10, 2020, Vertex Operating entered into a Heads of Agreement (the “Heads of Agreement”) with Bunker One (USA) Inc., which is owned by Bunker Holding, a Danish holding company (“Bunker One”). Pursuant to the Heads of Agreement, the Company and Bunker One agreed to form a joint decision-making body (the “JDMB”) to focus on strategic matters related to the overall cooperation of the parties and to establish rules and procedures for identifying and undertaking joint projects. The JDMB has six members, three each from the Company and Bunker One.
The goal of the parties, pursuant to the Heads of Agreement and the JDMB, is to jointly develop and acquire direct or indirect equity or equity-related interests in projects and companies in the marine fuel sector in North America, with Bunker One focusing on opportunities related to the supply and optimization of marine fuels or components and the Company focusing on business opportunities relating to refining of bunker fuels.
For each project that the parties agree to pursue, the parties will enter into a form of Co-Operation and Joint Supply and Marketing Agreement (each a “Co-Operation JSMA”). The principal objective of each such Co-Operation JSMA will be the expansion of the business of each party by cooperating in the sourcing, storing, transportation, marketing and selling of products, where: (a) Vertex is primarily responsible for the sourcing and storing of the product (bunker fuels); (b) Bunker One is primarily responsible for the transporting, blending, marketing, selling and delivering of the product (bunker fuels); (c) Bunker One is responsible for the risk management/exposure (e.g. hedging) of the bunker fuels; and (d) Bunker One is the exclusive seller of the product to third parties.
The Heads of Agreement also allows for certain projects outside of the scope of Co-Operation JSMA’s which will be subject to separate Authorization for Expenditures agreed to by the JDMB.
The Heads of Agreement has a term of ten years, beginning effective on January 1, 2020, and continuing through April 30, 2029, provided that the agreement extends for additional five-year periods thereafter unless either party provides the other at least 120 days’ notice of non-renewal before any such automatic renewal date. The agreement can also be terminated by either party upon an event of default (as described in the Heads of Agreement), subject to required thirty days’ notice of such event of default and the opportunity for the breaching party to cure. The Heads of Agreement contains standard and customary events of default, including failure to pay amounts when due, failure to comply with the terms of the agreement, insolvency and the occurrence of a Change of Control, each subject to the terms of the agreement. A Change of Control is defined in the agreement as any party (a) engaged in the bunkering business (i.e., the supplying of fuel used by ships), as to Bunker One, or (b) engaged
in the refining business, as to Vertex, obtaining control of such applicable party by way of any transaction or series of transactions.
The Heads of Agreement also contains a right of first refusal provision, whereby if at any time Bunker One, or any of its U.S. affiliates (each a “Bunker One Party”), proposes to issue, sell, transfer, assign, or otherwise directly or indirectly dispose of (x) all or any substantial portion of its bunkering business in the United States, or, if mutually agreed, outside of the United States and/or (y) the controlling equity interests in any corporation, limited liability company or partnership that owns all or any substantial portion of the bunkering business, held by such Bunker One Party for value, the Bunker One Party is required to provide the Company written notice of such event and the Company is provided the right to make an offer to purchase such entity/assets, from such Bunker One Party, subject to the terms of the Heads of Agreement.
Additionally, under the Heads of Agreement, at any time Bunker One determines to extend its existing bunkering business to any port in North America that is not served by Bunker One as of August 1, 2019, Bunker One is required to extend to the Company the right to elect to expand the terms and conditions of the Heads of Agreement to include any such new port.
Finally, under the Heads of Agreement, if at any time the Company acquires a supply of material that the Company intends to sell in Texas, Louisiana or Alabama and that is suitable for use in Bunker One’s bunkering business in such area from a third party, or produces additional material for sale in such area, the Company is required to provide Bunker One the right to purchase such supply/material pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Heads of Agreement.
JSMA
Also, on January 10, 2020, Vertex Operating entered into a Joint Supply and Marketing Agreement (the “JSMA”), with Bunker One. The JSMA is effective as of May 1, 2020, and provides for Bunker One to acquire 100% of the production from the Company’s Marrero, Louisiana re-refining facility (which produces approximately 100,000 barrels per month of a bunker suitable fuel for offshore use and use as a marine vessel’s propulsion system (“Bunker Fuel”)) at the arithmetic mean of Platts #2 USGC Pipe and Platt’s ULSD USGC Waterborne on agreed pricing days less an agreed upon discount, adjusted every three months.
Pursuant to the JSMA, the parties agreed to the percentages pursuant to which net profit will be split between the parties, relating to the sale of such Bunker Fuel by Bunker One, which is to be sold in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and areas immediately adjacent thereto if mutually agreed (collectively, the “Area”).
Pursuant to the JSMA, (i) the Company is primarily responsible for the sourcing and storing of the feedstock which is used to produce the Bunker Fuel, (ii) Bunker One is primarily responsible for the transporting, blending, marketing, selling and delivering of the Bunker Fuel, (iii) Bunker One is responsible for the risk management/exposure (e.g., hedging) of the Bunker Fuel, and (iv) Bunker One is the exclusive seller of the Bunker Fuel to third parties.
The Bunker Fuel is meant for blending by Bunker One into other products for the purpose of being transformed into bunker suitable fuel for a marine vessel’s propulsion system and/or marketable wholesale products in various other markets for sale by Bunker One to customers in the Area.
Pursuant to the JSMA, the Company agreed that during the term of the agreement, neither the Company, nor any affiliate of the Company, would sell any Bunker Fuel to any customers for their use as bunker fuel other than pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.
Payment for the Bunker Fuel is required to be made by Bunker One within three days after invoiced by the Company, and at the end of each three months during the term of the agreement, Bunker One is required to provide a detailed accounting to the Company setting forth the consideration due to the Company and the calculation of such amounts. The agreement also provides for a yearly accounting by Bunker One and true up of amounts paid and due throughout such year.
The JSMA has a term from May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2029, provided that the term is automatically renewable for additional five-year periods thereafter unless either party provides the other at least 120 days prior written notice of non-renewal, prior to any automatic renewal date. The agreement can also be terminated by either party upon an event of default (as described in the JSMA), subject to required ten days’ notice of such event of default and the opportunity for the breaching party to cure. The Heads of Agreement contains standard and customary events of default, including failure to pay amounts when due, failure to comply with the terms of the agreement and insolvency, each subject to the terms of the agreement. In the event that the individual or group of individuals who ultimately own or control each party or such party’s parent as of May 1, 2020 no
longer has the right or ability to control or cause the direction of the management and policies of such entity, the agreement can be terminated immediately by the party not subject to such change of control.
The JSMA prohibits either party from promoting activities which compete against the other party’s business in the Area for the term of the agreement and for two years thereafter.
The JSMA also provides, during the term of such agreement, for Bunker One to be allowed to have a representative attend meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company and the committees of the Board (in a non-voting observer capacity)(the “Board Observer Right”). The Board Observer Right was provided partially in connection with Bunker One’s agreement to acquire up to $5 million of the Company’s securities which it did through the purchase of shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock (which shares have since been converted into common stock) and common stock, in privately negotiated purchases, with holders of the Company’s Series B1 Preferred Stock.
Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement
On January 17, 2020 (the “Heartland Closing Date”), a Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (the “Heartland Share Purchase”) by and among HPRM LLC (“Heartland SPV”), a Delaware limited liability company, which entity was formed as a special purpose vehicle in connection with the transactions, described in greater detail below, Vertex Operating, Tensile-Heartland Acquisition Corporation (“Tensile-Heartland”), an affiliate of Tensile, and solely for the purposes of the Heartland Guaranty (defined below), the Company, was entered into.
Prior to entering into the Heartland Share Purchase, the Company transferred 100% of the ownership of Vertex Refining OH, LLC, its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary (“Vertex OH”) to Heartland SPV in consideration for 13,500 Class A Units, 13,500 Class A-1 Preferred Units and 11,300 Class B Units of Heartland SPV and immediately thereafter contributed 248 Class B Units to Vertex Splitter, as a contribution to capital.
Vertex OH owns the Company’s Columbus, Ohio, Heartland facility, which produces a base oil product that is sold to lubricant packagers and distributors.
Pursuant to the Heartland Share Purchase, Vertex Operating sold Tensile-Heartland the 13,500 Class A Units and 13,500 Class A-1 Preferred Units of Heartland SPV in consideration for $13.5 million. Also, on the Heartland Closing Date, Tensile-Heartland purchased 7,500 Class A Units and 7,500 Class A-1 Units in consideration for $7.5 million directly from Heartland SPV.
Concurrently with the closing of the transactions described above, and pursuant to the terms of the Heartland Share Purchase, the Company, through Vertex Operating, purchased 1,000 newly issued Class A Units from MG SPV at a cost of $1,000 per unit ($1 million in aggregate).
The Heartland Share Purchase provides Tensile-Heartland an option, exercisable at its election, any time after the Heartland Closing Date, subject to the terms of the Heartland Share Purchase, to purchase up to an additional 7,000 Class A-2 Preferred Units at a cost of $1,000 per Class A-2 Preferred Unit from Heartland SPV.
The Heartland Share Purchase also provided for a guarantee by the Company to Tensile-Heartland of the payment obligations of Vertex Operating as set forth in the Heartland Share Purchase (the “Heartland Guaranty”).
The Heartland Share Purchase had an effective date of January 1, 2020.
Administrative Services Agreement
Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement, entered into on the Heartland Closing Date, Heartland SPV engaged Vertex Operating and the Company to provide administrative/management services and day-to-day operational management services of Heartland SPV in connection with the collection, storage, transportation, transfer, refining, re-refining, distilling, aggregating, processing, blending, sale of used motor oil, used lubricants, wholesale lubricants, recycled fuel oil, or related products and services such as vacuum gas oil, base oil, and asphalt flux, in consideration for a monthly fee. The Administrative Services Agreement has a term continuing until the earlier of (a) the date terminated with the mutual consent of the parties; (b) a liquidation of Heartland SPV; (c) a Heartland Redemption (defined below); (d) the determination of Heartland SPV to terminate following a change of control (as described in the Administrative Services Agreement) of Heartland SPV or the Company; or (e) written notice from the non-breaching party upon the occurrence of a breach which is not cured within the cure period set forth in the Administrative Services Agreement.
The Administrative Services Agreement also provides that in the event that Heartland SPV is unable to procure used motor-oil (“UMO”) through its ordinary course operations, subject to certain conditions, Vertex Operating and the Company are required to use their best efforts to sell (or cause an affiliate to sell) UMO to Heartland SPV, at the lesser of the (i) then-current market price for UMO sold in the same geography area and (ii) price paid by such entity for such UMO. Finally, the Administrative Services Agreement provides that in the event that the Heartland SPV is unable to procure vacuum gas oil (“VGO”) feedstock through its ordinary course operations, subject to certain conditions, Vertex Operating and the Company are required to use their best efforts to sell (or cause an affiliate to sell) VGO to Heartland SPV, at the lesser of the (i) then-current market price for VGO sold in the same geographic area and (ii) price paid for such VGO.
Heartland Limited Liability Company Agreement
The Heartland SPV is currently owned 35% by Vertex Operating and 65% by Tensile-Heartland. The Class A Units held by Tensile-Heartland are convertible into Class B Units as provided in the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Heartland SPV (the “Heartland Company Agreement”), based on a conversion price (initially one-for-one) which may be reduced from time to time if new Units of Heartland SPV are issued and will automatically convert into Series A Units upon certain events described in the Heartland Company Agreement.
The Class A-1 and A-2 Preferred Units (“Class A Preferred Units”), which are 100% owned by Tensile-Heartland, accrue a 22.5% per annum preferred return subject to terms of the Heartland Company Agreement (the “Class A Yield”).
Additionally, the Class A Unit holders (common and preferred) may force Heartland SPV to redeem the outstanding Class A Units at any time on or after the earlier of (a) January 17, 2025 and (ii) the occurrence of a Heartland Triggering Event (defined below)(a “Heartland Redemption”). The cash purchase price for such redeemed Class A Unit will be the greater of (y) the fair market value of such units (without discount for illiquidity, minority status or otherwise) as determined by a qualified third party agreed to in writing by a majority of the holders seeking Heartland Redemption and Vertex Operating (provided that Vertex Operating still owns Class B Units on such date) and (z) the Class A preference. The Class A preference is defined as the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid Class A yield equal to 225% per year or (B) an amount equal to the original per-unit price for such Class A Units plus fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class A Unit holders through such Heartland Redemption date. “Heartland Triggering Events” include (a) any termination of the Administrative Services Agreement pursuant to its terms and/or any material breach by us of the environmental remediation and indemnity agreement, (b) any dissolution, winding up or liquidation of the Company, Vertex Operating or any significant subsidiary of Vertex Operating, (c) any sale, lease, license or disposition of any material assets of the Company, Vertex Operating or any significant subsidiary of Vertex Operating, or (d) any transaction or series of related transactions (whether by merger, exchange, contribution, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization, combination or otherwise) involving the Company, Vertex Operating or any significant subsidiary of Vertex Operating, the result of which is that the holders of the voting securities of the relevant entity as of the Heartland Closing Date are no longer the beneficial owners, in the aggregate, after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the entity, subject to certain other requirements set forth in the Heartland Company Agreement.
In the event that Heartland SPV fails to redeem such Class A Units within 180 days after a redemption is triggered, the Class A Yield is increased to 25% until such time as such redemption is completed (with such increase being effective back to the original date of a notice of redemption). In addition, in such event, the Class A Unit holders may cause Heartland SPV to initiate a process intended to result in a sale of Heartland SPV.
Distributions of available cash of Heartland SPV pursuant to the Heartland Company Agreement (including pursuant to liquidations of Heartland SPV), subject to certain exceptions set forth therein, are to be made (a) first, to the holders of the Class A Preferred Units, in amount equal to the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid Class A Yield and (B) an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class A Preferred Unit holders (initially Tensile-Heartland)(such aggregate capital invested by the Class A Preferred Unit holders, the “Heartland Invested Capital”, which totaled approximately $21 million as of the Heartland Closing Date, subject to adjustment as provided in the Heartland Share Purchase), less prior distributions (such greater amount of (A) and (B), the “Class A Preferred Priority Distributions”); (b) second, the Class A Preferred Unitholders, together as a separate and distinct class, are entitled to receive an amount equal to the aggregate Heartland Invested Capital; (c) third, the Class B Unitholders (other than Class B Unitholders which received Class B Units upon conversion of Class A Preferred Units), together as a separate and distinct class, are entitled to receive all or a portion of
any distribution equal to the sum of all distributions made under sections (a) and (b) above; and (d) fourth, to the holders of Units who are eligible to receive such distributions in proportion to the number of Units held by such holders.
On or after January 17, 2023, the Company (through Vertex Operating) may elect to purchase all of the outstanding units of Heartland SPV held by Tensile-Heartland at the greatest of (i) the amount of the Class A Priority Distributions and the amount of the Heartland Invested Capital, had the Class A Yield accrued at 30% per annum (instead of the original stated 22.5% per annum), (ii) two hundred and seventy-five percent (275%) of the total Heartland Invested Capital, and (iii) a calculation based on the greater of six (6) times the trailing twelve (12) months’ adjusted EBITDA and (B) six (6) times the next twelve (12) months’ projected adjusted EBITDA, each as described in further detail in the Heartland Company Agreement.
Upon the occurrence of a Heartland Triggering Event (described above), the Class A Unitholders (initially Tensile-Heartland) may elect, by a majority vote, to (a) terminate the Administrative Services Agreement and appoint new management of Heartland SPV, (b) trigger a Heartland Redemption, and/or (c) purchase the Class B Units from the Class B Unitholders (initially Vertex Operating) at the fair market value of such units as determined by a qualified third party agreed to in writing by the parties.
Crystal Energy, LLC
On June 1, 2020, the Company, through Vertex Operating, entered into and closed a Member Interest Purchase Agreement with Crystal Energy, LLC ("Crystal") pursuant to which Vertex Operating agreed to buy the outstanding membership interests of Crystal for aggregate cash consideration of $1,822,690. This resulted in the recognition of $1,939,364 in accounts receivable, $976,512 in inventory, $14,484 in other current assets, and $1,107,670 in current liabilities. Upon the closing of the acquisition, Crystal became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vertex Operating.
Crystal is an Alabama limited liability company that was organized on September 7, 2016, for the purpose of purchasing, storing, selling, and distributing refined motor fuels. These activities include the wholesale distribution of gasoline, blended gasoline, and diesel for use as engine fuel to operate automobiles, trucks, locomotives, and construction equipment. Crystal markets its products to third-party customers, and customers will typically resell these products to retailers, end-use consumers, and others. These assets are used in our Refining segment.
Penthol Agreement Termination
On June 5, 2016, the Company and Penthol LLC reached an agreement for the Company to act as Penthol's exclusive agent to market and promote Group III base oil from the United Arab Emirates to the United States. The Company also agreed to provide logistical support. The start-up date was July 25, 2016, with a 5-year term through 2021. Over the Company's objection, Penthol terminated the Agreement effective January 19, 2021. The Company and Penthol are currently involved in litigation involving such termination and related matters as described in greater detail in “Part II” - “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Note 4. Concentrations, Significant Customers, Commitments and Contingencies”, under the heading “Litigation”.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, which causes the infectious disease known as COVID-19, was reported in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” on January 30, 2020 and a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. In March and April, many U.S. states and local jurisdictions began issuing ‘stay-at-home’ orders, which continue in various forms as of the date of this report. Notwithstanding such ‘stay-at-home’ orders, to date, our operations have for the most part been deemed an essential business under applicable governmental orders based on the critical nature of the products we offer.
We sell products and services primarily in the U.S. domestic oil and gas commodity markets. Throughout the first quarter of 2020, the industry experienced multiple factors which lowered both the demand for, and prices of, oil and gas. First, the COVID-19 pandemic lowered global demand for hydrocarbons, as social distancing and travel restrictions were implemented across the world. Second, the lifting of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)+ supply curtailments, and the associated increase in production of oil, drove the global supply of hydrocarbons higher through the first quarter of 2020. As a result of both dynamics, prices for hydrocarbons declined 67% from peak prices within the quarter. In addition, while global gross domestic product (GDP) growth was impacted by COVID-19 during 2020, we expect GDP to continue to decline globally for at least the early part of 2021, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we expect oil and gas related markets will continue to experience significant volatility in 2021. Our goal through this downturn has been to remain disciplined in allocating capital and to focus on liquidity and cash preservation. We are taking the necessary actions to right-size the business for expected activity levels.
As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, some of our feedstock suppliers have permanently or temporarily closed their businesses, limited our access to their businesses, or have experienced a decreased demand for services. As a result of the above, and due to ‘stay-at-home’ and other social distancing orders, as well as the decline in U.S. travel caused by COVID-19, we have seen a significant decline in the volume of feedstocks (specifically used oil) that we have been able to collect, and therefore process through our facilities. A continued economic slowdown, period of social quarantine (imposed by the government or otherwise), or a continued period of decreased travel due to COVID-19 or the responses thereto, will likely have a material negative adverse impact on our ability to produce products, and consequently our revenues and results of operations.
The full extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business and operations currently cannot be estimated and will depend on a number of factors including the scope and duration of the global pandemic, the efficacy of, ability to manufacture a sufficient amount of, and the willingness of the general public to obtain, vaccines.
Currently we believe that we have sufficient cash on hand and will generate sufficient cash through operations to support our operations for the foreseeable future; however, we will continue to evaluate our business operations based on new information as it becomes available and will make changes that we consider necessary in light of any new developments regarding the pandemic.
The pandemic is developing rapidly and the full extent to which COVID-19 will ultimately impact us depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the virus, the impact of vaccines and virus mutations and the potential seasonality of new outbreaks.
Description of Business Activities:
We are an environmental services company that recycles industrial waste streams and off-specification commercial chemical products. Our primary focus is recycling used motor oil and other petroleum by-products. We are engaged in operations across the entire petroleum recycling value chain including collection, aggregation, transportation, storage, re-refinement, and sales of aggregated feedstock and re-refined products to end users. We operate in three segments:
(1) Black Oil,
(2) Refining and Marketing, and
(3) Recovery.
We currently provide our services in 15 states, primarily in the Gulf Coast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. For the rolling twelve-month period ending December 31, 2020, we aggregated approximately 75.5 million gallons of used motor oil and other petroleum by-product feedstocks and managed the re-refining of approximately 65.6 million gallons of used motor oil with our proprietary TCEP, VGO and Base Oil processes.
Our Black Oil segment collects and purchases used motor oil directly from third-party generators, aggregates used motor oil from an established network of local and regional collectors, and sells used motor oil to our customers for use as a feedstock or replacement fuel for industrial burners. We operate a refining facility that uses our proprietary TCEP and we also utilize third-party processing facilities. TCEP’s original purpose was to re-fine used oil into marine cutterstock; however, in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, that use ceased to be economically accretive, and instead, we operated TCEP for the purposes of pre-treating our used motor oil feedstock prior to shipping to our facility in Marrero, Louisiana. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the original purpose of TCEP once again became economically viable and at that time we switched to using TCEP to re-fine used oil into marine cutterstock; provided that with the decline in oil prices and challenges in obtaining feedstock during early 2020, we switched back to using TCEP for the purposes of pre-treating our used motor oil feedstock prior to shipping to our facility in Marrero, Louisiana, and continuing through the filing date of this report.
We also operate a facility in Marrero, Louisiana, which facility re-refines used motor oil and also produces VGO and own 85% of an entity which owns a re-refining complex in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, which we call our Myrtle Grove facility.
Our Refining and Marketing segment aggregates and manages the re-refinement of used motor oil and other petroleum by-products and sells the re-refined products to end customers. In addition, we are distributing refined motor fuels such as gasoline, blended gasoline products and diesel used as engine fuels, to third party customers who typically resell these products to retailers and end consumers.
Our Recovery segment includes a generator solutions company for the proper recovery and management of hydrocarbon streams as well as metals which includes transportation and marine salvage services throughout the Gulf Coast.
Black Oil Segment
Our Black Oil segment is engaged in operations across the entire used motor oil recycling value chain including collection, aggregation, transportation, storage, refinement, and sales of aggregated feedstock and re-refined products to end users. We collect and purchase used oil directly from generators such as oil change service stations, automotive repair shops, manufacturing facilities, petroleum refineries, and petrochemical manufacturing operations. We own a fleet of 41 collection vehicles, which routinely visit generators to collect and purchase used motor oil. We also aggregate used oil from a diverse network of approximately 50 suppliers who operate similar collection businesses to ours.
We manage the logistics of transport, storage and delivery of used oil to our customers. We own a fleet of 30 transportation trucks and more than 80 aboveground storage tanks with over 8.6 million gallons of storage capacity. These assets are used by both the Black Oil segment and the Refining and Marketing segment. In addition, we also utilize third parties for the transportation and storage of used oil feedstocks. Typically, we sell used oil to our customers in bulk to ensure efficient delivery by truck, rail, or barge. In many cases, we have contractual purchase and sale agreements with our suppliers and customers, respectively. We believe these contracts are beneficial to all parties involved because it ensures that a minimum volume is purchased from collectors and generators, a minimum volume is sold to our customers, and we are able to minimize our inventory risk by a spread between the costs to acquire used oil and the revenues received from the sale and delivery of used oil. Also, as discussed above under “Description of Business Activities”, from time to time, when market conditions warrant (i.e., when oil prices are sufficiently high), we have used our proprietary TCEP technology to re-refine used oil into marine fuel cutterstock. Due to the recent decline in oil prices and challenges in obtaining feedstock, since the first quarter of 2020, we have used TCEP solely to pre-treat our used motor oil feedstock prior to shipping to our facility in Marrero, Louisiana. In addition, at our Marrero, Louisiana facility, we produce a Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) product that is sold to refineries as well as to the marine fuels market. At our Columbus, Ohio facility (Heartland Petroleum), the ownership of 65% of which was transferred to Tensile in connection with the Heartland SPV (discussed above), effective January 1, 2020, we produce a base oil product that is sold to lubricant packagers and distributors.
Refining and Marketing Segment
Our Refining and Marketing segment is engaged in the aggregation of feedstock, re-refining it into higher value end products, and selling these products to our customers, as well as related transportation and storage activities. We aggregate a diverse mix of feedstocks including used motor oil, petroleum distillates, transmix and other off-specification chemical products. These feedstock streams are purchased from pipeline operators, refineries, chemical processing facilities and third-party providers, and are also transferred from our Black Oil segment. We have a toll-based processing agreement in place with KMTEX to re-refine feedstock streams, under our direction, into various end products that we specify. KMTEX uses industry standard processing technologies to re-refine our feedstocks into pygas, gasoline blendstock and marine fuel cutterstock. We sell all of our re-refined products directly to end-customers or to processing facilities for further refinement. In addition, we are distributing refined motor fuels such as gasoline, blended gasoline products and diesel used as engine fuels, to third party customers who typically resell these products to retailers and end consumers.
Recovery Segment
The Company’s Recovery Segment includes a generator solutions company for the proper recovery and management of hydrocarbon streams, the sales and marketing of Group III base oils and other petroleum-based products, together with the recovery and processing of metals.
Thermal Chemical Extraction Process
We own the intellectual property for our patented TCEP. TCEP is a technology which utilizes thermal and chemical dynamics to extract impurities from used oil which increases the value of the feedstock. We intend to continue to develop our TCEP technology and design with the goal of producing additional re-refined products, including lubricating base oil.
TCEP differs from conventional re-refining technologies, such as vacuum distillation and hydrotreatment, by relying more heavily on chemical processes to remove impurities rather than temperature and pressure. Therefore, the capital requirements to build a TCEP plant are typically much less than a traditional re-refinery because large feed heaters, vacuum distillation columns, and a hydrotreating unit are not required. The end product currently produced by TCEP is used as fuel oil cutterstock. Conventional re-refineries produce lubricating base oils or product grades slightly lower than base oil that can be used as industrial fuels or transportation fuel blendstocks.
We currently estimate the cost to construct a new, fully-functional, commercial facility using our TCEP technology, with annual processing capacity of between 25 and 50 million gallons at another location would be approximately $10 - $15 million, which could fluctuate based on throughput capacity. The facility infrastructure would require additional capitalized expenditures which would depend on the location and site specifics of the facility. Our TCEP technology converts feedstock into a low sulfur marine fuel that can be sold into the new 0.5% low sulfur marine fuel specification mandated under International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules which went into effect on January 1, 2020. As described above, due to the decline in oil prices and challenges in obtaining feedstock in the early part of 2020, we are currently using TCEP for the purposes of pre-treating our used motor oil feedstock prior to shipping to our facility in Marrero, Louisiana. We have no current plans to construct any other TCEP facilities at this time.
Organizational Structure
The following chart reflects our current organization structure, including significant subsidiaries (all of which are wholly-owned, except as discussed below):
Our Industry
The used oil recycling industry is comprised of multiple participants including generators, collectors, aggregators, processors, and end users. Generators are entities that generate used oil through their daily operations such as automotive businesses conducting oil changes on consumer and commercial vehicles and industrial users changing lubricants on machinery and heavy equipment. Collectors are typically local businesses that purchase used oil from generators and provide on-site collection services. The collection market is highly fragmented and we believe there are more than 400 used oil collectors in the United States. Aggregators are specialized businesses that purchase used oil and petroleum by-products from multiple collectors and sell and deliver it as feedstock to processors. Processors, or re-refineries, utilize a processing technology to convert the used oil or petroleum by-product into a higher-value feedstock or end-product. Used oil is any oil that has been refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used and, as a result of such use, is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities. Physical impurities could include contamination by metal shavings, sawdust, or dirt. Chemical impurities could include contamination by water or benzene, or degradation of lubricating additives.
Conventional re-refineries typically employ vacuum distillation and hydrotreating processes to transform used oil into various grades of base oil. Vacuum distillation is a process that removes emulsified contaminated water and separates used oil
into vacuum gas oil and light fuels. The vacuum gas oil is then hydrotreated to produce lubricating base oil. Hydrotreating is a process which combines chemical catalysts, heat, and pressure to remove impurities such as sulfur, chlorine, and oxygen and to stabilize the end product. A re-refined lubricating base oil is of equal quality and will last as long as a virgin base oil. In addition, other re-refining processes transform used oil into product grades slightly lower than base oil. These products, along with vacuum gas oil and the end product produced by TCEP, are commonly referred to as intermediate products and are used as industrial fuels or transportation fuel blendstocks.
The petroleum by-products industry is driven by the financial and environmental benefits of recycling, as well as by the amount of petroleum by-product generated each year. Used oil is typically used: (a) as an industrial burner oil, where the used oil is dewatered, filtered and demineralized for use in industrial burners; (b) as hydraulic oil; (c) as bitumen-based products (for road surfacing and roofing); (d) as an additive in manufactured products; or (e) as a re-refined base oil for use as a lubricant, hydraulic or transformer oil - which is how the Company uses such used oil. The market value of recycled oil is based, in large part, on its end use. In general, the market price for used motor oil that is burned as an industrial fuel is driven by the cost of competing fuels, including natural gas, while the market value of re-refined used motor oil is driven by competing petroleum products. The extent to which the financial benefits of recycling used oil are realized is driven by operating efficiency in aggregating, storing and transporting used oil supply; the extent to which the used oil is re-refined; and the price spread between natural gas and crude oil.
In the U.S., we believe that of the approximately 1.3 billion gallons of used oil generated annually approximately 200 million gallons are improperly disposed (per the EPA), 200 - 250 million gallons are re-refined into lubricating base oils, 150 - 200 million gallons are re-refined into intermediate products with grades slightly lower than base oil, and 650 - 750 million gallons are burned as an industrial fuel source. We also believe that each year the U.S. generates 425 million used automotive oil filters containing 160,000 tons of iron units and 18 million gallons of oil (per data provided by the Steel Recycling Institute). We believe that the amount of used oil being re-refined into base oils and intermediate products in the U.S. will stay basically unchanged in 2021 as no additional re-refining capacity is scheduled to come on-line. As of the date of this Report, the approximate market price for used oil at the generator level is approximately $0.00 to $0.20 per gallon (which is required to be paid to acquire such used oil), the approximate market price of intermediate re-refined products ranges from $1.25 to $1.50 per gallon, and the approximate price for lubricating base oil ranges from $2.00 to $2.50 per gallon, representing a U.S. market size of approximately $1.0 - $1.75 billion for recycled oil.
As with the financial benefits of recycling used oil, the environmental benefits are also driven by its end use. Environmental regulations prohibit the disposal of used oil in sewers or landfills because used motor oil is insoluble and contains heavy metals and other contaminants that make it detrimental to the environment if improperly disposed; one gallon of used oil can contaminate up to 1 million gallons of fresh drinking water. Additionally, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, it takes 42 gallons of crude oil, but only 1 gallon of used oil, to produce 2.5 quarts of new, high-quality lubricating oil. Compared to burning used oil as an industrial fuel, re-refined oil significantly reduces the amount of toxic heavy metals and greenhouse gases and other pollutants introduced into the environment. In addition, the use of re-refined motor oil conserves petroleum that would have otherwise been refined into virgin base stock oil.
We believe that the used oil recycling market has significant growth potential through increasing the percentage of recycled oil that is re-refined rather than burned as a low cost industrial fuel. We believe that the financial and environmental benefits of re-refining used oil combined with consumer and commercial demand for high-quality, environmentally responsible products will drive growth in demand for re-refined oil and re-refining capacity in the United States. Furthermore, we believe that increasing consumer and industrial awareness of the environmental impact of improperly disposing used oil may drive additional market growth as approximately 200 million gallons of used oil generated each year are improperly disposed rather than recycled.
Used motor oil is burned by various users such as asphalt companies, paper mills and industrial facilities as an alternative to their base fuels, to offset operational costs. Therefore, the commercial price of used oil is typically slightly less than the base fuels for the burners. Similarly, re-refined oil is used as a substitute for various virgin petroleum-based products with pricing driven by the market price of crude oil. Since there is not an active marketplace for used and re-refined oil prices, we use the prices of natural gas and crude as benchmarks in our industry. Typically, the spread between crude and natural gas prices is an accurate proxy for the potential incremental value of re-refining used oil.
Our Competitive Strengths
Large, Diversified Feedstock Supply Network.
We obtain our feedstock supply through a combination of direct collection activities and purchases from third-party suppliers. We believe our balanced direct and indirect approach to obtaining feedstock is highly advantageous because it enables us to maximize total supply and reduce our reliance on any single supplier and the risk of not fulfilling our minimum feedstock sale quotas. We collect feedstock directly from over 4,500 generators including oil change service stations, automotive repair shops, manufacturing facilities, petroleum refineries and petrochemical manufacturing operations, as well as brokers. We aggregate used oil from a diverse network of approximately 50 suppliers who operate similar collection businesses to ours.
Strategic Relationships.
We have established relationships with key feedstock suppliers, storage and transportation providers, oil re-refineries, and end-user customers. We believe our relationships with these parties are strong, in part due to our high level of customer service, competitive prices, and our ability to contract (for purchase or sale) long-term, minimum monthly feedstock commitments. We believe that our strategic relationships could lead to contract extensions and expanded feedstock supply or purchase agreements.
Proprietary Technology.
Our proprietary TCEP technology produces a fuel oil cutterstock for the fuel oil market or a refining feedstock. We believe we are able to build TCEP re-refining facilities at a significantly lower cost than conventional re-refineries. We estimate the cost to build a TCEP plant with capacity of up to 50 million gallons at approximately $10 - $15 million, whereas a similar sized base oil plant with vacuum distillation towers and a hydrotreater can cost in excess of $50 million. Notwithstanding the lower cost of TCEP plants, with oil at its current prices, we do not believe that it makes economic sense to expand our TCEP technology at this time due to the fixed operating costs involved.
Logistics Capabilities.
We have extensive expertise and experience managing and operating feedstock supply chain logistics and multimodal transportation services for customers who purchase our feedstock or higher-value, re-refined products. We believe that our scale, infrastructure, expertise, and contracts enable us to cost effectively transport product and consistently meet our customers’ volume, quality and delivery schedule requirements.
Scale of Operations.
We believe that the size and scale of our operations is a significant competitive advantage when competing for new business and maintaining existing customer relationships. Price is one of the main competitive factors in the feedstock collection industry and because we are able to effectively leverage our fixed operating costs and economies of scale, we believe that our prices are competitive. Through our network of suppliers and customers, we aggregate a large amount of feedstock, which enables us to enter into minimum purchase and sale contracts as well as accept large volume orders year-round. We believe this is a competitive advantage because it minimizes our suppliers’ inventory risk and ensures our customers’ minimum order volumes are satisfied. In addition, we believe our end customers prefer to work with an exclusive supplier rather than manage multiple customer relationships.
Diversified End Product Sales.
We believe that the diversity of the products we sell reduces our overall risk and exposure to price fluctuations. Prices for petroleum-based products can be impacted significantly by supply and demand fluctuations which are not correlated with general commodity price changes. For instance, in a rising commodity price environment with a significant over-supply of base oil, the price of base oil may fall precipitously while the price of gasoline increases; and in a falling commodity price environment with a shortage of base oil, the price of base oil may increase precipitously while the price of gasoline falls. We offer a diversified product mix consisting of used motor oil, fuel oil, pygas, and gasoline blendstock. We can also control our mix of end products by choosing to either resell collected feedstock or re-refine it into a higher-value product.
Management Team.
We are led by a management team with expertise in petroleum recycling, finance, operations, and re-refinement technology. Each member of our senior management team has more than 21 years of industry experience. We believe the strength of our management team will help our success in the marketplace.
Our Business Strategy
The principal elements of our strategy include:
Pursue Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships
We plan to grow market share by consolidating feedstock supply through partnering with or acquiring collection and aggregation assets. Our executive team has a proven ability to evaluate resource potential and identify acquisition targets. The acquisitions and/or partnerships could increase our revenue and provide better control over the quality and quantity of feedstock available for resale and/or upgrading as well as providing additional locations for the potential future implementation of TCEP (assuming future favorable market conditions). We also intend to diversify our revenue by acquiring complementary recycling service businesses, refining assets and technologies, and other vertically integrated businesses or assets. We believe we can realize synergies on acquisitions by leveraging our customer and vendor relationships, infrastructure, and personnel, and by eliminating duplicative overhead costs.
Expand Feedstock Supply Volume
We intend to expand our feedstock supply volume by growing our collection and aggregation operations. We plan to increase the volume of feedstock we collect directly by developing new relationships with generators and working to displace incumbent collectors; increasing the number of collection personnel, vehicles, equipment, and geographical areas we serve; and acquiring collectors in new or existing territories. We intend to increase the volume of feedstock we aggregate from third-party collectors by expanding our existing relationships and developing new vendor relationships. We believe that our ability to acquire large feedstock volumes will help to cultivate new vendor relationships because collectors often prefer to work with a single, reliable customer rather than manage multiple relationships and the uncertainty of excess inventory.
Broaden Existing Customer Relationships and Secure New Large Accounts
We intend to broaden our existing customer relationships by increasing sales of used motor oil and re-refined products to these accounts. In some cases, we may also seek to serve as our customers’ primary or exclusive supplier. We also believe that as we increase our supply of feedstock and re-refined products, we will have the opportunity to secure larger customer accounts that require a partner who can consistently deliver high volumes.
Re-Refine Higher Value End Products
We intend to develop, lease, or acquire technologies to re-refine our feedstock supply into higher value end products, including assets or technologies which complement TCEP. From the third quarter of 2015 to the fourth quarter of 2019, we utilized TCEP to pre-treat our used motor oil feedstocks prior to shipping to our facility in Marrero, Louisiana; however, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, we once again began using TCEP for the purpose of producing finished cutterstock until the first quarter of 2020, when such use became no longer economical due to falling oil prices, and we once again switched to using TCEP to pre-treat used motor oil feedstocks. We hope that continued improvements in our technologies and investments in additional technologies will enable us to upgrade feedstock into higher value end products, such as fuels and lubricating base oil that command higher market prices.
Products and Services
We generate substantially all of our revenue from the sale of eight product categories. All of these products are commodities that are subject to various degrees of product quality and performance specifications.
Base Oil
Base oil is an oil to which other oils or substances are added to produce a lubricant. Typically, the main substance in lubricants, base oils, are refined from crude oil.
Pygas
Pygas, or pyrolysis gasoline, is a product that can be blended with gasoline as an octane booster or that can be distilled and separated into its components, including benzene and other hydrocarbons.
Industrial Fuel
Industrial fuel is a distillate fuel oil which is typically a blend of lower quality fuel oils. It can include diesel fuels and fuel oils such as No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 diesel fuels that are historically used for space heating and power generation. Industrial fuel is typically a fuel with low viscosity, as well as low sulfur, ash, and heavy metal content, making it an ideal blending agent.
Distillates
Distillates are finished fuel products such as gasoline and diesel fuels.
Oil Collection Services
Oil collection services include the collection, handling, treatment and sales of used motor oil and products which include used motor oil (such as oil filters) which are collected from our customers.
Metals
Metals consist of recoverable ferrous and non-ferrous recyclable metals from manufacturing and consumption. Scrap metal can be recovered from pipes, barges, boats, building supplies, surplus equipment, tanks, and other items consisting of metal composition. These materials are segregated, processed, cut-up and sent back to a steel mill for re-purposing.
Other re-refinery products
Other re-refinery products include the sales of asphalt, condensate, recovered products, and other petroleum products.
VGO/Marine fuel sales
VGO/Marine fuel sales relate to the sale of low sulfur fuel meeting the criteria for IMO 2020 compliant marine fuels.
The way that the product categories above fit into our three operating segments (1) Black Oil; (2) Refining and Marketing; and (3) Recovery, are indicated below:
Black Oil(1)
Refining and Marketing(2)
Recovery(3)
Base oil
X
X
Pygas
X
Industrial fuel
X
X
Distillates
X
Oil collection services
X
Metals
X
Other re-refinery products
X
X
VGO/Marine fuel sales
X
(1) As discussed in greater detail above under “Black Oil Segment”, the Black Oil segment consists primary of the sale of (a) petroleum products which include base oil and industrial fuels-which consist of used motor oils, cutterstock and fuel oil generated by our facilities; (b) oil collection services-which consist of used oil sales, burner fuel sales, antifreeze sales and
service charges; (c) the sale of other re-refinery products including asphalt, condensate, recovered products, and used motor oil; (d) transportation revenues; and (e) the sale of VGO (vacuum gas oil)/marine fuel.
(2) As discussed in greater detail above under “Refining and Marketing Segment”, the Refining and Marketing segment consists primarily of the sale of pygas; industrial fuels, which are produced at a third-party facility (KMTEX); and distillates.
(3) As discussed in greater detail above under “Recovery Segment”, the Recovery segment consists primarily of revenues generated from the sale of ferrous and non-ferrous recyclable Metal(s) products that are recovered from manufacturing and consumption. It also includes revenues generated from trading/marketing of Group III Base Oils.
Suppliers
We conduct business with a number of used oil generators, as well as a large network of suppliers that collect used oil from used oil generators. In our capacity as a collector of used oil, we purchase feedstock from approximately 4,500 businesses, such as oil change service stations, automotive repair shops, manufacturing facilities, petroleum refineries, and petrochemical manufacturing operations, which generate used oil through their operations.
In our capacity as a broker of used oil, we work with approximately 50 suppliers that collect used oil from businesses such as those mentioned above.
Customers
The Black Oil segment sells used oil, VGO, base oil and other petroleum feedstocks to numerous customers in the Gulf Coast and Midwest regions of the United States. The primary customers of its products are packagers, distributers, blenders and industrial burners, as described above as well as re-refiners of the feedstock. The Black Oil segment is party to various feedstock sale agreements whereby we sell used oil feedstock to third parties. The agreements provide for us to sell certain minimum gallons of used oil feedstock per month at a price per barrel equal to our direct costs, plus certain commissions, based on the quality and quantity of the used oil we supply.
The Recovery segment does not rely solely on contracts, but mainly on the spot market as well as a strategic network of customers and vendors to support the purchase and sale of its products which are commodities. It also relies on project-based work which it bids on from time to time of which there is no guarantee or assurance of repeat business.
KMTEX Tolling Agreement
On or around April 17, 2013, and effective June 1, 2012, we entered into a new Tolling Agreement with KMTEX, Ltd. (“KMTEX” and the agreement as amended to date, the “Tolling Agreement”). The Company was previously party to a tolling agreement with KMTEX which expired pursuant to its terms on June 30, 2010, provided that the parties had continued to operate under the terms of the expired agreement until their entry into the April 2013 Tolling Agreement.
Pursuant to the Tolling Agreement, KMTEX agreed to process feedstock of certain petroleum distillates, which we provide to KMTEX, into more valuable feedstocks, including pygas, gasoline blend stock and MDO/cutter stock. The Tolling Agreement had an expiration date of June 30, 2014 (the “Initial Term”), provided that if not terminated by either party by written notice to the other, received within ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term (or any extension term), the agreement automatically renewed for a successive one (1) year period and could be automatically extended for up to five (5) more extension terms.
In November 2013 and effective November 1, 2013, we entered into a First Amendment to Processing Agreement with KMTEX LLC (previously KMTEX Ltd., hereafter “KMTEX”), which amended the Tolling Agreement. The amendment formally extended the date of the initial term of the Tolling Agreement to December 31, 2015, provided that if not terminated by either party by written notice to the other, received within ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial term, as amended (or any Extension Term, defined below), the agreement would automatically renew for a successive one (1) year period. The Tolling Agreement could be automatically extended for up to six (6) extension terms from the end of the extended initial term. The amendment also updated the pricing terms of the original agreement and required us to make certain capital expenditures at the KMTEX facility which have been made to date.
On December 3, 2015, and effective January 1, 2016, we entered into a Second Amendment to Processing Agreement with KMTEX. The amendment formally extended the date of the initial term of the Tolling Agreement to December 31, 2016,
provided that if not terminated by either party by written notice to the other, received within ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial term, as amended (or any extension term), the agreement automatically renews for a successive one (1) year period. The amendment also updated the pricing terms of the agreement.
On December 14, 2016, and effective January 1, 2017, we entered into a Third Amendment to Processing Agreement with KMTEX. The amendment formally extended the date of the initial term of the Tolling Agreement to December 31, 2018, provided that if not terminated by either party by written notice to the other, received within ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the initial term, as amended (or any Extension Term, defined below), the agreement automatically renews for a successive one (1) year period (an “Extension Term”). The Tolling Agreement can be automatically extended for up to six (6) Extension Terms from the end of the extended initial term. The amendment also updated the pricing terms of the agreement. As the Tolling Agreement, as amended, was not terminated by either party within 90 days of December 31, 2020, the term of the Tolling Agreement automatically extended for an additional one (1) year period through December 31, 2021, and such agreement can be extended for up to three (3) additional one (1) year extensions. Notwithstanding such automatic extension, as of the date of this filing, we are negotiating the terms of a further extension/renewal.
Notwithstanding the above, either party can terminate the Tolling Agreement at any time with ninety (90) days prior written notice for any reason and with thirty (30) days written notice upon the occurrence of certain material termination events as described in greater detail in the agreement. In connection with and pursuant to the Tolling Agreement, we pay KMTEX certain monthly tank rental fees, truck and rail car fees, and processing fees based on the weight of the material processed by KMTEX, as well as certain disposal fees and other fees. Each year of the agreement, beginning on the 12-month anniversary of the effective date, the parties agreed to review and increase the fees provided for in the agreement in accordance with among other things, various consumer price index benchmarks, as mutually agreed.
The Tolling Agreement also provides that, for materials delivered to KMTEX by rail, barge, drum, or truck, KMTEX is required to obtain the Bill of Lading and Material Safety Data Sheet that accompany such materials and not accept any materials not accompanied by a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency or other Federal or State Government). The Company is also required to indemnify KMTEX against the acceptance of any material later classified as a hazardous waste. The agreement requires KMTEX to be responsible for all leaks, spills, discharges and releases which occur in connection with the performance of the agreement, except due to the Company’s gross negligence. Finally, the agreement requires each party to indemnify the other against any liability as a result of death or bodily injury to any person, destruction or damage to property, contamination of, adverse effects on, or imminent or substantial endangerment of, or release or threat of release into the environment, or any threatened or actual release of hazardous substance, or any violation or alleged violation of or liability under any governmental laws, regulations, rules or orders to the extent caused by, arising out of or in any manner connected with such indemnifying party’s negligent acts, omissions, breaches of the agreement or failure to comply with applicable laws in the performance thereof, subject to certain exclusions described in the agreement.
Swap Agreement and Base Oil Agreement
On January 29, 2016, we (through Vertex Operating) and Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc. (“Safety-Kleen”) entered into a Swap Agreement (the “Swap Agreement”). The Swap Agreement has a term of five years, beginning January 29, 2016, and automatically renews for additional one-year terms thereafter unless either party provides the other 90 days prior written notice of their intention not to renew prior to any automatic extension. Effective January 29, 2021, the Swap Agreement initial term expired and the agreement renewed for an additional year (subject to future automatic extensions).Pursuant to the Swap Agreement, we and Safety-Kleen agreed to swap certain quantities of used oil feedstock (the agreement includes monthly maximums, quarterly minimums and maximums, and annual maximums of used oil feedstock volume required to be ‘swapped’) between Safety-Kleen's plant in Nevada and our Marrero, Louisiana plant and/or the Cedar Marine Terminal in Baytown, Texas, on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis, with any shortfall in the amount of used oil feedstock ‘swapped’ on a quarterly basis, being paid for in cash based on a discount to U.S. Platts mid-range per gallon rate for Gulf Coast No. 6, 3% oil (the “Platts”). The Swap Agreement can be terminated with 30 days prior written notice in the event either party fails to meet the specifications for oil feedstock set forth in the agreement, a party fails to deliver the required minimum quarterly volumes of oil feedstock during any three consecutive quarters, or a party materially breaches a term of the agreement.
Additionally, we (through Vertex Operating) and Safety-Kleen also entered into a Base Oil Agreement on January 29, 2016 (the “Base Oil Agreement”). The Base Oil Agreement provides for us to purchase from Safety-Kleen, and Safety-Kleen to sell to us, certain required quantities of base oils and other finished lubricants described in greater detail in the Base Oil Agreement (the “Base Oil”)(the agreement contains quarterly and annual maximum volumes of Base Oil to be acquired by us). The agreement has a term of five years and automatically renews for additional one-year terms thereafter unless either party provides the other 90 days prior written notice of their intention not to renew prior to any automatic extension. Effective
January 29, 2021, the Base Oil Agreement initial term expired and the agreement renewed for an additional year (subject to future automatic extensions).
Competition
The industrial waste and brokerage of petroleum products industries are highly competitive. There are numerous small to mid-size firms that are engaged in the collection, transportation, treatment and brokerage of virgin and used petroleum products. Competitors include, but are not limited to: Safety-Kleen, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clean Harbors, Inc.), Rio Energy, Inc., Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc., and Origin Americas LLC (formerly Flex Oil Service, LLC). These competitors actively seek to purchase feedstock from local, regional and industrial collectors, refineries, pipelines and other sources. Competition for these feedstocks may result in increasing prices to obtain used motor oil and transmix feedstocks critical to the success of our business. In order to remain competitive, we must control costs and maintain strong relationships with our feedstock suppliers. Our network of generators and collectors minimizes our reliance on any single supplier. A portion of the sales of the collected and aggregated used motor oil product are based on supply contracts which include a range of prices which change based on feedstock quality specifications and volumes. This pricing structure helps to insulate us from inventory risk by ensuring a spread between costs to acquire used motor oil feedstock and the revenues received for delivery of the feedstock. We believe that price and service are the main competitive factors in the used motor oil collection industry. We believe that our ability to accept and transport large volumes of oil year round gives us an advantage over many of our competitors. In addition, we believe that our storage capacity and ability to process the streams of products we receive as well as our ability to transport the end product by barge, rail and truck provide further advantages over many of our competitors.
Employees
The Company works diligently to attract the best talent from a diverse range of sources in order to meet the current and future demands of our business. We have established relationships with trade schools, world-class universities, professional associations and industry groups to proactively attract talent.
We have a strong employee value proposition that leverages our unique culture, collaborative working environment, shared sense of purpose, desire to do the right thing and ground-breaking work to attract talent to our Company. Although we have a broad footprint in our business, our people feel like they are amongst friends and can be themselves. We empower them to find new and better ways of doing things and the scale of our business means that careers can develop in exciting and unexpected directions.
In 2020, we hired 64 new employees at our Company. When we hire talent, they tend to stay at the company. The average employee has 5.3 years of service. On February 19, 2021, we employed 282 full-time employees. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.
Seasonality
The industrial hydrocarbon recovery business is seasonal to the extent that it is dependent on streams from seasonal industries. For example, asphalt plants burn recycled waste oil in their process, placing pricing and supply availability constraints on the industry during the good weather construction and road building seasons. In our current markets, road paving typically occurs from late spring to early fall. Therefore, it is somewhat easier to procure certain waste streams during winter months when competition for used motor oil feedstock is historically not as strong. Currently we are seeing increased demand for used motor oil feedstocks throughout the year due to the addition of re-refining technologies in the marketplace.
Governmental Regulation, Including Environmental Regulation and Climate Change
Our operations are subject to stringent United States federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to health and safety or the protection of the environment. Additional laws and regulations, or changes in the interpretations of existing laws and regulations, that affect our business and operations may be adopted, which may in turn impact our financial condition.
Additionally, the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Coast Guard and Homeland Security as well as various federal, state, local and foreign agencies exercise broad powers over our transportation operations, generally governing such activities as authorization to engage in motor carrier operations, safety and permits to conduct transportation business. We may also become subject to new or more restrictive regulations that the Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency or other authorities impose, including
regulations relating to engine exhaust emissions, the hours of service that our drivers may provide in any one time-period, security and other matters.
Our compliance challenges arise from various legislative and regulatory bodies influenced by political, environmental, health and safety concerns.
For example, changes in federal regulations relating to the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether and new sulfur limitations for product shipped in domestic pipelines resulted in tightened specifications of gasoline blendstock that we were refining, causing a corresponding decrease in revenue and gross margin growth during 2016, as compared to prior years. This change in regulation, as well as other emission-related regulations, had a material impact on the entire petroleum industry, and we adapted and managed our operations by finding materials better suited to comply with these regulations. As such, it is possible that future changes in federal regulations could have a material adverse effect on our results from operations.
We must also obtain and maintain a range of federal, state and local permits for our various logistical needs as well as our planned industrial processes.
The following is a summary of the more significant existing health, safety and environmental laws and regulations to which our operations are subject.
Hazardous Substances and Waste
The United States Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, referred to as “CERCLA” or the “Superfund” law, and comparable state laws impose liability without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct on certain defined persons, including current and prior owners or operators of a site where a release of hazardous substances occurred and entities that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances found at the site. Under CERCLA, these “responsible persons” may be liable for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances, for damages to natural resources and for the costs of certain health studies.
In the course of our operations, we occasionally generate materials that are considered “hazardous substances” and, as a result, may incur CERCLA liability for cleanup costs. Also, claims may be filed for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other pollutants. We also generate solid wastes that are subject to the requirements of the United States Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, or “RCRA,” and comparable state statutes.
Although we use operating and disposal practices that are standard in the industry, hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been released at properties owned or leased by us now or in the past, or at other locations where these hydrocarbons and wastes were taken for treatment or disposal. Under CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state laws, we could be required to clean up contaminated property (including contaminated groundwater), or to perform remedial activities to prevent future contamination.
Air Emissions
The Clean Air Act, as amended, or “CAA,” and similar state laws and regulations restrict the emission of air pollutants and also impose various monitoring and reporting requirements. These laws and regulations may require us to obtain approvals or permits for construction, modification or operation of certain projects or facilities and may require use of emission controls.
Global Warming and Climate Change
While we do not believe our operations raise climate change issues different from those generally raised by the commercial use of fossil fuels, legislation or regulatory programs that restrict greenhouse gas emissions in areas where we conduct business or that would require reducing emissions from our truck fleet could increase our costs.
Water Discharges
We operate facilities that are subject to requirements of the United States Clean Water Act, as amended, or “CWA,” and analogous state laws for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. Among other things, these laws impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants, including into navigable waters as well as the protection of drinking water sources. Spill prevention, control and counter-measure requirements under the CWA require implementation of measures to help prevent the contamination of navigable
waters in the event of a hydrocarbon spill. Other requirements for the prevention of spills are established under the United States Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended, or “OPA”, which amended the CWA and applies to owners and operators of vessels, including barges, offshore platforms and certain onshore facilities. Under OPA, regulated parties are strictly liable for oil spills and must establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to cover liabilities related to an oil spill for which such parties could be statutorily responsible.
State Environmental Regulations
Our operations involve the storage, handling, transport and disposal of bulk waste materials, some of which contain oil, contaminants and other regulated substances. Various environmental laws and regulations require prevention, and where necessary, cleanup of spills and leaks of such materials and some of our operations must obtain permits that limit the discharge of materials. Failure to comply with such environmental requirements or permits may result in fines and penalties, remediation orders and revocation of permits. Specifically, in Texas, we are subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the Texas Railroad Commission and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, including those designed to protect the environment and monitor compliance with water quality. In Louisiana, we are subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources as to environmental and water quality issues, and the Louisiana Public Service Commission as to allocation of intrastate routes and territories for waste water transportation. We believe that we are in compliance with regulations in the states where we conduct business.
Occupational Safety and Health Act
We are subject to the requirements of the United States Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended, or “OSHA,” and comparable state laws that regulate the protection of employee health and safety. OSHA’s hazard communication standard requires that information about hazardous materials used or produced in our operations be maintained and provided to employees, state and local government authorities and citizens.
Transportation Regulations
We may conduct interstate motor carrier (trucking) operations that are subject to federal regulation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or “FMCSA,” a unit within the United States Department of Transportation, or “USDOT.” The FMCSA publishes and enforces comprehensive trucking safety regulations, including rules on commercial driver licensing, controlled substance testing, medical and other qualifications for drivers, equipment maintenance, and drivers’ hours of service, referred to as “HOS.” The agency also performs certain functions relating to such matters as motor carrier registration (licensing), insurance, and extension of credit to motor carriers’ customers. Another unit within USDOT publishes and enforces regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials, or “hazmat.”
In December 2010, the FMCSA launched a program called Compliance, Safety, Accountability, or “CSA,” in an effort to improve commercial truck and bus safety. A component of CSA is the Safety Measurement System, or “SMS,” which analyzes all safety violations recorded by federal and state law enforcement personnel to determine a carrier’s safety performance. The SMS is intended to allow the FMCSA to identify carriers with safety issues and intervene to address those problems. Although our trucking operations currently hold a “Satisfactory” safety rating from FMCSA (the best rating available), the agency has announced a future intention to revise its safety rating system by making greater use of SMS data in lieu of on-site compliance audits of carriers. We cannot predict the effect such a revision may have on our safety rating.
Our intrastate trucking operations are also subject to various state environmental transportation regulations discussed under “Environmental Regulations” above. Federal law also allows states to impose insurance and safety requirements on motor carriers conducting intrastate business within their borders, and to collect a variety of taxes and fees on an apportioned basis reflecting miles actually operated within each state.
HOS regulations establish the maximum number of hours that a commercial truck driver may work. A FMCSA rule reducing the number of hours a commercial truck driver may work each day became effective in February 2012 and the compliance date of selected provisions was July 1, 2013. The rule, which is intended to reduce the risk of fatigue and fatigue-related crashes and harm to driver health, prohibits a driver from driving if more than eight hours have passed since the driver’s last off-duty or sleeper berth break of at least 30 minutes and limits the use of the restart to once a week, which, on average, cut the maximum work week from 82 to 70 hours.
A new regulation primarily impacting our marine bunker fuel production is known as “IMO 2020”. On January 1, 2020, the International Maritime Organization (the "IMO") implemented a new regulation for a 0.50% global sulphur cap for marine fuels. Under the new global cap, ships that traverse the oceans will be required to use marine fuels with a sulphur
content of no more than 0.50%, versus the prior limit of 3.50%, in an effort to reduce the amount of sulphur oxide and decrease pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the global shipping fleet.
Our Marrero facility produces and sells IMO 2020 compliant bunker fuel.
Inflation and Commodity Price Risk
To date, our business has not been significantly affected by inflation. We purchase petroleum and petroleum by-products for consolidation and delivery, as well as for our own refining operations. By virtue of constant changes in the market value of petroleum products, we are exposed to fluctuations in both revenues and expenses. We are exposed to market risks related to the volatility in the price of crude oil, No. 6 Fuel Oil and refined petroleum products. To reduce the impact of price volatility on our results of operations and cash flows, we use commodity derivative instruments, such as futures and options. Our positions in commodity derivative instruments are monitored and managed on a daily basis to ensure compliance with our stated risk management policy that has been approved by our board of directors.
We primarily use commodity derivative instruments as economic hedges, which are not designated as hedging instruments, and we use fair value and cash flow hedges from time to time.
Our objectives for holding economic hedges are to (i) manage price volatility in certain feedstock and refined petroleum product inventories and fixed-price purchasing, and (ii) lock in the price of forecasted feedstock, refined petroleum product, and refined petroleum product sales at existing market prices.
The purchase of our used motor oil feedstock tends to track with natural gas pricing due to the market’s typical practice of substituting used motor oil for natural gas as a fuel source for various industrial processes. On the other hand, the prices of the products that may in the future be generated through the re-refining processes that we hope to develop are expected to track with market pricing for marine diesel and vacuum-gas oil. The recent drop in oil prices has decreased the spread between the price of used motor oil, feedstock and re-refining end-products.
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws in the United States and other jurisdictions as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect our proprietary technology, trade secrets, technical know-how and other proprietary information. We also enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees.
We have five patents registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office:
•“System For Making A Usable Hydrocarbon Product From Used Oil” (US #8,613,838 B2), which was granted on December 24, 2013.
•“Method for Making a Usable Hydrocarbon Product From Used Oil” (US #8,398,847 B2), which was granted on March 19, 2013.
•“System for producing an American Petroleum Institute Standards Group III Base Stock from vacuum gas oil” (US #10,421,916 B2), which was granted on September 24, 2019.
•“Method for producing an American Petroleum Institute Standards Group III Base Stock from vacuum gas oil” (US #10,287,515 B1), which was granted on May 14, 2019.
•“System for producing an American Petroleum Institute Standards Group III Base Stock from vacuum gas oil” (US #10,723,961 B2), which was granted on July 28, 2020
In addition, we have developed a website and have registered www.vertexenergy.com as our domain name, which contains information we do not desire to incorporate by reference herein.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider each of the following risk factors and all of the other information set forth in this filing, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes, before investing in our common stock. The following risks and the risks described elsewhere in this filing, including in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” could materially harm our business, financial condition, future results and cash flow. If that occurs, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR OUTSTANDING CREDIT FACILITIES,
DEBT AND RECEIVABLES, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We will need to raise additional capital to meet the requirements of the terms and conditions of our Credit Agreements and to fund future acquisitions and our ability to obtain the necessary funding is uncertain.
We will need to raise additional funding or refinance our existing debt to meet the requirements of the terms and conditions of our Credit Agreements, which amounts total approximately $6.9 million as of December 31, 2020, come due on February 1, 2022. We may also need to raise additional funds in the future to fund acquisitions. If we raise additional funds in the future, by issuing equity securities, dilution to existing stockholders will result, and such securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common stock and preferred stock. If funding is insufficient at any time in the future and we are unable to generate sufficient revenue from new business arrangements, to repay our outstanding debts, complete planned acquisitions or operations, our results of operations and the value of our securities could be adversely affected. Future funding may not be available on favorable terms, if at all.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service and other obligations due to events beyond our control.
Our ability to generate cash flows from operations, to make scheduled payments on or refinance our indebtedness and to fund working capital needs and planned capital expenditures will depend on our future financial performance and our ability to generate cash in the future. Our future financial performance will be affected by a range of economic, financial, competitive, business and other factors that we cannot control, such as general economic, legislative, regulatory and financial conditions in our industry, the economy generally, the price of oil and other risks described below. A significant reduction in operating cash flows resulting from changes in economic, legislative or regulatory conditions, increased competition or other events beyond our control could increase the need for additional or alternative sources of liquidity and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and our ability to service our debt and other obligations. If we are unable to service our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs, we may be forced to adopt an alternative strategy that may include actions such as reducing or delaying capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing our indebtedness, seeking additional capital, or any combination of the foregoing. If we raise additional debt, it would increase our interest expense, leverage, and our operating and financial costs. We cannot assure you that any of these alternative strategies could be affected on satisfactory terms, if at all, or that they would yield sufficient funds to make required payments on our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. Reducing or delaying capital expenditures or selling assets could delay future cash flows. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from adopting any of these alternatives. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings will be available in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.
If for any reason we are unable to meet our debt service and repayment obligations, we would be in default under the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness, which would allow our creditors at that time to declare all of our outstanding indebtedness to be due and payable. This would likely in turn trigger cross-acceleration or cross-default rights between our applicable debt agreements. Under these circumstances, our lenders could compel us to apply all of our available cash to repay our borrowings. In addition, the lenders under our credit facilities or other secured indebtedness could seek to foreclose on our assets that are their collateral. If the amounts outstanding under our indebtedness were to be accelerated, or were the subject of foreclosure actions, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full the money owed to the lenders or to our other debt holders.
Uncertainty and illiquidity in credit and capital markets can impair our ability to obtain credit and financing on acceptable terms and can adversely affect the financial strength of our business partners.
Our ability to obtain credit and capital depends in large measure on the state of the credit and capital markets, which is beyond our control. Our ability to access credit and capital markets may be restricted at a time when we would like, or need, access to those markets, which could constrain our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. In
addition, the cost and availability of debt and equity financing may be adversely impacted by unstable or illiquid market conditions. Protracted uncertainty and illiquidity in these markets also could have an adverse impact on our lenders, commodity hedging counterparties, or our customers, preventing them from meeting their obligations to us.
From time to time, our cash needs may exceed our internally generated cash flow, and our business could be materially and adversely affected if we are unable to obtain necessary funds from financing activities. From time to time, we may need to supplement cash generated from operations with proceeds from financing activities. Uncertainty and illiquidity in financial markets may materially impact the ability of the participating financial institutions to fund their commitments to us under our liquidity facilities. Accordingly, we may not be able to obtain the full amount of the funds available under our liquidity facilities to satisfy our cash requirements, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial position.
We have substantial indebtedness which could adversely affect our financial flexibility and our competitive position. Our debt agreements have previously been declared in default, and our future failure to comply with financial covenants in our debt agreements could result in such debt agreements again being declared in default.
We have a significant amount of outstanding indebtedness. As of December 31, 2020, we owed approximately $12.5 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses. As of December 31, 2020, we owed $5.4 million under the EBC Credit Agreement and $0.1 million under the Revolving Credit Agreement and an additional $1.4 million under a separate capital expenditure loan with Encina Business(each defined and described below under “Part II. - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" -"Note 9. Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt"- Credit and Guaranty Agreement and Revolving Credit Facility with Encina Business Credit, LLC” and "Credit Agreement Amendments").
Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences and significant effects on our business. For example, it could:
•increase our vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions;
•require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;
•restrict us from taking advantage of business opportunities;
•make it more difficult to satisfy our financial obligations;
•place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt obligations; and
•limit our ability to borrow additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our business strategy or other general corporate purposes on satisfactory terms or at all.
We may need to raise additional funding in the future to repay or refinance the Credit Agreements and our accounts payable, and as such may need to seek additional debt or equity financing. Such additional financing may not be available on favorable terms, if at all. If debt financing is available and obtained, our interest expense may increase and we may be subject to the risk of default, depending on the terms of such financing. If equity financing is available and obtained it may result in our shareholders experiencing significant dilution. If such financing is unavailable, we may be forced to curtail our operations, which may cause the value of our securities to decline in value and/or become worthless. Furthermore, the fact that our prior credit agreements have previously been declared in default may negatively affect the perception of the Company and our ability to pay our debts as they become due in the future and could result in the price of our securities declining in value or being valued at lower levels than companies with similar histories of defaults.
The covenants in our credit and loan agreements restrict our ability to operate our business and might lead to a default under our credit agreements.
Our debt agreements limit, among other things, our ability to:
•incur or guarantee additional indebtedness;
•create liens;
•make payments to junior creditors;
•make investments;
•sell material assets;
•affect fundamental changes in our structure;
•make certain acquisitions;
•sell interests in our subsidiaries;
•consolidate or merge with or into other companies or transfer all or substantially all of our assets;
•redeem or repurchase shares of our stock, including our outstanding Series B and B1 Preferred Stock; and
•engage in transactions with affiliates.
The Credit Agreements contain customary representations, warranties and requirements for the Company to indemnify the lenders and their affiliates. The Credit Agreements also include various covenants (positive and negative) binding upon the Company, including, prohibiting us from undertaking acquisitions or dispositions unless they meet the criteria set forth in the Credit Agreements, not incurring any capital expenditures in amount exceeding $3 million in any fiscal year that the Credit Agreements are in place ($4 million for 2020), and requiring us to maintain at least $2.0 million of borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement at any time ($1 million prior to December 31, 2020).
As a result of these covenants and limitations, we may not be able to respond to changes in business and economic conditions and to obtain additional financing, if needed, and we may be prevented from engaging in transactions that might otherwise be beneficial to us. Our credit and loan agreements require, and our future credit facilities and loan agreements may require, us to maintain certain financial ratios and satisfy certain other financial condition tests. Our ability to meet these financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may not be able to meet those tests. The breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under our credit agreements or future credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under such credit agreements, including accrued interest or other obligations, to be immediately due and payable. If amounts outstanding under such credit agreements were to be accelerated, our assets might not be sufficient to repay in full that indebtedness and our other indebtedness.
Our credit agreements and loan agreements also contain cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions. Under these provisions, a default or acceleration under one instrument governing our debt may constitute a default under our other debt instruments that contain cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions, which could result in the related debt and the debt issued under such other instruments becoming immediately due and payable. In such event, we would need to raise funds from alternative sources, which funds might not be available to us on favorable terms, on a timely basis or at all. Alternatively, such a default could require us to sell assets and otherwise curtail operations to pay our creditors. The proceeds of such a sale of assets, or curtailment of operations, might not enable us to pay all of our liabilities.
A prolonged period of weak, or a significant decrease in, industry activity and overall markets, due to COVID-19 or otherwise, may make it difficult to comply with our covenants and the other restrictions in the agreements governing our debt and current global and market conditions have increased the potential for that difficulty.
Our ability to service our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future.
Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Our ability to generate cash is subject to general economic and market conditions and financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Our business may not generate sufficient cash to fund our working capital requirements, capital expenditure, debt service and other liquidity needs, which could result in our inability to comply with financial and other covenants contained in our debt agreements, our being unable to repay or pay interest on our indebtedness, and our inability to fund our other liquidity needs. If we are unable to service our debt obligations, fund our other liquidity needs and maintain compliance with our financial and other covenants, we could be forced to curtail our operations, our creditors could accelerate our indebtedness and exercise other remedies and we could be required to pursue one or more alternative strategies, such as selling assets or refinancing or restructuring our indebtedness. However, such alternatives may not be feasible or adequate.
Our failure to comply with the covenants in the documents governing our existing and future indebtedness could materially adversely affect our financial condition and liquidity.
In connection with the Credit Agreements, we agreed to comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants and agreed to meet certain financial covenants (described in greater detail above under “The covenants in our credit and loan agreements restrict our ability to operate our business and might lead to a default under our credit agreements”).
The Credit Agreements include customary events of default for facilities of a similar nature and size as the Credit Agreements, including if an event of default occurs under any agreement evidencing $500,000 or more of indebtedness of the Company; we fail to make any payment when due under any material agreement; subject to certain exceptions, any judgment is entered against the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000; and also provides that an event of default occurs if a change in control of the Company occurs, which includes if (a) Benjamin P. Cowart, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and largest shareholder and Chris Carlson, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, cease to own and control legally and beneficially, collectively, either directly or indirectly, equity securities in Vertex Energy, Inc., representing more than 15% of the combined voting power of all securities entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent on a fully-diluted basis, (b) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any person or group of securities representing more than 30% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding securities of Vertex Energy, Inc., or (c) during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Company cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body. To date, we have breached certain covenants in the Credit Agreements which triggered technical defaults under the Credit Agreements, provided that the parties to the Credit Agreements have since waived all such defaults and been willing to work with the Company to amend the terms of the Credit Agreements to avoid such defaults in the future. If technical defaults or other events of default occur under the Credit Agreements or other outstanding debt obligations in the future, and such defaults are not waived, our lenders may be able to accelerate the amounts due under our loan agreements, which could force us to liquidate assets and/or seek bankruptcy protection.
A breach of any of the covenants of the Credit Agreements or any future agreements, if uncured or unwaived, could lead to an event of default under any such document, which in some circumstances could give our creditors the right to demand that we accelerate repayment of amounts due and/or enforce their security interests over substantially all of our assets. This would likely in turn trigger cross-acceleration or cross-default rights in other documents governing our indebtedness. Therefore, in the event of any such breach, we may need to seek covenant waivers or amendments from our creditors (similar to those sought and obtained in the future) or seek alternative or additional sources of financing, and we may not be able to obtain any such waivers or amendments or alternative or additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, any covenant breach or event of default could harm our credit rating and our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and liquidity and/or cause our lenders to enforce their security interests which could ultimately result in the foreclosure of our assets, which would have a material adverse effect on our operations and the value of our securities.
Our obligations under the Credit Agreements are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of our assets.
Our obligations under the Credit Agreements are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of our assets. Additionally, substantially all of our subsidiaries agreed to guarantee our obligations under the Credit Agreements. As such, our creditors may enforce their security interests over our assets and/or our subsidiaries which secure the repayment of such obligations, take control of our assets and operations, force us to seek bankruptcy protection, or force us to curtail or abandon our current business plans and operations. If that were to happen, any investment in the Company could become worthless.
If we are unable to maintain a credit facility, it could have an adverse effect on our business.
We have historically been able to maintain lines of credit and other credit facilities similar to the Credit Agreements. We rely heavily on the availability and utilization of these lines of credit and credit facilities for our operations and for the purchase of inventory. If we are unable to renew or replace our facility or are unable to borrow funds under such facility or any future facility, we may be forced to curtail or abandon our current and/or future planned business operations.
A decline in expected profitability of the Company or any of our business segments could result in the impairment of assets and other long-lived assets.
We hold material amounts of long-lived assets on our balance sheet. A decline in expected profitability of one of our operating segments or a decline in the global economy, could call into question the recoverability of our long-lived tangible and intangible assets, and require us to write down or write off these assets. Such an occurrence could have a material adverse effect on our annual results of operations and financial position.
Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our earnings and/or cash flows.
Changes in interest rates could have a material adverse impact on our earnings and cash flows. Because the majority of our notes payable have variable interest rates, our business results are subject to fluctuations in interest rates. Additionally, our Credit Agreements bear interest at variable rates that use LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing the interest rate. LIBOR is the subject of recent proposals for reform. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. These reforms may cause LIBOR to cease to exist, new methods of calculating LIBOR to be established or the establishment of an alternative reference rate(s). These consequences cannot be entirely predicted and could have an adverse impact on the market value for or value of LIBOR-linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us. Changes in market interest rates may influence our financing costs, returns on financial investments and the valuation of derivative contracts and could reduce our earnings and cash flows.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR OPERATIONS, BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
General Risks
Epidemics, including the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus, and other crises have, and will in the future, negatively impact our business and results of operations.
Our revenues and cost of revenues are significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices; decreases in commodity prices typically result in decreases in revenue and cost of revenues. Our revenue is to a large extent a function of the market discount we are able to obtain in purchasing feedstock, as well as how efficiently management conducts operations. Additionally, our sales volumes, and as a result, our results of operations and cash flows, significantly depend on the U.S. and to a lesser extent, worldwide demand for oil and used oil. As a result, pandemics, epidemics, and public health crises, which effect the U.S. and the world as a whole, and which result in travel disruptions, reductions in shipping and therefore declines in the need for oil and used oil, will harm our business and cause our operating results to suffer. For example, beginning in December 2019 and continuing through the date of this filing, the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus has resulted in decreased production around the world, as well as decreased demand for products and materials in general, and has consequently led to a decrease in global shipping. Furthermore, risks associated with the potential spread of the new strain of coronavirus has in some cases resulted in additional declines in shipping volumes with ships from oil tankers to container lines being turned away from ports, or held in quarantine, due to the fear of spreading the virus. The shipping segment has suffered even more as factories have been shut down across the world and travel restrictions have been put in place to control the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. It is anticipated that the diminished demand for transported goods as a result of such slowdown and shutdowns will continue to weigh on the shipping industry for months ahead.
Similarly, the recent economic slowdown and general market uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak and the steps taken by local, state and federal governments to attempt to reduce the spread of, and effects of, such virus, have significantly reduced the demand for, and price of oil (which reached all-time lows during 2020), but has more recently partially recovered, and concurrent therewith, the slowdown in the U.S. economy caused by stay-at-home and similar orders, has reduced the amount of feedstock being produced and as a result, our ability to obtain feedstocks, and produce finished products, which has had a material adverse effect on our year-over-year results of operations.
A public health pandemic, including COVID-19, poses the risk that the Company or its affiliates, employees, suppliers, customers and others may be prevented from conducting business activities for an indefinite period of time, including as a result of shutdowns, travel restrictions and other actions that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities. Such actions may prevent the Company from accessing or operating its facilities, delivering products or continuing to obtain feedstocks. While a substantial portion of the Company’s businesses has been classified as an essential business in jurisdictions in which facility closures have been mandated, the Company can give no assurance that this will not change in the future or that the Company’s businesses will be classified as essential in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates.
It is also possible that the current outbreak or continued spread of COVID-19 will cause a global recession.
A continued prolonged period of weak, or a significant decrease in, industry activity and overall markets, due to COVID-19 or otherwise, may make it difficult to comply with our covenants and the other restrictions in the agreements governing our debt. Current global and market conditions have increased the potential for that difficulty.
Additionally, certain of the Company’s employees have been working from home, either to avoid the risk of catching the COVID-19 coronavirus, or due to stay-at-home orders issued by local governments where they live or work, and as a result, productivity may drop, which could impact revenues and profitability.
While the overall impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus on our results of operations at this point is uncertain, we anticipate that the factors discussed above and others, which have had a negative effect on our 2020 operations, will continue to have a negative effect on our results of operations for the 2021 year, depending on how long the global slowdown associated with the virus and its after-effects last. Any one or more of the events described above could cause the value of our securities to decline in value.
The price of oil and fluctuations in oil prices may have a negative effect on our results of operations.
The majority of our operations are associated with collecting used oil, re-refining or otherwise processing a portion of such used oil and then selling both such re-refined/processed oil and the excess feedstock oil which we do not currently have the capacity to re-refine, to other customers. The prices at which we sell our re-refined/processed oil and extra feedstock are affected by changes in the reported spot market prices of oil. If applicable rates increase or decrease, we typically will charge a higher or lower corresponding price for our re-refined/processed oil and excess feedstock. The price at which we sell our re-refined/processed oil and excess feedstock is affected by changes in certain indices measuring changes in the price of heavy fuel oil, with increases and decreases in the indices typically translating into a higher or lower price for our re-refined/processed oil and excess feedstock. The cost to collect used oil, including the amounts we pay to obtain a portion of our used oil and therefore ability to collect necessary volumes as well as the fuel costs of our oil collection fleet, typically also increases or decreases when the relevant indices increase or decrease. However, even though the prices we can charge for our re-refined/processed oil and excess feedstock and the costs to collect and re-refine/processed used oil typically increase and decrease together, there is no assurance that when our costs to collect and re-refine/process used oil increase we will be able to increase the prices we charge for our re-refined/processed oil excess feedstock to cover such increased costs, or that our costs to collect and re-refine/process used oil will decline when the prices we can charge for re-refined/processed oil declines. These risks are exacerbated when there are rapid fluctuations in these oil indices and when there is lower pricing due to decreased demand, which have both occurred recently as a result of the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. These risks are also greater when there is an increased supply of oil from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which has also recently occurred.
In addition to the above, the value of re-refined and processed used oil is usually greater the more expensive oil is. As the price of oil decreases so does the spread between re-refined/processed used oil and refined oil and extremely low oil prices, such as those which we are currently experiencing, customers will often be willing to pay the slightly higher cost of refined oil rather than paying for re-refined/processed oil. Furthermore, as the price of oil decreases, the price we can charge for re-refined/processed oil decreases, and while in general the cost of our feedstocks decreases, the prices required to process such feedstock and operate our plans remain fixed. As such, in the event the price of oil remains low and we are not able to increase the prices we charge for re-refined/processed oil, our margins will likely decrease and it may not become economically feasible to continue to operate our facilities. In the event that were to occur, we may be forced to shut down our facilities.
The occurrence of any of the events described above could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and could in turn cause the value of our securities to decline.
The prices of many of our products are subject to significant volatility.
Our principal products include marine fuel cutterstock and a higher-value feedstock for further processing, vacuum oil gas, base oil that is sold to lubricant packagers and distributors, pygas and gasoline blendstock. The prices of these products are tied to the value of oil. Accordingly, our results of operations will be affected by fluctuations in the prevailing market price for oil. Historically, market prices for oil have fluctuated in response to a number of factors, including global changes in supply and demand resulting from changes in local and global economic conditions, changes in energy policies of U.S. and foreign governments, changes in international trading policies, OPEC, and other factors. While we seek to mitigate the risks associated with price declines, including in some situations, by using hedging, a significant decrease in the market price of any of our products or of oil would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flow. Furthermore, rapid and
material changes in feedstock prices generally have an immediate and, often times, material impact on the Company’s gross margin and profitability resulting from the lag effect or lapse of time from the procurement of the feedstock until they are re-refined/processed and the finished products are sold. Our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected in the future by this volatility.
Downturns and volatility in global economies and commodity and credit markets could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our results of operations are materially affected by the conditions of the global economies and the credit, commodities and stock markets. Among other things, we may be adversely impacted if our customers and suppliers are not able to access sufficient capital to continue to operate their businesses or to operate them at prior levels. A decline in consumer confidence or changing patterns in the availability and use of disposable income by consumers can negatively affect both our suppliers and customers. Declining discretionary consumer spending or the loss or impairment of a meaningful number of our suppliers or customers could lead to a dislocation in either feedstock availability or customer demand. Any tightening in credit supply could negatively affect our customers’ ability to pay for our products on a timely basis or at all and could result in a requirement for additional bad debt reserves. Although many of our customer contracts are formula-based, continued volatility in the oil market could negatively impact our revenues and overall profits. Counterparty risk on finished product sales can also impact revenue and operating profits when customers either are unable to obtain credit or refuse to take delivery of finished products due to market price declines.
If we are unable to retain current, and obtain new customers, our revenue and cash flows could be reduced to levels that could adversely affect our results of operations.
Any of the following factors could result in our inability to maintain current customers or attain new customers. If that were to happen our results of operations could be materially adversely affected and the value of our securities could decline in value:
•a material decrease in the supply or price of crude oil or petroleum related products in which we deal;
•a material decrease in demand for the finished products in the markets we serve;
•scheduled refinery turnarounds or unscheduled maintenance; and
•operational problems or catastrophic events at any of our facilities.
We are dependent on third parties for the disposal of our waste streams.
We do not own any waste disposal sites. As a result, we are dependent on third parties for the disposal of waste streams. To date, disposal vendors have met their requirements, but they may not continue to do so. If for some reason our current disposal vendors cannot perform up to standards, we may be required to replace them. Although we believe there are a number of potential replacement disposal vendors that could provide such services, we may incur additional costs and delays in identifying and qualifying such replacements. In addition, any mishandling of our waste streams by disposal vendors could expose us to liability. Any failure by disposal vendors to properly collect, transport, handle or dispose of our waste streams could expose us to liability, damage our reputation and generally have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We are subject to risks associated with our relationship with Bunker One.
On January 10, 2020, we entered into a Heads of Agreement and a Joint Supply and Marketing Agreement, with Bunker One (USA) Inc. Pursuant to the Heads of Agreement, the Company and Bunker One agreed to form a joint decision-making body to focus on strategic matters related to the overall cooperation of the parties and to establish rules and procedures for identifying and undertaking joint projects. For each project that the parties agree to pursue, the parties will enter into a form of Co-Operation and Joint Supply and Marketing Agreement. The principal objective of each such Co-Operation JSMA will be the expansion of the business of each party by cooperating in the sourcing, storing, transportation, marketing and selling of products, where: (a) Vertex is primarily responsible for the sourcing and storing of the product (bunker fuels); (b) Bunker One is primarily responsible for the transporting, blending, marketing, selling and delivering of the product (bunker fuels); (c) Bunker One is responsible for the risk management/exposure (e.g. hedging) of the bunker fuels; and (d) Bunker One is the exclusive seller of the product to third parties. The Heads of Agreement has a term of ten years, beginning effective on January 1, 2020, and continuing through April 30, 2029, provided that the agreement extends for additional five-year periods thereafter
unless either party provides the other at least 120 days’ notice of non-renewal before any such automatic renewal date. Finally, under the agreement, if at any time the Company acquires a supply of material that the Company intends to sell in Texas, Louisiana or Alabama and that is suitable for use in Bunker One’s bunkering business in such area from a third party, or produces additional material for sale in such area, the Company is required to provide Bunker One the right to purchase such supply/material pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Heads of Agreement.
The JSMA is effective as of May 1, 2020, and provides for Bunker One to acquire 100% of the production from the Company’s Marrero, Louisiana re-refining facility (which produces approximately 100,000 barrels per month of Bunker Fuel). Pursuant to the JSMA, the parties agreed to the percentages pursuant to which net profit will be split between the parties, relating to the sale of such Bunker Fuel by Bunker One, which is to be sold in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and areas immediately adjacent thereto if mutually agreed. The JSMA has a term from May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2029, provided that the term is automatically renewable for additional five-year periods thereafter unless either party provides the other at least 120 days prior written notice of non-renewal, prior to any automatic renewal date.
As a result of the above, Bunker One is the purchaser of the majority of the Company’s finished product from its Marrero, Louisiana re-refining facility, which makes up approximately 33% of the Company’s revenues. Bunker One also currently owns over 5% of our outstanding common stock and has the right, during the term of the JSMA, to have a representative attend each meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company and the committees of the board (in a non-voting observer capacity). As such, we rely on Bunker One for a significant source of our revenues and the termination of, or material adverse change in, the terms of our relationship, or a material adverse change to Bunker One or its operations, could temporarily affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. If our relationship with Bunker One is terminated, we would have to find a new purchaser of our Marrero finished products, or enter into another similar counterparty arrangement with a third party, which we may not be able to enter into on terms that are as favorable to us, or at all. We are also reliant on Bunker One’s ability to timely pay us amounts due under the JSMA and in the event that Bunker One is unable to pay such amounts, timely, or at all, it could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Due to our significant reliance on Bunker One, in the event Bunker One experiences issues in selling our finished products, or in connection with its operations in general, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
We are dependent on third party generators and collectors for our feedstock.
Generators are entities that generate used oil through their daily operations such as automotive businesses conducting oil changes on consumer and commercial vehicles and industrial users changing lubricants on machinery and heavy equipment.
Collectors are typically local businesses that purchase used oil from generators and provide on-site collection services. The collection market is highly fragmented and we believe there are more than 400 used oil collectors in the United States.
We depend on generators to generate used oil feedstock and collectors to collect such feedstock. In the event a significant number of generators cease generating feedstock, or generators and collectors cease providing us their feedstock or otherwise materially change the current process by which feedstock is collected, due to COVID-19, or otherwise, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Worsening economic conditions and trends and downturns in the business cycles of the industries we serve and which provide services to impact our business and operating results.
A significant portion of our customer base is comprised of companies in the chemical manufacturing and hydrocarbon recovery industries. The overall levels of demand for our products, refining operations, and future planned re-refined oil products are driven by fluctuations in levels of end-user demand, which depend in large part on general macroeconomic conditions in the U.S., as well as regional economic conditions. For example, many of our principal consumers are themselves heavily dependent on general economic conditions, including the price of fuel and energy, availability of affordable credit and capital, employment levels, interest rates, consumer confidence and housing demand. These cyclical shifts in our customers’ businesses may result in fluctuations in demand, volumes, pricing and operating margins for our services and products.
In addition to our customers, the suppliers of our feedstock are also affected by downturns in the economy and adverse changes in the price of feedstock. For example, we previously experienced difficulty obtaining feedstock from our suppliers who, because of prior sharp downturns in the price of oil (used and otherwise) in 2015-16 saw their margins decrease substantially, which in some cases made it uneconomical for such suppliers to purchase feedstock from their suppliers and/or sell to us at the rates set forth in their contracts. Additionally, as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, some of our feedstock suppliers have permanently or temporarily closed their businesses, limited our access to their businesses, and/or have experienced a significant decreased demand for services. As a result of the above, and due to ‘stay-at-home’ and other social
distancing orders, as well as the decline in U.S. travel caused by COVID-19, we have seen a significant decline in the volume of feedstocks (specifically used oil) that we have been able to collect, and therefore process through our facilities. Any similar decline in the price of oil and/or the economy in general, including those which we are currently experiencing, will likely create a further decrease in the supply of feedstock, prevent us from maintaining our required levels of output and/or force us to seek additional suppliers of feedstock, who may charge more than our current suppliers, and therefore adversely affect our results of operations. We anticipate the above being exacerbated by the further uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. A continued prolonged economic slowdown, period of social quarantine (imposed by the government or otherwise), or a prolonged period of decreased travel due to COVID-19 or the responses thereto, will likely continue to have a material negative adverse impact on our ability to produce products, and consequently our revenues and results of operations.
Our operating margins and profitability may be negatively impacted by changes in fuel and energy costs.
We transport our feedstock, refined oil and re-refined oil, VGO and other materials with trucks and by rail. As a result, increases in shipping and transportation costs caused by increases in oil, gasoline and diesel prices have a significant impact on our operating expenses. The price and supply of oil and gas is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events beyond our control, including geopolitical developments, natural disasters, supply and demand for oil and natural gas, actions by OPEC and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries, regional production patterns and environmental concerns. A significant increase in transportation or fuel costs could lower our operating margins and negatively impact our profitability.
Additionally, the price at which we sell our refined oil and our re-refined oil, VGO and other materials is affected by changes in certain oil indexes. If the relevant oil index rises, we anticipate being able to increase the prices for our refined and re-refined oil. If the relevant oil index declines, we anticipate having to reduce prices for our refined and re-refined oil. However, the cost to collect used oil and refinery feedstock, including the amounts that must be paid to obtain used oil and feedstock, generally also increases or decreases when the relevant index increases or decreases. Even though the prices that can be charged for our refined and re-refined products and the costs to collect, refine, and re-refine the feedstock generally increase and decrease together, if the costs to collect, refine and re-refine used oil and petrochemical products increase in the future, we may not be able to increase the prices we charge for our refined and re-refined products to cover such increased costs. Additionally, the costs to collect, refine and re-refine used oil and petrochemical products may not decline if the prices we can charge for our products decline. If the prices we charge for our finished products and the costs to collect, refine and re-refine products do not move together or in similar magnitudes, our profitability may be materially and negatively impacted.
We are vulnerable to the potential difficulties associated with rapid growth.
We believe that our future success depends on our ability to manage the rapid growth that we have experienced, and the continued growth that we expect to experience organically and through acquisitions. Our growth places additional demands and responsibilities on our management to, among other things, maintain existing suppliers and customers and attract, recruit, retain and effectively manage employees, as well as expand operations. The following factors could present difficulties to us: lack of sufficient executive-level personnel and increased administrative burden; availability of suitable acquisition candidates, trucks, barges, tanks, rail cars and processing facilities; and the ability to provide focused service attention to our customers, among others.
Our contracts may not be renewed and our existing relationships may not continue, which could be exacerbated by the fact that a limited number of our customers represent a significant portion of our sales.
Our contracts and relationships in the black oil business include feedstock purchasing agreements with local waste oil collectors, feedstock sale agreements, a few key relationships in the bunkering, blending and No. 6 oil industry, and other relationships. Because our operations are extremely dependent on the black oil key bunkering, blending and No. 6 oil relationships as well as our third-party refining contracts, if we were to lose relationships, there would be a material adverse effect on our operations and results of operations. Additionally, if we were to lose any of our current local waste oil collectors, we could be required to spend additional resources locating and providing incentives for other waste oil collectors, which could cause our expenses to increase and/or cause us to curtail or abandon our business plans.
A significant portion of our historical revenues are a result of our agreement with KMTEX.
We have an agreement in place with KMTEX, which specializes in the custom processing of petrochemicals and other chemicals. Our services include terminal storage and expert project management in materials handling, distillation, filtration, molecular sieve, and reaction chemistry, pursuant to which KMTEX agreed to process feedstock of certain petroleum distillates, which we provide to KMTEX to process into more valuable feedstocks, including pygas, gasoline blendstock and cutterstock, which agreement currently expires on December 31, 2021 (provided that, as of the date of this filing, we are negotiating the
terms of a further extension/renewal), provided that if not terminated by either party by written notice to the other, received within ninety (90) days prior to the expiration term, the agreement automatically renews for up to three additional one (1) year periods. However, either party can terminate the agreement at any time with ninety days prior written notice for any reason and with thirty days written notice upon the occurrence of certain material termination events as described in greater detail in the agreement. If KMTEX were to terminate our relationship and/or not agree to renew our agreement with it, we would be forced to spend resources attempting to locate another party which we could supply our feedstock which could take substantial time, if such alternative party is even available. If we are able to find another contracting party, the terms of the understanding or agreement with such contracting party may be on terms less favorable to us and/or may force us to transport our feedstock a greater distance. As a result of the above, if we were to lose our relationship with KMTEX, our expenses may increase, our results of operations may decrease and/or it may cause us to curtail or abandon our business plans, all of which would likely cause the value of our securities to decrease in value.
We operate in competitive markets, and there can be no certainty that we will maintain our current customers or attract new customers or that our operating margins will not be impacted by competition.
The industries in which we operate are highly competitive. We compete with numerous local and regional companies of varying sizes and financial resources in our refining and feedstock consolidation operations, transportation services, feedstock collection and aggregation and used oil recycling, and we compete with larger oil companies, with significantly greater resources than us, in our oil re-refining operations. We expect competition to intensify in the future. Furthermore, numerous well-established companies are focusing significant resources on providing used oil collection, transportation, refining and re-refining services that will compete with our services. We may not be able to effectively compete with these other companies and competitive pressures, including possible downward pressure on the prices we charge for our products and services, may arise. In the event that we cannot effectively compete on a continuing basis, or competitive pressures arise, such inability to compete or competitive pressures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Disruptions in the supply of feedstock and/or increases in the cost of feedstock could have an adverse effect on our business.
We depend on the continuing availability of raw materials, including feedstock, to remain in production. Additionally, we depend on the price of such raw materials, including feedstock being reasonable to us in relation to the prices we are able to receive for our final products. As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, some of our feedstock suppliers have permanently or temporarily closed their businesses, limited our access to their businesses, and/or have experienced a decreased demand for services. As a result of the above, and due to ‘stay-at-home’ and other social distancing orders, as well as the decline in U.S. travel caused by COVID-19, we have seen a significant decline in the volume of feedstocks (specifically used oil) that we have been able to collect, and therefore process through our facilities. A continued disruption in supply of feedstock, such as we are currently experiencing, or significant increases in the prices of feedstock, has significantly reduced/could significantly reduce, the availability of raw materials at our plants and which are available to be processed by our third-party processors. Additionally, increases in production costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In the event the margins of our feedstock suppliers decrease substantially, it may become uneconomical for such suppliers to purchase feedstock from their suppliers and/or sell to us at the rates set forth in their contracts. This could prevent us from maintaining our required levels of output and/or force us to seek out additional suppliers of feedstock, who may charge more than our current suppliers, and therefore adversely affect our results of operations-as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the issues described above, we have recently been forced to seek out additional suppliers of feedstock, who in some cases have charged us more than our current suppliers.
Our reliance on small business customers causes us to be subject to the trends and downturns that impact small businesses, which could adversely affect our business.
Our feedstock customer base is primarily composed of small businesses in the vehicle repair and manufacturing industries. The high concentration of our feedstock customers that are small businesses exposes us to significant risk. Small businesses start, close, relocate, and are acquired and sold frequently. Small businesses have also been more significantly affected by decreased demand caused by COVID-19, the reduction in vehicle miles driven, and therefore, the reduction in the demand for oil change and vehicle repair services, as a result of ‘work-from-home’ mandates and recommendations and the overall decline in economic activity caused by COVID-19 and the efforts to curtail the spread of the virus. In addition, small businesses are often impacted more significantly by economic recessions when compared to larger businesses. As a result, we must continually identify new feedstock customers and expand our business with existing feedstock customers in order to sustain our growth and feedstock supply. If we experience a rise in levels of customer turnover, it may have a negative impact on the profitability of our business. In the event the recent decreases in feedstock resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak
continue, it will have a material adverse effect on our year-over-year results of operations, our ability to generate higher quality products for sale, the amount of feedstocks we are required to purchase from third parties, the demand for such third-party feedstocks, and therefore the price we are required to pay for such third party feedstocks, the amount of feedstock we have available for use in finished products, and consequently, our net income and results of operations.
Unanticipated problems at, or downtime effecting, our facilities and those operated by third parties on which we rely, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our ability to process feedstocks depends on our ability to operate our refining/processing operations and facilities, and those operated by third parties on which we rely, including, but not limited to KMTEX, and the total time that such facilities are online and operational. The occurrence of significant unforeseen conditions or events in connection with the operation or maintenance of such facilities, such as the need to refurbish such facilities, shortages of workers or materials, adverse weather, including, but not limited to lightning strikes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes, equipment failures, fires, explosions, oil or other leaks, damage to or destruction of property and equipment associated therewith, environmental releases and/or damage, government regulation changes affecting the use of such facilities, terrorist attacks, mechanical or physical failures of equipment, acts of God, or other conditions or events, could prevent us from operating our facilities, or prevent such third parties from operating their facilities, or could force us or such third parties to shut such facilities down for repairs, maintenance, refurbishment or upgrades for a significant period of time. In the event any of our facilities or those of third parties on which we rely are offline for an extended period of time, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and consequently the price of our securities. For example, on October 7, 2020, we had a fire at our Marrero refinery which took the facility offline for repairs for about two weeks. The refinery suffered some minor structural damage along with piping, valves and instrumentation in the immediate area of the fire, the largest impact was the damage to the electrical conduit that feeds the power to the refinery equipment. As of October 26, 2020, the facility was back up and running. On January 22, 2021, the Company received the initial insurance proceeds amount of $1,148,750 and on February 4, 2021, the final proceeds amount of $297,890. The Company recorded $1,446,640 as a receivable at year end. Additionally, during August and September 2020, two Hurricanes brought severe flooding and high winds that adversely impacted operations in the Gulf Coast and, specifically at the Company’s Marrero, Louisiana refinery, while also limiting outbound shipments of finished product along adjacent waterways between Houston and New Orleans for approximately two weeks. The Company believes that it maintains adequate insurance coverage.
We may not qualify for forgiveness of our PPP Loan. We face risks associated with such PPP Loan .
On May 5, 2020, we received a $4.222 million loan (the “PPP Loan”) from Texas Citizens Bank, NA (the “PPP Lender”), pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The PPP Loan is evidenced by a promissory note (the “PPP Note”), dated effective April 28, 2020, issued by the Company to the PPP Lender. The PPP Note is unsecured, matures on April 28, 2022, and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum, payable monthly commencing on November 15, 2020, following an initial deferral period as specified under the PPP. The PPP Note may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. Proceeds from the PPP Loan will be available to the Company to fund designated expenses, including certain payroll costs, rent, utilities and other permitted expenses, in accordance with the PPP. Under the terms of the PPP, up to the entire amount of principal and accrued interest may be forgiven to the extent loan proceeds are used for qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act and applicable implementing guidance issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the PPP (including that up to 60% of such PPP Loan funds are used for payroll). The Company believes that it used the entire PPP Loan amount for designated qualifying expenses and has applied for forgiveness of the respective PPP Loan in accordance with the terms of the PPP. Notwithstanding that, the Company may not qualify for forgiveness of the PPP Loan in whole or part and may be required to repay such PPP Loan in full. With respect to any portion of the PPP Loan that is not forgiven, the PPP Loan will be subject to customary provisions for a loan of this type, including customary events of default relating to, among other things, payment defaults, breaches of the provisions of the PPP Note and cross-defaults on any other loan with the PPP Lender or other creditors. In the event the PPP Loan is not forgiven, the debt service payments on such loan may negatively affect our ability to grow our operations, service other debt and/or pay our expenses as they come due. Furthermore, any default under the PPP Loan may require us to pay a significant amount of our available cash and/or cash flow to service such debt, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations. Any failure of the PPP Loan to be forgiven pursuant to its terms, and/or our requirement to repay the PPP Loan in whole or part, could cause the value of our common stock to decline in value. Separately, we face risks associated with the fact that the Treasury Department and a House of Representatives oversight subcommittee has recently requested that certain large public companies return prior PPP Loans which have been obtained by such public companies and former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has warned that public companies receiving loans over $2 million would be audited and could have potential criminal liability if their certifications (required to obtain such loans) were untrue. As a result, we could face penalties in connection with the PPP Loan and/or negative reactions from the public associated with our PPP Loan, either of which could cause the value of our common stock to decline in value.
The fees charged to customers under our agreements with them may not escalate sufficiently to cover increases in costs and the agreements may be suspended in some circumstances, which would affect our profitability.
Under our agreements with our customers, we may be unable to increase the fees that we charge our customers at a rate sufficient to offset any increases in our costs. Additionally, some customers’ obligations under their agreements with us may be permanently or temporarily reduced upon the occurrence of certain events, some of which are beyond our control, including force majeure events. Force majeure events may include (but are not limited to) events such as revolutions, wars, acts of enemies, embargoes, import or export restrictions, strikes, lockouts, fires, storms, floods, acts of God, explosions, mechanical or physical failures of our equipment or facilities of our customers. If the escalation of fees is insufficient to cover increased costs or if any customer suspends or terminates its contracts with us, our profitability could be materially and adversely affected.
Improvements in or new discoveries of alternative energy technologies and/or government mandated use of such technologies and/or government restrictions or quotas on the use of oil and gas, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Because our business depends on the demand for oil and used oil, any improvement in or new discoveries of alternative energy technologies (such as wind, solar, geothermal, fuel cells and biofuels), government mandated use of such technologies and/or government restrictions or quotas on the use of oil and gas that increase the use of alternative forms of energy and/or reduce the demand or market for oil, used oil and oil and used oil related products could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to the above, we may be exposed to risks related to laws passed by governments or regulations incentivizing or mandating the use of alternative energy sources, such as wind power and solar energy, which may reduce demand for oil and natural gas. Such laws, regulations, treaties or international agreements could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions, which may have a negative impact on our business, and could adversely affect our operations by limiting opportunities.
Improvements in or new methodologies or technology relating to the refining and re-refining of used oil feedstocks could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In the event our competitors or future competitors design or implement new methodologies or new technology relating to the refining or re-refining of used oil feedstock it could reduce demand for our processes, or make such processes commercially irrelevant. In the event we are not able to duplicate or license such new methodologies or technology it could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is subject to operational and safety risks, including the risk of personal injury to employees and others.
Our operations involve risks such as truck accidents, equipment defects, malfunctions and failures. Additionally, our operations are subject to risk associated with releases of oil and other materials. Operation of our facilities involves additional risks of fire and explosion. Any of these risks could potentially result in injury or death of employees and others, a need to shut down or reduce operation of facilities, increased operating expense and exposure to liability for pollution and other environmental damage, and property damage or destruction.
While we seek to minimize our exposure to such risks through comprehensive training, compliance and response and recovery programs, as well as vehicle and equipment maintenance programs, if we were to incur substantial liabilities in excess of any applicable insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Any such incidents could also tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. Additionally, a major operational failure, even if suffered by a competitor, may bring enhanced scrutiny and regulation of our industry, with a corresponding increase in operating expense.
We may be subject to citizen opposition and negative publicity due to public concerns over our operations and planned future operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
There currently exists a high level of public concern over hazardous waste and refining and re-refining operations, including with respect to the location and operation of transfer, processing, storage and disposal facilities. Part of our business strategy is to increase our re-refining capacity through the construction of new facilities in growth markets. Zoning, permit and licensing applications and proceedings, as well as regulatory enforcement proceedings, are all matters open to public scrutiny and comment. Accordingly, from time to time we may be subject to citizen opposition and publicity which may damage our reputation and delay or limit the planned expansion and development of future facilities or operations or impair our ability to renew existing permits, any of which could prevent us from implementing our growth strategy and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We depend heavily on the services of our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Benjamin P. Cowart.
Our success depends heavily upon the personal efforts and abilities of Benjamin P. Cowart, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, who is employed by us pursuant to an employment contract which continues in effect until December 31, 2021, provided that the agreement automatically extends for additional one-year terms thereafter in the event neither party provides the other at least 60 days prior notice of their intention not to renew the terms of the agreement. The loss of Mr. Cowart or other key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, the absence of Mr. Cowart may force us to seek a replacement who may have less experience or who may not understand our business as well, or we may not be able to find a suitable replacement.
Unanticipated problems or delays in building our facilities to the proper specifications may harm our business and viability.
Our future growth will depend on our ability to timely and economically complete and operate our re-refining facilities and operate our existing refining operations and facilities. If our operations are disrupted or our economic integrity is threatened for unexpected reasons, our business may experience a substantial setback. Moreover, the occurrence of significant unforeseen conditions or events in connection with the construction of our planned facilities may require us to reexamine our business model. Any change to our business model or management’s evaluation of the viability of our planned services may adversely affect our business. Construction costs for our future facilities may also increase to a level that would make a new facility too expensive to complete or unprofitable to operate. Contractors, engineering firms, construction firms and equipment suppliers also receive requests and orders from other companies and, therefore, we may not be able to secure their services or products on a timely basis or on acceptable financial terms. We may suffer significant delays or cost overruns as a result of a variety of factors, such as increases in the prices of raw materials, shortages of workers or materials, transportation constraints, adverse weather, equipment failures, fires, damage to or destruction of property and equipment, environmental damage, unforeseen difficulties or labor issues, any of which could prevent us from beginning or completing construction or commencing operations at future re-refining facilities.
Strategic relationships on which we rely are subject to change.
Our ability to identify and enter into commercial arrangements with feedstock suppliers and refined and re-refined oil clients depends on developing and maintaining close working relationships with industry participants. Our success in this area also depends on our ability to select and evaluate suitable projects as well as to consummate transactions in a highly competitive environment. These factors are subject to change and may impair our ability to grow.
Disruptions to infrastructure and our and our partner’s facilities could materially and adversely affect our business.
Our business depends on the continuing availability of road, railroad, port, storage and distribution infrastructure and our re-refining facilities. Any disruptions in this infrastructure network or such re-refining facilities, whether caused by labor difficulties, earthquakes, storms, other natural disasters, human error or malfeasance or other reasons, could have a material adverse effect on our business. We rely on third parties to maintain the rail lines from our plants to the national rail network, and any failure by these third parties to maintain the lines could impede the delivery of products, impose additional costs and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, previous damage to our terminal facility located at Cedar Marine Terminal in Baytown, Texas as a result of Hurricane Ike in 2008 (which caused the terminal to temporarily be out of operation) resulted in increased costs associated with the shipping of feedstock through third-party contractors, thereby raising the overall cost of the feedstock and lowering our margins. Additionally, on October 7, 2020, we had a fire at our Marrero refinery which took the facility offline for repairs for about two weeks. The refinery suffered some minor structural damage along with piping, valves and instrumentation in the immediate area of the fire, the largest impact was the damage to the electrical conduit that feeds the power to the refinery equipment. As of October 26, 2020, the facility was back up and running. Additional hurricanes, fires or natural disasters in the future could cause similar damage to our infrastructure, prevent us from generating revenues while such infrastructure is undergoing repair (if repairable) and/or cause our margins and therefore our results of operations to be adversely affected.
Any prolonged period during which the facilities we operate or acquire are non-operational or operational on a limited basis due to the decision to refurbish or upgrade such facilities, due to accidents or events which occur at such facilities, including, but not limited to fires, floods or other acts of God, or any other reason, including problems with the facilities, could adversely affect our revenues and results of operations. Furthermore, any period during which KMTEX’s and Bunker One's facilities or our other facilities are offline could have an adverse effect on our revenues, force us to seek alternative re-refining facilities (which may be more expensive or require us to transport our feedstock over longer distances) and may increase our expenses, decreasing our operating margins.
Negative publicity may harm our operations and we may face additional expenses due to such negative publicity.
Only a relatively small number of entities operate in our industry including competitors, feedstock suppliers, re-refining operators, purchasers of our products and transportation companies. If issues arise with our products or third parties (including entities which operate in our industry) allege issues with our products, even if no issues with such products exist, such negative publicity may force us to change service providers, undertake certain transportation activities ourselves, at higher costs than third parties would charge, or cause certain of our buyers, sellers or service providers to cease working with us. The result of such actions may result in our expenses increasing, a decrease in our ability to purchase feedstock, or our ability to sell or transport our resulting products, which could cause our revenues to decrease and/or expenses to increase, which could cause a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our commercial success will depend in part on our ability to obtain and maintain protection of our intellectual property.
Our success will depend in part on our ability to maintain or obtain and enforce patent rights and other intellectual property protection for our technologies, to preserve our trade secrets, and to operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of third parties. We currently have five registered patents in the United States (none, internationally). If we file additional patent applications for our technologies in the future, such patents may not be granted and the scope of any claims granted in any patent may not provide us with proprietary protection or a competitive advantage. Furthermore, our current patents, or future patents, if granted, may not be valid and may not afford us with protection against competitors with similar technology. The failure to obtain or maintain patents or other intellectual property protection on the technologies underlying our technologies may have a material adverse effect on our competitive position and business prospects. It is also possible that our technologies may infringe on patents or other intellectual property rights owned by others. We may have to alter our products or processes, pay licensing fees, defend an infringement action or challenge the validity of the patents in court, or cease activities altogether because of patent rights of third parties, thereby causing additional unexpected costs and delays to it. A license may not be available to us, if at all, upon terms and conditions acceptable to us and we may not prevail in any intellectual property litigation. Intellectual property litigation is costly and time consuming, and we may not have sufficient resources to pursue such litigation. If we do not obtain a license under such intellectual property rights, are found liable for infringement or are not able to have such patents declared invalid, we may be liable for significant money damages and may encounter significant delays in bringing products to market.
Competition may impair our success.
New technologies may be developed by others that could compete with our refining and re-refining technologies. In addition, we face competition from other producers of oil substitutes and related products. Such competition is expected to be intense and could significantly drive down the price for our products. Competition will likely increase as prices of energy in the commodities market, including refined and re-refined oil, rise. Additionally, new companies are constantly entering the market, thus increasing the competition even further. These companies may have greater success in the recruitment and retention of qualified employees, as well as in conducting their own refining and re-refining operations, and may have greater access to feedstock, market presence, economies of scale, financial resources and engineering, technical and marketing capabilities, which may give them a competitive advantage. In addition, actual or potential competitors may be strengthened through the acquisition of additional assets and interests. If we are unable to compete effectively or adequately respond to competitive pressures, this may materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and could also have a negative impact on our ability to obtain additional capital from investors.
Potential competition from our existing executive officers, after they leave their employment with us, and subject to the non-compete terms of their employment agreements, could negatively impact our profitability.
Although our Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin P. Cowart, our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, Chris Carlson, and our Chief Operating Officer, John Strickland, are prohibited from competing with us while they are employed with us and for twelve months thereafter (subject to the terms of, and exceptions set forth in, their employment agreements with the Company), none of such individuals will be prohibited from competing with us after such twelve-month period ends. Accordingly, any of these individuals could be in a position to use industry experience gained while working with us to compete with us. Such competition could increase our costs to obtain feedstock, and increase our costs for contracting use of operating assets and services such as third-party refining capacity, trucking services or terminal access. Furthermore, such competition could distract or confuse customers, reduce the value of our intellectual property and trade secrets, or result in a reduction in the prices we are able to obtain for our finished products. Any of the foregoing could reduce our future revenues, earnings or growth prospects.
Competition due to advances in renewable fuels may lessen the demand for our products and negatively impact our profitability.
Alternatives to petroleum-based products and production methods are continually under development. For example, a number of automotive, industrial and power generation manufacturers are developing alternative clean power systems using fuel cells or clean-burning gaseous fuels that may address increasing worldwide energy costs, the long-term availability of petroleum reserves and environmental concerns, which if successful could lower the demand for our services. If these non-petroleum-based products and oil alternatives continue to expand and gain broad acceptance such that the overall demand for our products is reduced, we may not be able to compete effectively in the marketplace.
We rely on new technology to conduct our business, including TCEP, and our technology could become ineffective or obsolete.
We currently rely on relatively new technology and will be required to continually enhance and update our technology to maintain our efficiency and to avoid obsolescence. Previously, from the third quarter of fiscal 2015, to the fourth quarter of 2019, TCEP was being used to pre-treat our used motor oil feedstock prior to shipping to our facility in Marrero, Louisiana instead of for its originally intended purpose of producing finished cutterstock, due to market conditions. During the fourth quarter of 2019, market conditions improved and we once again began using TCEP for its originally intended purpose of producing finished cutterstock. Starting in the first quarter of 2020, with declining oil prices, such use of TCEP for its originally intended purpose became non-economical and we once again switched to using TCEP pre-treat our used motor oil feedstock. Additionally, the costs moving forward of enhancing and updating and/or replicating our technology or creating new technology may be substantial and may be higher than the costs that we anticipated for technology maintenance and development. If we are unable to maintain the efficiency of our technology, replicate our technology, or create new technologies our ability to manage our business and to compete may be impaired. Even if we are able to maintain technical effectiveness, our technology may not be the most efficient means of reaching our objectives, in which case we may incur higher operating costs than we would if our technology was more effective. The impact of these potential future technical shortcomings, including but not limited to the failure of TCEP, the continued non-economic use of TCEP for its originally intended use, and/or the costs associated with enhancing or replicating TCEP, could have a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our operations would be negatively affected if we are unable to use our facilities in the future.
If we were not able to use any one or more of our facilities moving forward, our ability to generate revenue and compete in the marketplace would be negatively affected. If we are unable to use our facilities for any reason, we will not be able to effectively generate revenue or compete with additional technologies brought to market by our competitors, the volume of our finished products would decline and our finished products could be worth less, and if our competitors are willing to pay more for feedstock than we are, they could drive up prices, which would cause our revenues to decrease, and cause our cost of sales to increase, respectively. Additionally, if we are forced to pay more for feedstock, our cash flows will be negatively impacted and our margins will decrease.
Our business is subject to local, legal, political, and economic factors which are beyond our control.
We believe that the current political environment for refining and re-refining facilities is sufficiently supportive to enable us to continue to operate our facilities and in the future plan and implement the construction of additional facilities; however, there are risks that conditions will change in an adverse manner. These risks include, but are not limited to, environmental issues, land use, air emissions, water use, zoning, workplace safety, restrictions imposed on the re-refining industry such as restrictions on production, substantial changes in product quality standards, restrictions on feedstock supply, price controls and export controls. Any changes in financial incentives, investment regulations, policies or a shift in political attitudes are beyond our control and may adversely affect our business, plans for future facilities, and future financial results.
Additionally, the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Coast Guard and Homeland Security and various federal, state, local and foreign agencies exercise broad powers over our transportation operations, generally governing such activities as authorization to engage in motor carrier operations, safety and permits to conduct transportation business. We may also become subject to new or more restrictive regulations that the Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency or other authorities impose, including regulations relating to engine exhaust emissions, the hours of service that our drivers may provide in any one-time period, security and other matters. Compliance with these regulations could increase our costs and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our business may be harmed by anti-terrorism measures.
Due to ongoing increased concerns regarding future terrorist attacks and illegal immigration, federal, state and municipal authorities, from time to time, implement various security measures, including checkpoints and travel restrictions on large trucks. Although many companies are adversely affected by slowdowns in the availability of freight transportation, the negative impact could affect our business disproportionately. For example, if the security measures disrupt or impede the timing of our deliveries of feedstock, we may not have sufficient feedstock to run our re-refining processes at full capacity, or may incur increased expenses to do so. These measures may significantly increase our costs and reduce our operating margins and income.
Our business is geographically concentrated and is therefore subject to regional economic downturns.
Our operations and customers are concentrated principally in the Gulf Coast, upper Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic. Therefore, our business, financial condition and results of operations are susceptible to regional economic downturns and other regional factors, including state regulations and budget constraints and severe weather conditions. In addition, as we seek to expand in our existing markets, opportunities for growth within this region may become more limited and the geographic concentration of our business may increase.
If we cannot maintain adequate insurance coverage, we will be unable to continue certain operations.
Our business exposes us to various risks, including claims for causing damage to property and injuries to persons that may involve allegations of negligence or professional errors or omissions in the performance of our services. Such claims could be substantial. We believe that our insurance coverage is presently adequate and similar to, or greater than, the coverage maintained by other similarly situated companies in the industry. If we are unable to obtain adequate or required insurance coverage in the future, or if such insurance is not available at affordable rates, we could be in violation of our permit conditions and other requirements of the environmental laws, rules and regulations under which we operate. Such violations could render us unable to continue certain of our operations. These events could result in an inability to operate certain assets and significantly impair our financial condition.
Notwithstanding the above, our policies do not cover all of our potential losses, costs or liabilities. We could suffer losses for uninsurable or uninsured risks, or in amounts in excess of our existing insurance coverage, which would significantly affect our financial performance. Our insurance policies also have deductibles and self-retention limits that could expose us to significant financial expense. Our ability to obtain and maintain adequate insurance may be affected by conditions in the insurance market over which we have no control. The occurrence of an event that is not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our business requires that we maintain various types of insurance. If such insurance is not available or not available on economically acceptable terms, our business would be materially and adversely affected.
Claims above our insurance limits, or significant increases in our insurance premiums, may reduce our profitability.
We currently employ approximately 57 full-time drivers. From time to time, some of these employee drivers are involved in automobile accidents. We currently carry liability insurance of $1,000,000 for our drivers, subject to applicable deductibles, and carry umbrella coverage up to $25,000,000. We currently employ over 200 employees. Claims against us may exceed the amounts of available insurance coverage. If we were to experience a material increase in the frequency or severity of accidents, liability claims or workers’ compensation claims or unfavorable resolutions of claims, our operating results could be materially affected.
Litigation related to personal injury from the operation of our business may result in significant liabilities and limit our profitability.
The hazards and risks associated with the transport, storage, and handling, treatment and disposal of used oil and other hydrocarbon products (such as fires, spills, explosions and accidents) may expose us to personal injury claims, property damage claims and/or products liability claims from our employees, customers or third parties. As protection against such claims and operating hazards, we maintain insurance coverage against some, but not all, potential losses. However, we may sustain losses for uninsurable or uninsured risks, or in amounts in excess of existing insurance coverage. Due to the unpredictable nature of personal injury litigation, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of any future claims or lawsuits, and we may be held liable for significant personal injury or damage to property or third parties, or other losses, that are not fully covered by our insurance, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The litigation environment in which we operate poses a significant risk to our businesses.
We may be involved from time to time in the ordinary course of business in lawsuits involving employment, commercial, and environmental issues, other claims for injuries and damages, and shareholder and class action litigation, among other matters. We may experience negative outcomes in such lawsuits in the future. Any such negative outcomes could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. We evaluate litigation claims and legal proceedings to assess the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes and to estimate, if possible, the amount of potential losses. Based on these assessments and estimates, we establish reserves and disclose the relevant litigation claims or legal proceedings, as appropriate. These assessments and estimates are based on the information available to management at the time and involve a significant amount of judgment. Actual outcomes or losses may differ materially from such assessments and estimates. The settlement or resolution of such claims or proceedings may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, judges and juries in certain jurisdictions in which we conduct business have demonstrated a willingness to grant large verdicts, including punitive damages, to plaintiffs in personal injury, property damage and other tort cases. We use appropriate means to contest litigation threatened or filed against us, but the litigation environment in these areas poses a significant business risk to us and could cause a significant diversion of management resources and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company’s information technology systems could suffer interruptions, failures or breaches and our business operations could be disrupted adversely effecting results of operations and the Company’s reputation.
The Company’s information technology systems, some of which are dependent on services provided by third parties, serve an important role in the operation of our business. These systems could be damaged or cease to function properly due to any number of causes, such as catastrophic events, power outages, security breaches, computer viruses or cyber-based attacks.
The Company has been, and likely will continue to be, subject to computer hacking, acts of vandalism or theft, malware, computer viruses or other malicious codes, phishing, employee error or malfeasance, catastrophes, unforeseen events or other cyber-attacks. To date, the Company has seen no material impact on our business or operations from these attacks or events. Any future significant compromise or breach of data security, whether external or internal, or misuse of customer,
associate, supplier or Company data, could result in significant costs, lost sales, fines, lawsuits, and damage to the Company's reputation. However, the ever-evolving threats mean the Company and its third-party service providers and vendors must continually evaluate and adapt respective systems and processes and overall security environment, as well as those of any companies acquired. There is no guarantee that these measures will be adequate to safeguard against all data security breaches, system compromises or misuses of data. In addition, as the regulatory environment related to information security, data collection and use, and privacy becomes increasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to the Company's business, compliance with those requirements could also result in additional costs.
We operate our business through many locations, and if we are unable to effectively oversee all of these locations, our business reputation and operating results could be materially adversely affected.
Because we operate through various different facilities located throughout the United States, we are subject to risks related to our ability to oversee these locations. If in the future we are unable to effectively oversee our locations, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected, we could fail to comply with environmental regulations, we could lose customers, we could lose control of inventory and other assets, and our business could be materially adversely affected.
Increases in energy costs will affect our operating results and financial condition.
Our production costs will be dependent on the costs of the energy sources used to run our facilities and to procure feedstock. These costs are subject to fluctuations and variations, and we may not be able to predict or control these costs. If these costs exceed our expectations, this may adversely affect our results of operations.
Fluctuations in fuel costs could impact our operating expenses and results.
We operate a fleet of transportation, collection and aggregation trucks to collect and transport used oil and re-refined oil products, among other things. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events beyond our control, including, among others, geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regional production patterns. We have experienced increases in the cost of fuel over the past several years. Although in the past, we have been able to pass-through some of these costs to our customers, we may not be able to continue to do so in the future. A significant increase in our fuel or other transportation costs could lower our operating margins and negatively impact our profitability.
Our hedging activities may prevent us from benefiting fully from increases in oil prices and may expose us to other risks, including counterparty risk.
We use derivative instruments to hedge the impact of fluctuations in oil prices on our results of operations and cash flows. To the extent that we continue to engage in hedging activities to protect ourselves against commodity price declines, we may be prevented from fully realizing the benefits of increases in oil prices above the prices established by our hedging contracts. In addition, our hedging activities may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances, including instances in which the counterparties to our hedging contracts fail to perform under the contracts. Finally, we are subject to risks associated with the adoption of derivatives legislation and regulations related to derivative contracts which if adopted, could have an adverse impact on our ability to hedge risks associated with our business. If regulations adopted in the future require that we post margin for our hedging activities or require our counterparties to hold margin or maintain capital levels, the cost of which could be passed through to us, or impose other requirements that are more burdensome than current regulations, hedging transactions in the future would become more expensive than we experienced in the past.
Competitors that produce their own supply of feedstocks, have more extensive retail outlets, or have greater financial resources may have a competitive advantage.
The refining and re-refining industries are highly competitive with respect to both feedstock supply and refined/re-refined product markets. We compete with many companies for available supplies of feedstocks and for outlets for our products. We do not produce any of our feedstocks. Some of our competitors, however, obtain a portion of their feedstocks from their own production and some have more extensive retail outlets than we have. Competitors that have their own production or extensive retail outlets (and greater brand-name recognition) are at times able to offset losses from their operations with profits from producing or retailing operations, and may be better positioned to withstand periods of depressed margins or feedstock shortages.
Some of our competitors also have materially greater financial and other resources than we have. Such competitors have a greater ability to bear the economic risks inherent in all phases of our business. In addition, we compete with other industries that provide alternative means to satisfy the energy and fuel requirements of our industrial, commercial and individual customers.
Risks Relating to Accounting and Internal Controls
We incur significant costs as a result of operating as a fully reporting company in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act, and our management is required to devote substantial time to compliance initiatives.
We incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses in connection with our status as a fully reporting public company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) and rules subsequently implemented by the SEC have imposed various requirements on public companies, including requiring changes in corporate governance practices. As such, our management and other personnel are required to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time consuming and costly. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal controls for financial reporting and disclosure of controls and procedures. Our testing has revealed deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. Our compliance with Section 404 requires that we incur substantial accounting expense and expend significant management efforts. Moreover, if we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if we continue to identify deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of our stock could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.
Our ability to use our net operating loss carry-forwards may be subject to limitation.
Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, substantial changes in our ownership may limit the amount of net operating loss carry-forwards that could be utilized annually in the future to offset our taxable income. Specifically, this limitation may arise in the event of a cumulative change in ownership of our company of more than 50% within a three-year period. Any such annual limitation may significantly reduce the utilization of our net operating loss carry-forwards before they expire. At December 31, 2020, the net operating loss carry-forwards are approximately $44.2 million resulting from a 382 study which was completed during 2016. Transactions that may occur in the future may trigger an ownership change pursuant to Section 382, and prior transactions may be deemed to have triggered an ownership change pursuant to Section 382, the result of which could limit the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that we can utilize annually to offset our taxable income, if any. Any such limitation could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our inventory is subject to significant impairment charges in the event the prices of oil and gas fall sharply after such inventory is acquired.
We did not have an inventory impairment charge for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. In the event, commodity prices fall sharply during any period requiring the Company to take a non-cash charge/adjustment to the value of our products in inventory taking into account the lower net realizable value for the products being held for sale. Similar significant impairment charges could negatively affect our balance sheet, result in us not meeting certain debt ratios set forth in our credit and loan agreements, and negatively affect our cash flows. Future significant impairment charges and/or significant decreases in oil prices could have a material adverse effect on our balance sheet, debt covenants (including creating an event of default) and could further cause the value of our securities to decline in value.
Our consolidated financial statements, including our liabilities and statements of operations are subject to quarterly changes in our derivative accounting of our outstanding Series B and B1 Preferred Stock and warrants.
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815-40-25 and ASC 815-10-15, Derivatives and Hedging and ASC 480-10-25, Liabilities-Distinguishing from Equity, convertible preferred shares are accounted for net, outside of shareholders’ equity and warrants are accounted for as liabilities at their fair value during periods where they can be net cash settled in case of a change in control transaction. The warrants are accounted for as a liability at their fair value at each reporting period. The value of the derivative warrant liability is re-measured at each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. To derive an estimate of the fair value of these warrants, a Dynamic Black Scholes model is utilized which computes the impact of a possible change in control transaction upon the exercise of the warrant shares. This process
relies upon inputs such as shares outstanding, our quoted stock prices, strike price, risk-free interest rate and volatility assumptions to dynamically adjust the payoff of the warrants in the presence of the dilution effect. As a result, our consolidated financial statements and results of operations fluctuate quarterly, based on factors, such as the trading value of our common stock and certain assumptions, which are outside of our control. Consequently, our liabilities and consolidated statements of operations vary quarterly, based on factors other than the Company’s revenues and expenses. The liabilities and accounting line items associated with our unrealized derivative securities on our balance sheet and statement of operations are non-cash items, and the inclusion of such items in our financial statements may materially affect the outcome of our quarterly and annual results, even though such items are non-cash and do not affect the cash we have available for operations. Investors should take such derivative accounting matters and other non-cash items into account when comparing our quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year operating results and financial statements.
We have identified material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. If not remediated, our failure to establish and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could result in material misstatements in our financial statements and a failure to meet our reporting and financial obligations, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and the trading price of our common stock.
Maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and effective disclosure controls and procedures are necessary for us to produce reliable financial statements. As reported under “Part II” - “Item 9. Controls and Procedures”, as of December 31, 2020, our CEO and CFO have determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective, and such disclosure controls and procedures have not been deemed effective since approximately September 30, 2018. Separately, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 and determined that such internal control over financial reporting was not effective as a result of such assessment, and such internal control over financial reporting has not been deemed effective since approximately September 30, 2018.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A control deficiency exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis.
Maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures and effective internal control over financial reporting are necessary for us to produce reliable financial statements and the Company is committed to remediating its material weaknesses in such controls as promptly as possible. However, there can be no assurance as to when these material weaknesses will be remediated or that additional material weaknesses will not arise in the future. Any failure to remediate the material weaknesses, or the development of new material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, could result in material misstatements in our financial statements and cause us to fail to meet our reporting and financial obligations, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and the trading price of our common stock, and/or result in litigation against us or our management. In addition, even if we are successful in strengthening our controls and procedures, those controls and procedures may not be adequate to prevent or identify irregularities or facilitate the fair presentation of our financial statements or our periodic reports filed with the SEC.
Risks Relating to Acquisitions
Our strategy includes pursuing acquisitions, partnerships and joint ventures and our potential inability to successfully integrate newly-acquired companies or businesses, or successfully manage our partnerships and joint ventures may adversely affect our financial results.
In the future, we may seek to grow our business by investing in new or existing facilities or technologies, making acquisitions or entering into partnerships and joint ventures. Acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures or investments may require significant managerial attention, which may divert management from our other activities and may impair the operation of our existing businesses. Any future acquisitions of businesses or facilities could entail a number of additional risks, including:
•the failure to successfully integrate the acquired businesses or facilities or new technology into our operations;
•incurring significantly higher than anticipated capital expenditures and operating expenses;
•disrupting our ongoing business;
•dissipating our management resources;
•failing to maintain uniform standards, controls and policies;
•the inability to maintain key pre-acquisition business relationships;
•loss of key personnel of the acquired business or facility;
•incurring significant debt;
•significant dilution to existing shareholders in the event that equity is provided as part of the consideration for the transaction(s);
•exposure to unanticipated liabilities; and
•the failure to realize efficiencies, synergies and cost savings.
We may also assume liabilities and environmental liabilities as part of acquisitions. Although we will endeavor to accurately estimate and limit liabilities and environmental liabilities presented by the businesses or facilities to be acquired, some liabilities, including ones that may exist only because of the past operations of an acquired business or facility, may prove to be more difficult or costly to address than we then estimate. It is also possible that government officials responsible for enforcing environmental laws may believe an environmental liability is more significant than we then estimate, or that we will fail to identify or fully appreciate an existing liability before we become legally responsible to address it. We may have no recourse, or only limited recourse, to the former owners of such properties in the event such liabilities are present. As a result, if a liability were asserted against us based upon ownership of an acquired property, we might be required to pay significant sums to settle it, which could adversely affect our financial results and cash flow.
The consolidation of our operations with the operations of acquired companies, including the consolidation of systems, procedures, personnel and facilities, the relocation of staff, and the achievement of anticipated cost savings, economies of scale and other business efficiencies, presents significant challenges to our management, particularly if several acquisitions occur at the same time. Fully integrating an acquired company or business into our operations may take a significant amount of time. We may not be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered with acquisitions. To the extent we do not successfully avoid or overcome the risks or problems related to any acquisitions, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Future acquisitions also could impact our financial position and capital needs, and could cause substantial fluctuations in our quarterly and yearly results of operations. Acquisitions could include significant goodwill and intangible assets, which may result in future impairment charges that would reduce our stated earnings or increase our stated losses.
We may not successfully identify and complete acquisitions on favorable terms or achieve anticipated synergies relating to any acquisitions, and such acquisitions could result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures and require significant management resources.
We regularly review potential acquisitions of complementary businesses, services or products. However, we may be unable to identify suitable acquisition candidates in the future. Even if we identify appropriate acquisition candidates, we may be unable to complete or finance such acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all. In addition, the process of integrating an acquired business, service or product into our existing business and operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. Integration of an acquired company also may require significant management resources that otherwise would be available for ongoing development of our business. Moreover, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisition or strategic alliance and such transactions may not generate anticipated financial results. Future acquisitions could also require us to incur debt, assume contingent liabilities or amortize expenses related to intangible assets, any of which could harm our business.
Our ability to make acquisitions may be adversely impacted by our outstanding indebtedness and by the price of our stock.
Our ability to make future business acquisitions, particularly those that would be financed solely or in part through cash from operations, may be curtailed due to our obligations to make payments of principal and interest on our outstanding
indebtedness. We may not have sufficient capital resources, now or in the future, and may be unable to raise sufficient additional capital resources on terms satisfactory to us, if at all, in order to meet our capital requirements for such acquisitions. In addition, the terms of our indebtedness include covenants that directly restrict, or have the effect of restricting, our ability to make certain acquisitions while this indebtedness remains outstanding. To the extent that the amount of our outstanding indebtedness has a negative impact on our stock price, using our common stock as consideration will be less attractive for potential acquisition candidates. The future trading price of our common stock could limit our willingness to use our equity as consideration and the willingness of sellers to accept our shares and as a result could limit the size and scope of our acquisition program. If we are unable to pursue strategic acquisitions that would enhance our business or operations, the potential growth of our business and revenues may be adversely affected.
The Heartland Company Agreement includes redemption rights.
The Heartland SPV Class A Unit holders (common and preferred) (currently owned 65% by Tensile-Heartland and 35% by the Company) may force Heartland SPV to redeem the outstanding Class A Units at any time on or after the earlier of (a) January 17, 2025 and (ii) the occurrence of a Heartland Triggering Event. The cash purchase price for such redeemed Class A Unit will be the greater of (y) the fair market value of such units (without discount for illiquidity, minority status or otherwise) as determined by a qualified third party agreed to in writing by a majority of the holders seeking Heartland Redemption and Vertex Operating (provided that Vertex Operating still owns Class B Units on such date) and (z) the Class A preference. The preference is defined as the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid Class A yield equal to 225% per year or (B) an amount equal to the original per-unit price for such Class A Units plus fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class A Unit holders through such Heartland Redemption date.
Distributions of available cash of Heartland SPV pursuant to the Heartland Company Agreement (including pursuant to liquidations of Heartland SPV), subject to certain exceptions set forth therein, are to be made (a) first, to the holders of the Class A Preferred Units, in amount equal to the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid Class A Yield and (B) an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class A Preferred Unit holders (initially Tensile-Heartland)(such aggregate capital invested by the Class A Preferred Unit holders, the “Heartland Invested Capital”, which totaled approximately $21 million as of the Heartland Closing Date, subject to adjustment as provided in the Heartland Share Purchase), less prior distributions (such greater amount of (A) and (B), the “Class A Preferred Priority Distributions”); (b) second, the Class A Preferred Unitholders, together as a separate and distinct class, are entitled to receive an amount equal to the aggregate Heartland Invested Capital; (c) third, the Class B Unitholders (other than Class B Unitholders which received Class B Units upon conversion of Class A Preferred Units), together as a separate and distinct class, are entitled to receive all or a portion of any distribution equal to the sum of all distributions made under sections (a) and (b) above; and (d) fourth, to the holders of Units who are eligible to receive such distributions in proportion to the number of Units held by such holders.
The exercise of the redemption rights may have an adverse effect on the Company, its revenues, and/or prospects, and may cause the value of its securities to decline in value or become worthless.
The MG Company Agreement includes redemption rights.
The MG SPV Class B Unit holders may force MG SPV (currently owned 85% by the Company and 15% by Tensile-MG) to redeem the outstanding Class B Units at any time on or after the earlier of (a) July 26, 2024 and (ii) the occurrence of an applicable triggering event. The cash purchase price for such redeemed Class B Units is the greater of (y) the fair market value of such units (without discount for illiquidity, minority status or otherwise) as determined by a qualified third party and (z) the Class B preference. Preference is defined as the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid Class B yield, which equals 22.5% per annum and (B) an amount equal to original per-unit price for such Class B Units plus fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class B Unit holders through such redemption date. MG SPV may not have sufficient funds to redeem such Class B Units on such required redemption date and/or the Company may be forced to advance funds to MG SPV to allow it to complete such redemption, if such redemption is triggered.
Distributions of available cash of MG SPV pursuant to the MG Company Agreement (including pursuant to liquidations of MG SPV), subject to certain exemptions and exemptions set forth therein, are to be made (a) first, to the holders of the Class B Units, in an amount equal to the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid “Class B Yield” (equal to an annual return of 22.5% per annum) and (B) an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class B Unit holders (initially Tensile-MG)(such aggregate capital invested by the Class B Unit holders, the “MG Invested Capital”, which totals $3 million as of the Closing Date), less prior distributions (the greater amount of (A) and (B), the “Class B Priority Distributions”); (b) second, the Class B Unitholders, together as a separate and distinct class, are entitled to receive an amount equal to the aggregate MG Invested Capital; (c) third, the Class A Unitholders (other than Class A Unitholders which received Class A Units upon conversion of Class B Units), together as a separate and distinct class, are entitled to receive all or a portion of any
distribution equal to the sum of all distributions made under sections (a) and (b) above; and (d) fourth, to the holders of Units who are eligible to receive such distributions in proportion to the number of Units held by such holders.
The exercise of the redemption rights may have an adverse effect on the Company, its revenues, and/or prospects, and may cause the value of its securities to decline in value or become worthless.
Our acquisitions may expose us to unknown liabilities.
Because we have acquired, and expect generally to acquire, all the outstanding shares of certain of our acquisition targets, our investment in those companies are or will be subject to all of their liabilities other than their respective debts which we paid or will pay at the time of the acquisitions. If there are unknown liabilities or other obligations, our business could be materially affected. We may also experience issues relating to internal controls over financial reporting that could affect our ability to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or that could affect our ability to comply with other applicable laws.
Legal, Environmental, Governmental and Regulatory Risks
Currently pending or future litigation or governmental proceedings could result in material adverse consequences, including judgments or settlements.
From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits, regulatory inquiries and may be involved in governmental and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of our business. For example, we are currently involved in ongoing lawsuits seeking damages relating to alleged noxious and harmful emissions from our facility located in Marrero, Louisiana and ongoing issues in connection with Penthol LLC’s termination of the June 2016 Sales and Marketing Agreement. Each of these matters are described in greater detail under “Part II” - “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Note 4. Concentrations, Significant Customers, Commitments and Contingencies”, under the heading “Litigation”. Many of these matters raise difficult and complicated factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties and complexities. The timing of the final resolutions to these matters (including pending matters) is often uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes or resolutions to these matters could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments, adversely affecting our results of operations and liquidity.
Climate change may adversely affect our facilities and our ongoing operations.
The potential physical effects of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and depend upon the unique geographic and environmental factors present. Examples of such effects include rising sea levels at our coastal facilities, changing storm patterns and intensities, and changing temperature levels. As many of our facilities are located near coastal areas, rising sea levels may disrupt our ability to operate those facilities or transport feedstock and products. Extended periods of such disruption could have an adverse effect on our results of operation. We could also incur substantial costs to protect or repair these facilities.
We are subject to numerous environmental and other laws and regulations and, to the extent we are found to be in violation of any such laws and regulations, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
We are subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment which, among other things:
•regulate the collection, transportation, handling, processing and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes;
•impose liability on persons involved in generating, handling, processing, transporting or disposing hazardous materials;
•impose joint and several liability for remediation and clean-up of environmental contamination; and
•require financial assurance that funds will be available for the closure and post-closure care of sites where hazardous wastes are stored, processed or disposed.
The breadth and complexity of all of these laws and regulations impacting us make consistent compliance extremely difficult and often result in increased operating and compliance costs, including requiring the implementation of new programs to promote compliance. Even with these programs, we and other companies in the industry are routinely faced with legal and
administrative proceedings which can result in civil and criminal penalties, interruption of business operations, fines or other sanctions and require expenditures.
Our operations involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental damage and hazardous waste disposal, among others. If we are involved in a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances, or if we are found to be in violation of applicable environmental laws or regulations, it could significantly increase our cost of doing business.
Additionally, under current law, we may be held liable for damage caused by conditions that existed before we acquired our assets and/or before we took control of our leased properties or if we arranged for the transportation, disposal or treatment of hazardous substances that cause environmental contamination. In the future, we may be subject to monetary fines, civil or criminal penalties, remediation, clean-up or stop orders, injunctions, orders to cease or suspend certain practices or denial of permits required to operate our facilities and conduct our operations. The outcome of any proceeding and associated costs and expenses could have a material adverse impact on our operations and financial condition.
Our trucking operations are subject to a number of federal, state and local rules and regulations generally governing such activities as authorization to engage in motor carrier operations, safety compliance and reporting, contract compliance, insurance requirements, taxation and financial reporting. We could be subject to new or more restrictive regulations, such as regulations relating to engine emissions, drivers’ hours of service, occupational safety and health, ergonomics or cargo security. Compliance with such regulations could substantially reduce equipment productivity, and the costs of compliance could increase our operating expenses.
Environmental laws also govern the presence, maintenance and removal of asbestos-containing building materials, or ACBMs, and may impose fines and penalties for failure to comply with these requirements. Such laws require that owners or operators of buildings containing ACBM (and employers in such buildings) properly manage and maintain the asbestos, adequately notify or train those who may come into contact with asbestos, and undertake special precautions, including removal or other abatement, if asbestos would be disturbed during renovation or demolition of a building or plant. In addition, the presence of ACBM in our properties or plants may expose us to third-party liability (e.g., liability for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos).
Environmental laws and regulations are subject to change and may become increasingly stringent or relaxed. Interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and regulations, or the adoption of new laws and regulations, may require us to modify or curtail our operations or replace or upgrade our facilities or equipment at substantial costs which we may not be able to pass on to our customers. On the other hand, if new laws and regulations are less stringent, then our customers or competitors may be able to compete with us more effectively, without reliance on our services, which could decrease the need for our services and/or increase competition which could adversely affect our revenues and profitability, if any.
We are required to obtain and maintain permits, licenses and approvals to conduct our operations in compliance with such laws and regulations. If we are unable to maintain our currently held permits, licenses and approvals, we may not be able to continue certain of our operations. If we are unable to obtain any additional permits, licenses and approvals which may be required as we expand our operations, we may be forced to curtail or abandon our current and/or future planned business operations.
In addition, mandatory fuel standards have been adopted in many jurisdictions which can be costly to implement and maintain compliance. For example, the International Maritime Organization required, as of January 1, 2020, that ships must comply with new low sulfur fuel oil requirements (“IMO 2020”). Shipping companies were able to comply with this requirement by either using fuel with low sulfur content, which is more expensive than standard marine fuel, or by upgrading vessels to provide cleaner exhaust emissions, such as by installing “scrubbers” or retrofitting vessels to be powered by liquefied natural gas (“LNG”). The cost of compliance with these regulatory changes may be significant for shipping companies and it is uncertain how the availability and price of fuel globally will be affected by the implementation of the IMO 2020 regulations as refineries adjust their capacity to increase production of compliant fuels. These and future changes to applicable standards or other more stringent requirements in the industries we serve could reduce our ability to procure feedstocks, reduce our margins, increase our operational expenses, increase fuel prices, require us to incur additional handling costs and/or require the expenditure of capital. To the extent these expenditures, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of our products or we are unable to adequately source compliant fuels, our business and result of operations would be adversely affected. Furthermore, IMO 2020 and/or other regulations may decrease demand for our products or force us to change the mix of products we offer. With the Pandemic during 2020, it has been hard to see the real impact of IMO 2020 on our operations; however, so far, we are seeing strong demand for our finished products.
Environmental risks and regulations may adversely affect our business.
All phases of designing, constructing and operating our refining and re-refining plants present environmental risks and hazards. We are subject to environmental regulation implemented or imposed by a variety of federal, state and municipal laws and regulations as well as international conventions. Among other things, environmental legislation provides for restrictions and prohibitions on spills and discharges, as well as emissions of various substances produced in association with our operations. Legislation also requires that facility sites be operated, maintained, abandoned and reclaimed in such a way that would satisfy applicable regulatory authorities. Compliance with such legislation can require significant expenditures and a breach could result in the imposition of fines and penalties, some of which could be material. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner we expect may result in stricter standards and enforcement, larger fines and liability, as well as potentially increased capital expenditures and operating costs. The presence or discharge of pollutants in or into the air, soil or water may give rise to liabilities to governments and third parties and may require us to incur costs to remedy such presence or discharge.
Environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and permit requirements, and the potential for further expanded laws, regulations and permit requirements may increase our costs or reduce demand for our products and thereby negatively affect our business. Environmental permits required for our operations are subject to periodic renewal and may be revoked or modified for cause or when new or revised environmental requirements are implemented. Changing and increasingly strict environmental requirements and the potential for further expanded regulation may increase our costs and can affect the manufacturing, handling, processing, distribution and use of our products. If so affected, our business and operations may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, changes in these requirements may cause us to incur substantial costs in upgrading or redesigning our facilities and processes, including our waste treatment, storage, disposal and other waste handling practices and equipment. For these reasons, we may need to make capital expenditures beyond those currently anticipated to comply with existing or future environmental or safety laws. The application of environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and permit requirements to our business may cause us to limit our production, significantly increase the costs of our operations and activities, reduce the market for our products or to otherwise adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
Climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of greenhouse gases could result in increased operating and capital costs and reduced demand for our products.
There is a significant number of scientific studies showing that emissions of greenhouse gases, or GHGs, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are linked to climate change. Climate change and the costs that may be associated with its impacts and the regulation of GHGs affect our business in many ways, including negatively impacting the costs of our operations, transportation costs, feedstock costs and demand for our products (due to changes in both costs and weather patterns).
In recent years, the U.S. Congress has from time to time considered adopting new and expanded legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs and several states have already taken legal measures to reduce emissions of GHGs primarily through the planned development of GHG emission inventories and/or regional GHG cap and trade programs. Most of these cap-and-trade programs work by requiring major sources of emissions, such as electric power plants, or major producers of fuels, such as refineries and gas processing plants, to acquire and surrender emission allowances. The number of allowances available for purchase is generally reduced each year in an effort to achieve the overall GHG emission reduction goal.
Depending on the scope of a particular program, we could be required to purchase and surrender allowances for GHG emissions resulting from our operations. Although most of the state-level initiatives have to date been focused on large sources of GHG emissions, such as electric power plants, it is possible that smaller sources such as our operations could become subject to GHG-related regulation. Depending on the particular program, we could be required to control emissions or to purchase and surrender allowances for GHG emissions resulting from our operations. Independent of Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted regulations controlling GHG emissions under its existing Clean Air Act authority. For example, on December 15, 2009, the EPA officially published its findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other GHGs present an endangerment to human health and the environment because emissions of such gases are, according to the EPA, contributing to warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. These findings by the EPA allow the agency to proceed with the adoption and implementation of regulations that would restrict emissions of greenhouse gases under existing provisions of the federal Clean Air Act. In 2009, the EPA adopted rules regarding regulation of GHG emissions from motor vehicles. In 2010, EPA also issued a final rule, known as the “Tailoring Rule,” that makes certain large stationary sources and modification projects subject to permitting requirements for greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. In addition, on September 22, 2009, the EPA issued a final rule requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from specified large greenhouse gas emission sources in the U.S. beginning in 2011 for emissions occurring in 2010. None of our facilities currently generate enough greenhouse gasses to be subject to this reporting requirement under this rule, but we could become subject to such reporting requirements in the future.
Although it is not possible at this time to accurately estimate how potential future laws or regulations addressing greenhouse gas emissions would impact our business, any future federal laws or implementation of regulations that may be adopted to address greenhouse gas emissions could require us to incur increased operating costs and could adversely affect demand for our feedstocks and resulting products, and/or increase our transportation costs. The potential increase in the costs of our operations resulting from any legislation or regulation to restrict emissions of greenhouse gases could include new or increased costs to operate and maintain our facilities, install new emission controls on our facilities, acquire allowances to authorize our greenhouse gas emissions, pay any taxes related to our greenhouse gas emissions and administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program. While we may be able to include some or all of such increased costs in the rates charged for our products, such recovery of costs is uncertain. Moreover, incentives to conserve energy or use alternative energy sources could reduce demand for our products and/or lower the supply of our feedstocks. We cannot predict with any certainty at this time how these possibilities may affect our operations. Many scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate change that could have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, and floods and other climatic events; if such effects were to occur, they could have an adverse effect on our operations.
The adoption of regulations implementing recent financial reform legislation could impede our ability to manage business and financial risks by restricting our use of derivative instruments as hedges against fluctuating commodity prices.
Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) establishes federal oversight and regulation of over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives and requires the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) to enact further regulations affecting derivatives, including those we use to hedge our commodity exposure. Although the CFTC and the SEC have issued final regulations in certain areas, final rules in other areas and the scope of relevant definitions and/or exemptions still remain to be finalized.
The above regulations and rules could increase the costs to us of entering into derivatives to hedge or mitigate our commodity price exposure. If we voluntarily or involuntarily reduce our use of derivative contracts as a result of the new requirements, we become more exposed to commodity price fluctuations, which could adversely affect our ability to conduct our operations and/or hedge against falling prices, the result of which may mean more extreme swings in our results of operations and ultimately a decline in the value of our securities.
We could be subject to involuntary shutdowns or be required to pay significant monetary damages or remediation costs if we are found to be a responsible party for the improper handling or the release of hazardous substances.
As a company engaged in the sale, handling, transportation, storage, recycling and disposal of materials that are or may be classified as hazardous by federal, state, provincial or other regulatory agencies, we face risks of liability for environmental contamination. The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or “CERCLA” or Superfund, and similar state laws impose strict liability for clean-up costs on current or former owners and operators of facilities that release hazardous substances into the environment, as well as on the businesses that generate those substances or transport them. As a potentially responsible party, or “PRP,” we may be liable under CERCLA for substantial investigation and cleanup costs even if we operate our business properly and comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Liability under CERCLA may be joint and several, which means that if we were found to be a business with responsibility for a particular CERCLA site, we could be required to pay the entire cost of the investigation and cleanup, even though we were not the party responsible for the release of the hazardous substance and even though other companies might also be liable. Even if we are able to identify who the other responsible parties might be, we may not be able to compel them to contribute to the remediation costs, or they might be insolvent or unable to contribute due to lack of financial resources.
Our facilities and the facilities of our clients and third-party contractors may have generated, used, handled and/or disposed of hazardous substances and other regulated wastes. Environmental liabilities could exist, including cleanup obligations at these facilities or at off-site locations, which could result in future expenditures that cannot be currently quantified and which could materially reduce our profits. In addition, new services or products offered by us could expose us to further environmental liabilities for which we have no historical experience and cannot estimate our potential exposure to liabilities.
Risks Related to Our Common Carrier Operations
We face competition from other common carriers and transportation providers.
Crossroad is a common carrier that provides transportation and logistical services for liquid petroleum products, as well as other hazardous materials and waste streams. We face competition from trucking companies, railroads, motor carriers and, to a lesser extent, ships and barges. In addition to price competition, we face competition with respect to transit times and quality and reliability of service. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality or reducing the cost of alternative modes of transportation, automating transportation and/or increased competition from competitors, including competitors with more resources than us, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Additionally, any future consolidation of the trucking industry could materially affect the competitive environment in which we operate.
Risks Related to Our Prior Offering Terms
We face significant penalties and damages in the event registration statements we filed to register certain securities sold in our prior offerings are subsequently suspended or terminated.
We previously registered the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, Series B1 Preferred Stock and upon exercise of the warrants sold in connection therewith under the Securities Act, for resale. The agreements pursuant to which we sold such securities, provide for liquidated damages upon the occurrence of certain events. The amount of the liquidated damages is 1.0% of the aggregate subscription amount paid by an investor for the units (i.e., Series B Preferred Stock and warrants and/or Series B1 Preferred Stock and warrants) affected by the event that are still held by the investor upon the occurrence of the event, due on the date immediately following the event that caused such failure (or the 30th day following such event if the event relates to the suspension of the registration statement), and each 30 days thereafter, with such payments to be prorated on a daily basis during each 30 day period, subject to a maximum of an aggregate of 6% per year (per transaction). If we fail to pay any liquidated damages in full within seven days after the date payable, we are required to pay interest thereon at a rate of 12% per annum until paid in full. In the event the registration statement, which has previously been declared effective within the timeframe required by the purchase agreement, is subsequently suspended or terminated, or we otherwise fail to meet certain requirements set forth in the purchase agreements, we could be required to pay significant penalties which could adversely affect our cash flow and cause the value of our securities to decline in value.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR SECURITIES
General Risks
Our Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin P. Cowart, has significant voting control over us, and Mr. Cowart, as a significant shareholder, may, take actions that are not in the interest of other shareholders.
Benjamin P. Cowart, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owns approximately 15.5% of our common stock and approximately 13.1% of our total voting stock, and as such, Mr. Cowart exercises significant control in determining the outcome of corporate transactions or other matters, including the election of directors, mergers, consolidations, the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, and also the power to prevent or cause a change in control. The interests of Mr. Cowart may differ from the interests of the other stockholders and thus result in corporate decisions that are adverse to other shareholders. Should conflicts of interest arise, Mr. Cowart may not act in the best interests of our other shareholders and conflicts of interest may not be resolved in a manner favorable to our other shareholders.
We currently have a sporadic and volatile market for our common stock, and the market for our common stock is and may remain sporadic and volatile in the future.
We currently have a sporadic and volatile market for our common stock, which market is anticipated to remain sporadic and volatile in the future, and will likely be subject to wide fluctuations in response to several factors, including, but not limited to:
•actual or anticipated variations in our results of operations;
•our ability or inability to generate revenues;
•the number of shares in our public float;
•increased competition; and
•conditions and trends in the market for oil refining and re-refining services, transportation services and oil feedstock.
Our common stock is currently listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market. Our stock price may be impacted by factors that are unrelated or disproportionate to our operating performance. These market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, interest rates or international currency fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Shareholders and potential investors in our common stock should exercise caution before making an investment in us, and should not rely solely on the publicly quoted or traded stock prices in determining our common stock value, but should instead determine the value of our common stock based on the information contained in our public reports, industry information, and those business valuation methods commonly used to value private companies.
Additionally, the market price of our common stock historically has fluctuated significantly based on, but not limited to, such factors as general stock market trends, announcements of developments related to our business, actual or anticipated variations in our operating results, our ability or inability to generate new revenues, and conditions and trends in the industries in which our customers are engaged.
In recent years, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price fluctuations that have oftentimes been unrelated to the operating performance of the affected companies. Similarly, the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly based upon factors unrelated or disproportionate to our operating performance. These market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, interest rates or international currency fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Our outstanding options, warrants and convertible securities may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.
As of the date of this filing, we have (i) outstanding stock options to purchase an aggregate of 5,104,288 shares of common stock outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $1.80 per share; (ii) outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,600,921 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $1.78 per share; (iii) 419,859 outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (which convert on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustments for stock splits and recapitalizations) into common stock); (iv) 3,382,437 outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock (which convert on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustments for stock splits and recapitalizations) into common stock) (which number includes 420,224 shares which are in the process of being converted into common stock, on a one-for-one basis, and 708,547 shares which have been agreed to be exchanged for 1,098,248 shares of common stock, which conversion/exchange shares have not been issued to date); and (v) 6,600,747 outstanding shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock (which convert on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustments for stock splits and recapitalizations) into common stock) (which number includes 1,103,297 shares which are in the process of being converted into common stock, on a one-for-one basis, which conversion shares have not been issued to date). For the life of the options and warrants, the holders have the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of our common stock without assuming the risk of ownership. The issuance of shares upon the exercise of outstanding securities will also dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders.
The availability of these shares for public resale, as well as any actual resales of these shares, could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our common stock pursuant to the exercise of outstanding options or warrants or conversion of other securities, or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our common stock may have on the market price of our common stock. Sales or distributions of substantial amounts of our common stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
In addition, the common stock issuable upon exercise/conversion of outstanding convertible securities may represent overhang that may also adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Overhang occurs when there is a greater supply of a company’s stock in the market than there is demand for that stock. When this happens the price of the company’s stock will decrease, and any additional shares which shareholders attempt to sell in the market will only further decrease the share price. If the share volume of our common stock cannot absorb shares sold by holders of our outstanding convertible securities, then the value of our common stock will likely decrease.
Risks Relating to our Preferred Stock
We have established preferred stock which can be designated by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval and have established Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock, which give the holders thereof a liquidation preference.
We have 50 million shares of preferred stock authorized, which includes 5 million shares of designated Series A Preferred Stock of which approximately 0.4 million shares are issued and outstanding, 10 million designated shares of Series B Preferred Stock, of which 3.4 million shares are issued and outstanding, when including approximately 1.1 million shares which are in the process of being converted into and/or exchanged for common stock, and 17 million designated shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock, of which 6.6 million shares are issued and outstanding (when including approximately 1 million shares which are in the process of being converted into common stock). The Series A Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $1.49 per share. The Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred stock have a liquidation preference of $3.10 per share and $1.56 per share, respectively, payable only after the liquidation preference on the Series A Preferred Stock is satisfied. As a result, if we were to dissolve, liquidate or sell our assets, the holders of our Series A Preferred Stock would have the right to receive up to the first approximately $0.6 million in proceeds from any such transaction, holders of our Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock would have the right to receive up to approximately $20.8 million of the remaining proceeds from any such transaction. The payment of the liquidation preferences could result in common stock shareholders not receiving any consideration if we were to liquidate, dissolve or wind up, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Additionally, the existence of the liquidation preferences may reduce the value of our common stock, make it harder for us to sell shares of common stock in offerings in the future, or prevent or delay a change of control. Because our Board of Directors is entitled to designate the powers and preferences of the preferred stock without a vote of our shareholders, subject to NASDAQ rules and regulations, our shareholders will have no control over what designations and preferences our future preferred stock, if any, will have.
We do not anticipate redeeming our Series B and B1 Preferred Stock in the near future.
We were required to redeem any non-converted shares of (a) Series B Preferred Stock, which remained outstanding on June 24, 2020, at the rate of $3.10 per share (or $10.5 million in aggregate as of the date of this filing, when including an exchange and conversion in progress); and (b) Series B1 Preferred Stock, which remained outstanding on June 24, 2020, at the rate of $1.56 per share (or $10.3 million in aggregate as of the date of this filing, when including an exchange in progress), subject to the terms of the certificate of designations of such Series B and B1 Preferred Stock and applicable law. The certificate of designations of the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock provide that the mandatory redemption date of the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock is automatically extended in the event that the terms of the Company’s senior credit facility (i.e., the Credit Agreements), prohibit the redemption of such Series B and B1 Preferred Stock and because the Credit Agreements prohibit such redemption, the redemption date of the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock has automatically been extended past June 24, 2020, until such date, if ever, as the Company’s senior credit facilities (and any facilities which replace or refinance the Credit Agreements) no longer prohibit such redemptions. Effective on June 24, 2020, the dividend rate of such Series B and B1 Preferred Stock increased to 10% per annum. Notwithstanding the dividend rate increase, because the interest is payable in-kind (or in registered shares of common stock, if allowed under the applicable certificate of designation of the preferred stock, at the option of the Company), the increase in dividend rate and the additional shares of Series B and B1 Preferred Stock and/or common stock due to the holders of such Series B and B1 Preferred Stock in connection therewith, may cause significant dilution to existing shareholders.
Notwithstanding the above, pursuant to the Nevada Revised Statutes, no redemption of the Series B or B1 Preferred Stock is allowed unless such redemption would not result in the Company (i) having less (a) assets than its (b) total liabilities plus the liquidation rights of any preferred stock or other preferred right holders and/or (ii) being unable to pay its debts as they become due after such redemption. Furthermore, the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock designations currently only provide for an ‘all or nothing’ type redemption, and as such, regardless of the compliance of the redemptions of the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock with the terms of the Company’s senior credit agreements, the Company anticipates being legally unable to redeem the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock due to the requirements of Nevada law and the ‘all or nothing’ requirement of such preferred stock until such time as the Company has sufficient cash on hand to pay the entire liquidation preference of the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock ($18.8 million) and has sufficient cash left over to pay its debts as they become due.
Due to the above, the holders of the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock may be forced to hold such Series B and B1 Preferred Stock indefinitely and the Company may never be in a position to contractually or legally redeem the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock. The only rights of the holders of the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock in the event the Company is unable to redeem such preferred stock due to the reasons above would be to continue to hold such preferred stock (with dividends accruing at 10% per annum), sell such preferred stock in private transactions, or convert such preferred stock into common stock pursuant to the terms thereof.
Finally, notwithstanding the prohibitions on redemptions described above, the Company does not currently have the funds required to redeem such Series B and B1 Preferred Stock (i.e., an aggregate of $20.8 million), and does not anticipate
having such funds in the near term, if at all. Consequently, the Company does not anticipate redeeming the Series B and B1 Preferred Stock at any time in the foreseeable future.
The issuance of common stock upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock will cause immediate and substantial dilution to existing shareholders.
The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at any time at $3.10 per share (initially a one-for-one basis). If the Company’s common stock trades at or above $6.20 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may at such time force conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock into common stock of the Company. The Series B1 Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option at any time after closing at $1.56 per share (initially a one-for-one basis). If the Company’s common stock trades at or above $3.90 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days at any time, the Company may at such time force conversion of the Series B1 Preferred Stock into common stock of the Company.
The issuance of common stock upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, and Series B1 Preferred Stock will result in immediate and substantial dilution to the interests of other stockholders since the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock may ultimately receive and sell the full amount of shares issuable in connection with the conversion of such Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock. Although the Series B Preferred Stock, and Series B1 Preferred Stock may not be converted by the holders thereof if such conversion would cause such holder to own more than 9.999% of our outstanding common stock (4.999% in the case of certain holders), these restrictions do not prevent such holders from converting some of their holdings, selling those shares, and then converting the rest of their holdings, while still staying below the 9.999%/4.999% limit. In this way, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock could sell more than these limits while never actually holding more shares than the limits allow. If the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock or Series B1 Preferred Stock choose to do this, it will cause substantial dilution to the then holders of our common stock.
Our outstanding Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock accrue a dividend.
Our Series B Preferred Stock currently accrues a dividend, payable quarterly in arrears (based on calendar quarters), in the amount of 10% per annum of the original issuance price of the Series B Preferred Stock ($3.10 per share or $10.5 million in aggregate as of the date of this report). The Series B1 Preferred Stock currently accrues a dividend, payable quarterly in arrears (based on calendar quarters), in the amount of 10% per annum of the original issuance price of the Series B1 Preferred Stock ($1.56 per share or $10.3 million in aggregate). The dividends are payable by the Company, at the Company’s election, in registered common stock of the Company (if available) or cash, provided that any cash dividend payment is subject to us previously having repaid all amounts owed to our senior lender. In the event dividends are paid in registered common stock of the Company, the number of shares payable will be calculated by dividing (a) the accrued dividend by (b) 90% of the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company’s common stock for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the applicable date of determination (the “Stock Payment Price”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Company pay dividends in common stock unless the applicable Stock Payment Price is above $2.91 (for the Series B Preferred Stock) and above $1.52 (for the Series B1 Preferred Stock). If the Company is prohibited from paying, or chooses not to pay the dividend in cash or is unable to pay the dividend in registered common stock, the dividend on the Series B Preferred Stock will be paid in-kind in Series B Preferred Stock shares at $3.10 per share and the dividend on the Series B1 Preferred Stock will be paid in-kind in Series B1 Preferred Stock shares at $1.56 per share.
We may choose not to pay such dividends in cash, may not have sufficient available cash to pay the dividends as they accrue or may be prohibited contractually, or pursuant to applicable law, from paying such dividends in cash. The payment of the dividends, or our failure to timely pay the dividends when due, could reduce our available cash on hand, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cause the value of our stock to decline in value. Additionally, the issuance of shares of common stock or additional shares of Series B Preferred Stock or Series B1 Preferred Stock in lieu of cash dividends (and the subsequent conversion of such Series B Preferred Stock or Series B1 Preferred Stock into common stock pursuant to the terms of such Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock) could cause substantial dilution to the then holders of our common stock.
We may be required to issue additional shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock upon the occurrence of certain events.
As described above, in the event we choose not to pay, or are prohibited from paying, the dividends which accrue on the Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock in cash, and/or we do not have sufficient registered shares of common stock available to allow for the payment of such dividends in common stock, we are required to pay such dividends in-kind in (a) Series B Preferred Stock shares at $3.10 per share, which will also include a $3.10 per share liquidation preference in connection with the Series B Preferred Stock dividends; and (b) Series B1 Preferred Stock shares at $1.56 per share, which will also include a $1.56 per share liquidation preference in connection with the Series B1 Preferred Stock, and the right to convert into common stock on a one-for-one basis. Such additional shares of Series B Preferred Stock and/or Series B1 Preferred Stock, if any, will increase the liquidation preference payable to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock and create further dilution to existing shareholders, in the event such preferred stock shares are converted into common stock.
Risks Relating to Our Listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market
Our Common Stock may be delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market if we cannot satisfy Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements.
Among the conditions required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, Nasdaq requires us to maintain at least $2.5 million in stockholders’ equity or $500,000 in net income over the prior two years or two of the prior three years, to have a majority of independent directors, and to maintain a stock price over $1.00 per share. Our stockholders’ equity may not remain above Nasdaq’s $2.5 million minimum, we may not generate over $500,000 of yearly net income moving forward, we may not be able to maintain independent directors, and we may not be able to maintain a stock price over $1.00 per share. For example, beginning on April 22, 2020 we were notified by Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), which requires listed securities to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share. However, effective February 2, 2021, we were notified that we had cured such non-compliance issue. If we fail to timely comply with the applicable Nasdaq continued listing requirements, our stock may be delisted. In addition, even if we demonstrate compliance with the requirements above, we will have to continue to meet other objective and subjective listing requirements to continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Delisting from The Nasdaq Capital Market could make trading our common stock more difficult for investors, potentially leading to declines in our share price and liquidity. Without a Nasdaq Capital Market listing, stockholders may have a difficult time getting a quote for the sale or purchase of our stock, the sale or purchase of our stock would likely be made more difficult and the trading volume and liquidity of our stock could decline. Delisting from The Nasdaq Capital Market could also result in negative publicity and could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital. The absence of such a listing may adversely affect the acceptance of our common stock as currency or the value accorded by other parties. Further, if we are delisted, we would also incur additional costs under state blue sky laws in connection with any sales of our securities. These requirements could severely limit the market liquidity of our common stock and the ability of our stockholders to sell our common stock in the secondary market. If our common stock is delisted by Nasdaq, our common stock may be eligible to trade on an over-the-counter quotation system, such as the OTCQB market, where an investor may find it more difficult to sell our stock or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock. In the event our common stock is delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market, we may not be able to list our common stock on another national securities exchange or obtain quotation on an over-the counter quotation system.
If we are delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market, your ability to sell your shares of our common stock could also be limited by the penny stock restrictions, which could further limit the marketability of your shares.
If our common stock is delisted, it could come within the definition of “penny stock” as defined in the Exchange Act and would then be covered by Rule 15g-9 of the Exchange Act. That Rule imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. For transactions covered by Rule 15g-9, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction prior to the sale. Consequently, Rule 15g-9, if it were to become applicable, would affect the ability or willingness of broker-dealers to sell our securities, and accordingly would affect the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the public market. These additional procedures could also limit our ability to raise additional capital in the future.
Due to the fact that our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, we are subject to financial and other reporting and corporate governance requirements which increase our costs and expenses.
We are currently required to file annual and quarterly information and other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Additionally, due
to the fact that our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, we are also subject to the requirements to maintain independent directors, comply with other corporate governance requirements and are required to pay annual listing and stock issuance fees. These obligations require a commitment of additional resources including, but not limited, to additional expenses, and may result in the diversion of our senior management’s time and attention from our day-to-day operations. These obligations increase our expenses and may make it more complicated or time consuming for us to undertake certain corporate actions due to the fact that Nasdaq may require approval for such transactions and/or Nasdaq rules may require us to obtain shareholder approval for such transactions.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
There may be future sales and issuances of our common stock, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and dilute shareholders ownership of common stock.
The exercise of any options granted to executive officers, directors and other employees under our equity compensation plans, the exercise of outstanding warrants, the conversion of outstanding convertible securities and other issuances of our common stock in the future could have an adverse effect on the market price of the shares of our common stock. We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of common stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive shares of common stock, provided that we are subject to the requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market (which generally require shareholder approval for any transactions which would result in the issuance of more than 20% of our then outstanding shares of common stock or voting rights representing over 20% of our then outstanding shares of stock), subject to certain exceptions. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market or the perception that such sales might occur could materially adversely affect the market price of the shares of our common stock. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering or transaction will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings or issuances. Additionally, the sale of a significant portion of our common stock may cause the value of our common stock to decline in value.
Securities analysts may not cover our common stock and this may have a negative impact on our common stock’s market price.
The trading market for our common stock will depend, in part, on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. We currently have limited research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our common stock, changes their opinion of our shares or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our common stock could decrease and we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future, and therefore only appreciation of the price of our common stock will provide a return to our stockholders.
We currently anticipate that we will retain all future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. We do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends will depend upon our financial condition, capital requirements, earnings and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors, and will be subject to the terms of our credit agreements, which currently prevent us from paying cash dividends on, and/or redeeming, outstanding securities. As a result, only appreciation of the price of our common stock, which may not occur, will provide a return to our stockholders.
We may be subject in the normal course of business to judicial, administrative or other third-party proceedings that could interrupt or limit our operations, require expensive remediation, result in adverse judgments, settlements or fines and create negative publicity.
Governmental agencies may, among other things, impose fines or penalties on us relating to the conduct of our business, attempt to revoke or deny renewal of our operating permits, franchises or licenses for violations or alleged violations of environmental laws or regulations or as a result of third-party challenges, require us to install additional pollution control equipment or require us to remediate potential environmental problems relating to any real property that we or our predecessors ever owned, leased or operated or any waste that we or our predecessors ever collected, transported, disposed of or stored. Individuals, citizens groups, trade associations or environmental activists may also bring actions against us in connection with
our operations that could interrupt or limit the scope of our business. Any adverse outcome in such proceedings could harm our operations and financial results and create negative publicity, which could damage our reputation, competitive position and stock price. We may also be required to take corrective actions, including, but not limited to, installing additional equipment, which could require us to make substantial capital expenditures. We could also be required to indemnify our employees in connection with any expenses or liabilities that they may incur individually in connection with regulatory action against us. These could result in a material adverse effect on our prospects, business, financial condition and our results of operations.
We may experience adverse impacts on our reported results of operations as a result of adopting new accounting standards or interpretations.
Our implementation of and compliance with changes in accounting rules, including new accounting rules and interpretations, could adversely affect our reported financial position or operating results or cause unanticipated fluctuations in our reported operating results in future periods.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
Properties and Facilities
The Company owns three oil collection facilities operated by H&H Oil, which are located in Houston, Austin, and Corpus Christi, Texas. The three owned locations range from 2 acres to 5 acres in area and have offices, storage tank facilities, small warehouse facilities for operations and yard areas for the parking of trucks. These facilities are related to the operations of the Black Oil segment.
In addition, the Company leases four smaller facilities, one located in San Antonio, Texas, one in Mission, Texas, one in Pittsburg, Texas, and one in Dallas, Texas, each with a small yard for the parking of trucks, small storage tanks and an office. The San Antonio facility is leased under a thirty-six month lease which expired in June 2013 (subject to our right to renew the lease for an additional twelve months and/or purchase the property at the end of the lease term), which has a rental cost of $2,500 per month, provided that while not formally extended, we continue to operate under the same terms of the now expired lease. The Mission, Texas lease has a term expiring on September 1, 2021, and a rental cost of $1,250 per month. The Pittsburg lease is for three years, expiring May 1, 2023, at a monthly cost of $4,776. The Dallas lease expired in August 31, 2015, but we continue to lease this facility on a month to month basis for a rental cost of $4,500 per month. These facilities are related to the operations of the Black Oil segment.
The Company leases a 19-acre tank terminal facility in Baytown, Texas, where it aggregates the majority of the used motor oil for its TCEP technology. The TCEP technology is located on-site at this facility, which also has facilities for the loading and unloading of trucks and barges located near the Houston Ship Channel. The lease relating to this facility expires on November 30, 2032. The monthly rent relating to this facility is approximately $25,000 per month through November 2027, and $30,000 per month during the remaining term of the lease. The lease contains a provision providing the landlord the right to buy out our rights under the lease for the fair market value of such rights (as provided in the lease agreement) upon the occurrence of any change of control of the Company, including the sale of substantially all of our assets; or our merger with another entity which results in our shareholders holding less than 50% of the voting stock of the post-merger entity. Additionally, we have a right of first refusal to buy the landlord’s interest in the property leased in the event the landlord receives a bona fide offer to sell the premises and notifies us of its intent to accept such offer. This facility is related to the operations of the Black Oil segment.
We also lease approximately 6,848 square feet of office space at our current principal executive office located at 1331 Gemini St., Suite 250, Houston, Texas 77058. The office rent is $10,842 per month through June 30, 2021. the end of the lease term. This property relates to general administrative functions of the Company and is proportionally allocated to each of our three segments.
The Company leases three smaller facilities, one located in Zanesville, Ohio, one in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, and one in Ravenswood, West Virginia each with a small yard for the parking of trucks, small storage tanks and an office. The Zanesville facility is leased under a twelve-month lease with automatic renewals (subject to either party providing a written notice to the other party of the intent to cancel the lease prior to thirty days from the expiration of the current term), which has a
rental cost of $3,500 per month. The Mount Sterling, Kentucky lease had a term expiring on March 22, 2018, but we continue to lease this facility on a month-to-month basis, pursuant to the terms of the lease, and a rental cost of $2,300 per month. The Ravenswood, West Virginia lease had a term expiring October 1, 2016, but we continue to lease this facility on a month-to-month basis for a rental cost of $1,772 per month.
The Company owns or co-owns five other facilities, which are located in Ohio. Two facilities are located in Columbus, of which one is the location of our refinery and the other is for the storage of feedstocks and finished products, the indirect ownership of 65% of which was transferred to Tensile in connection with the Heartland SPV (discussed above under “Part I” - “Item 1. Business” - “Prior Material Acquisitions and Transactions” - “Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement”), effective January 1, 2020. There are two locations in Zanesville, Ohio, of which one is used for an office, small warehouse facilities for operations and a yard area for the parking of trucks, and the other is used for bulk used oil storage and as a transfer facility. The fifth facility is located in Sandusky, Ohio and is used for bulk storage of used oil and as a transfer facility. All of the Ohio properties relate to the operations of the Black Oil segment.
Marrero Facility:
We lease a used motor oil refinery located in Marrero, Louisiana. The facility was constructed in 1992 by Chevron Texaco, can currently process more than 180,000 gallons per day and has a total storage capacity of nearly 17 million gallons. The facility is accessible by truck, rail, and barge. The lease has a term expiring in April 2023, with a monthly rental cost of $258,000. The lease also provides us the right to extend the lease for up to four additional five-year extension terms through April 2043. This facility is related to the operations of the Black Oil segment.
Myrtle Grove:
Prior to June 17, 2019, we owned all of, and subsequent to June 17, 2019, as a result of the MG Purchase Agreement, defined and described above under “Part I” - “Item 1. Business” - “Prior Material Acquisitions and Transactions” - “Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement”- “Myrtle Grove Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement”, we own 85 % of an entity which leases 45 acres of land on the Gulf Coast in Myrtle Grove, Louisiana. The site, which is currently being developed, is located approximately 26 miles from the Marrero facility (described above). Existing infrastructure includes offices and maintenance buildings, a lab, a control room, and a process area with existing piling and concrete, loading and unloading areas and fire protection for the process area. We also transferred additional refining equipment which we owned or leased located on the site to MG SPV in connection with the transaction described above. The lease has a term expiring in May 2022, and a rental cost of $54,000 per month. The lease also has 10 additional five-year term renewal options through 2072, with the rental cost of each extension term increasing by 8% of the preceding term. This facility is related to the operations of the Black Oil segment.
We believe that our current facilities are suitable and adequate to meet our current needs, and that suitable additional or substitute space will be available as needed. However, we continue to evaluate the purchase or lease of additional properties or the consolidation of our properties, as our business requires.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may become party to litigation or other legal proceedings that we consider to be a part of the ordinary course of our business.
Such current litigation or other legal proceedings are described in, and incorporated by reference in, this “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K from, “Part II” - “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Note 4. Concentrations, Significant Customers, Commitments and Contingencies”, under the heading “Litigation”. The Company believes that the resolution of currently pending matters will not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. However, assessment of the current litigation or other legal claims could change in light of the discovery of facts not presently known to the Company or by judges, juries or other finders of fact, which are not in accord with management’s evaluation of the possible liability or outcome of such litigation or claims.
Additionally, the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain. If one or more legal matters were resolved against the Company in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s financial condition and operating results for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
MARKET INFORMATION
Our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “VTNR”.
HOLDERS
As of March 8, 2021, there were approximately (a) 259 holders of record of our common stock, not including holders who hold their shares in street name, and 49,888,947 shares of common stock issued and outstanding; (b) 77 holders of record of our 419,859 outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock; (c) 9 holders of record of our 3,382,437 outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock (which number includes 420,224 shares which are in the process of being converted into common stock, on a one-for-one basis, and 708,547 shares which have been agreed to be exchanged for 1,098,248 shares of common stock, which conversion/exchange shares have not been issued to date); and (d) 9 holders of record of our 6,730,025 outstanding shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock (which number includes 1,103,297 shares which are in the process of being converted into common stock, on a one-for-one basis, which conversion shares have not been issued to date).
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Common Stock
The total number of authorized shares of our common stock is 750,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value per share.
Voting Rights. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote on all stockholder matters. Shares of our common stock do not possess any cumulative voting rights.
Except for the election of directors, if a quorum is present, an action on a matter is approved if it receives the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of capital stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter, unless otherwise required by applicable law, Nevada law, our Articles of Incorporation, as amended or Bylaws, as amended. The election of directors will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast in respect of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote, meaning that the nominees with the greatest number of votes cast, even if less than a majority, will be elected. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to, and may be impacted by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we have designated, or may designate and issue in the future.
Dividend Rights. Each share of our common stock is entitled to equal dividends and distributions per share with respect to the common stock when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, subject to any preferential or other rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
Liquidation and Dissolution Rights. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata on a share-for-share basis, the assets available for distribution to the stockholders after payment of liabilities and payment of preferential and other amounts, if any, payable on any outstanding preferred stock.
Fully Paid Status. All outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Listing. Our common stock is listed and traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VTNR”.
Other Matters. No holder of any shares of our common stock has a preemptive right to subscribe for any of our securities, nor are any shares of our common stock subject to redemption or convertible into other securities.
Preferred Stock
The total number of “blank check” authorized shares of our preferred stock is 50,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value per share. The total number of authorized shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred”) is 5,000,000;
the total number of authorized shares of Vertex’s Series B Preferred Stock is 10,000,000 (“Series B Preferred Stock”); the total number of authorized shares of Vertex's Series B1 Preferred Stock is 17,000,000 ("Series B1 Preferred Stock") and the total number of authorized shares of Vertex’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (of which none are outstanding) is 44,000 (“Series C Preferred Stock”).
Series A Preferred
Holders of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred are entitled to receive dividends, when, as, and if declared by our Board of Directors. No dividends or similar distributions may be made on shares of capital stock or securities junior to our Series A Preferred until dividends in the same amount per share on our Series A Preferred have been declared and paid. In connection with a liquidation, winding-up, dissolution or sale of the Company, each share of our Series A Preferred is entitled to receive $1.49 prior to similar liquidation payments due on shares of our common stock or any other class of securities junior to the Series A Preferred. Shares of Series A Preferred are not entitled to participate with the holders of our common stock with respect to the distribution of any remaining assets of the Company.
Each share of Series A Preferred is entitled to that number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of common stock into which it is convertible. Generally, holders of our common stock and Series A Preferred vote together as a single class.
Shares of Series A Preferred automatically convert into shares of our common stock on the earliest to occur of the following:
•The affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding shares of Series A Preferred;
•If the closing market price of our common stock averages at least $15.00 per share over a period of 20 consecutive trading days and the daily trading volume averages at least 7,500 shares over such period;
•If we consummate an underwritten public offering of our securities at a price per share not less than $10.00 and for a total gross offering amount of at least $10 million; or
•If a sale of the Company occurs resulting in proceeds to the holders of Series A Preferred of a per share amount of at least $10.00.
Each share of Series A Preferred converts into one share of common stock, subject to adjustment.
Series B Preferred Stock
The Series B Preferred Stock accrues a dividend, payable quarterly in arrears (based on calendar quarters), in the amount of 6% per annum of the original issuance price of the Series B Preferred Stock ($3.10 per share).
The dividend is payable by the Company, at the Company’s election, in registered common stock of the Company (if available) or cash. In the event dividends are paid in registered common stock of the Company, the number of shares payable will be calculated by dividing (a) the accrued dividend by (b) 90% of the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company’s common stock for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the applicable date of determination (the “June 2015 Dividend Stock Payment Price”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Company pay dividends in common stock unless the applicable June 2015 Dividend Stock Payment Price is above $2.91. If the Company is prohibited from paying, or chooses not to pay, the dividend in cash or is unable to pay the dividend in registered common stock, the dividend will be paid in-kind in Series B Preferred Stock shares at $3.10 per share.
The Series B Preferred Stock includes a liquidation preference (in the amount of $3.10 per share) which is junior to the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, ranks senior to the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock and ranks equally with the Series B1 Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock also ranks junior to the Company’s credit facilities and other debt holders as provided in further detail in the designation of the Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Designation”).
The Series B Preferred Stock prohibits us from (i) increasing or decreasing (other than by redemption or conversion (as described in the Series B Designation)) the total number of authorized shares of Series B Preferred Stock (except to the extent required to issue payment-in-kind shares); (ii) re-issuing any shares of Series B Preferred Stock converted or redeemed;
(iii) creating, or authorizing the creation of, or issuing or obligating the Company to issue shares of, any class or series of capital stock unless the same ranks junior to (and not pari passu with) the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the payment of dividends and rights of redemption, or increase the authorized number of shares of any additional class or series of capital stock unless the same ranks junior to (and not pari passu with) the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the payment of dividends and rights of redemption; (iv) effecting an exchange, reclassification, or cancellation of all or a part of the Series B Preferred Stock (except pursuant to the terms of the Series B Designation); (v) effecting an exchange, or creating a right of exchange, of all or part of the shares of another class of shares into shares of Series B Preferred Stock (except with the consent of any specific holder of Series B Preferred Stock); (vi) issuing any shares of Series B Preferred Stock other than pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or as payment-in-kind shares; (vii) altering or changing the rights, preferences or privileges of the Series B Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely the shares of such series; or (viii) amending or waiving any provision of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws relative to the Series B Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely the shares of Series B Preferred Stock in any material respect as compared to holders of other series, in each case without the prior written consent of holders of Series B Preferred Stock holding a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
The Series B Preferred Stock (including accrued and unpaid dividends) is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option at $3.10 per share (initially a one-for-one basis). If the Company’s common stock trades at or above $6.20 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may at such time force conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock (including accrued and unpaid dividends) into common stock of the Company.
The Series B Preferred Stock votes together with the common stock on an as-converted basis, provided that each holder’s voting rights are subject to and limited by the Series B Beneficial Ownership Limitation described below.
The Company has the option to redeem the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock at $3.10 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends on such Series B Preferred Stock redeemed, at any time beginning on June 24, 2017, and the Company is required to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock at $3.10 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, on June 24, 2020, provided that such redemption is not required in the event the Company is contractually (which it is under its Credit Agreements) or legally prohibited from redeeming such preferred stock. In the event Series B Preferred Stock is not redeemed on June 24, 2020, the dividend rate increases to 10% per annum, until such time, if ever, as the Company is contractually and legally able to redeem such preferred stock. As the Company was prohibited both contractually and legally, from redeeming the Series B Preferred Stock on June 24, 2020, a redemption did not occur, the dividend rate increased to 10% per annum, and the redemption date automatically extended until the date in the future where the Company is not prohibited contractually under its Credit Agreements (or any agreement which replaces or refinances such Credit Agreement) or by applicable law, from redeeming such preferred stock, if ever.
The Series B Preferred Stock contains a provision prohibiting the conversion of such Series B Preferred Stock into common stock of the Company, if upon such conversion, the holder thereof would beneficially own more than 9.999% of the Company’s then outstanding common stock (the “Series B Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). The Series B Beneficial Ownership Limitation does not apply to forced conversions undertaken by the Company pursuant to the terms of the designation (summarized above).
Series B1 Preferred Stock
The Series B1 Preferred Stock is subject to the terms and conditions and has the rights and preferences set forth in the Certificate of Designation of Vertex Energy, Inc. Establishing the Designation, Preferences, Limitations and Relative Rights of Its Series B1 Preferred Stock (the “Series B1 Designation”), which was filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on May 12, 2016. The Series B1 Preferred Stock accrues a dividend, payable quarterly in arrears (based on calendar quarters), in the amount of 6% per annum of the original issuance price of the Series B1 Preferred Stock ($1.56 per share), provided that such dividend increased to 9% if the Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (defined below) targets described below were not met during the periods indicated below during 2016-2017, until the earlier of (a) the date the next target is met, or (b) June 30, 2018. “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA” means the Company’s operating income, plus (i) share-based compensation expense, (ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) goodwill impairment charges, (iv) acquisition related expenses, (v) nonrecurring restructuring charges, and (vi) other non-cash expenses or one-time items, all as calculated in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, as consistently applied by the Company.
The Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA targets were as follows:
Measurement Period Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA
For the six months ending December 31, 2016 Negative $1,000,000
For the three months ending March 31, 2017 $1,000,000
For the six months ending June 30, 2017 $3,500,000
For the nine months ending September 30, 2017 $5,500,000
For the twelve months ending December 31, 2017 $7,500,000
The Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA targets for the three months ended March 31, 2017, six months ended June 30, 2017, nine months ended September 30, 2017 and twelve months ending December 31, 2017 were not met and as a result the Series B1 Preferred Stock accrued a 9% dividend from June 30, 2017 through June 30, 2018.
The dividend is payable by the Company, at the Company’s election, in registered common stock of the Company (if available) or cash, subject to the terms of the Company’s senior loan documents. In the event dividends are paid in registered common stock of the Company, the number of shares payable will be calculated by dividing (a) the accrued dividend by (b) 90% of the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company’s common stock for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the applicable date of determination (the “May 2016 Dividend Stock Payment Price”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Company pay dividends in common stock unless the applicable May 2016 Dividend Stock Payment Price is above $1.52. If the Company is prohibited from paying, or chooses not to pay, the dividend in cash or is unable to pay the dividend in registered common stock, the dividend will be paid in-kind in additional shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock shares based on a value of $1.56 per share.
The Series B1 Preferred Stock includes a liquidation preference (in the amount of $1.56 per share) which is junior to the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock, ranks senior to the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock and ranks equally with the Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B1 Preferred Stock also ranks junior to the Company’s credit facilities and other debt holders as provided in further detail in the Series B1 Designation.
The Series B1 Preferred Stock prohibits us from (i) increasing or decreasing (other than by redemption or conversion (as described in the Series B1 Designation)) the total number of authorized shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock (except to the extent required to issue payment-in-kind shares); (ii) re-issuing any shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock converted or redeemed; (iii) creating, or authorizing the creation of, or issuing or obligating the Company to issue shares of, any class or series of capital stock unless the same ranks junior to (and not pari passu with) the Series B1 Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the payment of dividends and rights of redemption, or increase the authorized number of shares of any additional class or series of capital stock unless the same ranks junior to (and not pari passu with) the Series B1 Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the payment of dividends and rights of redemption; (iv) issuing, incurring or obligating the Company to issue or incur any indebtedness that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, any equity security of the Company or instruments derivative of any equity security of the Company; (v) granting any rights to require a mandatory repurchase, retirement or redemption by the Company of any of the Company’s equity securities or instruments derivative of its equity securities on or prior to June 24, 2020, or issuing, incurring or obligating the Company to issue or incur, any indebtedness with a maturity date on or prior to June 24, 2020, that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, equity securities or instruments derivative of the Company’s equity securities; (vi) effecting an exchange, reclassification, or cancellation of all or a part of the Series B1 Preferred Stock (except pursuant to the terms of the Series B1 Designation) (except with the consent of any specific holder of Series B1 Preferred Stock); (vii) effecting an exchange, or creating a right of exchange, of all or part of the shares of another class of shares into shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock; (viii) issuing any shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock other than pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or as payment-in-kind shares; (ix) altering or changing the rights, preferences or privileges of the Series B1 Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely the shares of such series; or (x) amending or waiving any provision of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws relative to the Series B1 Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely the shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock in any material respect as compared to holders of other series, in each case without the prior written consent of holders of Series B1 Preferred Stock holding a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock.
The Series B1 Preferred Stock (including accrued and unpaid dividends) is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option at any time after closing on a one-for-one basis. If the Company’s common stock trades at or above $3.90 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days at any time, the Company may at such time force conversion of the Series B1 Preferred Stock (including accrued and unpaid dividends) into common stock of the Company.
The Series B1 Preferred Stock votes together with the common stock on an as-converted basis, provided that each holder’s voting rights are subject to and limited by the Series B1 Beneficial Ownership Limitation described below.
The Company has the option to redeem the outstanding shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock at $1.72 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends on such Series B1 Preferred Stock redeemed, at any time beginning on June 24, 2017 (the two year anniversary of the closing of the Company’s June 2015 offering of Series B Preferred Stock) and the Company is required to redeem the Series B1 Preferred Stock at $1.56 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends on June 24, 2020 (the five year anniversary of the closing of the Company’s June 2015 offering of Series B Preferred Stock), provided that such redemption is not required in the event the Company is contractually (which it is under its Credit Agreements) or legally prohibited from redeeming such preferred stock. In the event Series B Preferred Stock is not redeemed on June 24, 2020, the dividend rate increases to 10% per annum, until such time, if ever, as the Company is contractually and legally able to redeem such preferred stock. As the Company was prohibited both contractually and legally, from redeeming the Series B1 Preferred Stock on June 24, 2020, a redemption did not occur, the dividend rate increased to 10% per annum, and the redemption date automatically extended until the date in the future where the Company is not prohibited contractually under its Credit Agreements (or any agreement which replaces or refinances such Credit Agreement) or by applicable law, from redeeming such preferred stock, if ever.
The Series B1 Preferred Stock contains a provision prohibiting the conversion of the Series B1 Preferred Stock into common stock of the Company, if upon such conversion or exercise, as applicable, the holder thereof would beneficially own more than 9.999% (provided that certain holders of the Series B1 Preferred Stock have contractually agreed to a lower conversion limit of 4.999%) of the Company’s then outstanding common stock (the “Series B1 Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). The Series B1 Beneficial Ownership Limitation does not apply to forced conversions undertaken by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Series B1 Designation (summarized above).
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock
The Series C Preferred Stock does not accrue a dividend, but has participation rights on an as-converted basis, to any dividends paid on the Company’s common stock (other than dividends paid solely in common stock). Each Series C Preferred Stock share has a $100 face value, and a liquidation preference (in the amount of $100 per share) which is junior to the Company’s other outstanding shares of preferred stock, senior credit facilities and other debt holders as provided in further detail in the designation, but senior to the common stock.
The Series C Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option at any time at $1.00 per share (initially a 100:1 basis (subject to adjustments for stock splits and recapitalizations)). The Series C Preferred Stock votes together with the common stock on an as-converted basis, provided that each holder’s voting rights are subject to and limited by the Series C Beneficial Ownership Limitation described below and provided further that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, solely for purposes of determining the voting rights, the voting rights accorded to such Series C Convertible Preferred Stock will be determined as if converted at $1.05 per share (the market value of the common stock as of the close of trading on the day prior to the original issuance date of the Series C Preferred Stock), and subject to equitable adjustment as discussed in the designation. There are no redemption rights associated with the Series C Preferred Stock.
The Series C Preferred Stock contains a provision prohibiting the conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock into common stock of the Company, if upon such conversion or exercise, as applicable, the holder thereof would beneficially own more than 4.999% of the Company’s then outstanding common stock (the “Series C Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). The Series C Beneficial Ownership Limitation may be increased up and down on a per holder basis, with 61 days prior written notice from any holder, provided the Series C Beneficial Ownership Limitation may never be higher than 9.999%.
So long as any shares of Series C Preferred Stock are outstanding, we are prohibited from undertaking any of the following without first obtaining the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock: (a) increasing or decreasing (other than by redemption or conversion) the total number of authorized shares of Series C Preferred Stock; (b) re-issuing any shares of Series C Preferred Stock converted; (c) creating, or authorizing the creation of, or issuing or obligating the Company to issue shares of, any class or series of capital stock unless the same ranks junior to (and not pari passu with) the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, or increasing the authorized number of shares of any additional class or series of capital stock unless the same ranks junior to (and not pari passu with) the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to the distribution of assets on the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company; (d) effecting an exchange, reclassification, or cancellation of all or a part of the Series C Preferred Stock (except pursuant to the terms of the designation); (e) effecting an exchange, or creating a
right of exchange, of all or part of the shares of another class of shares into shares of Series C Preferred Stock (except pursuant to the terms of the designation); (f) issuing any additional shares of Series C Preferred Stock; (g) altering or changing the rights, preferences or privileges of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely the shares of such series; or (h) amending or waiving any provision of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws relative to the Series C Preferred Stock so as to affect adversely the shares of Series C Preferred Stock in any material respect as compared to holders of other series of shares.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There were no sales of unregistered securities during the three months ended December 31, 2020 and from the period from January 1, 2020 to the filing date of this report, which have not previously been included in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
As of the date of this filing, there were 419,859 outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which if converted in full, could be converted into 419,859 shares of common stock; 3,382,437 outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock(which number includes 420,224 shares which are in the process of being converted into common stock, on a one-for-one basis, and 708,547 shares which have been agreed to be exchanged for 1,098,248 shares of common stock, which conversion/exchange shares have not been issued to date), which if converted in full, could be converted into 3,382,437 shares of common stock (notwithstanding the terms of the agreed upon exchange discussed above); and 6,730,025 outstanding shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock, which if converted in full, could be converted into 6,730,025 shares of common stock (which number includes 1,103,297 shares which are in the process of being converted into common stock, on a one-for-one basis, which conversion shares have not been issued to date).
Use of Proceeds From Sale of Registered Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Our selected consolidated financial data shown below should be read together with “Part II” - “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and respective notes included in “Part II” - “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. The data shown below is not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period.
Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues $ 135,028,488 $ 163,365,565 $ 180,720,661 $ 145,499,092 $ 98,078,914
Income (loss) from operations (11,867,725) (2,774,044) 488,348 (7,056,263) (10,112,514)
Basic net loss per share (0.68) (0.28) (0.23) (0.36) (0.51)
Diluted net loss per share $ (0.68) $ (0.28) $ (0.23) $ (0.36) $ (0.51)
Weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding 45,509,470 40,988,946 35,411,264 32,653,402 30,520,820
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding 45,509,470 40,988,946 35,411,264 32,653,402 30,520,820
As of December 31,
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,895,044 $ 4,099,655 $ 1,249,831 $ 1,105,787 $ 1,701,435
Working capital (deficit) 5,934,977 2,609,609 6,547,301 3,523,548 (1,268,192)
Total assets 122,099,958 120,759,919 84,160,408 84,305,474 86,985,968
Long-term obligations 36,958,611 44,714,247 16,175,790 16,013,267 6,214,103
Total liabilities 60,809,023 69,511,546 33,171,401 32,961,171 28,667,747
Total temporary equity 55,366,186 28,146,347 22,179,963 22,959,945 19,604,255
Total equity $ 5,924,749 $ 23,102,026 $ 28,809,044 $ 28,384,358 $ 38,713,966
The key operational issue contributing to the differences between 2020 and 2019 was the decrease in commodity prices. This resulted in lower 2020 revenues and cost of goods sold without a corresponding increase in our fixed costs. Other operating differences between 2020 and 2019, were due to the Tensile transaction completed in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease in production due to the pandemic, and the Crystal acquisition.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Strategy and Plan of Operations
The Principal elements of our strategy include:
•Expand Feedstock Supply Volume. We intend to expand our feedstock supply volume by growing our collection and aggregation operations. We plan to increase the volume of feedstock we collect directly by developing new relationships with generators and working to displace incumbent collectors; increasing the number of collection personnel, vehicles, equipment, and geographical areas we serve; and acquiring collectors in new or existing territories. We intend to increase the volume of feedstock we aggregate from third-party collectors by expanding our existing relationships and developing new vendor relationships. We believe that our ability to acquire large feedstock volumes will help to cultivate new vendor relationships because collectors often prefer to work with a single, reliable customer rather than manage multiple relationships and the uncertainty of excess inventory.
•Broaden Existing Customer Relationships and Secure New Large Accounts. We intend to broaden our existing customer relationships by increasing sales of used motor oil and re-refined products to these accounts. In some cases, we may also seek to serve as our customers’ primary or exclusive supplier. We also believe that as we increase our supply of feedstock and re-refined products that we will secure larger customer accounts that require a partner who can consistently deliver high volumes.
•Re-Refine Higher Value End Products. We intend to develop, lease, or acquire technologies to re-refine our feedstock supply into higher-value end products. We believe that the expansion of our facilities and our technology, and investments in additional technologies, will enable us to upgrade feedstock into end products, such as lubricating base oil, that command higher market prices than the current re-refined products we produce.
•Pursue Selective Strategic Relationships or Acquisitions. We plan to grow market share by consolidating feedstock supply through partnering with or acquiring collection and aggregation assets. Such acquisitions and/or partnerships could increase our revenue and provide better control over the quality and quantity of feedstock available for resale and/or upgrading as well as providing additional locations for the implementation of TCEP, if we deem such commercially reasonable. In addition, we intend to pursue further vertical integration opportunities by acquiring complementary recycling and processing technologies where we can realize synergies by leveraging our customer and vendor relationships, infrastructure, and personnel, and by eliminating duplicative overhead costs.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Description of Material Financial Line Items:
Revenues
We generate revenues from three existing operating segments as follows:
BLACK OIL - Revenues for our Black Oil segment are comprised primarily of product sales from our re-refineries and feedstock sales (used motor oil) which are purchased from generators of used motor oil such as oil change shops and garages, as well as a network of local and regional suppliers. Volumes are consolidated for efficient delivery and then sold to third-party re-refiners and fuel oil blenders for the export market. In addition, through used oil re-refining, we re-refine used oil into different commodity products. Through the operations at our Marrero, Louisiana facility, we produce a Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) product from used oil re-refining which is then sold via barge to crude refineries to be utilized as an intermediate feedstock in the refining process, as well as to the marine fuels market.
Through the operations at our Columbus, Ohio facility, the ownership of 65% of which was transferred to Tensile in connection with the Heartland SPV (discussed above under “Part I” - “Item 1. Business” - “Prior Material Acquisitions and Transactions”), effective January 1, 2020, we produce a base oil finished product which is then sold via truck or rail car to end users for blending, packaging and marketing of lubricants.
REFINING AND MARKETING - The Refining and Marketing segment generates revenues relating to the sales of finished products. The Refining and Marketing segment gathers hydrocarbon streams in the form of petroleum distillates, transmix and other chemical products that have become off-specification during the transportation or refining process. These feedstock streams are purchased from pipeline operators, refineries, chemical processing facilities and third-party providers, and
then processed at a third-party facility under our direction. The end products are typically three distillate petroleum streams (gasoline blendstock, pygas and fuel oil cutterstock), which are sold to major oil companies or to large petroleum trading and blending companies. The end products are delivered by barge and truck to customers. Additionally, this segment includes the wholesale distribution of gasoline, blended gasoline, and diesel for use as engine fuel to operate automobiles, trucks, locomotives, and construction equipment.
RECOVERY - The Recovery segment consists primarily of revenues generated from the sale of ferrous and non-ferrous recyclable Metal(s) products that are recovered from manufacturing and consumption. It also includes revenues generated from trading/marketing of Group III Base Oils.
Our revenues are affected by changes in various commodity prices including crude oil, natural gas, #6 oil and metals.
Cost of Revenues
BLACK OIL - Cost of revenues for our Black Oil segment are comprised primarily of feedstock purchases from a network of providers. Other cost of revenues include processing costs, transportation costs, purchasing and receiving costs, analytical assessments, brokerage fees and commissions, and surveying and storage costs.
REFINING AND MARKETING - The Refining and Marketing segment incurs cost of revenues relating to the purchase of gasoline, blended gasoline, diesel, feedstock, purchasing and receiving costs, and inspection and processing of the feedstock into gasoline blendstock, pygas and fuel oil cutter by a third party. Cost of revenues also includes broker’s fees, inspection and transportation costs.
RECOVERY - The Recovery segment incurs cost of revenues relating to the purchase of ferrous and non-ferrous recyclable Metal(s) products that are recovered from manufacturing and consumption. Cost of revenues also includes broker’s fees, inspection and transportation costs.
Our cost of revenues is affected by changes in various commodity indices, including crude oil, natural gas, #6 oil and metals. For example, if the price for crude oil increases, the cost of solvent additives used in the production of blended oil products, and fuel cost for transportation cost from third party providers will generally increase. Similarly, if the price of crude oil falls, these costs may also decline.
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and other employee-related benefits for executive, administrative, legal, financial and information technology personnel, as well as outsourced and professional services, rent, utilities, and related expenses at our headquarters, as well as certain taxes.
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
Our depreciation and amortization expenses are primarily related to the fixed assets and intangible assets acquired in connection with the Vertex Holdings, L.P. (formerly Vertex Energy, L.P.), a Texas limited partnership (“Holdings”), Omega Refining, LLC's (“Omega Refining”) and Warren Ohio Holdings Co., LLC, f/k/a Heartland Group Holdings, LLC (“Heartland”), Acadiana Recovery, LLC (“Acadiana”), Nickco Recycling, Inc. (“Nickco”), Ygriega Environmental Services, LLC (“Ygriega”) and Specialty Environmental Services (“SES”) and Crystal Energy, LLC acquisitions.
Depreciation and amortization expense attributable to cost of revenues reflects the depreciation and amortization of the fixed assets at our refineries along with rolling stock at our collection branches.
Depreciation and amortization expense attributable to operating expenses reflects depreciation and amortization related to our corporate and administrative offices along with internet technology (IT) related items and intangibles.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019
Set forth below are our results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019.
Three Months Ended December 31,
2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Revenues $ 40,067,300 $ 42,588,302 $ (2,521,002) (6) %
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 33,544,666 31,045,027 2,499,639 8 %
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 1,359,032 1,390,651 (31,619) (2) %
Gross profit * 5,163,602 10,152,624 (4,989,022) (49) %
Selling, general and administrative expenses 7,171,616 6,652,623 518,993 8 %
Depreciation and amortization attributable to operating expenses 482,869 455,953 26,916 6 %
Total operating expenses 7,654,485 7,108,576 545,909 8 %
Income (loss) from operations (2,490,883) 3,044,048 (5,534,931) (182) %
Other Income - 126 (126) (100) %
Loss on sale of assets (425) (105,554) 105,129 100 %
Gain (loss) on change in derivative warrant liability (205,565) (819,239) 613,674 75 %
Interest Expense (245,910) (747,291) 501,381 67 %
Total other expense (451,900) (1,671,958) 1,220,058 73 %
Income (loss) before income tax (2,942,783) 1,372,090 (4,314,873) (314) %
Income tax provision - - - - %
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest and redeemable non-controlling interest 449,169 (62,112) 511,281 (823) %
Net income (loss) attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc. $ (3,391,952) $ 1,434,202 $ (4,826,154) (337) %
*The Company changed its presentation of gross profit, beginning in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, to include depreciation and amortization of our refineries. This change in presentation had no effect on the previously reported results of operations. The disclosures above have been retroactively adjusted from the prior presentations to include depreciation and amortization of our refineries.
Our revenues and cost of revenues are significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices; increases in commodity prices typically result in increases in revenue and cost of revenues (i.e., feedstock acquisition costs). Additionally, we use hedging instruments to manage our exposure to underlying commodity prices. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, we had a loss of $1.0 million in our hedging instruments, which increased our cost of goods sold. As demand for used oil feedstock increases, the prices we are required to pay for such feedstock typically increases as well - i.e., the discount pricing to non-used oil shrinks, which increases our acquisition costs. Our gross profit is to a large extent a function of the market discount we are able to obtain in purchasing feedstock, as well as how efficiently management conducts operations.
Our cost of revenues are a function of the ultimate price we are required to pay to acquire feedstocks, how efficient we are in acquiring such feedstocks (which relates to everything from how efficient our collection trucks are in their collection routes to how efficiently we operate our facilities), and the cost of turn-arounds and other maintenance at our facilities.
Total revenues decreased 6% for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, due to decreased volumes of products sold during the period as well as lower commodity prices which had an impact on product margins. Although we did have a new division, Crystal, which added revenue to the quarter compared to a year ago. Total volume decreased 5% and gross profit decreased 49% for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Additionally, our per barrel margin decreased 47% relative to the three months ended December 31, 2019. Our per barrel margin is calculated by dividing the total volume of product sold (in bbls) by total gross profit for the applicable period ($5,163,602 for the 2020 period versus $10,152,624 for the 2019 period). The majority of this decrease was the result of the drop in commodity prices during the year ended 2020, which resulted in reduced margins and decreased product spreads during this period. Volumes were impacted as a result of decreased availability of feedstocks, specifically used motor oil, in the overall marketplace which forced us to have reduced production rates at each of our facilities. This decrease in availability was largely due to continued negative impacts relating to shelter in place orders in the locations in which we collect used motor oil as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which directly impacted the generation of used oil, and which in turn caused a reduction in volumes of feedstock available for collections and for use in our refineries.
During the three months ended December 31, 2020, total cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was $33,544,666, compared to $31,045,027 for the three months ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $2,499,639 or 8% from the prior period. The main reason for the increase was the addition during the third quarter of Crystal, which accounted for approximately 35% of our total cost of goods sold during the period.
For the three months ended December 31, 2020, total depreciation and amortization expense attributable to cost of revenues was $1,359,032, compared to $1,390,651 for the three months ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $31,619, mainly due to some of our assets becoming fully depreciated between periods.
Commodity prices decreased approximately 35% for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The average posting (U.S. Gulfcoast #2 Waterborne) for the three months ended December 31, 2020 decreased $26.81 per barrel from a three-month average of $75.84 per barrel during the three months ended December 31, 2019 to $49.03 per barrel during the three months ended December 31, 2020.
Overall gross profit decreased 49% and our margin per barrel decreased approximately 47% for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. In our street collections and third party purchasing we were focused on lowering the prices paid to generators and suppliers for used motor oil during 2020.
Volumes in our street collections were up 9% for the three months ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019, the cost of the oil collected per gallon was down 92% and revenue was up 49% as a result of increased charges for our services from the prior period in our street collections. The reduction in collection costs is a function of route efficiencies and increased volumes of collections when compared to fixed costs across our collection operations. Overall, this provided an additional 4% of gross margin to the business or approximately $0.7 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2020. One of our key initiatives continues to be a focus on growing our own volumes of collected material and displacing the third-party oil processed in our facilities.
We had selling, general and administrative expenses of $7,171,616 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $6,652,623 from the prior year's period, an increase of $518,993 or 8% from the prior period. This increase is primarily due to the additional selling, general and administrative expenses incurred during the period as a result of increased personnel costs, legal expenses, and insurance expenses related to our expansion of trucks and facilities through organic growth.
We had depreciation and amortization attributable to operating expenses of $482,869 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $455,953 for the three months ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $26,916, mainly due to some of our assets becoming fully depreciated.
We had total other expense of $451,900 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to total other expense of $1,671,958 for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The main reason for the decrease in other expenses for 2020 was the loss of $205,565 during 2020, compared to the loss of $819,239 during 2019, on change in value of derivative liability, in connection with certain warrants granted in June 2015 and May 2016, as described in greater detail in "Note 14. Preferred Stock and Temporary Equity" to the consolidated financial statements included herein under "Part II"-"Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data". The Company also received a total of $21.0 million from the Tensile transaction during 2020, of which approximately $9.0 million was used to pay down our debt obligations. Due to this, we had a lower balance owed under our line of credit and term loan, along with a lower interest rate on the term debt outstanding for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019.
We had loss before income taxes of $2,942,783 for the three months ended December 31, 2020 compared to income before income taxes of $1,372,090 for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in income was mainly due to the decrease in gross profit and the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as discussed above, partially offset by a reduction in interest expense and a reduction in change on derivative warrant liability related to the non-cash adjustment relating to the value of the June 2015 and May 2016 warrants, as discussed above. The June 2015 warrants have expired as of December 31, 2020.
We had a net loss attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc. of $3,391,952 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to net income attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc. of $1,434,202 for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in net income was primarily due to lower volumes and compressed spreads in the business.
Each of our segments' gross profit (deficit) during the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Three Months Ended December 31,
2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Black Oil
Revenues $ 21,165,739 $ 36,215,635 $ (15,049,896) (42) %
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 15,955,589 24,822,137 (8,866,548) (36) %
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 1,072,575 1,102,062 (29,487) (3) %
Gross profit * $ 4,137,575 $ 10,291,436 $ (6,153,861) (60) %
Three Months Ended December 31,
2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Refining and Marketing
Revenues $ 13,494,715 $ 3,745,290 $ 9,749,425 260 %
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 13,434,600 2,883,187 10,551,413 366 %
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 128,660 147,898 (19,238) (13) %
Gross profit (deficit) * $ (68,545) $ 714,205 $ (782,750) (110) %
Three Months Ended December 31,
2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Recovery
Revenues $ 5,406,846 $ 2,627,377 $ 2,779,469 106 %
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 4,154,477 3,339,703 814,774 24 %
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 157,797 140,691 17,106 12 %
Gross profit (deficit) * $ 1,094,572 $ (853,017) $ 1,947,589 228 %
* The Company changed its presentation of gross profit, beginning in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, to include depreciation and amortization of our refineries. This change in presentation had no effect on the previously reported results of operations. The disclosures above have been retroactively adjusted from the prior presentations to include depreciation and amortization of our refineries.
Our Black Oil segment generated revenues of $21,165,739 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, with cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $15,955,589, and depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenues of $1,072,575. During the three months ended December 31, 2019, these revenues were $36,215,635 with cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $24,822,137 and depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenues of $1,102,062. Gross profit decreased for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019, as a result of lower volumes of processed products at our refineries, and other facilities, as well as an overall decrease in margins throughout the business as a result of lower commodity pricing, offset by decreased operating expenses throughout our various facilities, along with decreased street collection and pricing as a result of our continued efforts to cut costs.
Our Black Oil segment’s volume decreased approximately 23% during the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. This decrease was largely due to the overall economic impact of the 'stay-at-home' orders that were imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the downtime we experienced at our Marrero facility during October 2020, as a result of a fire. Volumes collected through our H&H Oil and Heartland collection facilities increased 9% during the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. One of our key initiatives continues to be a focus on growing our own volumes of collected material and displacing the third-party oil processed in our facilities.
Our Refining segment includes the business operations of our Refining and Marketing operations, as well as our newly acquired Crystal subsidiary. With the acquisition of Crystal, we now operate as a wholesale distributor of motor fuels which include gasoline, blended gasoline and diesel. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, our Refining and Marketing cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) were $13,434,600, of which the processing costs for our Refining and Marketing business located at KMTEX were $420,687, and depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenues was $128,660. Revenues for the same period were $13,494,715 while gross deficit from operations was $68,545. During the three months ended December 31, 2019, our Refining and Marketing cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) were $2,883,187, which included the processing costs at KMTEX of $588,070, and depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenues was $147,898. Revenues for the same period were $3,745,290, while gross profit from operations was $714,205. We experienced a decrease in margins as a result of less feedstock available for processing.
Overall volume for the Refining and Marketing segment decreased 28% during the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019. Our fuel oil cutter volumes decreased 52% for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Our pygas volumes decreased 22% for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019. We experienced a large decrease in volumes being received from third party facilities as a result of COVID-19. We have also had to assess the volume of fuel oil cutterstocks that we manage due to enhanced quality of products being demanded in the marketplace. This has resulted in a reduction in gross profit for this division.
Our Recovery segment generated revenues of $5,406,846 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, with cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $4,154,477, and depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenues of $157,797. During the three months ended December 31, 2019, these revenues were $2,627,377, with cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $3,339,703, and depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenues of $140,691. Gross profit increased for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019, as a result of increased volumes of Group III base oils attributable to our Recovery segment and margins related thereto, through our various facilities.
Our Recovery segment includes the business operations of Vertex Recovery Management as well as our Group III base oil business. Vertex acted as Penthol C.V. of the Netherlands aka Penthol LLC's (a Penthol subsidiary in the United States) (“Penthol’s”) exclusive agent to provide marketing, sales, and logistical duties of Group III base oil from the United Arab Emirates to the United States from June 2016 to January 2021. Revenues for this segment increased 106% as a result of an increase in volumes during the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Volumes were also up in our metals division during the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period during 2019, due to certain one-time projects. This segment periodically participates in project work that is not ongoing, thus we expect to see fluctuations in revenue and gross profit from this segment from period to period.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 COMPARED TO THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Revenues $ 135,028,488 $ 163,365,565 $ (28,337,077) (17) %
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 113,766,009 134,777,113 (21,011,104) (16) %
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 5,090,352 5,356,277 (265,925) (5) %
Gross profit * 16,172,127 23,232,175 (7,060,048) (30) %
Selling, general and administrative expenses 26,144,264 24,182,407 1,961,857 8 %
Depreciation and amortization attributable to operating expenses 1,895,588 1,823,812 71,776 4 %
Total operating expenses 28,039,852 26,006,219 2,033,633 8 %
Loss from operations (11,867,725) (2,774,044) (9,093,681) (328) %
Other income (expense)
Other income 101 920,197 (920,096) (100) %
Loss on sale of assets (124,515) (74,111) (50,404) 68 %
Gain (loss) on change in value of derivative warrant liability 1,638,804 (487,524) 2,126,328 436 %
Interest expense (1,042,840) (3,070,071) 2,027,231 66 %
Total other income (expense) 471,550 (2,711,509) 3,183,059 117 %
Loss before income tax (11,396,175) (5,485,553) (5,910,622) (108) %
Income tax benefit - - - - %
Net loss (11,396,175) (5,485,553) (5,910,622) (108) %
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest and redeemable non-controlling interest 639,940 (436,974) 1,076,914 246 %
Net loss attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc. $ (12,036,115) $ (5,048,579) $ (6,987,536) (138) %
*The Company changed its presentation of gross profit, beginning in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, to include depreciation and amortization of our refineries. This change in presentation had no effect on the previously reported results of operations. The disclosures above have been retroactively adjusted from the prior presentations to include depreciation and amortization of our refineries.
Our revenues and cost of revenues are significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices; increases in commodity prices typically result in increases in revenue and cost of revenues (i.e., feedstock acquisition costs). Additionally, we use hedging instruments to manage our exposure to underlying commodity prices. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we had a gain of $3.4 million in our hedging instruments, which lowered our cost of goods sold, compared to a loss of $2.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2019. As demand for used oil feedstock increases, the prices we are required to pay for such feedstock typically increases as well - i.e., the discount pricing to non-used oil shrinks, which increases our acquisition costs. Our gross profit is to a large extent a function of the market discount we are able to obtain in purchasing feedstock, as well as how efficiently management conducts operations.
Our cost of revenues is a function of the ultimate price we are required to pay to acquire feedstocks, how efficient we are in acquiring such feedstocks (which relates to everything from how efficient our collection trucks are in their collection routes to how efficiently we operate our facilities), and the cost of turn-arounds and other maintenance at our facilities.
Total revenues decreased by 17% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, due primarily to lower commodity prices and decreased volumes at our refineries, during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the prior year's period. Total volume was down 5% during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, total cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) was $113,766,009, compared to $134,777,113 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $21,011,104 or 16% from the prior period. The main reason for the decrease was the result of a decline in commodity prices, which impacted our feedstock pricing, a decrease in volumes throughout the business as well as recent efforts in reducing operating costs at our facilities.
Additionally, our per barrel margin decreased 24% for the year ended December 31, 2020, relative to the year ended December 31, 2019, due to lower volumes, along with decreases in commodity prices for the finished products we sell. Our per barrel margin is calculated by dividing the total volume of product sold (in bbls) by total gross profit for the applicable period ($16,172,127 for the 2020 period versus $23,232,175 for the 2019 period).
Volumes in our street collections were up 1% for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019, and we saw a 28% decrease in the discount we were paying for feedstock into our refineries during the period. In addition, we saw a 33% decrease in operating costs (inclusive of depreciation and amortization) on a per barrel basis for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019. The cost of the oil collected on the street was down 28% and revenue was up 38% from the prior period. The reduction in collection costs is a function of route efficiencies and increased volumes of collections when compared to fixed costs across our collection operations, as well as aggressive price changes on the street. Overall, this provided an additional 13% of gross margin to the business or approximately $2 million, for the year ended December 31, 2020. These improvements were mostly a result of an improvement in logistic costs for the period, as well as efficiencies in operations of our refineries and reductions in maintenance costs for the period. One of our key initiatives continues to be a focus on growing our own volumes of collected material and displacing the third-party oil processed in our facilities.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, total depreciation and amortization expense attributable to cost of revenues was $5,090,352, compared to $5,356,277 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $265,925, mainly due to some of our assets becoming fully depreciated.
We had gross profit as a percentage of revenue of 12.0% for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to gross profit as a percentage of revenues of 14.3% for the year ended December 31, 2019. The main reason for the change was the decrease in commodity prices and lower volumes at our refining facilities during the period. In addition, the Company was proactive in its risk management of commodity prices through the use of derivative instruments which resulted in a $5.8 million positive impact on gross margins when compared to the same period a year ago.
Commodity prices decreased approximately 39% for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. For example, the average posting (U.S. Gulfcoast No. 2 Waterbone) for the year ended December 31, 2020, decreased $29.77 per barrel from a yearly average of $76.50 for the year ended December 31, 2019, to $46.73 per barrel for the year ended December 31, 2020.
We had selling, general and administrative expenses of $26,144,264 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $24,182,407 for the prior year period, an increase of $1,961,857 or 8% from the prior period, due to the additional selling, general and administrative expenses incurred during the period as a result of increased personnel costs, legal expenses, and
insurance expenses related to expansion of trucks and facilities through organic growth, as well as increased accounting, legal and consulting expenses related to our January 2020 Tensile transaction.
We had depreciation and amortization expense attributable to operating expenses of $1,895,588 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $1,823,812 for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of $71,776, mainly due to some of our assets becoming fully depreciated.
We had total other income of $471,550 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to total other expense of $2,711,509 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The main reasons for the change in other expense during 2020 was the receipt of a payment in 2019 of $907,500 related to the proceeds of an insurance settlement for a fire that had occurred at the used oil re-refining plant located in Churchill County, Nevada, which we previously rented during the year ended December 31, 2019. We also recognized a gain of $1,638,804 during 2020, compared to a loss of $487,524 during 2019, on change in value of derivative liability, in connection with certain warrants granted in June 2015 and May 2016, as described in greater detail in "Note 14. Preferred Stock and Temporary Equity" to the consolidated financial statements included herein under "Part II"-"Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data". The Company also received a total of $21.0 million from the Tensile transaction during 2020, of which approximately $9.0 million was used to pay down our debt obligations. Due to this, we had a significantly lower balance owed under our line of credit and term loan along with a lower interest rate on the term debt outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019, which decreased total interest expense to $1,042,840 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $3,070,071 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
We had a loss before income taxes of $11,396,175 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to a loss before income taxes of $5,485,553, for the year ended December 31, 2019, a 108% increase. The increase in net loss before taxes was attributable to the decline in market and commodity prices, which reduced revenues during the period, as well as the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.
We had a net loss attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc. of $12,036,115 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to a net loss of $5,048,579 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase in net loss of $6,987,536 or 138% from the prior period for the reasons described above.
Each of our segment’s gross profit (deficit) during these periods was as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Black Oil
Revenues $ 82,228,367 $ 139,269,164 $ (57,040,797) (41) %
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 62,557,304 113,196,583 (50,639,279) (45) %
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 4,033,274 4,224,726 (191,452) (5) %
Gross profit * $ 15,637,789 $ 21,847,855 $ (6,210,066) (28) %
Refining and Marketing
Revenues $ 35,804,385 $ 12,957,767 $ 22,846,618 176 %
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 35,207,188 10,651,069 24,556,119 231 %
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 470,158 579,846 (109,688) (19) %
Gross profit * $ 127,039 $ 1,726,852 $ (1,599,813) (93) %
Recovery
Revenues $ 16,995,736 $ 11,138,634 $ 5,857,102 53 %
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 16,001,517 10,929,461 5,072,056 46 %
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 586,920 551,705 35,215 6 %
Gross profit (deficit) * $ 407,299 $ (342,532) $ 749,831 (219) %
*The Company changed its presentation of gross profit, beginning in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, to include depreciation and amortization of our refineries. This change in presentation had no effect on the previously reported results of operations. The disclosures above have been retroactively adjusted from the prior presentations to include depreciation and amortization of our refineries.
Our Black Oil segment generated revenues of $82,228,367 for the year ended December 31, 2020, with cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $62,557,304, and depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenues of $4,033,274. During the year ended December 31, 2019, these revenues were $139,269,164 with cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $113,196,583, and depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenues of $4,224,726. Gross profit decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019, as a result of lower volumes of processed products at our refineries, and other facilities, as well as an overall decrease in margins throughout the business as a result of lower commodity pricing, offset by decreased operating expenses through our various facilities, along with diligent management of our street collections and pricing.
Our Black Oil segment's volume decreased approximately 19% during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. This decrease was largely due to the overall economic impact of the 'stay-at-home' orders that were imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Volumes collected through our H&H Oil and Heartland collection facilities increased 1% during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. One of our key initiatives continues to be a focus on growing our own volumes of collected material and displacing the third-party oil processed in our facilities.
Our Refining segment includes the business operations of our Refining and Marketing operations, as well as our newly acquired Crystal acquisition. With the acquisition of Crystal, we now operate as a wholesale distributor of motor fuels which include gasoline, blended gasoline and diesel. During the year ended December 31, 2020, our Refining and Marketing cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) were $35,207,188, of which the processing costs for our Refining and Marketing business located at KMTEX were $1,622,737, and depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues was $470,158. Revenues for the same period were $35,804,385, while gross profit from operations was $127,039. During the
year ended December 31, 2019, our Refining and Marketing cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) were $10,651,069, which included the processing costs at KMTEX of $2,007,295. and depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues was $579,846. Revenues for the same period were $12,957,767, while gross profit was $1,726,852.
Overall volume for the Refining and Marketing segment decreased 19% during the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019. Our fuel oil cutter volumes decreased 48% for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Our pygas volumes decreased 11% for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019. The lower margins were a result of decreases in available feedstock volumes. We experienced a large decrease in volumes being received from third party facilities as a result of COVID-19, as well as weather delays as a result of the hurricanes in the Gulf which caused some of these facilities to shut-down operations for short periods of time. For example, during August and September, two Hurricanes brought severe flooding and high winds that adversely impacted operations in the Gulf Coast and, specifically at the Company’s Marrero, Louisiana refinery, while also limiting outbound shipments of finished product along adjacent waterways between Houston and New Orleans for approximately two weeks. We have also had to assess the volume of fuel oil cutterstocks that we manage due to enhanced quality of products being demanded in the marketplace.
Our Recovery segment generated revenues of $16,995,736 for the year ended December 31, 2020, with cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $16,001,517, and depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenues of $586,920. During the year ended December 31, 2019, these revenues were $11,138,634 with cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of $10,929,461, and depreciation and amortization attributable to cost of revenues of $551,705. Revenues were up substantially as a result of increased volumes of steel processed in addition to a large increase in steel values during the period. Gross profit increased for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019, as a result of increased volumes attributable to our Recovery segment and margins related thereto, through our various facilities.
Our Recovery segment includes the business operations of Vertex Recovery Management as well as our Group III base oil business. Vertex acted as Penthol’s exclusive agent to provide marketing, sales, and logistical duties of Group III base oil from the United Arab Emirates to the United States June 2016 to January 2021. Revenues for this segment increased 53% as a result of increased volumes compared to the same period in 2019. Volumes of petroleum products acquired in our Recovery business were up 25% during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period during 2019. This segment periodically participates in project work that is not ongoing, thus we expect to see fluctuations in revenue and income before income taxes from period to period.
The Company purchases product/feedstock from third-party collectors as well as internally collected product using its fleet of trucks. Our long-term goal is to collect as much of our product/feedstock as possible as this helps to improve margins and ultimately net income of the Company. The more product/feedstock we can collect with our own fleet and displace third-party purchases improves the overall profitability of the Company through cost reductions, as our internally collected product/feedstock is generally cheaper than product/feedstock we have to purchase from third-parties. In general, the more product/feedstock we are required to acquire from third-parties, the lower our margins. While the breakdown between internally sourced and third-party sourced product/feedstock has no effect on revenue (which is a function of fluctuating product spreads), it does have an effect on cost of revenues, and therefore our profit before selling, general and administrative expenses. Specifically, a higher amount of third-party sourced product/feedstock generally results in increases to costs of revenues. Inventories are also affected to a limited extent by collection and production values - the more product we collect, the greater our inventories of product/feedstock, at least until such product/feedstock is processed into end-products. The inventory levels of our end-products are determined based on supply and demand, and how quickly such products can be transported, and not typically dependent on the amount of products/feedstock we source internally or externally.
The following table sets forth the high and low spot prices during 2020 for our key benchmarks.
Benchmark High Date Low Date
U.S. Gulfcoast No. 2 Waterborne (dollars per gallon) $ 1.95 January 3 $ 0.42 April 27
U.S. Gulfcoast Unleaded 87 Waterborne (dollars per gallon) $ 1.75 January 3 $ 0.40 March 23
U.S. Gulfcoast Residual Fuel No. 6 3% (dollars per barrel) $ 47.34 January 29 $ 12.00 April 21
NYMEX Crude Oil (dollars per barrel) $ 63.27 January 6 $ (37.63) April 20
Reported in Platt's US Marketscan (Gulf Coast)
The following table sets forth the high and low spot prices during 2019 for our key benchmarks.
Benchmark High Date Low Date
U.S. Gulfcoast No. 2 Waterborne (dollars per gallon) $ 2.01 September 16 $ 1.53 January 2
U.S. Gulfcoast Unleaded 87 Waterborne (dollars per gallon) $ 2.08 April 10 $ 1.31 January 2
U.S. Gulfcoast Residual Fuel No. 6 3% (dollars per barrel) $ 68.54 April 25 $ 32.05 November 19
NYMEX Crude Oil (dollars per barrel) $ 66.30 April 23 $ 46.54 January 2
Reported in Platt's US Marketscan (Gulf Coast)
We saw a steady decline in each of the benchmark commodities we track during 2020 and 2019. During 2019 and specifically the first half of 2020, the commodity markets experienced a steady decline due to overall global economic conditions mostly related to supply and demand for the products we track.
Our margins are a function of the difference between what we are able to pay for raw materials and the market prices for the range of products produced. The various petroleum products produced are typically a function of Crude Oil indices and are quoted on multiple exchanges such as the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”). These prices are determined by a global market and can be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to supply/demand, weather, politics, and global/regional inventory levels. As such, we cannot provide any assurances regarding results of operations for any future periods, as numerous factors outside of our control affect the prices paid for raw materials and the prices (for the most part keyed to the NYMEX) that can be charged for such products. Additionally, for the near term, results of operations will be subject to further uncertainty, as the global markets and exchanges, including the NYMEX, continue to experience volatility.
As our competitors bring new technologies to the marketplace, which will likely enable them to obtain higher values for the finished products created through their technologies from purchased black oil feedstock, we anticipate that they will have to pay more for feedstock due to the additional value received from their finished product (i.e., as their margins increase, they are able to increase the prices they are willing to pay for feedstock). If we are not able to continue to refine and improve our technologies and gain efficiencies in our technologies, we could be negatively impacted by the ability of our competitors to bring new processes to market which compete with our processes, as well as their ability to outbid us for feedstock supplies. Additionally, if we are forced to pay more for feedstock, our cash flows will be negatively impacted and our margins will decrease.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The success of our current business operations has become more dependent on repairs, and maintenance to our facilities and our ability to make routine capital expenditures. We also must maintain relationships with feedstock suppliers and end product customers, and operate with efficient management of overhead costs. Through these relationships, we have historically been able to achieve volume discounts in the procurement of our feedstock, thereby increasing the margins of our segments' operations. The resulting operating cash flow is crucial to the viability and growth of our existing business lines.
We had total assets of $122,099,958 as of December 31, 2020, compared to $120,759,919 at December 31, 2019. The increase was mainly due to the generation of additional liquidity from the closing of the January 2020 Tensile transaction relating to Heartland SPV transaction (discussed above under “Part I” - “Item 1. Business” - “Prior Material Acquisitions and Transactions” - “Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement”), during the year ended December 31, 2020.
We had total liabilities of $60,809,023 as of December 31, 2020, compared to total liabilities of $69,511,546 as of December 31, 2019. The decrease in total liabilities was mainly in connection with the pay down of debt obligations from the closing of the Heartland SPV transaction (discussed above under “Part I” - “Item 1. Business” - “Prior Material Acquisitions and Transactions” - “Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement”) and reductions of opening lease obligations due to the passage of time.
We had working capital of $5,934,977 as of December 31, 2020, compared to working capital of $2,609,609 as of December 31, 2019. The increase in working capital is mainly due to the pay down of debt obligations from the closing of the Heartland SPV transaction (discussed above under “Part I” - “Item 1. Business” - “Prior Material Acquisitions and
Transactions” - “Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement”), which increased cash and decreased liabilities, as discussed below.
The Company received a total of $21.0 million from the January 2020 Tensile transaction, of which approximately $9.0 million was used to pay down our debt obligations, approximately $7.0 million is included in cash as of December 31, 2020, and the remaining balance was used to fund operations.
Our future operating cash flows will vary based on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including commodity prices, the cost of recovered oil, and the ability to turn our inventory. Other factors that have affected and are expected to continue to affect earnings and cash flow are transportation, processing, and storage costs. Over the long term, our operating cash flows will also be impacted by our ability to effectively manage our administrative and operating costs. Additionally, we may incur capital expenditures related to new TCEP facilities in the future (provided that none are currently planned).
Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, challenging market conditions and recent market events resulting in industry-wide spending cuts, we continue to remain focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and adequate liquidity. Over the near term, we plan to reduce, defer or cancel certain planned capital expenditures and reduce our overall cost structures commensurate with our expected level of activities. We believe that our cash on hand, internally generated cash flows and availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement will be sufficient to fund our operations and service our debt in the near term. A prolonged period of weak, or a significant decrease in, industry activity and overall markets, due to COVID-19 or otherwise, may make it difficult to comply with our covenants and the other restrictions in the agreements governing our debt. Current global and market conditions have increased the potential for that difficulty.
The Company financed insurance premiums through various financial institutions bearing interest rates from 4.00% to 4.90%. All such premium finance agreements have maturities of less than one year and have a balance of $1,183,543 at December 31, 2020.
Credit and Guaranty Agreement and Revolving Credit Facility with Encina Business Credit, LLC and Credit Agreement Amendments
Our outstanding EBC Credit Agreement, the Revolving Credit Agreement, and our CapEx Loan are defined and described in greater detail under “Part II” - “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - “Note 9. Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt” - “Credit and Guaranty Agreement and Revolving Credit Facility with Encina Business Credit, LLC" and "Credit Agreement Amendments”.
The principal balances of the EBC Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2020, are $5,433,000 and $133,446, respectively.
Need for additional funding
Our re-refining business will require significant capital to design and construct any new facilities. The facility infrastructure would be an additional capitalized expenditure to these process costs and would depend on the location and site specifics of the facility.
Additionally, as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a capital structure that is closely aligned with what we believe to be the potential of our business and goals for future growth, which is subject to cyclical changes in commodity prices, we will be exploring additional sources of external liquidity. The receptiveness of the capital markets to an offering of debt or equities cannot be assured and may be negatively impacted by, among other things, debt maturities, current market conditions, and potential stockholder dilution. The sale of additional securities, if undertaken by us and if accomplished, may result in dilution to our shareholders. However, such future financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
In addition to the above, we may also seek to acquire additional businesses or assets. In addition, the Company could consider selling assets if a more strategic acquisition presents itself. Finally, in the event we deem such transaction in our best interest, we may enter into a business combination or similar transaction in the future.
We will also need additional capital in the future to redeem our Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock, which had a required redemption date of June 24, 2020, provided that, as discussed above under “Risk Factors” - “We do not anticipate redeeming our Series B and B1 Preferred Stock in the near future.”, we are not contractually, or legally, able to
redeem such stock and do not anticipate having sufficient cash on hand to complete such redemption in the near term. Because such preferred stock was not redeemed on June 24, 2020, the preferred stock accrues a 10% per annum dividend (payable in-kind at the option of the Company), until such preferred stock is redeemed or converted into common stock.
Consistent with our commitment to maximize value for all investors, we have previously launched an internal review of strategic alternatives for our business. These alternatives may include continuing as a public standalone organization, going private or selling certain assets to a strategic partner, subject to the review and approval of our Board of Directors. There is no formal timeline for this process, nor have we chosen any one specific alternative at this time. We will provide further updates on the matter at such time that our Board determines appropriate.
There is currently only a limited market for our common stock, and as such, we anticipate that such market will be illiquid, sporadic and subject to wide fluctuations in response to several factors moving forward, including, but not limited to:
(1) actual or anticipated variations in our results of operations;
(2) the market for, and volatility in, the market for oil and gas;
(3) our ability or inability to generate new revenues; and
(4) the number of shares in our public float.
Furthermore, because our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market, our stock price may be impacted by factors that are unrelated or disproportionate to our operating performance. These market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, interest rates or international currency fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Additionally, at present, we have a limited number of shares in our public float, and as a result, there could be extreme fluctuations in the price of our common stock.
We believe that our stock prices (bid, ask and closing prices) may not relate to the actual value of our company, and may not reflect the actual value of our common stock. Shareholders and potential investors in our common stock should exercise caution before making an investment in our common stock, and should not rely on the publicly quoted or traded stock prices in determining our common stock value, but should instead determine the value of our common stock based on the information contained in our public reports, industry information, and those business valuation methods commonly used to value private companies.
Cash flows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 were as follows:
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Beginning cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 4,199,825 $ 2,849,831
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities (76,397) 2,473,167
Investing activities (8,433,409) (3,626,440)
Financing activities 15,305,150 2,503,267
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 6,795,344 1,349,994
Ending cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 10,995,169 $ 4,199,825
Operating activities used cash of $76,397 for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to providing cash of $2,473,167 in 2019. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from our operations and the availability to borrow funds under our credit and loan facilities. The primary reasons for the decrease in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, were the fluctuation in market and commodity prices due to the pandemic that generated the increase in net loss, decrease in accounts receivable and increase in accounts payable, the gain on commodity derivative contracts, decrease in inventory, and decrease in accrued expenses.
Investing activities used cash of $8,433,409 for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to using cash of $3,626,440 in 2019, due mainly to the purchase of fixed assets and the acquisition of Crystal in 2020.
Financing activities provided cash of $15,305,150 during the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to providing cash of $2,503,267 in 2019. Financing activities were comprised of note proceeds of approximately $8.2 million ($4.2 million of proceeds from our PPP loan) and contributions from the noncontrolling interest of Tensile of 21.0 million, offset by approximately $10.4 million used to pay down our long-term debt, and $3.1 million of payments on our line of credit. Financing activities for 2019 were comprised of note proceeds of approximately $2.8 million and contributions from the noncontrolling interest of Tensile of $3.2 million and proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants to Tensile of $2.2 million, offset by approximately $4.6 million used to pay down our long-term debt, and $0.6 million of payments on our line of credit.
Contractual Obligations
Future maturities of long term-debt as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows:
Creditor Loan Type Origination Date Maturity Date Loan Amount December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Encina Business Credit, LLC Term Loan February 1, 2017 February 1, 2022 $ 20,000,000 $ 5,433,000 $ 13,333,000
Encina Business Credit SPV, LLC Revolving Note February 1, 2017 February 1, 2022 $ 10,000,000 133,446 3,276,230
Encina Business Credit, LLC Capex Loan August 7, 2020 February 1, 2022 2,000,000 1,378,819 -
AVT Equipment Lease-Ohio Finance Lease April 2, 2020 April 2, 2023 337,155 380,829 -
AVT Equipment Lease-HH Finance Lease May 22, 2020 May 22, 2023 551,609 450,564 -
John Deere Note Note May 27, 2020 June 27, 2024 152,643 131,303 -
Texas Citizens Bank PPP Loan May 5, 2020 April 28, 2022 4,222,000 4,222,000 -
Tetra Capital Lease Finance Lease May, 2018 May, 2022 $ 419,690 172,235 264,014
Wells Fargo Equipment Lease-VRM LA Finance Lease March, 2018 March, 2021 $ 30,408 1,804 12,341
Wells Fargo Equipment Lease-Ohio Finance Lease April-May, 2019 April-May, 2024 $ 621,000 436,411 551,260
Various institutions Insurance premiums financed Various < 1 year $ 2,902,428 1,183,543 1,165,172
Total 13,923,954 18,602,017
Deferred finance costs - (47,826)
Total, net of deferred finance costs $ 13,923,954 $ 18,554,191
Future contractual maturities on notes payable are summarized as follows:
Creditor 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter
Encina Business Credit, LLC $ 900,000 $ 4,533,000 $ - $ - $ - $ -
Encina Business Credit SPV, LLC 133,446 - - - - -
Encina Business Credit, LLC 368,867 1,009,952 - - - -
AVT Equipment Lease-Ohio 126,965 138,162 115,702 - - -
AVT Equipment Lease-HH 148,398 161,487 140,679 - - -
John Deere Note 37,299 37,225 39,173 17,606 - -
Texas Citizens Bank 1,877,461 2,344,539 - - - -
Tetra Capital Lease 98,167 74,068 - - - -
Wells Fargo Equipment Lease-VRM LA 1,804 - - - - -
Wells Fargo Equipment Lease-Ohio 120,896 127,265 133,968 54,282 - -
Various institutions 1,183,543 - - - - -
Totals $ 4,996,846 $ 8,425,698 $ 429,522 $ 71,888 $ - $ -
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Management regularly evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, leases, variable interest entities, intangible assets, long-lived assets valuation, and legal matters. Actual results may differ from these estimates. (See Note 2 to the financial statements included herein).
Revenue Recognition.
We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligations under the terms of a contract with our customers are satisfied. Recognition occurs when the Company transfers control by completing the specified services at the point in time the customer benefits from the services performed or once our products are delivered. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for completing our performance obligations. Sales tax and other taxes we collect with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. In the case of contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling prices of the various goods and/or services encompassed by the contract. We do not have any material significant payment terms, as payment is generally due within 30 days after the performance obligation has been satisfactorily completed. The Company has elected the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. In applying the guidance in Topic 606, there were no judgments or estimates made that the Company deems significant.
The nature of the Company's contracts give rise to certain types of variable consideration. The Company estimates the amount of variable consideration to include in the estimated transaction price based on historical experience, anticipated performance and its best judgment at the time and to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved.
From time to time, our fuel oil customers in our black oil segment may request that we store product at our facilities which they purchase from us. We recognize revenues for these “bill and hold” sales once the following criteria have been met: (1) there is a substantive reason for the arrangement, (2) the product is segregated and identified as the customer's asset, (3) the product is ready for delivery to the customer, and (4) we cannot use the product or direct it to another customer.
Fair value of financial instruments
Under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”), we are permitted to elect to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, with the change in fair value recorded in earnings. We elected not to measure any eligible items using the fair value option. Consistent with the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the FASB ASC, we implemented guidelines relating to the disclosure of our methodology for periodic measurement of our assets and liabilities recorded at fair market value.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-tier fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). These tiers include:
•Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
•Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and
•Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
Our Level 1 assets primarily include our cash and cash equivalents. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities. The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the immediate or short-term maturities of these financial instruments.
Our Level 2 liabilities include our marked to market changes in the estimated value of our open derivative contracts held at the balance sheet date.
Our Level 3 liabilities include our marked to market changes in the estimated value of our derivative warrants issued in connection with our Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock.
The Company estimates the fair values of the crude oil swaps and collars based on published forward commodity price curves for the underlying commodity as of the date of the estimate for which published forward pricing is readily available. The determination of the fair values above incorporates various factors including the impact of the Company's non-performance risk and the credit standing of the counterparty involved in the Company's derivative contracts. In addition, the Company routinely monitors the creditworthiness of its counterparty.
Nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities as may be acquired in a business combination and thereby measured at fair value.
Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company evaluates the carrying value and recoverability of its long-lived assets when circumstances warrant such evaluation by applying the provisions of the FASB ASC regarding long-lived assets. It requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. Whenever any such impairment exists, an impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The Company determined that no long-lived asset impairment existed at December 31, 2020.
Derivative transactions.
All derivative instruments are recorded on the accompanying balance sheets at fair value. Derivative transactions are not designated as cash flow hedges under FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedges. Accordingly, these commodity derivative contracts are marked-to-market and any changes in the estimated value of commodity derivative contracts held at the balance sheet date are recognized in the accompanying statements of operations increases (losses) or decreases (gains) to cost of goods sold. The derivative assets or liabilities are classified as either current or noncurrent assets or liabilities based on their anticipated settlement date. The Company nets derivative assets and liabilities for counterparties where it has a legal right of offset.
The Company, in accordance with ASC 815-40-25 and ASC 815-10-15 Derivatives and Hedging and ASC 480-10-25 Liabilities-Distinguishing from Equity, convertible preferred shares are accounted for net, outside of shareholders' equity and warrants are accounted for as liabilities at their fair value during periods where they can be net cash settled in case of a change in control transaction. The warrants are accounted for as a liability at their fair value at each reporting period. The value of the derivative warrant liability will be re-measured at each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded as earnings. To derive an estimate of the fair value of these warrants, a Dynamic Black Scholes model is utilized that computes the impact of a possible change in control transaction upon the exercise of the warrant shares. This process relies upon inputs such as shares outstanding, estimated stock prices, strike price and volatility assumptions to dynamically adjust the payoff of the warrants in the presence of the dilution effect.
Preferred Stock Classification.
A mandatorily redeemable financial instrument shall be classified as a liability unless the redemption is required to occur only upon the liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. A financial instrument issued in the form of shares is mandatorily redeemable if it embodies an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur. A financial instrument that embodies a conditional obligation to redeem the instrument by transferring assets upon an event not certain to occur becomes mandatorily redeemable-and, therefore, becomes a liability-if that event occurs, the condition is resolved, or the event becomes certain to occur. The Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock require the Company to redeem such preferred stock on the fifth anniversary of the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock, subject to certain contractual and legal requirements. SEC reporting requirements provide that any possible redemption outside of the control of the Company requires the preferred stock to be classified outside of permanent equity.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
As more fully described in “Part II” - “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - "Note 6. Share Purchase and Subscription Agreements and Acquisition", the Company is party to put/call option agreements with the holder of MG SPV’s and Heartland SPV's non-controlling interests. The put options permit MG SPV's and Heartland SPV's non-controlling interest holders, at any time on or after the earlier of (a) the fifth anniversary of the applicable closing date of such issuances and (ii) the occurrence of certain triggering events (an “MG Redemption” and "Heartland Redemption", as applicable) to require MG SPV and Heartland SPV to redeem the non-controlling interest from the holder of such interest. Per the agreements, the cash purchase price for such redeemed Class B Units (MG SPV) and Class A Units (Heartland SPV) is the greater of (y) the fair market value of such units (without discount for illiquidity, minority status or otherwise) as determined by a qualified third party agreed to in writing by a majority of the holders seeking an MG SPV Redemption and Heartland SPV Redemption and Vertex Operating (provided that Vertex Operating still owns Class A Units (as to MG SPV) or Class B Units (as to Heartland SPV) on such date, as applicable) and (z) the original per-unit price for such Class B Units/Class A Units plus any unpaid Class A/Class B preference. The preference is defined as the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid “Class B/Class A Yield” (equal to an annual return of 22.5% per annum) and (B) an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class B/Class A Unit holders. The agreements also permit the Company to acquire the non-controlling interest from the holders thereof upon certain events. Applicable accounting guidance requires an equity instrument that is redeemable for cash or other assets to be classified outside of permanent equity if it is redeemable (a) at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date, (b) at the option of the holder, or (c) upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the issuer. Based on this guidance, the Company has classified the MG SPV and Heartland SPV non-controlling interests between the liabilities and equity sections of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. If an equity instrument subject to the guidance is currently redeemable, the instrument is adjusted to its maximum redemption amount at the balance sheet date. If the equity instrument subject to the guidance is not currently redeemable but it is probable that the equity instrument will become redeemable (for example, when the redemption depends solely on the passage of time), the guidance permits either of the following measurement methods: (a) accrete changes in the redemption value over the period from the date of issuance (or from the date that it becomes probable that the instrument will become redeemable, if later) to the earliest redemption date of the instrument using an appropriate methodology, or (b) recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the instrument to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. The amount presented in temporary equity should be no less than the initial amount reported in temporary equity for the instrument. Because the MG SPV and Heartland SPV equity instruments will become redeemable solely based on the passage of time, the Company determined that it is probable that the MG SPV and Heartland SPV equity instruments will become redeemable. The Company has elected to apply the second of the two measurement options described above. An adjustment to the carrying amount of a non-controlling interest from the application of the above guidance does not impact net loss in the consolidated financial statements. Rather, such adjustments are treated as equity transactions.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires companies to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. We adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) effective January 1, 2019 and elected certain practical expedients which permit us to not reassess whether existing contracts are or contain leases, to not reassess the lease classification of any existing leases, to not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases, and to not separate lease and nonlease components for all classes of underlying assets. We also made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of the balance sheet for all classes of underlying assets. Additional information and disclosures required by this new standard are contained in "Note 18. Leases".
Variable Interest Entities
The Company has investments in certain legal entities in which equity investors do not have (1) sufficient equity at risk for the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (2) as a group, (the holders of the equity investment at risk), do not have either the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the legal entity that most significantly impacts the entity’s economic performance, or (3) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity or the right to receive expected residual returns of the legal entity. These certain legal entities are referred to as “variable interest entities” or “VIEs.”
The Company consolidates the results of any such entity in which it determines that it has a controlling financial interest. The Company has a “controlling financial interest” in such an entity if the Company has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses of, or right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. On a quarterly basis, the Company reassesses whether it has a controlling financial interest in any investments it has in these certain legal entities.
Market Risk
Our revenues and cost of revenues are affected by fluctuations in the value of energy related products. We attempt to mitigate much of the risk associated with the volatility of relevant commodity prices by using our knowledge of the market to obtain feedstock at attractive costs, by efficiently managing the logistics associated with our products, by turning our inventory over quickly, and by selling our products into markets where we believe we can achieve the greatest value.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risks primarily through borrowings under various bank facilities. Interest on these facilities is based upon variable interest rates using LIBOR or Prime as the base rate.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had about $6.9 million of variable-rate term debt outstanding. At this borrowing level, a hypothetical relative increase of 10% in interest rates would have an unfavorable but insignificant impact on the Company’s pre-tax earnings and cash flows. The primary interest rate exposure on variable-rate debt is based on the LIBOR rate (0.15% at December 31, 2020) plus 6.50% per year.
Commodity Price Risk
We are exposed to market risks related to the volatility of crude oil and refined oil products. Our financial results can be significantly affected by changes in these prices which are driven by global economic and market conditions. We attempt to mitigate much of the risk associated with the volatility of relevant commodity prices by using our knowledge of the market to obtain feedstock at attractive costs, by efficiently managing the logistics associated with our products, by turning our inventory over quickly, and by selling our products into markets where we believe we can achieve the greatest value.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Vertex Energy, Inc.
Houston, Texas
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Vertex Energy, Inc. (the "Company") and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal controls over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
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 Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matter arisings from the current-period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) represented especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Consolidated Financial Statements - Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement - See Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vertex Operating, transferred 100% of its ownership in Vertex Refining OH, LLC (“Vertex OH”) to HPRM LLC (“Heartland SPV”), a special purpose vehicle formed to enter into a Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (“Heartland Share Purchase”) with Tensile-Heartland Acquisition Corporation (“Tensile Heartland”). Under the Heartland Share Purchase, Tensile Heartland purchased a 65% ownership interest in Heartland SPV for approximately $21 million and the Company retained a 35% ownership interest in Heartland SPV. In connection with this transaction Heartland SPV was ultimately determined by management to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which the Company was deemed to be the primary beneficiary.
We identified the designation of Heartland SPV as a VIE, requiring consolidation by the Company as the primary beneficiary, to be a critical audit matter based on the significant judgements and interpretations required of management in its VIE assessment, the complexity of the Heartland Share Purchase and the impact that consolidation of Heartland SPV has on the presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to management’s Heartland SPV VIE assessment included the following, among others:
We obtained managements analysis of the Heartland Share Purchase and analyzed the related agreements and documents to determine if management’s assessment considered all significant provisions of the Heartland Share Purchase and related agreements that might impact their VIE and primary beneficiary assessment.
We discussed the Heartland Share Purchase with key members of management, outside specialists consulted by management in making its assessment and the Company’s legal counsel to confirm our understanding of key provisions of the Heartland Share Purchase and related agreements.
We evaluated the Company’s disclosures related to the Heartland Share Purchase including disclosures related to management’s VIE assessment and the important factors considered by management in its determination.
Valuation of Long-lived Assets - See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company evaluates the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is evaluated by comparing the estimated future cash flows of the asset, on an undiscounted basis, to the asset’s carrying amount. If the undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount, impairment is measured based on the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and the carrying amount. The Company’s long-lived asset impairment tests are performed at the reporting unit level. The impact of COVID-19 on the demand for oil and the significant decrease in oil prices, including petroleum-based prices, during the first quarter of 2020 triggered an assessment of these long-lived assets for impairment.
Auditing the Company’s impairment assessments were challenging, as the assumptions used by management are highly subjective and judgmental and incorporate inherent uncertainties that are difficult to predict in the current economic environment. These assumptions include projected operating results, which are dependent on market conditions, change in regulations, consumer preferences and events affecting various forms of travel.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to management’s evaluation of impairment of long-lived assets included the following, among others:
We obtained management’s assessment of indicators of impairment of long-lived assets, evaluated the methodologies and the completeness and accuracy of the Company’s analysis of events or changes in circumstances.
We obtained the Company’s undiscounted cash flow analysis for each reporting units and evaluated the accuracy of historical financial data and the reasonableness of assumptions used in the projection of historical data to future results, including sensitivity analysis of growth rates.
/s/ Ham, Langston & Brezina, L.L.P.
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017.
Houston, Texas
March 8, 2021
VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,895,044 $ 4,099,655
Restricted cash 100,125 100,170
Accounts receivable, net 11,138,933 12,138,078
Federal income tax receivable - 68,606
Inventory 4,439,839 6,547,479
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,211,448 4,452,920
Total current assets 29,785,389 27,406,908
Fixed assets, at cost 75,777,552 69,469,548
Less accumulated depreciation (29,337,036) (24,708,151)
Fixed assets, net 46,440,516 44,761,397
Finance lease right-of-use assets 1,536,711 851,570
Operating lease right-of-use assets 33,315,876 35,586,885
Intangible assets, net 9,397,441 11,243,800
Deferred income taxes - 68,605
Other assets 1,624,025 840,754
TOTAL ASSETS $ 122,099,958 $ 120,759,919
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable $ 10,484,911 $ 7,620,098
Accrued expenses 2,053,106 5,016,132
Dividends payable 606,550 389,176
Finance lease-current 496,231 217,164
Operating lease-current 5,614,785 5,885,304
Current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized finance costs 4,367,169 2,017,345
Revolving note 133,446 3,276,230
Derivative commodity liability 94,214 375,850
Total current liabilities 23,850,412 24,797,299
Long-term debt 7,981,496 12,433,000
Finance lease-non-current 945,612 610,450
Operating lease-non-current 27,701,091 29,701,581
Derivative warrant liability 330,412 1,969,216
Total liabilities 60,809,023 69,511,546
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 4) - -
TEMPORARY EQUITY
Series B Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share;
10,000,000 shares authorized, 4,102,690 and 3,826,055 shares issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively with liquidation preference of $12,718,339 and $11,860,771 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
12,718,339 11,006,406
Series B1 Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share;
17,000,000 shares authorized, 7,399,649 and 9,028,085 shares issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively with liquidation preference of $11,543,452 and $14,083,813 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
11,036,173 12,743,047
Redeemable non-controlling interest 31,611,674 4,396,894
Total Temporary Equity 55,366,186 28,146,347
EQUITY
Series A Convertible Preferred stock, $0.001 par value;
5,000,000 shares authorized and 419,859 and 419,859 shares issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, with a liquidation preference of $625,590 and $625,590 at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
420 420
Series C Convertible Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share;
44,000 shares designated; zero and zero
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively with a liquidation preference of zero and zero at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
- -
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share;
750,000,000 shares authorized; 45,554,841 and 43,395,563
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
45,555 43,396
Additional paid-in capital 94,569,674 81,527,351
Accumulated deficit (90,008,778) (59,246,514)
Total Vertex Energy, Inc. stockholders' equity 4,606,871 22,324,653
Non-controlling interest 1,317,878 777,373
Total Equity 5,924,749 23,102,026
TOTAL LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND EQUITY $ 122,099,958 $ 120,759,919
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 and 2019
2020 2019
Revenues $ 135,028,488 $ 163,365,565
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 113,766,009 134,777,113
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 5,090,352 5,356,277
Gross profit 16,172,127 23,232,175
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses 26,144,264 24,182,407
Depreciation and amortization attributable to operating expenses 1,895,588 1,823,812
Total operating expenses 28,039,852 26,006,219
Loss from operations (11,867,725) (2,774,044)
Other income (expense):
Other income 101 920,197
Loss on sale of assets (124,515) (74,111)
Gain (loss) on change in value of derivative warrant liability 1,638,804 (487,524)
Interest expense (1,042,840) (3,070,071)
Total other income (expense) 471,550 (2,711,509)
Loss before income taxes (11,396,175) (5,485,553)
Income tax benefit - -
Net loss (11,396,175) (5,485,553)
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest and redeemable non-controlling interest 639,940 (436,974)
Net loss attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc. (12,036,115) (5,048,579)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value (15,135,242) (2,279,371)
Accretion of discount on Series B and B-1 Preferred Stock (1,687,850) (2,489,722)
Dividends on Series B and B-1 Preferred Stock (1,903,057) (1,627,956)
Net loss available to common stockholders $ (30,762,264) $ (11,445,628)
Loss per common share
Basic $ (0.68) $ (0.28)
Diluted $ (0.68) $ (0.28)
Shares used in computing loss per share
Basic 45,509,470 40,988,946
Diluted 45,509,470 40,988,946
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019
Common Stock Series A Preferred Series C Preferred Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Non-controlling Interest Total Equity
Shares $0.001 Par
Shares $0.001 Par
Shares $0.001 Par
Balance on December 31, 2018 40,174,821 $ 40,175 419,859 $ 420 - $ - $ 75,131,122 $ (47,800,886) $ 1,438,213 $ 28,809,044
Distribution to noncontrolling - - - - - - - - (285,534) (285,534)
Dividends on Series B and B1 Preferred Stock - - - - - - - (1,627,956) - (1,627,956)
Accretion of discount on Series B and B1 Preferred Stock - - - - - - - (2,489,722) - (2,489,722)
Share based compensation expense - - - - - - 642,840 - - 642,840
Exercise of options to common 78,425 79 - - - - 6,996 - - 7,075
Adjustment of carrying amount of noncontrolling interest - - - - - - 970,809 - - 970,809
Conversion of Series B1 Preferred stock to common 1,642,317 1,642 - - - - 2,560,373 - - 2,562,015
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value - - - - - - - (2,279,371) - (2,279,371)
Issue of common stock and warrants 1,500,000 1,500 - - - - 2,215,211 - - 2,216,711
Net loss - - - - - - - (5,048,579) (436,974) (5,485,553)
Less: amount attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest - - - - - - - - 61,668 61,668
Balance on December 31, 2019 43,395,563 43,396 419,859 420 - - 81,527,351 (59,246,514) 777,373 23,102,026
Dividends on Series B and B1 Preferred Stock - - - - - - - (1,903,057) - (1,903,057)
Accretion of discount on Series B and B1 Preferred Stock - - - - - - - (1,687,850) - (1,687,850)
Conversion of B1 Preferred Stock to common 2,159,278 2,159 - - - - 3,366,315 - - 3,368,474
Share based compensation expense - - - - - - 656,111 - - 656,111
Purchase of shares of consolidated subsidiary - - - - - - (71,171) - - (71,171)
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value - - - - - - - (15,135,242) - (15,135,242)
Adjustment of carrying amount of noncontrolling interest - - - - - - 9,091,068 - - 9,091,068
Net loss - - - - - - - (12,036,115) 639,940 (11,396,175)
Less: amount attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest - - - - - - - - (99,435) (99,435)
Balance on December 31, 2020 45,554,841 $ 45,555 419,859 $ 420 - $ - $ 94,569,674 $ (90,008,778) $ 1,317,878 $ 5,924,749
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019
2020 2019
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss $ (11,396,175) $ (5,485,553)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense 656,111 642,840
Depreciation and amortization 6,985,940 7,180,089
Provision (recovery) for bad debt 297,289 (320,013)
(Gain) loss on commodity derivative contracts (3,456,487) 2,458,359
Net cash settlement on commodity derivatives 4,233,092 (2,841,052)
Loss on sale of assets 124,515 74,111
Amortization of debt discount and deferred costs 47,826 573,908
(Gain) loss on change in value of derivative warrant liability (1,638,804) 487,524
Reduction in contingent consideration - (15,564)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 2,641,220 (2,652,864)
Inventory 3,084,152 1,543,918
Prepaid expenses 197,715 (257,894)
Accounts payable 1,840,874 (1,171,433)
Accrued expenses (3,047,606) 2,480,786
Other assets (646,059) (223,995)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (76,397) 2,473,167
Cash flows from investing activities
Internally developed software (49,229) (489,093)
Proceeds from the sale of assets 74,965 232,020
Acquisition of Crystal Energy, LLC (1,822,690) -
Purchase of fixed assets (6,636,455) (3,369,367)
Net cash used in investing activities (8,433,409) (3,626,440)
Cash flows from financing activities
Line of credit payments, net (3,142,784) (568,406)
Proceeds received from issuance of common stock and warrants - 2,216,711
Proceeds from exercise of stock options - 7,075
Distribution VRM LA - (285,534)
Contribution received from redeemable noncontrolling interest 21,000,000 3,150,000
Payments on finance leases (402,560) (165,598)
Proceeds from notes payable 8,217,195 2,809,139
Payments made on notes payable (10,366,701) (4,660,120)
Net cash provided by financing activities 15,305,150 2,503,267
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 6,795,344 1,349,994
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year 4,199,825 2,849,831
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year $ 10,995,169 $ 4,199,825
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest $ 1,050,741 $ 2,505,852
Cash paid for income taxes $ - $ -
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS
Conversion of Series B and B1 Preferred Stock into common stock $ 3,368,474 $ 2,562,015
Dividends on Series B and B-1 Preferred Stock $ 1,903,057 $ 1,627,956
Initial adjustment of carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interest $ 9,091,068 $ 970,809
Accretion of discount on Series B and B-1 Preferred Stock $ 1,687,850 $ 2,489,722
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value $ 15,135,242 $ 2,279,371
Equipment acquired under capital leases $ 1,017,638 $ 621,000
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2020
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Vertex Energy, Inc. (“Vertex Energy” or the “Company”), provides a range of services designed to aggregate, process and recycle industrial and commercial waste systems. Vertex Energy currently provides these services in 15 states, primarily in the Gulf Coast and Central Midwest Region of the United States.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, which causes the infectious disease known as COVID-19, was reported in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” on January 30, 2020 and a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. In March and April, many U.S. states and local jurisdictions began issuing ‘stay-at-home’ orders, which continue in various forms as of the date of this report. Notwithstanding such ‘stay-at-home’ orders, to date, our operations have for the most part been deemed an essential business under applicable governmental orders based on the critical nature of the products we offer.
We sell products and services primarily in the U.S. domestic oil and gas commodity markets. Throughout the first quarter of 2020, the industry experienced multiple factors which lowered both the demand for, and prices of, oil and gas. First, the COVID-19 pandemic lowered global demand for hydrocarbons, as social distancing and travel restrictions were implemented across the world. Second, the lifting of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)+ supply curtailments, and the associated increase in production of oil, drove the global supply of hydrocarbons higher through the first quarter of 2020. As a result of both dynamics, prices for hydrocarbons declined 67% from peak prices within the first quarter of 2020. While global gross domestic product (GDP) growth was impacted by COVID-19 during 2020, we expect GDP to continue to decline globally in the early part of 2021, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we expect oil and gas related markets will continue to experience significant volatility in 2021. Our goal through this downturn has been to remain disciplined in allocating capital and to focus on liquidity and cash preservation. We are taking the necessary actions to right-size the business for expected activity levels.
As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, some of our feedstock suppliers have permanently or temporarily closed their businesses, limited our access to their businesses, and/or have experienced a decreased demand for services. As a result of the above, and due to ‘stay-at-home’ and other social distancing orders, as well as the decline in U.S. travel caused by COVID-19, we have seen a significant decline in the volume of feedstocks (specifically used oil) that we have been able to collect, and therefore process through our facilities. A prolonged economic slowdown, period of social quarantine (imposed by the government or otherwise), or a prolonged period of decreased travel due to COVID-19 or the responses thereto, will likely continue to have a material negative adverse impact on our ability to produce products, and consequently our revenues and results of operations.
The full extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business and operations currently cannot be estimated and will depend on a number of factors including the scope and duration of the global pandemic.
Currently we believe that we have sufficient cash on hand and will generate sufficient cash through operations to support our operations for the foreseeable future; however, we will continue to evaluate our business operations based on new information as it becomes available and will make changes that we consider necessary in light of any new developments regarding the pandemic.
The pandemic is developing rapidly and the full extent to which COVID-19 will ultimately impact us depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the virus, as well as potential seasonality of new outbreaks, including, but not limited to the recent increase in infection rates, which may lead to further or extended stay-at-home and similar orders in the markets in which we operate, and the recent global roll out of vaccines, which may help slow the spread of the virus.
Uses and Sources of Liquidity
The Company’s primary need for liquidity is to fund working capital requirements of the Company’s businesses, capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment. The Company has incurred operating losses for the past several years, and accordingly, the Company has taken a number of actions to continue to support its operations and meet its obligations.
We had working capital of $5,934,977 as of December 31, 2020, compared to working capital of $2,609,609 as of December 31, 2019. The increase in working capital is mainly due to the generation of additional liquidity from the closing of the Heartland SPV transaction during the year ended December 31, 2020. Our working capital includes the consolidated assets of certain subsidiaries which may only be used to settle the obligations of the respective subsidiaries. The consolidated liabilities of these subsidiaries are non-recourse to the general credit of our consolidated entity.
To address the liquidity deficiency and operating losses, the Company is considering pursuing a number of actions, including: 1) seeking to obtain additional funds through public or private financing sources; 2) restructuring existing debts from creditors; 3) seeking to reduce operating costs; 4) minimizing projected capital costs for the remainder of 2021; 5) going private; 6) exploring opportunities to sell or lease assets; 7) maintaining availability under credit agreement and 8) obtaining proceeds from option and warrants exercises.
The Company believes it is probable that the actions discussed above will occur and mitigate the substantial doubt raised by its historical operating results and satisfy its estimated liquidity needs 12 months from the issuance of the financial statements. However, the Company cannot predict, with certainty, the outcome of its actions to generate liquidity, including the availability of additional debt or equity financing, or whether such actions would generate the expected liquidity as currently planned. In addition, the Company's Preferred Stock contains certain limitations on the Company's ability to sell assets, which could impact the Company's ability to complete asset sale transactions or the Company's ability to use proceeds from those transactions to fund its operations. Therefore, any planned actions must take into account the ability to transact within any applicable restrictions under these agreements and securities. If the Company continues to experience operating losses and is not able to generate additional liquidity through the mechanisms described above or through some combination of other actions, while not expected, it may be forced to secure additional sources of funds, which may or may not be available to us. Additionally, a failure to generate additional liquidity could negatively impact the Company’s access to materials or services that are important to the operation of its business.
COMPANY OPERATIONS
Vertex Energy’s operations are primarily focused on recycling industrial waste streams and off-specification commercial chemical products. The waste streams are purchased from an established network of local and regional collectors and generators. The Company manages the transport, storage and delivery of the aggregated feedstock and product streams to end users. Vertex Energy’s three principal segments are comprised of Black Oil, Refining and Marketing, and Recovery.
Black Oil
Through its Black Oil segment, which has been operational since 2001, Vertex Energy aggregates and sells used motor oil. The Company has a network of approximately 50 suppliers that collect used oil from businesses such as oil change service stations, automotive repair shops, manufacturing facilities, petroleum refineries, and petrochemical manufacturing operations. The Company procures the used oil from collectors and manages the logistics of transport, storage and delivery to its customers. Typically, the used oil is sold in bulk to ensure the efficient delivery by truck, rail, or barge. In many cases, there are contractual procurement and sale agreements with the suppliers and customers, respectively. The Company believes these contracts are beneficial to all parties involved because they help ensure a minimum volume is procured from collectors, a minimum volume is sold to the customers, and the Company is insulated from inventory risk by a spread between the costs to acquire used oil and the revenues received from the sale and delivery of used oil. In addition, the Company operates its own re-refining operations at the Cedar Marine Terminal, in Baytown, Texas, which uses the Company's proprietary Thermal Chemical Extraction Process (“TCEP”) technology to re-refine the used oil into marine fuel cutterstock (when such use makes economic sense) and a higher-value feedstock for further processing. The finished product can then be sold by barge as a fuel oil cutterstock and a feedstock component for major refineries. Through the operations at our Marrero, Louisiana facility, we produce a Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) product from used oil re-refining which is then sold via barge to end users to utilize in a refining process or a fuel oil blend. Through the operations at our Columbus, Ohio facility, the ownership of 65% of which was transferred to Tensile in connection with the Heartland SPV (discussed below under “Note 6. Share Purchase, Subscription Agreements and Acquisition” - “Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement”), effective January 1, 2020, we produce a base oil finished product which is then sold via truck or rail car to end users for blending, packaging and marketing of lubricants.
Refining and Marketing
Through its Refining and Marketing segment, which has been operational since 2004, Vertex Energy aggregates used motor oil, petroleum distillates, transmix and other off-specification chemical products. These feedstock streams are purchased from pipeline operators, refineries, chemical processing facilities and third-party providers. The Company has a toll-based processing
agreement in place with KMTEX, LLC. (“KMTEX”) to re-refine these feedstock streams, under the Company’s direction, into various end products. KMTEX uses industry standard processing technologies to re-refine the feedstock into pygas, gasoline blendstock and marine fuel cutterstock. The Company sells the re-refined products directly to end customers or to processing facilities for further refinement. In addition, we are distributing refined motor fuels such as gasoline, blended gasoline products and diesel used as engine fuels, to third party customers who typically resell these products to retailers and end consumers.
Recovery
Through its Recovery segment, Vertex Energy aggregates sales of ferrous and non-ferrous recyclable Metal(s) products that are recovered from manufacturing and consumption. It also includes trading/marketing of Group III Base Oils.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, entities controlled by the Company through a greater than 50% voting interest and certain variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. For consolidated entities where the Company owns or is exposed to less than 100% of the economics, the Company records net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of operations equal to the percentage of the economic or ownership interest retained in such entities by the respective noncontrolling parties.
The Company assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the inception of the arrangement and at each reporting date. This assessment is based on the Company’s power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and its obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
The following is a description of the Company’s consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs:
•Cedar Marine Terminals, L.P. (“CMT”) operates a 19-acre bulk liquid storage facility on the Houston Ship Channel. The terminal serves as a truck-in, barge-out facility and provides throughput terminal operations. CMT is also the site of the TCEP.
•Crossroad Carriers, L.P. (“Crossroad”) is a common carrier that provides transportation and logistical services for liquid petroleum products, as well as other hazardous materials and product streams.
•Vertex Recovery, L.P. (“Vertex Recovery”) is a generator solutions company for the recycling and collection of used oil and oil-related residual materials from large regional and national customers throughout the U.S. It facilitates its services through a network of independent recyclers and franchise collectors.
•H&H Oil, L.P. (“H&H Oil”) collects and recycles used oil and residual materials from customers based in Austin, Baytown, Dallas, San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas.
•Vertex Refining, LA, LLC which owned a used oil re-refinery based in Marrero, Louisiana and also has assets in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, prior to the consummation of the MG Share Purchase in July 2019, as discussed below under “Note 6. Share Purchase, Subscription Agreements, and Acquisition” - “Myrtle Grove Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement.
•Vertex Refining, NV, LLC ("Vertex Refining") is a base oil marketing and distribution company with customers throughout the United States.
•Vertex Recovery Management, LLC is currently buying and preparing ferrous and non-ferrous scrap intended for large haul barge sales.
•Vertex Refining, OH, LLC collects and re-refines used oil and residual materials from customers throughout the Midwest. Refinery operations are based in Columbus, Ohio with collection branches located in Norwalk, Ohio, Zanesville, Ohio, Ravenswood, West Virginia, and Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. Effective January 1, 2020, the ownership of 65% of the assets of Vertex OH, LLC were transferred to Tensile in connection with the Heartland SPV (discussed
below under “Note 6. Share Purchase, Subscription Agreements, and Acquisition” - “Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement”).
•Vertex Refining Myrtle Grove LLC (“MG SPV”), is a special purpose entity formed to hold the Belle Chasse, Louisiana, re-refining complex, which entity is 85% owned by Vertex Operating.
•Crystal Energy, LLC ("Crystal") purchases, stores, sells, and distributes refined motor fuels. These activities include the wholesale distribution of gasoline, blended gasoline, and diesel for use as engine fuel to operate automobiles, trucks, locomotives, and construction equipment.
•Vertex Energy Operating, LLC ("Vertex Operating"), is a holding company for various of the subsidiaries described above.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets to the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,895,044 $ 4,099,655
Restricted cash 100,125 100,170
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash as shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows $ 10,995,169 $ 4,199,825
The Company has placed $100,000 of restricted cash in a money market account, to serve as collateral for payment of a credit card.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable represents amounts due from customers. Accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amounts, net of reserves and allowances, do not bear interest and are not collateralized. The Company uses its best estimate to determine the required allowance for doubtful accounts based on a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, economic trends and conditions affecting its customer base, significant one-time events and historical write-off experience. Specific provisions are recorded for individual receivables when we become aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations. The Company reviews the adequacy of its reserves and allowances quarterly.
Receivable balances greater than 90 days past due are individually reviewed for collectability and if deemed uncollectible, are charged off against the allowance accounts after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The allowance was $612,746 and $402,475 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Inventory
Inventories of products consist of feedstocks and refined petroleum products and are reported at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. The Company reviews its inventory commodities whenever events or circumstances indicate that the value may not be recoverable.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are stated at historical costs. Depreciation of fixed assets placed in operations is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The policy of the Company is to charge amounts for major maintenance and repairs to expenses, and to capitalize expenditures for major replacements and betterments.
Internal-Use Software
The Company incurs costs related to internal-use software and cloud computing implementation costs, including purchased software and internally-developed software. Costs incurred in the planning and evaluation stage of internally-developed software and cloud computing development are expensed as incurred. Certain costs incurred and accumulated during the application development stage are capitalized and included within intangibles, net on the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of internal-use software is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets.
Cloud Computing Costs
The Company has non-cancellable cloud computing hosting arrangements for which it incurs implementation costs. Costs incurred in the planning and evaluation stage of the cloud computing hosting arrangement are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage related to implementation of the hosting arrangement are capitalized and included within prepaid expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of implementation costs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the associated hosting arrangement for each module or component of the related hosting arrangement when it is ready for its intended use. Amortization costs are presented in selling, general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company records a liability, which is referred to as an asset retirement obligation, at fair value for the estimated cost to retire a tangible long-lived asset at the time the Company incurs that liability, which is generally when the asset is purchased, constructed, or leased. The Company records the liability when it has a legal obligation to incur costs to retire the asset and when a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the liability can be made. If a reasonable estimate cannot be made at the time the liability is incurred, the Company records the liability when sufficient information is available to estimate the liability’s fair value.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed at least annually to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization or an impairment.
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. The results of operations for the acquired entities are included in the Company’s consolidated financial results from their associated acquisition dates. The Company allocates the purchase price of acquisitions to the tangible assets, liabilities, and identifiable intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. A portion of the purchase price for certain of our acquisitions is contingent upon the realization of certain operating results. The fair values assigned to identifiable intangible assets acquired and contingent consideration were determined by third party specialists engaged by the Company on a case-by-case basis. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identified assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. If the purchase price is under the fair value of the identified assets and liabilities, a bargain purchase is recognized and included in income from continuing operations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Under the FASB ASC, the Company is permitted to elect to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, with the change in fair value recorded in earnings. The Company has elected not to measure any eligible items using the fair value option. Consistent with the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the FASB ASC, the Company implemented guidelines relating to the disclosure of its methodology for periodic measurement of our assets and liabilities recorded at fair market value.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-tier fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). These tiers include:
•Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
•Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and
•Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
Our Level 1 assets primarily include our cash and cash equivalents. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities. The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the immediate or short-term maturities of these financial instruments.
Our Level 2 liabilities include our marked to market changes in the estimated value of our open derivative contracts held at the balance sheet date. The Company estimates the fair values of the crude oil swaps and collars based on published forward commodity price curves for the underlying commodity as of the date of the estimate for which published forward pricing is readily available. The determination of the fair values above incorporates various factors including the impact of the Company's non-performance risk and the credit standing of the counterparty involved in the Company's derivative contracts. In addition, the Company routinely monitors the creditworthiness of its counterparty.
Our Level 3 liabilities include our marked to market changes in the estimated value of our derivative warrants issued in connection with our Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock.
Nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities as may be acquired in a business combination and thereby measured initially at fair value.
Debt Issuance Costs
The Company follows the accounting guidance of ASC 835-30, Interest-Imputation of Interest, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability.
Revenue Recognition
We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligations under the terms of a contract with our customers are satisfied. Recognition occurs when the Company transfers control by completing the specified services at the point in time the customer benefits from the services performed or once our products are delivered. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for completing our performance obligations. Sales tax and other taxes we collect with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. In the case of contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling prices of the various goods and/or services encompassed by the contract. We do not have any material significant payment terms, as payment is generally due within 30 days after the performance obligation has been satisfactorily completed. The Company has elected the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. In applying the guidance in Topic 606, there were no judgments or estimates made that the Company deems significant.
The nature of the Company's contracts give rise to certain types of variable consideration. The Company estimates the amount of variable consideration to include in the estimated transaction price based on historical experience, anticipated performance and its best judgment at the time and to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved.
From time to time, our fuel oil customers in our black oil segment may request that we store product at our facilities which they purchase from us. We recognize revenues for these “bill and hold” sales once the following criteria have been met: (1) there is a substantive reason for the arrangement, (2) the product is segregated and identified as the customer's asset, (3) the product is ready for delivery to the customer, and (4) we cannot use the product or direct it to another customer.
Reclassification of Prior Year Presentation
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations, stockholders' equity or cash flows. The Company reclassified $5,356,277 of depreciation and amortization from operating expenses to a component of cost of revenues in the accompanying 2019 consolidated statement of operations.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Any effects on the business, financial position or results of operations from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount and useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets, impairment assessments, share-based compensation expense, and valuation allowances for accounts receivable, inventories, deferred tax assets, and redemption value of noncontrolling interest.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires companies to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) effective January 1, 2019 and elected certain practical expedients which permit us to not reassess whether existing contracts are or contain leases, to not reassess the lease classification of any existing leases, to not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases, and to not separate lease and nonlease components for all classes of underlying assets. We also made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of the balance sheet for all classes of underlying assets. Additional information and disclosures required by this new standard are contained in "Note 18. Leases".
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates the carrying value and recoverability of its long-lived assets when circumstances warrant such evaluation by applying the provisions of the FASB ASC regarding long-lived assets. It requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. Whenever any such impairment exists, an impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. The Company determined that no long-lived asset impairment existed at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 740. The Company records a valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and when temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers, among other available information, uncertainties surrounding the recoverability of deferred tax assets, scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and other matters in making this assessment.
As part of the process of preparing its consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to estimate its income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. This process requires the Company to estimate its actual current tax liability and to assess temporary differences resulting from differing book versus tax treatment of items, such as deferred revenue, compensation and benefits expense and depreciation. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Significant management judgment is required in determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, its deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against its net deferred tax assets. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized and, when necessary, valuation allowances are established. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable
income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the level of historical taxable income, scheduled reversals of deferred taxes, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies that can be implemented by the Company in making this assessment. If actual results differ from these estimates or the Company adjusts these estimates in future periods, the Company may need to adjust its valuation allowance, which could materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Tax contingencies can involve complex issues and may require an extended period of time to resolve. Changes in the level of annual pre-tax income can affect the Company’s overall effective tax rate. Until all net operating losses are utilized, there is no impact on the effective tax rate. Furthermore, the Company’s interpretation of complex tax laws may impact its recognition and measurement of current and deferred income taxes.
The Company recognizes and measures a tax benefit from uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company recognizes a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company adjusts these liabilities when its judgment changes as a result of the evaluation of new information not previously available. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from the current estimate or future recognition of an unrecognized benefit. These differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are determined.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within deferred taxes, unrecognized tax benefits and other long-term liabilities line in the consolidated balance sheet.
Derivative Transactions
All derivative instruments are recorded on the accompanying balance sheets at fair value. Commodity derivative transactions are not designated as cash flow hedges under FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedges. Accordingly, these commodity derivative contracts are marked-to-market and any changes in the estimated value of commodity derivative contracts held at the balance sheet date are recognized in the accompanying statements of operations as increases (losses) or decreases (gains) in cost of revenues. The derivative assets or liabilities are classified as either current or noncurrent assets or liabilities based on their anticipated settlement date. The Company nets derivative assets and liabilities for counterparties where it has a legal right of offset.
In accordance with ASC 815-40-25 and ASC 815-10-15, Derivatives and Hedging and ASC 480-10-25, Liabilities-Distinguishing from Equity, convertible preferred shares are accounted for net, outside of shareholders' equity and warrants are accounted for as liabilities at their fair value during periods where they can be net cash settled in case of a change in control transaction. The warrants are accounted for as a liability at their fair value at each reporting period. The value of the derivative warrant liability will be re-measured at each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. To derive an estimate of the fair value of these warrants, a Dynamic Black Scholes model is utilized which computes the impact of a possible change in control transaction upon the exercise of the warrant shares. This process relies upon inputs such as shares outstanding, our quoted stock prices, strike price and volatility assumptions to dynamically adjust the payoff of the warrants in the presence of the dilution effect.
Preferred Stock Classification
A mandatorily redeemable financial instrument shall be classified as a liability unless the redemption is required to occur only upon the liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. A financial instrument issued in the form of shares is mandatorily redeemable if it embodies an unconditional obligation requiring the issuer to redeem the instrument by transferring its assets at a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon an event certain to occur. A financial instrument that embodies a conditional obligation to redeem the instrument by transferring assets upon an event not certain to occur becomes mandatorily redeemable-and, therefore, becomes a liability-if that event occurs, the condition is resolved, or the event becomes certain to occur. The Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock requires the Company to redeem such preferred stock on the fifth anniversary of the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock if the redemption would not be subject to the existing restrictions under the Company's senior credit agreement and if the Company is not prohibited from completing such redemption under Nevada law. SEC reporting requirements provide that any possible redemption outside of the control of the Company requires the preferred stock to be classified outside of permanent equity.
Stock Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based expense and activity in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, which establishes accounting for equity instruments exchanged for services. Under this topic, stock-based compensation costs are measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and are recognized as an expense over both the employee and non-employee’s requisite service period, generally the vesting period of the equity grant.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Key input assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the exercise price of the award, expected option term, expected volatility of the stock over the option’s expected term, risk-free interest rate over the option’s expected term, and the expected annual dividend yield. The Company believes that the valuation technique and approach utilized to develop the underlying assumptions are appropriate in calculating the fair values of the stock options granted.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the periods presented. The calculation of basic earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, includes the weighted average of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity, such as convertible preferred stock, stock options, warrants or convertible securities.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
As more fully described in "Note 6. Share Purchase, Subscription Agreements and acquisitions", the Company is party to put/call option agreements with the holder of MG SPV’s and Heartland SPV's non-controlling interests. The put options permit MG SPV's and Heartland SPV's non-controlling interest holders, at any time on or after the earlier of (a) the fifth anniversary of the applicable closing date of such issuances and (ii) the occurrence of certain triggering events (an “MG Redemption” and "Heartland Redemption", as applicable) to require MG SPV and Heartland SPV to redeem the non-controlling interest from the holder of such interest. Per the agreements, the cash purchase price for such redeemed Class B Units (MG SPV) and Class A Units (Heartland SPV) is the greater of (y) the fair market value of such units (without discount for illiquidity, minority status or otherwise) as determined by a qualified third party agreed to in writing by a majority of the holders seeking an MG SPV Redemption and Heartland SPV Redemption and Vertex Operating, LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary (“Vertex Operating”) (provided that Vertex Operating still owns Class A Units (as to MG SPV) or Class B Units (as to Heartland SPV) on such date, as applicable) and (z) the original per-unit price for such Class B Units/Class A Units plus any unpaid Class A/Class B preference. The preference is defined as the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid “Class B/Class A Yield” (equal to an annual return of 22.5% per annum) and (B) an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class B/Class A Unit holders. The agreements also permit the Company to acquire the non-controlling interest from the holders thereof upon certain events. Applicable accounting guidance requires an equity instrument that is redeemable for cash or other assets to be classified outside of permanent equity if it is redeemable (a) at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date, (b) at the option of the holder, or (c) upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the issuer. Based on this guidance, the Company has classified the MG SPV and Heartland SPV non-controlling interests between the liabilities and equity sections of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. If an equity instrument subject to the guidance is currently redeemable, the instrument is adjusted to its maximum redemption amount at the balance sheet date. If the equity instrument subject to the guidance is not currently redeemable but it is probable that the equity instrument will become redeemable (for example, when the redemption depends solely on the passage of time), the guidance permits either of the following measurement methods: (a) accrete changes in the redemption value over the period from the date of issuance (or from the date that it becomes probable that the instrument will become redeemable, if later) to the earliest redemption date of the instrument using an appropriate methodology, or (b) recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the instrument to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. The amount presented in temporary equity should be no less than the initial amount reported in temporary equity for the instrument. Because the MG SPV and Heartland SPV equity instruments will become redeemable solely based on the passage of time, the Company determined that it is probable that the MG SPV and Heartland SPV equity instruments will become redeemable. The Company has elected to apply the second of the two measurement options described above. An adjustment to the carrying amount of a non-controlling interest from the application of the above guidance does not impact net loss in the consolidated financial statements. Rather, such adjustments are treated as equity transactions and adjustment to net loss in determining net loss available to common stockholders for the purpose of calculating earnings per share.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company determines whether each business entity in which it has equity interests, debt, or other investments constitutes a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based on consideration of the following criteria: (i) the entity lacks sufficient equity at-risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or (ii) equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial instrument.
If an entity is determined to be a VIE, the Company then determines whether to consolidate the entity as the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary has both (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity.
NOTE 3. REVENUES
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geographical market and source:
Year ended December 31, 2020
Black Oil Refining & Marketing Recovery Total
Primary Geographical Markets
Northern United States $ 31,218,855 $ - $ - $ 31,218,855
Southern United States 51,009,512 35,804,385 16,995,736 103,809,633
$ 82,228,367 $ 35,804,385 $ 16,995,736 $ 135,028,488
Sources of Revenue
Base oil $ 24,317,358 $ - $ 2,854,132 $ 27,171,490
Pygas - 6,627,128 - 6,627,128
Industrial fuel 1,289,274 234,792 - 1,524,066
Distillates - 28,942,465 - 28,942,465
Oil collection services 7,780,115 - - 7,780,115
Metals - - 14,141,604 14,141,604
Other re-refinery products 5,842,731 - - 5,842,731
VGO/Marine fuel sales 42,998,889 - - 42,998,889
Total revenues $ 82,228,367 $ 35,804,385 $ 16,995,736 $ 135,028,488
Year ended December 31, 2019
Black Oil Refining & Marketing Recovery Total
Primary Geographical Markets
Northern United States $ 42,195,020 $ - $ - $ 42,195,020
Southern United States 97,074,144 12,957,767 11,138,634 121,170,545
$ 139,269,164 $ 12,957,767 $ 11,138,634 $ 163,365,565
Sources of Revenue
Base oil $ 31,987,834 $ - $ 2,590,723 34,578,557
Pygas - 10,873,699 - 10,873,699
Industrial fuel 6,841,302 2,029,371 - 8,870,673
Distillates - 54,697 - 54,697
Oil collection services 5,650,687 - - 5,650,687
Metals - - 8,472,556 8,472,556
Other re-refinery products 13,022,622 - 75,355 13,097,977
VGO/Marine fuel sales 81,766,719 - - 81,766,719
Total revenues $ 139,269,164 $ 12,957,767 $ 11,138,634 $ 163,365,565
NOTE 4. CONCENTRATIONS, SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company has concentrated credit risk for cash by maintaining deposits in one bank. These balances are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. From time to time during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s cash balances exceeded the federally insured limits. No losses have been incurred relating to this concentration.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s revenues and receivables were comprised of the following customer concentrations:
2020 2019
% of
Revenues % of
Receivables % of
Revenues % of
Receivables
Customer 1 33% 12% 40% 36%
Customer 2 10% 12% 8% 14%
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for the years then ended, the Company's segment revenues were comprised of the following customer concentrations:
% of Revenue by Segment 2020 % of Revenue by Segment 2019
Black Oil Refining Recovery Black Oil Refining Recovery
Customer 1 54 % - % - % 47 % - % - %
Customer 2 16 % - % - % 10 % - % - %
Customer 3 - % - % - % 10 % - % - %
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had one vendor which accounted for 24% of total purchases and 26% of total payables. No vendor represented 10% or more of total purchases or payables as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The Company’s revenue, profitability and future rate of growth are substantially dependent on prevailing prices for petroleum-based products. Historically, the energy markets have been very volatile, and there can be no assurance that these prices will not be subject to wide fluctuations in the future. A substantial or extended decline in such prices could have a material adverse
effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and access to capital and on the quantities of petroleum-based products that the Company can economically produce.
Business commitment:
On June 5, 2016, the Company and Penthol LLC reached an agreement for the Company to act as Penthol's exclusive agent to market and promote Group III base oil from the United Arab Emirates to the United States. The Company also agreed to provide logistical support. The start-up date was July 25, 2016, with a 5-year term through 2021. Over the Company's objection, Penthol terminated the Agreement effective January 19, 2021. The Company and Penthol are currently involved in litigation involving such termination and related matters as described below.
Litigation:
The Company, in its normal course of business, is involved in various other claims and legal action. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these claims and actions will not have a material adverse impact upon the financial position of the Company. We are currently party to the following material litigation proceedings:
Vertex Refining LA, LLC ("Vertex Refining LA"), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Vertex Operating was named as a defendant, along with numerous other parties, in five lawsuits filed on or about February 12, 2016, in the Second Parish Court for the Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana, Case No. 121749, by Russell Doucet et. al., Case No. 121750, by Kendra Cannon et. al., Case No. 121751, by Lashawn Jones et. al., Case No. 121752, by Joan Strauss et. al. and Case No. 121753, by Donna Allen et. al. The suits relate to alleged noxious and harmful emissions from our facility located in Marrero, Louisiana. The suits seek damages for physical and emotional injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses and deprivation of the use and enjoyment of plaintiffs’ homes. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves and oppose the relief sought in the complaints, provided that at this stage of the litigation, the Company has no basis for determining whether there is any likelihood of material loss associated with the claims and/or the potential and/or the outcome of the litigation.
On November 17, 2020, Vertex filed a lawsuit against Penthol LLC (“Penthol”) in the District Court for the 61st Judicial District, Harris County, Texas (Cause No. 2020-65269), for breach of contract and simultaneously sought a Temporary Injunction enjoining Penthol from, among other things, circumventing Vertex in violation of the terms of that certain June 5, 2016 Sales Representative and Marketing Agreement entered into between Vertex Operating and Penthol (the “Penthol Agreement”). On February 8, 2021, Penthol filed a complaint against Vertex Operating with the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Texas Houston Division; Civil Action No. 4:21-CV-416 (the “Complaint”). Because the issues raised in the Complaint largely mirror those in the then pending state court action in the District Court of Harris County Texas, 61st Judicial District Court, the state court action was removed to federal court and combined with the pending federal court action. Penthol’s Complaint seeks damages from Vertex Operating for alleged violations of the Sherman Act, breach of contract, business disparagement, and misappropriation of trade secrets under the Defend Trade Secrets Act and Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act. Penthol is seeking a declaration that the Penthol Agreement is invalid, unenforceable and was terminated on January 27, 2021, or that Penthol’s actions are excused due to Vertex’s breach of such agreement; that Vertex has materially breached the agreement; an injunction that prohibits enforcement of the agreement, Vertex from using Penthol’s trade secrets, and requires Vertex to return any of Penthol’s trade secrets; awards of actual, treble, consequential and exemplary damages, attorneys’ fees and costs of court; and other relief to which it may be entitled. Vertex contends the claims made by Penthol are completely without merit, and that the termination of the Penthol Agreement was wrongful and resulted in damages to Vertex that it will seek to recover. Further, Vertex contends that the termination of the Penthol Agreement by Penthol constitutes a breach by Penthol under the express terms of the Penthol Agreement, and that Vertex remains entitled to payment of the amounts due Vertex under the Penthol Agreement for unpaid commissions and unpaid performance incentives. On March 2, 2021, Vertex filed a Motion to Dismiss Penthol's lawsuit with the court. Vertex plans to seek the recovery of its legal fees and costs incurred in enforcing its rights under the terms of the Penthol Agreement.Vertex disputes Penthol’s allegations of wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter.
We cannot predict the impact (if any) that any of the matters described above may have on our business, results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. Because of the inherent uncertainties of such matters, including the early stage and lack of specific damage claims in the Penthol matter, we cannot estimate the range of possible losses from them (except as otherwise indicated).
Related Parties
The Company has a Related Party Transaction committee including at least two independent directors who review and pre-approve all related party transactions.
From time to time, the Company consults with a related party law firm. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we paid $62,185 and $100,683, respectively, to such law firm for services rendered.
NOTE 5. FIXED ASSETS, NET
Fixed assets consist of the following:
Useful Life
(in years) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Equipment 7-20
$ 44,530,966 $ 42,879,308
Furniture and fixtures 7 108,896 108,896
Leasehold improvements 15 2,442,190 2,434,690
Office equipment 5 1,235,545 1,213,865
Vehicles 5 9,438,325 7,114,001
Building 20 274,203 274,203
Construction in progress 14,663,876 12,361,034
Land 3,083,551 3,083,551
Total fixed assets 75,777,552 69,469,548
Less accumulated depreciation (29,337,036) (24,708,151)
Net fixed assets $ 46,440,516 $ 44,761,397
Depreciation expense was $4,757,855 and $5,189,331 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Construction in progress is related to refining equipment at our various facilities.
Asset Retirement Obligations:
The Company has asset retirement obligations with respect to certain of its refinery assets due to various legal obligations to clean and/or dispose of various component parts of each refinery at the time they are retired. However, these component parts can be used for extended and indeterminate periods of time as long as they are properly maintained and/or upgraded. It is the Company’s practice and current intent to maintain its refinery assets and continue making improvements to those assets based on technological advances. As a result, the Company believes that its refinery assets have indeterminate lives for purposes of estimating asset retirement obligations because dates, or ranges of dates, upon which the Company would retire refinery assets cannot reasonably be estimated. When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of any component part of a refinery, the Company estimates the cost of performing the retirement activities and records a liability for the fair value of that cost using established present value techniques.
NOTE 6. SHARE PURCHASE, SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENTS, AND ACQUISITION
Myrtle Grove Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement
Amounts received by MG SPV from its direct sale of Class B Units to Tensile-Myrtle Grove Acquisition Corporation (“Tensile-MG”), an affiliate of Tensile Capital Partners Master Fund LP, an investment fund based in San Francisco, California (“Tensile”) may only be used for additional investments in the Company’s former Belle Chasse, Louisiana, re-refining complex (the “MG Refinery”) or for day-to-day operations at the MG Refinery. At December 31, 2020, $1.4 million reported as cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet is restricted to MG Refinery investments or operating expenses.
The Class B Unit holders may force MG SPV to redeem the outstanding Class B Units at any time on or after the earlier of (a) the fifth anniversary of July 26, 2019 (the "MG Closing Date") and (ii) the occurrence of a Triggering Event (defined below)(an “MG Redemption”). The cash purchase price for such redeemed Class B Units is the greater of (y) the fair market value of such units (without discount for illiquidity, minority status or otherwise) as determined by a qualified third party
agreed to in writing by a majority of the holders seeking an MG Redemption and Vertex Operating (provided that Vertex Operating still owns Class A Units on such date) and (z) the original per-unit price for such Class B Units plus any unpaid Class B preference. The preference is defined as the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid “Class B Yield” (equal to an annual return of 22.5% per annum) and (B) an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class B Unit holders. MG SPV did not pay the preferential yield during the year ended December 31, 2020. “Triggering Events” mean (a) any dissolution, winding up or liquidation of the Company, (b) any sale, lease, license or disposition of any material assets of the Company, (c) any transaction or series of related transactions (whether by merger, exchange, contribution, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization, combination or otherwise) involving the Company, the result of which is that the holders of the voting securities of the relevant entity as of the Closing Date are no longer the beneficial owners, in the aggregate, after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the entity, subject to certain other requirements set forth in the MG Company Agreement, (d) the failure to consummate the Heartland Closing (defined below) by June 30, 2020 (a “Failure to Close”), provided that such Heartland Closing was consummated by June 30, 2020, (e) the failure of the Company to operate MG SPV in good faith with appropriate resources, or (f) the material failure of the Company and its affiliates to comply with the terms of the contribution agreement, whereby the Company contributed assets and operations to MG SPV. No triggering events occurred during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Myrtle Grove Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
As a result of the Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (the “MG Share Purchase”), Tensile, through Tensile-Myrtle Grove Acquisition Corporation, acquired an approximate 15.58% ownership interest in Vertex Refining Myrtle Grove LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which entity was formed as a special purpose vehicle in connection with the transactions. This is considered a redeemable noncontrolling equity interest, as it is redeemable in the future and not solely within our control.
The initial carrying amount that is recognized in temporary equity for redeemable noncontrolling interests is the initial carrying amount determined in accordance with the accounting requirements for noncontrolling interests in ASC 810-10. In accordance with ASC 810-10-45-23, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions. Therefore, the Company recognized no gain or loss in consolidated net income and the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest was adjusted to reflect the change in our ownership interest of the subsidiary. The difference of $970,809 between the fair value of the consideration received of $3,150,000 and the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest determined in accordance with ASC 810-10 of $2,179,191, was recognized in additional paid in capital.
After initial recognition, in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99-3A, the Company applied a two-step approach to measure noncontrolling interests associated with MG SPV at the balance sheet date. First, the Company applied the measurement guidance in ASC 810-10 by attributing a portion of the subsidiary's net loss of $176,774 to the noncontrolling interest. Second, the Company applied the subsequent measurement guidance in ASC 480-10-S99-3A, which indicates that the noncontrolling interest’s carrying amount is the higher of (1) the cumulative amount that would result from applying the measurement guidance in ASC 810-10 in the first step or (2) the redemption value. Pursuant to ASC 480-10-S99-3A, for a security that is probable of becoming redeemable in the future, the Company adjusted the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interests to what would be the redemption value assuming the security was redeemable at the balance sheet date. This adjustment of $1,181,550 increased the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to the redemption value as of December 31, 2020, of $5,472,841. Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value are reflected in accumulated deficit.
The table below presents the reconciliation of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
2020 2019
Beginning balance $ 4,396,894 $ -
Capital contribution from non-controlling interest - 3,150,000
Initial adjustment of carrying amount of non-controlling interest - (970,809)
Net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest (176,774) (61,668)
Change in ownership 71,171 -
Accretion of non-controlling interest to redemption value 1,181,550 2,279,371
Ending balance $ 5,472,841 $ 4,396,894
Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement
On January 17, 2020 (the “Heartland Closing Date”), Vertex Operating, Tensile-Heartland Acquisition Corporation (“Tensile-Heartland”), an affiliate of Tensile, and solely for the purposes of the Heartland Guaranty (defined below), the Company, and HPRM LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which entity was formed as a special purpose vehicle in connection with the transactions, described in greater detail below (“Heartland SPV”), entered into a Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (the “Heartland Share Purchase”).
Prior to entering into the Heartland Share Purchase, the Company transferred 100% of the ownership of Vertex Refining OH, LLC, its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary (“Vertex OH”) to Heartland SPV in consideration for 13,500 Class A Units, 13,500 Class A-1 Preferred Units and 11,300 Class B Units of Heartland SPV and immediately thereafter contributed 248 Class B Units to the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Vertex Splitter Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Vertex Splitter”), as a contribution to capital.
Vertex OH owned the Company’s Columbus, Ohio, Heartland facility, which produces a base oil product that is sold to lubricant packagers and distributors.
Pursuant to the Heartland Share Purchase, Vertex Operating sold Tensile-Heartland the 13,500 Class A Units and 13,500 Class A-1 Preferred Units of Heartland SPV in consideration for $13.5 million. Also, on the Heartland Closing Date, Tensile-Heartland purchased 7,500 Class A Units and 7,500 Class A-1 Units in consideration for $7.5 million directly from Heartland SPV.
The approximate $7.5 million purchase amount and future free cash flows from the operation of Heartland SPV is being used to increase self-collections, maximize the throughput of the refinery, enhance the quality of the output and complete other projects.
Concurrently with the closing of the transactions described above, and pursuant to the terms of the Heartland Share Purchase, the Company, through Vertex Operating, purchased 1,000 newly issued Class A Units from MG SPV at a cost of $1,000 per unit ($1 million in aggregate). As a result of this transaction, MG SPV is owned 85.00% by Vertex Operating and 15.00% by Tensile-MG.
The Heartland Share Purchase provides Tensile-Heartland an option, exercisable at its election, at any time, subject to the terms of the Heartland Share Purchase, to purchase up to an additional 7,000 Class A-2 Preferred Units at a cost of $1,000 per Class A-2 Preferred Unit from Heartland SPV.
The Heartland SPV is currently owned 35% by Vertex Operating and 65% by Tensile-Heartland. Heartland SPV is managed by a five-member Board of Managers, of which three members are appointed by Tensile-Heartland and two are appointed by the Company. The Class A Units held by Tensile-Heartland are convertible into Class B Units as provided in the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Heartland SPV (the “Heartland Company Agreement”), based on a conversion price (initially one-for-one) which may be reduced from time to time if new Units of Heartland SPV are issued and will automatically convert into Series B Units upon certain events described in the Heartland Company Agreement.
The Class A-1 and A-2 Preferred Units (“Class A Preferred Units”), which are 100% owned by Tensile-Heartland, accrue a 22.5% per annum preferred return subject to terms of the Heartland Company Agreement (the “Class A Yield”).
Additionally, the Class A Unit holders (common and preferred) may force Heartland SPV to redeem the outstanding Class A Units at any time on or after the earlier of (a) the fifth anniversary of the Heartland Closing Date and (ii) the occurrence of a Heartland Triggering Event (defined below)(a “Heartland Redemption”). The cash purchase price for such redeemed Class A Unit will be the greater of (y) the fair market value of such units (without discount for illiquidity, minority status or otherwise) as determined by a qualified third party agreed to in writing by a majority of the holders seeking Heartland Redemption and Vertex Operating (provided that Vertex Operating still owns Class B Units on such date) and (z) the original per-unit price for such Class A Units plus any unpaid Class A preference. The Class A preference is defined as the greater of (A) the aggregate unpaid Class A yield and (B) an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate capital invested by the Class A Unit holders through such Heartland Redemption date. “Heartland Triggering Events” include (a) any termination of an Administrative Services Agreement entered into with Tensile, pursuant to its terms and/or any material breach by us of the environmental remediation and indemnity agreement entered into with Tensile, (b) any dissolution, winding up or liquidation of the Company, (c) any sale, lease, license or disposition of any material assets of the Company, or (d) any transaction or series of related transactions (whether by merger, exchange, contribution, recapitalization, consolidation, reorganization, combination or otherwise) involving the Company, the result of which is that the holders of the voting securities of the relevant entity as of the Heartland Closing Date are no longer the beneficial owners, in the aggregate, after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the entity, subject to certain other requirements set forth in the Heartland Company Agreement.
In the event that Heartland SPV fails to redeem such Class A Units within 180 days after a redemption is triggered, the Class A Yield is increased to 25% until such time as such redemption is completed (with such increase being effective back to the original date of a notice of redemption). In addition, in such event, the Class A Unit holders may cause Heartland SPV to initiate a process intended to result in a sale of Heartland SPV.
Distributions of available cash of Heartland SPV pursuant to the Heartland Company Agreement (including pursuant to liquidations of Heartland SPV), subject to certain exceptions set forth therein, are to be made (a) first, to the holders of the Class A Preferred Units, in an amount equal to the Class A preference; (b) second, the Class A Preferred Unit holders, together as a separate and distinct class, are entitled to receive an amount equal to the aggregate Heartland Invested Capital; (c) third, the Class B Unitholders (other than Class B Unitholders which received Class B Units upon conversion of Class A Preferred Units), together as a separate and distinct class, are entitled to receive all or a portion of any distribution equal to the sum of all distributions made under sections (a) and (b) above; and (d) fourth, to the holders of Units who are eligible to receive such distributions in proportion to the number of Units held by such holders.
The Heartland Share Purchase also provided for a guarantee by the Company to Tensile-Heartland of the payment obligations of Vertex Operating as set forth in the Heartland Share Purchase (the “Heartland Guaranty”).
Heartland Variable interest entity
The Company has assessed the Heartland SPV under the variable interest guidance in ASC 810. The Company determined that the Class A Units are not at risk due to a 22.5% preferred return and a redemption provision that, if elected, would require Heartland SPV to repurchase the Class A Units at their original cost plus the preferred return. The Company further determined that as a minority shareholder, holding only 35% of the voting rights, the Company does not have the ability to direct the activities of Heartland SPV that most significantly impact the entity’s performance. Based on this assessment, the Company concluded that Heartland SPV is a variable interest entity.
In assessing if the Company is the primary beneficiary of Heartland SPV, the Company determined that certain provisions of the Heartland Company Agreement prohibiting the transfer of its Class B Units result in the Class A Unit holders being related parties under the de facto agents criteria in ASC 810. The Company and the Class A Unit holders, as a group, have the power to direct the significant activities of Heartland SPV and the obligations to absorb the losses and the right to receive the benefits that could potentially be significant to Heartland SPV. The Company concluded that substantially all of the activities of Heartland SPV are conducted on its behalf, and not on behalf of the Class A Unit holders, the decision maker, thus the Company is the primary beneficiary and required to consolidate Heartland SPV in accordance with ASC 810.
The Company's consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of Heartland SPV for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The other equity holders’ interests are reflected in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of income and redeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated balance sheets.
The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of Heartland SPV's assets and liabilities included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2020:
December 31, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,890,886
Accounts receivable, net 3,591,468
Inventory 629,667
Prepaid expense and other current assets 926,203
Total current assets 13,038,224
Fixed assets, net 6,549,139
Finance lease right-of-use assets 1,031,353
Operating lease right-of-use assets 299,758
Intangible assets, net 1,064,624
Other assets 108,643
Total assets $ 22,091,741
Accounts payable $ 1,753,160
Accrued expenses 307,340
Finance lease liability-current 346,029
Operating lease liability-current 251,037
Total current liabilities 2,657,566
Finance lease liability-long term 643,446
Operating lease liability-long term 48,721
Total liabilities $ 3,349,733
The assets of Heartland SPV may only be used to settle the obligations of Heartland SPV, and may not be used for other consolidated entities. The liabilities of Heartland SPV are non-recourse to the general credit of the Company’s other consolidated entities.
Heartland Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
As a result of the Heartland Share Purchase (as defined and discussed above), Tensile, through Tensile-Heartland, acquired an approximate 65.00% ownership interest in Heartland SPV. This is considered a redeemable noncontrolling equity interest, as it is redeemable in the future and not solely within our control.
The initial carrying amount that is recognized in temporary equity for redeemable noncontrolling interests is the initial carrying amount determined in accordance with the accounting requirements for noncontrolling interests in ASC 810-10. In accordance with ASC 810-10-45-23, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions. Therefore, the Company recognized no gain or loss in consolidated net income and the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest was adjusted to reflect the change in our ownership interest of the subsidiary. The difference of $9,091,068 between the fair value of the consideration received of $21,000,000 and the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest determined in accordance with ASC 810-10 of $11,908,932, was recognized in additional paid in capital.
After initial recognition, in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99-3A, the Company applied a two-step approach to measure noncontrolling interests associated with Heartland SPV at the balance sheet date. First, the Company applied the measurement guidance in ASC 810-10 by attributing a portion of the subsidiary's net income of $276,209 to the noncontrolling interest. Second, the Company applied the subsequent measurement guidance in ASC 480-10-S99-3A, which indicates that the noncontrolling interest’s carrying amount is the higher of (1) the cumulative amount that would result from applying the measurement guidance in ASC 810-10 in the first step or (2) the redemption value. Pursuant to ASC 480-10-S99-3A, for a security that is probable of becoming redeemable in the future, the Company adjusted the carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interests to what would be the redemption value assuming the security was redeemable at the balance sheet date.
This adjustment of $13,953,692 increased the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to the redemption value as of December 31, 2020 of $26,138,833. Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value are reflected in retained earnings.
The table below presents the reconciliation of changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest relating to Heartland SPV as of December 31, 2020.
December 31, 2020
Beginning balance $ -
Initial carrying amount of non-controlling interest 11,908,932
Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest 276,209
Accretion of non-controlling interest to redemption value 13,953,692
Ending balance $ 26,138,833
Crystal Energy, LLC
On June 1, 2020, the Company entered into and closed a Member Interest Purchase Agreement with Crystal Energy, LLC ("Crystal") pursuant to which the Company agreed to buy all of the outstanding membership interests of Crystal for aggregate cash consideration of $1,822,690. This resulted in the recognition of $1,939,364 in accounts receivable, $976,512 in inventory, $14,484 in other current assets, and $1,107,670 in current liabilities. Upon the closing of the acquisition, Crystal became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination.
Crystal is an Alabama limited liability company that was organized on September 7, 2016, for the purpose of purchasing, storing, selling, and distributing refined motor fuels. These activities include the wholesale distribution of gasoline, blended gasoline, and diesel for use as engine fuel to operate automobiles, trucks, locomotives, and construction equipment. Crystal markets its products to third-party customers, and customers will typically resell these products to retailers, end use consumers, and others. These assets are used in our Refining segment.
The following table presents summarized results of operations of Crystal for the period from June 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and are included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Revenue $ 28,942,465
Net loss (205,054)
The following table presents unaudited pro forma results of operations reflecting the acquisition of Crystal as if the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2019. This information has been compiled from current and historical financial statements and is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have been achieved had the transaction occurred at the beginning of the periods presented or that may be achieved in the future.
2020 2019
Revenue $ 192,538,120 $ 261,669,500
Net loss (11,881,125) (5,724,176)
NOTE 7. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Components of intangible assets (subject to amortization) consist of the following items:
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Useful Life
(in years) Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net
Carrying
Amount Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated Amortization Net
Carrying
Amount
Customer relations 5-8
$ 1,329,580 $ 1,050,945 $ 278,635 $ 1,329,580 $ 884,917 $ 444,663
Vendor relations 10 6,654,497 4,862,663 1,791,834 6,654,497 4,197,213 2,457,284
Trademark/Trade name 6-16
1,249,887 626,899 622,988 1,249,887 531,885 718,002
TCEP Technology/Patent 15 13,287,000 7,066,443 6,220,557 13,287,000 6,180,643 7,106,357
Non-compete agreements 3-5
196,601 179,720 16,881 196,601 168,200 28,401
Internally-developed software 3-5
538,322 71,776 466,546 489,093 - 489,093
$ 23,255,887 $ 13,858,446 $ 9,397,441 $ 23,206,658 $ 11,962,858 $ 11,243,800
Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis. We continually evaluate the amortization period and carrying basis of intangible assets to determine whether subsequent events and circumstances warrant a revised estimated useful life or reduction in value.
Total amortization expense of intangibles was $1,895,588 and $1,823,812 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Estimated future amortization expense is as follows:
2021 $ 1,895,588
2022 1,680,660
2023 1,323,276
2024 1,266,833
2025 1,078,630
Thereafter 2,152,454
$ 9,397,441
NOTE 8. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following at December 31:
2020 2019
Accounts receivable trade $ 11,751,679 $ 12,540,553
Allowance for doubtful accounts (612,746) (402,475)
Accounts receivable trade, net $ 11,138,933 $ 12,138,078
NOTE 9. LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT
Credit and Guaranty Agreement and Revolving Credit Facility with Encina Business Credit, LLC
Effective February 1, 2017, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (as amended to date, the “EBC Credit Agreement”) with Encina Business Credit, LLC as agent (the “Agent” or “EBC”) and Encina Business Credit SPV, LLC and CrowdOut
Capital LLC as lenders thereunder (the “EBC Lenders”). Pursuant to the EBC Credit Agreement, and the terms thereof, the EBC Lenders agreed to loan us up to $20 million, provided that the amount outstanding under the EBC Credit Agreement at any time cannot exceed 50% of the value of the Company's operating plant facilities and related machinery and equipment.
Amounts borrowed under the EBC Credit Agreement bear interest at 12%, 13% or 14% per annum, based on the ratio of (a) (i) consolidated EBITDA for such applicable period minus (ii) capital expenditures made during such period, minus (iii) the aggregate amount of income taxes paid in cash during such period (but not less than zero) to (b) the sum of (i) debt service charges plus (ii) the aggregate amount of all dividend or other distributions paid on capital stock in cash for the most recently completed 12 month period (which ratio falls into one of the three following tiers: less than 1 to 1; from 1 to 1 to less than 1.45 to 1; or equal to or greater than 1.45 to 1, which together with the value below, determines which interest rate is applicable) and average availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement (defined below) (which falls into two tiers: less than $2.5 million and greater than or equal to $2.5 million, which together with the calculation above, determines which interest rate is applicable), as described in greater detail in the EBC Credit Agreement (increasing by 2% per annum upon the occurrence of an event of default). Interest on amounts borrowed under the EBC Credit Agreement is payable by us in arrears, on the first business day of each month, beginning on the first business day of the first full month following the closing, together with required $75,000 monthly principal repayments. We also have the right to make voluntary repayments of the amount owed under the EBC Credit Agreement in amounts equal to or greater than $100,000, from time to time. The interest rate is 13% at December 31, 2020.
The EBC Credit Agreement was originally to mature on February 1, 2020, and has since been extended until February 1, 2022, as discussed below, on which date we are required to repay the outstanding balance owed thereunder and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
The amounts borrowed under the EBC Credit Agreement are guaranteed by us and our subsidiaries pursuant to a Guaranty and Security Agreement (the “Guaranty and Security Agreement”), whereby we also pledged substantially all of our assets and all of the securities of our subsidiaries as collateral securing the amount due under the terms of the EBC Credit Agreement. We also provided EBC mortgages on our Marrero, Louisiana, and Columbus, Ohio facilities, the ownership of 65% of which was transferred to Tensile in connection with the Heartland SPV (discussed above under “Note 6. Share Purchase, Subscription Agreements and Acquisition” - “Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement”), effective January 1, 2020, to secure the repayment of outstanding amounts and agreed to provide mortgages on certain other real property to be delivered post-closing. The post-closing mortgage properties provided were in Baytown, Pflugerville and Corpus Christi, Texas.
The EBC Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and requirements for the Company to indemnify the EBC Lenders and their affiliates. The EBC Credit Agreement also includes various covenants (positive and negative) binding upon the Company, including, prohibiting us from undertaking acquisitions or dispositions unless they meet the criteria set forth in the EBC Credit Agreement, not incurring any capital expenditures in amount exceeding $3 million in any fiscal year that the EBC Credit Agreement is in place, and requiring us to maintain at least $2.0 million of borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement (defined below) at any time ($1 million prior to December 31, 2020). As of December 31, 2020, the borrowing availability was $1,288,750, and the Company was in compliance with all covenants thereunder, following the Amendment and Waiver, discussed below.
The EBC Credit Agreement includes customary events of default for facilities of a similar nature and size as the EBC Credit Agreement, including if an event of default occurs under any agreement evidencing $500,000 or more of indebtedness of the Company; we fail to make any payment when due under any material agreement; subject to certain exceptions, any judgment is entered against the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000; and also provides that an event of default occurs if a change in control of the Company occurs, which includes if (a) Benjamin P. Cowart, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and largest shareholder, and Chris Carlson, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, cease to own and control legally and beneficially, collectively, either directly or indirectly, equity securities in Vertex Energy, Inc., representing more than 15% of the combined voting power of all securities entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent on a fully-diluted basis, (b) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any person or group of securities representing more than 30% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding securities of Vertex Energy, Inc., or (c) during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Company cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a
majority of that board or equivalent governing body (collectively “Events of Default”). An event of default under the Revolving Credit Agreement (defined below), is also an event of default under the EBC Credit Agreement.
Effective February 1, 2017, we, Vertex Operating and substantially all of our operating subsidiaries entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement ( as amended to date, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) with Encina Business Credit SPV, LLC as lender (“Encina”) and EBC as the administrative agent. Pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement, and the terms thereof, Encina agreed to loan us, on a revolving basis, up to $10 million, subject to the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement and certain lending ratios set forth therein, which provide that the amount outstanding thereunder cannot exceed an amount equal to the total of (a) the lesser of (A) the value (as calculated in the Revolving Credit Agreement) of our inventory which are raw materials or finished goods that are merchantable and readily saleable to the public in the ordinary course of our business (“EBC Eligible Inventory”), net of certain inventory reserves, multiplied by 85% of the appraised value of EBC Eligible Inventory, or (B) the value (as calculated in the Revolving Credit Agreement) of EBC Eligible Inventory, net of certain inventory reserves, multiplied by 65%, subject to a ceiling of $4 million, plus (b) the face amount of certain accounts receivables (net of certain reserves applicable thereto) multiplied by 85% (subject to adjustment as provided in the Revolving Credit Agreement); minus (c) the then-current amount of certain reserves that the agent may determine necessary for the Company to maintain. At December 31, 2020, the maximum amount available to be borrowed was $1,288,750, based on the above borrowing base calculation.
Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest, subject to the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement, at the one month LIBOR interest rate then in effect, subject to a floor of 0.25% (which interest rate is currently approximately 0.15% per annum), plus an additional 6.50% per annum (increasing by 2% per annum upon the occurrence of an event of default), provided that under certain circumstances amounts borrowed bear interest at the higher of (a) the “prime rate”; (b) the Federal Funds Rate, plus 0.50%; and (c) the LIBOR Rate for a one month interest period, plus 1.00%. Interest on amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Agreement is payable by us in arrears, on the first business day of each month, beginning on the first business day of the first full month following the closing.
The Revolving Credit Agreement was originally to mature on February 1, 2020, but has since been extended until February 1, 2022, as discussed below, on which date we are required to repay the outstanding balance owed thereunder and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. Borrowings under a revolving credit agreement that contain a subjective acceleration clause and also require a borrower to maintain a lockbox with the lender (whereby lockbox receipts may be applied to reduce the amount outstanding under the revolving credit agreement) are considered short-term obligations. As a result, the debt is classified as a current liability at both December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Agreement are guaranteed by us and our subsidiaries pursuant to a separate Guaranty and Security Agreement, similar to the EBC Credit Agreement, described in greater detail above. We also provided Encina mortgages on our Marrero, Louisiana, and Columbus, Ohio facilities, the ownership of 65% of which was transferred to Tensile in connection with the Heartland SPV (discussed above under “Note 6. Share Purchase, Subscription Agreements, and Acquisition” - “Heartland Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement”), effective January 1, 2020, to secure the repayment of outstanding amounts.
The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and requirements for the Company to indemnify Encina and its affiliates. The Revolving Credit Agreement also includes various covenants (positive and negative) binding upon the Company, including, prohibiting us from undertaking acquisitions or dispositions unless they meet the criteria set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement, not incurring any capital expenditures in amount exceeding $3 million in any fiscal year that the Revolving Credit Agreement is in place ($4 million for 2020), and requiring us to maintain at least $2.0 million of borrowing availability (reduced to $1.0 million prior to December 31, 2020, pursuant to the amendments described below) under the Revolving Credit Agreement in any 30 day period. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company was not in compliant with the capital expenditure limitation; however, the non-compliance was waived pursuant to the Amendment and Waiver, discussed below.
The Revolving Credit Agreement includes customary events of default for facilities of a similar nature and size as the Revolving Credit Agreement, including the same Events of Default as are described above under the description of the EBC Credit Agreement.
The balance of the EBC Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2020 are $5,433,000 and $133,446, respectively.
Credit Agreement Amendments
On April 24, 2020, (a) Encina Business Credit, LLC (“EBC”) and the lenders under our Revolving Credit Agreement with EBC (the “EBC Lenders”), and Vertex Operating, entered into a Fourth Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement, effective on April 24, 2020, pursuant to which the EBC Lenders agreed to amend the EBC Credit Agreement; and (b) the EBC Lenders and Vertex Operating entered into a Fourth Amendment and Limited Waiver to ABL Credit Agreement, effective on April 24, 2020, pursuant to which the EBC Lenders agreed to amend the Revolving Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Waivers”). The Waivers amended the credit agreements to extend the due date of amounts owed thereunder from February 1, 2021 to February 1, 2022.
On August 7, 2020, the Company and Vertex Operating entered into a Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement with EBC (the “Fifth Amendment”), which amended the EBC Credit Agreement to provide the Company up to a $2 million term loan to be used for capital expenditures (the “CapEx Loan”), which amounts may be requested from time to time by the Company, provided that not more than four advances of such amount may be requested, with each advance being not less than $500,000 (in multiples of $100,000). The amendment also provided that any prepayments of the EBC Credit Agreement would first be applied to the term loan and then to the CapEx Loan. The CapEx Loan bears interest at the rate of LIBOR (0.15% at December 31, 2020) plus 7%, or to the extent that LIBOR is not available, the highest of the prime rate and the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, in each case, plus 6%. We are required to repay the CapEx Loan in monthly installments of 1/48th of the amount borrowed, each month that the CapEx Loan is outstanding, with a final balloon payment due at maturity. The obligation of EBC to fund the CapEx Loan is subject to customary conditions and requirements set forth in the Fifth Amendment, including the requirement that the Company has maintained daily availability under the ABL Credit Agreement greater than $1 million for the last thirty days, and that such availability would remain over $1 million, on a pro forma basis with such new loan. We are also required to provide the agent for the EBC Credit Agreement, a first priority security interest in the rolling stock collection assets or other assets acquired with the CapEx Loan. The CapEx Loan had a balance of $1,378,819 as of December 31, 2020.
On November 27, 2020, the Company, Vertex Operating, the Agent and the EBC Lenders, entered into a Fifth Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement (the “Amendment and Waiver”), pursuant to which the Lenders agreed to amend the Revolving Credit Agreement, to (1) provide for the Lender’s waiver of an event of default which occurred under the Revolving Credit Agreement, relating solely to the Company exceeding the $3 million capital expenditure limitation for 2020 set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement; (2) amend the capital expenditure limit set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement to $4 million for 2020 (compared to $3 million previously) and $3 million thereafter; and (3) amended the minimum required availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement to be $1 million prior to December 31, 2020 (which amount was previously $2 million) and $2 million thereafter. Notwithstanding the technical default under the Revolving Credit Agreement discussed above, the Lenders did not take any action to accelerate amounts due under the Revolving Credit Agreement, such amounts due thereunder were not automatically accelerated in connection with the default, and as discussed above, such technical default was waived by the Lenders according to the Amendment and Waiver.
Loan Agreements
On May 4, 2020, the Company applied for a loan from Texas Citizens Bank in the principal amount of $4.22 million, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted on March 27, 2020. On May 5, 2020, the Company received the loan funds. The Note is unsecured, matures on April 28, 2022, and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum, payable monthly commencing in February 2021, following an initial deferral period as specified under the PPP. Under the terms of the PPP, the entire amount may be forgiven to the extent loan proceeds are used for qualifying expenses. As of the date of this report, the Company believes it has used the PPP funds for qualifying expenses.
On May 27, 2020, the Company entered into a loan contract security agreement with John Deere to finance the purchase of $152,643 of equipment. The Note matures on June 27, 2024, and bears interest at a rate of 2.45% per annum, payable monthly commencing on June 27, 2020. The payment of the note is secured by the equipment purchased.
Insurance Premiums
The Company financed insurance premiums through various financial institutions bearing interest at rates ranging from 4.00% to 4.90%. All such premium finance agreements have maturities of less than one year and have a balance of $1,183,543 at December 31, 2020 and $1,165,172 at December 31, 2019.
Finance Leases
On April 2, 2020, the Company obtained one finance lease with payments of $9,322 per month for three years and on July 28, 2020, the Company entered into another finance lease with payments of $3,545 per month for three years. The amount of the finance lease obligations related to these leases is $380,829 at December 31, 2020.
On May 22, 2020, the Company entered into one finance lease. Payments are $15,078 per month for three years and the amount of the finance lease obligation is $450,564 at December 31, 2020.
During April and May 2019, the Company obtained five finance leases. Payments are approximately $ 11,710 per month for five years and the amount of the finance lease is $436,411 at December 31, 2020.
On March 1, 2018, the Company obtained one finance lease. Payments are $908 per month for three years and the amount of the finance lease obligation is $1,804 at December 31, 2020.
On May 29, 2018, the Company obtained one finance lease. Payments are $26,305 per quarter for four years and the amount of the finance lease obligation is $172,235 at December 31, 2020.
The Company's outstanding debt as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is summarized as follows:
Creditor Loan Type Origination Date Maturity Date Loan Amount Balance on December 31, 2020 Balance on December 31, 2019
Encina Business Credit, LLC Term Loan February 1, 2017 February 1, 2022 $ 20,000,000 $ 5,433,000 $ 13,333,000
Encina Business Credit SPV, LLC Revolving Note February 1, 2017 February 1, 2022 $ 10,000,000 133,446 3,276,230
Encina Business Credit, LLC Capex Loan August 7, 2020 February 1, 2022 $ 2,000,000 1,378,819 -
AVT Equipment Lease-Ohio Finance Lease April 2, 2020 April 2, 2023 $ 337,155 380,829 -
AVT Equipment Lease-HH Finance Lease May 22, 2020 May 22, 2023 $ 551,609 450,564 -
John Deere Note Note May 27, 2020 June 27, 2024 $ 152,643 131,303 -
Texas Citizens Bank PPP Loan May 5, 2020 April 28, 2022 $ 4,222,000 4,222,000 -
Tetra Capital Lease Finance Lease May, 2018 May, 2022 $ 419,690 172,235 264,014
Wells Fargo Equipment Lease-VRM LA Finance Lease March, 2018 March, 2021 $ 30,408 1,804 12,341
Wells Fargo Equipment Lease-Ohio Finance Lease April-May, 2019 April-May, 2024 $ 621,000 436,411 551,260
Various institutions Insurance premiums financed Various < 1 year $ 2,902,428 1,183,543 1,165,172
Total 13,923,954 18,602,017
Deferred finance costs - (47,826)
Total, net of deferred finance costs $ 13,923,954 $ 18,554,191
Future maturities of debt are summarized as follows:
Creditor 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter
Encina Business Credit, LLC $ 900,000 $ 4,533,000 $ - $ - $ - $ -
Encina Business Credit SPV, LLC 133,446 - - - - -
Encina Business Credit, LLC 368,867 1,009,952 - - - -
AVT Equipment Lease-Ohio 126,965 138,162 115,702 - - -
AVT Equipment Lease-HH 148,398 161,487 140,679 - - -
John Deere Note 37,299 37,225 39,173 17,606 - -
Texas Citizens Bank 1,877,461 2,344,539 - - - -
Tetra Capital Lease 98,167 74,068 - - - -
Wells Fargo Equipment Lease-VRM LA 1,804 - - - - -
Wells Fargo Equipment Lease-Ohio 120,896 127,265 133,968 54,282 - -
Various institutions 1,183,543 - - - - -
Totals $ 4,996,846 $ 8,425,698 $ 429,522 $ 71,888 $ - $ -
NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES
The components of income tax (benefit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Current federal tax (expense)/benefit $ (69,000) $ (68,606)
Deferred federal tax (expense)/benefit 69,000 68,606
Total federal tax (expense)/benefit $ - $ -
Reconciliation between the amount determined by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% to pretax income from continuing operations and income tax expense presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Statutory tax on book income $ (2,393,000) $ (1,152,000)
Permanent differences 7,000 139,000
Change in derivative liability (344,000) 102,000
Tensile transaction gain 1,745,000 210,000
Change in valuation allowance 904,000 1,344,000
Prior year return true up 81,000 (643,000)
Income tax expense (benefit) $ - $ -
The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented below:
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Deferred tax assets:
Alternative minimum tax credits $ - $ 69,000
Accrued bonus and stock based compensation 403,000 386,000
Basis of intangible assets 1,406,000 1,687,000
Bad debt reserve 120,000 85,000
Contribution carryover 41,000 38,000
Interest expense carryforward - 487,000
Net operating loss carry forwards 15,168,000 13,682,000
Less valuation allowance (14,357,000) (13,453,000)
Total deferred tax assets $ 2,781,000 $ 2,981,000
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Deferred tax liabilities:
Basis of fixed assets $ (2,163,000) $ (2,788,000)
Contingent liability - -
Partnership income (618,000) (124,000)
Total deferred tax liabilities $ (2,781,000) $ (2,912,000)
Net deferred tax assets $ - $ 69,000
The Company provides a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to utilize the existing deferred tax assets. Based on this evaluation, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, valuation allowances of approximately $14,357,000 and $13,453,000, respectively, has been recorded to reduce net deferred tax assets to an amount that management believes is more than likely not to be realized.
The Company is subject to examination by Federal and State tax authorities for fiscal years 2017 through 2020, except for utilization of net operating losses.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had federal net operating loss carry-forwards ("NOLs") of approximately $72.1 million acquired as part of the April 2009 merger between World Waste Technologies, Inc. and the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary Vertex Merger Sub, LLC and subsequent operating losses incurred by the Company. IRC Sections 382 and 383 provide an annual limitation with respect to the ability of a corporation to utilize its tax attributes against future U.S. taxable income in the event of a change in ownership. The net operating loss carry-forwards at December 31, 2020 reflect a reduction of approximately $31.6 million as a result of an ownership change triggering event in May 2016, as defined under IRC Section 382. The net operating loss carryforward will begin to expire in 2026. Those arising in tax years after 2017 will never expire.
NOTE 11. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
The stock based compensation cost that has been charged against income by the Company was $656,111 and $642,840 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, for options awarded by the Company.
Stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is summarized as follows:
OPTIONS ISSUED FOR COMPENSATION: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
(in Years) Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 3,460,750 $ 2.05 3.50 $ 3,469,298
Options granted 1,150,000 1.40 8.76 1,148,662
Options exercised (112,500) 0.46 - (41,789)
Options cancelled/forfeited/expired (80,000) 0.46 - (28,800)
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 4,418,250 $ 1.95 6.25 $ 4,547,371
Vested at December 31, 2019 2,383,625 $ 2.50 4.84 $ 2,625,779
Exercisable at December 31, 2019 2,383,625 $ 2.50 4.84 $ 2,625,779
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 4,418,250 $ 1.95 6.25 $ 4,547,371
Options granted 686,038 0.81 7.51 355,404
Options exercised - - - -
Options cancelled/forfeited/expired - - - -
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 5,104,288 $ 1.80 5.55 $ 4,902,775
Vested at December 31, 2020 3,096,000 $ 2.14 4.46 $ 3,110,775
Exercisable at December 31, 2020 3,096,000 $ 2.14 4.46 $ 3,110,775
On June 19, 2020, the Board of Directors approved the grant to three employees and one officer/director (Benjamin P. Cowart, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer) of options to purchase an aggregate of 416,885 and 269,153 shares of common stock, respectively, at an exercise price of $0.78 and $0.86 per share, respectively, with a ten year and five year term, respectively (subject to continued employment/directorship), vesting at the rate of 1/4th of such options per year on the first four anniversaries of the grant date, under our 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, in consideration for services rendered and to be rendered to the Company. The grant date fair value is $355,404 which amount is being amortized at the rate of $7,404 per month starting in July 2020.
On October 9, 2019, the Board of Directors granted one employee options to purchase an aggregate of 75,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.13 per share with a 5-year term (subject to continued employment), vesting at the rate of 1/4th of such options per year on the first 4 anniversaries of the grant date, under our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, in consideration for services rendered and to be rendered to the Company. The grant date fair value is $65,293 which amount is being amortized at the rate of $1,360 per month.
On October 29, 2019, the Board of Directors granted the same employee above options to purchase an aggregate of 125,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share with a 5-year term (subject to continued employment), vesting at the rate of 1/4th of such options per year on the first 4 anniversaries of the grant date, under our 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, in consideration for services rendered and to be rendered to the Company. The grant date fair value is $93,471 which amount is being amortized at the rate of $1,947 per month.
On May 20, 2019, the Board of Directors granted 12 employees, 1 officer/director (Benjamin P. Cowart, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer), and 5 board members options to purchase an aggregate of 487,000, 163,000 and 300,000 shares of common stock, respectively, at an exercise price of $1.45, $1.60, and $1.45 per share, respectively, with a ten year, five year, and ten year term, respectively (subject to continued employment/directorship), vesting at the rate of 1/4th of such options per year on the first 4 anniversaries of the grant date, under our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, in consideration for services rendered and to be rendered to the Company. The grant date fair value is $989,898 which amount is being amortized at the rate of $20,623 per month.
A summary of the Company’s stock warrant activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
WARRANTS ISSUED AND OTHER THAN SERIES B AND B1 PREFERRED STOCK: Warrants Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
(in Years) Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 219,868 $ 3.01 0.93 $ 140,249
Warrants granted 1,500,000 2.25 9.70 1,496,372
Warrants exercised - - - -
Warrants canceled/forfeited/expired (219,868) 3.01 - (140,249)
Warrants at December 31, 2019 1,500,000 $ 2.25 9.70 $ 1,496,372
Vested at December 31, 2019 - $ - 0.00 $ -
Exercisable at December 31, 2019 - $ - 0.00 $ -
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 1,500,000 $ 2.25 9.70 $ 1,496,372
Warrants granted - - - -
Warrants exercised - - - -
Warrants canceled/forfeited/expired - - - -
Warrants at December 31, 2020 1,500,000 $ 2.25 8.70 $ 1,496,372
Vested at December 31, 2020 - $ - 0.00 $ -
Exercisable at December 31, 2020 - $ - 0.00 $ -
See "Note 14. Preferred Stock and Temporary Equity" for a description of the warrants that were granted in conjunction with our Series B and B1 Preferred stock.
NOTE 12. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the periods presented. The calculation of basic earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, includes the weighted average of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity, such as convertible preferred stock, stock options, warrants or convertible securities. Due to their anti-dilutive effect, the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 excludes: 1) options to purchase 5,104,288 and 4,418,250 shares, respectively, of common stock, 2) warrants to purchase 4,600,921 and 8,633,188 shares, respectively, of common stock, 3) Series B Preferred Stock which is convertible into 4,102,690 and 3,826,055 shares, respectively, of common stock, 4) Series B1 Preferred Stock which is convertible into 7,399,649 and 9,028,085 shares, respectively, of common stock, and 5) Series A Preferred Stock which is convertible into 419,859 shares of common stock.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
2020 2019
Basic loss per Share
Numerator:
Net loss available to common shareholders $ (30,762,264) $ (11,445,628)
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 45,509,470 40,988,946
Basic loss per share $ (0.68) $ (0.28)
Diluted Earnings per Share
Numerator:
Net loss available to common shareholders $ (30,762,264) $ (11,445,628)
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding 45,509,470 40,988,946
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options and warrants - -
Preferred stock - -
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 45,509,470 40,988,946
Diluted loss per share $ (0.68) $ (0.28)
NOTE 13. COMMON STOCK
The total number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock is 750,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value per share. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were 45,554,841 and 43,395,563, respectively, shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
Each share of the Company's common stock is entitled to equal dividends and distributions per share with respect to the common stock when, as and if declared by the Company's board of directors. No holder of any shares of the Company's common stock has a preemptive right to subscribe for any of the Company's securities, nor are any shares of the Company's common stock subject to redemption or convertible into other securities. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company and after payment of creditors and preferred shareholders of the Company, if any, the assets of the Company will be divided pro rata on a share-for-share basis among the holders of the Company's common stock. Each share of the Company's common stock is entitled to one vote. Shares of the Company's common stock do not possess any cumulative voting rights.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued 2,159,278 shares of common stock in connection with the conversion of Series B1 Preferred Stock, pursuant to the terms of such securities.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued 1,642,317 shares of common stock in connection with the conversion of Series B1 Preferred Stock, pursuant to the terms of such securities. In addition, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the provisions of a subscription agreement entered into with Tensile. Also, the Company issued 12,500 shares of common stock in connection with the cashless exercise of options. Finally, the Company issued 65,925 shares of common stock in connection with the exercise of options for cash.
NOTE 14. PREFERRED STOCK AND TEMPORARY EQUITY
The total number of authorized shares of the Company’s preferred stock is 50,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value per share. The total number of designated shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock is 5,000,000 (“Series A Preferred”). The total number of designated shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock is 10,000,000. The total number of designated shares of the Company’s Series B1 Preferred Stock is 17,000,000. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were 419,859 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were 4,102,690 and 3,826,055 Series B Preferred shares issued and outstanding, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and
December 31, 2019, there were 7,399,649 and 9,028,085 shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, respectively. There were no shares of Series C Preferred Stock issued or outstanding as of December 31, 2020 or 2019.
Series A Preferred
Holders of outstanding shares of Series A Preferred are entitled to receive dividends, when, as, and if declared by our Board of Directors. No dividends or similar distributions may be made on shares of capital stock or securities junior to our Series A Preferred until dividends in the same amount per share on our Series A Preferred have been declared and paid. In connection with a liquidation, winding-up, dissolution or sale of the Company, each share of our Series A Preferred is entitled to receive $1.49 prior to similar liquidation payments due on shares of our common stock or any other class of securities junior to the Series A Preferred. Shares of Series A Preferred are not entitled to participate with the holders of our common stock with respect to the distribution of any remaining assets of the Company.
Each share of Series A Preferred is entitled to that number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of common stock into which it is convertible. Generally, holders of our common stock and Series A Preferred vote together as a single class.
Shares of Series A Preferred automatically convert into shares of our common stock on the earliest to occur of the following:
•The affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding shares of Series A Preferred;
•If the closing market price of our common stock averages at least $15.00 per share over a period of 20 consecutive trading days and the daily trading volume averages at least 7,500 shares over such period;
•If we consummate an underwritten public offering of our securities at a price per share not less than $10.00 and for a total gross offering amount of at least $10 million; or
•If a sale of the Company occurs resulting in proceeds to the holders of Series A Preferred of a per share amount of at least $10.00.
Each share of Series A Preferred converts into one share of common stock, subject to adjustment.
Series B Preferred Stock and Temporary Equity
Dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock accrue at an annual rate of 6% of the original issue price of the preferred stock ($3.10 per share), subject to increase under certain circumstances, and are payable on a quarterly basis. The dividends are payable by the Company, at the Company’s election, in registered common stock of the Company (if available) or cash. In the event dividends are paid in registered common stock of the Company, the number of shares payable will be calculated by dividing (a) the accrued dividend by (b) 90% of the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company’s common stock for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the applicable date of determination (the “June 2015 Dividend Stock Payment Price”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Company pay dividends in common stock unless the applicable June 2015 Dividend Stock Payment Price is above $2.91. If the Company is prohibited from paying or chooses not to pay, the dividend in cash (due to contractual senior credit agreements or other restrictions) or is unable to pay the dividend in registered common stock, the dividend can be paid in kind in Series B Preferred Stock shares at $3.10 per share.
The Series B Preferred Stock includes a liquidation preference (in the amount of $3.10 per share) which is junior to the Company’s previously outstanding shares of preferred stock, senior credit facilities and other debt holders as provided in further detail in the designation and senior to the Series C Preferred Stock and pari passu with the Series B1 Preferred Stock.
The Series B Preferred Stock (including accrued and unpaid dividends) is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option at $3.10 per share (initially a one-for-one basis). If the Company’s common stock trades at or above $6.20 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may at such time force conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock (including accrued and unpaid dividends) into common stock of the Company.
The Series B Preferred Stock votes together with the common stock on an as-converted basis, provided that each holder’s voting rights are subject to and limited by the Series B Beneficial Ownership Limitation described below.
The Company has the option to redeem the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock at $3.10 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends on such Series B Preferred Stock redeemed, at any time beginning on June 24, 2017, and the Company is
required to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock at $3.10 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, on June 24, 2020. Notwithstanding either of the foregoing, the Series B Preferred Stock may not be redeemed unless and until amounts outstanding under the Company’s senior credit facility have been paid in full and such redemption is legal under Nevada law.
The Series B Preferred Stock contains a provision prohibiting the conversion of such Series B Preferred Stock into common stock of the Company, if upon such conversion, the holder thereof would beneficially own more than 9.999% of the Company’s then outstanding common stock (the “Series B Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). The Series B Beneficial Ownership Limitation does not apply to forced conversions undertaken by the Company pursuant to the terms of the designation (summarized above).
On June 24, 2015, we closed the transactions contemplated by the June 19, 2015 Unit Purchase Agreement (the “June 2015 Purchase Agreement”) we entered into with certain institutional investors (the “June 2015 Investors”), pursuant to which the Company sold the June 2015 Investors an aggregate of 8,064,534 units (the “ June 2015 Units”), each consisting of (i) one share of Series B Preferred Stock and (ii) one warrant to purchase one-half of a share of common stock of the Company (each a “June 2015 Warrant” and collectively, the “June 2015 Warrants”). The June 2015 Units were sold at a price of $3.10 per June 2015 Unit (the “June 2015 Unit Price”) (a 6.1% premium to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market on the date the June 2015 Purchase Agreement was entered into which was $2.91 per share (the “June 2015 Closing Bid Price”)). The June 2015 Warrants have an exercise price of $2.92 per share ($0.01 above the June 2015 Closing Bid Price). Total gross proceeds from the offering of the June 2015 Units (the “June 2015 Offering”) were $25.0 million.
The Placement Agent received a commission equal to 6.5% of the gross proceeds (less $4.0 million raised from certain investors in the June 2015 Offering for which they received no fee) from the June 2015 Offering, for an aggregate commission of $1.4 million which was netted against the proceeds.
In addition, under the June 2015 Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to register the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and upon exercise of the June 2015 Warrants under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for resale by the June 2015 Investors. The Company committed to file a registration statement on Form S-1 by the 30th day following the closing of the June 2015 Offering (which filing date was met) and to cause the registration statement to become effective by the 90th day following the closing (or, in the event of a “full review” by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the 120th day following the closing), which registration statement was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2015. The June 2015 Purchase Agreement provides for liquidated damages upon the occurrence of certain events, including, but not limited to, the failure by the Company to cause the registration statement to become effective by the deadlines set forth above. The amount of the liquidated damages is 1.0% of the aggregate subscription amount paid by a June 2015 Investor for the June 2015 Units affected by the event that are still held by the June 2015 Investor upon the occurrence of the event, due on the date immediately following the event that caused such failure (or the 30th day following such event if the event relates to the suspension of the registration statement as described in the June 2015 Purchase Agreement), and each 30 days thereafter, with such payments to be prorated on a daily basis during each 30 day period, subject to a maximum of an aggregate of 6% per annum.
Under the June 2015 Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to indemnify the June 2015 Investors for liabilities arising out of or relating to (i) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, (ii) any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Company contained in the June 2015 Purchase Agreement or the failure of the Company to perform its obligations under the June 2015 Purchase Agreement and (iii) any failure by the Company to fulfill any undertaking included in the registration statement, subject to certain exceptions. The Investors, severally, and not jointly agreed to indemnify the Company against (i) any failure by such Investor to comply with the covenants and agreements contained in the June 2015 Purchase Agreement and (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement to the extent such untrue statement was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of that Investor specifically for use in preparation of the registration statement, subject to certain exceptions.
The Company agreed pursuant to the June 2015 Purchase Agreement, that until 60 days following effectiveness of the registration statement filed, to register the shares of common stock underlying the Series B Preferred Stock and June 2015 Warrants (the “June 2015 Lock-Up Period”), to not offer or sell any common stock or securities convertible or exercisable into common stock, except pursuant to certain exceptions described in the June 2015 Purchase Agreement, and each of the Company’s officers and directors agreed to not sell or offer for sale any shares of common stock until the end of the June 2015 Lock-Up Period, subject to certain exceptions.
The Warrants issued in connection with the Series B Preferred Stock (Series B Warrants) were initially valued using the dynamic Black Scholes Merton formula pricing model that computes the impact of share dilution upon the exercise of the warrant shares at approximately $7,028,067. In accordance with ASC 815-40-25 and ASC 815-10-15 Derivatives and Hedging and ASC 480-10-25 Liabilities-Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, the convertible preferred shares are accounted for net outside of stockholders' equity with the Warrants accounted for as liabilities at their fair value. The initial value assigned to the derivative warrant liability was recognized through a corresponding discount to the Series B Preferred Stock. The value of the derivative warrant liability will be re-measured at each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. The initial valuation of the warrants resulted in a beneficial conversion feature on the convertible preferred stock of $5,737,796. The amounts related to the warrant discount and beneficial conversion feature will be accreted over the term as a deemed dividend.
The following table represents the activity related to the Series B Preferred Stock, classified as Temporary Equity on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet, during the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
2020 2019
Balance at beginning of period $ 11,006,406 $ 8,900,208
Less: conversions of shares to common - -
Plus: discount accretion 854,364 1,420,391
Plus: dividends in kind 857,569 685,807
Balance at end of period $ 12,718,339 $ 11,006,406
The Series B Warrants and Series B1 Warrants were revalued at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 using the Dynamic Black Scholes model that computes the impact of a possible change in control transaction upon the exercise of the warrant shares at $330,412 and $1,969,216, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the Series B Warrants and Series B1 Warrants were valued at approximately $0 and $330,412, respectively. The dynamic Black-Scholes inputs used were: expected dividend rate of 0%, expected volatility of 65%-100%, risk free interest rate of 0.10%, and expected term of 1 year. The Series B Warrants expired pursuant to their terms on December 24, 2020.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, a total of $317,970 and $177,921 of dividends were accrued on our outstanding Series B Preferred Stock.
The Certificate of Designation contains customary anti-dilution protection for proportional adjustments (e.g., stock splits). The beneficial conversion feature (BCF) relates to potential differences between the effective conversion price (measured based on proceeds allocated to the Series B Preferred Stock) and the fair value of the stock into which Preferred B Shares are currently convertible (common stock). If a conversion option embedded in a debt host instrument does not require separate accounting as a derivative instrument under ASC 815, the convertible hybrid instrument must be evaluated under ASC 470-20 for the identification of a possible BCF. The BCF will be initially recognized as an offsetting reduction to Series B Preferred Stock (debit) - Temporary Equity, with the credit being recognized in equity (additional paid-in capital). The resulting debt issuance costs, debt discount, value allocated to warrants, and BCF should be accreted to the Series B Preferred Stock to ensure that the Series B Preferred Stock balance is equal to its face value as of the redemption or conversion date, if conversion is expected earlier.
The initial BCF of the Series B Preferred Stock was determined by calculating the intrinsic value of the conversion feature as follows:
Face amount of Series B Preferred Stock $ 25,000,000
Less: allocated value of Warrants 7,028,067
Allocated value of Series B Preferred Stock $ 17,971,933
Shares of Common stock to be converted 8,064,534
Effective conversion price $ 2.23
Market price $ 2.94
Intrinsic value per share $ 0.7115
Intrinsic value of beneficial conversion feature $ 5,737,796
Series B1 Preferred Stock and Temporary Equity
Dividends on our Series B1 Preferred Stock accrue at an annual rate of 6% of the original issue price of the preferred stock ($1.56 per share), subject to increases under certain circumstances, and are payable on a quarterly basis. The dividends are payable by the Company, at the Company’s election, in registered common stock of the Company (if available) or cash. In the event dividends are paid in registered common stock of the Company, the number of shares payable will be calculated by dividing (a) the accrued dividend by (b) 90% of the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company’s common stock for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the applicable date of determination (the “May 2016 Dividend Stock Payment Price”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the Company pay dividends in common stock unless the applicable May 2016 Dividend Stock Payment Price is above $1.52. If the Company is prohibited from paying, or chooses not to pay, the dividend in cash (due to contractual senior credit agreements or other restrictions) or is unable to pay the dividend in registered common stock, the dividend can be paid in kind in Series B1 Preferred Stock shares at $1.56 per share.
The Series B1 Preferred Stock include a liquidation preference (in the amount of $1.56 per share) which is junior to the Company’s previously outstanding shares of preferred stock, except the Series B Preferred Stock, which it is pari passu with, senior credit facilities and other debt holders as provided in further detail in the designation and senior to the Series C Preferred Stock.
The Series B1 Preferred Stock (including accrued and unpaid dividends) is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at the holder’s option at $1.56 per share (initially a one-for-one basis). If the Company’s common stock trades at or above $3.90 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, after certain triggering events occur, the Company may at such time force conversion of the Series B1 Preferred Stock (including accrued and unpaid dividends) into common stock of the Company.
The Series B1 Preferred Stock votes together with the common stock on an as-converted basis, provided that each holder’s voting rights are subject to and limited by the Series B1 Beneficial Ownership Limitation described below.
The Company has the option to redeem the outstanding shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock at $1.72 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends on such Series B1 Preferred Stock redeemed, at any time beginning on June 24, 2017, and the Company is required to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock at $1.56 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, on June 24, 2020. Notwithstanding either of the foregoing, the Series B1 Preferred Stock may not be redeemed unless and until amounts outstanding under the Company’s senior credit facility have been paid in full and such redemption is legal under Nevada law.
The Series B1 Preferred Stock and May 2016 Warrants (defined below) contain provisions prohibiting the conversion of such Series B1 Preferred Stock into common stock of the Company, if upon such conversion, the holder thereof would beneficially own more than 9.999% (4.999% for certain holders) of the Company’s then outstanding common stock (the “Series B1 Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). The Series B1 Beneficial Ownership Limitation does not apply to forced conversions undertaken by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Designation (summarized above).
On May 10, 2016, we entered into a Unit Purchase Agreement (the “May 2016 Purchase Agreement”) with certain institutional investors (the “May 2016 Investors”), pursuant to which, on May 13, 2016, the Company sold the May 2016 Investors an aggregate of 12,403,683 units (the "May 2016 Units”), each consisting of (i) one share of Series B1 Preferred Stock and (ii) one warrant to purchase one-quarter of a share of common stock of the Company (each a “May 2016 Warrant” and collectively, the "May 2016 Warrants”). The Units were sold at a price of $1.56 per Unit (the “May 2016 Unit Price”) (a 2.6% premium to the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market on the date the May 2016 Purchase Agreement was entered into which was $1.52 per share (the “May 2016 Closing Bid Price”)). The May 2016 Warrants have an exercise price of $1.53 per share ($0.01 above the May 2016 Closing Bid Price). Total gross proceeds from the offering of the Units (the “May 2016 Offering”) were $19.4 million.
A total of $18,649,738 of the securities sold in the May 2016 Offering were purchased by investors who participated in the Company’s prior June 2015 offering of Series B Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase shares of common stock. A total of 60% of the funds received from such investors were used to immediately repurchase such investors’ Series B Preferred Stock. As a result, a total of $11,189,838 of the proceeds raised in the May 2016 Offering were used to immediately repurchase and retire 3,575,070 shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the “Repurchases”). Leaving net proceeds of approximately $8.2 million, before deducting placement agents’ fees and estimated offering expenses.
The Placement Agent in the offering received a commission equal to 6.5% of the net proceeds from the May 2016 Offering, after affecting the Repurchases described above, for an aggregate commission of $0.61 million which was netted against the proceeds raised.
In addition, under the May 2016 Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to register the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B1 Preferred Stock and upon exercise of the May 2016 Warrants under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for resale by the May 2016 Investors. The Company committed to file a registration statement on Form S-1 by the 30th day following the closing of the May 2016 Offering (which filing date was met) and to cause the registration statement to become effective by the 90th day following the closing (or, in the event of a “full review” by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the 120th day following the closing), which registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on August 10, 2016. The May 2016 Purchase Agreement provides for liquidated damages upon the occurrence of certain events, including, but not limited to, the failure by the Company to cause the registration statement to become effective by the deadlines set forth above. The amount of the liquidated damages is 1.0% of the aggregate subscription amount paid by a May 2016 Investor for the May 2016 Units affected by the event that are still held by the May 2016 Investor upon the occurrence of the event, due on the date immediately following the event that caused such failure (or the 30th day following such event if the event relates to the suspension of the registration statement as described in the May 2016 Purchase Agreement), and each 30 days thereafter, with such payments to be prorated on a daily basis during each 30 day period, subject to a maximum of an aggregate of 6% per annum.
Under the May 2016 Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to indemnify the May 2016 Investors for liabilities arising out of or relating to (i) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, (ii) any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Company contained in the May 2016 Purchase Agreement or the failure of the Company to perform its obligations under the May 2016 Purchase Agreement and (iii) any failure by the Company to fulfill any undertaking included in the registration statement, subject to certain exceptions. The Investors, severally, and not jointly agreed to indemnify the Company against (i) any failure by such Investor to comply with the covenants and agreements contained in the May 2016 Purchase Agreement and (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement to the extent such untrue statement was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of that Investor specifically for use in preparation of the registration statement, subject to certain exceptions.
The Company agreed pursuant to the May 2016 Purchase Agreement, that until 60 days following effectiveness of the registration statement filed, to register the shares of common stock underlying the Series B1 Preferred Stock and May 2016 Warrants (the “May 2016 Lock-Up Period”), to not offer or sell any common stock or securities convertible or exercisable into common stock, except pursuant to certain exceptions described in the May 2016 Purchase Agreement, and each of the Company’s officers and directors agreed to not sell or offer for sale any shares of common stock until the end of the May 2016 Lock-Up Period, subject to certain exceptions.
The Warrants issued in connection with the Series B1 Preferred Stock offering (Series B1 Warrants) were initially valued using the Dynamic Black Scholes Merton formula pricing model that computes the impact of share dilution upon the exercise of the May 2016 Warrant shares at approximately $2,867,264. In accordance with ASC 815-40-25 and ASC 815-10-15 Derivatives and Hedging and ASC 480-10-25 Liabilities-Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, the convertible Series B1 Preferred Stock shares are accounted for net outside of stockholders’ equity at $11,036,173 with the May 2016 Warrants accounted for as liabilities at their fair value. The initial value assigned to the derivative warrant liability was recognized through a corresponding discount to the Series B1 Preferred Stock. The value of the derivative warrant liability will be re-measured at each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. This initial valuation of the warrants resulted in a beneficial conversion feature on the convertible preferred stock of approximately $2,371,106. The amounts related to the warrant discount and beneficial conversion feature will be accreted over the term as a deemed dividend.
The following table represents the activity related to the Series B1 Preferred Stock, classified as Temporary Equity on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet, for the year ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
2020 2019
Balance at beginning of period $ 12,743,047 $ 13,279,755
Less: conversions of shares to common (3,368,474) (2,562,015)
Plus: discount accretion 833,486 1,069,331
Plus: dividends in kind 828,114 955,976
Balance at end of period $ 11,036,173 $ 12,743,047
For the years ending December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, a total of $288,580 and $211,256 of dividends were accrued on our outstanding Series B1 Preferred Stock.
The Certificate of Designation of the Series B1 Preferred Stock contains customary anti-dilution protection for proportional adjustments (e.g., stock splits). The May 2016 beneficial conversion feature (BCF) relates to the potential difference between the effective conversion price (measured based on proceeds allocated to the Series B1 Preferred Stock) and the fair value of the stock into which Series B1 Preferred Stock shares are currently convertible (common stock). If a conversion option embedded in a debt host instrument does not require separate accounting as a derivative instrument under ASC 815, the convertible hybrid instrument must be evaluated under ASC 470-20 for the identification of a possible BCF. The May 2016 BCF will be initially recognized as an offsetting reduction to Series B1 Preferred Stock (debit) - Temporary Equity, with the credit being recognized in equity (additional paid-in capital). The resulting May 2016 debt issuance costs, debt discount, value allocated to warrants, and BCF should be accreted to the Series B1 Preferred Stock to ensure that the Series B1 Preferred Stock balance is equal to its face value as of the redemption or conversion date, if conversion is expected earlier.
The May 2016 BCF was determined by calculating the intrinsic value of the conversion feature as follows:
May 13, 2016
Face amount of Series B1 Preferred Stock $ 19,349,745
Less: allocated value of May 2016 Warrants 2,867,264
Allocated value of Series B1 Preferred Stock $ 16,482,481
Shares of Common stock to be converted 12,403,683
Effective conversion price $ 1.33
Market price $ 1.52
Intrinsic value per share $ 0.19
Intrinsic value of May 2016 beneficial conversion feature $ 2,371,106
The following is an analysis of changes in the derivative liability:
Level Three Roll-Forward Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Balance at beginning of period $ 1,969,216 $ 1,481,692
Change in fair value of warrants (1,638,804) 487,524
Balance at end of period $ 330,412 $ 1,969,216
NOTE 15. COMMODITY DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in the underlying commodity prices of its inventory. The Company's management sets and implements hedging policies, including volumes, types of instruments and counterparties, to support oil prices at targeted levels and manage its exposure to fluctuating prices.
The Company’s derivative instruments consist of swap and futures arrangements for oil. In a commodity swap agreement, if the agreed-upon published third-party index price (“index price”) is lower than the swap fixed price, the Company receives the difference between the index price and the swap fixed price. If the index price is higher than the swap fixed price, the Company pays the difference. For futures arrangements, the Company receives the difference positive or negative between an agreed-upon strike price and the market price.
The mark-to-market effects of these contracts as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , are summarized in the following table. The notional amount is equal to the total net volumetric derivative position during the period indicated. The fair
value of the crude oil swap agreements is based on the difference between the strike price and the New York Mercantile Exchange futures price for the applicable trading months.
December 31, 2020
Contract Type Contract Period Weighted Average Trade Price (Barrels) Remaining Volume (Barrels) Fair Value
Futures Dec. 2020- Mar. 2021 $ 62.33 55,000 $ (94,214)
December 31, 2019
Contract Type Contract Period Weighted Average Trade Price (Barrels) Remaining Volume (Barrels) Fair Value
Swap Dec. 2019- Mar. 2020 $ 40.88 130,000 $ 539,800
Swap Dec. 2019- Mar. 2020 $ 81.19 130,000 $ (673,428)
Futures Dec. 2019- Mar. 2020 $ 84.83 105,000 $ (242,222)
The carrying values of the Company's derivatives positions and their locations on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented in the table below.
Balance Sheet Classification Contract Type 2020 2019
Crude oil swaps $ - $ (133,628)
Crude oil futures (94,214) (242,222)
Derivative commodity asset (liability) $ (94,214) $ (375,850)
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized a $3,456,487 gain and $2,458,359 loss, respectively, on commodity derivative contracts on the consolidated statements of operations as part of our costs of revenues.
NOTE 16. JOINT VENTURE
On May 25, 2016, Vertex Recovery Management, LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary ("VRM") and Industrial Pipe, Inc. ("Industrial Pipe"), formed a joint venture Louisiana limited liability company, Vertex Recovery Management LA, LLC ("VRMLA"). VRM owns 51% and Industrial Pipe owns 49% of VRMLA. VRMLA is currently buying and preparing ferrous and non-ferrous scrap intended for large haul barge sales. We consolidated 100% of VRMLA's net income of $1,103,071 and $765,931, respectively for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and then added and deducted the 49% or $540,505 and $375,306, respectively, of income attributable to the non-controlling interest back to the Company's "Net income attributable to Vertex Energy, Inc." in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
NOTE 17. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company’s reportable segments include the (1) Black Oil, (2) Refining and Marketing, and (3) Recovery segments.
(1) The Black Oil segment consists primary of the sale of (a) petroleum products which include base oil and industrial fuels-which consist of used motor oils, cutterstock and fuel oil generated by our facilities; (b) oil collection services-which consist of used oil sales, burner fuel sales, antifreeze sales and service charges; (c) the sale of other re-refinery products including asphalt, condensate, recovered products, and used motor oil; (d) transportation revenues; and (e) the sale of VGO (vacuum gas oil)/marine fuel.
(2) The Refining and Marketing segment consists primarily of the sale of pygas; industrial fuels, which are produced at a third-party facility; and distillates
(3) The Recovery segment consists primarily of revenues generated from the sale of ferrous and non-ferrous recyclable Metal(s) products that are recovered from manufacturing and consumption. It also includes revenues generated from trading/marketing of Group III Base Oils.
We also disaggregate our revenue by product category for each of our segments, as we believe such disaggregation helps depict how our revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.
Segment information for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020
Black Oil Refining and Marketing Recovery Total
Revenues:
Base oil $ 24,317,358 $ - $ 2,905,816 $ 27,223,174
Pygas - 6,627,128 - 6,627,128
Industrial fuel 1,289,274 234,792 - 1,524,066
Distillates (1)
- 28,942,465 - 28,942,465
Oil collection services 7,780,115 - - 7,780,115
Metals (2)
- - 14,141,604 14,141,604
Other re-refinery products (3)
5,842,731 - (51,684) 5,791,047
VGO/Marine fuel sales 42,998,889 - - 42,998,889
Total revenues 82,228,367 35,804,385 16,995,736 135,028,488
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 62,557,304 35,207,188 16,001,517 113,766,009
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 4,033,274 470,158 586,920 5,090,352
Gross profit (loss) 15,637,789 127,039 407,299 16,172,127
Selling, general and administrative expenses 20,763,607 2,528,988 2,851,669 26,144,264
Depreciation and amortization attributable to operating expenses 1,426,825 386,963 81,800 1,895,588
Income (loss) from operations $ (6,552,643) $ (2,788,912) $ (2,526,170) $ (11,867,725)
Total assets $ 112,875,115 $ 3,545,842 $ 5,679,001 $ 122,099,958
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019
Black Oil Refining and Marketing Recovery Total
Revenues:
Base oil $ 31,987,834 $ - $ 2,590,723 $ 34,578,557
Pygas - 10,873,699 - 10,873,699
Industrial fuel 6,841,302 2,029,371 - 8,870,673
Distillates (1)
- 54,697 - 54,697
Oil collection services 5,650,687 - - 5,650,687
Metals (2)
- - 8,472,556 8,472,556
Other re-refinery products (3)
13,022,622 - 75,355 13,097,977
VGO/Marine fuel sales 81,766,719 - - 81,766,719
Total revenues 139,269,164 12,957,767 11,138,634 163,365,565
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 113,196,583 10,651,069 10,929,461 134,777,113
Depreciation and amortization attributable to costs of revenues 4,224,726 579,846 551,705 5,356,277
Gross profit (loss) 21,847,855 1,726,852 (342,532) 23,232,175
Selling, general and administrative expenses 20,073,534 1,901,747 2,207,126 24,182,407
Depreciation and amortization attributable to operating expenses 1,340,420 401,592 81,800 1,823,812
Income (loss) from operations $ 433,901 $ (576,487) $ (2,631,458) $ (2,774,044)
Total assets $ 114,976,772 $ 1,101,470 $ 4,681,677 $ 120,759,919
(1) Distillates are finished fuel products such as gasoline and diesel fuels.
(2) Metals consist of recoverable ferrous and non-ferrous recyclable metals from manufacturing and consumption. Scrap metal can be recovered from pipes, barges, boats, building supplies, surplus equipment, tanks, and other items consisting of metal composition. These materials are segregated, processed, cut-up and sent back to a steel mill for re-purposing.
(3) Other re-refinery products include the sales of asphalt, condensate, recovered products, and other petroleum products.
NOTE 18. LEASES
Finance Leases
Finance leases are included in finance lease right-of-use lease assets and finance lease liability current and long-term liabilities on the audited consolidated balance sheets. The associated amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $332,497 and $166,946, respectively, and are included in depreciation and amortization on the audited consolidated statements of operations. The associated interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, were $91,061 and $41,889, respectively, and are included in interest expense on the audited consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. Please see “Note 9. Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt” for more details.
Operating Leases
Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use lease assets, and operating current and long-term lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable lease expense is recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. Lease expense for equipment is included in cost of revenues and other rents are included in selling, general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations and are reported net of lease income. Lease income is not material to the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Total operating lease costs, including some small leases with initial terms less than twelve months, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, was $6.0 million and $6.3 million, respectively.
Cash Flows
An initial right-of-use asset of $37.8 million was recognized as a non-cash asset addition with the adoption of the new lease accounting standard. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, cash paid for amounts included in operating lease liabilities, including some small leases with initial terms less than twelve months was $2.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, and is included in operating cash flows. Cash paid for amounts included in finance lease was $402,560 and $165,598 during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in financing cash flows.
Maturities of our lease liabilities for all operating leases are as follows as of December 31, 2020:
Facilities Equipment Plant Railcar Total
Year 1 $ 635,773 $ 161,539 $ 4,060,417 $ 757,056 $ 5,614,785
Year 2 429,753 26,953 4,060,417 173,496 4,690,619
Year 3 321,458 - 4,060,417 32,578 4,414,453
Year 4 300,000 - 4,060,417 - 4,360,417
Year 5 300,000 - 4,060,417 - 4,360,417
Thereafter 2,075,000 - 29,464,490 - 31,539,490
Total lease payments $ 4,061,984 $ 188,492 $ 49,766,575 $ 963,130 $ 54,980,181
Less: interest (1,449,444) (6,927) (20,162,643) (45,291) (21,664,305)
Present value of lease liabilities $ 2,612,540 $ 181,565 $ 29,603,932 $ 917,839 $ 33,315,876
The weighted average remaining lease terms and discount rates for all of our operating leases were as follows as of December 31, 2020:
Remaining lease term and discount rate: December 31, 2020
Weighted average remaining lease terms (years)
Lease facilities 5.28
Lease equipment 1.17
Lease plant 12.26
Lease railcar 0.93
Weighted average discount rate
Lease facilities 9.24 %
Lease equipment 8.00 %
Lease plant 9.37 %
Lease railcar 8.00 %
Significant Judgments
Significant judgments include the discount rates applied, the expected lease terms, lease renewal options and residual value guarantees. There are several leases with renewal options or purchase options. Using the practical expedient, the Company utilized existing lease classifications as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The purchase options are not expected to have a material impact on the lease obligation. There are several facility and plant leases which have lease renewal options from one to twenty years.
The largest facility lease has an initial term through 2032. That lease does not have an extension option. For the two plant leases both have multiple 5-year extension options for a total of 20 years. Two extension options have been included in the lease right to use asset and lease obligation at January 1, 2019.
The Company will reassess the lease terms and purchase options when there is a significant change in circumstances or when the Company elects to exercise an option that had previously been determined that it was not reasonably certain to do so.
NOTE 19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Issuance of Series B and B1 Preferred Stock Shares
We paid the accrued dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock and Series B1 Preferred Stock, which accrued as of December 31, 2020, in-kind by way of the issuance of 102,571 restricted shares of Series B Preferred Stock pro rata to each of the then holders of our Series B Preferred Stock in January 2021 and the issuance of 184,996 restricted shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock pro rata to each of the then holders of our Series B1 Preferred Stock in January 2021. If converted in full, the 102,571 shares of Series B Preferred Stock would convert into 102,571 shares of common stock and the 184,996 shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock would convert into 184,996 shares of common stock.
Conversions of Series B and B1 Preferred Stock and Warrants Exercises
On January 10, 2021, two holders of warrants to purchase shares of our common stock exercised warrants to purchase 40,065 shares of common stock for cash ($61,299 in aggregate or $1.53 per share), and were issued 40,065 shares of our common stock.
On January 26, 2021, two holders of our Series B1 Preferred Stock converted 1,884,925 shares of Series B1 Preferred Stock into 1,884,925 shares of common stock, pursuant to the terms of such Series B1 Preferred Stock (of which 1,103,297 shares of common stock are still in the process of being issued).
On January 26, 2021, a holder of our Series B Preferred Stock converted 420,224 shares of Series B Preferred Stock into 420,224 shares of common stock, pursuant to the terms of such Series B1 Preferred Stock; however, such issuance in connection therewith has not been completed to date.
On January 26, 2021, two holders of warrants to purchase shares of our common stock exercised warrants to purchase 857,082 shares of common stock for cash ($1,311,335 in aggregate or $1.53 per share), and were issued 857,082 shares of our common stock.
On January 28, 2021, a holder of warrants to purchase shares of our common stock exercised warrants to purchase 70,385 shares of common stock for cash ($107,689 in aggregate or $1.53 per share), and was issued 70,385 shares of our common stock.
On February 3, 2021, a holder of warrants to purchase shares of our common stock exercised warrants to purchase 98,537 shares of common stock for cash ($150,762 in aggregate or $1.53 per share), provided that such shares of common stock have not been issued to date.
On February 4, 2021, two holders of warrants to purchase shares of our common stock exercised warrants to purchase 40,065 shares of common stock for cash ($61,299 in aggregate or $1.53 per share), and were issued 40,065 shares of common stock.
On February 8, 2021, a holder of warrants to purchase shares of our common stock exercised warrants to purchase 13,684 shares of common stock for cash ($20,937 in aggregate or $1.53 per share), and was issued 13,684 shares of our common stock.
On February 8, 2021, a holder of our Series B1 Preferred Stock converted 72,992 shares of such preferred stock into the same number of shares of common stock, on a one-for-one basis, pursuant to the terms of such Series B1 Preferred Stock.
On February 11, 2021, two holders of our Series B1 Preferred Stock converted an aggregate of 129,278 shares of such preferred stock into the same number of shares of common stock, on a one-for-one basis, pursuant to the terms of such Series B1 Preferred Stock.
Option Exercises
On February 18, 2021, the Company issued 9,498 shares of common stock in connection with the cashless exercise of options to purchase 18,750 shares of common stock and in March 2021, the Company issued 13,494 shares of common stock in connection with the cashless exercise of options to purchase 31,250 shares of common stock, each by the same holder, which shares were registered on a Form S-8 Registration Statement.
Series B Exchange Agreements
On February 23, 2021, the Company entered into a Series B Preferred Stock Exchange Agreement with Pennington Capital LLC, the holder of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, pursuant to which the holder exchanged 822,824 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock of the Company which it held, which had an aggregate liquidation preference of $2,550,754 ($3.10 per share), for 1,261,246 shares of the Company's common stock (based on an exchange ratio equal to approximately the five-day volume-weighted average price per share of the Company's common stock on the date the Exchange Agreement was entered into). The Series B Preferred Stock shares were subsequently returned to the Company and cancelled in consideration for the issuance of the 1,261,246 shares of common stock. The Exchange Agreement included customary representations and warranties of the parties. This could result in gain or loss recognition due to more shares being issued than were provided in the original agreement. As of the date of this filing, the Company continues to evaluate the impact on the financial statements.
On March 2, 2021, the Company entered into a Series B Preferred Stock Exchange Agreement with Carrhae & Co FBO Wasatch Micro Cap Value Fund, the holder of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, pursuant to which the holder exchanged 708,547 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock of the Company which it held, which had an aggregate liquidation preference of $2,196,496 ($3.10 per share), for 1,098,248 shares of the Company's common stock (based on an exchange ratio equal to $2.00 per share of common stock). The Series B Preferred Stock are in the process of being returned to the Company and cancelled in consideration for the issuance of the 1,098,248 shares of common stock (which have not been issued to date). The Exchange Agreement included customary representations and warranties of the parties. This could result in gain or loss recognition due to more shares being issued than were provided in the original agreement. As of the date of this filing, the Company continues to evaluate the impact on the financial statements.
Marrero Refinery Fire
On October 7, 2020, we had a fire at our Marrero, Louisiana refinery which took the facility offline for repairs for about two weeks. The refinery suffered some minor structural damage along with piping, valves and instrumentation in the immediate area of the fire. The largest impact was the damage to the electrical conduit that feeds the power to the refinery equipment. As of
October 26, 2020, the facility was back up and running and filed a claim with our insurance company. On January 22, 2021, the Company received the initial insurance proceeds amount of $1,148,750 and on February 4, 2021 the final proceeds amount of $297,890. The Company recorded $1,446,640 as a receivable at year end.
Penthol Agreement Termination
On June 5, 2016, the Company and Penthol LLC reached an agreement for the Company to act as Penthol's exclusive agent to market and promote Group III base oil from the United Arab Emirates to the United States. The Company also agreed to provide logistical support. The start-up date was July 25, 2016, with a 5-year term through 2021. Over the Company's objection, Penthol terminated the Agreement effective January 19, 2021. The Company and Penthol are currently involved in litigation involving such termination and related matters as described in greater detail in “Part II” - “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Note 4. Concentrations, Significant Customers, Commitments and Contingencies”, under the heading “Litigation”.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established and maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2020, the end of the fiscal period covered by this report. As of December 31, 2020, based on the evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Managements’ Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our CEO and CFO, and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management or other personnel 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 of America.
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.
Management of the Company has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, using the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In our assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, we determined that a control deficiency existed that constituted a material weakness, as described below:
We did not design or maintain an effective control environment with formal accounting policies and controls to adequately identify and record complex and non-routine transactions, including the evaluation and review of work performed by specialists hired by us to assist in the assessments and conclusions surrounding such transactions.
While the deficiency described above did not result in a material adjustment to our consolidated financial statements, the material weakness created a reasonable possibility that there could be a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements and related disclosures that would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
As of the date of this filing, we have taken the following remedial actions to address the material weakness described above: (a) engaging outside assistance from qualified experts with extensive expertise on various areas of accounting when or if we enter into or effect transactions which raise complex financial accounting issues and related disclosures, and (b)
implementing additional documentation and disclosure controls and procedures to facilitate high level management review in order to detect material errors in our financials.
The process of implementing an effective financial reporting system is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a financial reporting system that is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligations. As we continue to evaluate and take actions to improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may take additional actions to address control deficiencies or modify certain of the remediation measures described above.
While significant progress has been made to enhance our internal control over financial reporting, we are still in the process of implementing, documenting and testing these processes, procedures and controls. Additional time is required to complete implementation and to assess and ensure the sustainability of these procedures. We believe the above actions will be effective in remediating the material weakness described above and we will continue to devote significant time and attention to these remedial efforts. However, the material weakness cannot be considered remediated until the applicable remedial controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.
Notwithstanding the material weakness, management has concluded that the financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We regularly review our system of internal control over financial reporting to ensure we maintain an effective internal control environment. Other than as described above, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain employees of the Company began working remotely in March 2020, and some continue to work remotely through December 31, 2020. These changes to the working environment did not have a material effect on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
To the extent that the Company’s agreement with Penthol LLC represented a material definitive agreement, the Company is providing the below disclosure in this Annual Report on Form 10-K instead of in a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 1.02, provided that such disclosures below shall not be deemed an admission by the Company that such agreement represented a material definitive agreement.
Item 1.02 Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement
On June 5, 2016, the Company and Penthol LLC reached an agreement for the Company to act as Penthol's exclusive agent to market and promote Group III base oil from the United Arab Emirates to the United States. The Company also agreed to provide logistical support. The start-up date was July 25, 2016, with a 5-year term through 2021. Over the Company's objection, Penthol terminated the Agreement effective January 19, 2021. The Company and Penthol are currently involved in litigation involving such termination and related matters as described in greater detail in “Part II” - “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in “Note 4. Concentrations, Significant Customers, Commitments and Contingencies”, under the heading “Litigation”.
PART III
Information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III is omitted from this Annual Report and will be filed in a definitive proxy statement or by an amendment to this Annual Report not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item will be set forth under the headings “Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers”, “Corporate Governance”, “Code of Conduct”, “Committees of the Board”, and “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” (to the extent applicable and warranted) in the Company’s 2021 Proxy Statement to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) within 120 days after December 31, 2020 in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company’s 2021 annual meeting of shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item will be set forth under the headings “Executive and Director Compensation”, “Executive Compensation”, “Directors Compensation”, “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End”, “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report” (to the extent required), in the Company’s 2021 Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this Item will be set forth under the heading “Voting Rights and Principal Stockholders” and "Equity Compensation Plan Information" in the Company’s 2021 Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item will be set forth under the headings “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Committees of the Board” - “Director Independence” in the Company’s 2021 Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this Item will be set forth under the heading "Ratification of Appointment of Auditors"-"Audit Fees" in the Company's 2021 Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as part of this report
(1) All financial statements
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Except as provided above, all financial statement schedules have been omitted, since the required information is not applicable or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Form 10-K.
(3) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number Filed or
Furnished
Herewith Form File No.
2.1(+) Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement by and among Vertex Refining Myrtle Grove LLC, Tensile-Myrtle Grove Acquisition Corporation, Vertex Energy Operating LLC, and solely for the purposes of Section 9.1, Vertex Energy, Inc., dated July 25, 2019
8-K 2.1 7/31/2019 001-11476
2.2(+) Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement dated January 17, 2020, by and among HPRM LLC, Vertex Energy Operating LLC, Tensile-Heartland Acquisition Corporation, and solely for the purposes of Section 9.1, Vertex Energy, Inc.
8-K 2.2 1/24/2020 000-53619
3.1 Articles of Incorporation (and amendments thereto) of Vertex Energy, Inc.
8-K/A 3.1 6/26/2009 000-53619
3.2 Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Vertex Energy, Inc.’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.
8-K 3.1 7/16/2010 000-53619
3.3 Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Vertex Energy, Inc. Establishing the Designation, Preferences, Limitations and Relative Rights of Its Series B Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on May 12, 2016
8-K 3.1 5/13/2016 001-11476
3.4 Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Vertex Energy, Inc. Establishing the Designation, Preferences, Limitations and Relative Rights of Its Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on May 12, 2016
8-K 3.2 5/13/2016 001-11476
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number Filed or
Furnished
Herewith Form File No.
3.5 Certificate of Designation of Vertex Energy, Inc. Establishing the Designation, Preferences, Limitations and Relative Rights of Its Series B1 Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on May 12, 2016
8-K 3.3 5/13/2016 001-11476
3.6 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Vertex Energy, Inc.
8-K 3.1 4/29/2019 001-11476
4.1 Description of Securities of the Registrant
10-K 4.1 3/4/2020 001-11476
10.1(#) Tolling Agreement between KMTEX, Ltd. and Vertex Energy Inc., dated April 17, 2013
8-K 10.1 11/12/2013 001-11476
10.2 Vertex Energy, Inc., 2008 Stock Incentive Plan***
8-K/A 4.1 6/26/2009 000-53619
10.3 2008 Stock Incentive Plan - Form of Stock Option Agreement***
10-K 10.27 12/31/2012 001-11476
10.4 Vertex Energy, Inc., 2009 Stock Incentive Plan***
8-K 4.1 7/31/2009 000-53619
10.5 2009 Stock Incentive Plan - Form of Stock Option Agreement***
10-K 10.29 12/31/2012 001-11476
10.6 Vertex Energy, Inc. 2013 Stock Incentive Plan***
S-8 4.1 7/28/2014 333-197659
10.7 Vertex Energy, Inc.-Form of 2013 Stock Incentive Plan Stock Option Award***
8-K 10.1 9/30/2013 001-11476
10.8 Vertex Energy, Inc.-Form of 2013 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Grant Agreement***
S-8 4.3 7/28/2014 333-197659
10.9 Employment Agreement between Vertex Refining LA, LLC and James P. Gregory (Effective May 2, 2014)***
8-K 10.1 7/29/2014 001-11476
10.10 Land Lease between Marrero Terminal LLC, as Landlord and Omega Refining, LLC, as Tenant, relating to the Used Motor Oil Re-Refinery Located at 5000 River Road, Marrero, Louisiana 70094, dated as of April 30, 2008 and amendments
10-Q 10.22 6/30/2014 001-11476
10.11 Commercial Lease between Plaquemines Holdings, LLC as Landlord and Omega Refining, LLC, as Tenant, relating to the Myrtle Grove Facility Located at 278 East Ravenna Road, Myrtle Grove, LA, dated as of May 25, 2012 and amendments
10-Q 10.23 6/30/2014 001-11476
10.12 Executive Employment Agreement with Benjamin P. Cowart (August 7, 2015)***
10-Q 10.73 6/30/2015 001-11476
10.13 Executive Employment Agreement with Chris Carlson (August 7, 2015)***
10-Q 10.74 6/30/2015 001-11476
10.14 Amended and Restated 2013 Stock Incentive Plan ***
8-K 10.1 9/21/2015 001-11476
10.15(##) First Amendment to Processing Agreement between KMTEX LLC and Vertex Energy, Inc., effective November 1, 2013
8-K/A 10.2 11/10/2015 001-11476
10.16 Executive Employment Agreement with John Strickland (COO), effective October 1, 2015
8-K 10.1 10/19/2015 001-11476
10.17(##) Second Amendment to Processing Agreement between KMTEX LLC and Vertex Energy, Inc., dated December 3, 2015 and effective January 1, 2016
8-K 10.1 1/15/2016 001-11476
10.18(##) Swap Agreement dated January 29, 2016, by Vertex Energy Operating, LLC and Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
8-K 10.1 2/3/2016 001-11476
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number Filed or
Furnished
Herewith Form File No.
10.19(##) Base Oil Sales Agreement dated January 29, 2016, by Vertex Energy Operating, LLC and Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
8-K 10.2 2/3/2016 001-11476
10.20 Form of Warrant for May 2016 Unit Offering
8-K 10.2 5/13/2016 001-11476
10.21 Credit Agreement dated as of February 1, 2017, by and among Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, as the Lead Borrower for the Borrowers named therein, the Guarantors named therein, Encina Business Credit, LLC as Agent and the Lenders party thereto
8-K 10.1 2/7/2017 001-11476
10.22 ABL Credit Agreement dated as of February 1, 2017, by and among Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, as the Lead Borrower for the Borrowers named therein, the Guarantors named therein, Encina Business Credit, LLC as Agent and the Lenders party thereto
8-K 10.2 2/7/2017 001-11476
10.23 Form of Guaranty and Security Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2017, by and among Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, Bango Oil LLC, Vertex Refining NV, LLC, Vertex Refining OH, LLC, Vertex Merger Sub, LLC, Vertex Refining LA, LLC, Vertex II GP, LLC, Vertex Acquisition Sub, LLC, Cedar Marine Terminals, LP, Vertex Recovery, L.P., Golden State Lubricants Works, LLC, Crossroad Carriers, L.P., Vertex Recovery Management, LLC, Vertex Recovery Management LA, LLC H & H Oil, L.P., and Vertex Energy, Inc. and each other grantor from time to time party thereto and Encina Business Credit, LLC, as Agent
8-K 10.3 2/7/2017 001-11476
10.24 (###) Third Amendment to Processing Agreement between KMTEX LLC and Vertex Energy, Inc., entered into on December 14, 2016, and effective January 1, 2017*
10-K 10.66 12/31/2016 001-11476
10.25 Form of First Amendment and Consent to Credit Agreement dated October 9, 2017, by and among Vertex Energy, Inc., Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, Encina Business Credit, LLC as Agent and the Lenders party thereto
8-K 10.3 12/19/2017 001-11476
10.26 Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated December 15, 2017, by and among Vertex Energy, Inc., Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, Encina Business Credit, LLC as Agent and the Lenders party thereto
8-K 10.4 12/19/2017 001-11476
10.27 First Amendment to ABL Credit Agreement dated December 15, 2017, by and among Vertex Energy, Inc., Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, Encina Business Credit, LLC as Agent and the Lenders party thereto
8-K 10.5 12/19/2017 001-11476
10.28%
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Vertex Refining Myrtle Grove LLC dated July 25, 2019
8-K 10.1 7/31/2019 001-11476
10.29 Right of First Offer Letter Agreement dated July 25, 2019, by and between Tensile-Myrtle Grove Acquisition Corporation, Vertex Energy Operating LLC and Vertex Energy, Inc.
8-K 10.2 7/31/2019 001-11476
10.30 Common Stock Purchase Warrant initially held by Tensile Partners Master Fund LP to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock, dated July 25, 2019
8-K 10.4 7/31/2019 001-11476
10.31 Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement dated July 25, 2019, by and between Vertex Energy, Inc. and Tensile Partners Master Fund LP
8-K 10.5 7/31/2019 001-11476
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number Filed or
Furnished
Herewith Form File No.
10.32% Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated December 15, 2017, by and among Vertex Energy, Inc., Vertex
8-K 10.8 7/31/2019 001-11476
10.33% Third Amendment to ABL Credit Agreement dated December 15, 2017, by and among Vertex Energy, Inc., Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, Encina Business Credit, LLC as Agent and the Lenders party thereto, dated July 25, 2019
8-K 10.9 7/31/2019 001-11476
10.34 Vertex Energy, Inc. 2019 Equity Incentive Plan
8-K 2.1 10/29/2019 001-11476
10.35%£
Joint Supply and Marketing Agreement dated January 10, 2020, by and between Bunker One (USA) Inc. and Vertex Energy Operating, LLC
8-K 10.1 1/13/2020 001-11476
Limited Liability Company Agreement of HPRM LLC dated January 17, 2020
8-K 10.2 1/24/2020 001-11476
10.36 Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, by and among Vertex Energy, Inc., Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, Encina Business Credit, LLC as Agent and the Lenders party thereto, dated April 24, 2020
8-K 10.1 4/24/2020 001-11476
10.37 Fourth Amendment to ABL Credit Agreement, by and among Vertex Energy, Inc., Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, Encina Business Credit, LLC as Agent and the Lenders party thereto, dated April 24, 2020
8-K 10.2 4/24/2020 001-11476
10.38 $4.222 Million Promissory Note payable by Vertex Energy, Inc. to Texas Citizens Bank N.A. dated effective April 28, 2020
8-K 10.1 5/6/2020 001-11476
10.39 Vertex Energy, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan
8-K 10.2 6/23/2020 001-11476
10.40 Form of 2019 Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement
8-K 10.3 6/23/2020 001-11476
10.41 Fifth Amendment To Credit Agreement dated August 7, 2020 by and among Vertex Energy, Inc., Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, the other borrowers signatory thereto, Encina Business Credit, LLC, as agent, and the lenders signatory thereto
10-Q 10.8 8/11/2020 001-11476
10.42 Fifth Amendment and Limited Waiver to Credit Agreement (ABL Credit Agreement), by and among Vertex Energy, Inc., Vertex Energy Operating, LLC, Encina Business Credit, LLC as Agent and the Lenders party thereto, dated November 27, 2020
8-K 10.1 12/1/2020 001-11476
10.43 Form of 2019 Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Grant Agreement
S-8 4.3 2/25/2021 333-253523
10.44 Form of 2020 Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement
S-8 4.5 2/25/2021 333-253523
10.45 Form of 2020 Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Grant Agreement
S-8 4.6 2/25/2021 333-253523
10.46 Series B Preferred Stock Exchange Agreement dated February 23, 2021 by and between Vertex Energy, Inc. and Pennington Capital LLC
8-K 10.1 2/26/2021 001-11476
10.47 Series B Preferred Stock Exchange Agreement dated March 1, 2021 by and between Vertex Energy, Inc. and Carrhae & Co FBO Wasatch Micro Cap Value Fund
8-K 10.1 3/5/2021 001-11476
14.1 Code of Ethical Business Conduct and Whistleblower Protection Policy
8-K/A 14.1 2/13/2013 001-11476
21.1 Subsidiaries*
X
23.1 Consent of Ham, Langston & Brezina, L.L.P.*
X
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number Filed or
Furnished
Herewith Form File No.
31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act*
X
31.2 Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act*
X
32.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act**
X
32.2 Certification of Principal Accounting Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act**
X
99.1 Glossary of Selected Terms
10-K 99.1 12/31/2012 001-11476
99.2 Charters Of The Compensation Committee; Audit Committee; Nominating And Corporate Governance Committee; and Related Party Transaction Committee
8-K/A 99.2 2/13/2013 001-11476
99.3 Charter of Risk Committee
10-Q 99.2 9/30/2013 001-11476
99.4 Amended Charter of the Compensation Committee effective July 24, 2014
10-Q 99.2 9/30/2014 001-11476
99.5 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information of Vertex Energy, Inc. showing the effects of the Heartland SPV transaction
8-K 99.2 1/24/2020 001-11476
101* Inline XBRL Document Set for the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K X
104* Inline XBRL for the cover page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, included in the Exhibit 101 Inline XBRL Document Set. X
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
*** Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
# Certain portions of these documents (which portions have been replaced by “X’s”) have been omitted in connection with a request for Confidential Treatment which has been accepted by the Commission. This entire exhibit including the omitted confidential information has been filed separately with the Commission.
## Certain portions of this document (which portions have been replaced by “***’s”) have been omitted in connection with a request for Confidential Treatment which has been accepted by the Commission. This entire exhibit including the omitted confidential information has been filed separately with the Commission.
+ Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request; provided, however that Vertex Energy, Inc. may request confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for any schedule or exhibit so furnished.
£ Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with brackets (“[****]”) because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
% Certain schedules, annexes and similar attachments have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request; provided, however that Vertex Energy, Inc. may request confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for any schedule or exhibit so furnished.