Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (this discussion, as well as discussions under the same heading in our other periodic reports, are referred to as the “MD&A”) should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this report, and all cross references to notes included in this MD&A refer to the identified note in such consolidated financial statements. This section of the Form 10-K generally discusses 2020 and 2019 items and year-to-year comparisons of 2020 to 2019. Discussions of 2018 items and year-to-year comparisons of 2019 and 2018 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 10, 2020.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This MD&A contains forward-looking statements. See the discussion about these statements under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this report.
Overview
We are North America’s leading provider of the cleanest fuel for the transportation market, based on the number of stations operated and the amount of GGEs of RNG and conventional natural gas delivered. Through our sales of RNG, which is derived from biogenic methane produced by the breakdown of organic waste, we help thousands of vehicles, from airport shuttles to city buses to waste and heavy-duty trucks, to reduce their amount of climate-harming greenhouse gas from 60% and to over 400% based on CARB determinations, depending on the source of the RNG, while also reducing criteria pollutants such as Oxides of Nitrogen, or NOx. RNG is delivered as CNG and LNG. Our sales of RNG have
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increased dramatically, from 13.0 million GGEs in 2013 (the year we introduced our RNG to the vehicle fuel market) to 153.3 million GGEs in 2020.
As a clean energy solutions provider, we supply RNG and conventional natural gas, in the form of CNG and LNG, for medium and heavy-duty vehicles; design and build, as well as operate and maintain, public and private fueling stations; sell and service compressors and other equipment used in RNG production and at fueling stations; transport and sell RNG and conventional natural gas via “virtual” natural gas pipelines and interconnects; sell Environmental Credits we generate by selling RNG as a vehicle fuel; and obtain federal, state and local tax credits, grants and incentives.
We serve fleet vehicle operators in a variety of markets, including heavy-duty trucking, airports, refuse and public transit. We believe these fleet markets will continue to present a growth opportunity for our vehicle fuels for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2020, we serve over 1,000 fleet customers operating over 48,000 vehicles, and we own, operate or supply 565 fueling stations in 39 states and the District of Columbia in the United States and five provinces in Canada.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted, and is likely to continue to result, in significant economic disruption and has adversely affected and will likely continue to adversely affect our business. Our operations have been designated “essential critical infrastructure work” in the energy sector by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, meaning that we have been able to continue operating to the fullest extent possible. While continuing our business operations, we are focused on protecting the health and wellbeing of our employees, customers and the communities in which we operate. Except as described herein, the COVID-19 pandemic has not resulted in any adverse effects to our operations, including financial reporting systems, internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Additionally, our technicians and O&M services continued to operate effectively, and we believe our supply chain has not been disrupted. All of our natural gas fueling stations have remained fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to provide access to customers--many that are supplying essential services. Further, we have not experienced any challenges implementing business continuity plans and have not incurred, and do not expect to incur, material expenditures related to the same.
We have adopted and applied protocols and procedures in accordance with federal, state and local government policies and mandates and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for our offices. Specifically, we have implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols and procedures like temperature and COVID-19 screening questionnaires for the health and safety of our employees, customers and the communities in which we operate. We have provided personal protective equipment (including masks and gloves) and hand sanitizer, we have modified office seating, we expect all our employees to maintain appropriate physical distancing, and we continue to restrict employee travel in accordance with the various state health orders.
We began to see the negative effects of COVID-19 on volumes delivered in mid-March 2020 and continued to see declines in volumes delivered through December 31, 2020, as compared to the respective periods in 2019. We saw our volumes bottom in the second quarter of 2020 and have since seen improvement in volumes as volumes delivered for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased 7% over the second quarter of 2020. While volumes delivered in December 2020 were 2% lower compared to December 2019, this decline was lower than the decline of 4% when comparing September 2020 to September 2019. The most significant negative effects of COVID-19 in relation to our volumes continue to be seen in the airports (fleet services) and public transit customer markets, which were down by between 15% and 32% during the three months ended December 31, 2020 compared to the comparable 2019 period due to federal, state and local government mandates to restrict normal daily activities, as well as travel bans, quarantines and “shelter-in-place” orders, with growth in the refuse market in the three months ended December 31, 2020 from the three months ended December 31, 2019, where demand continues to be strong. Although many of these restrictions have been lifted or scaled back in recent months, the continued prevalence of COVID-19 in certain areas has resulted in the re-imposition of certain restrictions and may lead to other restrictions being re-implemented in response to efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These measures, which may remain in place for a significant amount of time, may further adversely affect airports, public transit and government fleet customer markets.
Our volume of GGEs delivered for the year ended December 31, 2020 declined 5% compared to the prior year.
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Although we are experiencing gradual improvements since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no guarantee this will continue due to uncertainties regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are projecting growth in volumes for 2021 compared to 2020; however, it is possible that the prolonged effect of the COVID-19 pandemic could negatively affect our future volumes. Declines in volume have resulted and could continue to result in lower gross margin dollars year-over-year and likely a lower gross margin per GGE due to lower output on fixed operating costs and the effect of less revenue from Environmental Credits. Lower volumes have affected and may continue to affect our AFTC revenue as a portion of the decline in volume is from AFTC-eligible volumes. We continue to experience lower operating expenses, which has helped mitigate the lower gross profit margins from lower volumes, and we have benefitted from other gains on station asset disposals. Given the dynamic nature of these circumstances, significant uncertainty exists concerning the duration of business disruption and the full extent of the effect of COVID-19 on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, the effects of COVID-19, low oil pricesand the adoption of government policies and programs, or increased popular sentiment, in favor of other vehicle technologies or fuels may delay adoption of natural gas vehicles, particularly heavy-duty natural gas trucks, by new or existing customers. For more information, see “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of this report.
We believe we have sufficient liquidity to support business operations through this volatile period, including total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $138.5 million as of December 31, 2020. We will also collect receivables related to the 2020 and 2021 AFTC revenue in 2021 and the first half of 2022; we expect AFTC revenue to be approximately $20 million for 2021 giving consideration to the effect of COVID-19 described above. As of December 31, 2020, we had $4.4 million of current debt. In addition, actions we have taken and are continuing to take have reduced costs and spending across our organization. This includes limiting travel, reducing hiring activities and limiting discretionary spending. Additionally, we could suspend, or limit repurchases under, the Repurchase Program, which was authorized for up to $30.0 million and of which $14.5 million, excluding fees and commissions, had been spent through December 31, 2020. We have not repurchased any shares under the Repurchase Program in 2021.
Performance Overview
This performance overview discusses matters on which our management focuses in evaluating our financial condition and operating results.
Sources of Revenue
The following table represents our sources of revenue:
Year Ended December 31,
Station construction sales 25.5 23.1 26.6
Other 7.5 0.3 —
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Year Ended December 31,
Fuel sales and performance of O&M services $ 249.0 $ 248.8 $ 209.2
Change in fair value of derivative instruments (a) 10.3 (6.6) 2.1
Key Operating Data
In evaluating our operating performance, our management focuses primarily on: (1) the amount of RNG, CNG and LNG GGEs delivered (which we define as (i) the volume of GGEs we sell to our customers as fuel, plus (ii) the volume of GGEs dispensed at facilities we do not own but where we provide O&M services on a per-gallon or fixed fee basis, plus (iii) our proportionate share of the GGEs sold as CNG by our joint venture with Mansfield Ventures, LLC, Mansfield Clean Energy Partners, LLC (“MCEP”), (2) our station construction cost of sales, (3) our gross margin (which we define as revenue minus cost of sales), and (4) net income (loss) attributable to us. The following tables present our key operating data for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020:
Year Ended December 31,
Gasoline gallon equivalents delivered (in millions) 2018 2019 2020
RNG sold as vehicle fuel is included in the CNG or LNG amounts in the table above as applicable based on the form in which it was sold. GGEs of RNG sold as vehicle fuel for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
Gasoline gallon equivalents of RNG delivered (in millions) 2018 2019 2020
Year Ended December 31,
Gasoline gallon equivalents delivered (in millions) 2018 2019 2020
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RNG sold as vehicle fuel is included in the table above as applicable based on the services provided. GGEs of RNG sold as vehicle fuel for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
Gasoline gallon equivalents of RNG delivered (in millions) 2018 2019 2020
Year Ended December 31,
Station construction cost of sales $ 25.1 $ 23.5 $ 24.0
(2) Represents GGEs at stations where we provide both fuel and O&M services.
2018 -2020 Developments
Total Joint Venture. On December 21, 2020, we announced a memorandum of understanding with Total to create a joint venture to develop carbon negative RNG production facilities in the United States, as well as credit support to build additional downstream RNG infrastructure. Total will provide $50.0 million, and we will provide $30.0 million for the proposed joint venture. Total will also be providing credit support of $65.0 million to support our development in the RNG value chain, including $45.0 million for contracted RNG fueling infrastructure.
bp Joint Venture. On December 18, 2020, we entered a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with bp Products North America Inc, a subsidiary of bp. Pursuant to the MOU the Company and bp intend to create a joint venture to develop, own, and operate RNG production facilities at dairies. Contemporaneous with the execution of the MOU, the Company and bp executed a loan agreement whereby bp advanced $50.0 million (in the form of a loan) to fund capital costs and expenses incurred prior to formation of the joint venture. We expect that all unpaid principal and accrued interest outstanding under the loan agreement will be contributed to the joint venture, provided that if the joint venture is not formed by April 30, 2022 the Company is obligated to repay the outstanding principal and accrued interest within five days of April 30, 2022.
Chevron Adopt-a-Port. In June 2020, we entered into an agreement with Chevron Corp. (“Chevron”) to provide truck operators serving the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach with cleaner, carbon negative RNG to reduce emissions. Under the agreement, Chevron will provide funding to allow truck operators to subsidize the cost of buying new RNG-powered trucks and will supply RNG to our stations near the ports.
AFTC. The AFTC, which had previously expired on December 31, 2016, was reinstated on February 9, 2018 to apply to vehicle fuel sales made from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. As a result, all AFTC revenue for vehicle fuel we sold in the 2017 calendar year, which totaled $25.2 million, was recognized and collected during the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service approved, and we recognized as revenue, $1.5 million of AFTC credit claims related to prior years. On December 20, 2019, the AFTC was retroactively extended beginning January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. As a result, AFTC revenue for vehicle fuel we sold in 2018 and 2019, which totaled $47.1 million, was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2019. AFTC revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020 totaled $19.8 million. The AFTC credit for 2018,
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2019 and 2020 was equal to $0.50 per GGE of CNG that we sold as vehicle fuel, and $0.50 per diesel gallon of LNG that we sold as vehicle fuel. In December 2020 AFTC was extended for vehicle fuel sales made through December 31, 2021.
Share Repurchase Program. On March 12, 2020, our Board of Directors approved the Repurchase Program for up to $30.0 million (exclusive of fees and commissions) of our outstanding common stock. The Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date, does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. As of December 31, 2020, we had utilized $14.5 million under the Repurchase Program to purchase 7,744,386 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $14.6 million. We have not repurchased any shares under the Repurchase Program in 2021.
Zero Now Truck Financing Program. We launched the Zero Now truck financing program, which is intended to facilitate and increase the deployment of commercially available RNG heavy-duty trucks in the United States and encourage these operators to fuel their trucks at our stations. The Zero Now program is unique and complex, and has involved our entry into various arrangements in order to launch the program, including a term credit agreement for delayed draw loans of up to $100.0 million; a credit support agreement with THUSA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Total, under which THUSA has guaranteed our obligations under the term credit agreement in exchange for a quarterly fee; and commodity swap arrangements with an affiliate of THUSA and Total covering five million diesel gallons of natural gas fuel volume annually from April 2019 through June 2024, which are intended to manage diesel price fluctuation risks related to the natural gas fuel supply commitments we expect to make in our anticipated fueling agreements with fleet operators that participate in the Zero Now program. See the disclosure under “Key Customer Markets-Zero Now” in Item 1. “Business” of this report for information about these agreements and the structure of the program.
Debt Repurchase and Repayment.
On October 1, 2018, we paid to the holders of our 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due October 2018, in cash, all amounts then owed under the notes, totaling an aggregate of $110.5 million in principal amount plus $2.9 million in accrued and unpaid interest. Upon such payment, all such notes were surrendered and canceled in full and we have no further obligations under these notes.
In December 2018, we purchased from the holders thereof all outstanding 7.5% Notes due July 2019, having an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $50.0 million, for a cash purchase price of $50.5 million. Upon such purchase, all such notes were surrendered and canceled in full and we have no further obligations under these notes. As a result of the early retirement of these notes we saved $1.7 million in interest expense in 2019.
In May 2020, we repaid the remaining $50.0 million of 7.5% Notes and related accrued and unpaid interest thereon. Upon such payment, the 7.5% Notes were paid in full.
See Note 12 for more information about our outstanding debt.
Expanded bp RNG Supply Agreement. In October 2018, our supply agreement with bp was amended to extend the term and add additional RNG supply. We share with bp in the RINs and LCFS Credits generated from the increased RNG supply sold through our vehicle fueling infrastructure and to other customers.
Total Private Placement. On May 9, 2018, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with Total Marketing Services, S.E., or TMS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Total, for the sale and issuance to TMS of 50,856,296 shares of our common stock for a per share purchase price of $1.64 and an aggregate purchase price of $83.4 million, all in a private placement (the “Total Private Placement”). The Total Private Placement closed on June 13, 2018, upon the satisfaction of all conditions to closing. We used the net proceeds from the Total Private Placement for working capital and general corporate purposes, which included retiring a portion of our outstanding indebtedness.
The agreements related to the Total Private Placement also contain representations, warranties and covenants made by us and TMS regarding, among other matters, certain director designation rights we have granted to TMS (along with undertakings by certain of our stockholders, including all of our directors and executive officers, to vote their shares in favor of such director designees in future elections of directors), certain registration rights we have granted to TMS for the
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shares that were issued and sold, certain limitations on TMS’s purchase of additional securities of our Company without the approval of our board of directors, and various other matters that are customary for transactions of this nature.
NG Advantage. In February 2020, we converted the principal and accrued interest under the November 2019 Convertible Note (as defined in Note 4) into common units of NG Advantage, LLC (“NG Advantage”) and received common units pursuant to the guaranty agreement entered in February 2018, resulting in an increase in our controlling interest in NG Advantage to 93.3%.
Debt Level and Debt Compliance
As of December 31, 2020, we had total indebtedness, excluding finance lease obligations, of $85.8 million in principal amount, of which $3.6 million is expected to become due in 2021. Certain of the agreements governing our outstanding debt, which are discussed in Note 12, have certain financial and non-financial covenants with which we must comply. As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.
Key Trends
Market for RNG, CNG and LNG as a Vehicle Fuel
According to CARB, RNG and conventional natural gas are cleaner than gasoline and diesel fuel based on the greenhouse gas emissions produced by vehicles operated by these fuels. Additionally, RNG and conventional natural gas are generally less expensive for vehicle operators than gasoline and diesel on an energy equivalent basis. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, demand for renewable and conventional natural gas fuels in the United States has increased in recent years and is expected to continue to increase. We expect our sales of RNG and conventional natural gas to grow as more companies look to operate in an increasingly sustainable way. In addition to pressure from politicians, regulators and non-governmental organizations, the investment community has dramatically increased demands on companies to diminish their contributions to climate change. We believe that RNG is the best tool available today to reduce climate-harming greenhouse gas and meet sustainability objectives.
The market for our vehicle fuels, however, is a relatively new and developing market. As a result, it is difficult to accurately predict demand for our vehicle fuels, in general and in any specific geographic and customer markets, and consequently our timing and level of investment in particular markets may not be consistent with any growth in demand in these markets. Further, the new and developing nature of the market for our vehicle fuels has led to slow, volatile or unpredictable growth in some sectors. For example, to date, adoption and deployment of vehicles using our fuels, in general and in certain of our key customer markets, including heavy-duty trucking, have been slower and more limited than we anticipated.
We believe challenging market conditions are caused by a number of factors, including the following:
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To the extent these or other factors have contributed to curtailed demand or slowing growth in the market for our vehicle fuels, we believe they have also contributed to decreases in station construction activity in certain periods, as the success of this activity is dependent on the success of the market for our vehicle fuels generally. Moreover, we believe these factors have materially contributed to the volatility and declines in our stock price and market capitalization in recent years, which has and could in the future lead to decreased cash flows and indications of asset or goodwill impairment. If these adverse macroeconomic conditions and other uncertainties in our industry persist, our financial results and stock price may continue to be adversely affected.
In spite of these market conditions, we believe our key customer markets, including heavy-duty trucking, airports, refuse, and public transit, are well-suited for the adoption of our vehicle fuels because they consume relatively high volumes of fuel, refuel at centralized locations or along well-defined routes and/or are facing increasingly stringent emissions or other environmental requirements. We also expect the lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with our RNG vehicle fuel will result in increased demand for this fuel, resulting in our continued delivery of increasing volumes of RNG to our vehicle fleet customers. Additionally, we anticipate that, over time, cities and communities in the United States and Canada will follow large cities in Europe in banning diesel vehicles. If these projections materialize, we believe there will be growth in the consumption of our vehicle fuels in our key customer and geographic markets, and our goal is to capitalize on this growth if and when it materializes. In that event, we expect our operating costs and capital expenditures would increase in connection with any growth of our business in the future.
Our Performance
Overview. Our gross revenue mostly consists of volume-related revenue, station construction sales, and AFTC revenue. Our revenue can vary between periods due to a variety of factors, including, among others, the amount and timing of vehicle fuel sales, natural gas commodity prices, station construction sales, sales of Environmental Credits, and recognition of government credits, grants and incentives, such as AFTC. In addition, our volume-related revenue has been and may continue to be subject to increased fluctuations as a result of our entry into certain commodity swap arrangements in October 2018, because the changes in fair value of these and certain other derivative instruments, including existing and anticipated fueling contracts under our Zero Now truck financing program, are included in volume-related revenue.
Our cost of sales can also vary between periods due to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in natural gas commodity prices, station construction and labor costs, as well as the other factors that impact our revenue levels described above.
In addition, our performance in certain periods has been affected by transactions or events that have resulted in significant cash or non-cash gains or losses. Such gains or losses may not recur regularly, in the same amounts or at all in future periods and, with respect to non-cash gains and losses, do not impact our liquidity.
These significant fluctuations in our operating results may render period-to-period comparisons less meaningful, especially given the current uncertainties related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and investors in our securities should not rely on the results of one period as an indicator of performance in any other period. Additionally, these fluctuations in our operating results could cause our performance in any period to fall below the financial guidance we may have provided to the public or the estimates and projections of the investment community, which could negatively affect the price of our common stock.
See “Results of Operations” below for more information about our performance in 2019 and 2020.
Volume. The amount of RNG and conventional natural gas, in the form of CNG and LNG, that we delivered decreased by 4.6% from 2019 to 2020 due to the effect of COVID-19.
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While total volume declined due to the effect of COVID-19, the amount of RNG we sell for vehicle fuel, which is delivered in the form of CNG or LNG, has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and increased by 7% from 2019 to 2020. We believe the increased demand for RNG is attributable to the dramatic reduction in the amount of climate-harming greenhouse gas that can be achieved through the use of RNG and pressure from politicians, regulators, non-governmental organizations and the investment community directed at companies to reduce their contributions to climate change. To the extent demand for RNG continues to increase, we expect our expanded supply agreement with bp, discussed under “2018-2020 Developments” above, could increase our volume-related revenue due to increased volumes of RNG vehicle fuel sold and increased generation of RINs and LCFS Credits. In addition, such an increase in RNG demand could also result in more robust competition for supplies of RNG, including from other vehicle fuel providers, gas utilities (which may have distinct advantages in accessing RNG supply, including potential use of ratepayer funds to fund RNG purchases if approved by a utility’s regulatory commission) and other users and providers. We expect to invest in production projects to help ensure that we have adequate supply of RNG, and we are pursuing development and ownership of livestock waste ADG projects on our own and with partners including Total and bp.
Environmental Credits. When we sell RNG and conventional natural gas for use as a vehicle fuel, we are eligible to generate RINs and LCFS Credits, which we then seek to sell to third parties.
The markets for RINs and LCFS Credits have been volatile and unpredictable in recent periods, and the prices for these credits have been subject to significant fluctuations. For example, in 2020 market prices for RINs were as high as approximately $2.13 and as low as approximately $0.80. Additionally, the value of RINs and LCFS Credits, and consequently the revenue levels we may receive from our sale of these credits, may be adversely affected by changes to the federal and state programs under which these credits are generated and sold, prices for and use of oil, diesel or gasoline, the inclusion of additional qualifying fuels in the programs, increased production levels of other fuels in the programs, or other conditions. Further, our ability to generate revenue from sales of these credits depends on our strict compliance with these federal and state programs, which are complex and can involve a significant degree of judgment. If the agencies that administer and enforce these programs disagree with our judgments, otherwise determine we are not in compliance, conduct reviews of our activities or make changes to the programs, then our ability to generate or sell these credits could be temporarily restricted pending completion of reviews or as a penalty, permanently limited or lost entirely, and we could be subject to fines or other sanctions. Any of these outcomes could force us to purchase credits in the open market to cover any credits we have contracted to sell, retire credits we may have generated but not yet sold, reduce or eliminate a significant revenue stream or incur substantial additional and unplanned expenses.
Risk Management Activities
From time to time, we enter into fuel sales contracts that require us to sell CNG or LNG to our customers at a fixed price. These contracts expose us to the risk that the price of natural gas commodity may increase above the natural gas commodity cost component included in the price at which we are committed to sell the natural gas to our customers.
In an effort to mitigate the volatility of our earnings related to any futures contracts and to reduce our risk related to our fixed price sales contracts, we operate under a hedging policy pursuant to which we purchase futures contracts to hedge our exposure to variability in expected future cash flows related to a particular fixed price contract or bid. Subject to the conditions set forth in the policy, we purchase futures contracts in quantities reasonably expected to effectively hedge our exposure to cash flow variability related to fixed price sales contracts entered into after the date of the policy. Unless otherwise agreed in advance by our board of directors and the derivatives committee thereof, we will conduct our futures contract activities and enter into fixed price sales contracts only in accordance with our hedging policy.
Due to the restrictions of our hedging policy, we expect to offer few fixed price sales contracts to our customers. If we do offer a fixed price sales contract, we anticipate including a price component that would cover our estimated cash requirements over the duration of the underlying futures contracts. The amount of this price component will vary based on the anticipated volume and the natural gas price component to be covered under the fixed price sales contract.
In October 2018, in support of our Zero Now truck financing program, we executed two commodity swap contracts with Total Gas & Power North America, an affiliate of Total and THUSA, for a total of five million diesel gallons annually from April 1, 2019 to June 30, 2024. These commodity swap contracts are intended to manage risks related to the diesel-
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to-natural gas price spread in connection with the natural gas fuel supply commitments we have made and expect to make in our current and anticipated fueling agreements with fleet operators that participate in the Zero Now program.
Critical Accounting Policies
This discussion is based upon our consolidated financial statements included in this report, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and may result in material effects on our operating results and financial position.
We believe the critical accounting policies discussed below affect our more significant estimates made in preparing our consolidated financial statements. See Notes 1 and 2 for more information about these and our other significant accounting policies.
Revenue Recognition
In general, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for the goods or services. To achieve that core principle, a five-step approach is applied: (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue allocated to each performance obligation when we satisfy the performance obligation. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account for revenue recognition.
We recognize revenue on various products and services.
Our volume-related revenue primarily consists of sales of RNG and conventional natural gas, in the form of CNG and LNG, O&M services, and RINs and LCFS Credits in addition to changes in fair value of our derivative instruments.
Fuel and O&M services are sold pursuant to contractual commitments over defined goods-and-service delivery periods. These contracts typically include a stand-ready obligation to supply natural gas and/or provide O&M services daily based on a committed and agreed upon routine maintenance schedule or when and if called upon by the customer.
We recognize fuel and O&M services revenue in the amount to which we have the right to invoice. We have a right to consideration based on the amount of GGEs of natural gas dispensed by the customer and current pricing conditions, which are typically billed to the customer on a monthly basis. Since payment terms are less than a year, we have elected the practical expedient which allows us to not assess whether a customer contract has a significant financing component.
We sell RIN Credits and LCFS Credits to third parties that need the credits to comply with federal and state requirements. Revenue is recognized on these credits when there is an agreement in place to monetize the credits at a determinable price.
Changes in fair value of derivative instruments relates to our commodity swap and certain customer fueling contracts under our Zero Now truck financing program. The contracts are measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded in our consolidated statements of operations in the period incurred. The amounts are classified as revenue because our commodity swap contracts are used to economically offset the risk associated with the diesel-to-natural gas price spread resulting from existing and anticipated customer fueling contracts under our Zero Now truck financing program.
Station construction contracts are generally short-term, except for certain larger and more complex stations, which can take up to 24 months to complete. For most of our station construction contracts, the customer contracts with us to provide a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single station. Hence, the entire contract is accounted for as one performance obligation.
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We recognize station construction revenue over time as we perform under these contracts because of the continual transfer of control of the goods to the customer, which typically controls the work in process. Revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation and is recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. Costs to fulfill our obligations under these contracts typically include labor, materials and subcontractors’ costs, other direct costs and an allocation of indirect costs.
Refinements of estimates to account for changing conditions and new developments are continuous and characteristic of the process. Many factors that can affect contract profitability may change during the performance period of the contract, including differing site conditions, the availability of skilled contract labor, the performance of major suppliers and subcontractors, and unexpected changes in material costs. Because a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of these contracts, the contract price and cost estimates are reviewed periodically as work progresses and adjustments proportionate to the cost-to-cost measure of progress are reflected in contract revenues in the reporting period when such estimates are revised as discussed above. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded in the period in which the losses become known.
In certain contracts with our customers, we agree to provide multiple goods or services, including construction of and sale of a station, O&M services, and sale of fuel to the customer. These contracts have multiple performance obligations because the promise to transfer each separate good or service is separately identifiable and distinct. This evaluation requires significant judgment and the decision to combine a group of contracts or separate the combined or single contract into multiple performance obligations could change the amount of revenue recognized in one or more periods.
We allocate the contract price to each performance obligation using best estimates of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. The primary method used to estimate the standalone selling price for fuel and O&M services is observable standalone sales, and the primary method used to estimate the standalone selling price for station construction sales is the expected cost plus a margin approach because we sell customized customer-specific solutions. Under this approach, we forecast expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then add an appropriate margin for the good or service.
AFTC is considered variable consideration because it can either increase or decrease the transaction price based on volumes of vehicle fuel sold. Additionally, AFTC is not recognized as revenue until it is authorized through federal legislation, which also provides a determinable price. We recognize revenue in the period the credit is authorized through federal legislation.
We collect and remit taxes assessed by various governmental authorities that are imposed on and concurrent with revenue-producing transactions between us and our customers. These taxes may include, among others, fuel, sales and value-added taxes. We report the collection of these taxes on a net basis and they are excluded from revenue and cost of goods sold.
Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of costs incurred over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. We assess our goodwill using either a qualitative or quantitative approach to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying value. We are required to use judgment when applying the goodwill impairment test, including, among other considerations, the identification of reporting unit(s), the assessment of qualitative factors, and the estimation of fair value of a reporting unit in the quantitative approach. We determined that we are a single reporting unit for the purpose of goodwill impairment tests. We perform the impairment test annually on October 1, or more frequently if facts or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired.
The qualitative goodwill assessment includes the potential effect on a reporting unit’s fair value of certain events and circumstances, including its enterprise value, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, and other relevant entity-specific events. If it is determined, based upon the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative impairment test is performed. Alternatively, we may bypass the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit and directly perform the quantitative assessment.
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The quantitative assessment estimates the reporting unit's fair value based on its market capitalization plus an assumed control premium as evidence of fair value. The estimates used to determine the fair value of the reporting unit may change based on results of operations, macroeconomic conditions stock price fluctuations or other factors. Changes in these estimates could materially affect our assessment of the fair value and goodwill impairment for the reporting unit.
For our most recent goodwill impairment test, which was our annual test performed on October 1, 2020, we performed a quantitative impairment assessment for the reporting unit as described above. In this test, the fair value of the reporting unit substantially exceeded its carrying value.
We evaluated the volatility in the market price of our common stock subsequent to our annual test date through December 31, 2020, and considered whether there were any other events or circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our reporting unit below its carrying value on a sustained basis, and concluded it was not more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit decreased below its carrying value, on a sustained basis. As a result, an interim impairment test was not considered necessary during the three months ended December 31, 2020.
If a significant decline in the market price of our common stock and our market capitalization were sustained, or if other events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our reporting unit below its carrying value, on a sustained basis, then we may perform impairment tests more frequently, and it is possible that our goodwill could become impaired, which could result in a material charge and adversely affect our results of operations.
We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets with finite useful lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Events that could result in an impairment review include, among others, a significant decrease in the operating performance of a long-lived asset or asset group or the decision to close a fueling station. Impairment testing involves a comparison of the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows exceeds the carrying amount, then no impairment exists. If the carrying amount exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows, then a second step is performed to determine the amount of impairment, if any, to be recognized. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the asset or asset group is based on estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group using a discount rate commensurate with the related risk. The estimate of future cash flows requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment, including forecasting future sales and expenses and estimating useful lives of the assets. These estimates can be affected by a number of factors, including, among others, future results, demand and economic conditions, many of which can be difficult to predict.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the tax bases and financial carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and laws, if any, are applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled and are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when management determines it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the need for a valuation analysis, we use estimates involving a high degree of judgment including projected future U.S. GAAP income and the amounts and estimated timing of the reversal of any deferred tax assets and liabilities.
We have a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefit in income tax expense.
We operate within multiple domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions and are subject to audit in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve. Although we believe
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that adequate consideration has been given to these issues, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these issues could be significantly different than originally estimated.
Fair Value Measurements
We have established a framework that follows the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements with respect to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and non-recurring basis. Under the framework, fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, as of the measurement date. The framework also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of our Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability and are developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy consists of the following three levels: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs (other than quoted prices) that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Our significant uses of fair value measurements include the valuation of commodity swaps and customer contracts, and warrants, all of which require significant judgment.
Recently Adopted Accounting Changes and Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards.
See Note 1 for information about recently adopted accounting changes and recently issued accounting standards.
Results of Operations
The discussions below compare our results of operations in 2020 and 2019. Historical results are not indicative of the results to be expected in the current period or any future period.
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2020 Compared to 2019
The table below presents, for each period, each line item of our statement of operations data as a percentage of our total revenue for the period. The narrative that follows provides a comparative discussion of certain of these line items between periods.
Year Ended
December 31,
Statements of Operations Data:
Revenue:
Operating expenses:
Product cost of sales 53.9 55.4
Service cost of sales 7.7 8.1
Change in fair value of derivative warrants (0.3) —
Selling, general and administrative 21.3 23.5
Depreciation and amortization 14.4 16.3
Total operating expenses 97.0 103.3
Operating income (loss) 2.9 (3.4)
Interest expense (2.2) (2.5)
Interest income 0.7 0.5
Other income (expense), net 0.6 1.0
Loss from equity method investments — (0.1)
Gain from sale of certain assets of subsidiary 2.2 0.4
Gain (loss) from formation of equity method investment — 0.2
Income (loss) before income taxes 4.2 (3.9)
Income tax expense (0.2) (0.1)
Net income (loss) 4.0 (4.0)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 2.1 0.6
Net income (loss) attributable to Clean Energy Fuels Corp. 6.1 % (3.4) %
Revenue. Revenue decreased by $52.3 million to $291.7 million for 2020, from $344.1 million for 2019. This decrease was primarily due a decrease in volume-related revenue and lower AFTC revenue, partially offset by the favorable change in fair value of our commodity swap and customer contracts entered into in connection with our Zero Now truck financing program and an increase in station construction sales.
Volume-related revenue, excluding the effect of the change in fair value of our commodity swap and customer contracts entered into in connection with our Zero Now truck financing program, decreased by $37.2 million between periods, primarily attributable to COVID-19 which resulted in a decrease in gallons delivered and a lower effective price per gallon delivered. Volume-related revenue was favorably impacted by $8.7 million as a result of the change in fair value of our commodity swap and customer contracts entered into in connection with our Zero Now truck financing program, as we recognized an unrealized loss of $6.6 million in 2019 compared to an unrealized gain of $2.1 million in 2020 (see Note 7 for more information).
Our effective price per gallon charged decreased by $0.06 per gallon to $0.64 per gallon in 2020 compared to $0.70 in 2019, excluding the effect of the change in fair value of derivative instruments discussed above. Our effective price per gallon is defined as revenue generated from selling RNG and conventional natural gas and any related Environmental Credits and providing O&M services to our vehicle fleet customers at stations we do not own and for which we receive a per-gallon or fixed fee, all divided by the total GGEs delivered less GGEs delivered by non-consolidated entities, such as entities that are accounted for under the equity method. The decrease in our effective price per gallon was due to decreases
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in natural gas prices and the fuel price mix, which is based on the variation of fuel types and locations where we deliver fuel.
Station construction sales increased by $3.5 million between periods, due to increased construction activities.
AFTC revenue decreased by $27.3 million between periods due to our recognition in 2019 of AFTC revenue for the vehicle fuel we sold in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, we recognized AFTC revenue for the vehicle fuel we sold in 2020.
Cost of sales. Cost of sales decreased by $26.7 million to $185.4 million in 2020, from $212.1 million in 2019. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in gallons delivered during 2020 and a lower effective cost per gallon. These decreases were partially offset by a $0.5 million increase in the cost of station construction activities.
Our effective cost per gallon decreased by $0.05 per gallon to $0.42 per gallon in 2020 compared to $0.47 per gallon in 2019. Our effective cost per gallon is defined as the total costs associated with delivering our fuels, including commodity costs, transportation fees, liquefaction charges, and other site operating costs, plus the total cost of providing O&M services at stations that we do not own and for which we receive a per-gallon or fixed fee, including direct technician labor, indirect supervisor and management labor, repair parts and other direct maintenance costs, all divided by the total GGEs delivered less GGEs delivered by non-consolidated entities, such as entities that are accounted for under the equity method. The decrease in our effective cost per gallon was due to decreases in commodity prices and transportation costs.
Change in fair value of derivative warrants. Change in fair value of derivative warrants, all of which were issued by our subsidiary, NG Advantage, decreased from income of $1.0 million in 2019, to income of $0.0 million in 2020 due to a change in the estimated fair value. The warrants expired unexercised on July 2, 2020.
Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $4.9 million to $68.5 million in 2020, from $73.4 million in 2019. This decrease was primarily driven by reduced activities and cost reductions due to the effect of COVID-19, including lower advertising and travel expenses.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased by $1.9 million to $47.7 million in 2020, from $49.6 million in 2019, primarily due to a lower amount of depreciable assets.
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased by $0.2 million to $7.3 million in 2020, from $7.6 million in 2019. This decrease was primarily due to a reduction of outstanding indebtedness between periods, partially offset by a $1.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt that is included in interest expense.
Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense), net, changed from income of $2.0 million in 2019 to income of $3.0 million in 2020, primarily due to gains recorded from disposal of certain assets.
Loss from equity method investments. Loss from equity method investments increased by $0.0 million to $0.2 million in 2020, from $0.1 million in 2019, primarily due to the operating results of SAFE&CEC S.r.l. being negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic partially offset by improved operating results from MCEP.
Gain from sale of certain assets of subsidiary. In 2020, we recorded a gain of $1.1 million compared to a gain of $7.5 million in 2019 as a result of the satisfaction of specified performance criteria in each of 2019 and 2020 related to the assets sold in the bp Transaction in accordance with the related Amended Asset Purchase Agreement.
Gain from formation of equity method investment. In 2020, we recorded a gain of $0.7 million related to the release of costs accrued in satisfaction of commitments made in connection with the CEC Combination. There was no comparable gain or loss in 2019.
Income tax expense. Income tax expense decreased by $0.5 million to $0.3 million in 2020 from $0.9 million in 2019, primarily due a decrease in deferred taxes associated with goodwill and a reduction in the Company’s expected state tax expense.
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Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest. In 2020, we recorded a $1.7 million loss for the noncontrolling interest in the net loss of NG Advantage, compared to a $7.2 million loss for 2019. The Company’s relevant noncontrolling interest in NG Advantage represented a 35.4% minority interest during 2019 and a 6.7% minority interest during 2020.
Seasonality and Inflation
To some extent, we experience seasonality in our results of operations. Some of our customers tend to consume more of our vehicle fuels in the summer months, when buses and other fleet vehicles use more fuel to power their air conditioning systems, which typically translate to an increased volume of fuel delivered in the summer months. In addition, natural gas commodity prices tend to be higher in the fall and winter months, due to increased overall demand for natural gas for heating during these periods.
Historically, inflation has not significantly affected our operating results; however, costs for construction, repairs, maintenance, electricity and insurance are all subject to inflationary pressures, which could affect our ability to maintain our stations adequately, build new stations, expand our existing facilities or pursue additional facilities, and could materially impact our operating costs.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Liquidity is the ability to meet present and future financial obligations through operating cash flows, the sale or maturity of investments or the acquisition of additional funds through capital management. Our financial position and liquidity are, and will continue to be, influenced by a variety of factors, including the level of our outstanding indebtedness and the principal and interest we are obligated to pay on our indebtedness, which could be influenced by the potential discontinuance of LIBOR for certain of our debt instruments that tie interest rates to this metric; the amount and timing of any additional debt or equity financing we may pursue; our capital expenditure requirements; any merger, divestiture or acquisition activity; and our ability to generate cash flows from our operations. We expect cash provided by our operating activities to fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including our operating results and the factors that affect these results, including the amount and timing of our vehicle fuel sales, station construction sales, sales of RINs and LCFS Credits and recognition of government credits, the effects of COVID-19, grants and incentives, if any; fluctuations in commodity, station construction and labor costs; Environmental Credit prices; variations in the fair value of certain of our derivative instruments that are recorded in revenue; and the amount and timing of our billing, collections and liability payments, as discussed under “Key Trends-Our Performance” above.
Cash Flows
Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities was $61.0 million in 2020, compared to $12.3 million in 2019. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to AFTC revenues, partially offset by other changes in working capital resulting from the timing of receipts and payments of cash in 2020, and $7.8 million used to terminate a contract between NG Advantage and bp.
Investing Activities. Cash provided by investing activities was $24.2 million in 2020, compared to cash used in investing activities of $1.5 million in 2019. The change was primarily attributable to an increase in net maturities of short-term investments in 2020 compared to 2019 and lower capital expenditures, partially offset by lower proceeds from property and equipment disposals and lower net earn-out proceeds received in connection with the bp Transaction.
Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities was $18.7 million in 2020, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $7.7 million in 2019. Cash used in financing activities in 2020 was primarily attributable to an increase in repayments of debt instruments and finance lease obligations due to repayment of the 7.5% Notes and repurchases of common stock, partially offset by proceeds received from debt instruments. Cash provided by financing activities in 2019 was primarily attributable to proceeds from debt instruments, partially offset by repayments of debt instruments and finance lease obligations.
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Capital Expenditures, Indebtedness and Other Uses of Cash
We require cash to fund our capital expenditures, operating expenses and working capital and other requirements, including costs associated with fuel sales; outlays for the design and construction of new fueling stations; additions or other modifications to existing fueling stations; RNG production facilities; debt repayments and repurchases; repurchases of common stock; purchases of heavy-duty trucks that use our fuels; additions or modifications of LNG production facilities; supporting our operations, including maintenance and improvements of our infrastructure; supporting our sales and marketing activities, including support of legislative and regulatory initiatives; financing vehicles for our customers; any investments in other entities; any mergers or acquisitions, including acquisitions to expand our RNG production capacity; pursuing market expansion as opportunities arise, including geographically and to new customer markets; and to fund other activities or pursuits and for other general corporate purposes.
Our business plan calls for approximately $27.5 million in capital expenditures in 2021. These capital expenditures primarily relate to the construction of fueling stations, IT software and equipment and LNG plant costs and we expect to fund these expenditures primarily through cash on hand and cash generated from operations.
In addition, NG Advantage may spend up to $0.4 million in 2021 to purchase additional equipment in support of its operations and customer contracts. Although NG Advantage has sought financing from third parties for capital expenditures, we have provided and may continue to provide financing for these capital expenditures.
We had total indebtedness, consisting of our debt and finance leases, of approximately $89.2 million in principal amount as of December 31, 2020, of which approximately $4.5 million, $54.5 million, $9.8 million, $10.4 million, $1.7 million and $8.3 million is expected to become due in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and thereafter, respectively. Importantly, $50.0 million of such indebtedness was “Preformation Funding” provided by bp to fund capital costs and expenses incurred prior to formation of the bpJV. All such Preformation Funding, including accrued interest thereon, will be contributed to the bpJV, at which time it will no longer be outstanding indebtedness. We will be required to repay the Preformation Funding, including accrued interest at LIBOR plus 4.33%, if the bpJV is not formed by April 30, 2022. Based on outstanding debt balances and applicable interest rates as of December 31, 2020, we expect our total interest payment obligations relating to our indebtedness to be $2.3 million for the year ending December 31, 2021. We plan to and believe we are able to make all expected principal and interest payments in the next 12 months.
We intend to make payments under our various debt instruments when due and pursue opportunities for earlier repayment and/or refinancing if and when these opportunities arise.
Further, in 2021 we anticipate deploying up to approximately $100.0 million to develop dairy RNG production projects and up to approximately $75.0 million for fueling stations that will support long-term contracted RNG fueling volume.
Sources of Cash
Historically, our principal sources of liquidity have consisted of cash on hand, cash provided by our operations, including, if available, AFTC and other government credits, grants and incentives, cash provided by financing activities, and sales of assets. As of December 31, 2020, we had total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $138.5 million, compared to $106.1 million as of December 31, 2019.
We expect cash provided by our operating activities to fluctuate depending on our operating results, which can be affected by the factors described above, as well as the other factors described in this MD&A and Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this report.
In October 2018 and January 2019, we entered into agreements to implement our Zero Now truck financing program, which, as of December 31, 2020, permit us to incur up to an additional $94.9 million of indebtedness through the beginning of January 2022, obligate us to make certain interest and other fee payments in connection with this debt and THUSA’s related guaranty (which payments will vary in amount but will be owed by us regardless of the revenue we may receive from the program), and subject us to potential additional payments in connection with related commodity swap
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arrangements. We are permitted to use any proceeds we receive under these agreements solely to fund the incremental cost of trucks purchased or financed by operators that participate in the Zero Now program. See “Recent Developments” and “Key Trends” above and Note 12 of this report for more information.
Subject to the following paragraph, we believe our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments and anticipated cash provided by our operating and financing activities will satisfy our business requirements for at least the 12 months following the date of this report. Subsequent to that period, we may need to raise additional capital to fund any planned or unanticipated capital expenditures, investments, debt repayments, share repurchases or other expenses that we cannot fund through cash on-hand, cash provided by our operations or other sources. Moreover, we may use our cash resources faster than we predict due to unexpected expenditures, the effects of COVID-19, or higher-than-expected expenses, in which case we may need to seek capital from alternative sources sooner than we anticipate. The timing and necessity of any future capital raise would depend on various factors, including our rate and volume of, and prices for, natural gas fuel sales and other volume-related activity, the effects of COVID-19, new station construction, debt repayments (either before or at maturity) and any potential mergers, acquisitions, investments, divestitures or other strategic relationships we may pursue, as well as the other factors that affect our revenue and expense levels as described in this MD&A and elsewhere in this report.
If we deploy additional capital to develop dairy RNG production projects and fueling stations to support contracted RNG fueling volume as described above under “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital Expenditures, Indebtedness and Other Uses of Cash,” we will be required to raise significant additional capital during 2021.
We may raise additional capital through one or more sources, including, among others, obtaining equity capital, including through offerings of our common stock or other securities, obtaining new or restructuring existing debt, selling assets, or any combination of these or other potential sources of capital. We may not be able to raise capital when needed, on terms that are favorable to us or our stockholders or at all. Any inability to raise necessary capital may impair our ability to develop and maintain fueling infrastructure, invest in strategic transactions or acquisitions or repay our outstanding indebtedness and may reduce our ability to support and build our business and generate sustained or increased revenue.
Contractual Obligations
The table below represents the scheduled maturities of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020. This table excludes certain potential contractual obligations because they may involve future cash payments that are considered uncertain and cannot be estimated because they vary based upon future conditions; however, the exclusion of these obligations should not be construed as an implication that they are immaterial, as they could significantly affect our short- and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs depending on a variety of future events, facts and conditions.
Payments Due by Period
Less than More than
Long-term take-or-pay contracts (4) 3,881 1,367 2,514 — —
Long-term supply contract (5) 1,226 — 1,226 — —
Construction contracts (6) 10,122 10,122 — — —
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2020, we had the following off-balance sheet arrangements that have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources:
● One long-term natural gas sale contract with a fixed supply commitment.
We provide surety bonds primarily for construction contracts in the ordinary course of our business, as a form of guarantee. No liability has been recorded in connection with our surety bonds because, based on historical experience and available information, we do not believe it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid under these arrangements for which we will not be reimbursed.
As of December 31, 2020, we had one long-term natural gas purchase contract with a take-or-pay commitment, which requires us to purchase minimum volumes of natural gas at index-based prices and expires in June 2022. Additionally, as of December 31, 2020, we had quarterly fixed-price natural gas purchase contracts with take-or-pay commitments extending through June 2023.
NG Advantage has entered into an arrangement with bp for the supply, sale and reservation of a specified volume of CNG transportation capacity until March 2022. In connection with the arrangement, on February 28, 2018, we entered into a guaranty agreement with NG Advantage and bp, which was amended in June 2020, in which we guarantee NG Advantage’s payment obligations to the customer in the event of a default by NG Advantage under the supply arrangement, in an amount up to $15.0 million plus related fees. Our guaranty is in effect until thirty days following our notice to bp of termination.
In addition, as of December 31, 2020, we had a fixed supply arrangement with UPS for the supply and sale of 170.0 million GGEs of RNG through March 2026.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
In the ordinary course of our business, we are exposed to various market risks, including commodity price risks, risks related to foreign currency exchange rates, and risks related to fluctuations in interest rates.
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Commodity Price Risk
We are subject to market risk with respect to our sales of natural gas, which have historically been subject to volatile market conditions. Our exposure to market risk is heightened when we have a fixed-price sales contract with a customer that is not covered by a futures contract, or when we are otherwise unable to pass through natural gas price increases to customers. Natural gas prices and availability are affected by many factors, including, among others, drilling activity, supply, weather conditions, overall economic conditions and foreign and domestic government regulations.
Natural gas costs represented $94.9 million, $94.0 million and $74.6 million of our cost of sales in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
In October 2018, in support of our Zero Now truck financing program, we entered into two commodity swap contracts with Total Gas & Power North America, an affiliate of Total and THUSA, for a total of five million diesel gallons annually from April 1, 2019 to June 30, 2024. These commodity swap contracts are intended to manage risks related to the diesel-to-natural gas price spread in connection with the natural gas fuel supply commitments we expect to make in our anticipated fueling agreements with fleet operators that participate in the Zero Now truck financing program.
We have prepared a sensitivity analysis to estimate our exposure to price risk with respect to our commodity swap contracts. If the diesel-to-natural gas price spread were to fluctuate by 10% as of December 31, 2020, we would expect a corresponding fluctuation in the fair value of our commodity swap contracts of approximately $3.8 million.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Our primary exposure to foreign currency exchange rates related to our other Canadian operations that had certain outstanding accounts receivable and accounts payable denominated in the U.S. dollar, which were not hedged.
We have prepared a sensitivity analysis to estimate our exposure to market risk with respect to our monetary transactions denominated in a foreign currency. If the exchange rates on these assets and liabilities were to fluctuate by 10% from the rates as of December 31, 2020, we would expect a corresponding fluctuation in the value of the assets and liabilities of approximately $0.3 million.
Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2020, we had $55.1 million of debt that bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin per annum. Thus, our interest expense would fluctuate with a change in LIBOR. If LIBOR were to increase or decrease by 1% for the year, our annual interest expense would increase or decrease by approximately $0.6 million.
The term credit agreement with SG permits the Company to draw loans from time to time through the beginning of January 2022. These loans, as well as our bp Loan, are subject to an interest rate indexed to LIBOR which is expected to be discontinued after 2021. We intend to monitor the developments with respect to the potential discontinuance of LIBOR after 2021 and work with our lenders under the credit agreements, including SG and bp, and any other indebtedness with an interest rate tied to LIBOR to minimize the effect of such a discontinuance on our financial condition and results of operations; however, the effect of the anticipated discontinuance of LIBOR on us and our debt instruments remains uncertain. If our lenders have increased costs due to changes in LIBOR, we may experience potential increases in interest rates on our variable rate debt, which could adversely impact our interest expense, results of operations and cash flows.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The following tables set forth our quarterly consolidated statements of operations data for the eight quarters ended December 31, 2020. The information for each quarter is unaudited, and we have prepared the information on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements included in this report. This information includes all adjustments that management considers necessary for the fair presentation of such data, which include only normal recurring adjustments. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this report for descriptions of the effects of any unusual or infrequently occurring items recognized in any of the periods
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covered by the below quarterly data. The quarterly data should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report. The results of operations for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in the current period or any future period.
(In thousands, except per share data, Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
Revenue:
Operating expenses:
Change in fair value of derivative warrants 1,614 (17) (10) (2,626)
Income (loss) from equity method investments (467) (33) 377 4
Gain from sale of certain assets of subsidiary — — — 7,455
Income tax expense (60) (66) (68) (664)
Basic income (loss) per share $ (0.05) $ (0.03) $ (0.02) $ 0.20
Diluted income (loss) per share $ (0.05) $ (0.03) $ (0.02) $ 0.20
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Three Months Ended
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
Revenue:
Operating expenses:
Change in fair value of derivative warrants 405 (445) — —
Income (loss) from equity method investments 145 (502) (11) 207
Gain from sale of certain assets of subsidiary 176 — — 887
Gain from formation of equity method investment — — — 700
Income tax expense (78) (78) (79) (74)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 805 301 268 291
Basic income (loss) per share $ 0.01 $ (0.03) $ (0.01) $ (0.01)
Diluted income (loss) per share $ 0.01 $ (0.03) $ (0.01) $ (0.01)
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 56
Consolidated Balance Sheets 58
Consolidated Statements of Operations 59
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 60
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 61
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 62
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 63
Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 103
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Clean Energy Fuels Corp.:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Clean Energy Fuels Corp. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule II (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 842, Leases.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
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Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Fair value of commodity swaps
As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company used the income approach to value its derivative assets associated with its commodity swap contracts. As of December 31, 2020, the Company recorded derivative assets related to the commodity swaps of $5,648 thousand. The Company used a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of these commodity swaps, classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using unobservable inputs.
We identified the assessment of the measurement of fair value for the commodity swaps as a critical audit matter due to the significant measurement uncertainty associated with the fair value of such instruments. There was a high degree of subjective auditor judgment in assessing the significant unobservable inputs, such as commodity forward curves and differentials applied to the commodity forward curves.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s derivatives process. This included controls related to the (1) development of the significant unobservable inputs above, including monitoring of changes to the inputs, and (2) relevance and reliability of observable inputs reasonably available. We confirmed directly with the counter-parties to the commodity swap contracts and inspected the swap contracts to evaluate the existence and accuracy of inputs into the valuation model, including confirming the relevant terms of the swap contracts. We involved financial instrument valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in assessing the fair value of the commodity swaps by developing an estimate of the fair value of the commodity swaps using commodity forward curves and differentials applied to the commodity forward curves obtained from publicly available market data, and compared the result to the Company’s fair value estimates.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2001.
Irvine, California
March 9, 2021
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31, December 31,
Assets
Current assets:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 11,109 9,404
Derivative assets, related party — 1,591
Operating lease right-of-use assets 28,627 25,967
Long-term portion of restricted cash 4,000 11,000
Notes receivable and other long-term assets, net 31,622 27,299
Long-term portion of derivative assets, related party 3,270 4,057
Intangible assets, net 1,229 464
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of finance lease obligations 615 840
Current portion of operating lease obligations 3,359 2,822
Derivative liabilities, related party 164 —
Long-term portion of finance lease obligations 2,715 2,552
Long-term portion of operating lease obligations 26,206 23,698
Other long-term liabilities 9,701 3,996
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Stockholders’ equity:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,566) (209)
Total Clean Energy Fuels Corp. stockholders’ equity 533,408 513,506
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary 9,621 9,344
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 777,085 $ 715,027
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue:
Operating expenses:
Change in fair value of derivative warrants 543 (1,039) (40)
Loss from equity method investments (2,723) (119) (161)
Gain from sale of certain assets of subsidiary 4,782 7,455 1,063
Gain (loss) from formation of equity method investment (1,163) — 700
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 5,393 7,162 1,665
Net income (loss) attributable to Clean Energy Fuels Corp. per share:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share data)
Accumulated
Common stock Additional Other Noncontrolling Total
Paid-In Accumulated Comprehensive Interest in Stockholders’
Shares Amount Capital Deficit Income (Loss) Subsidiary Equity
Stock-based compensation — — 5,307 — — — 5,307
Other comprehensive loss — — — — (1,251) — (1,251)
Increase in ownership in subsidiary — — 264 — — (264) —
Stock-based compensation — — 3,880 — — — 3,880
Other comprehensive income — — — — 572 — 572
Increase in ownership in subsidiary — — 228 — — (228) —
Issuance of common stock 1,512,535 — 1,683 — — — 1,683
Stock-based compensation — — 2,957 — — — 2,957
Other comprehensive income — — — — 1,357 — 1,357
Increase in ownership in subsidiary — — (1,388) — — 1,388 —
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Provision for credit losses and inventory 1,857 2,586 2,662
Change in fair value of derivative instruments (9,788) 5,545 (2,175)
Amortization of discount and debt issuance cost (1,220) (728) (46)
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment 2,554 (2,536) (2,875)
Loss on extinguishment of debt — — 1,249
Gain from sale of certain assets of subsidiary (4,782) (7,455) (1,063)
Loss (gain) from formation of equity method investment 1,163 — (700)
Loss from equity method investments 2,723 119 161
Non-cash lease expense — 3,234 2,756
Deferred income taxes — 738 120
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities — (3,786) (3,141)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Disbursements for loans receivable — — (535)
Payments on and proceeds from sales of loans receivable 518 608 1,567
Investments in other entities — — (650)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment 530 7,772 4,673
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 54,369 (1,502) 24,170
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock — — (14,647)
Fees paid for issuance of common stock (909) — —
Fees paid for debt issuance costs (95) (123) (131)
Payments of debt extinguishment costs — — (1,023)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid $ 257 $ 36 $ 8
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 —Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Company
Clean Energy Fuels Corp., together with its majority and wholly owned subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Company,” unless the context or the use of the term indicates or requires otherwise) is engaged in the business of selling renewable and conventional natural gas as alternative fuels for vehicle fleets and related fueling solutions to its customers, primarily in the United States and Canada.
The Company’s principal business is supplying renewable natural gas (“RNG”) and conventional natural gas, in the form of compressed natural gas (“CNG”) and liquefied natural gas (“LNG”), for medium and heavy-duty vehicles and providing operation and maintenance (“O&M”) services for public and private vehicle fleet customer stations. As a comprehensive solution provider, the Company also designs, builds, operates and maintains fueling stations; sells and services compressors and other equipment used in fueling stations; offers assessment, design and modification solutions to provide operators with code-compliant service and maintenance facilities for natural gas vehicle fleets; transports and sells CNG and LNG via “virtual” natural gas pipelines and interconnects; procures and sells RNG; sells tradable credits it generates by selling RNG and conventional natural gas as a vehicle fuel, including Renewable Identification Numbers (“RIN Credits” or “RINs”) under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard Phase 2 and credits under the California and the Oregon Low Carbon Fuel Standards (collectively, “LCFS Credits”); helps its customers acquire and finance natural gas vehicles; and obtains federal, state and local credits, grants and incentives.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and these notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and may result in material effects on the Company’s operating results and financial position. Significant estimates made in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements include (but are not limited to) those related to revenue recognition, fair value measurements, goodwill and long-lived asset valuations and impairment assessments, income tax valuations and stock-based compensation expense.
Inventory
Inventory consists of raw materials and spare parts, work in process and finished goods and is stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. The Company evaluates inventory balances for excess quantities and obsolescence by analyzing estimated demand, inventory on hand, sales levels and other information and reduces inventory balances to net realizable value for excess and obsolete inventory based on this analysis.
Inventories consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 (in thousands):
Raw materials and spare parts $ 29,874 $ 28,100
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In connection with the Company’s Zero Now truck financing program, the Company entered into commodity swap contracts in October 2018 intended to manage risks related to the diesel-to-natural gas price spread in connection with the natural gas fuel supply commitments the Company expects to make in its anticipated fueling agreements with fleet operators that participate in the Zero Now program. The Company has not designated any derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes and does not enter into such instruments for speculative trading purposes. These derivative instruments are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are measured as either an asset or liability at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. See Note 7 for more information.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are recognized over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives of depreciable assets are three to twenty years for LNG liquefaction plant assets, up to ten years for station equipment and LNG trailers, and three to seven years for all other depreciable assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or related lease terms. Periodically, the Company receives grant funding to assist in the financing of fueling station construction. The Company records the grant proceeds as a reduction of the cost of the respective asset. Total grant proceeds received were approximately $0.7 million, $1.6 million, and $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively.
Leases
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842, Leases, whereby leases are classified as either operating leases or finance leases.
At the inception of a contract the Company assesses whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. The Company’s assessment is based on: (1) whether the contract involves the use of a distinct identified asset, (2) whether the Company obtains the right to substantially all the economic benefit from the use of the asset throughout the period, and (3) whether the Company has the right to direct the use of the asset. The commencement date of the contract is the date the lessor makes the underlying asset available for use by the lessee.
Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and lease liabilities represent obligations to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the net present value of fixed lease payments over the lease term. ROU assets also include any initial direct costs and advance lease payments made and exclude lease incentives. Lease liabilities also include terminal purchase options when deemed reasonably certain to exercise. The Company’s lease term includes options to extend when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option. The Company has elected not to recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a term of 12 months or less; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
As most of the Company’s operating leases do not have an implicit rate that can be readily determined, the Company uses its secured incremental borrowing rate for the same term as the underlying lease based on information available at lease commencement. For finance leases, the Company uses the rate implicit in the lease.
The lease classification affects the expense recognition on the consolidated statements of operations. Operating lease charges are recorded in “Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization,” and “Selling, general and administrative” expense. Finance lease charges are split, whereby depreciation on assets under finance leases is recorded in “Depreciation and amortization” expense and an implied interest component is recorded in “Interest expense.” The expense recognition for operating leases and finance leases is substantially consistent with legacy accounting. Rent expense totaled $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets with finite useful lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Events that could result in an impairment review include, among others, a significant decrease in the operating performance of a long-lived asset or asset group or the decision to close a fueling station. Impairment testing involves a comparison of the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows exceeds the carrying amount, then no impairment exists. If the carrying amount exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows, then a second step is performed to determine the amount of impairment, if any, to be recognized. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. The fair value of the asset or asset group is based on estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group using a discount rate commensurate with the related risk. The estimate of future cash flows requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment, including forecasting future sales and expenses and estimating useful lives of the assets. These estimates can be affected by a number of factors, including, among others, future results, demand, and economic conditions, many of which can be difficult to predict.
There were no impairments of the Company’s long-lived assets in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives of intangible assets with finite useful lives are from one to eight years for customer relationships, one to ten years for acquired contracts, two to ten years for trademarks and trade names, and three years for non-compete agreements.
The Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 were as follows (in thousands):
Customer relationships $ 5,376 $ 5,376
Trademark and trade names 2,700 2,700
Non-compete agreements 860 860
Less accumulated amortization (12,091) (12,856)
Net intangible assets $ 1,229 $ 464
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.4 million, $1.0 million, and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. Estimated amortization expense subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2020 is approximately $0.5 million in 2021.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of costs incurred over the fair value of the net assets of acquired businesses. The Company assesses its goodwill using either a qualitative or quantitative approach to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The Company is required to use judgment when applying the goodwill impairment test, including, among other considerations, the identification of reporting unit(s), the assessment of qualitative factors, and the estimation of fair value of a reporting unit in the quantitative approach. The Company determined that it is a single reporting unit for the purpose of goodwill impairment tests. The Company performs the impairment test annually on October 1, or more frequently if facts and circumstances warrant a review.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The qualitative goodwill assessment includes the potential impact on a reporting unit’s fair value of certain events and circumstances, including its enterprise value, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, and other relevant entity-specific events. If it is determined, based upon the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, then a quantitative impairment test is performed.
The quantitative assessment estimates the reporting unit’s fair value based on its enterprise value plus an assumed control premium as evidence of fair value. The estimates used to determine the fair value of the reporting unit may change based on results of operations, macroeconomic conditions, stock price fluctuations, or other factors. Changes in these estimates could materially affect our assessment of the fair value and goodwill impairment for the reporting unit.
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Company utilized the quantitative approach and concluded there were no indicators of impairment to goodwill.
The following table summarizes the activity related to the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):
Revenue Recognition
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”), using the modified retrospective method and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying ASC 606 as an adjustment to “Accumulated deficit” as of January 1, 2018, resulting in an increase in accumulated deficit of $1.3 million.
The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to its customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for the goods or services. In order to achieve that core principle, a five-step approach is applied: (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue allocated to each performance obligation when the Company satisfies the performance obligation. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account for revenue recognition.
The Company is generally the principal in its customer contracts because it has control over the goods and services prior to them being transferred to the customer, and as such, revenue is recognized on a gross basis. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.
Volume-Related
The Company’s volume-related revenue primarily consists of sales of RNG and conventional natural gas, in the form of CNG and LNG, O&M services and RINs and LCFS Credits in addition to changes in fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments associated with providing fuel to customers under contracts.
Fuel and O&M services are sold pursuant to contractual commitments over defined goods-and-service delivery periods. These contracts typically include a stand-ready obligation to supply natural gas and/or provide O&M services daily based on a committed and agreed upon routine maintenance schedule or when and if called upon by the customer.
The Company applies the ‘right to invoice’ practical expedient and recognizes fuel and O&M services revenue in the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice. The Company has a right to consideration based on the amount of
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
gasoline gallon equivalents of fuel dispensed by the customer and current pricing conditions, which are typically billed to the customer on a monthly basis. Since payment terms are less than a year, the Company has elected the practical expedient which allows it to not assess whether a customer contract has a significant financing component.
Contract modifications are not distinct from the existing contract and are typically renewals of fuel and O&M service sales. As a result, these modifications are accounted for as if they were part of the existing contract. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction price is recognized prospectively.
The Company sells RINs and LCFS Credits to third parties that need the credits to comply with federal and state requirements. Revenue is recognized on these credits when there is an agreement in place to monetize the credits at a determinable price.
The changes in fair value of derivative instruments relate to the Company’s commodity swap and customer fueling contracts. The contracts are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in the period incurred. The amounts are classified as revenue because the Company’s commodity swap contracts are used to economically offset the risk associated with the diesel-to-natural gas price spread resulting from anticipated customer fueling contracts under the Company’s Zero Now truck financing program. See Note 7 for more information about these derivative instruments. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, changes in the fair value of commodity swaps and customer contracts amounted to a gain (loss) of $10.3 million, $(6.6) million, and $2.1 million, respectively.
Station Construction Sales
Station construction contracts are generally short-term, except for certain larger and more complex stations, which can take up to 24 months to complete. For most of the Company’s station construction contracts, the customer contracts with the Company to provide a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single station. Hence, the entire contract is accounted for as one performance obligation.
The Company recognizes revenue over time as the Company performs under its station construction contracts because of the continual transfer of control of the goods to the customer, who typically controls the work in process. Revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation and is recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. Costs to fulfill the Company’s obligations under these contracts typically include labor, materials and subcontractors’ costs, other direct costs and an allocation of indirect costs.
Refinements of estimates to account for changing conditions and new developments are continuous and characteristic of the process. Many factors that can affect contract profitability may change during the performance period of the contract, including differing site conditions, the availability of skilled contract labor, the performance of major suppliers and subcontractors, and unexpected changes in material costs. Because a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of these contracts, the contract price and cost estimates are reviewed periodically as work progresses and adjustments proportionate to the cost-to-cost measure of progress are reflected in contract revenues in the reporting period when such estimates are revised as discussed above. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded in the period in which the losses become known.
Contract modifications are typically expansions in scope of an existing station construction project. As a result, these modifications are accounted for as if they were part of the existing contract. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction price and the Company’s measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase or a reduction) on a cumulative catch-up basis.
Under the typical payment terms of the Company’s station construction contracts, the customer makes either performance-based payments (“PBPs”) or progress payments. PBPs are interim payments of the contract price based on quantifiable measures of performance or the achievement of specified events or milestones. Progress payments are interim
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
payments of costs incurred as the work progresses. For some of these contracts, the Company may be entitled to receive an advance payment. The advance payment typically is not considered a significant financing component because it is used to meet working capital demands that can be higher in the early stages of a construction contract and to protect the Company if the customer fails to adequately complete some or all of its obligations under the contract. In addition, the customer retains a small portion of the contract price until completion of the contract. Such retained portion of the contract price is not considered a significant financing component because the intent is to protect the customer.
In certain contracts with its customers, the Company agrees to provide multiple goods or services, including construction of and sale of a station, O&M services, and sale of fuel to the customer. These contracts have multiple performance obligations because the promise to transfer each separate good or service is separately identifiable and is distinct. This evaluation requires significant judgment and the decision to combine a group of contracts or separate the combined or single contract into multiple performance obligations could change the amount of revenue recognized in one or more periods.
The Company allocates the contract price to each performance obligation using best estimates of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. The primary method used to estimate the standalone selling price for fuel and O&M services is observable standalone sales, and the primary method used to estimate the standalone selling price for station construction sales is the expected cost plus a margin approach because the Company sells customized customer-specific solutions. Under this approach, the Company forecasts expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then adds an appropriate margin for the good or service.
AFTC
See discussion under “Alternative Fuel Tax Credit” below for more information about AFTC, which is not recognized as revenue until the period the credit is authorized through federal legislation.
Other
The majority of other revenue is from sales of used natural gas heavy-duty trucks purchased by the Company. Revenue on these contracts is recognized at the point in time when the customer accepts delivery of the truck.
Alternative Fuel Tax Credit
Under separate pieces of U.S. federal legislation, the Company has been eligible to receive a federal alternative fuels tax credit (“AFTC”) for its natural gas vehicle fuel sales made between October 1, 2006 and December 31, 2020. The AFTC, which had previously expired on December 31, 2016, was reinstated on February 9, 2018 to apply retroactively to vehicle fuel sales made from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. On December 20, 2019, AFTC was retroactively extended beginning January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. The AFTC credit is equal to $0.50 per gasoline gallon equivalent of CNG that the Company sold as vehicle fuel, and $0.50 per diesel gallon of LNG that the Company sold as vehicle fuel in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Based on the service relationship with its customers, either the Company or its customer claims the credit. The Company records its AFTC credits, if any, as revenue in its consolidated statements of operations because the credits are fully payable to the Company and do not offset income tax liabilities. As such, the credits are not deemed income tax credits under the accounting guidance applicable to income taxes.
As a result of the legislation authorizing AFTC being signed into law on December 20, 2019, all AFTC revenue for vehicle fuel the Company sold in the 2018 and 2019 calendar years, totaling $47.1 million, was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2019. As a result of the previous legislation authorizing AFTC being signed into law on February 9, 2018, all AFTC revenue for vehicle fuel the Company sold in the 2017 calendar year, totaling $25.2 million, was recognized and collected during the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, during the year ended December 31,
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2018, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) approved, and the Company recognized as revenue, $1.5 million of AFTC credit claims related to prior years. AFTC was extended in December 2020 and is currently available for vehicle fuel sales made through December 31, 2021.
LNG Transportation Costs
The Company records the costs incurred to transport LNG to its customers in “Product cost of sales” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $0.9 million, $1.2 million and $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes compensation expense for all stock‐based payment arrangements over the requisite service period of the award. For stock options, the Company determines the grant date fair value using the Black‐Scholes option pricing model, which requires the input of certain assumptions, including the expected life of the stock‐based payment award, stock price volatility and risk‐free interest rate. For restricted stock units, the Company determines the grant date fair value based on the closing market price of its common stock on the date of grant.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the tax bases and financial carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities. The impact on deferred taxes of changes in tax rates and laws, if any, are applied to the years during which temporary differences are expected to be settled and are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when management determines it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the need for a valuation analysis, we use estimates involving a high degree of judgment including projected future US GAAP income and the amounts and estimated timing of the reversal of any deferred tax assets and liabilities.
The Company has a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefit in income tax expense.
The Company operates within multiple domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audit in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve. Although the Company believes that adequate consideration has been given to these issues, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these issues could be significantly different from originally estimated.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to Clean Energy Fuels Corp. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and common shares issuable for little or no cash consideration during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to Clean Energy Fuels Corp. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and common shares issuable