DEFA14A 1 d787670ddefa14a.htm DEFA14A DEFA14A
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

 

Definitive Proxy Statement

 

Definitive Additional Materials

 

Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12

CSI Compressco LP

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

 

No fee required.

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

 

Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

 

 


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SUPPLEMENT NO. 2, DATED MARCH 8, 2024

(to the Consent Statement/Prospectus dated February 21, 2024)

This Supplement No. 2, dated March 8, 2024 (this “Supplement”), updates and supplements the definitive consent statement/prospectus dated February 21, 2024, as supplemented by Supplement No. 1 thereto, dated March 4, 2024 (the “Consent Statement/Prospectus”) filed by CSI Compressco LP (the “Partnership”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A on February 21, 2024, and initially mailed to the Partnership’s unitholders on or about February 21, 2024.

This Supplement is being filed by the Partnership with the SEC to supplement certain information contained in the Consent Statement/Prospectus. Except as otherwise set forth below, the information set forth in the Consent Statement/Prospectus remains unchanged. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Consent Statement/Prospectus.

This Supplement should be read in conjunction with the Consent Statement/Prospectus. The information in this Supplement modifies and supersedes, in part, the information in the Consent Statement/Prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between any information in the Consent Statement/Prospectus and this Supplement, you should rely on the information in this Supplement.

This Supplement is not complete without, and may not be utilized except in connection with, the Consent Statement/Prospectus, including any supplements and amendments thereto.

You should read carefully and in their entirety this Supplement and the Consent Statement/Prospectus and all accompanying annexes and exhibits. In particular, you should review and consider carefully the matters discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 29 of the Consent Statement/Prospectus.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued under the Consent Statement/Prospectus or determined if the Consent Statement/Prospectus or this Supplement is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This supplement to the Consent Statement/Prospectus is dated March 8, 2024.


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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023

OR

 

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

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission file number 001-04321

 

 

Kodiak Gas Services, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   83-3013440

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

9950 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 1900

The Woodlands, Texas

  77380
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (936) 539-3300

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   KGS   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer      Smaller reporting company  
     Emerging growth company  

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on June 30, 2023 based on the closing price of $16.24 for shares of the Registrant’s common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $259.0 million. Shares of common stock beneficially owned by each executive officer, director, and holder of more than 10% of our common stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

The registrant had outstanding 77,434,577 shares of common stock as of March 4, 2024.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III incorporates information by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

 

 

 


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Table of Contents

 

         Page  

Commonly Used Defined Terms

     3  

Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements

     5  

Part I

       9  
  Item 1. Business      9  
  Item 1A. Risk Factors      21  
  Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments      44  
  Item 1C. Cybersecurity      44  
  Item 2. Properties      45  
  Item 3. Legal Proceedings      45  
  Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures      45  

Part II

       46  
  Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      46  
  Item 6. [ Reserved ]      47  
  Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      47  
  Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      63  
  Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      65  
  Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures      66  
  Item 9A. Controls and Procedures      66  
  Item 9B. Other Information      67  
  Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.      67  

Part III

       68  
  Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      68  
  Item 11. Executive Compensation      68  
  Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owner and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      68  
  Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      69  
  Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services      69  

Part IV

       70  
  Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      70  

Signatures

     72  

 

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Commonly Used Defined Terms

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”), unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, the terms listed below have the following meanings:

 

   

“ABL Credit Agreement” means that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2023, among Frontier Intermediate Holding, LLC, Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, the other obligors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, as amended by the First Amendment thereto, the Second Amendment thereto and the Third Amendment thereto;

 

   

“ABL Facility” means our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility provided under and governed by the ABL Credit Agreement;

 

   

“Annual Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021;

 

   

“Company,” “Kodiak,” “we,” “our,” or “us” means Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries;

 

   

“CSI Compressco” means CSI Compressco LP, a Delaware limited partnership with which the Company entered into an agreement and plan of Merger on December 19, 2023;

 

   

“EQT” or “EQT AB Group” means, as the context may require, EQT AB or EQT AB and its direct and indirect subsidiaries including, for the avoidance of doubt, investment vehicles managed and/or operated by affiliates of EQT AB and their respective portfolio companies;

 

   

“EQT AB” means EQT AB (publ), a Swedish public limited liability company registered with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Reg. No. 556849-4180) and whose ordinary shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm stock exchange;

 

   

“Holdco Term Loan” means the Term Loan after the consummation of the Term Loan Transaction as described below;

 

   

“Indenture” means Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. senior notes due 2029, pursuant to an indenture, dated February 2, 2024, by and among Kodiak Services, Kodiak, certain other subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee;

 

   

“IPO” means the initial public offering of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., completed on July 3, 2023;

 

   

“Frontier Holdings” means the limited partnership that holds the profit sharing units of common shares of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc;

 

   

“Kodiak Common Stock” means the common stock of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc.;

 

   

“Kodiak Holdings” means Frontier TopCo Partnership, L.P., an affiliate of EQT AB and holder of record of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. common stock;

 

   

“Kodiak Holdings Term Loan” means the Term Loan after the Term Loan Transaction;

 

   

“Merger Agreement” means the agreement and plan of merger, dated as of December 19, 2023, by and among Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, certain of our other indirect subsidiaries, CSI Compressco LP and CSI Compressco GP LLC;

 

   

“Merger” means each of the merger, collectively, contemplated by the Merger Agreement;

 

   

“Term Loan” means the term loan facility governed by the Term Loan Credit Agreement;

 

   

“Term Loan Credit Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2022, as amended by that certain First Amendment, dated March 31, 2023, among Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, Frontier Intermediate Holding, LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent, and the lenders party thereto;

 

   

“Term Loan Derivative Settlement” means the termination of the Company’s interest rate swaps and collars attributable to the Term Loan in connection with the Term Loan Transaction;

 

   

“Term Loan Transaction” means the assumption of all of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ remaining obligations under the Term Loan (after the application of the proceeds of the IPO) by a parent entity of Kodiak Holdings, and pursuant to which the Company’s obligations thereunder were terminated. Following the consummation of the Term Loan Transaction, the Company is no longer a borrower or guarantor under, nor otherwise obligated with respect to the debt outstanding under the Term Loan; and

 

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“Third Amendment” that certain Third Amendment to the ABL Credit Agreement, dated January 22, 2024, by and among Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (as successor borrower to Frontier Intermediate Holding, LLC), Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, the other obligors party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.

 

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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding:

 

   

Expected operating results, such as revenue growth and earnings, including upon consummation of the CSI Acquisition (as defined herein), and our ability to service our indebtedness;

 

   

Anticipated levels of capital expenditures and uses of capital;

 

   

Current or future volatility in the credit markets and future market conditions;

 

   

Potential or pending acquisition transactions, including the CSI Acquisition, or other strategic transactions, the timing thereof, the receipt of necessary approvals to close such acquisitions, our ability to finance such acquisitions, and our ability to achieve the intended operational, financial, and strategic benefits from any such transactions;

 

   

Expected synergies and efficiencies to be achieved as a result of the CSI Acquisition;

 

   

Expectations regarding the leverage and dividend profile upon consummation of the CSI Acquisition, including the amount and timing of future dividend payments;

 

   

Expectations of the effect on our financial condition of claims, litigation, environmental costs, contingent liabilities and governmental and regulatory investigations and proceedings;

 

   

Production and capacity forecasts for the natural gas and oil industry;

 

   

Strategy for customer retention, growth, fleet maintenance, market position and financial results;

 

   

Our interest rate hedges; and

 

   

Strategy for risk management.

Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

 

   

A reduction in the demand for natural gas and oil;

 

   

The loss of, or the deterioration of the financial condition of, any of our key customers;

 

   

Nonpayment and nonperformance by our customers, suppliers or vendors;

 

   

Competitive pressures that may cause us to lose market share;

 

   

The structure of our Compression Operations contracts and the failure of our customers to continue to contract for services after expiration of the primary term;

 

   

Our ability to consummate the CSI Acquisition on a timely basis or at all;

 

   

Our ability to successfully integrate any acquired businesses, including CSI Compressco, and realize the expected benefits thereof;

 

   

Difficulties and delays in meeting the conditions required for the closing of the CSI Acquisition;

 

   

Our ability to fund purchases of additional compression equipment;

 

   

A deterioration in general economic, business, geopolitical or industry conditions, including as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, inflation, and slow economic growth in the United States;

 

   

A downturn in the economic environment, as well as inflationary pressures;

 

   

Tax legislation and administrative initiatives or challenges to our tax positions;

 

   

The loss of key management, operational personnel or qualified technical personnel;

 

   

Our dependence on a limited number of suppliers;

 

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The cost of compliance with existing and new governmental regulations, including climate change legislation;

 

   

The cost of compliance with regulatory initiatives and stakeholder pressures, including environmental, social, & governance (“ESG”) scrutiny;

 

   

The inherent risks associated with our operations, such as equipment defects and malfunctions;

 

   

Our reliance on third-party components for use in our information technology (“IT”) systems;

 

   

Legal and reputational risks and expenses relating to the privacy, use and security of employee and client information;

 

   

Threats of cyber-attacks or terrorism;

 

   

Agreements that govern our debt contain features that may limit our ability to operate our business and fund future growth and also increase our exposure to risk during adverse economic conditions;

 

   

Volatility in interest rates;

 

   

Our ability to access the capital and credit markets or borrow on affordable terms to obtain additional capital that we may require;

 

   

The effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures; and

 

   

Such other factors as discussed throughout the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of this Annual Report.

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Annual Report is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

SUMMARY RISK FACTORS

Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry

 

   

A long-term reduction in the demand for, or production of, natural gas or oil could result in a decrease in Kodiak’s revenues.

 

   

Kodiak has several key customers. The loss of one or more of these customers would result in a decrease in Kodiak’s revenues and could adversely affect its financial results.

 

   

The deterioration of the financial condition of Kodiak’s customers could adversely affect Kodiak’s business.

 

   

Kodiak faces significant competition that may cause it to lose market share and adversely affect Kodiak’s financial condition.

 

   

Kodiak’s customers may choose to vertically integrate their operations by purchasing and operating their own compression fleet or using alternative technologies for enhancing oil production, which may have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business.

 

   

After the primary term of Kodiak’s contracts, such contracts are cancellable on 30 to 90 days’ notice, and Kodiak cannot be sure that such contracts will be extended or renewed and could adversely impact Kodiak’s financial results.

 

   

The majority of Kodiak’s operations are located in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, making Kodiak vulnerable to risks associated with operating in limited geographic areas, which could have an impact on its revenues.

 

   

Kodiak may be unable to effectively integrate the businesses it may acquire, such as the pending Merger, which may impact its operations and limit its growth.

 

   

Kodiak may be unable to access the capital and credit markets or borrow on affordable terms to obtain additional capital, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial conditions.

 

   

Kodiak’s fleet may require additional operating or capital expenses to maintain over time, which could adversely impact its financial results.

 

   

Impairment in the carrying value of long-lived assets could reduce Kodiak’s earnings.

 

   

A prolonged downturn in the economic environment could cause an impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets and reduce Kodiak’s earnings.

 

   

Kodiak has in the past been, and may in the future be, subject to sales tax audits in jurisdictions where Kodiak operates. As a result, Kodiak may incur material unanticipated sales tax liabilities.

 

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Kodiak’s ability to manage and grow its business effectively may be adversely affected if Kodiak loses key members of its management.

 

   

Kodiak might be unable to employ or retain qualified technical personnel, which could hamper its present operations, limits its ability to grow or increase its costs.

 

   

Any unionization efforts or labor regulation changes in certain jurisdictions in which Kodiak operates could divert management’s attention and could have a materially adverse effect on Kodiak’s operating results or limit Kodiak’s operational flexibility.

 

   

Kodiak depends on a limited number of suppliers, and is vulnerable to product shortages, long lead times and price increases, which could have a negative impact on Kodiak’s results of operations.

 

   

Nonperformance by Kodiak’s suppliers or vendors could impact its revenues, increase its expenses and otherwise have a negative impact on Kodiak’s ability to conduct its business, operating results and cash flows.

 

   

Kodiak’s operations entail inherent risks that may result in interruption of Kodiak’s operations and/or substantial liability.

Risks Related to Regulatory Matters

 

   

Kodiak’s operations are subject to stringent environmental, health and safety regulations, and changes in these regulations could increase Kodiak’s costs or liabilities.

 

   

A climate-related decrease in demand for natural gas and oil could negatively affect Kodiak’s business.

 

   

Kodiak’s business is subject to climate-related transitional risks, which could result in increased operating expenses and capital costs, financial risks and potential reduction in demand for Kodiak’s services.

 

   

Increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing could result in reductions of, or delays in, natural gas and oil production by Kodiak’s customers, which could adversely impact Kodiak’s revenue.

 

   

Increasing scrutiny and changing stakeholder expectations in respect of ESG and sustainability practices may impose additional costs or risks.

Risks Related to Intellectual Property, Information Technology and Cybersecurity

 

   

Kodiak may be sued by third parties for infringement, misappropriation, dilution or other violation of their intellectual property or proprietary rights, any of which could adversely affect Kodiak’s business and results of operations.

 

   

Kodiak’s reliance on third-party components for use in its IT systems could result in delays in service or disrupt its business.

 

   

Kodiak is subject to significant legal and reputational risks and expenses relating to the privacy, use and security of employee and customer information.

 

   

Kodiak has experienced cybersecurity incidents or IT system disruptions in the past, and cybersecurity breaches or IT system disruptions may adversely affect Kodiak’s business in the future.

 

   

Kodiak’s ability to manage its business and monitor its results is highly dependent upon information and communication systems, and a failure of these systems or its enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system could disrupt its business.

 

   

Kodiak may not realize the intended benefits of its process and technology transformation projects, which could have an adverse effect on its business.

Risks Related to Kodiak’s Relationship with EQT

 

   

EQT controls a significant percentage of Kodiak’s voting power, and it is subject to contractual restrictions that may affect Kodiak Holdings’ exercise of its rights to approve corporate actions.

 

   

EQT may have interests that conflict with the interests of Kodiak’s other stockholders and the resolution of these conflicts of interest may not be in Kodiak’s or your best interests.

 

   

EQT is not limited in its ability to compete with Kodiak, and the corporate opportunity provisions in the Kodiak Charter could enable EQT to benefit from corporate opportunities that may otherwise be available to Kodiak.

Risks Related to Kodiak’s Indebtedness

 

   

Kodiak’s substantial indebtedness could adversely affect its financial condition and impair Kodiak’s ability to operate its business.

 

   

The terms of the ABL Credit Agreement and the Indenture will restrict Kodiak’s current and future operations, particularly Kodiak’s ability to respond to changes or to take certain actions.

 

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Kodiak’s variable rate indebtedness subjects it to interest rate risk, which could cause its debt service obligations to increase significantly.

 

   

Kodiak may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of its indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy its obligations under its indebtedness.

Risks Related to Owning Kodiak Common Stock

 

   

Kodiak is a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE and, as a result, qualifies for, but does not currently rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

 

   

The Kodiak Charter and Kodiak Bylaws contain provisions that could delay, discourage or prevent a takeover attempt even if a takeover might be beneficial to Kodiak’s stockholders, and such provisions may adversely affect the market price of Kodiak Common Stock.

 

   

Kodiak cannot assure you that it will be able to pay dividends on the Kodiak Common Stock.

 

   

Taking advantage of the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to “emerging growth companies” may make Kodiak Common Stock less attractive to investors.

Risks Related to the Merger

 

   

The Merger is subject to various closing conditions, and any delay in completing the Merger may reduce or eliminate the benefits expected.

 

   

Kodiak may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the Merger or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected. Kodiak may also encounter significant difficulties in integrating the acquired business.

 

   

The future results of the combined company will suffer if the combined company does not effectively manage its expanded operations following the Merger.

 

   

Kodiak will incur substantial transaction-related costs in connection with the Merger, including fees paid to legal, financial and accounting advisors, filing fees and printing costs.

 

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Part I

Item 1. Business

Overview

We are a leading operator of contract compression infrastructure in the United States. Our wholly-owned subsidiary Kodiak Gas Services, LLC was formed in 2011, and we have been operating compression infrastructure since that time. We completed the acquisition of Pegasus Optimization Managers, LLC, a provider of compression infrastructure, in October 2019 and completed our IPO in July 2023.

Our compression operations (“Compression Operations”) and related services are critical to our customers’ ability to reliably produce and transport natural gas and oil. We are a market leader in the Permian Basin, which is the largest producing natural gas and oil basin in the U.S. We operate our large horsepower compression units under stable, fixed-revenue term contracts with upstream and midstream customers. We believe large horsepower compression units serve more stable applications, receive longer initial contracts, are more likely to be renewed, and produce higher margins, ultimately generating recurring cash flow and return on invested capital. When properly maintained, our compression assets have long useful lives, consistent with the expected production lives of the key regions where we operate. We believe our customer-centric business model positions us as the preferred contract compression operator for our customers and creates long-standing relationships. We strategically invest in the training, development, and retention of our highly skilled and dedicated employees and believe their expertise and commitment to excellence enhances and differentiates our business model. Furthermore, we maintain an intense focus on being one of the most sustainable and responsible operators of contract compression infrastructure.

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 84% of our existing compression assets were strategically deployed in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, which the United States Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) expects will maintain significant production volumes through at least 2050. We believe these two regions have the largest and lowest-cost unconventional resources in the U.S. Additionally, there are significant liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) export projects in development, and overall U.S. LNG export capacity is expected to double by 2027, according to the EIA. We expect this to translate into Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale natural gas production growth, requiring substantial additional compression horsepower. We believe these regions will play an increasingly important role in global energy security, as the world continues to require reliable and growing natural gas and oil production to support increasing global energy demand.

We are a leader in large horsepower compression, with approximately 81% of our approximately 3.3 million horsepower fleet comprised of compression units larger than 1,000 horsepower. Due to lower initial reservoir pressures, production from unconventional resources, such as the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, requires significantly more compression horsepower than from conventional production. This need for additional horsepower in those regions supports our large horsepower strategy. Additionally, increased demand for large horsepower infrastructure is driven by multi-well pad drilling, overall well density, and large-scale gathering systems.

We believe the quality of our relationships with our customers, the reliability of our Compression Operations and the structure of our contracts produce stable, recurring cash flow. We derive substantially all of our revenues from fixed-revenue contracts. Our assets and supporting operations have an industry-leading historical average mechanical availability (which measures the percentage of time in a given period that Compression Operations are being provided or are capable of being provided) of over 99.5% since inception. The combination of the reliability and critical nature of our assets, the strong capabilities of our work force, the strength of our customer relationships and contract structures, and our market leadership in the prolific Permian Basin have resulted in a four-year average fleet utilization of over 99% (which measures the revenue-generating horsepower divided by our total fleet horsepower).We are focused on being a resilient and sustainable enterprise, and we have ambitious sustainability goals. We will continue to innovate processes and technologies to assist our customers in meeting their emission reduction goals, while striving to provide a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for our employees and the communities where we operate. Finally, we operate our business with integrity and ethics and maintain a corporate governance structure that includes appropriate oversight and transparency in all aspects of our operations.

Our Operations

Our business model is focused on large horsepower contract Compression Operations, which we believe is central to our customers’ efforts to meet the expected growing natural gas and oil demand from the Permian Basin and other regions in the U.S. large horsepower Compression Operations tend to garner longer-term contracts than small horsepower Compression Operations and, as a result, we believe large horsepower Contract Operations provide us with better predictability of revenues and operations. We believe our focus on customer service in top-tier regions, and the critical nature of our assets results in long-term customer relationships and financial stability for our business.

 

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Our preventative and predictive maintenance and overhaul programs are designed to maximize mechanical availability and extend the useful lives of our assets over multiple decades. These programs allow us to contract our existing compression assets at rates that are comparable to our newest compression units. Our standardized fleet also enables streamlined and systematic training and on-site maintenance, thereby maximizing uptime for our customers. We are currently implementing advanced systems to proactively analyze and monitor the operating conditions of our equipment, with a focus on maximizing uptime for our customers. Our maintenance culture is foundational to our customer-centric business model and has allowed us to provide on average 99.5% mechanical availability to our customers.

We believe our customers will continue to outsource all or a portion of their compression infrastructure needs, allowing them to limit their capital investments in compression equipment and increase their free cash flow or deploy capital on projects directly related to their core businesses. By outsourcing compression infrastructure, customers can efficiently address their changing compression requirements over time. Additionally, our customers benefit from the technical skills of our specialized personnel, and our focus on reliability and emissions reduction helps them advance their sustainability goals.

We manage our business through two operating segments: Compression Operations and Other Services. “Compression Operations” consists of operating Company-owned and customer-owned compression infrastructure for our customers, pursuant to fixed-revenue contracts to enable the production and gathering of natural gas and oil. “Other Services” consists of a full range of contract services to support the needs of our customers, including station construction, maintenance and overhaul and other ancillary time and material-based offerings. Our Other Services offerings are often cross-sold, bolstering cash flow generation with no associated capital expenditures.

Our Assets

As of December 31, 2023, our compression asset base consists of 3,078 fleet compression units, amounting to approximately 3.3 million horsepower of owned compression, with an average of 1,059 horsepower per fleet compression unit. The average age of our fleet is 4.5 years and 72% of our compression fleet is less than five years old. Approximately 52% of our fleet is comprised of large horsepower compression units, aligning with the evolving industry demand for such units. Large compression units enable multi-well pad development, reduce downtime, improve overall unit economics and provide lower emissions per horsepower relative to small horsepower compression units. Fleet standardization and continued geographic concentration allow us to lower our cost of operations and improve margins through economies of scale.

Below is a tabular overview of our fleet by horsepower as of December 31, 2023:

 

     Fleet
Horsepower
     Number of
Units
     Percent of Total
Horsepower
    Percent of
Units
 

Large horsepower >1,000 horsepower

     2,653,737        1,596        81     52

Medium & small horsepower <1,000 horsepower

     607,924        1,482        19     48
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     3,261,661        3,078        100     100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

We have standardized our fleet and operational processes, creating an effective and seamless fleet maintenance program and spare parts inventory, and efficient and resilient supply chain. Additionally, our assets are designed to serve a wide variety of large horsepower applications, such as gathering, processing and transportation of natural gas and centralized gas lift of oil.

Our Key Areas of Operation

We strategically focus on deploying our compression assets in leading onshore U.S. regions with the longest production horizons. We believe partnering with top-tier customers in regions with multi-decade resource life will support continued strong utilization and recontracting of our assets through energy industry and broader macroeconomic cycles.

As of December 31, 2023, approximately 84% of our compression assets are deployed in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, which the EIA expects to maintain significant production volumes through at least 2050.

The Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale are connected through long-haul natural gas pipelines to the nearby U.S. Gulf Coast and are critical natural gas supply basins for the LNG export capacity expansion occurring in the region. In addition to the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, we have assets in the Powder River Basin, Mid-Continent Region, DJ Basin, Appalachian Basin, Barnett Shale / East Texas Region and Black Warrior Basin.

 

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Kodiak Customers and Contracts

We have developed long-term commercial relationships with premier upstream and midstream customers in our key areas of operations. We believe alignment with our customers’ goals is a key differentiator to our business, and we have built a reputation backed by our leading mechanical availability to earn and strengthen customer loyalty. We believe mechanical availability is a critical consideration for a customer in making its contract compression decisions. We prioritize maintaining over 99.5% mechanical availability in addition to providing uninterrupted “first-call” service for any and all downtime events across our fleet. This commitment to mechanical availability maximizes total customer operational uptime and revenue stability. We believe these factors make us the leading choice for our customers.

We have developed a systematic and selective customer evaluation methodology, based on key criteria that include customers’ credit rating, size, and geological asset quality. Approximately 38% and 39% of our compression operations revenue came from our four largest customers for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Each of these customers is a S&P 500 constituent and investment grade-rated upstream or midstream company in the Permian Basin. Our customer-centric business model provides best-in-class reliability, which we believe is critical to securing and maintaining long-term relationships with our customers.

Our contracts are designed to provide us with predictable, stable, and recurring cash flows through industry and broader macroeconomic cycles. To maximize cash flow stability, our contracts typically include:

 

   

fixed-revenue structures similar to midstream take-or-pay contracts;

 

   

annual built-in inflation adjustments;

 

   

pre-billing structure for the following month’s service fees;

 

   

primary contract terms of one to seven years in duration (with large horsepower compression units typically contracted for a primary term of three or more years); and

 

   

provisions requiring customers to pay for all mobilization and demobilization costs, which can be significant.

Additionally, we believe that due largely to our history of high mechanical availability and the multi-decade resource life in our key areas of operations, our customer contracts often are renewed multiple times.

Our Sustainability Leadership

The energy industry is in a pivotal time as the world moves toward ambitious emissions reduction targets while maintaining affordable and reliable sources of energy. We maintain an intense focus on being one of the most sustainable and responsible operators of contract compression infrastructure. Furthermore, we strive to provide a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for the communities in which we live and the customers and employees with whom we work. We seek to continuously improve our operations, relationships with our stakeholders and ultimately maintain our position as a sustainable and responsible operator of contract compression infrastructure.

Approximately 96% of our current fleet is lower-emissions capable, meaning it is capable of operating in regions with the most stringent U.S. regulatory requirements (emissions of 0.5g NOx or less). We believe it is imperative that we continue to develop and implement innovative strategies and technologies that further reduce emissions intensity and improve the operational reliability of our business. Many of our upstream and midstream customers have significantly increased their commitments to reduce emissions and rely on us to help them achieve their reduction goals. We have developed several technologies targeting additional emissions reductions including ecoView, our patented emissions monitoring and leak detection system that can be used to monitor, analyze and manage emissions (including greenhouse gas “GHG” emissions) data and operating data from our compressors, and other fugitive methane reduction solutions. We began broad scale integration of ecoView across our large horsepower compression fleet during 2023.

Electric motor driven compression is also part of our long-term strategy to reduce emissions intensity across our fleet. We have begun deploying electric motor driven compression with select customers and have additional assets that we will deploy in the near future under long-term fixed-revenue contracts. In addition, in select geographic areas where electric infrastructure exists, we assist our customers in building out their electric compression infrastructure.

Our people are vital to the success of our business. As a result, we have developed a robust safety culture that permeates all aspects of our business. Our comprehensive training program emphasizes safety, improving technical skills and professional development for employees across functional areas. This program is further bolstered through a virtual training program to better prepare our employees to safely address situations in the field. Diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) are critically important to our organization. We believe that by embracing diversity and promoting inclusion, we can unlock the full potential of our workforce and create a more resilient, innovative and successful organization. Diversity is also important at our board level, where 56% of our board of directors identify as diverse based on gender, race and/or ethnicity. We created the Kodiak Cares Foundation to support employees and charitable causes in the community. We are also committed to supporting veterans and do so through our recruiting and hiring efforts, as well as supporting several causes that assist veterans and active-duty military.

 

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Compression Industry

Compression is a mechanical process whereby natural gas is compressed to a smaller volume resulting in higher pressures. This process is critical for the production, gathering, and transportation of natural gas as well as for centralized gas lift for oil production. Without the increased pressure, gas cannot flow from the wellhead to end-markets. With the development of unconventional natural gas and oil resources, compression infrastructure becomes even more critical for the following reasons:

 

   

In unconventional resources, natural gas tends to be produced at lower pressures due to the geological nature of the resources, requiring compression infrastructure immediately upon initial production and throughout most of the life of the well.

 

   

Advancements in drilling, completion and production technologies have resulted in an increase in density of well locations and adoption of multi-well pads, allowing operators to achieve economies of scale with centralization of stations with more compression units and more horsepower per unit.

Given the essential nature of their operations, compression infrastructure providers benefit from stable cash flows and fixed-revenue contracts. Furthermore, large horsepower compression infrastructure is costly to install and move, and, therefore, operators have increasingly focused on deploying capital into their core business, favoring outsourcing contract compression. By outsourcing, operators can more efficiently address their changing compression needs over time and are able to benefit from the specialized personnel and technical skills that compression infrastructure providers offer.

We believe U.S. compression infrastructure industry growth will be supported by the following factors:

 

   

Continued, growing demand for U.S. natural gas driven by domestic natural gas and global LNG consumption.

 

   

Replacement of production from maturing and aging conventional basins with production from unconventional sources, which tend to require more compression infrastructure, to accommodate the increase in natural gas demand while offsetting declining production.

 

   

A continued emphasis by federal, state and local regulatory agencies as well as oil and gas producers on reducing the volume of natural gas that is flared during the production of crude oil, which will result in the need for additional field infrastructure to transport natural gas, which in turn will result in increased demand for compression infrastructure.

 

   

The prevalence of U.S. oil and gas producers in key unconventional basins like the Permian Basin and the Eagle Ford Shale to rely on centralized gas lift as the most effective and efficient artificial lift technology for the production of crude oil.

General Compression Operations Contract Structures

The following discussion describes the material terms generally common to our Compression Operations contracts allocated to our Compression Operations reporting unit. We maintain a general gas compression agreement with each of our customers and separate addenda for each compression unit.

Term and Termination

Our contracts typically have a primary term length between one and seven years, depending on the customer, application, location, and size of the compression unit, with large horsepower typically contracted for a primary term of three or more years. After the expiration of the primary term, our contracts continue on a month-to-month basis until renewed or until the contract is terminated by us or our customer, upon written notice. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 10.2% of our revenue-generating horsepower was on a month-to-month contract term.

Mechanical Availability Guarantee and Operations Standards and Specifications

All of our contracts provide a guarantee of specified “mechanical availability,” which we define as the percentage of time each month that our Compression Operations equipment is “mechanically available” to compress gas under the design and operating conditions set forth in the contract. Our Compression Operations equipment is typically mechanically available during instances of downtime attributable to events of force majeure or acts or failures to act by the customer (i.e., production-related downtime). Our Compression Operations equipment is typically not mechanically available during all other instances of downtime including, without limitation, our scheduled maintenance.

 

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We provide Kodiak-owned Compression Operations under contracts that typically provide that we will supply all compression equipment, tools, parts and field service support to meet our customers’ requirements. Our contracts do not specify the compression equipment we will use; instead, the contracts specify required operating conditions and, in consultation with the customer, we determine what equipment is necessary to meet our contractual commitments.

Fees, Taxes and Expenses

Our customers pay a fixed monthly fee for our Compression Operations similar to midstream “take-or-pay contracts.” The majority of our contracts include an annual inflation adjustment to the monthly fee based on a series of the producer price index. Generally, we bill for our Compression Operations on the 15th day of a month for the following month’s Compression Operations (i.e., pre-billed). Payments are generally due within 30 days of the invoice date. If Compression Operations are provided for a partial month, the monthly fee is pro-rated that month and is invoiced “due on receipt.” We are generally responsible for the costs and expenses associated with operation and maintenance of our equipment, although certain fees and expenses are the responsibility of our customers under the terms of our contracts. For example, fuel gas necessary to operate our compression equipment is provided by our customers without cost to us. Further, ad valorem or business personal property taxes assessed on our compression equipment are generally reimbursed by our customers, as well as any sales tax related to our Compression Operations. Additionally, our customers are typically responsible for any damage to our compression equipment caused by contaminants or liquid carryover in the compressed gas stream or inferior fuel gas.

We generally own the compression equipment in our fleet that we use to provide Compression Operations, and we typically bear the risk of loss or damage to our equipment and tools and injury or death to our personnel outside the exceptions set forth in the contracts. Additionally, substantially all of our contracts include provisions eliminating our liability for consequential damages (e.g., damage to formations, lost production, damage to production equipment, etc.).

The vast majority of our contracts require our customers to pay for any out-of-pocket expenses associated with the cost of the mobilization and demobilization of our compression equipment to and from their locations.

Our contracts typically provide that both we and our customers are required to carry various types of insurance coverage including, but not limited to, general liability, workers’ compensation, employers’ liability, property, automobile and excess liability insurance.

Marketing and Sales

Our marketing and customer service functions are performed on a coordinated basis by our sales and operations teams. Sales, fleet and operations personnel analyze and scope new compression applications. Additionally, our salespeople regularly visit our customers to ensure customer satisfaction, to determine a customer’s needs related to existing Compression Operations being provided and to determine the customer’s future compression requirements. This ongoing communication allows us to quickly identify and respond to our customers’ compression requirements and gives us significant insight into their activities.

Suppliers and Service Providers

We rely primarily on key vendors to manufacture, package and assemble our compression equipment. Although we rely primarily on these suppliers, we believe alternative sources for natural gas compression equipment are generally available if needed. However, relying on alternative sources may increase our costs and change the standardized nature of our fleet. We have not experienced any material supply problems to date.

Competition

The compression and related services business is competitive. On a regional basis, we experience competition from numerous smaller companies that may be able to adapt to changes more quickly within our industry and changes in economic conditions, more readily take advantage of available opportunities and adopt more aggressive pricing policies. Additionally, the historical availability of attractive financing terms from financial institutions and equipment manufacturers has made the purchase of individual compression units affordable for our customers. We believe that we compete effectively based on our customer-centric business model, flexibility in meeting customer needs, price, equipment availability, quality and reliability of our Compression Operations.

Seasonality

Our results of operations have not historically been materially affected by seasonality, and we do not currently have reason to believe that seasonal fluctuations will have a material impact in the foreseeable future.

 

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Operating Risks and Insurance

We believe that our insurance coverage is customary for the industry and adequate for our business. As is customary in the compression industry, we review our safety equipment and procedures and carry insurance against most, but not all, risks of our business. Losses and liabilities not covered by insurance would increase our costs. The compression business can be hazardous, involving unforeseen circumstances, such as uncontrollable flows of gas or well fluids, fires and explosions or environmental damage. To address the hazards inherent in our business, we maintain insurance coverage that, subject to certain deductibles, includes physical damage coverage, third party general liability insurance, employer’s liability, environmental and pollution and other coverage, although coverage for environmental and pollution related losses is subject to certain limitations. Under the terms of our standard Compression Operations contract, we are responsible for maintaining insurance coverage on our compression equipment. No accidents or incidents have occurred that have caused us to experience a material adverse effect.

Governmental Regulation

We are subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to protection of human health, safety and the environment. These regulations include compliance obligations for air emissions, water quality, wastewater discharges and solid and hazardous waste disposal, as well as regulations designed for the protection of human health and safety and protected species. Compliance with these environmental laws and regulations could expose us to significant costs and liabilities and cause us to incur significant capital expenditures in our operations. We are often obligated to assist our customers in obtaining permits or approvals for their operations from various federal, state and local authorities. These permits and approvals can be denied or delayed, which may cause us to lose potential and current customers, interrupt our operations and limit our growth and revenue. Moreover, failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, imposition of remedial obligations and other injunctive relief that could delay or prohibit our operations. Private parties may also have the right to pursue legal actions to enforce compliance, as well as to seek damages for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations or for personal injury or property damage. While we believe that our operations are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that continued compliance with current requirements would not have a material adverse effect on us, we cannot predict whether our cost of compliance will materially increase in the future. Any changes in existing environmental laws and regulations or the enforcement thereof, or passage of additional environmental laws and regulations that result in more stringent and costly requirements for pollution control equipment, waste handling, storage, transport, disposal or remediation could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial position.

See the section titled “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry-Kodiak’s operations are subject to stringent environmental, health and safety regulation, and changes in these regulations could increase Kodiak’s costs or liabilities” in this Annual Report. The following is a discussion of material environmental and safety laws that relate to our operations.

Air Emissions

The Clean Air Act (“CAA”) and comparable state laws regulate emissions of air pollutants from various industrial sources, including natural gas compressors, and impose certain monitoring and reporting requirements. Such emissions are regulated by air emissions permits, which are applied for and obtained through various state or federal regulatory agencies. Our standard natural gas Compression Operations contract provides that the customer is responsible for obtaining air emissions permits and assuming the environmental risks related to site operations. In some instances, our customers may be required to aggregate emissions from a number of different sources on the theory that the different sources should be considered a single source. Any such determinations could have the effect of making projects more costly than our customers expected and could require the installation of more costly emissions controls, which could cause some of our customers not to pursue certain projects.

 

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There can be no assurance that future requirements compelling the installation of more costly emission control equipment would not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution. See the section titled “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry-New regulations, proposed regulations and proposed modifications to existing regulations under the CAA, if implemented, could result in increased compliance costs and changes in customers’ demand and desired suppliers” of this Annual Report.

Climate Change

Climate change and GHG emissions reduction initiatives continue to attract considerable public and scientific attention. Methane, a primary component of natural gas, and carbon dioxide, a byproduct of the burning of natural gas, are examples of GHGs. In recent years, the U.S. Congress has considered legislation to restrict or regulate GHG emissions. The $1 trillion legislative infrastructure package passed by Congress in November 2021 includes a number of climate-focused spending initiatives targeted at climate resilience, enhanced response and preparation for extreme weather events and clean energy and transportation investments. In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Inflation Reduction Act”) also provides significant funding for research and development of low-carbon energy production methods, carbon capture and other programs directed at addressing climate change. A number of states have begun to address GHG emissions, primarily through the planned development of emissions inventories or regional GHG cap and trade programs. Depending on the particular program, we could be required to control GHG emissions or to purchase and surrender allowances for GHG emissions resulting from our operations. The Inflation Reduction Act also amends the CAA to include a Methane Emissions Waste Reduction Incentive Program for petroleum and natural gas systems, which requires the EPA to impose a “waste emissions charge” on certain oil and gas sources that are already required to report under the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. In order to implement the program, the Inflation Reduction Act required revisions to GHG reporting regulations for petroleum and natural gas systems (Subpart W) by 2024. In July 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) proposed to expand the scope of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program for petroleum and natural gas facilities, as required by the Inflation Reduction Act. Among other things, the proposed rule expands the emissions events that are subject to reporting requirements to include “other large release events” and applies reporting requirements to certain new sources and sectors. The rule is currently scheduled to be finalized in 2024 and would take effect on January 1, 2025 for reporting year 2025 (due March 2026) in certain circumstances, with the potential to also impact GHG reporting for reporting year 2024 (due March 2025) in certain circumstances. In January 2024, the EPA proposed a rule implementing the Inflation Reduction Act’s methane emissions charge. The proposed rule includes potential methodologies for calculating the amount by which a facility’s reported methane emissions are below or exceed the waste emissions thresholds and contemplates approaches for implementing certain exemptions created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The methane emissions charge imposed under the Methane Emissions and Waste Reduction Incentive Program for calendar year 2024 would be $900 per ton emitted over annual methane emissions thresholds, and would increase to $1,200 in 2025, and $1,500 in 2026.

Independent of Congress, the EPA has promulgated regulations controlling GHG emissions under its existing CAA authority. The EPA has adopted rules requiring many facilities, including petroleum and natural gas systems, to inventory and report their GHG emissions (as discussed above). In addition, the EPA rules provide air permitting requirements for certain large sources of GHG emissions. The requirement for certain large sources of GHG emissions to obtain and comply with permits could affect some of our and our customers’ largest new or modified facilities going forward but is not expected to cause us to incur material costs. As noted in the risk factors below (see “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry-New regulations, proposed regulations and proposed modifications to existing regulations under the CAA, if implemented, could result in increased compliance costs and changes in customers’ demand and desired suppliers”), the EPA has undertaken efforts to regulate emissions of methane (considered a GHG) in the natural gas and oil sector, with the adoption of additional, more stringent rules. In 2015, the EPA finalized a performance standard for integrated gasification combined cycle units and utility boilers based on the use of the best system of emissions reduction that the EPA has determined has been adequately demonstrated for each type of unit. The rule also sets limits for stationary natural gas combustion turbines based on the use of natural gas combined cycle technology. In May 2023, the EPA issued a notice of proposed rule making that would revise the limits for new gas-fired combustion turbines, existing coal, oil- and gas-fired steam generating units and certain existing gas-fire combustion turbines. The initial comment period ended in July 2023, but a supplemental notice of proposed rule making was issued in November 2023. The supplemental comment period ended in December 2023, and a final rule is anticipated by April 2024.

At the international level, the U.S. joined the international community at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France (“COP21”), which resulted in an agreement intended to nationally determine the participants’ contributions and set GHG emission reduction goals every five years beginning in 2020 (the “Paris Agreement”). While the Paris Agreement does not impose direct requirements on emitters, national plans to meet its pledge could result in new regulatory requirements or initiatives. In April 2021, the current administration announced a new “nationally determined contribution” for U.S. GHG emissions that would achieve emissions reductions of

 

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at least 50% relative to 2005 levels by 2030. Those national commitments by themselves create no binding requirements on individual companies or facilities, but they do provide indications of the current administration’s policy direction and the types of legislative and regulatory requirements-such as the EPA’s proposed methane rules-that may be needed to achieve those commitments. In September 2021, the U.S. and European Union jointly announced the launch of the “Global Methane Pledge,” which aims to cut global methane pollution by at least 30% by 2030 relative to 2020 levels, including “all feasible reductions” in the energy sector. Since its formal launch at the 26th Conference of the Parties (“COP26”), over 150 countries have joined the pledge. Additionally, at the 28th Conference of the Parties (“COP28”), member countries entered into an agreement that calls for actions towards achieving, at a global scale, a tripling of renewable energy capacity and doubling of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The goals of the agreement, among other things, are to accelerate efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power, phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and take other measures that drive the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. With the exception of the final EPA methane rules and related updates, which were announced by President Biden at COP28, we cannot predict whether these pledges made during these international climate change meetings will result in any particular new regulatory requirements or initiatives or whether such requirements or initiatives will cause us to incur material costs. Various state and local governments have also publicly committed to furthering the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Additionally, in March 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued a proposed rule regarding the enhancement and standardization of mandatory climate-related disclosures for investors. The proposed rule would require registrants to include certain climate-related disclosures in their registration statements and periodic reports, including, but not limited to, information about the registrant’s governance of climate-related risks and relevant risk management processes; climate-related risks that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the registrant’s business, results of operations, or financial condition and their actual and likely climate-related impacts on the registrant’s business strategy, model, and outlook; climate-related targets, goals and transition plan (if any); certain climate-related financial statement metrics in a note to their audited financial statements; Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions; and Scope 3 GHG emissions and intensity, if material, or if the registrant has set a GHG emissions reduction target, goal or plan that includes Scope 3 GHG emissions. According to the most recent SEC rule making agenda, the SEC is targeting April 2024 for the finalization of these rules. Although the proposed rule’s ultimate date of effectiveness and the final form and substance of these requirements is not yet known and the ultimate scope and impact on our business is uncertain, compliance with the proposed rule, if finalized, may result in increased legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming and costly, and place strain on our personnel, systems and resources.

Although it is not currently possible to predict with specificity how any proposed or future GHG legislation, regulation, agreements or initiatives will impact our business, any legislation or regulation of GHG emissions that may be imposed in areas in which we conduct business or on the assets we operate could result in increased compliance or operating costs, additional operating restrictions or reduced demand for our services, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry-Kodiak’s business is subject to climate-related transitional risks, including evolving climate change legislation, regulatory initiatives and stakeholder pressures which could result in increased operating expenses and capital costs, financial risks and potential reduction in demand for Kodiak’s services.” Notwithstanding potential risks related to climate change, the International Energy Agency estimates that natural gas and oil will continue to represent a significant share of global energy use through 2040 under some, though not all, future scenarios. However, recent activism directed at shifting funding and/or demand away from companies with fossil fuel-related assets could result in limitations or restrictions on certain sources of funding for the energy sector. See “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry-A climate-related decrease in demand for natural gas and oil could negatively affect Kodiak’s business.”

Water Discharge

The Clean Water Act (“CWA”) and analogous state laws impose restrictions and strict controls with respect to the discharge of pollutants, including spills and leaks of oil and other substances, into waters of the United States (“WOTUS”). The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit the discharge of dredge and fill material into regulated waters, including jurisdictional wetlands, unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. The CWA also requires the development and implementation of spill prevention, control and countermeasures, including the construction and maintenance of containment berms and similar structures, if required, to help prevent the contamination of navigable waters in the event of a petroleum hydrocarbon tank spill, rupture or leak at such facilities. Additionally, the CWA and analogous state laws require individual permits or coverage under general permits for discharges of storm water runoff from certain types of facilities. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties, as well as other enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance with discharge permits or other requirements of the CWA and analogous state laws and regulations.

 

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The definition of WOTUS and, relatedly, the scope of federal CWA jurisdiction, have been the subject of notable rule making efforts and judicial challenges over several decades, culminating in a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision issued in May 2023. In 2015, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) issued a rule defining the scope of the EPA’s and the Corps’ jurisdiction over WOTUS under the CWA, which never took effect before being replaced by the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (“NWPR”) in 2020. A coalition of states and cities, environmental groups and agricultural groups challenged the NWPR, which was vacated by a federal district court in August 2021. The EPA and the Corps issued a final rule in January 2023 that based the definition of WOTUS on the pre-2015 definition. Separately, in May 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA narrowed federal jurisdiction over wetlands to “traditional navigable waters” and wetlands or other waters that have a “continuous surface connection” with or are otherwise indistinguishable from traditional navigable water. In September 2023, EPA and the Corps published a direct-to-final rule that conforms the regulatory definition of WOTUS to the Supreme Court’s May 2023 decision in Sackett. However, litigation opposing the September 2023 final rule remains ongoing and substantial uncertainty exists with respect to future implementation of the September 2023 rule and the scope of CWA jurisdiction more generally. In addition, in an April 2020 decision defining the scope of the CWA that was issued days after the NWPR was published, the U.S. Supreme Court held that, in certain cases, discharges from a point source to a WOTUS through groundwater require a permit if the discharge is the “functional equivalent” of a direct discharge. The Court rejected the EPA and the Corps’ assertion that groundwater should be totally excluded from the CWA. In November 2023, the EPA issued draft guidance describing the functional equivalent analysis and the information that should be used to determine which discharges through groundwater may require a permit. If finalized, the guidance could subject previously unregulated discharges to CWA permit requirements. As a result, future implementation is uncertain at this time. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with discharge permits or other requirements of the CWA and analogous state laws and regulations. Spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan requirements imposed under the CWA require appropriate containment berms and similar structures to help prevent the contamination of navigable waters in the event of a hydrocarbon tank spill, rupture or leak. The CWA and analogous state laws also require individual permits or coverage under general permits for discharges of storm water runoff from certain types of facilities. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended (the “OPA”), amends the CWA and establishes strict liability and natural resource damages liability for unauthorized discharges of oil into waters of the United States. The OPA requires owners or operators of certain onshore facilities to prepare facility response plans for a discharge of oil into waters of the United States.

Our Compression Operations do not currently generate process waste waters that are discharged into waters of the United States and we do not foresee this occurring in the future. In any event, our customers assume responsibility under the majority of our standard gas compression agreements for obtaining any permits that may be required under the CWA, whether for discharges or developing property by filling wetlands. Considerable legal uncertainty exists surrounding the standard for what constitutes jurisdictional waters and wetlands subject to the protections and requirements of the CWA.

Safe Drinking Water Act

A significant portion of our customers’ hydrocarbon production is developed from unconventional sources that require hydraulic fracturing as part of the completion process. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into the rock formation to stimulate hydrocarbon production. The U.S. Congress has from time to time considered legislation to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) to exempt hydraulic fracturing from the definition of “underground injection” and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing and disclosure of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process. Scrutiny of hydraulic fracturing activities continues in other ways. In December 2016, the EPA issued a report on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The final report concluded that “water cycle” activities associated with hydraulic fracturing may impact drinking water resources “under some circumstances,” noting that the following hydraulic fracturing water cycle activities and local-or regional-scale factors are more likely than others to result in more frequent or more severe impacts: water withdrawals for fracturing in times or areas of low water availability; surface spills during the management of fracturing fluids, chemicals or produced water; injection of fracturing fluids into wells with inadequate mechanical integrity; injection of fracturing fluids directly into groundwater resources; discharge of inadequately treated fracturing wastewater to surface waters; and disposal or storage of fracturing wastewater in unlined pits. To date, the EPA has taken no further action in response to the December 2016 report. Under the CWA, the EPA also prohibits the discharge of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing and certain other natural gas operations to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants.

State and federal regulatory agencies have also recently focused on a possible connection between the operation of injection wells used for natural gas and oil waste disposal and seismic activity. Increased regulation and attention given to induced seismicity could lead to greater opposition to, and litigation concerning, natural gas and oil activities utilizing hydraulic fracturing or injection wells for waste disposal, which could indirectly impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry-Increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing could result in reductions of, or delays in, natural gas and oil production by our customers, which could adversely impact our revenue.”

 

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We cannot predict the future of any such legislation and what additional, if any, provisions would be included. If additional levels of regulation, restrictions and permits were required through the adoption of new laws and regulations at the federal or state level or the development of new interpretations of those requirements by the agencies that issue the required permits could lead to operational delays, increased operating costs and process prohibitions that could reduce demand for our Compression Operations, which would materially adversely affect our revenue and results of operations.

Solid Waste

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) and comparable state laws control the management and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. These laws and regulations govern the generation, storage, treatment, transfer and disposal of wastes that we generate including, but not limited to, used oil, antifreeze, filters, sludges, paint, solvents and sandblast materials. The EPA and various state agencies have limited the approved methods of disposal for these types of wastes. Drilling fluids, produced waters and most of the other wastes associated with the exploration, development and production of natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil, if properly handled, are currently exempt from regulation as hazardous waste under RCRA and, instead, are regulated under RCRA’s less stringent non-hazardous waste provisions, state laws or other federal laws. However, it is possible that certain natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil drilling and production wastes now classified as non-hazardous could be classified as hazardous wastes in the future. Any such change could result in an increase in the costs to manage and dispose of wastes, which could increase the costs of our customers’ operations.

Site Remediation

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and comparable state laws impose strict, joint and several liability without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct on certain classes of persons that are considered to have contributed to the release of a hazardous substance into the environment. These persons include the owner and operator of a disposal site where a hazardous substance release occurred and any company that transported, disposed of or arranged for the transport or disposal of hazardous substances released at the site. Under CERCLA, such persons may be liable for the costs of remediating the hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural resources and for the costs of certain health studies. Additionally, where contamination may be present, it is not uncommon for the neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury, property damage and recovery of response costs. Although we generate materials in the course of our operations that may be regulated as hazardous substances, we have not received notification that we may be potentially responsible for cleanup costs under CERCLA at any site.

While we do not currently own or lease any facilities or properties for storage or maintenance of our inactive compression operations equipment, we may use third-party properties for such storage and possible maintenance and repair activities. Additionally, our active compression operations equipment typically is installed on properties owned or leased by third-party customers and operated by us pursuant to terms set forth in the contracts executed by those customers. Under most of our contracts, our customers must contractually indemnify us for certain damages we might incur as a result of the release into the environment of hazardous and toxic substances. We are not currently responsible for any remedial activities at any properties we use; however, there is always the possibility that our future use of those properties may result in spills or releases of petroleum hydrocarbons, wastes or other regulated substances into the environment that may cause us to become subject to remediation costs and liabilities under CERCLA, RCRA or other environmental laws. We cannot provide any assurance that the costs and liabilities associated with the future imposition of such remedial obligations upon us would not have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial position.

Endangered Species Act and Migratory Birds

The Endangered Specifies Act (“ESA”) was established to protect endangered and threatened species. Pursuant to the ESA, if a species is listed as threatened or endangered, restrictions may be imposed on activities adversely affecting that species or its habitat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may designate critical habitat and suitable habitat areas it believes are necessary for survival of a threatened or endangered species. While some of our facilities are in areas that may be designated as a habitat for endangered species, we believe that we are in substantial compliance with the ESA. Similar protections are offered to migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (“MBTA”) and to bald and golden eagles under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (“BGEPA”). The presence of any protected species or the final designation of previously unprotected species as threatened or endangered in areas where we operate could result in increased costs from species protection measures or could result in limitations, delays, or prohibitions on our customers’ exploration and production activities.

 

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Safety and Health

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) and comparable state laws and regulations govern the protection of the health and safety of employees. The OSHA hazard communication standard, the EPA community right-to-know regulations under Title III of CERCLA and similar state statutes and regulations require that we organize and, as necessary, disclose information about hazardous materials used or produced in our operations to various federal, state and local agencies, as well as employees. Other OSHA standards regulate specific worker safety aspects of our operations.

Human Capital

Employees

As of December 31, 2023, we had 781 full-time employees. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

We consider our employees to be our greatest asset and believe that our success depends on our ability to attract, develop and retain our employees. DEI are foundational to our leadership approach, and our focus is on how our actions and the actions of our employees foster DEI in our everyday activities at Kodiak. We support diversity in hiring, and 30% of our executive leadership team is gender diverse and 44% of our total workforce is gender, racially and/or ethnically diverse as of the date hereof.

We support pay equity for all legally protected individuals (i.e., gender, ethnicity, race) and believe we offer competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits packages that include annual bonuses, stock awards, a 401(k) plan with employer contribution, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings account with employer contribution, dependent care flexible spending account, paid time off, family leave, an employee assistance program and tuition assistance, among many other benefits.

Safety, Health and Wellness

The success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people, and so we are committed to the safety, health and wellness of our employees. Safety is a core value of our Company. We actively promote the highest standards of safety, behavior and environmental awareness and strive to meet or exceed all applicable local and national regulations.

Talent Development

We invest significant resources to develop the talent needed to provide our industry-leading Compression Operations. We work closely with suppliers to develop training programs for our field service technicians. Our field service technicians are supported by a dedicated training team. Additionally, we offer a number of non-technical, targeted skills-based and career-enhancing training programs, including technical orientation for non-technical employees, supervisor coaching, performance management and conflict resolution. Our talent development programs provide employees with the resources they need to help achieve their career goals, build management skills and lead their organizations.

Emerging Growth Company

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). For as long as we are an emerging growth company, unlike public companies that are not emerging growth companies under the JOBS Act, we will not be required to:

 

   

provide an auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”);

 

   

comply with any new requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and the financial statements of the issuer;

 

   

provide certain disclosures regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies or hold stockholder advisory votes on executive compensation required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; or

 

   

obtain stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for adopting new or revised financial accounting standards. We intend to take advantage of all of the reduced reporting requirements and exemptions, including the longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under Section 107 of the JOBS Act, until we are no longer an emerging growth company. Our election to use the

 

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phase-in periods permitted by this election may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the longer phase-in periods under Section 107 of the JOBS Act and who will comply with new or revised financial accounting standards. See “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Owning Kodiak Common Stock-Taking advantage of the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to ‘emerging growth companies’ may make our common stock less attractive to investors.” If we were to subsequently elect instead to comply with these public company effective dates, such election would be irrevocable pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act.

We will cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest of:

 

   

the last day of the fiscal year in which we have $1.235 billion or more in annual revenues;

 

   

the date on which we become a “large accelerated filer” (the fiscal year-end on which the total market value of our common equity securities held by non-affiliates is $700 million or more as of June 30);

 

   

the date on which we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt securities over a three-year period; or

 

   

the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of our initial public offering.

Recent Developments

Dividend

On February 23, 2024, Kodiak paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share to all holders of Kodiak Common Stock as of the close of business on February 16, 2024, resulting in an aggregate payment of approximately $30 million.

Pending Merger with CSI Compressco

On December 19, 2023, Kodiak entered into the Merger Agreement with CSI Compressco and CSI Compressco GP LLC, the sole general partner of CSI Compressco, pursuant to which Kodiak agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding partnership interests of CSI Compressco in an all-equity transaction.

In connection with closing of the Merger, Kodiak intends to (i) repay all amounts outstanding under CSI Compressco’s existing (a) Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018, as amended, (b) Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2021, as amended, and to terminate such agreements and any security interests and guarantees in connection therewith and (ii) call for redemption, contingent upon consummation of the Merger, CSI Compressco’s existing (a) 7.50% First Lien Notes due 2025 and (b) 10.00%/10.75% Second Lien Notes due 2026 and to terminate any security interests and guarantees in connection therewith.

We expect to close the Merger in the second quarter of 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, although we cannot assure you that we will complete the Merger on the terms contemplated or at all. See the section titled “Risk Factors-Risks Related to the Merger” of this Annual Report.

Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

On January 22, 2024, Kodiak entered into the Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which amends the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2023.The Third Amendment, among other things, amended certain provisions of the Existing ABL Credit Agreement (i) to accommodate the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 19, 2023, by and among the Borrowers, Kick Stock Merger Sub, LLC, Kick GP Merger Sub, LLC, Kick LP Merger Sub, LLC, CSI Compressco LP and CSI Compressco GP LLC (the “Merger Agreement”) and (ii) to account for the Company’s organizational structure after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

In addition, the Third Amendment amended the Existing ABL Credit Agreement to (i) increase the maximum secured leverage ratio (calculated based on the ratio of Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA, each as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), which will begin to be tested after we issue any unsecured indebtedness, to (x) 3.75 to 1.00 for the first four fiscal quarters after we issue any unsecured indebtedness and (y) 3.25 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter thereafter, (ii) modify the triggers for commencing a “cash dominion” period (i.e., a period when the Administrative Agent applies proceeds in our deposit accounts to reduce borrowings under the ABL Facility) such that a “cash dominion” period will commence when availability under the ABL Facility is less than $125 million for five consecutive business days or if certain types of events of default occur (although this change will effectively be unwound if the Merger provided for in the Merger Agreement does not occur on or prior to the Reversion Date (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement)), (iii) include customary provisions relating to the designation of “unrestricted subsidiaries” (i.e., subsidiaries that are not required to become loan parties or be bound by the covenants contained in the ABL Credit Agreement), (iv) provide that only material domestic restricted subsidiaries are required to become guarantors and collateral grantors under the ABL Facility and (v) permit the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and liens and to make additional investments, dividends, distributions, redemptions and dispositions.

 

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2029 Notes Indenture

On February 2, 2024, Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Issuer”), issued $750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Kodiak Services’ 7.250% senior notes due 2029 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an indenture, dated February 2, 2024 (the “Indenture”), by and among the Issuer, Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Parent”), certain other subsidiary guarantors party thereto (collectively with the Parent, the “Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the ABL Facility and to pay related fees, costs, premiums and expenses in connection therewith and with the closing of the Company’s previously announced acquisition of CSI Compressco LP (the “CSI Acquisition”). In connection with closing of the CSI Acquisition, the Company intends, using proceeds from additional draws on the ABL Facility, to repay, terminate and/or redeem all of CSI’s existing long-term indebtedness.

Available Information

We file Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, other reports and amendments to those reports with the SEC. Our website address is http://www.kodiakgas.com. We make available, free of charge at the “Investor Relations” section of our website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information contained on our website does not constitute part of this Annual Report. We will provide electronic or paper copies of our filings free of charge upon request.

The SEC maintains a website that contains these reports at http://www.sec.gov.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. As described in Part I “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” this Annual Report contains forward-looking statements regarding us, our business, and our industry. The risk factors described below, among others, could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements. The occurrence of one or more of the events or circumstances described in the section titled “Risk Factors,” alone or in combination with other events or circumstances, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In that event, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Such risks include, but are not limited to:

Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry

A long-term reduction in the demand for, or production of, natural gas or oil could adversely affect the demand for Kodiak’s Compression Operations or the prices Kodiak charges for Kodiak’s Compression Operations, which could result in a decrease in Kodiak’s revenues.

The demand for Kodiak’s Compression Operations depends upon the continued demand for, and production of, natural gas and oil. The natural gas and oil industry is historically cyclical with levels of activity that are significantly affected by the levels and volatility of natural gas and oil prices. Kodiak may experience fluctuations in operating results as a result of the reactions of Kodiak’s customers to changes in natural gas and oil prices. Demand may be affected by, among other factors, natural gas prices, oil prices, weather, availability of alternative energy sources, governmental regulation and the overall demand for energy. Any prolonged, substantial, material reduction in the demand for natural gas or oil would likely depress the level of production activity and result in a decline in the demand for Kodiak’s Compression Operations, which could result in a reduction in Kodiak’s revenues.

Kodiak has several key customers. The loss of one or more of these customers would result in a decrease in Kodiak’s revenues and could adversely affect its financial results and may have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s financial condition.

Kodiak provides Compression Operations under contracts with several key customers. The loss of one or more of these key customers may have an adverse effect on its financial results. Kodiak’s two largest customers accounted for approximately 22% and 22% of Kodiak’s total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Kodiak’s largest customer accounted for approximately 12% and 12% of its revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additionally, Kodiak’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 58% of its revenue for each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The loss of all or even a portion of the Compression Operations Kodiak provides to its key customers, as a result of competition or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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The deterioration of the financial condition of Kodiak’s customers could adversely affect Kodiak’s business.

During times when the natural gas or oil markets weaken, Kodiak’s customers are more likely to experience financial difficulties, including being unable to access debt or equity financing, which could result in a reduction in Kodiak’s customers’ spending for Kodiak’s services. For example, Kodiak’s customers could seek to preserve capital by using lower cost providers, not renewing month-to-month contracts or opting not to enter into any new Compression Operations contracts. A significant decline in commodity prices may cause certain of Kodiak’s customers to reconsider their near-term capital budgets, which may impact large-scale natural gas infrastructure and oil production activities. Reduced demand for Kodiak’s services could adversely affect its business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, in the event of the financial failure of a customer, Kodiak could experience a loss of all or a portion of its outstanding accounts receivable associated with that customer. For example, an affiliate of one of Kodiak’s customers in the Powder River Basin has been undergoing a bankruptcy proceeding since 2019. Such customer has from time to time been late in remitting payment for Kodiak’s Compression Operations, which Kodiak has continued to deliver, and Kodiak is pursuing prompt payment of the amount owed. Kodiak does not believe the amount owed presents any material concentration risk. If payment is not timely remitted, Kodiak expects to suspend services to such customer, as well as potentially taking other actions directly against related parties and guarantors. As of December 31, 2023, Kodiak recorded bad debt expense of $7.1 million related to the collectability of outstanding receivables from that customer.

Kodiak faces significant competition that may cause it to lose market share and have a material adverse effect on its financial condition.

The compression business is competitive. Kodiak’s ability to renew or replace existing contracts with its customers at rates sufficient to maintain current revenue and cash flows could be adversely affected by the activities of Kodiak’s competitors and Kodiak’s customers. If Kodiak’s competitors substantially increase the resources they devote to the development and marketing of competitive services or substantially decrease the prices at which they offer their services, Kodiak may be unable to compete effectively. Kodiak’s competitors may be able to adapt more quickly to technological changes within its industry and changes in economic and market conditions and more readily take advantage of acquisitions and other opportunities. In addition, Kodiak could face significant competition from new entrants into its industry. Some of these competitors may expand or construct newer, more powerful or more flexible compression fleets, which would create additional competition for Kodiak. All of these competitive pressures could have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Kodiak’s customers may choose to vertically integrate their operations by purchasing and operating their own compression fleet, increasing the number of compression units they currently own, or using alternative technologies for enhancing oil production, which may have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business.

Kodiak’s customers that are significant producers, processors, gatherers and transporters of natural gas and oil may choose to vertically integrate their operations by purchasing and operating their own compression fleets in lieu of using Kodiak’s Compression Operations. The historical availability of attractive financing terms from financial institutions and equipment manufacturers facilitates this possibility by making the purchase of individual compression units increasingly affordable to Kodiak’s customers. In addition, there are many technologies available for the artificial enhancement of oil production, and Kodiak’s customers may elect to use these alternative technologies instead of the gas lift compression Kodiak provides. Such vertical integration or use of alternative technologies could result in decreased demand for Kodiak’s Compression Operations, which may have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, results of operations and financial condition, and reduce its cash available for distribution.

After the primary term of Kodiak’s contracts, such contracts are cancellable on 30 to 90 days’ notice, and Kodiak cannot be sure that such contracts will be extended or renewed after the end of the initial contractual term. Any such non-renewals, or renewals at reduced rates or the loss of contracts with any significant customer, could adversely impact Kodiak’s financial results.

The length of Kodiak’s Compression Operations contracts with customers varies based on operating conditions and customer needs. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 10.2% of Kodiak’s revenue-generating horsepower is on a month-to-month basis to customers who continue to utilize Kodiak’s services following expiration of the primary term of their contracts. These customers can generally terminate their month-to-month Compression Operations contracts on 30 to 90 days’ notice. Kodiak cannot be sure that a substantial number of these contracts will be extended or renewed by Kodiak’s customers or that any of Kodiak’s customers will continue to contract with Kodiak. The inability to negotiate extensions or renew a substantial portion of Kodiak’s Compression Operations contracts, the renewal of such contracts at reduced rates, the inability to contract for additional services with Kodiak’s customers, or the loss of all or a significant portion of Kodiak’s services contracts with any significant customer, could lead to a reduction in revenue and net income and could require Kodiak to record additional asset impairments. This could have a material adverse effect upon Kodiak’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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The majority of Kodiak’s operations are located in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, making Kodiak vulnerable to risks associated with operating in limited geographic areas, which could have an impact on its revenues.

Kodiak’s operations are geographically concentrated in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale. As a result, Kodiak may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of regional supply and demand factors in the Permian Basin or Eagle Ford Shale caused by changed governmental regulations, curtailment of production or interruption of the processing or transportation of natural gas and oil produced from the wells in these geographic areas. In addition, the effect of fluctuations on supply and demand may become more pronounced within specific geographic natural gas and oil producing areas such as the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, which may cause these conditions to occur with greater frequency or magnify the effects of these conditions. Due to the concentrated nature of Kodiak’s operations, Kodiak could experience any of these same conditions at the same time, resulting in a relatively greater impact on its revenues than these conditions might have on other companies that have more geographically diverse operations.

Kodiak may be unable to effectively integrate the businesses it may acquire, such as the pending Merger, which may impact its operations and limit its growth.

From time to time, Kodiak may choose to make additional business acquisitions, such as the pending Merger, pursue market opportunities, increase Kodiak’s existing capabilities and expand into new geographic areas of operations. Kodiak may not be successful in integrating any future acquisitions into Kodiak’s existing operations, which may result in unforeseen operational difficulties or diminished financial performance or require a disproportionate amount of Kodiak management’s attention. Even if Kodiak is successful in integrating future acquisitions into its existing operations, Kodiak may not derive the benefits, such as operational or administrative synergies, that Kodiak expected from such acquisitions, which may result in the commitment of Kodiak’s capital resources without the expected returns on such capital. Kodiak’s inability to integrate acquisitions successfully into its existing operations may adversely impact its operations and limit its growth.

Kodiak may be unable to access the capital and credit markets or borrow on affordable terms to obtain additional capital that Kodiak may require, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial conditions.

Kodiak has financed its operating expenses and capital expenditures with a combination of cash provided by operating and financing activities. However, to the extent Kodiak is unable to finance its operating expenses, capital expenditures, scheduled interest and debt repayments and any future dividends with net cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement or future financing arrangements, Kodiak may require additional capital. Periods of instability in the capital and credit markets (both generally and in the natural gas and oil industry in particular) could limit Kodiak’s ability to access these markets to raise debt or equity capital on affordable terms or to obtain additional financing. Among other things, Kodiak’s lenders may seek to increase interest rates, enact tighter lending standards, refuse to refinance existing debt at maturity at favorable terms or at all, and may reduce or cease to provide funding to Kodiak. If Kodiak is unable to access the capital and credit markets on favorable terms, or if Kodiak is not successful in raising capital within the time period required or at all, Kodiak may not be able to grow or maintain its business, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, Kodiak may be unable to refinance borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement.

Kodiak’s fleet may require additional operating or capital expenses to maintain over time, which could adversely impact its financial results.

Kodiak’s fleet may require additional operating expenses or capital expenditures to maintain over time, which could adversely impact its financial results. Such costs may include direct costs, such as labor, parts, materials and any other services that are unique in nature to each individual compression unit. The cost of additions or improvements to Kodiak’s fleet could adversely impact its financial results.

Impairment in the carrying value of long-lived assets could reduce Kodiak’s earnings.

Kodiak has a significant number of long-lived assets on its consolidated balance sheet. Under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), Kodiak is required to review its long-lived assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or such assets will no longer be utilized in the operating fleet. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If business conditions or other factors cause the expected undiscounted cash flows to decline, Kodiak may be required to record non-cash

 

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impairment charges. Events and conditions that could result in impairment in the value of Kodiak’s long-lived assets include changes in the industry in which it operates, long-term extended reduction in demand for natural gas and oil, competition, advances in technology, adverse changes in the regulatory environment or other factors leading to a reduction in Kodiak’s expected long-term profitability.

A prolonged downturn in the economic environment could cause an impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets and reduce Kodiak’s earnings.

As of December 31, 2023, Kodiak had approximately $305.6 million of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets of approximately $122.9 million. Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price of a business exceeds the fair market value of the tangible and separately measurable intangible net assets. GAAP requires Kodiak to test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or when events or circumstances occur indicating that goodwill might be impaired. Any event that causes a reduction in demand for Kodiak’s services could result in a reduction of its estimates of future cash flows and growth rates in its business. These events could cause Kodiak to record impairments of goodwill or other intangible assets.

Kodiak has in the past been, and may in the future be, subject to sales tax audits in jurisdictions where Kodiak operates. As a result, Kodiak may incur material unanticipated sales tax liabilities.

Taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which Kodiak operates have in the past, and may in the future, audit Kodiak or otherwise challenge the amount of sales tax Kodiak has collected or paid. As a result, Kodiak may incur material unanticipated sales tax liabilities. Beginning in October 2019 through April 2023, Kodiak received notices of audits from the State of Texas Comptroller’s office for the periods covering December 2015 through December 2022 (the “Sales Tax Audit”). Based on the information currently available, Kodiak has accrued as of December 31, 2023, a contingent liability of $28.8 million for the periods set forth in the notices of audit. This accrual may not be sufficient to cover the expenses and liabilities related to a future audit for such period.

If Kodiak is unable to make all payments required by any taxing authority as a result of an audit, settlement or otherwise, Kodiak could face additional interest or penalties, or other punitive actions, up to and including seizure of its assets or forfeiture of its sales tax permit. Payments and penalties related to sales taxes could have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Kodiak qualifies as a Heavy Equipment Dealer for ad valorem tax purposes under revised Texas statutes. If in the future Kodiak does not qualify as a Heavy Equipment Dealer or Kodiak’s compression units do not qualify as Heavy Equipment because of new or revised Texas statutes or different interpretations by Texas governmental authorities, Kodiak may incur additional taxes, which would adversely impact its results of operations and financial condition.

In 2011, the Texas Legislature enacted changes related to the appraisal of natural gas compression units for ad valorem tax purposes by expanding the definitions of “Heavy Equipment Dealer” and “Heavy Equipment” effective from the beginning of 2012. If legislation is enacted in Texas that repeals or alters the Heavy Equipment statutes or a Texas governmental authority takes a different position such that Kodiak does not qualify as a Heavy Equipment Dealer or Kodiak’s compression units do not qualify as Heavy Equipment, then Kodiak would likely be required to pay additional ad valorem taxes with respect to prior and future periods, which would increase its quarterly cost of sales expense unless passed on to its customers, thereby impacting its future results of operations and financial condition. Kodiak may not be able to pass this cost along to its customers.

Kodiak’s ability to manage and grow its business effectively may be adversely affected if Kodiak loses key members of its management.

Kodiak depends on the continuing efforts of its executive officers, and the departure of any of Kodiak’s executive officers could have a significant negative effect on its business, operating results, financial condition and Kodiak’s ability to compete effectively in the marketplace.

Kodiak might be unable to employ or retain qualified technical personnel, which could hamper its present operations, limit its ability to grow or increase its costs.

Many of the compression units that Kodiak operates are mechanically complex and often must perform in harsh conditions. Kodiak believes that its success depends upon its ability to employ and retain a sufficient number of technical personnel who have the ability to utilize, enhance and maintain these compression units. Kodiak’s ability to maintain and expand its operations depends in part on its ability to utilize, replace, supplement and increase its skilled labor force. The demand for skilled workers is high, and supply is limited, especially in the Permian Basin. A significant increase in the wages paid by competing employers could result in a reduction of Kodiak’s skilled labor force or cause an increase in the wage rates that Kodiak must pay or both. If either of these events were to occur, Kodiak’s cost structure could increase, and its operations and growth potential could be impaired. Employee turnover may also lead to lost productivity and decrease employee engagement, which could adversely impact Kodiak’s business.

 

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Additionally, Kodiak’s ability to hire, train and retain qualified personnel could become more challenging as Kodiak grows and to the extent energy industry market conditions are competitive. When general industry conditions are favorable, the competition for experienced operational and field technicians increases as other energy and manufacturing companies’ needs for the same personnel increases. Kodiak’s ability to grow or even to continue its current level of service to its current customers could be adversely impacted if Kodiak is unable to successfully hire, train and retain these important personnel. In addition, effective succession planning for Kodiak’s employees and expansion planning is important to Kodiak’s long-term success. Failure to achieve these plans could hinder Kodiak’s strategic planning and execution and have a material adverse impact on Kodiak’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Any unionization efforts or labor regulation changes in certain jurisdictions in which Kodiak operates could divert management’s attention and could have a materially adverse effect on Kodiak’s operating results or limit Kodiak’s operational flexibility.

Kodiak considers its relationship with its employees to be satisfactory, and none of Kodiak’s employees are represented by a union in collective bargaining with Kodiak. However, efforts could be made by employees and third parties from time to time to unionize portions of Kodiak’s workforce. In addition, Kodiak may be subject to strikes or work stoppages and other labor disruptions in the future. Any unionization efforts, collective bargaining agreements or work stoppages could have a materially adverse effect on Kodiak’s operating results or limit its operational flexibility.

Kodiak depends on a limited number of suppliers, and, particularly as a result of supply chain and logistics disruptions resulting from geopolitical disruptions and the resulting inflationary environment, Kodiak is vulnerable to product shortages, long lead times and price increases, which could have a negative impact on Kodiak’s results of operations.

The substantial majority of the components for Kodiak’s natural gas compression equipment are supplied by a limited number of key vendors. Kodiak’s reliance on these suppliers involves several risks, including price increases and a potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of required components in a timely manner. Kodiak also relies primarily on a limited number of vendors to package and assemble its compression units. Kodiak does not have long-term contracts with these suppliers or packagers, and a partial or complete loss of any of these sources could have a negative impact on Kodiak’s results of operations and could damage its customer relationships. In addition, the preferences of Kodiak’s customers with respect to particular vendors may change, which could require Kodiak to find new vendors. Some of these suppliers manufacture the components Kodiak purchases in a single facility, and any damage to that facility could lead to significant delays in delivery of completed compression units to Kodiak.

If Kodiak is unable to purchase compression equipment or components for its compression equipment on a timely basis to meet the demands of its customers, its existing customers may terminate their contractual relationships with Kodiak, or Kodiak may not be able to compete for business from new or existing customers, which, in each case, could have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, results of operations and financial condition. Further, supply chain bottlenecks could adversely affect Kodiak’s ability to obtain necessary materials, parts or other components used in Kodiak’s operations or increase the costs of such items. A significant increase in the price of such equipment, materials and services and the resulting supply chain and logistics disruptions, or otherwise, could have a negative impact on Kodiak’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Nonperformance by Kodiak’s suppliers or vendors could impact its revenues, increase its expenses and otherwise have a negative impact on Kodiak’s ability to conduct its business, operating results and cash flows.

Weak economic conditions or widespread financial distress could reduce the liquidity of Kodiak’s suppliers or vendors, making it more difficult for them to meet their commitments or obligations to Kodiak. Nonperformance by suppliers or vendors who have committed to provide Kodiak with critical products or services could raise its costs or interfere with Kodiak’s ability to successfully conduct its business.

Kodiak’s operations entail inherent risks that may result in interruption of Kodiak’s operations and/or substantial liability. Kodiak does not insure against all potential losses and could be seriously harmed by unexpected liabilities.

Kodiak’s operations are subject to inherent risks, such as equipment defects, malfunctions and failures, natural disasters and other incidents that can result in uncontrollable flows of gas or well fluids, fires and explosions. In addition, Kodiak’s operations employees spend a significant amount of time driving from location to location, often on busy or statistically dangerous roadways, especially in the Permian Basin, which could lead to an increased risk of vehicular accidents. These risks could cause the interruption of Kodiak’s operations and the operations of its customers, and Kodiak may endure significant loss of health and life of employees and third-persons, equipment damage, revenue losses and reputational harm, all of which could have an adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, prospects and financial condition. Moreover, such risks could expose Kodiak to substantial liability for personal injury, death, property damage, pollution and other environmental damages. Kodiak’s insurance may be inadequate to cover its liabilities or subject to cancellation notices. Further, insurance covering the risks Kodiak faces or in the amounts it desires may not be available in the future or, if

 

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available, the premiums may not be commercially justifiable. If Kodiak were to incur substantial liability and such damages were not covered by insurance or were in excess of policy limits, resulted in cancellation of Kodiak’s policy, or if Kodiak were to incur liability at a time when it is not able to obtain liability insurance, its business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

If Kodiak does not satisfy its mechanical availability guarantee, a customer has the ability to terminate its contracts.

Kodiak’s gas compression contracts provide a guarantee of specified “mechanical availability” of 98.0% to 98.5%. Kodiak defines “mechanical availability” as the percentage of time each month that Kodiak’s Compression Operations equipment is “mechanically available” to compress gas under design and operating conditions set forth in the contract. The calculation for mechanical availability includes any downtime that is incurred as a result of Kodiak’s operations, such as mechanical shutdowns, maintenance events and repairs or overhauls, but does not include any downtime caused by a mechanical failure or shutdown that occurs as a result of improper gas or objectionable liquids or solids in the gas or fuel stream, insufficient gas available for compression or fuel, any shutdown due to the applicable customer’s production or processing operations, or downtime not directly caused by Kodiak, including downtime due to “force majeure” events, such as acts of God, acts related to terrorism, strikes, lockouts and/or accidents. A failure to satisfy mechanical availability requirements under a contract for three consecutive months could result in termination of the applicable contract by the customer, which could have an adverse effect on Kodiak’s financial results.

Terrorist attacks, the threat of terrorist attacks or other sustained military campaigns may adversely impact Kodiak’s results of operations.

The long-term impact of terrorist attacks and the magnitude of the threat of future terrorist attacks on the energy industry in general and on Kodiak in particular are not known at this time. Uncertainty surrounding sustained military campaigns may affect Kodiak’s operations in unpredictable ways, including disruptions of natural gas and oil supplies and markets for natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil and the possibility that infrastructure facilities could be direct targets of, or indirect casualties of, an act of terror or war. Changes in the insurance markets attributable to terrorist attacks may make insurance against such attacks more difficult for Kodiak to obtain, if it chooses to do so. Moreover, the insurance that may be available to Kodiak may be significantly more expensive than its existing insurance coverage. Instability in the financial markets resulting from terrorism or war could also negatively affect its ability to raise capital.

Risks Related to Regulatory Matters

Kodiak’s operations are subject to stringent environmental, health and safety regulations, and changes in these regulations could increase Kodiak’s costs or liabilities.

Kodiak’s operations at customer sites are subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment, emissions controls and other environmental protection and occupational health and safety concerns. Environmental laws and regulations, such as CERCLA and comparable state laws, may impose strict, as well as joint and several, liability for environmental contamination, which could render Kodiak potentially liable for remediation costs, natural resource damages, the costs of certain health studies and other damages, regardless of whether Kodiak was responsible for the release or contamination, and even if Kodiak’s operations were lawful at the time of the release or if contamination was caused by third parties. In addition, third parties, including neighboring landowners, could file claims for personal injury, property damage and recovery of response costs. Remediation costs and other damages arising as a result of environmental laws and regulations, and costs associated with changes in existing environmental laws and regulations or the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations over time could adversely impact Kodiak’s or its customers’ financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, failure by Kodiak or its customers to comply with these environmental laws and regulations could result in the imposition of administrative, civil and criminal penalties and the issuance of injunctions delaying or prohibiting operations, which could in turn have an adverse impact on Kodiak’s customers and its business.

Kodiak conducts operations in a wide variety of customer locations across the continental U.S. Kodiak’s customers are required to hold certain U.S. federal, state or local environmental permits or other authorizations and may require new or amended facility permits or licenses from time to time with respect to storm water discharges, waste handling or air emissions relating to equipment operations, including compression units, which subject Kodiak’s customers to new or revised permitting conditions that may be onerous or with respect to which compliance may be costly. These permits and authorizations frequently contain numerous compliance requirements, including monitoring and reporting obligations and operational restrictions, such as emissions limits. Given the wide variety of locations in which Kodiak’s customers operate, and the number of environmental permits and other authorizations that are applicable to its customers’ operations, Kodiak’s customers may occasionally identify or be notified of violations of or noncompliance with certain requirements existing under various permits or may be required to obtain additional permits. Although Kodiak does not hold the permits, such noncompliance with required permits or the failure to obtain additional permits by Kodiak’s customers could subject its customers to future penalties, operating restrictions, or delays in obtaining new or amended permits which could in turn have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations are constantly evolving and may become increasingly complex and more stringent over time. Future environmental health and safety laws and regulations (or changes to existing laws and regulations) may also negatively impact natural gas and oil exploration, as well as production, gathering and pipeline companies, including Kodiak’s customers, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of Kodiak’s operations.

New regulations, proposed regulations and proposed modifications to existing regulations under the CAA, if implemented, could result in increased compliance costs and changes in customers’ demand and desired suppliers.

New regulations or proposed modifications to existing regulations under the CAA may lead to adverse impacts on Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, in 2015, the EPA finalized a rule strengthening the primary and secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (“NAAQS”) for ground level ozone, both of which are eight-hour concentration standards of 70 parts per billion. In August 2023, the EPA announced a new review of the ozone NAAQS after considering advice provided by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (“CASAC”). As part of its new review, the EPA is seeking information from the scientific community and the public to guide CASAC’s development of the Integrated Science Assessment prior to the EPA’s expected release of its Integrated Review Plan in the fall of 2024. After the EPA revises a NAAQS standard, the states are expected to establish revised attainment/non-attainment regions. State implementation of any revised NAAQS could result in stricter permitting requirements, delay or prohibit Kodiak’s customers’ ability to obtain such permits, and result in increased expenditures for pollution control equipment, which could negatively impact Kodiak’s customers’ operations, increase the cost of additions to property, plant and equipment, and negatively impact Kodiak’s business.

In addition, the EPA proposed rules in November 2021 and 2022 intended to reduce methane emissions from natural gas and oil sources. The proposed rules would make the existing regulations in Subpart OOOOa more stringent and create a Subpart OOOOb to expand reduction requirements for new, modified, and reconstructed natural gas and oil sources, including standards focusing on certain source types that have never been regulated under the CAA (including intermittent vent pneumatic controllers, oil well associated gas, and liquids unloading facilities). In addition, the proposed rule would establish “Emissions Guidelines,” creating a Subpart OOOOc that would require states to develop plans to reduce methane emissions from existing sources that must be at least as effective as presumptive standards set by the EPA. The EPA announced a final rule in December 2023, which, among other things, requires the phase out of routine flaring of natural gas from new oil wells and routine leak monitoring at all well sites and compressor stations. Notably, the EPA updated the applicability date for Subparts OOOOb and OOOOc to December 6, 2022, meaning that sources constructed prior to that date will be considered existing sources with later compliance dates under state plans. The final rule gives states, along with federal tribes that wish to regulate existing sources, two years to develop and submit their plans for reducing methane from existing sources. The final emissions guidelines under Subpart OOOOc provide three years from the plan submission deadline for existing sources to comply. Kodiak cannot predict how the EPA and states will implement the final rule; however, Subpart OOOO regulation of air emissions from the natural gas and oil sector could result in increased expenditures for pollution control equipment, which could impact Kodiak’s customers’ operations and negatively impact Kodiak’s business.

Additionally, in August 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act. Among other things, the Inflation Reduction Act includes a methane emissions reduction program that amends the CAA to include a Methane Emissions and Waste Reduction Incentive Program for petroleum and natural gas systems. This program requires the EPA to impose a “waste emissions charge” on certain natural gas and oil sources that are already required to report under the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. In order to implement the program, the Inflation Reduction Act required revisions to GHG reporting regulations for petroleum and natural gas systems (Subpart W) by 2024. In July 2023, the EPA proposed to expand the scope of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program for petroleum and natural gas facilities, as required by the Inflation Reduction Act. Among other things, the proposed rule expands the emissions events that are subject to reporting requirements to include “other large release events” and applies reporting requirements to certain new sources and sectors. The rule is currently scheduled to be finalized in 2024 and would take effect on January 1, 2025 for reporting year 2025 (due March 2026) in certain circumstances, with the potential to also impact GHG reporting for reporting year 2024 (due March 2025) in certain circumstances. In January 2024, the EPA proposed a rule implementing the Inflation Reduction Act’s methane emissions charge. The proposed rule includes potential methodologies for calculating the amount by which a facility’s reported methane emissions are below or exceed the waste emissions thresholds and contemplates approaches for implementing certain exemptions created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The methane emissions charge imposed under the Methane Emissions and Waste Reduction Incentive Program for calendar year 2024 would be $900 per ton emitted over annual methane emissions thresholds, and would increase to $1,200 in 2025, and $1,500 in 2026. Implementation of such programs could increase Kodiak’s operating costs and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, which could in turn have an adverse impact on Kodiak’s customers and thus adversely impact Kodiak’s business.

 

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A climate-related decrease in demand for natural gas and oil could negatively affect Kodiak’s business.

Supply and demand for natural gas and oil is dependent upon a variety of factors, many of which are beyond Kodiak’s control. These factors include, among others, the potential adoption of new government regulations, including those related to fuel conservation measures and climate change regulations, technological advances in fuel economy, an economy-wide transition to lower GHG energy sources and energy generation devices. For example, legislative, regulatory or executive actions intended to reduce emissions of GHGs could increase the cost of consuming natural gas and oil, thereby potentially causing a reduction in the demand for such products. A broader transition to alternative fuels or energy sources, whether resulting from potential new government regulation, carbon taxes or consumer preferences, could result in decreased demand for natural gas and oil. Any decrease in demand for these products could consequently reduce demand for Kodiak’s services and could have a negative effect on Kodiak’s business.

In January 2024, the Biden administration announced a moratorium on approvals of applications for LNG export authorizations by the United States Department of Energy (“DOE”) while the DOE conducts studies related to the cumulative impact of LNG exports on domestic natural gas prices, climate change, and other matters. The moratorium on these approvals is expected to continue for several months and it is uncertain as to timing or conclusions of these studies and the resulting effect on the DOE approval process related to applications for LNG export authorizations. As a result, it is difficult to predict whether changes to the DOE’s approval process will have a negative effect on the prospects for future LNG export projects and on demand for domestic natural gas production that would be supported by these new LNG projects.

Efforts by governments, international bodies, businesses and consumers to reduce GHGs and otherwise mitigate the effects of climate change are ongoing. The nature of these efforts and their effects on Kodiak’s business are inherently unpredictable and subject to change. However, any activism directed at shifting funding and/or demand away from companies with energy-related assets could result in a reduction of funding for the energy sector overall, which could have an adverse effect on Kodiak’s ability to obtain external financing, as well as negatively affect the cost of, and terms for, financing to fund capital expenditures or other aspects of Kodiak’s business.

Kodiak’s business is subject to climate-related transitional risks, including evolving climate change legislation, regulatory initiatives and stakeholder pressures, which could result in increased operating expenses and capital costs, financial risks and potential reduction in demand for Kodiak’s services.

Combating the effects of climate change continues to attract considerable attention in the United States and internationally, including from regulators, legislators, companies in a variety of industries, financial market participants and other stakeholders. Climate change legislation and regulatory initiatives may arise from a variety of sources, including international, national, regional and state levels of government and associated administrative bodies, seeking to monitor, restrict or regulate existing emissions of GHGs, such as carbon dioxide and methane, as well as to restrict or eliminate future emissions. Accordingly, Kodiak’s business and operations, and those of Kodiak’s customers, are subject to executive, regulatory, political and financial risks associated with natural gas and the emission of GHGs.

Congress has previously considered legislation to restrict or regulate emissions of GHGs. Energy legislation and other initiatives continue to be proposed that may be relevant to GHG emissions issues. A number of states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have begun to address GHG emissions, primarily through the planned development of emission inventories or regional GHG cap and trade programs. Although most of the state-level initiatives have to date been focused on large sources of GHG emissions, such as electric power plants, it is possible that smaller sources, such as Kodiak’s natural gas-powered compression units, could become subject to GHG-related regulation. Depending on the particular program, Kodiak could be required to control emissions or to purchase and surrender allowances for GHG emissions resulting from Kodiak’s operations. The $1 trillion legislative infrastructure package passed by Congress in November 2021 includes a number of climate-focused spending initiatives targeted at climate resilience, enhanced response and preparation for extreme weather events, and clean energy and transportation investments. The Inflation Reduction Act also provides significant funding and incentives for research and development of low-carbon energy production methods, carbon capture, and other programs directed at addressing climate change.

Independent of Congress, the EPA has promulgated regulations controlling GHG emissions under its existing CAA authority. The EPA has adopted rules requiring many facilities, including petroleum and natural gas systems, to inventory and report their GHG emissions. In May 2023, the EPA also proposed CAA emission limits for new gas-fired combustion turbines, existing coal, oil- and gas-fired steam generating units and certain existing gas fire combustion turbines, and a final rule is anticipated by April 2024. In addition, the EPA rules provide air permitting requirements for certain large sources of GHG emissions. The requirement for certain facilities and large sources of GHG emissions to obtain and comply with permits will affect some of Kodiak’s customers’ largest new or modified facilities going forward but is not expected to cause Kodiak to incur material costs. The EPA has also developed rules to regulate emissions of methane, considered a GHG, from existing, new, modified and reconstructed sources in the natural gas and oil sector.

 

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In an executive order issued in January 2021, President Biden asked the heads of all executive departments and agencies to review and take action to address any federal regulations, orders, guidance documents, policies and any similar agency actions promulgated during the prior administration that may be inconsistent with or present obstacles to the administration’s stated goals of protecting public health and the environment, and conserving national monuments and refuges. The executive order also established an Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases, which is called on to, among other things, capture the full costs of GHG emissions, including the “social cost of carbon,” “social cost of nitrous oxide” and “social cost of methane,” which are “the monetized damages associated with incremental increases in greenhouse gas emissions,” including “changes in net agricultural productivity, human health, property damage from increased flood risk, and the value of ecosystem services.” The EPA published a final report in December 2023 with the social cost of carbon at $190 per metric ton of carbon dioxide emitted in 2020 at a 2% discount rate. That figure is intended to be used to guide federal decisions on the costs and benefits of various policies and approvals, although such efforts have been the subject of a series of judicial challenges. At this time, Kodiak cannot determine whether the administration’s efforts on social cost or other interagency climate efforts will lead to any particular actions that give rise to a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

At the international level, the U.S. joined the international community at COP21, which resulted in the Paris Agreement. While the Paris Agreement does not impose direct requirements on emitters, national plans to meet its pledge could result in new regulatory requirements. In April 2021, the current administration announced a new “nationally determined contribution” for U.S. GHG emissions that would achieve emissions reductions of at least 50% relative to 2005 levels by 2030. Those national commitments by themselves create no binding requirements on individual companies or facilities, but they do provide indications of the current administration’s policy direction and the types of legislative and regulatory requirements-such as the EPA’s proposed methane rules-that may be needed to achieve those commitments. In September 2021, the U.S. and European Union jointly announced the launch of the “Global Methane Pledge,” which aims to cut global methane pollution at least 30% by 2030 relative to 2020 levels, including “all feasible reductions” in the energy sector. Since its formal launch at COP26, over 150 countries have joined the pledge. Additionally, at COP28, member countries entered into an agreement that calls for actions towards achieving, at a global scale, a tripling of renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The goals of the agreement, among other things, are to accelerate efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power, phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and take other measures that drive the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. With the exception of the final EPA methane rules and related updates, which were announced by President Biden at COP28, Kodiak cannot predict whether these pledges made in connection with the Paris Agreement will result in any particular new regulatory requirements or initiatives or whether such requirements or initiatives will cause Kodiak to incur material costs. Additionally, the SEC issued a proposed rule in March 2022 that would mandate extensive disclosure of climate-related data, risks, and opportunities, including financial impacts, physical and transition risks, related governance and strategy, and GHG emissions, for certain public companies. Although the proposed rule’s ultimate date of effectiveness and the final form and substance of these requirements is not yet known and the ultimate scope and impact on our business is uncertain, compliance with the proposed rule, if finalized, may result in increased legal, accounting and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming and costly, and place strain on our personnel, systems and resources.

Although it is not currently possible to predict how these executive orders, national commitments or any proposed or future GHG or climate change legislation or regulation promulgated by Congress, the states or multi-state regions and their respective regulatory agencies will impact Kodiak’s business, any legislation or regulation of GHG emissions that may be imposed in areas in which Kodiak conducts business or on the assets Kodiak operates could result in increased compliance or operating costs, additional operating restrictions or reduced demand for Kodiak’s services, and could have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Apart from governmental regulation, there are also increasing financial risks for companies in the energy sector as stockholders and bondholders currently invested in energy companies may elect in the future to shift some or all of their investments toward non-fossil fuel energy sources. In recent years, ESG goals and programs, which typically include policies, practices and extralegal targets related to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance, have become an increasing focus of investors and stakeholders across the industry, and companies without robust ESG programs may find access to capital and investors more challenging in the future. For example, certain investment banks and asset managers based both domestically and internationally have announced that they are adopting climate change guidelines for their banking and investing activities. Institutional lenders who provide financing to energy companies such as Kodiak have become more attentive to sustainable lending practices, and some may elect not to provide traditional energy producers or companies that support such producers with funding. ESG considerations may also affect others in the investment community, including investment advisers, sovereign wealth funds, public pension funds,

 

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insurance companies and other groups, and may result in their divestment of energy-related equities or otherwise limit their willingness to finance Kodiak’s or its customers’ operations. Limitation of investments in and financings for energy companies could result in the restriction, delay or cancellation of infrastructure projects and energy production activities. This potential for reduced access to the capital and financial markets, whether impacting Kodiak’s customers and/or Kodiak’s business, may further adversely affect the demand for and price of Kodiak’s securities.

Furthermore, some scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the earth’s atmosphere are changing global climate patterns in a manner that results in significant weather-related effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, droughts, floods and other such events, in addition to more chronic changes such as shifting temperature, precipitation, and other meteorological patterns. Energy needs could increase or decrease as a result of extreme weather conditions depending on the duration and magnitude of any such climate changes. Increased energy use due to weather changes may require Kodiak to invest in additional equipment to serve increased demand. A decrease in energy use due to weather changes may negatively affect Kodiak’s financial condition through decreased revenues. To the extent the frequency of extreme weather events increases, this could impact Kodiak’s operations in various ways, including damage to Kodiak’s facilities interruptions in service or supply chain, increased insurance premiums or increases to Kodiak’s cost of providing service. Such impacts may be proportionately more severe given the geographical concentration of Kodiak’s operations. Demand for Kodiak’s operations also depends in part on the volume of products being produced, processed and/or transported by Kodiak’s customers, which may also be impacted by similar risks. If any of these results occur, it could have an adverse effect on Kodiak’s assets and operations and cause Kodiak to incur costs in preparing for and responding to them.

Litigation risks also are increasing as a number of parties have sought to bring suit against various natural gas and oil companies in state or federal court, alleging, among other things, that such companies created public nuisances by producing fuels that contributed to climate change or alleging that the companies have been aware of the adverse effects of climate change for some time but defrauded their investors or customers by failing to adequately disclose those impacts. Should Kodiak be targeted by any such litigation, it may incur liability, which, to the extent that societal pressures or political or other factors are involved, could be imposed without regard to causation or contribution to the asserted damage, or to other mitigating factors. Moreover, any such litigation targeting Kodiak’s customers could negatively impact their operation and, in turn, decrease demand for Kodiak’s operations.

An unfavorable ruling in any such case could significantly impact Kodiak’s operations and could have an adverse impact on its financial condition.

In sum, any legislation, regulatory programs or social pressures related to climate change could increase Kodiak’s costs and require substantial capital, compliance, operating and maintenance costs, reduce demand for Kodiak’s services and reduce Kodiak’s access to financial markets. Current, as well as potential future, laws and regulations that limit emissions of GHGs or that otherwise promote the use of renewable energy over fossil fuel energy sources could increase the cost of Kodiak’s services and, thereby, further reduce demand and adversely affect Kodiak’s sales volumes, revenues and margins.

Regulatory initiatives relating to the protection of endangered or threatened species in the United States could have an adverse impact on Kodiak’s and its customers’ ability to expand operations.

In the United States, the ESA restricts activities that may affect endangered or threatened species or their habitats. Similar protections are offered to migratory birds under the MBTA and bald and golden eagles under the BGEPA. To the extent species that are listed under the ESA or similar state or international laws, are protected under the MBTA or the BGEPA, or live in the areas where Kodiak or its customers operate, both Kodiak’s and Kodiak’s customers’ abilities to conduct or expand operations and construct facilities could be limited, or Kodiak or Kodiak’s customers could be forced to incur material additional costs.

The designation of previously unidentified endangered or threatened species or new critical or suitable habitat designations could indirectly cause Kodiak to incur additional costs, cause Kodiak’s or its customers’ operations to become subject to operating restrictions or bans, and limit future development activity by Kodiak or its customers in affected areas. In June and July 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued final rules rescinding Trump-era regulations concerning the definition of “habitat” and critical habitat exclusions. In June 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued three proposed rules governing critical habitat designation and expanding protection options for species listed as threatened pursuant to the ESA. The comment periods for these rules ended in August 2023, and final rules are expected by April 2024. As a result of these rules, the potential designation of previously unprotected species as threatened or endangered or new critical or suitable habitat designations in areas where Kodiak or its customers might conduct operations could result in limitations or prohibitions on Kodiak’s operations and could adversely impact Kodiak’s business. There is also increasing interest in nature-related matters beyond protected species, such as general biodiversity, which may similarly require Kodiak or its customers to incur costs or take other measures which may adversely impact Kodiak’s business or operations.

 

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Increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing could result in reductions of, or delays in, natural gas and oil production by Kodiak’s customers, which could adversely impact Kodiak’s revenue.

A significant portion of Kodiak’s customers’ natural gas and oil production is developed from unconventional sources that require hydraulic fracturing as part of the completion process. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into the rock formation to stimulate gas production. The U.S. Congress has from time to time considered legislation to amend the SDWA to repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the definition of “underground injection” and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing and disclosure of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process. Scrutiny of hydraulic fracturing activities continues in other ways, with the EPA having commenced a multi-year study of the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing. In December 2016, the EPA issued a report on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The final report concluded that “water cycle” activities associated with hydraulic fracturing may impact drinking water resources “under some circumstances,” noting that the following hydraulic fracturing water cycle activities and local- or regional-scale factors are more likely than others to result in more frequent or more severe impacts: water withdrawals for fracturing in times or areas of low water availability; surface spills during the management of fracturing fluids, chemicals or produced water; injection of fracturing fluids into wells with inadequate mechanical integrity; injection of fracturing fluids directly into groundwater resources; discharge of inadequately treated fracturing wastewater to surface waters; and disposal or storage of fracturing wastewater in unlined pits. To date, the EPA has taken no further action in response to the December 2016 report. Under the CWA, the EPA also prohibits the discharge of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing and certain other natural gas operations to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants.

State and federal regulatory agencies have also recently focused on a possible connection between the operation of injection wells used for natural gas and oil waste disposal and seismic activity. Similar concerns have been raised that hydraulic fracturing may also contribute to seismic activity. When caused by human activity, such events are called induced seismicity. Developing research suggests that the link between seismic activity and wastewater disposal may vary by region, and that only a very small fraction of the tens of thousands of injection wells have been suspected to be, or have been, the likely cause of induced seismicity. In March 2016, the United States Geological Survey identified six states with the most significant hazards from induced seismicity, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arkansas, some of which are states where Kodiak operates. In light of these concerns, some state regulatory agencies have modified their regulations or issued orders to address induced seismicity. Increased regulation and attention given to induced seismicity could lead to greater opposition to, and litigation concerning, natural gas and oil activities utilizing hydraulic fracturing or injection wells for waste disposal, which could indirectly impact Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, these concerns may give rise to private tort suits against Kodiak’s customers from individuals who claim they are adversely impacted by seismic activity they allege was induced. Such claims or actions could result in liability to Kodiak’s customers for property damage, exposure to waste and other hazardous materials, nuisance or personal injuries, and require Kodiak’s customers to expend additional resources or incur substantial costs or losses. This could in turn adversely affect the demand for Kodiak’s services.

Kodiak cannot predict the future of any such legislation or tort liability. If additional levels of regulation, restrictions and permits were required through the adoption of new laws and regulations at the federal or state level or the development of new interpretations of those requirements by the agencies that issue the required permits, that could lead to operational delays, increased operating costs and process prohibitions that could reduce demand for Kodiak’s Compression Operations, which would materially adversely affect its revenue and results of operations.

Increasing scrutiny and changing stakeholder expectations in respect of ESG and sustainability practices may impose additional costs or risks.

Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny from stakeholders related to their ESG and sustainability practices. A number of advocacy groups, both domestically and internationally, have campaigned for governmental and private action to promote change at public companies related to ESG matters, including increasing attention and demands for action related to climate change, promoting the use of substitutes to fossil fuel products and encouraging the divestment of companies in the fossil fuel industry. Investor advocacy groups, proxy advisory firms, certain institutional investors and lenders, investment funds and other influential investors and rating agencies also are increasingly focused on ESG and sustainability practices and matters and on the implications and social cost of their investments and loans. Kodiak has established a long-term strategy intended to meet ESG-related objectives, which currently includes certain sustainability targets. However, Kodiak cannot guarantee that this long-term strategy will meet its ESG-related objectives. Such initiatives are voluntary, not binding on Kodiak’s business or management and subject to change. Kodiak may determine in its discretion that it is not feasible or practical to implement or complete certain of its ESG-related initiatives, or to meet previously set goals and targets based on cost, timing or other considerations. If Kodiak does not adapt to or comply with investor or other stakeholder expectations and standards on ESG matters (or meet ESG-related goals and targets that Kodiak has set), as they continue to evolve, if Kodiak is perceived to have not responded appropriately or quickly enough

 

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to growing concern for ESG and sustainability issues, regardless of whether there is a regulatory or legal requirement to do so, or if estimates, assumptions, and/or third-party information Kodiak currently believes to be reasonable are subsequently considered erroneous or misinterpreted, Kodiak may suffer from reputational damage and its business, financial condition and/or stock price could be materially and adversely affected.

Further, Kodiak’s operations, projects and growth opportunities require it to have strong relationships with various key stakeholders, including its stockholders, employees, suppliers, customers, local communities and others. Kodiak may face pressures from stakeholders, many of whom are increasingly focused on climate change, to prioritize sustainable energy practices, reduce Kodiak’s carbon footprint and promote sustainability while at the same time remaining a successfully operating public company. If Kodiak does not deftly manage expectations across these varied stakeholder interests, such failure could erode Kodiak’s stakeholder trust and thereby affect Kodiak’s brand and reputation. Such erosion of confidence could negatively impact Kodiak’s business through decreased demand and growth opportunities, delays in projects, increased legal action and regulatory oversight, adverse press coverage and other adverse public statements, difficulty hiring and retaining top talent, difficulty obtaining necessary approvals and permits from governments and regulatory agencies on a timely basis and on acceptable terms, and difficulty securing investors and access to capital. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business and financial condition. In addition, Kodiak expects there will likely be increasing levels of regulation, disclosure-related and otherwise, with respect to ESG matters, which will likely lead to increased compliance costs as well as scrutiny that could heighten all of the risks identified in this risk factor. Such ESG matters may also impact Kodiak’s suppliers or customers, which could augment existing or cause additional impacts to Kodiak’s business or operations.

Kodiak may be involved in legal proceedings that could result in substantial liabilities.

Kodiak is, from time to time, involved in various legal and other proceedings in the ordinary course of its business. Such legal proceedings are inherently uncertain and their results cannot be predicted. Regardless of the outcome, such proceedings could have an adverse impact on Kodiak because of legal costs, diversion of management and other personnel and other factors. In addition, it is possible that a resolution of one or more such proceedings could result in liability, penalties or sanctions, as well as judgments, consent decrees or orders requiring a change in Kodiak’s business practices, which could materially and adversely affect Kodiak’s business, operating results and financial condition. Accruals for such liability, penalties or sanctions may be insufficient. Judgments and estimates to determine accruals or a range of losses related to legal and other proceedings could change from one period to the next, and such changes could be material.

Risks Related to Intellectual Property, Information Technology and Cybersecurity

Kodiak may be sued by third parties for infringement, misappropriation, dilution or other violation of their intellectual property or proprietary rights, any of which could adversely affect Kodiak’s business and results of operations.

Third parties may in the future assert that Kodiak has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated their intellectual property rights (“IPR”). Such claims, administrative proceedings and litigation may involve patent holding companies or other adverse IPR holders who have no relevant product revenue, and therefore Kodiak’s own IPR may provide little or no deterrence to these rights holders in bringing IPR claims against Kodiak. There may be IPR owned by third parties, including issued or pending patents and trademarks, that cover significant aspects of Kodiak’s technologies, content, branding or business methods, and Kodiak cannot assure that it is not infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating, and have not infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated, any third-party IPR or that Kodiak will not be held to have done so or be accused of doing so in the future. Kodiak expects that it may receive in the future notices that claim it allegedly has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated third parties’ IPR. Kodiak cannot assure you that it will be able to detect potential or actual misappropriation or infringement of its IPR or trade secrets. Even if Kodiak detects misappropriation or infringement by a third party, it cannot assure you that it will be able to enforce its rights at a reasonable cost, or at all.

Any claim that Kodiak has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated IPR of third parties, with or without merit, and whether or not it results in litigation, is settled out of court or is determined in Kodiak’s favor, could be time-consuming and costly to address and resolve, and could divert the time and attention of management and technical personnel from Kodiak’s business. Furthermore, an adverse outcome of a dispute may result in an injunction and could require Kodiak to pay substantial monetary damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees, if Kodiak is found to have willfully infringed a third party’s IPR. Any settlement or adverse judgment resulting from such a claim could require Kodiak to enter into a licensing agreement to continue using the technology, content or other IPR that is the subject of the claim; restrict or prohibit Kodiak’s use of such technology, or other IPR; require Kodiak to expend significant resources to redesign Kodiak’s technology or solutions; and require Kodiak to indemnify third parties if they become subject to third party claims relating to IPR that Kodiak licenses or otherwise provides to them, which could be costly. Royalty or licensing agreements, if required or desirable, may be unavailable on terms acceptable to Kodiak, or at all, and may require significant royalty payments and other expenditures. Kodiak may also be required to develop alternative non-infringing

 

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technology, which could require significant time and expense. There also can be no assurance that Kodiak would be able to develop or license suitable alternative technology or other IPR to permit Kodiak to continue offering the affected technology. If Kodiak cannot develop or license technology for any allegedly infringing aspect of its business, Kodiak would be forced to limit its service and may be unable to compete effectively. In addition, Kodiak’s rights to IPR and trade secrets may not prevent independent third-party development and commercialization of competing products or services. Any of these events could materially harm Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Kodiak may find it necessary or appropriate to initiate claims or litigation to enforce its IPR or determine the validity and scope of IPR claimed by others. In any lawsuit Kodiak brings to enforce its IPR, a court may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on grounds that Kodiak’s IPR do not cover the use or technology in question. Further, in such proceedings, the defendant could counterclaim that Kodiak’s IPR is invalid or unenforceable and the court may agree, in which case Kodiak could lose valuable IPR. Litigation is inherently uncertain and any litigation of this nature, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management and technical resources, any of which could adversely affect Kodiak’s business and results of operations. If Kodiak fails to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce its intellectual property, its business and results of operations may be harmed.

Kodiak’s reliance on third-party components for use in its IT systems could result in delays in service or disrupt its business.

Components of Kodiak’s IT systems include various types of software and services licensed or provided from unaffiliated third parties, most of which Kodiak obtains on Software as a Service basis, without any ongoing support or maintenance obligations. Kodiak’s business would be disrupted if any of the software or services Kodiak obtains from others or functional equivalents thereof were either no longer available to Kodiak or no longer offered on commercially reasonable terms, or if they fail and Kodiak cannot obtain maintenance and support on reasonable terms. In either case, Kodiak could be required to either redesign its IT systems to function with software or services available from other parties or develop these components itself, which could result in increased costs and could result in delays in services. Furthermore, Kodiak might be forced to limit the features available in its IT system due to changes by its third-party software and service providers, or due to price increases by such vendors. In addition, if Kodiak fails to maintain or renegotiate any of these software or service agreements, Kodiak could face significant delays and diversion of resources in attempting to obtain and integrate functional equivalents.

Kodiak is subject to significant legal and reputational risks and expenses relating to the privacy, use and security of employee and customer information, which could negatively affect Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Kodiak receives, maintains, and stores the non-public personal information (“PII”) of its employees, vendors, suppliers and customers. The sharing, use, disclosure and protection of this information are governed by the privacy and data security policies maintained by Kodiak. Moreover, there are federal and state laws and regulations regarding privacy and the storing, sharing, use, disclosure, and protection of PII and user data. Specifically, PII is increasingly subject to legislation and regulations in numerous jurisdictions, the intent of which is to protect the privacy of personal information that is collected, processed and transmitted in or from the governing jurisdiction. California enacted a privacy law (the “California Consumer Privacy Act” or “CCPA”) which limits how covered entities may collect and use PII, and which came into effect on January 1, 2020. In addition, California enacted, effective January 1, 2023, a privacy law, the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”), which significantly modifies the CCPA, including by expanding consumers’ rights with respect to certain PII and creating a new state agency to oversee implementation and enforcement efforts. There are more states considering similar privacy laws. Kodiak could be adversely affected if the CCPA, CPRA and other states’ legislation or regulations require changes in Kodiak’s business practices or privacy policies, or if governing jurisdictions interpret or implement their legislation or regulations in ways that negatively affect Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Kodiak has experienced cybersecurity incidents or IT system disruptions in the past, and cybersecurity breaches or IT system disruptions may adversely affect Kodiak’s business in the future.

Kodiak relies on its IT systems to operate and record a significant portion of its business. This may include confidential information or PII belonging to Kodiak, Kodiak’s employees, customers, suppliers, or others. Similar to other companies, Kodiak’s systems and networks, and those of third parties with whom Kodiak does business, may be subject to cybersecurity breaches caused by, among other things, illegal hacking, insider threats, computer viruses, phishing, malware, ransomware, or acts of vandalism or terrorism, or those perpetrated by criminals or nation-state actors. Furthermore, Kodiak may also experience increased cybersecurity risk as some of its personnel work remotely. Kodiak has experienced cyber incidents in the past, although none have been material or had a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business or financial condition. Kodiak may experience cybersecurity incidents and security breaches in the future. In addition to Kodiak’s own systems and networks, Kodiak uses third-party service providers to process certain data or

 

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information on Kodiak’s behalf. Due to applicable laws and regulations, Kodiak may be held responsible for cybersecurity incidents attributed to Kodiak’s service providers to the extent it relates to information Kodiak shares with them. Although Kodiak seeks service providers that implement and maintain reasonable security measures, Kodiak cannot control third parties and cannot guarantee that a security breach will not occur in their systems or networks.

Despite Kodiak’s efforts to continually refine its procedures, educate its employees, and implement tools and security measures to protect against such cybersecurity risks, there can be no assurance that these measures will prevent unauthorized access or detect every type of attempt or attack. Kodiak’s potential future upgrades, refinements, tools and measures may not be completely effective or result in the anticipated improvements, if at all, and may cause disruptions in Kodiak’s IT systems. In addition, despite Kodiak’s best efforts, a cyberattack or security breach could go undetected for an extended period of time, and the ensuing investigation of the incident would take time to complete. During that period, Kodiak would not necessarily know the impact to its IT systems, or the costs and actions required to fully remediate, and Kodiak’s initial remediation efforts may not be successful. Additionally, a cyberattack or security breach could be repeated before they are fully contained and remediated. A breach or failure of Kodiak’s systems or networks, critical third-party systems on which Kodiak relies, or those of Kodiak’s customers, vendors or suppliers, could result in an interruption in Kodiak’s operations, unplanned capital expenditures, unauthorized publication of Kodiak’s confidential business or proprietary information, unauthorized release of customer, employee or third party data, theft or misappropriation of funds, violation of privacy or other laws, and exposure to litigation or indemnity claims including resulting from customer-imposed cybersecurity controls or other related contractual obligations. There could also be increased costs to detect, prevent, respond or recover from cybersecurity incidents. Any such breach, or Kodiak’s delay or failure to make adequate or timely disclosures to the public, regulatory or law enforcement agencies or affected individuals following such an event, could have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, reputation, financial position, results of operations and cash flows and cause reputational damage.

Kodiak’s ability to manage its business and monitor its results is highly dependent upon information and communication systems, and a failure of these systems or its enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system could disrupt its business.

Kodiak is dependent upon a variety of information and communication systems to operate its business, including its ERP system. Any disruptions, delays or deficiencies in these systems, or in the design or implementation of any new ERP system, could adversely affect Kodiak’s ability to effectively operate and manage information. Further, Kodiak depends on its ability to gather and promptly transmit accurate information to key decision makers, and Kodiak’s business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if Kodiak’s information systems fail, even for a short period of time. Failure to properly or adequately address these issues could impact Kodiak’s ability to perform necessary business operations, which could adversely affect Kodiak’s reputation, competitive position, business, results of operations and financial condition.

Kodiak may not realize the intended benefits of its process and technology transformation projects, which could have an adverse effect on its business.

Kodiak continues to evaluate process and technology transformation projects, which will, among other things, consolidate several systems onto a single ERP system. It is possible that Kodiak may not realize the anticipated benefits from these projects. Any such difficulties could have an adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In light of the pending Merger, Kodiak has postponed the near-term implementation of any process and technology transformation projects that would require a material amount of human capital and other resources to complete until a broader technology implementation plan is developed that is capable of supporting the combined companies.

Risks Related to Kodiak’s Relationship with EQT

EQT controls a significant percentage of Kodiak’s voting power, and it is subject to contractual restrictions that may affect Kodiak Holdings’ exercise of its rights to approve corporate actions under the Kodiak Stockholders’ Agreement.

As of December 31, 2023, Kodiak Holdings owns approximately 76.2% of the outstanding Kodiak Common Stock. Frontier Intermediate GP, Inc. is the general partner of Kodiak Holdings. Investment vehicles affiliated with EQT own 100% of the membership interests in Frontier Intermediate GP, Inc., and EQT indirectly has exclusive responsibility for the management and control of such investment vehicles. As such, EQT indirectly has the power to control the business and affairs of Kodiak Holdings. In addition, certain of Kodiak’s directors are currently employed by EQT. Consequently, EQT is able to influence matters that require approval by Kodiak’s stockholders, including the election and removal of directors, changes to Kodiak’s organizational documents, and approval of acquisition offers and other significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership will limit your ability to influence corporate matters, and as a result, actions may be taken that do you not view as beneficial. This concentration of stock ownership may also adversely affect the trading price of Kodiak Common Stock to the extent investors perceive a disadvantage in owning stock of a company with a controlling stockholder.

 

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In connection with its IPO, Kodiak entered into the Kodiak Stockholders’ Agreement with Kodiak Holdings, which granted Kodiak Holdings rights to approve certain of Kodiak’s corporate actions, including, among other things, amendments to Kodiak’s organizational documents, equity issuances, occurrence of certain indebtedness, changing the size of the Kodiak board of directors, dispositions of assets, modifying Kodiak’s dividend policy, consummating a change of control transaction or entering into voluntary liquidation or the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings. In connection with the closing of Kodiak’s IPO, Kodiak Holdings pledged the shares it owns in Kodiak as collateral under the Kodiak Holdings Term Loan and granted the lenders thereunder certain consent rights over Kodiak Holdings’ exercise of its rights under the Kodiak Stockholders’ Agreement. The lenders under the Kodiak Holdings Term Loan have different interests than Kodiak’s stockholders and may exercise these consent rights in ways that are adverse to the interests of Kodiak’s stockholders.

EQT may have interests that conflict with the interests of Kodiak’s other stockholders. Certain of Kodiak’s directors may also have conflicts of interest because they are also employees of EQT, investment advisors to EQT managed funds, or directors or officers of EQT. The resolution of these conflicts of interest may not be in Kodiak’s or your best interests.

EQT may have interests that conflict with the interests of Kodiak’s other stockholders. In connection with the closing of Kodiak’s IPO, EQT pledged its shares in Kodiak as collateral under the Kodiak Holdings Term Loan. The lenders under the Kodiak Holdings Term Loan are funds or accounts managed by (i) the Infrastructure Debt strategy of Ares Management Corporation and (ii) Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. Pursuant to the Kodiak Holdings Term Loan, EQT is limited from taking or causing its subsidiaries from approving or taking certain actions without the consent of the lenders, including amending organizational documents, authorizing equity issuances in excess of certain thresholds, incurring indebtedness for borrowed money (other than indebtedness under the ABL Facility provided under and governed by the ABL Credit Agreement, certain working capital and ordinary course financings, and indebtedness otherwise permitted by the ABL Facility (other than certain unsecured debt)), materially modifying Kodiak’s dividend policy, entering into certain affiliate transactions or entering into a voluntary liquidation or the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings. These restrictions are consistent with the consent rights held by Kodiak Holdings under the Kodiak Stockholders’ Agreement.

In addition, certain of Kodiak’s directors may also have conflicts of interest because they are also employees of EQT, investment advisors to EQT managed funds, or directors or officers of EQT. These positions may conflict with such individuals’ duties as one of Kodiak’s directors or officers regarding business dealings and other matters between EQT and Kodiak. The resolution of these conflicts may not always be in Kodiak’s or your best interest.

EQT is not limited in its ability to compete with Kodiak, and the corporate opportunity provisions in the Kodiak Charter could enable EQT to benefit from corporate opportunities that may otherwise be available to Kodiak.

EQT may invest in other companies in the future that may compete with Kodiak. Conflicts of interest could arise in the future between Kodiak, on the one hand, and EQT, on the other hand, concerning among other things, potential competitive business activities or business opportunities.

Kodiak’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Kodiak Charter”) provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Kodiak renounce any interest or expectancy in any business opportunity that involves any aspect of the energy equipment or services business or industry and that may be from time to time presented to EQT or any of Kodiak’s directors or officers who is also an employee, partner, member, manager, officer or director of EQT or any affiliate of EQT, even if the opportunity is one that Kodiak might reasonably have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so. The Kodiak Charter provides that no such person or party shall be liable to Kodiak by reason of the fact that such person pursues any such business opportunity or fails to offer any such business opportunity to Kodiak. As a result, any of Kodiak’s directors or officers who is also an employee, partner, member, manager, officer or director of EQT or any affiliate of EQT may become aware, from time to time, of certain business opportunities, such as acquisition opportunities, and may direct such opportunities to other businesses in which they have invested, in which case Kodiak may not become aware of or otherwise have the ability to pursue such opportunity. Further, such businesses may choose to compete with Kodiak for these opportunities. As a result, by renouncing Kodiak’s interest and expectancy in any business opportunity that may be from time to time presented to any member of EQT or an affiliate of EQT or any of Kodiak’s directors or officers who is also an employee, partner, member, manager, officer or director of EQT or any affiliate of EQT, Kodiak’s business or prospects could be adversely affected if attractive business opportunities are procured by such parties for their own benefit rather than for ours. The Kodiak Charter provides that, at any time EQT beneficially owns less than 35% of the shares outstanding of Kodiak Common Stock, any amendment to or adoption of any provision inconsistent with the Kodiak Charter’s provisions governing the renouncement of business opportunities must be approved by the holders of at least 66.66% of the voting power of the outstanding stock of the corporation entitled to vote thereon. Any actual or perceived conflicts of interest with respect to the foregoing could have an adverse impact on the trading price of Kodiak Common Stock.

 

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A significant reduction by Kodiak Holdings of its ownership interests in Kodiak could adversely affect Kodiak.

Kodiak believes that Kodiak Holdings’ substantial ownership interest in Kodiak provides Kodiak Holdings and its affiliates with an economic incentive to assist Kodiak to be successful. Kodiak Holdings is not subject to any obligation to maintain its ownership interest in Kodiak and may elect at any time thereafter to sell all or a substantial portion of or otherwise reduce its ownership interest in Kodiak. If Kodiak Holdings sells all or a substantial portion of its ownership interest in Kodiak, it may have less incentive to assist in Kodiak’s success and its affiliates serving as members of Kodiak’s Board may resign.

Furthermore, the shares that Kodiak Holdings owns are subject to a pledge as collateral under the Kodiak Holdings Term Loan. In the event that Kodiak Holdings is subject to a continuing event of default under the Kodiak Holdings Term Loan, after the expiration of any applicable grace period and subject to the exercise of applicable cure rights, the lenders may foreclose on such shares and acquire a controlling interest in Kodiak. In such case, the lenders would assume Kodiak Holdings’ rights under the Kodiak Stockholders’ Agreement and would thereafter have consent rights over many aspects of Kodiak’s business, including any modifications to Kodiak’s dividend policy and the ability to nominate directors. The lenders under the Kodiak Holdings Term Loan may have different interests than Kodiak Holdings and may have interests that are different from, or conflict with, those of Kodiak’s other stockholders.

Such actions could adversely affect Kodiak’s ability to successfully implement its business strategies which could adversely affect its cash flows or results of operations.

Risks Related to Kodiak’s Indebtedness

Kodiak’s substantial indebtedness could adversely affect its financial condition and impair Kodiak’s ability to operate its business.

Kodiak has a significant amount of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2023, Kodiak’s total long-term debt was approximately $1.8 billion in aggregate principal amount. On February 2, 2024, Kodiak issued senior notes due 2029 with aggregate principal amount of $750 million.

Subject to the limits contained in the ABL Credit Agreement, Kodiak may be able to incur substantial additional debt from time to time to finance working capital, capital expenditures, investments or acquisitions, dividends or for other purposes. If Kodiak does so, the risks related to its substantial indebtedness could intensify. Specifically, Kodiak’s substantial indebtedness could have important consequences, including the following:

 

   

making it more difficult for Kodiak to satisfy its obligations with respect to its debt;

 

   

limiting Kodiak’s ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general company requirements on favorable terms or at all;

 

   

requiring a substantial portion of Kodiak’s cash flows to be dedicated to debt service payments instead of other purposes, thereby reducing the amount of cash flows available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, future business opportunities and other general purposes;

 

   

increasing Kodiak’s vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

exposing Kodiak to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of its borrowings, including borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement, are at variable rates of interest;

 

   

limiting Kodiak’s flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in the industry in which it competes;

 

   

consequences relating to adverse borrowing base redeterminations;

 

   

placing Kodiak at a disadvantage compared to other, less leveraged competitors; and

 

   

increasing Kodiak’s cost of borrowing.

In addition, Kodiak’s ability to refinance Kodiak’s indebtedness prior to maturity is dependent on the condition of the capital and credit markets and Kodiak’s financial condition. Kodiak can provide no assurance that it will be able to refinance its indebtedness or that any indebtedness incurred to refinance Kodiak’s indebtedness will be on comparable terms. See the section titled “Risk Factors-Risk Factors Related to Our Business and Our Industry-Kodiak may be unable to access the capital and credit markets or borrow on affordable terms to obtain additional capital that Kodiak may require” of this Annual Report for more information.

 

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The terms of the ABL Credit Agreement and the Indenture restrict Kodiak’s current and future operations, particularly Kodiak’s ability to respond to changes or to take certain actions.

The ABL Credit Agreement and the Indenture contain restrictive covenants (which contain a number of exceptions and qualifications that may be material) that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on Kodiak and may limit Kodiak’s ability to engage in acts that may be in Kodiak’s long-term best interest, including restrictions on Kodiak’s ability to:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness;

 

   

pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem equity interests;

 

   

prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt;

 

   

issue certain preferred units or similar equity securities;

 

   

make loans and investments;

 

   

sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of assets;

 

   

incur liens;

 

   

enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

   

enter into agreements restricting Kodiak’s restricted subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends;

 

   

enter into certain swap agreements;

 

   

amend certain organizational documents;

 

   

create subsidiaries;

 

   

enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

 

   

consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of Kodiak’s assets; and

 

   

engage in certain other transactions without the prior consent of the lenders.

In addition, the ABL Credit Agreement contains certain operating and financial covenants and requires Kodiak to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy other financial condition tests. Kodiak’s ability to comply with those covenants and meet those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond Kodiak’s control, and Kodiak may be unable to meet them.

A breach of the covenants or restrictions under the ABL Credit Agreement or the Indenture could result in an event of default under the applicable indebtedness. Such a default may allow the creditors to accelerate the related debt and may result in the acceleration of any other debt to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies. In addition, an event of default under the ABL Credit Agreement would permit the lenders under the ABL Facility to terminate all commitments to extend further credit under that facility. Furthermore, if Kodiak were unable to repay the amounts due and payable under the ABL Facility, those lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. In the event Kodiak’s lenders or note holders accelerate the repayment of Kodiak’s borrowings, Kodiak and its subsidiaries may not have sufficient assets to repay that indebtedness. As a result of these restrictions, Kodiak may be:

 

   

limited in how Kodiak conducts its business;

 

   

unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to operate during general economic or business downturns; or

 

   

unable to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities.

These restrictions may affect Kodiak’s ability to grow in accordance with Kodiak’s strategy. In addition, Kodiak’s financial results, Kodiak’s substantial indebtedness and Kodiak’s credit ratings could adversely affect the availability and terms of Kodiak’s financing.

Kodiak’s variable rate indebtedness subjects it to interest rate risk, which could cause its debt service obligations to increase significantly.

Borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement are at variable rates of interest and expose Kodiak to interest rate risk. If interest rates were to increase, Kodiak’s debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and Kodiak’s net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing Kodiak’s indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. Kodiak has in the past entered into, and in the future may enter into, interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments to reduce interest rate volatility. However, Kodiak may not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all of Kodiak’s variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps it enters into may not fully mitigate Kodiak’s interest rate risk.

 

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Kodiak may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of its indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy its obligations under its indebtedness, which may not be successful. Kodiak’s ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond Kodiak’s control.

Kodiak’s ability to make scheduled payments on or refinance its debt obligations depends on its financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond its control. Kodiak may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit it to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on its indebtedness.

If Kodiak’s cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund its debt service obligations, it could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to dispose of material assets or operations, seek additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance its indebtedness. Kodiak may not be able to effect any such alternative measures, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, those alternative actions may not allow Kodiak to meet its scheduled debt service obligations. The ABL Credit Agreement and the Indenture (as defined below) restricts Kodiak’s ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from those dispositions and may also restrict Kodiak’s ability to raise debt or equity capital to be used to repay other indebtedness when it becomes due. Kodiak may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain proceeds in an amount sufficient to meet any debt service obligations then due.

In addition, Kodiak may in the future conduct its operations through subsidiaries, certain of which may not be guarantors of Kodiak’s indebtedness. Accordingly, repayment of Kodiak’s indebtedness may be dependent on the generation of cash flow by its subsidiaries and their ability to make such cash available to Kodiak, by dividend, debt repayment or otherwise. Unless they are guarantors of its indebtedness, Kodiak’s subsidiaries do not have any obligation to pay amounts due on Kodiak’s indebtedness or to make funds available for that purpose. Kodiak’s subsidiaries may not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make distributions to enable Kodiak to make payments in respect of Kodiak’s indebtedness. Each subsidiary is a distinct legal entity, and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit Kodiak’s ability to obtain cash from its subsidiaries. While the ABL Credit Agreement and the Indenture limit the ability of Kodiak’s subsidiaries to incur consensual restrictions on their ability to pay dividends or make other intercompany payments to Kodiak, these limitations are subject to qualifications and exceptions. In the event that Kodiak does not receive distributions from its subsidiaries, Kodiak may be unable to make required principal and interest payments on its indebtedness.

Kodiak’s inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy its debt obligations, or to refinance its indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would materially and adversely affect Kodiak’s financial position and results of operations and Kodiak’s ability to satisfy its obligations under the ABL Facility. Kodiak’s ability to generate cash in the future is, to a significant extent, subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, tax, regulatory, environmental and other factors that are beyond Kodiak’s control.

If Kodiak cannot make scheduled payments on its debt, Kodiak will be in default and the lenders under the ABL Facility could terminate their commitments to loan money, the lenders could foreclose against the assets securing their borrowings, holders of the notes could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable and Kodiak could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.

Despite Kodiak’s current level of indebtedness, Kodiak and its subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks to Kodiak’s financial condition described above.

Kodiak and its subsidiaries may be able to incur significant additional indebtedness in the future. Although the ABL Credit Agreement and the Indenture contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and the additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. If Kodiak incurs any additional indebtedness that ranks equally to Kodiak’s outstanding debt obligations, subject to collateral arrangements, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with you in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up of Kodiak’s business. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to you. These restrictions also will not prevent Kodiak from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, the ABL Facility provided for unused commitments of $354.9 million. Because the borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility is determined on the basis of a fluctuating borrowing base comprised predominantly of eligible accounts receivable, inventory and the appraised value of our compression units, such amounts may not reflect future borrowing capacity. If new debt is added to Kodiak’s current debt levels, the related risks that Kodiak and the guarantors now face could intensify.

 

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Risks Related to Owning Kodiak Common Stock

Kodiak is a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE and, as a result, qualifies for, but does not currently rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.

Kodiak Holdings directly controls (and EQT indirectly controls) a majority of Kodiak’s voting power. As a result, Kodiak is a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards. Under the NYSE rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and need not comply with certain requirements, including the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors and the requirements that Kodiak’s compensation and nominating and governance committees be composed entirely of independent directors. Kodiak does not currently utilize these exemptions. However, for so long as Kodiak qualifies as a “controlled company,” it will maintain the option to utilize some or all of these exemptions. If Kodiak utilizes these exemptions, it may not have a majority of independent directors and Kodiak’s compensation and nominating and governance committees may not consist entirely of independent directors, and such committees will not be subject to annual performance evaluations. Accordingly, in the event Kodiak elects to rely on these exemptions in the future, you would not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research reports or publish unfavorable research about Kodiak’s business, the trading volume of Kodiak Common Stock could be negatively impacted and the price could decline resulting in decreased demand for Kodiak Common Stock by investors.

The trading market for Kodiak Common Stock depends in part on the research reports that securities or industry analysts publish about Kodiak or its business. If securities or industry analysts suspend or cease coverage of Kodiak, the trading price for Kodiak Common Stock and other securities could be negatively affected. In the event one or more of the analysts who covers Kodiak downgrades Kodiak’s securities, the price of Kodiak’s securities would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases to cover Kodiak or fails to publish regular reports on Kodiak, interest in the purchase of Kodiak’s securities could decrease, which could cause the price of Kodiak Common Stock and other securities and their trading volume to decline.

The Kodiak Charter and Kodiak Bylaws contain provisions that could delay, discourage or prevent a takeover attempt even if a takeover might be beneficial to Kodiak’s stockholders, and such provisions may adversely affect the market price of Kodiak Common Stock.

Provisions contained in the Kodiak Charter and Kodiak Bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire Kodiak. The Kodiak Charter and Kodiak Bylaws also impose various procedural and other requirements, which could make it more difficult for stockholders to effect certain corporate actions. For example, the Kodiak Charter authorizes the Kodiak board of directors to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of unissued series of preferred stock without any vote or action by Kodiak’s stockholders. Thus, the Kodiak board of directors can authorize and issue shares of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting or other rights of holders of Kodiak’s capital stock. These rights may have the effect of delaying or deterring a change of control of Kodiak. Additionally, for example, Kodiak’s the Kodiak Bylaws (as defined below) (i) establish limitations on the removal of directors and on the ability of Kodiak’s stockholders to call special meetings, (ii) include advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the Kodiak board of directors and for proposing matters that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings, (iii) provide that the Kodiak board of directors is expressly authorized to adopt, or to alter or repeal, the Kodiak Bylaws, and (iv) provide for a classified board of directors, consisting of three classes of approximately equal size, each class serving staggered three-year terms, so that only approximately one-third of Kodiak’s directors are elected each year.

These provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of Kodiak Common Stock.

The Kodiak Charter designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by Kodiak’s stockholders, which could limit Kodiak’s stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with Kodiak or its directors, officers, employees or agents.

The Kodiak Charter provides that, unless it consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on Kodiak’s behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of Kodiak’s directors, officers, employees or agents to Kodiak or its stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Kodiak Charter or Kodiak Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against Kodiak that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to such Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive

 

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forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under U.S. federal securities laws, including the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of Kodiak’s capital stock will be deemed to have notice of, and consented to, the provisions of the Kodiak Charter described in the preceding sentences. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with Kodiak or its directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against Kodiak and such persons. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of the Kodiak Charter inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, Kodiak may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect Kodiak’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Kodiak cannot assure you that it will be able to pay dividends on the Kodiak Common Stock.

The Kodiak board of directors may elect to declare cash dividends on the Kodiak Common Stock, subject to its compliance with applicable law, and depending on, among other things, economic conditions, Kodiak’s financial condition, results of operations, projections, liquidity, earnings, legal requirements, and restrictions in the agreements governing Kodiak’s indebtedness (as further discussed below). The declaration and amount of any future dividends is subject to the discretion of the Kodiak board of directors and Kodiak has no obligation to pay any dividends at any time. Kodiak’s ability to pay dividends depends on Kodiak’s receipt of cash dividends from Kodiak’s operating subsidiaries, which may further restrict Kodiak’s ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their jurisdiction of organization, agreements of Kodiak’s subsidiaries or covenants under any existing and future outstanding indebtedness Kodiak or its subsidiaries incur. See Note 9 (“Debt and Credit Facilities”) to Kodiak’s annual financial statements.

Kodiak’s ABL Facility contains restrictions on the payment of dividends. Such restrictions allow Kodiak to pay dividends only when (1) no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing or would result after giving effect to such dividends, (2) availability under the borrowing base under the ABL Facility exceeds the greater of (x) 10% of the total commitments under the facility of $2.2 billion or (y) $200 million, and (3) Kodiak is in compliance with the financial covenants under the ABL Facility applicable at such time. Such covenants provide that (1) Kodiak maintains an interest coverage ratio of at least 2.50 to 1.00 and (2) Kodiak maintains a leverage ratio not to exceed (i) 5.50 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarters through June 30, 2023, (ii) 5.25 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarters thereafter through December 31, 2023, (iii) 5.00 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024, (iv) 4.75 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024 and (v) 4.50 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter thereafter. In the event Kodiak issues certain unsecured debt, Kodiak must (1) maintain an unsecured leverage ratio not to exceed 5.75 to 1.00 for the first four fiscal quarters after such issuance and 5.25 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter thereafter and (2) maintain a secured leverage ratio not to exceed 3.50 to 1.00 for the first four fiscal quarters after such issuance and 3.00 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter thereafter.

On January 22, 2024, Kodiak, and certain other subsidiaries of Kodiak entered into the Third Amendment, which amends the Existing ABL Credit Agreement. The Third Amendment, among other things, amended certain provisions of the Existing ABL Credit Agreement (i) to accommodate the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (ii) to account for Kodiak’s organizational structure after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. See Note 21 (“Subsequent Events”) for additional disclosures.

Due to the foregoing, Kodiak cannot assure you that it will be able to pay a dividend in the future or continue to pay a dividend after it commences paying dividends.

Terms of subsequent financings may adversely impact stockholder equity.

If Kodiak raises more equity capital from the sale of Kodiak Common Stock, such equity could be offered at a price more favorable than the then current market price of Kodiak Common Stock. If Kodiak issues debt securities, the holders of the debt would have a claim to Kodiak’s assets that would be prior to the rights of stockholders until the debt is paid. Interest on these debt securities would increase costs and could negatively impact Kodiak’s operating results.

In accordance with Delaware law and the provisions of Kodiak’s certificate of incorporation and the Kodiak Stockholders’ Agreement, Kodiak may issue one or more classes or series of preferred stock that ranks senior in right of dividends, liquidation or voting to Kodiak Common Stock. Preferred stock may have such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including preferences over Kodiak Common Stock respecting dividends and distributions, as the Kodiak board of directors may determine, and the issuance of preferred stock would dilute the ownership of Kodiak’s existing stockholders. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of Kodiak Common Stock. For example, Kodiak might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of Kodiak’s directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences Kodiak might assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock. The terms of any series of preferred stock may also reduce or eliminate the amount of cash available for payment of dividends to Kodiak’s holders of common stock or subordinate the claims of Kodiak’s holders of common stock to Kodiak’s assets liquidation. Kodiak Common Stock will not be subject to redemption or sinking fund provisions.

 

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Taking advantage of the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to “emerging growth companies” may make Kodiak Common Stock less attractive to investors.

Kodiak qualifies as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of certain reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. Pursuant to these reduced disclosure requirements, emerging growth companies are not required to, among other things, comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, provide certain disclosures regarding executive compensation, hold stockholder advisory votes on executive compensation or obtain stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. In addition, emerging growth companies have longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting. Kodiak will cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which Kodiak has $1.235 billion or more in annual revenues; (ii) the date on which Kodiak becomes a “large accelerated filer” (the fiscal year-end on which the total market value of Kodiak’s common equity securities held by non-affiliates is $700 million or more as of June 30); (iii) the date on which Kodiak issues more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt securities over a three-year period; or (iv) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of Kodiak’s IPO.

Kodiak intends to take advantage of all of the reduced reporting requirements and exemptions, including the longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under Section 107 of the JOBS Act, until Kodiak is no longer an emerging growth company. If Kodiak were to subsequently elect instead to comply with these public company effective dates, such election would be irrevocable pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act.

Kodiak’s election to use the phase-in periods permitted by this election may make it difficult to compare Kodiak’s financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the longer phase-in periods under Section 107 of the JOBS Act and who will comply with new or revised financial accounting standards. Kodiak cannot predict if investors will find Kodiak Common Stock less attractive because Kodiak will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find Kodiak Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for Kodiak Common Stock and Kodiak Common Stock price may be more volatile. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies.

In addition, if Kodiak ceases to be an emerging growth company, Kodiak will no longer be able to take advantage of certain exemptions from reporting, and, absent other exemptions or relief available from the SEC, Kodiak will also be required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Kodiak will incur additional expenses in connection with such compliance and Kodiak’s management will need to devote additional time and effort to implement and comply with such requirements.

Risks Related to the Merger

The Merger is subject to various closing conditions, and any delay in completing the Merger may reduce or eliminate the benefits expected.

The Merger is subject to the satisfaction of a number of other conditions beyond Kodiak’s control that may prevent, delay or otherwise materially adversely affect the completion of the Merger. These conditions include, among other things, the expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. Kodiak cannot predict with certainty whether and when any of these conditions will be satisfied. Any delay in completing the Merger could cause the combined company not to realize, or delay the realization, of some or all of the benefits that Kodiak expects to achieve from the Merger.

Kodiak may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the Merger or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected. Kodiak may also encounter significant difficulties in integrating the acquired business.

Kodiak’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger will depend, to a large extent, on Kodiak’s ability to successfully integrate the acquired business. The integration of a business is a complex, costly and time-consuming process. As a result, Kodiak will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating Kodiak’s business practices and operations with the business practices and operations of the acquired business. The integration process may disrupt Kodiak’s business and, if implemented ineffectively, would restrict the full realization of the anticipated benefits from the acquisition. The failure to meet the challenges involved in integrating the acquired business and to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction could adversely impact the carrying value of the acquisition premium or goodwill; could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, Kodiak’s business activities; and could adversely impact Kodiak’s business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, the overall integration of the acquired business may result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, loss of customers and diversion of the attention of Kodiak’s management and employees. The challenges of integrating the operations of acquired businesses include, among others:

 

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difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities and growth prospects from the Merger;

 

   

difficulties in the integration of operations and systems, including information technology systems;

 

   

difficulties in establishing effective uniform controls, standards, systems, procedures, business cultures, compensation structures and accounting and other policies between the two business;

 

   

difficulties in the acculturation of employees;

 

   

difficulties managing the expanded operations of a larger and more complex company, including in new regions and countries and in new, ancillary business lines;

 

   

challenges in keeping existing customers and obtaining new customers;

 

   

challenges in attracting and retaining key personnel, including personnel that are considered key to the future success of the business; and

 

   

challenges in keeping key business relationships in place.

Many of these factors are outside of Kodiak’s control, and any one of them could result in increased costs and liabilities, decreases in the amount of expected revenue and earnings, and diversion of management’s time and energy, which could have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, even if the operations of Kodiak’s business and the acquired business are integrated successfully, the full benefits of the Merger may not be realized, including the synergies, cost savings, growth opportunities or cash flows that are expected, and Kodiak will also be subject to additional risks that could impact future earnings. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame, or at all. Further, additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in the integration of the acquired business. In addition, it is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees and inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies, which may adversely affect Kodiak’s ability to maintain relationships with Kodiak’s customers and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Merger. These integration matters and Kodiak’s amount of indebtedness may hinder Kodiak’s ability to make further acquisitions and could have an adverse effect on Kodiak for an undetermined period after the Merger. All of these factors could decrease or delay the expected accretive effect of the Merger or have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The future results of the combined company will suffer if the combined company does not effectively manage its expanded operations following the Merger.

Following the Merger, the size of the business, both domestically and internationally, of the combined company will have increased significantly beyond the current size of either Kodiak’s current business. The combined company’s future success depends, in part, upon Kodiak’s ability to manage this expanded business, which will pose substantial challenges for Kodiak’s management, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations, which utilize different operation processes, and associated increased costs and complexity. The combined company will be subject to non-U.S. laws, which will be a significant change from Kodiak’s current U.S.-only operations. Kodiak may not be successful in realizing the expected operating efficiencies, cost savings, revenue enhancements and other benefits currently anticipated from the Merger. Furthermore, Kodiak has incurred and expects to incur significant costs, expenses and fees for professional services and other transaction costs in connection with the Merger. In addition, the continued integration of the two businesses could result in additional costs and expenses that were not expected or anticipated, and such costs and expenses could materially and adversely affect the prospects, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the combined company.

Kodiak will incur substantial transaction-related costs in connection with the Merger, including fees paid to legal, financial and accounting advisors, filing fees and printing costs.

Kodiak has incurred and expects to incur a number of non-recurring costs associated with the Merger. These costs include financial advisory, legal, accounting, consulting and other advisory fees, severance/employee benefit-related costs, public company filing fees and other regulatory fees, printing costs and other related costs. Some of these costs are payable by Kodiak regardless of whether or not the Merger is completed.

 

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Kodiak expects to incur substantial costs in connection with the related integration of the Merger. There are a large number of processes, policies, procedures, operations, technologies and systems that may need to be integrated, including purchasing, accounting and finance, sales, payroll, pricing and benefits. While Kodiak has assumed that a certain level of costs will be incurred, there are many factors beyond Kodiak’s control that could affect the total amount or the timing of the integration costs. Moreover, many of the costs that will be incurred are, by their nature, difficult to estimate accurately. These costs could, particularly in the near term, exceed the savings that Kodiak expects to achieve from the elimination of duplicative costs and the realization of economies of scale and cost savings. These integration costs may result in Kodiak taking significant charges against earnings following the completion of the Merger, and the amount and timing of such charges are uncertain at present.

General Risks

A financial crisis or deterioration in general economic, business or industry conditions could materially adversely affect Kodiak’s results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends on Kodiak Common Stock.

Concerns over global economic conditions, stock market volatility, energy costs, geopolitical issues, inflation and U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate increases in response, the availability and cost of credit, and slowing of economic growth in the United States and fears of a recession have contributed and may continue to contribute to economic uncertainty and diminished expectations for the global economy.

Concerns about global economic growth can result in a significant adverse impact on global financial markets and commodity prices. In addition, a financial crisis may cause Kodiak to face limitations on its ability to borrow under its debt agreements, service its debt obligations, access the debt and equity capital markets and complete asset purchases or sales, may cause increased counterparty credit risk on its derivative instruments and may lead such counterparties to make Kodiak post collateral guaranteeing Kodiak’s performance.

Further, if there is a financial crisis or the economic climate in the United States or abroad deteriorates, worldwide demand for natural gas or oil could materially decrease, which would likely depress the level of production activity and result in a decline in the demand for Kodiak’s Compression Operations and ultimately materially adversely impact its results of operations and financial condition. If a material adverse change occurs in Kodiak’s business such that an event of default occurs under its debt agreements, the lenders under such agreements may be able to accelerate the maturity of its debt.

Events outside of Kodiak’s control, including an epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease or the threat thereof, could have a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, liquidity, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay dividends on Kodiak Common Stock.

Kodiak faces risks related to pandemics, epidemics, outbreaks or other public health events, or the threat thereof, that are outside of its control, and could significantly disrupt its business and operational plans and adversely affect its liquidity, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay dividends on Kodiak Common Stock. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the global economy and resulted in unprecedented governmental actions in the United States and countries around the world, including, among other things, social distancing guidelines, travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders, among other actions, which caused a significant decrease in activity in the global economy and the demand for oil, and to a lesser extent, natural gas.

The nature, scale and scope of the above-described events, combined with the uncertain duration and extent of governmental actions, prevent Kodiak from identifying all potential risks to its business.

Inflation may adversely affect Kodiak by increasing costs beyond what it can recover through price increases and limit its ability to enter into future traditional debt financing.

Inflation has adversely affected Kodiak by increasing costs of critical components, equipment, labor and other services it may rely on, and continued inflationary pressures could prevent Kodiak from operating at capacity, decreasing its revenues or having an adverse effect on its profitability. In addition, inflation is often accompanied by higher interest rates. Such higher interest rates may affect Kodiak’s ability to enter into future debt financing, as high inflation may result in an increase in cost to borrow.

A deterioration in general economic, business, geopolitical or industry conditions could materially adversely affect Kodiak’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Concerns over global economic conditions, energy costs, geopolitical issues, including the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic or a similar global health crisis, inflation, the availability and cost of credit and slow economic growth in the United States have contributed to general economic uncertainty and diminished expectations for the global economy. Additionally, acts of protest and civil unrest have caused economic and political disruption in the United States. Meanwhile, continued hostilities in Europe and the Middle East and the occurrence or threat of terrorist attacks in the United States or other countries could adversely affect the economies of the United States and other countries. If the economic climate in the United States or abroad deteriorates, worldwide demand for energy could destabilize, which could materially adversely affect Kodiak’s and its customers’ operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

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Kodiak’s ability to use net operating losses (“NOLs”) to offset future income may be limited.

Kodiak’s ability to use any NOLs generated by it could be substantially limited if Kodiak were to experience an “ownership change” as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In general, an “ownership change” would occur if Kodiak’s “5-percent stockholders,” as defined under Section 382 of the Code, including certain groups of persons treated as “5-percent stockholders,” collectively increased their ownership in Kodiak by more than 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. An ownership change can occur as a result of a public offering of Kodiak Common Stock, as well as through secondary market purchases of Kodiak Common Stock and certain types of reorganization transactions. Such a limitation could, for any given year, have the effect of increasing the amount of Kodiak’s U.S. federal income tax liability, which would negatively impact its financial condition and the amount of after-tax cash available for distribution to Kodiak’s stockholders.

Tax legislation and administrative initiatives or challenges to Kodiak’s tax positions could adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.

Kodiak operates in locations throughout the U.S. and, as a result, Kodiak is subject to the tax laws and regulations of U.S. federal, state and local governments. From time to time, various legislative or administrative initiatives may be proposed that could adversely affect Kodiak’s tax positions. There can be no assurance that Kodiak’s tax provision or tax payments will not be adversely affected by these initiatives. In addition, U.S. federal, state and local tax laws and regulations are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. There can be no assurance that Kodiak’s tax positions will not be challenged by relevant tax authorities or that it would be successful in any such challenge. After the consummation of the Merger, Kodiak will be subject to non-US tax laws that may be significantly different from Kodiak’s current U.S. tax treatment.

Kodiak previously identified a material weakness in its internal controls, which was remediated, however Kodiak cannot provide assurances that additional material weaknesses will not occur in the future.

If Kodiak’s internal control over financial reporting or Kodiak’s disclosure controls and procedures are not appropriately designed or effective, Kodiak may not be able to accurately report its financial results, prevent fraud, or file its periodic reports in a timely manner.

As disclosed in Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures,” during the preparation and review of the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, Kodiak identified a previously corrected adjusting entry that was erroneously recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2022 and should have been recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2022. This entry was specific to the unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives and did not impact the six month period ended June 30, 2022 unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Additionally, as described more fully in Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures,” we executed a remediation plan with respect to the material weakness and, as a result determined that, as of December 31, 2023, such material weakness has been remediated. Completion of remediation does not provide assurance that our remediation or other controls will continue to operate properly or remain adequate. Any failure to design or maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement could increase compliance costs, negatively impact the market price of Kodiak Common Stock, or otherwise harm Kodiak’s operating results or cause Kodiak to fail to meet its reporting obligations.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None

Item 1C. Cybersecurity

Strategy, Governance and Risk Management

Kodiak maintains a cyber risk management program designed to identify, assess, manage, mitigate, and respond to cybersecurity threats, including the assessment of cybersecurity risks related to third-party vendors and suppliers. This program is integrated within the Company’s enterprise risk management process and the results of the risk assessment, which occurs at least annually, along with mitigation strategies, are discussed with the Audit & Risk Committee.

The underlying controls of the cyber risk management program are based on recognized best practices and standards for cybersecurity and information technology, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) Cybersecurity Framework (“CSF”) and the International Organization Standardization (“ISO”) 27001 Information Security Management System Requirements. Kodiak has an annual assessment of the Company’s cyber risk management program against the NIST CSF, which is performed by a third party.

 

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Cyber vendors serve as partners and are a key part of Kodiak’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Kodiak engages with leading cybersecurity companies and organizations, leveraging third-party technology and expertise. Kodiak engages with these partners to monitor and maintain the performance and effectiveness of products and services that are deployed in Kodiak’s operating environment. As a part of this strategy, Kodiak augments its internal cybersecurity team with an outsourced Cyber Security Operations Center providing monitoring of the cybersecurity environment and to coordinate the investigation and remediation of alerts. In addition, Kodiak has a program for staging incident response drills, which is in place to prepare support teams in the event of a significant incident.

Kodiak further augments its cybersecurity team with an outsourced Chief Information Security Officer (the “CISO”) who reports to Kodiak’s Chief Information Officer (the “CIO”). The CISO is an information systems security professional with 23 years of cybersecurity leadership. The CIO, CISO and cybersecurity team are responsible for assessing and managing Kodiak’s cyber risk management program, informs senior management regarding the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents and supervises such efforts. The cybersecurity team has decades of experience selecting, deploying, and operating cybersecurity technologies, initiatives, and processes around the world, and relies on threat intelligence as well as other information obtained from governmental, public or private sources, including external consultants engaged by Kodiak.

Kodiak faces risks from cybersecurity threats that could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or reputation. Kodiak has experienced, and will continue to experience, cyber incidents in the normal course of its business. However, prior cybersecurity incidents have not had a material adverse effect on Kodiak’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Intellectual Property, Information Technology and Cybersecurity-Kodiak has experienced cybersecurity incidents or IT system disruptions in the past, and cybersecurity breaches or IT system disruptions may adversely affect Kodiak’s business in the future.”

Board Oversight

Given the importance to our business and the heightened risk, the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Directors provides regular oversight to Kodiak’s cybersecurity risks, including cybersecurity exposures and the steps taken by management to monitor and mitigate cybersecurity risks. The cybersecurity team provides periodic updates to the Audit & Risk Committee on the effectiveness of Kodiak’s cyber risk management program. In addition, cybersecurity risks are reviewed by the Audit & Risk Committee, at least annually, as part of the Company’s enterprise risk management program.

Item 2. Properties

We do not currently own or lease any material facilities or properties for storage or maintenance of our compression units. As of December 31, 2023, our headquarters consisted of 13,320 square feet of leased space located at 15320 Highway 105 W, Suite 210, Montgomery, Texas 77356, and 13,279 square feet of leased space located at 15258 Highway 105 W, Suite 200, Montgomery, Texas 77356. In February 2024, Kodiak relocated its corporate headquarters to a leased space consisting of 53,060 square feet located at 9950 Woodloch Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, we and our subsidiaries may be involved in various claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In management’s opinion, the resolution of such matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Beginning in October 2019 through April 2023, we received notices of sales and use tax audits from the State of Texas Comptroller’s office for the periods covering December 2015 through December 2022. We are actively in settlement discussions with the Comptroller, and if necessary, we will exhaust our administrative remedies to the maximum extent possible. Based on the timing and nature of a previous settlement, we may receive similar treatment on settlement of our sales and use tax liability. See “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry-Kodiak has in the past been, and may in the future be, subject to sales tax audits in jurisdictions where Kodiak operates. As a result, Kodiak may incur material unanticipated sales and use tax liabilities.”

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

 

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Part II

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

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “KGS”.

Holders

At the close of business on March 4 2023, based on information received from the transfer agent of our common stock, we had 32 holders of record of our common stock. The number of record holders does not include holders of common units held in “street name” or persons, partnerships, associations, corporations, or other entities identified in security position listings maintained by depositories.

Dividends

On each of November 10, 2023 and February 23, 2024, Kodiak paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share of common stock. We expect that, based on current circumstances, we expect to continue to pay comparable cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

The following graph and table compare total shareholder return on our common stock from the initial public offering date of June 29, 2023 to December 31, 2023, with the Standard & Poor’s 500 ® Index (“S&P 500”) and Alerian US Midstream Energy Index (“AMUSX”) over the same period. The results are based on an investment of $100 in each of our common stock, the S&P 500, and the AMUSX. The graph assumes reinvestment of dividends and adjusts all closing prices and dividends for stock splits.

 

LOGO

The performance graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Annual Report into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under those Acts.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

None.

 

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Use of Proceeds

On June 28, 2023, Kodiak’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 relating to the IPO was declared effective by the SEC. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $267 million from the IPO (including from the full exercise of the underwriters’ over allotment option), after deducting underwriting discounts on July 3, 2023. The net proceeds were used for repayment of existing indebtedness, as described further in Note 9 (“Debt and Credit Facilities”) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report, and general corporate purposes.

Repurchases of Equity Securities by Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None

Item 6. [ Reserved ]

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

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The following discussion includes forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. For further information on items that could impact our future operating performance or financial condition, see the sections titled “Risk Factors” and Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” elsewhere in this Annual Report. We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

The following discussion includes forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. For further information on items that could impact our future operating performance or financial condition, See Part I “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors”. We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, the historical financial information in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” reflects only the historical financial results of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and references to the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” are to Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

This section primarily discusses 2023 and 2022 items and comparisons between these years. Discussion and analysis of our operating highlights and financial results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 are included under the headings “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 2022 Operational Highlights, Financial Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital Resources, and Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our final prospectus relating to the IPO filed with the SEC on June 30, 2023.

Overview

We are a leading operator of contract compression infrastructure in the U.S. Our Compression Operations and related services are critical to our customers’ ability to reliably produce, gather and transport natural gas and oil. We are a market leader in the Permian Basin, which is the largest producing natural gas and oil basin in the U.S. We operate our large horsepower compression units under stable, fixed-revenue contracts with many upstream and midstream customers. Our compression assets have long useful lives consistent with the expected production lives of the key regions where we operate. We believe our customer-centric business model positions us as the preferred contract compression operator for our customers and creates long-standing relationships. We strategically invest in the training, development, and retention of our highly skilled and dedicated employees and believe their expertise and commitment to excellence enhances and differentiates our business model. Furthermore, we maintain an intense focus on being one of the most sustainable and responsible operators of contract compression infrastructure.

We manage our business through two operating segments: Compression Operations and Other Services. Compression Operations consists of operating Company-owned and customer-owned compression infrastructure for our customers, pursuant to fixed-revenue contracts to enable the production and gathering of natural gas and oil. Other Services consists of a full range of contract services to support the needs of our customers, including station construction, maintenance and overhaul and other ancillary time and material-based offerings. Our Other Services offerings are often cross-sold with Compression Operations.

Trends and Outlook

Within our Compression Operations segment, we provide contract compression infrastructure for customers in the oil and gas industry. Our assets are specifically utilized in natural gas compression applications in the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale and other active U.S. hydrocarbon production regions. Our customers are dependent on these applications to produce, process and transport natural gas and oil throughout the value chain and ultimately to end markets. Our assets are central to meeting the growing global natural gas and oil demand. Furthermore, the long-life nature of our assets and our fixed-revenue contracts help to protect our business from the impact of industry and broader macroeconomic cycles.

 

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Unconventional resources, large-scale centralized gathering systems and multi-well pad operations require more horsepower than conventional resources, driving demand for our large horsepower compression units. Upstream and midstream companies have increasingly prioritized capital discipline and return of capital to stockholders. We believe that our customers will increasingly continue to outsource their compression infrastructure needs in an effort to reduce capital expenditures outside of their core business and benefit from our technical skill and expertise.

We believe that the U.S natural gas and oil industry is facing uncertainties and continued pressures from regulators and shifting sentiments from investors and other stakeholders, primarily related to broader adoption of emission reduction targets and other sustainability initiatives. Many energy companies, including some of our customers, have announced significant GHG emission reduction initiatives. A growing number of our customers are evaluating potential opportunities in electric compression infrastructure and we are well positioned to support them in these strategic initiatives.

Approximately 84% of our existing compression assets are strategically deployed in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, which are two of the most significant crude oil and associated gas basins in the U.S., which the EIA expects to maintain significant production volumes through at least 2050. We believe these two regions possess some of the largest and lowest-cost unconventional resources bases in the U.S. Additionally, there are significant U.S. LNG export projects in development, and overall LNG export capacity is expected to meaningfully grow over the next decade, in particular along the U.S. Gulf Coast. We expect this growth in Gulf Coast LNG export capacity to translate into increasing Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale natural gas production growth, requiring substantial additional compression horsepower. We believe these regions will play an increasingly important role in global energy security as the world continues to require reliable, affordable and sustainable natural gas and oil production to support increasing global energy demand.

See “Business-Compression Industry” for more information regarding natural gas compression industry trends. Ultimately, the extent to which our business will be impacted by the factors described above, as well as future developments beyond our control, cannot be predicted with reasonable certainty. However, we continue to believe in the long-term demand for our Compression Operations given the necessity of compression in gathering, processing and production of natural gas and centralized gas lift of oil.

Recent Developments

Pending Merger with CSI Compressco

On December 19, 2023, we entered into the Merger Agreement pursuant to which we agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding partnership interests of CSI Compressco in an all-equity transaction.

In connection with closing of the Merger, we intend to (i) repay all amounts outstanding under CSI Compressco’s existing (a) Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018, as amended, (b) Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2021, as amended, and to terminate such agreements and any security interests and guarantees in connection therewith and (ii) call for redemption, contingent upon consummation of the Merger, CSI Compressco’s existing (a) 7.50% First Lien Notes due 2025 and (b) 10.00%/10.75% Second Lien Notes due 2026 and to terminate any security interests and guarantees in connection therewith.

We expect to close the Merger in the second quarter of 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, although we cannot assure you that we will complete the Merger on the terms contemplated or at all.

Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

On January 22, 2024, Kodiak entered into the Third Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2023 (the “ABL Credit Agreement”) by and among Kodiak, the Issuer, certain subsidiaries of Kodiak as guarantors, certain financial institutions as lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Third Amendment, among other things, amended certain provisions of the ABL Credit Agreement (i) to accommodate the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (ii) to account for the Company’s organizational structure after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

In addition, the Third Amendment amended the ABL Credit Agreement to (i) increase the maximum secured leverage ratio (calculated based on the ratio of Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA, each as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), which will begin to be tested after we issue any unsecured indebtedness, to (x) 3.75 to 1.00 for the first four fiscal quarters after we issue any unsecured indebtedness and (y) 3.25 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter thereafter, (ii) modify the triggers for commencing a “cash dominion” period (i.e., a period when the Administrative Agent applies proceeds in our deposit accounts to reduce borrowings under the ABL Facility) such that a “cash dominion” period will commence when

 

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availability under the ABL Facility is less than $125 million for five consecutive business days or if certain types of events of default occur (although this change will effectively be unwound if the Merger does not occur on or prior to the Reversion Date (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement)), (iii) include customary provisions relating to the designation of “unrestricted subsidiaries” (i.e., subsidiaries that are not required to become loan parties or be bound by the covenants contained in the ABL Credit Agreement), (iv) provide that only material domestic restricted subsidiaries are required to become guarantors and collateral grantors under the ABL Facility and (v) permit the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and liens and to make additional investments, dividends, distributions, redemptions and dispositions.

2029 Notes Indenture

On February 2, 2024, Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., (“Kodiak Services”), issued $750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Kodiak Services’ 7.250% senior notes due 2029 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an indenture, dated February 2, 2024 (the “Indenture”), by and among Kodiak Services, Kodiak, certain other subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee.

The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes were used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the ABL Facility and to pay related fees, costs, premiums and expenses in connection therewith and with the closing of the Company’s previously announced acquisition of CSI Compressco (the “CSI Acquisition”). In connection with closing of the CSI Acquisition, the Company intends, using proceeds from additional draws on the ABL Facility, to repay, terminate and/or redeem all of CSI Compressco’s existing long-term indebtedness.

2023 Operational Highlights

The following table summarizes certain horsepower, unit count and horsepower utilization percentages for our fleet for the periods presented.

 

     As of December 31,     Percentage
Change
 
     2023     2022  

Operating Data (at year end):

      

Fleet horsepower (1)

     3,261,661       3,134,306       4.1

Revenue-generating horsepower (2)

     3,258,951       3,131,631       4.1

Fleet compression units

     3,078       3,024       1.8

Revenue-generating compression units

     3,062       3,021       1.4

Revenue-generating horsepower per revenue-generating compression unit (3)

     1,064       1,037       2.6

Horsepower utilization (4)

     99.9     99.9     — 

 

(1)

Fleet horsepower includes revenue-generating horsepower and idle horsepower, which are comprised of compression units that do not have a signed contract or are not subject to a firm commitment from our customer and therefore are no longer generating revenue. Fleet horsepower excludes 33,020 and 58,645 of non-marketable or obsolete horsepower as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

(2)

Revenue-generating horsepower includes compression units that are operating under contract and generating revenue and compression units which are available to be deployed and for which we have a signed contract or are subject to a firm commitment from our customer.

(3)

Calculated as (i) revenue-generating horsepower divided by (ii) revenue-generating compression units at period end.

(4)

Horsepower utilization is calculated as (i) revenue-generating horsepower divided by (ii) fleet horsepower.

Horsepower

The 4.1% and 4.1% increase in fleet horsepower and revenue-generating horsepower, respectively, were primarily attributable to the purchase and deployment of new compression units through organic growth with our existing customer base as well as select new customers in the key regions in which we operate. The 2.6% increase in revenue-generating horsepower per revenue-generating compression unit was due to the purchase and deployment of new, large horsepower units.

 

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Financial Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2022

The following table presents selected financial and operating information for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,     %  
     2023     2022     Change  

Revenues:

      

Compression Operations

   $ 735,605     $ 654,957       12.3

Other Services

     114,776       52,956       116.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     850,381       707,913       20.1

Operating expenses:

      

Cost of operations (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below):

      

Compression Operations

     257,092       225,715       13.9

Other Services

     93,779       41,636       125.2

Depreciation and amortization

     182,869       174,463       4.8

Selling, general and administrative

     73,308       44,882       63.3

Gain on sale of capital assets

     (777     (874     (11.1 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     606,271       485,822       24.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     244,110       222,091       9.9

Other income (expenses):

      

Interest expense, net

     (222,514     (165,867     34.2

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (6,757     —        n/m  

Gain on derivatives

     20,266       83,116       (75.6 )% 

Other income

     31       17       82.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expenses

     (208,974     (82,734     152.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     35,136       139,357       (74.8 )% 

Income tax expense

     15,070       33,092       (54.5 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 20,066     $ 106,265       (81.1 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues and Sources of Income

Compression Operations

Compression Operations revenue increased $80.6 million (12.3%) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Substantially all, or $80.6 million, of the increase was the result of an increase in average revenue-generating horsepower as a result of increased demand for our Compression Operations and due to an increase in average revenue per revenue-generating horsepower per month.

Other Services

Other Services revenue increased $61.8 million (116.7%) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was primarily due to a $51.4 million increase in revenues from station construction services driven primarily by increases in demand and scope of station projects, and a $10.4 million increase in revenue from sales of parts and service, driven by increased customer demand.

Operating Costs and Other Expenses

Compression Operations

Compression Operations expenses increased $31.4 million (13.9%) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was primarily due to a $14.0 million increase in direct expenses, driven by increases in pricing and volume of lubricant oil and coolant and parts to support increased activity, a $11.9 million increase in direct labor expenses related to increased headcount and salaries, a $6.4 million increase in indirect expenses; partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in freight and crane charges that are directly reimbursable by our customers.

 

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Other Services

Other Services expense increased $52.1 million (125.2%) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was primarily due to a $43.0 million increase in expenses from station construction services, driven primarily by increases in demand and scope of station projects, and $9.1 million from sales of parts and service, driven by increased customer demand.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and Amortization increased $8.4 million (4.8%) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This was primarily due to an increase in compression equipment purchased, which resulted in increased depreciation associated with that equipment.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, General and Administrative expenses increased $28.4 million (63.3%) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This was primarily due to a $7.5 million increase in professional fees mainly related to transactions costs, a $7.1 million increase in bad debt expense related to expected credit losses from a customer in bankruptcy experiencing financial distress, a $6.6 million increase in labor and benefits, mainly related to increased headcount and salaries, a $4.9 million increase in stock compensation expense related to equity compensation plans, and a $2.3 million increase in other overhead expenses, primarily as a result of higher insurance, office expenses, and other related administrative costs.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest Expense, Net increased $56.6 million (34.2%) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This is primarily due to (i) an increase in borrowings under the ABL Facility and Term Loan, of which $825 million was related to the May 2022 recapitalization (as discussed in Note 9 (“Debt and Credit Facilities”) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report) and (ii) increased effective interest rates on the ABL Facility and Term Loan. This was partially offset by the extinguishment of the Term Loan in July 2023.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt increased $6.8 million related to the write off of debt issuance costs and other fees as a result of the extinguishment of the Term Loan for the year ended December 31, 2023. No such loss was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2022.

Gain on Derivatives

Gain on Derivatives decreased $62.9 million (75.6%) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This is primarily related to a $25.8 million settlement on the termination of derivatives attributable to the Term Loan and $37.4 million cash received on derivative settlements on our interest rate swaps and collars, offset by a decrease in the change in fair value of the derivatives of $42.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to a decrease in the long-term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) and LIBOR yield curves as compared to a $4.2 million cash paid on derivatives on our interest rate swaps and collars, offset by an increase in the change in fair value of derivatives of $87.4 million, for the year ended December 31, 2022, due to an increase in the long-term SOFR and LIBOR yield curves.

Income Tax Expense

Income Tax Expense decreased by $18.0 million (54.5%) for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This was primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax income of $104.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to pre-tax income for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our ability to fund operations, finance capital expenditures, service our debt, and pay dividends depends on the levels of our operating cash flows and access to the capital and credit markets. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows generated from our operations and our borrowing availability under the ABL Facility. Our cash flow is affected by numerous factors including prices and demand for our compression infrastructure assets and services, conditions in the financial markets and various other factors. We believe cash generated by operating activities will be sufficient to service our debt, fund working capital, fund our estimated capital expenditures and, as our board of directors may determine from time to time in its discretion, pay dividends.

Cash Requirements

Capital Expenditures

The compression infrastructure business is capital intensive, requiring significant investment to expand, maintain, and upgrade existing operations. Our capital requirements have consisted primarily of, and we anticipate that our capital requirements will continue to consist primarily of, the following:

 

   

Growth Capital Expenditures: (1) capital expenditures made to expand the operating capacity or operating income capacity of assets by acquisition of additional compression units, (2) capital expenditures made to maintain the operating capacity or operating income capacity of assets by acquisition of replacement compression units and (3) capital expenditures on assets required to operate the business but not including compression units-such as trucks, wash trailers, crane trucks, leasehold improvements, technology hardware and software and related implementation expenditures, furniture and fixtures, and other general items that are typically capitalized and that have a useful life beyond one year. We make capital expenditures not related to our compression units (as described in clause (3) above) if and when necessary to support the operations of our revenue-generating horsepower.

 

   

Maintenance Capital Expenditures: periodic capital expenditures incurred at predetermined operating intervals to maintain consistent and reliable operating capacity of our assets over the near term. Such maintenance capital expenditures typically involve overhauls of significant components of our compression units, such as the engine and compressor, pistons, rings, heads, and bearings. These maintenance capital expenditures are predictable and the majority of these expenditures are tied to a detailed, unit-by-unit schedule based on hours of operation or age. We utilize a disciplined and systematic asset management program whereby we perform major unit overhauls and engine replacements on a defined schedule based on hours of operation. As a result, our maintenance capital expenditures may vary considerably from year to year based on when such assets were added to the fleet. Maintenance capital expenditures along with regularly scheduled preventive maintenance expenses are typically sufficient to sustain the operating capacity of our assets over the full expected useful life of the compression units. Maintenance capital expenditures do not include expenditures to replace compression units when they reach the end of their useful lives.

The majority of our growth capital expenditures are related to the acquisition cost of new compression units. Maintenance capital expenditures are related to overhauls of significant components of our compression equipment, such as the engine and compressor, which return the components to a like-new condition, but do not modify the application for which the compression equipment was designed.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, growth capital expenditures were $184.5 million and maintenance capital expenditures were $37.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, growth capital expenditures were $213.0 million and maintenance capital expenditures were $48.3 million. The decrease in growth capital expenditures was primarily related to an adjustment to our capital allocation framework in conjunction with the Company’s IPO and subsequent desire to pay a regular dividend. The decrease in maintenance capital expenditures was primarily a result of a decrease in scheduled unit overhauls that occurred based on the age and operating hours of such units.

Dividends

Our board of directors may elect to declare cash dividends on our common stock, subject to our compliance with applicable law, and depending on, among other things, economic conditions, our financial condition, results of operations, projections, liquidity, earnings, legal requirements, and restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness (as further discussed herein). If and to the extent our board of directors were to declare a cash dividend to our stockholders, we expect the dividend to be paid from our Discretionary Cash Flow. The timing, amount and financing of dividends, if any, will be subject to the discretion of our board of directors from time to time.

 

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On October 24, 2023, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend that was paid on November 10, 2023 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 3, 2023. Subsequently, on January 29, 2024 our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend that was paid on February 23, 2024 for stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 16, 2023.

Over the long-term, we expect to fund any dividends and our budgeted growth capital expenditures using our Discretionary Cash Flow. In the event our Discretionary Cash Flow is insufficient for the purpose of funding any such dividends and our budgeted growth capital expenditures for such period, we may fund such shortfall (i) with additional borrowings under our ABL Facility, which as of December 31, 2023 had $354.9 million available (subject to the requirement that our availability, in the case of dividends under the ABL Facility exceeds the greater of (x) 10% of the total commitments under the facility of $2.2 billion or (y) $200 million) or (ii) reduce our growth capital expenditures for such period. Any such additional borrowings under our ABL Facility will result in an increase in our interest expense for such period. Any such reduction in our growth capital expenditures may result in lower growth in our revenue-generating horsepower in future periods.

Contractual Obligations

Our material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

 

   

Long-term debt of $1.8 billion, which is due in March 2028; and

 

   

Purchase commitments of $149.0 million, all of which are expected to be settled within the next twelve months; primarily consisting of future commitments to purchase new compression units ordered but not received. See Note 13 (“Commitments and Contingencies”) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Our material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2022 consisted of the following:

 

   

Long-term debt of $2.7 billion. Of such amount, $1.8 billion was outstanding under our ABL Facility and was, as of December 31, 2022, due in 2024. In March 2023, the maturity of the ABL Facility was extended to March 2028. The remainder of such amount was outstanding under our prior Term Loan, which was, as of December 31, 2022, due in 2027. In March 2023, the maturity of our prior Term Loan was extended to September 2028, and then was partially paid off with proceeds from the consummation of our IPO and remaining outstanding indebtedness novated and assumed by an affiliate of Kodiak Holdings in July 2023; and

 

   

Purchase commitments of $166.9 million due within 12 months, that primarily consist of commitments to purchase compression units. See Note 13 (“Commitments and Contingencies”) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Other Commitments

As of December 31, 2023, other commitments include operating lease payments totaling $34.5 million.

As of December 31, 2022, other commitments include operating lease payments totaling $9.8 million.

Sources of Cash

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,     

 

 
     2023      2022      $ Variance  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 266,326      $ 219,846      $ 46,480  

Net cash (used in) investing activities

     (218,421      (251,382      32,961  

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (62,774      23,172        (85,946
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (14,869    $ (8,364    $ (6,505
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Activities

The $46.5 million increase in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to a $58.9 million increase in Adjusted Gross Margin, an increase in cash received on derivatives of $67.4 million and an increase in various working capital accounts of $0.7 million; partially offset by an increase in cash interest of $73.2 million and an increase in cash taxes of $7.6 million.

 

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Investing Activities

The $33.0 million decrease in cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to a $28.3 million decrease in growth capital expenditures and an $11.3 million decrease in maintenance capital expenditures, offset by a $6.6 million decrease in proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment.

Financing Activities

The $85.9 million increase in cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to a decrease in borrowings on debt instruments of $593.8 million, an increase in payments on debt instruments of $519.1 million, an increase in dividends paid to stockholders of $29.8 million, an increase in offering costs of $10.0 million, an increase in payments of debt issuance cost of $5.0 million, and an increase in payment related to loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.8 million. This was offset by an increase in net proceeds from the IPO of $277.8 million and a decrease in equity distribution of $795.7 million.

Description of Indebtedness

ABL Facility

As of January 1, 2022, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kodiak had an ABL Facility with unaffiliated secured lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. On March 22, 2023, wholly owned subsidiaries of Kodiak entered into the ABL Credit Agreement, whereby the total facility (among other things) was increased to $2.2 billion and certain changes were made to our financial covenants and maturity date. On May 31, 2023, the ABL Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things, permit distributions of over allotment proceeds from the IPO and revise the terms related to the payment and prepayment of the Term Loan. On June 27, 2023, the ABL Credit Agreement was further amended to remove the ability to make distributions related to over allotment proceeds from the IPO and to instead require prepayment of the obligations and cash collateralization of any letter of credit exposure upon the issuance of any equity interests by Kodiak pursuant to the over allotment in the IPO. In connection with the IPO, the Company became a borrower under the ABL Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there was $14.7 million of letters of credit outstanding under the ABL Facility. The maturity date of the ABL Facility is March 22, 2028. See Note 9 (“Debt and Credit Facilities”) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The ABL Credit Agreement requires that we meet certain financial ratios.

Commencing with the first fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023, we must maintain an interest coverage ratio (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00, determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter.

Additionally, our Leverage Ratio (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), determined quarterly as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, may not exceed (i) 5.25 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2023, (ii) 5.00 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2024, (iii) 4.75 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2024, and (iv) 4.50 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending on or after September 30, 2024.

All obligations under the ABL Facility are collateralized by essentially all the assets of the Company. We were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

The ABL Credit Agreement also restricts the Company’s ability to: incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness; pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem equity interests; prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt; issue certain preferred units or similar equity securities; make loans and investments; sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of assets; incur liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into agreements restricting the Company’s restricted subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; enter into certain swap agreements; amend certain organizational documents; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

The applicable interest rate under the ABL Facility is (i) in the case of SOFR-based borrowings, the Term SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR rate then in effect (subject to a floor of 0%) plus 0.10% plus a spread that depends on our Leverage Ratio as of the most recent determination date ranging from 2.00% if our Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 3.00:1.00 to 3.00% if our Leverage Ratio is greater than 5.50:1.00 and (ii) in the case of prime rate-based borrowings, the prime rate (subject to a floor of 2.5%) plus a spread that depends on our Leverage Ratio as of the most recent determination date ranging from 1.00% if our Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 3.00:1.00 to 2.00% if our Leverage Ratio is greater than 5.50:1.00.

 

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The applicable interest rates as of December 31, 2023 were 10.00% (prime rate plus 2.00%) and 8.50% (Term SOFR rate plus 0.10% plus 2.75%). The applicable interest rates as of December 31, 2022 were 9.50% (prime rate plus 2.00%) and 7.60% (Term SOFR rate plus 0.10% plus 3.00%). We pay an annualized commitment fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of our ABL Facility if borrowings are greater than 50% of total commitments and 0.50% on the unused portion on the ABL Facility if borrowings are less than 50% of total commitments.

Third Amendment to ABL Credit Agreement

On January 22, 2024, Kodiak, and certain other subsidiaries of Kodiak entered into the Third Amendment, which amends the Existing ABL Credit Agreement. The Third Amendment, among other things, amended certain provisions of the Existing ABL Credit Agreement (i) to accommodate the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (ii) to account for Kodiak’s organizational structure after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. See Note 21 (“Subsequent Events”) for additional disclosures.

Term Loan

As of January 1, 2022, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kodiak had a $400 million Term Loan pursuant to a credit agreement with unaffiliated unsecured lenders and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. On May 19, 2022, we entered into the Term Loan Credit Agreement whereby we increased the aggregate commitments under the Term Loan from $400 million to $1 billion.

On March 31, 2023, our wholly owned subsidiary entered into the First Amendment to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, which extended the maturity date to September 22, 2028.

On July 3, 2023, we used the net proceeds of our IPO, together with the proceeds resulting from the Term Loan Derivative Settlement and borrowings under our ABL Facility, to repay $300 million of borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan. In connection with the IPO, all of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ remaining obligations under the Term Loan were assumed by a parent entity of Kodiak Holdings, and the Company’s obligations thereunder were terminated. As a result, the Company is no longer a borrower or guarantor under, nor otherwise obligated with respect to the debt outstanding under the Term Loan.

2029 Notes Indenture

On February 2, 2024, Kodiak Services issued $750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.250% senior notes due 2029 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an indenture, dated February 2, 2024 (the “Indenture”), by and among Kodiak Services, Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., certain other subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee.

In the event that the Merger is not consummated on or prior to January 1, 2025, or at any time prior to January 1, 2025, the Merger Agreement is terminated without the consummation of the Merger, Kodiak Services will be required to redeem all of the Notes at a price equal to 100% of issue price of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. At any time prior to February 15, 2026, Kodiak Services may, on any one or more occasions, redeem all or part of the Notes, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus a “make-whole” premium plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to, but not including, the redemption date. At any time prior to February 15, 2026, Kodiak Services may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes with an amount of cash not greater than the net cash proceeds from one or more equity offerings, at a redemption price of 107.250% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to, but not including, the redemption date, as long as at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes originally issued remains outstanding after each such redemption and the redemption occurs within 180 days after the date of the closing of such equity offering. On or after February 15, 2026, Kodiak Services may, on any one or more occasions, redeem all or part of the Notes at the following redemption prices: 103.625% beginning on February 15, 2026; 101.813% beginning on February 15, 2027; and 100.000% beginning on February 15, 2028. The Indenture contains certain covenants that limit the ability of Kodiak and its restricted subsidiaries, including Kodiak Services, to make distributions on, purchase or redeem Kodiak’s equity interests or repurchase or redeem contractually subordinated indebtedness; make certain investments; incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, issue any disqualified stock, or issue other preferred securities (other than non-economic preferred securities); create or incur certain liens to secure indebtedness; sell or otherwise dispose of assets; consolidate with or merge with or into another person; enter into transactions with affiliates; and create unrestricted subsidiaries. If the Notes achieve an investment grade rating from any two of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) and no default under the Indenture exists, many of the foregoing covenants will terminate. If Kodiak or Kodiak Services experiences certain kinds of changes of control and Moody’s, S&P or Fitch decreases their rating of the Notes as a result thereof within 60 days, holders of the Notes will be entitled to require Kodiak Services to repurchase all or any part of that holder’s notes at a price of 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes repurchased to the date of settlement. The Indenture also contains customary events of default.

 

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Derivatives and Hedging Activities

To mitigate a portion of the exposure to fluctuations in the variable interest rate of the ABL Facility and the Term Loan, we have entered into various derivative instruments.

Our interest rate swaps exchange variable interest rates for fixed interest rates. We have not designated any derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes and do not enter into such instruments for speculative or trading purposes. See Note 10 (“Derivative Instruments”) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Parent Entity Distribution

On June 27, 2023, we made a cash distribution of $42.3 million to a parent entity of Kodiak Holdings prior to the consummation of the IPO, of which $11.0 million was funded with cash on hand and $31.3 million was funded with borrowings under the ABL Facility.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. These metrics are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include the non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted Gross Margin Percentage, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Percentage, Discretionary Cash Flow, and Free Cash Flow.

Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted Gross Margin Percentage

Adjusted Gross Margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define Adjusted Gross Margin as revenue less cost of operations, exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense. We define Adjusted Gross Margin Percentage as Adjusted Gross Margin divided by total revenues. We believe that Adjusted Gross Margin is useful as a supplemental measure of our operating profitability. Adjusted Gross Margin is impacted primarily by the pricing trends for service operations and cost of operations, including labor rates for service technicians, volume and per compression unit costs for lubricant oils and coolants, quantity and pricing of routine preventative maintenance on compression units and property tax rates on compression units. Adjusted Gross Margin should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, gross margin or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, Adjusted Gross Margin as presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Because we capitalize assets, depreciation and amortization of equipment is a necessary element of our costs. To compensate for the limitations of Adjusted Gross Margin as a measure of our performance, we believe that it is important to consider gross margin determined under GAAP, as well as Adjusted Gross Margin, to evaluate our operating profitability.

 

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Adjusted Gross Margin for Compression Operations

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2023     2022  
     (in thousands)  

Total Revenues

   $ 735,605     $ 654,957  

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)

     (257,092     (225,715

Depreciation and amortization

     (182,869     (174,463
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

   $ 295,644     $ 254,779  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Margin Percentage

     40.2     38.9

Depreciation and amortization

     182,869       174,463  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Gross Margin

   $ 478,513     $ 429,242  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Gross Margin Percentage(1)

     65.1     65.5

 

(1)

Calculated using Adjusted Gross Margin for Compression Operations as a percentage of total Compression Operations revenues.

Adjusted Gross Margin for Other Services

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2023     2022  
     (in thousands)  

Total Revenues

   $ 114,776     $ 52,956  

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)

     (93,779     (41,636

Depreciation and amortization

     —        —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

   $ 20,997     $ 11,320  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Margin Percentage

     18.3     21.4

Depreciation and amortization

     —        —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Gross Margin

   $ 20,997     $ 11,320  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Gross Margin Percentage(1)

     18.3     21.4

 

(1)

Calculated using Adjusted Gross Margin for Other Services as a percentage of total Other Services revenues.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Percentage

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, net; income tax expense (benefit); and depreciation and amortization; plus (i) loss on extinguishment of debt; (ii) loss (gain) on derivatives; (iii) equity compensation expense; (iv) transaction expenses; (v) loss (gain) on sale of assets; and (vi) impairment of compression equipment. We define Adjusted EBITDA Percentage as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenues. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Percentage are used as supplemental financial measures by our management and external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and other financial institutions, to assess:

 

   

the financial performance of our assets without regard to the impact of financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis of our assets;

 

   

the viability of capital expenditure projects and the overall rates of return on alternative investment opportunities;

 

   

the ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to make debt payments and pay dividends; and

 

   

our operating performance as compared to those of other companies in our industry without regard to the impact of financing methods and capital structure.

 

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We believe that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Percentage provide useful information because, when viewed with our GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliation, they provide a more complete understanding of our performance than GAAP results alone. We also believe that external users of our financial statements benefit from having access to the same financial measures that management uses in evaluating the results of our business.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Percentage should not be considered as alternatives to, or more meaningful than, revenues, net income, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP as measures of operating performance and liquidity. Moreover, our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Percentage as presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Given we are a capital intensive business, depreciation, impairment of compression equipment and the interest cost of acquiring compression equipment are necessary elements of our costs. To compensate for these items, we believe that it is important to consider both net income and net cash provided by operating activities determined under GAAP, as well as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Percentage, to evaluate our financial performance and our liquidity. Our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Percentage exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income and net cash provided by operating activities, and these measures may vary among companies. Management compensates for the limitations of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Percentage as an analytical tool by reviewing the comparable GAAP measures, understanding the differences between the measures and incorporating this knowledge into management’s decision-making processes.

The following table reconciles net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA, its most directly comparable Non-GAAP financial measure, for each of the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2023     2022  

Net income

   $ 20,066     $ 106,265  

Interest expense, net

     222,514       165,867  

Income tax expense

     15,070       33,092  

Depreciation and amortization

     182,869       174,463  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     6,757       —   

Gain on derivatives

     (20,266     (83,116

Equity compensation expense (1)

     5,914       971  

Transaction expenses (2)

     6,001       2,370  

Gain on sale of assets

     (777     (874
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 438,148     $ 399,038  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA Percentage

     51.5     56.4

 

(1)

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $5.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of non-cash adjustments for equity compensation expense.

(2)

Represents certain costs associated with non-recurring professional services, our equity owners’ expenses and other costs.

 

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The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA for each of the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2023      2022  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 266,326      $ 219,846  

Interest expense, net

     222,514        165,867  

Income tax expense

     15,070        33,092  

Deferred tax provision

     (7,863      (27,301

Cash (received) paid on derivatives

     (63,156      4,247  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     2,398        —   

Transaction expenses(1)

     6,001        2,370  

Other(2)

     (25,622      (17,130

Change in operating assets and liabilities

     22,480        18,047  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 438,148      $ 399,038  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents certain costs associated with non-recurring professional services, our equity owners’ expenses and other costs.

(2)

Includes amortization of debt issuance costs, non-cash lease expense, provision for credit losses and inventory reserve.

Discretionary Cash Flow

We define Discretionary Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities less (i) maintenance capital expenditures; (ii) gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment; (iii) certain changes in operating assets and liabilities; and (iv) certain other expenses; plus (x) cash loss on extinguishment of debt; and (y) transaction expenses. We believe Discretionary Cash Flow is a useful liquidity and performance measure and supplemental financial measure for us in assessing our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders, make growth capital expenditures and assess our operating performance. Our ability to pay dividends is subject to limitations due to restrictions contained in our ABL Credit Agreement as further described elsewhere herein. Discretionary Cash Flow is presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, such as revenues, net income, operating income (loss) or cash flows from operating activities. Discretionary Cash Flow as presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Free Cash Flow

We define Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities less (i) maintenance capital expenditures; (ii) gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment; (iii) certain changes in operating assets and liabilities; (iv) certain other expenses; and (v) net growth capital expenditures; plus (x) cash loss on extinguishment of debt; (y) transaction expenses; and (z) proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment. We believe Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure and useful supplemental financial measure for us in assessing our ability to pursue business opportunities and investments to grow our business and to service our debt. Free Cash Flow is presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, such as revenues, net income (loss), operating income (loss) or cash flows from operating activities. Free Cash Flow as presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

 

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The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities, to Discretionary Cash Flow, and Free Cash Flow for each of the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2023      2022  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 266,326      $ 219,846  

Maintenance capital expenditures(1)

     (36,990      (48,313

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     2,398        —   

Transaction expenses(2)

     6,001        2,370  

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

     (777      (874

Change in operating assets and liabilities

     22,480        18,047  

Other(3)

     (11,289      (2,529
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Discretionary Cash Flow

   $ 248,149      $ 188,547  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Growth capital expenditures(4)(5)

     (184,487      (212,953

Proceeds from sale of capital assets

     1,449        8,082  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Free Cash Flow

   $ 65,111      $ (16,324
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -Liquidity and Capital Resources -Cash Requirements -Capital Expenditures” for information regarding amounts designated as maintenance capital expenditures.

(2)

Represents certain costs associated with non-recurring professional services, our equity owners’ expenses and other costs.

(3)

Includes non-cash lease expense, provision for credit losses and inventory reserve.

(4)

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, growth capital expenditures includes a $1.7 million increase and a $1.9 million increase in accrued capital expenditures, respectively.

(5)

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $26.6 million and $7.4 million of non-unit growth capital expenditures, respectively. Remaining amounts for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 represent growth capital expenditures to expand our compression fleet. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Cash Requirements-Capital Expenditures” for information regarding amounts designated as growth capital expenditures.

 

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The following table reconciles net income to Discretionary Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow, for each of the periods presented (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2023      2022  

Net income

   $ 20,066      $ 106,265  

Depreciation and amortization

     182,869        174,463  

Change in fair value of derivatives

     42,890        (87,363

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     6,757        —   

Deferred tax provision

     7,863        27,301  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     13,556        13,727  

Equity compensation expense(1)

     5,914        971  

Transaction expenses(2)

     6,001        2,370  

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment

     (777      (874

Maintenance capital expenditures(3)

     (36,990      (48,313
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Discretionary Cash Flow

   $ 248,149      $ 188,547  

Growth capital expenditures (4)(5)

     (184,487      (212,953

Proceeds from sale of capital assets

     1,449        8,082  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Free Cash Flow

   $ 65,111      $ (16,324
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $5.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of non-cash adjustments for equity compensation expense.

(2)

Represents certain costs associated with non-recurring professional services, our equity owners’ expenses and other costs.

(3)

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Cash Requirements-Capital Expenditures” for information regarding amounts designated as maintenance capital expenditures.

(4)

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, growth capital expenditures includes a $1.7 million increase and a $1.9 million increase in accrued capital expenditures, respectively.

(5)

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $26.6 million and $7.4 million of non-unit growth capital expenditures, respectively. Remaining amounts for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 represent growth capital expenditures to expand our operating capacity. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Cash Requirements-Capital Expenditures” for information regarding amounts designated as growth capital expenditures.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon certain financial estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. We base our estimates on historical experience, available information and various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates; however, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The accounting estimates that we believe require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments and are the most critical to its reporting of results of operations and financial position are as follows:

Revenue Recognition over Time

The Company enters into contracts to provide compressor station construction services to customers under its Other Services segment. Construction service contracts consist of a highly integrated set of tasks and components and accordingly are accounted for as a single performance obligation. Because the Company’s performance creates and enhances assets that are controlled by customers, the Company recognizes construction services revenue over time.

The measure of progress used to recognize construction services revenue is a cost-to-cost measure of progress because it most faithfully depicts the Company’s performance on the contract. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the percentage of completion of each contract is measured based on the transaction price and the ratio of actual costs incurred to total estimated costs expected for the construction services. This input method requires management to estimate total future costs to complete a construction project, such as labor, raw materials, and subcontract costs.

 

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Estimates are based on conditions and information available at the time the estimate is made, as well as the knowledge and experience of the Company’s engineers, project managers, and financial professionals. Factors that must be considered in estimating the total costs to be incurred under a construction services contract include labor productivity and availability, the nature and complexity of work to be performed, the impact of change orders, availability of raw materials and the impact of delayed performance. Events or changes in circumstances can cause management’s estimates to be revised, which may result in significant adjustments to revenue amounts previously recognized. If changes to the scope of services or estimates of total cost occur, an adjustment to the transaction price or total estimated cost is recognized in the period of change.

Approximately 12% of the Company’s revenue in 2023, 7% in 2022, and 3% in 2021, was recognized under this method.

Goodwill - Impairment Assessments

We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value at the reporting unit level could be less than its carrying value (including goodwill). We estimate the fair value based on a number of factors, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and Company specific events. Estimating projected cash flows requires us to make certain assumptions as it relates to future operating performance.

Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgments, including a qualitative assessment to determine whether there are any impairment indicators, and determining the fair value of the reporting unit. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the income approach to forecast future cash flows, including revenue and operating income growth rates, discount rates and other factors. While we believe that our estimates of current value are reasonable, if actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used including such items as future cash flows and the volatility inherent in markets which we serve, impairment charges against the carrying value of those assets could be required in the future.

No events or circumstances occurred that indicated that the fair value of the entity may be below its carrying amount; therefore, no goodwill impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including property, plant, and equipment, and other finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, including the removal of compression units from our active fleet, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Such events and changes may include significant changes in performance relative to expected operating results, significant changes in asset use, significant negative industry or economic trends, and changes in our business strategy, among others. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.

Impairment losses are recognized in the period in which the impairment occurs and represent the excess of the asset carrying value over its fair value estimated using future discounted net cash flows. No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. In December 2021, certain compression equipment was identified as not being part of our ongoing operations. As such, a recoverability assessment was performed, and fair value was assessed using a combination of market and cost approaches. Based on the assessed fair value, an impairment expense of $9.1 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis using useful lives that are estimated based on assumptions and judgments that reflect both historical experience and expectations regarding future use of our assets. The use of different assumptions and judgments in the calculation of depreciation, especially those involving useful lives, would result in significantly different net book values of our assets and results of operations.

Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, we may be involved in various claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, our compliance with state and local sales tax regulations is subject to audit by various taxing authorities. Certain taxing authorities have either claimed or issued an assessment that specific operational processes, which we and others in our industry regularly conduct, result in transactions that are subject to state sales taxes. We and others in our industry have disputed these claims and assessments based on either existing tax statutes or published guidance by the taxing authorities.

 

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We utilize both internal and external counsel in evaluating our potential exposure to adverse outcomes from orders, judgments or settlements. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions, the accounting standard for contingencies requires management to make judgments about future events that are inherently uncertain. We are required to record a loss during any period in which we believe a contingency is probable and can be reasonably estimated. To the extent that actual outcomes differ from our estimates, or additional facts and circumstances cause us to revise our estimates, our earnings will be affected. We record legal costs as incurred, and all recorded legal liabilities are revised, as required, as better information becomes available to us.

As of December 31, 2023, based on the information currently available, we have accrued a contingent liability of approximately $28.8 million relating to the Sales Tax Audit for the periods currently under audit classified in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2023, there are no other legal matters for which resolution could have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

We use any of three valuation approaches to measure fair value: the market approach, the income approach, and the cost approach in determining the appropriate valuation methodologies based on the nature of the asset or liability being measured and the reliability of the inputs used in arriving at fair value.

We record derivative instruments at fair value using Level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy. The interest rate swaps and interest rate collars are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative using observable inputs from actively quoted public markets, including interest rate curves and credit spreads.

As of December 31, 2023, $22.5 million was recorded for the fair value of the asset of the derivative instruments compared to $65.3 million asset of the derivative instruments recorded as of December 31, 2022.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 (“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”) to our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Our primary exposure to interest rate risk results from outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility, which has a floating interest rate component. We use interest rate derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in these variable interest rate components.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $1.8 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, outstanding under the ABL Facility and $1.225 billion and $1.325 billion outstanding and effective notional amounts of floating to fixed interest rate swaps, respectively, which we attribute to our borrowings under our ABL Facility. Excluding the effect of interest rate swaps, the average annualized interest rate incurred on the ABL Facility for borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately 8.30% and we estimate that a 1.0% increase in the applicable average interest rates for the year ended December 31, 2023 would have resulted in an estimated $17.9 million increase in ABL-related interest expense.

Counterparty Risk

Our credit exposure generally relates to receivables for services provided and a counterparty’s failure to meet its obligations under a derivatives contract with the Company. If any significant customer of ours should have credit or financial problems resulting in a delay or failure to pay the amount it owes us, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, if any significant vendor of ours should have financial problems or operational delays, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For example, an affiliate of one of our customers in the Powder River Basin has been undergoing a bankruptcy proceeding since 2019. Such customer has from time to time been late in remitting payment for our Compression Operations, which we have continued to deliver, and we are pursuing prompt payment of the amount owed. We do not expect the amount owed presents any material concentration risk. If payment is not timely remitted, we expect to suspend services to such customer. For the year ended December 31, 2023 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded credit loss of $7.1 million, $0.1 million and a recovery of $0.5 million, respectively related to the collectability of outstanding receivables.

 

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The Company uses credit and other financial criteria to evaluate the credit standing of, and to select, counterparties to its derivative instruments. Although the Company does not obtain collateral or otherwise secure the fair value of its derivative instruments, associated credit risk is mitigated by the Company’s risk management policies and procedures.

Concentration Risk

For the year ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our four largest customers accounted for approximately 38% and 39%, respectively, of our recurring revenues, with no single customer accounting for more than 14% for both periods. If any significant customer of ours should discontinue their relationship with us, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Commodity Price Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. We do not take title to any natural gas or oil in connection with our services and, accordingly, have no direct exposure to fluctuating commodity prices. However, the demand for our Compression Operations depends upon the continued demand for, and production of, natural gas and oil. Sustained low natural gas or oil prices over the long term could result in a decline in the production of natural gas or oil, which could result in reduced demand for our Compression Operations.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The financial statements and supplementary information specified by this Item 8 are presented in Part IV, Item 15 “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules”.

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2023, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provided reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our periodic SEC filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. However, in evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management was necessarily required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of such possible controls and procedures.

Remediation of Previously Reported Material Weakness in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

As previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting existed as of June 30, 2023, relating to the proper inclusion of an out of period adjustment in the preparation of comparable interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which resulted in an adjustment to the amounts recorded for our derivative interest rate swaps for the period ended March 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we implemented the following controls to improve our internal control over financial reporting to address this material weakness:

 

   

Evaluated closing entries within each respective historical period and account balance by formally documenting and tracking out of period adjustments.

 

   

Enhanced our assessment of out of period adjustments for inclusion in comparable interim unaudited condensed financial statements to ensure transactions are recorded in the appropriate reporting period.

 

   

Engaged an outside firm to assist management with (i) reviewing our current processes, procedures, and systems and assessing the design of controls to identify opportunities to enhance the design of controls that would address relevant risks identified by management, and (ii) enhancing and implementing protocols to retain sufficient documentary evidence of operating effectiveness of such controls.

These enhanced controls and engagement of an outside firm to assist management resulted in an improved internal control environment that have been implemented for a sufficient length of time for management to conclude, through testing the design and operating effectiveness of these controls, that we have fully remediated the material weakness.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

This Annual Report does not include a report of management’s assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting or an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the SEC for newly public companies.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all control issues or misstatements. Accordingly, our controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of our control system are met. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become adequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Other than the controls implemented to remediate the previously identified material weakness described above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the last fiscal quarter, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers

During the year covered by this Annual Report, none of our directors or “officers” (as such term is defined in Rule16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K).

Second Amended and Restated Bylaws

On March 1, 2024, our board of directors approved and adopted the second amended and restated bylaws of the Company (as so amended and restated, the “Kodiak Bylaws”). The bylaws were amended to clarify the scope of certain disclosure requirements relating to stockholder notices of director nominations and proposals of other business at a stockholder meeting. The Kodiak Bylaws supersede and replace the Company’s amended and restated bylaws that were in effect immediately prior to the adoption of the Kodiak Bylaws. The foregoing summary of the Kodiak Bylaws does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Kodiak Bylaws, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.2 to this Annual Report and is incorporated into this Item 9B by reference.

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Not applicable.

 

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Part III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2023.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2023.

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

Equity Compensation Plan Information as of December 31, 2023

Our equity compensation plans approved by our shareholders provide for the issuance of common stock to officers, employees, directors and consultants. The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding RSUs and PSUs, and shares available for future issuance under these plans as of December 31, 2023:

 

Plan Category   

Number of securities to

be issued upon exercise

of outstanding options,

warrants, and rights
(a)(1)

     Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
(b)(2)
    

Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column (a))

(c)(3)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     1,391,478        —         4,983,522  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

     —         —         —   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,391,478      $ —         4,983,522  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

This column reflects all shares of common stock subject to outstanding RSUs and PSUs, in each case, granted under the Omnibus Plan. The PSUs included in this column represent the number of shares that may be issued upon vesting if the target performance goal is achieved during the three-year performance period. See Note 12 (“Stockholders’ Equity”) to our Financial Statements for further details of our Omnibus Plan. Because the number of shares of common stock to be issued upon settlement of outstanding PSUs is subject to performance conditions, the number of shares of common stock actually issued may be substantially more or less than the number reflected in this column.

(2)

Only RSUs and PSUs are reflected in column (a); there is no weighted-average exercise price associated with these awards.

(3)

This column reflects the total number of shares of common stock remaining available for issuance under the Omnibus Plan as of December 31, 2023, excluding shares subject to outstanding awards reflected in column (a).

The additional information required by this Item 12 will be incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2023

 

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

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2023.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Our independent registered public accounting firm is BDO USA, P.C. (PCAOB ID No.243).

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2023.

 

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Part IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Documents filed as a part of this report.

1. Financial Statements. See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth on Page F-1.

2. Financial Statement Schedule

All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the information is set forth in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto within Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

3. Exhibits

The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report:

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December  19, 2023, by and among Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., Kick Stock Merger Sub, LLC, Kick LP Merger Sub, LLC, Kick GP Merger Sub, LLC, CSI Compressco LP and CSI Compressco GP (incorporated by reference  to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 19, 2023).
3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 5, 2023).
3.2*    Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc.
4.1    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July  3, 2023, by and among Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., Frontier TopCo Partnership, L.P. and each of the other signatories from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 5, 2023).
4.2    Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of July  3, 2023, by and among Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. and Frontier TopCo Partnership, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 5, 2023).
4.3    Indenture, dated as of February  2, 2024, by and among Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (including Form of Note (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 2, 2024).
10.1†    Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 5, 2023).
10.2†    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice for Executives (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-273118) filed with the SEC on July 5, 2023).
10.3†    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-273118) filed with the SEC on July 5, 2023).
10.4†    Form of Performance Stock Unit Grant Notice for Executives (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-273118) filed with the SEC on July 5, 2023).
10.5    Novation, Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of July  3, 2023, by and among Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, Frontier Intermediate Holding, LLC, Frontier TopCo Partnership, L.P., as the new borrower the other parties thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 5, 2023).
10.6    Fourth Amended and Restated ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of March  22, 2023, among Frontier Intermediate Holding, LLC, Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, the other obligors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-271050) filed with the SEC on June 20, 2023).

 

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10.7    First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of May  31, 2023, among Frontier Intermediate Holding, LLC, Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, the other obligors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-271050) filed with the SEC on June 20, 2023).
10.8    Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of June  27, 2023, among Frontier Intermediate Holding, LLC, Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, the other obligors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-41732) filed with the SEC on August 10, 2023).
10.9    Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of January  22, 2024 among Frontier Intermediate Holding, LLC, Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, the other obligors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 23, 2024).
10.10†    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. and each of the directors and officers thereof (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-271050) filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023).
10.11*†    Executive Severance Plan of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc.
10.12†    Form of Executive Severance Plan Participation Agreement of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 5, 2023).
10.13    Assumption, Ratification and Confirmation Agreement, dated as of June  29, 2023, by and among Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., Frontier Intermediate Holding, LLC, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 9, 2023).
21.1*    List of Subsidiaries
23.1*    Consent of BDO USA, P.C.
31.1*    Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*    Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1**    Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2**    Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
97.1*    Clawback Policy of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc.
101.INS*    Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH*    Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*    Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*    Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*    Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*    Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104*    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

*

Filed herewith.

**

Furnished herewith.

Management compensatory plan or contract.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    Kodiak Gas Services, Inc.
Date: March 7, 2024     By:  

/s/ Robert M. McKee

      Robert M. McKee
      President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
      (Principal Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 7, 2024.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/ Robert M. McKee

   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Robert M. McKee    (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ John B. Griggs

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John B. Griggs    (Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ Ewan W. Hamilton

   Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Ewan W. Hamilton    (Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ Alex Darden

   Director
Alex Darden   

/s/ Christopher Drumgoole

   Director
Christopher Drumgoole   

/s/ Gretchen Holloway

   Director
Gretchen Holloway   

/s/ Jon-Al Duplantier

   Director
Jon-Al Duplantier   

/s/ Margaret C. Montana

   Director
Margaret C. Montana   

/s/ Nirav Shah

   Director
Nirav Shah   

/s/ Randall Hogan

   Director
Randall Hogan   

/s/ Terry Bonno

   Director
Terry Bonno   

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID Number 243)

     F-2  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022

     F-3  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December  31, 2023, 2022, and 2021

     F-4  

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021

     F-5  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December  31, 2023, 2022, and 2021

     F-6  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-7  

Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business

     F-7  

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

     F-8  

Note 3 - Revenue Recognition

     F-14  

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable, net

     F-16  

Note 5 - Inventories, net

     F-16  

Note 6 - Property, Plant and Equipment, net

     F-17  

Note 7 - Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets, net

     F-18  

Note 8 - Leases

     F-18  

Note 9 - Debt and Credit Facilities

     F-20  

Note 10 - Derivative Instruments

     F-22  

Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements

     F-23  

Note 12 - Stockholders’ Equity

     F-23  

Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies

     F-25  

Note 14 - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

     F-26  

Note 15 - Accrued Liabilities

     F-26  

Note 16 - Income Taxes

     F-27  

Note 17 - Defined Contribution Plan

     F-28  

Note 18 - Long-Term Incentive Plan

     F-28  

Note 19- Segments

     F-28  

Note 20- Earnings Per Common Share

     F-29  

Note 21- Subsequent Events

     F-30  

 

F-1


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Stockholders and Board of Directors

Kodiak Gas Services, Inc.

The Woodlands, Texas

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.

Houston, Texas

March 7, 2024

 

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KODIAK GAS SERVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     As of December 31,  
     2023      2022  

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,562    $ 20,431

Accounts receivable, net

     113,192      97,551

Inventories, net

     76,238      72,155

Fair value of derivative instruments

     8,194      823

Contract assets

     17,424      3,555

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     10,353      9,520
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     230,963      204,035

Property, plant and equipment, net

     2,536,091      2,488,682

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

     33,716      9,827

Goodwill

     305,553      305,553

Identifiable intangible assets, net

     122,888      132,362

Fair value of derivative instruments

     14,256      64,517

Other assets

     639      564
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 3,244,106    $ 3,205,540
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 49,842    $ 37,992

Accrued liabilities

     97,078      93,873

Contract liabilities

     63,709      57,109
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     210,629      188,974

Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance cost

     1,791,460      2,720,019

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

     34,468      6,754

Deferred tax liabilities

     62,748      57,155

Other liabilities

     2,148      3,545
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,101,453      2,976,447

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

     

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized, zero issued as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively

     —       — 

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 750,000,000 shares of common stock authorized, 77,400,000 and 59,000,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively

     774      590

Additional paid-in capital

     963,760      33,189

Retained earnings

     178,119      195,314
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,142,653      229,093
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 3,244,106    $ 3,205,540
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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KODIAK GAS SERVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2023     2022     2021  

Revenues:

      

Compression Operations

   $ 735,605   $ 654,957   $ 583,070

Other Services

     114,776     52,956     23,305
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     850,381     707,913     606,375

Operating expenses:

      

Cost of operations (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below):

      

Compression Operations (related party amount of $138 for the year ended December 31, 2023)

     257,092     225,715     192,813

Other Services

     93,779     41,636     17,364

Depreciation and amortization

     182,869     174,463     160,045

Selling, general and administrative

     73,308     44,882     37,665

Long-lived asset impairment

     —      —      9,107

(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

     (777     (874     426
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     606,271     485,822     417,420
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     244,110     222,091     188,955

Other income (expenses):

      

Interest expense

     (222,514     (165,867     (84,640

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (6,757     —      — 

Gain on derivatives

     20,266     83,116     18,174

Other income (expense)

     31     17     (99
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expenses

     (208,974     (82,734     (66,565
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     35,136     139,357     122,390

Income tax expense (benefit)

     15,070     33,092     (58,573
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 20,066   $ 106,265   $ 180,963
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

      

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.29   $ 1.80   $ 3.07

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.29   $ 1.80   $ 3.07

Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

     68,058,630     59,000,000     59,000,000

Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding

     68,327,018     59,000,000     59,000,000

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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KODIAK GAS SERVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except share data)

 

     Common Shares      Additional
Paid- In
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
     Shares      Amount  

Balance, January 1, 2021

     59,000,000      $ 590    $ 847,673   $ (92,977   $ 755,286

Contribution from parent

     —         —         24,000       —        24,000  

Equity compensation - profits interests

     —         —         (270     1,224       954  

Distribution to parent

     —         —         —        (1,132     (1,132

Net income

     —         —         —        180,963       180,963  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2021

     59,000,000        590        871,403       88,078       960,071  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity compensation - profits interests

     —         —         (214     971       757  

Distribution to parent

     —         —         (838,000     —        (838,000

Net income

     —         —         —        106,265       106,265  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2022

     59,000,000        590        33,189       195,314       229,093  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distribution to parent

     —         —         (33,189     (9,111     (42,300

Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriter discounts

     18,400,000        184        277,656       —        277,840  

Offering costs

     —         —         (10,848     —        (10,848

Debt Novation

     —         —         692,099       —        692,099  

Equity compensation - profits interests

     —         —         —        1,643       1,643  

Equity compensation - Omnibus Plan

     —         —         4,271       —        4,271  

Incentive award conversion

     —         —         582       —        582  

Dividends paid to stockholders

     —                      (29,793     (29,793

Net income

     —                      20,066     20,066
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2023

     77,400,000      $ 774    $ 963,760   $ 178,119   $ 1,142,653
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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KODIAK GAS SERVICES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2023     2022     2021  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 20,066   $ 106,265   $ 180,963

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     182,869     174,463     160,045

Stock-based compensation expense

     5,914     971     1,224

Long-lived asset impairment

     —        —        9,107

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     13,556     13,727     6,944

Non-cash lease expense

     4,465     2,817     —   

Provision for credit losses

     7,101     86     (538

Inventory reserve

     500     500     —   

(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

     (777     (874     426

Change in fair value of derivatives

     42,890     (87,363     (40,827

Deferred tax provision (benefit)

     7,863     27,301     (60,972

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     4,359     —        —   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

     (22,742     (16,887     (14,936

Inventories

     (4,583     (24,302     (2,969

Contract assets

     (13,869     (3,555     —   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (833     (3,269     1,399

Accounts payable

     10,166     (1,518     (2,776

Accrued and other liabilities

     2,781     25,579     5,240

Contract liabilities

     6,600     5,905     7,648
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     266,326     219,846     249,978
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     (219,795     (259,349     (201,934

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     1,449     8,082     13

Other

     (75     (115     (113
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (218,421     (251,382     (202,034
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Borrowings on debt instruments

     1,020,102     1,613,886     564,109

Payments on debt instruments

     (1,243,981     (724,895     (629,346

Payment of debt issuance cost

     (32,768     (27,819     (885

Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriter discounts

     277,840     —        —   

Offering costs

     (10,039     —        —   

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (1,835     —        —   

Dividends paid to stockholders

     (29,793     —        —   

Contribution from parent

     —        —        24,000

Distribution to parent

     (42,300     (838,000     (1,132
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (62,774     23,172     (43,254
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (14,869     (8,364     4,690

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year

     20,431     28,795     24,105
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of year

   $ 5,562   $ 20,431   $ 28,795
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash disclosures:

      

Cash paid for interest

   $ 216,648   $ 143,441   $ 119,887

Cash paid for taxes

   $ 9,762   $ 2,177   $ 1,850

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:

      

Increase in accrued capital expenditures

   $ (1,682   $ (1,918   $ (6,961

Purchase of property, plant and equipment through exchange of lease ROU asset

   $ 3,227   $ —      $ —   

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:

      

Non-cash debt novation

   $ (689,829   $ —      $ —   

Non-cash loss on extinguishment of debt

   $ (563   $ —      $ —   

Non-cash offering costs

   $ (25   $ —      $ —   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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KODIAK GAS SERVICES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Organization and Description of Business

Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (the “Company”, “Kodiak” or “KGS”) began operations in 2011 as Kodiak Gas Services, LLC. Shortly after commencing operations, the Company acquired all the assets and liabilities of KGS Investments, Inc. On February 8, 2019, Kodiak was acquired by EQT Partners through Frontier Acquisition I, Inc. and Frontier Acquisition II, Inc. (collectively, “Frontier”). On October 24, 2019, Kodiak acquired Pegasus Optimization Managers, LLC (“Pegasus”), a provider of natural gas compression operations. Kodiak’s key areas of operation are located in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale with other areas of operation in the Powder River Basin, Mid-Continent Region, DJ Basin, Appalachian Basin, Barnett Shale / East Texas Region and Black Warrior Basin.

Kodiak is an operator of contract compression infrastructure and related services in the U.S. The Company operates the compression units under fixed-revenue contracts with upstream and midstream customers. The Company manages business through two operating segments: Compression Operations and Other Services. Compression Operations consists of operating Company- owned and customer-owned compression infrastructure for our customers to enable the production and gathering and transportation of natural gas and oil. Other Services consists of station construction, maintenance and overhaul, and other ancillary time and material-based offerings.

See Note 19 (“Segments”) to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock Split

On June 20, 2023, Kodiak’s board of directors approved a 590,000-for-1 split (the “Stock Split”) of the Company’s common stock. Prior to the consummation of the initial public offering of the Company’s common stock (the “IPO”), the Company was 100% owned by its parent, Frontier TopCo Partnership, L.P. (“Kodiak Holdings”). The Stock Split became effective upon filing of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation on June 28, 2023 in connection with the IPO. The par value of the Company’s common stock was not adjusted as a result of the Stock Split, however, the number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue increased to 750,000,000. All share and per share data shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes has been retroactively revised to give effect to the Stock Split for all periods presented.

IPO

On June 28, 2023, Kodiak’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 relating to the IPO was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the shares of its common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2023. On July 3, 2023, the Company issued and sold 16,000,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $16.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $230.8 million, after deducting expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions payable by the Company. On July 13, 2023, the Company issued and sold an additional 2,400,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $16.00 per share (referred to herein as the “over allotment”). The Company received net proceeds of approximately $36.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts. The net proceeds were used for repayment of existing indebtedness, as described further in Note 9 (“Debt and Credit Facilities”), and general corporate purposes. After giving effect to these transactions, had 77,400,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

Pending Merger with CSI Compressco

On December 19, 2023, Kodiak and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an agreement and plan of merger with CSI Compressco LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“CSI Compressco”), and CSI Compressco GP LLC, the sole general partner of CSI Compressco (the “Merger”) pursuant to which Kodiak agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding partnership interests of CSI Compressco in an all-equity transaction. Under certain circumstances, a termination of the merger agreement may occur. In the event of a termination, CSI Compressco may be required to pay the Company a breakup fee equal to $15 million or the Company may be required to pay CSI Compressco a reverse breakup fee equal to $20 million.

In connection with the closing of the Merger, Kodiak intends to (i) repay all amounts outstanding under CSI Compressco’s existing (a) Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018, as amended, (b) Loan, Security and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2021, as amended, and to terminate such agreements and any security interests and guarantees in connection therewith and (ii) call for redemption, contingent upon consummation of the Merger, CSI Compressco’s existing (a) 7.50% First Lien Notes due 2025 and (b) 10.00%/10.75% Second Lien Notes due 2026, and to terminate any security interests and guarantees in connection therewith.

 

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We expect to close the Merger in the second quarter of 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, although we cannot assure you that we will complete the Merger on the terms contemplated or at all.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on the accrual basis using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kodiak and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation. In addition, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Segment Information

The Company operates in two business segments. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, who is the Company’s chief executive officer (“CEO”), in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. The Company has identified the operating segments as Compression Operations and Other Services. The CEO allocates resources and assesses performance of the two operating segments based upon discrete financial information at the operating segment level.

Compression Operations consists of operating Company-owned and customer-owned compression infrastructure for its customers, pursuant to fixed-revenue contracts to enable the production, gathering and transportation of natural gas and oil. Other Services consists of a full range of contract services to support the needs of our customers including station construction, maintenance and overhaul, and other ancillary time and material-based offerings. See Note 19 (“Segments”) to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates and assumptions that impact these consolidated financial statements relate to, among other things, capitalized installation costs and commissioning costs, fair value of derivative instruments, estimates of cost to complete on revenue contracts with customers, grant date fair value for the share-based equity awards, forecasting of our income tax (provision) benefit and the valuation of deferred taxes and useful lives of and salvage value of property, plant and equipment.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when obligations under the terms of a contract with customer are satisfied. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products or providing services to our customers. See Note 3 (“Revenue Recognition”) for more detailed information about revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

Accounts receivables are recorded at their outstanding balances, net of any allowances for credit losses, if determined necessary. Accounts deemed uncollectible are applied against the allowance for credit losses. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded when received. There was $8.1 million and $0.9 million in allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

We utilize an aging schedule to determine our allowance for credit losses, and measure expected credit losses on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The risk characteristics are assessed based on the financial strength of the customer and overall business climate in which customer operates. If a customer does not share similar risk characteristics with other customers, we evaluate the customer’s outstanding trade receivables for expected credit losses on an individual basis. Each reporting period, we reassess our customers’ risk profiles and determine the appropriate asset pool classification, or perform individual assessments of expected credit losses, based on the customers’ risk characteristics at the reporting date.

 

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Inventories

Inventories consist of (i) non-serialized spare parts, fluids and other supplies consumed in the performance of revenue-generating services and parts and supplies inventory for the repair and maintenance of the Company’s equipment fleet; and (ii) serialized parts consisting of components inventory to support the Company’s equipment fleet. Inventories are measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Non-serialized inventories’ cost is determined using weighted-average cost. Serialized inventories’ cost is determined using the specific-identification cost method. The Company recognizes decreases in inventory values for certain items through reductions of carrying values to lower of cost or net realizable value on an as needed basis. Periodically, obsolescence reviews are performed on slow-moving inventories and reserves are established based on estimated shrinkage between physical inventory counts, changes in customer demand, technological developments, or other economic factors. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company wrote off inventory reserves of $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2021, there was no write off of inventory reserves.

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment acquired in connection with business combinations are recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition. All other additions of property, plant and equipment, which primarily consist of compression equipment, are recorded at cost. The Company depreciates the cost of property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the period. The cost of additions and improvements that extend the useful lives of property, plant and equipment beyond its original life are capitalized. Routine maintenance and repair items are charged to current operations.

The Company uses estimates to capitalize installation costs associated with the transport, installation, and commissioning of each compressor unit. Costs associated with these estimates include all direct costs required to get the unit in service for its intended use such as labor, parts, materials, and any other services that are unique in nature to each individual compressor unit. Capitalized installation costs are depreciated over the life of the agreement with the customer.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including property, plant, and equipment, and other finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, including the removal of compressors from the active fleet, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Such events and changes may include significant changes in performance relative to expected operating results, significant changes in asset use, significant negative industry or economic trends, and changes in the Company’s business strategy, among others. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Impairment losses are recognized in the period in which the impairment occurs and represent the excess of the asset carrying value over its fair value. No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. In December 2021, certain compression equipment was identified as not being part of the Company’s ongoing operations. As such, a recoverability assessment was performed, and fair value was assessed using a combination of a market and cost approach. Based on the assessed fair value, an impairment expense of $9.1 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Leases

As a result of the Company’s adoption of Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842 Leases on January 1, 2022, the Company recorded an operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and an operating lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet. Under previous guidance, operating leases were not recorded to the balance sheet. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at commencement date. Operating leases are included in lease right-of-use assets, and operating lease liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

ROU lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available on the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. ROU lease assets also include any lease payments made and exclude lease incentives. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the

 

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lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Variable costs such as the Company’s proportionate share of actual costs for utilities, common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance are not included in the lease liability and are recognized in the period in which they are incurred.

For short-term leases (leases that have terms of twelve months or less upon commencement), lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis and no ROU assets are recorded. For certain equipment leases, such as office equipment, we have elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. The Company has elected to apply the bright line thresholds as established under ASC 840 in determining the classification of leases under ASC 842 as an accounting policy election.

As it relates to the Company’s compression operations service agreements, in which the Company is a lessor, the services’ nonlease component is predominant over the compression package lease component and therefore recognition of these agreements follows the ASC 606 Revenue guidance.

Identifiable Intangible Assets, net

Identifiable intangible assets acquired in connection with business combinations are recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition. The cost of identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which is the period over which the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows. The Company’s identifiable intangible assets consist of trade name and customer relationships.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition consideration paid over the fair value of net assets and liabilities acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis (or more frequently if impairment indicators exist). The Company tests goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is the level for which there are distinct cash flows, products, capabilities and available financial information by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the entity exceeds its fair value. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had two reporting units; however, the entire goodwill balance was allocated to the Company’s Compression Operations reporting unit.

The Company conducts an annual impairment test during the fourth quarter or more frequently if there are indicators that goodwill may be impaired. The Company first performs a qualitative assessment, and, if based on this assessment, it may be more likely than not that goodwill may be impaired then the Company must determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the reporting unit’s carrying value. Factors utilized in the qualitative assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and Company specific events. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined based on the present value of estimated cash flows using available information regarding expected cash flows of each reporting unit, discount rates and the expected long-term cash flow growth rates. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not impaired, and no further testing is performed. The Company records impairment when the carrying value exceeds the fair value and to the extent there is remaining goodwill in the reporting unit.

The Company performed a qualitative test during its fourth quarter and noted that there were no events or circumstances occurring that indicated that the fair value of the Compression Operations reporting unit may be below its carrying amount. No goodwill impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, or 2021.

Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgments, including a qualitative assessment to determine whether there are any impairment indicators, and determining the fair value of the reporting unit if an impairment indicator is present. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the income approach to forecast future cash flows, including revenue and operating income growth rates, discount rates and other factors. While we believe that our estimates of current value are reasonable, if actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used including such items as future cash flows and the volatility inherent in markets which we serve, impairment charges against the carrying value of those assets could be required in the future.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date of the share-based awards based on their fair value. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. We do not estimate expected forfeitures, but recognize them as they occur. See Note 12 (“Stockholders’ Equity”) for additional information related to stock based compensation.

 

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Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding plus all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company had 268,388 dilutive common shares outstanding. The Company did not have any dilutive common shares outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Debt Issuance Costs

Costs incurred related to debt issuance are deferred and amortized over the term of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest rate method. Unamortized debt issuance costs are recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related loans on the consolidated balance sheets. Costs incurred in connection with revolving credit facilities are capitalized and amortized over the term of the loan.

Derivative Instruments

In accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC Topic 815”), the Company recognizes derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value and classifies them as current or long-term depending on the maturity of the derivative instrument and whether the net carrying value is in a net liability position. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and whether the Company has elected to designate the derivative as being in a hedging relationship. Currently, the Company’s interest rate swaps and interest rate collars are intended to economically hedge certain risks (“economic hedges”). The Company has elected not to apply hedge accounting to these instruments under ASC Topic 815 and does not enter into such instruments for speculative purposes; accordingly, all realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments have been recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as gain (loss) on derivatives.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, the Company determines deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Management is not aware of any changes in tax laws or rates that would have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, carryback potential if permitted under the tax law, and results of recent operations. The Company records a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If the Company does not generate, or expect to generate, sufficient taxable income, we may not realize the full benefit from our deferred tax assets, which would require us to record a valuation allowance in our tax provision in future years. As of each reporting date, we consider new evidence to evaluate the realizability of our net deferred tax asset position by assessing the available positive and negative evidence. Changes to the valuation allowance are reflected in the statement of operations. If the Company determines that it would not be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future, in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would increase the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, which would increase the provision for income taxes.

The Company applies a “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties. This approach only allows the recognition of those tax benefits that have a greater than 50% percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. As a result of implementing this approach, the Company has reviewed its tax positions and determined there were no outstanding or retroactive tax positions with less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. The Company believes that there are no tax positions taken or expected to be taken that would significantly increase or decrease unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months. The Company will recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. None of the Company’s federal or state tax income tax returns are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or state authorities. However, fiscal years 2018 and later remain subject to examination by the IRS and respective states in the U.S.

 

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On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was enacted into law. The IRA contained significant tax law changes, including a corporate alternative minimum tax (“CAMT”) of 15% on adjusted financial statement income for applicable corporations, and a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases after December 31, 2022. The IRA also extended certain federal tax credits and creates new tax credits to promote sustainability initiatives. The Company examined the IRA and determined that it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company will continue to monitor this legislation as additional guidance is issued by the U.S. Treasury Department.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company uses any of three valuation approaches to measure fair value: the market approach, the income approach, and the cost approach in determining the appropriate valuation methodologies based on the nature of the asset or liability being measured and the reliability of the inputs used in arriving at fair value.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. These fair value measurements incorporate nonperformance risk (i.e., the risk that an obligation will not be fulfilled) and credit risk.

The Company follows the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”) for non-financial assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis such as on a potential impairment loss related to goodwill and long-lived assets and assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. These measurements would be based on Level 3 inputs such as unobservable inputs, complex models, management estimates and sensitivity analysis.

The inputs used in applying valuation techniques include assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (i.e., assumptions about risk). Inputs may be observable or unobservable. The Company uses observable inputs in the Company’s valuation techniques and classifies those inputs in accordance with the fair value hierarchy established by applicable accounting guidance, which prioritizes those inputs. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).

The three levels of the valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:

 

 

Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

 

 

Level 2 - Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly such as quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which the Company makes its own assumptions about how market participants would price the assets and liabilities.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, derivative instruments and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are representative of their respective Level 1 fair values due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company’s long-term debt applies floating interest rates to outstanding amounts; therefore, the carrying amount of the ABL facility approximates its Level 3 fair value.

The Company records derivative instruments at fair value using level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy. The interest rate swaps and interest rate collar are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative using observable inputs including interest rate curves and credit spreads. See Note 10 (“Derivative Instruments”) and Note 11 (“Fair Value Measurements”) for more details.

The contingent consideration liability from a prior year acquisition is measured at fair value each reporting period, using Level 3 unobservable inputs such as probability assessments of future cash flows, and changes in estimates of fair value are recognized in earnings. See Note 11 (“Fair Value Measurements”) for more details.

 

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Concentrations of Credit Risk

The Company’s assets that are potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk are cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable and contract assets. Cash balances are maintained in financial institutions which at times exceed federally insured limits. The Company monitors the financial condition of the financial institutions in which accounts are maintained and has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The accounts receivable and contract assets of the Company are spread over a number of customers, a majority of which are operators and suppliers to the natural gas and oil industries.

Major customers are defined as those individually comprising more than 10% of our revenues or accounts receivable, net balance. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, one customer comprised 12% of total revenues and all of these revenues were related to the Compression Operations segment. For the year ended December 31, 2021, two customers comprised 12% of total revenues each, and all of these revenues were related to the Compression Operations segment.

As of December 31, 2023 one customer comprised 14% of the Company’s accounts receivable, net balance. As of December 31, 2022, two customers each comprised 11% of the accounts receivable, net balance, respectively.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (“Topic 326”): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Topic 326 states the Company is required to use an expected-loss model for its marketable debt securities, available-for sale, which requires that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as an impairment write-down. Reversals of credit losses (in situations in which the estimate of credit losses declines) is permitted in the reporting period that the change occurs. Current U.S. GAAP prohibits reflecting reversals of credit losses in current period earnings. The amendments in this update were adopted on January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective approach and did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-03, Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments, (“ASU 2020-03”). ASU 2020-03 improves and clarifies various financial instruments topics, including the current expected credit loss standard (“CECL”). ASU 2020-03 includes seven different issues that describe the areas of improvement and the related amendments to GAAP, intended to make the standards easier to understand and apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. This guidance is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2023. Upon adoption, the amendments do not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”), which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2023-07 is to be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09, requires the annual financial statements to include consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation, and income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company’s annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied on a prospective basis, with a retrospective option. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our disclosures.

 

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3. Revenue Recognition

The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by type and timing of provision of services or transfer of goods (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2023      2022      2021  

Services provided over time:

        

Compression Operations

   $ 728,032    $ 646,281    $ 573,073

Other Services

     89,402      46,971      17,730
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total services provided over time

     817,434      693,252      590,803
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Services provided or goods transferred at a point in time:

        

Compression Operations

     7,573      8,676      9,997

Other Services

     25,374      5,985      5,575
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total services provided or goods transferred at a point in time

     32,947      14,661      15,572
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenue

   $ 850,381    $ 707,913    $ 606,375
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company derives its revenue from contracts with customers, which comprise the following revenue streams:

Compression Operations

Compression Operations consists of operating Company-owned and customer-owned compression infrastructure for our customers, pursuant to fixed-revenue contracts enabling the production, gathering and transportation of natural gas and oil.

Compression Operations for Kodiak-owned, as well as customer-owned, compressors are generally satisfied over time as services are rendered at selected customer locations on a monthly basis and based upon specific performance criteria identified in the applicable contract. Terms are typically one to seven years and at the end of the term, transition to a month-to-month contract if not cancelled by either party. The monthly service for each location is substantially the same service month to month and is promised consecutively over the service contract term. The progress and performance of the service are measured consistently using a straight-line, time-based method as each month passes, because the performance obligations are satisfied evenly over the contract term as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the service. Consistent with the satisfaction of the performance obligations the customer renders payment for services over time in accordance with the terms of the contract.

If variable consideration exists, it is allocated to the distinct monthly service within the series to which such variable consideration relates. The Company has elected to apply the invoicing practical expedient to recognize revenue for such variable consideration, as the invoice corresponds to the value transferred to the customer based on our performance completed to date.

Service revenue earned primarily on freight and crane charges that are directly reimbursable by our customers are recognized at the point in time the service is provided and control is transferred to the customer. At such time, the customer has the ability to direct the use of the benefits of such service after the performance obligation is satisfied. The amount of consideration we receive and revenue we recognize is based upon the invoice amount.

There are typically no material obligations for returns, refunds, or warranties. The Company’s standard contracts do not usually include non-cash consideration.

Other Services

Other Services relates to compressor station construction services provided to certain customers and services provided based on time, parts and/or materials with contracted customers.

For most of the Company’s construction contracts, the customer contracts with the Company to provide a service of integrating a significant set of tasks and components into a single contract. Hence, the entire contract is accounted for as one performance obligation. The Company recognizes revenue over time as the Company’s performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced. For construction contracts, revenue is recognized using an input method. Measure of the progress towards satisfaction of the performance obligation is based on the actual amount of labor and material costs incurred. The amount of the transaction price recognized as revenue each

 

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reporting period is determined by multiplying the transaction price by the ratio of actual costs incurred to date to total estimated costs expected for the construction services. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract although terms generally include a requirement of payment upon completion of a milestone. Judgment is involved in the estimation of the progress to completion. Any adjustments to the measure of the progress to completion is accounted for on a prospective basis. Changes to the scope of service is recognized as an adjustment to the transaction price in the period in which the change order is agreed upon and executed. Losses on construction contracts, if any, are recognized in the period when the estimated loss is determined. There have been no losses recognized in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Service provided based on time spent, parts and/or materials is generally short-term in nature and labor rates and parts pricing is agreed upon prior to commencing the service. The Company applies an estimated gross margin percentage, which is fixed based on historical time and materials-based service, to actual costs incurred. As revenue is recognized when time is incurred, this revenue is recognized at a point and time when the service is rendered.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

The Company recognizes a contract asset when the Company has the right to consideration in exchange for goods or services transferred to a customer. Contract assets are transferred to trade receivables when the rights become unconditional. The Company had contract assets of $17.4 million and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. There was no contract asset balance as of January 1, 2022.

The Company records contract liabilities when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance. The Company’s contract liabilities were $63.7 million as of December 31, 2023. As of January 1, 2023 and 2022, the beginning balances for contract liabilities were $57.1 million and $51.2 million, respectively, all of which was recognized as revenue in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Performance Obligations

As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations related to the Company’s revenue for the Compression Operations segment is $1.1 billion.

The Company expects to recognize these remaining performance obligations as follows (in thousands):

 

     2024      2025      2026      2027      2028 and
thereafter
     Total  

Remaining performance obligations

   $ 597,530    $ 300,046    $ 130,436    $ 46,895    $ 7,944    $ 1,082,851

As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations related to the Company’s revenue for the Other Services segment is $24.5 million, all of which is expected to be recognized by December 31, 2024.

 

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4. Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts receivable, net consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2023      2022      2021  

Accounts receivable

   $ 121,242    $ 98,500    $ 81,708

Allowance for credit losses

     8,050      949      959
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 113,192    $ 97,551    $ 80,749
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The allowance for credit losses were $8.0 million and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which represents our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses included within our existing accounts receivable balance.

The changes in our allowance for credit losses are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Allowances for Credit Losses  

Balance at January 1, 2021

   $ 1,497

Current-period benefit from expected credit losses

     (538

Write-offs charged against allowance

     — 
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2021

   $ 959

Current-period provision for expected credit losses

     — 

Write-offs charged against allowance

     (10
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2022

   $ 949

Current-period provision for expected credit losses

     7,101

Write-offs charged against allowance

     — 
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2023

   $ 8,050
  

 

 

 

5. Inventories, net

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2023      2022  

Non-serialized parts

   $ 62,784    $ 61,082

Serialized parts

     13,454      11,073
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total inventories

   $ 76,238    $ 72,155
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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6. Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2023      2022  

Compression equipment

   $ 3,166,214    $ 2,973,599

Field equipment

     19,286      15,501

Buildings and shipping containers

     11,942      3,137

Technology hardware and software

     11,161      6,698

Trailers and vehicles

     9,885      7,193

Leasehold improvements

     8,093      1,947

Furniture and fixtures

     2,053      1,519

Land

     743      — 

Other

     374      981
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment, gross

     3,229,751      3,010,575

Less: accumulated depreciation

     (693,660      (521,893
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 2,536,091    $ 2,488,682
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation expense was $173.4 million, $165.0 million, and $150.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, and is recorded within depreciation and amortization on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The estimated useful lives of assets are as follows:

 

     Estimated Useful Life

Compression equipment

   4-25 years

Field equipment

   1-5 years

Buildings

   25-40 years

Shipping containers

   4 years

Technology hardware and software

   3 years

Trailers and vehicles

   5 years

Leasehold improvements

   Shorter of remaining lease term or 5 years

Furniture and fixtures

   7 years

Other

   Shorter of remaining lease term or estimated useful life

 

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7. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets, net

There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, or 2021. All goodwill was allocated to the Company’s Compression Operations reporting unit.

The Company’s identifiable intangible assets consist of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31, 2023  
     Original Cost      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net Amount      Remaining Weighted
Average Amortization
Period (years)
 

Trade name

   $ 13,000    $ (3,181    $ 9,819      15.1  

Customer relationships

     150,000      (36,931      113,069      12.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total identifiable intangible assets

   $ 163,000    $ (40,112    $ 122,888   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

     As of December 31, 2022  
     Original Cost      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net Amount      Remaining Weighted
Average Amortization
Period (years)
 

Trade name

   $ 13,000    $ (2,531    $ 10,469      16.1  

Customer relationships

     150,000      (28,107      121,893      13.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total identifiable intangible assets

   $ 163,000    $ (30,638    $ 132,362   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Amortization expense was $9.5 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 and is recorded within depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of operations.

As of December 31, 2023, the following is a summary of future minimum amortization expense for identified intangible assets (in thousands):

 

     Amount  

Years ending December 31, 2024

   $ 9,474

2025

     9,474

2026

     9,474

2027

     9,474

2028

     9,474

Thereafter

     75,518
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 122,888
  

 

 

 

8. Leases

The Company maintains operating leases that grant us the right to use compression equipment, office spaces and certain corporate equipment. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of up to 13 years, some of which include options that permit renewals for additional periods. We are not, however, reasonably certain to exercise any renewal options and accordingly have not included those renewal periods in the remaining lease terms. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

 

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Balance sheet information related to the Company’s operating leases is as follows (in thousands):

 

          As of December 31,  
    

Classification

   2023      2022  

ROU asset, net

   Operating lease right-of-use assets, net    $ 33,716    $ 9,827

Lease liabilities

        

Current

   Accrued liabilities      —       3,090

Noncurrent

   Operating lease liabilities      34,468      6,754
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 34,468    $ 9,844
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

The components of total operating lease expense are as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2023      2022  

Operating lease cost

   $ 6,536    $ 3,349

Short-term lease cost

     1,132      337
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total lease cost

   $ 7,668    $ 3,686
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The short-term lease cost disclosed above reasonably reflects the Company’s ongoing short-term lease commitments. These lease costs are primarily recorded within cost of operations.

Supplemental information related to the Company’s operating leases were as follows:

 

     As of December 31,  
In thousands except years and percentages    2023     2022  

Other supplemental information:

    

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

    

Operating cash flows for operating leases

   $ 5,800   $ 3,332

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:

    

Operating leases

   $ 28,353   $ 1,203

Weighted-average remaining lease term:

    

Operating leases

     7.50 years       3.55 years  

Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases

     9.5     5.3

As of December 31, 2023, the Company does not have any additional operating leases that have not yet commenced.

 

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Maturities of operating lease liabilities associated with ROU assets as of December 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Operating leases  

Years ended December 31, 2024

   $ 2,891

2025

     7,359

2026

     7,036

2027

     6,916

2028

     6,412

Thereafter

     23,160
  

 

 

 

Total lease payments

     53,774

Less: Interest

     (19,306
  

 

 

 

Total lease liabilities, net of imputed interest

   $ 34,468
  

 

 

 

9. Debt and Credit Facilities

Debt consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2023      2022  

ABL Facility

   $ 1,830,346    $ 1,754,224

Term Loan

     —       1,000,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total debt outstanding

     1,830,346      2,754,224

Less: unamortized deferred financing costs

     (38,886      (34,205
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance cost

   $ 1,791,460    $ 2,720,019
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

ABL Facility

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Kodiak had a revolving asset-based loan credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) with unaffiliated secured lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.

On May 19, 2022, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Kodiak entered into the Third Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which mainly served to amend the applicable rate from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) and allow for the return of capital to the parent of Kodiak in the amount of $838 million by increasing borrowings on the ABL Facility by $225 million, increasing the Term Loan by $600 million and utilizing $13 million of cash on hand. In addition, the ABL Facility size was increased from $1.9 billion to $2.1 billion to increase available liquidity under the facility. New lender fees and costs totaling $13.2 million were incurred as a result of the amendment and will be amortized over the life of the loan to interest expense.

On March 22, 2023, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Kodiak entered into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (as amended or restated from time to time, the “ABL Credit Agreement”) which mainly served to extend the maturity date from June 2024 to March 2028. The total facility size was increased from $2.1 billion to $2.2 billion to increase available liquidity under the facility. New lender fees and costs totaling $31.8 million were incurred and will be amortized over the life of the loan to interest expense. An additional $4.2 million in accrued interest related to exiting lenders was expensed and paid in the period. The remaining unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.2 million associated with the exiting lenders was written-off in interest expense, net in the period. On May 31, 2023, the ABL Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things, permit distributions of over allotment proceeds from the IPO and revise the terms related to the payment and prepayment of the Term Loan. On June 27, 2023, the ABL Credit Agreement was further amended to remove the ability to make distributions related to over allotment proceeds from the IPO and to instead require prepayment of the obligations upon the issuance of any equity interests by Kodiak pursuant to the over allotment in the IPO. In connection with the IPO, the Company became a borrower under the ABL Facility. As of December 31, 2023, there was $14.7 million in letters of credit outstanding under the ABL Facility.

 

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Pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement, the Company must comply with certain restrictive covenants, including a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.5x and a maximum Leverage Ratio (calculated based on the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA, each as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement). The maximum Leverage Ratio is (i) 5.25 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2023, (ii) 5.00 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2024, (iii) 4.75 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2024 and (iv) 4.50 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending on or after September 30, 2024. All loan amounts are collateralized by essentially all the assets of the Company. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2023.

The ABL Credit Agreement also restricts the Company’s ability to: incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness; pay certain dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem equity interests; prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt; issue certain preferred units or similar equity securities; make loans and investments; sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of assets; incur liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into agreements restricting the Company’s restricted subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; enter into certain swap agreements; amend certain organizational documents; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

The applicable interest rates as of December 31, 2023 were 10.00% (prime rate plus 2.00%) and 8.50% (Term SOFR rate plus 0.10% plus 2.75%). The applicable interest rates as of December 31, 2022 were 9.50% (prime rate plus 2.00%) and 7.60% (Term SOFR rate plus 0.10% plus 3.00%). We pay an annualized commitment fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of our ABL Facility if borrowings are greater than 50% of total commitments and 0.50% on the unused portion on the ABL Facility if borrowings are less than 50% of total commitments.

The ABL Facility is a “revolving credit facility” that includes a lock box arrangement whereby, under certain events, remittances from customers are forwarded to a bank account controlled by the administrative agent and are applied to reduce borrowings under the facility. One such event occurs if availability under the ABL Credit Agreement falls below a specified threshold (i.e., the greater of $200 million or 10% of the aggregate commitments at the time of measurement). As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, availability under the ABL Facility was in excess of the specified threshold and as such the entire balance was classified as long-term in accordance with its maturity.

Term Loan

A wholly owned subsidiary of Kodiak had a term loan (the “Term Loan”) pursuant to a credit agreement with unaffiliated unsecured lenders and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.

In May 2022, the Company completed a recapitalization and distribution of $838 million to the parent of Kodiak primarily by increasing the borrowings from the ABL Facility by $225.0 million and the Term Loan by $600 million per the Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement entered into by the Company on May 19, 2022 (as amended from time to time, the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) and utilizing $13 million of cash on hand. New lender fees and costs totaling $14.6 million were incurred for this amendment and will be amortized over the life of the loan to interest expense.

On March 31, 2023, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary entered into the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Term Loan Credit Agreement pursuant to which the maturity date was extended to September 22, 2028. Lender fees and costs totaling $0.8 million were incurred for this amendment and were amortized over the life of the loan to interest expense.

On June 29, 2023, the Company terminated all interest rate swaps and collars attributable to the Term Loan and recognized a gain on derivatives and received cash of $25.8 million during the period ended June 30, 2023 (the “Term Loan Derivative Settlement”). On July 3, 2023, in connection with the IPO, the Company used the net proceeds from the IPO, together with the proceeds resulting from the Term Loan Derivative Settlement and borrowings under the ABL Facility, to repay $300 million of borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan. Additionally, a subsidiary of Kodiak entered into a Novation, Assignment, and Assumption Agreement (“Novation Agreement”) with Kodiak Holdings, pursuant to which all of the Company’s remaining obligations under the Term Loan were assumed by Kodiak Holdings, and the Company’s obligations thereunder were terminated. The Company is no longer a borrower or guarantor under, nor otherwise obligated with respect to the debt outstanding under the Term Loan. As part of the $300 million repayment of the Term Loan, unamortized debt issuance costs of $4.4 million and fees of $2.4 million were recorded to loss on extinguishment for the year ended December 31, 2023. The carrying value of the Term Loan novated under the Novation Agreement of $689.8 million (comprised of $700.0 million of principal balance less $10.2 million of unamortized debt issuance costs) was considered an equity transaction with the Parent and recorded to additional paid-in capital in the statement of stockholder’s equity.

 

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Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2023, the scheduled maturities, without consideration of potential mandatory prepayments, of the long-term debt were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount  

Years ended December 31, 2024

   $ —   

2025

     — 

2026

     — 

2027

     — 

2028

     1,830,346

Thereafter

     — 
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,830,346
  

 

 

 

10. Derivative Instruments

The Company has entered into interest rate swaps exchanging variable interest rates for fixed interest rates and in prior periods, entered into interest rate collars that fix interest rates within a range through the simultaneous purchase of an interest rate cap and sale of an interest rate floor.

On June 29, 2023, the Company terminated $750 million of notional amounts related to interest rate swaps and collars attributable to the Term Loan and recognized a gain on derivatives of $25.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.

The table below summarizes information related to the notional amount and maturity dates for interest rate swaps at December 31, 2023:

 

Notional Amount    Effective date      Maturities  
$125,000,000      12/14/2022        12/4/2024  
$225,000,000      12/14/2022        12/5/2024  
$200,000,000      6/16/2022        6/14/2025  
$125,000,000      12/6/2024        12/6/2025  
$175,000,000      6/14/2022        6/14/2026  
$125,000,000      6/22/2022        6/22/2026  
$125,000,000      12/6/2024        12/6/2026  
$75,000,000      6/14/2022        5/18/2027  
$100,000,000      6/21/2022        5/19/2027  
$200,000,000      7/8/2022        5/19/2027  
$125,000,000      12/6/2024        12/6/2027  

The following table summarizes the effects of the Company’s derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

 

     Location      December 31,  
   2023      2022      2021  

Interest rate collars

     Gain on derivatives      $ —       $ 59,591    $ 8,771

Interest rate swaps

     Gain on derivatives        20,266      23,525      9,403
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gain on derivatives

      $ 20,266    $ 83,116    $ 18,174
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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11. Fair Value Measurements

The following table summarizes the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps and collars and contingent consideration (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31, 2023  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Interest rate swap - current

   $ —       $ 8,194    $ —       $ 8,194

Interest rate swap - non-current

     —       14,256      —       14,256

Contingent Consideration

   $ —       $ —       $ 3,673    $ 3,673

 

     As of December 31, 2022  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Interest rate swap - current

   $ —       $ 823    $ —       $ 823

Interest rate swap - non-current

     —       48,955      —       48,955

Interest rate collars

     —       15,562      —       15,562

Contingent Consideration

   $ —       $ —       $ 3,673    $ 3,673

12. Stockholders’ Equity

Holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were 77,400,000 and 59,000,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, respectively. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive, in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, ratably the assets available for distribution to the stockholders after payment of all liabilities.

On July 3, 2023, 16,000,000 shares of common stock were issued and sold as part of the closing of the IPO, resulting in net proceeds of $230.8 million, after deducting expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us. On July 13, 2023, the underwriters exercised in full their option to purchase additional shares of common stock pursuant to the underwriting agreement relating to the IPO. On July 13, 2023, the Company issued and sold an additional 2,400,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $16.00 per share. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $36.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions payable. The net proceeds were used for repayment of existing indebtedness and general corporate purposes. After giving effect to these transactions, Kodiak had 77,400,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. The Company has not issued or sold any additional shares of common stock since July 13, 2023.

Dividends

On October 24, 2023 the Company’s board of directors declared an initial cash dividend of $0.38 per share of common stock, or $1.52 per share of common stock on an annualized basis, for the third quarter of 2023. The cash dividend of approximately $29.8 million was paid on November 10, 2023 to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 3, 2023. Subsequently, on January 29, 2024 our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 shares of common stock for the fourth quarter of 2023. The cash dividend of approximately $29.8 million was paid on February 23, 2024.

Class B and C Profits Interests

Prior to the IPO, Kodiak Holdings issued incentive awards to certain employees of Kodiak Gas Services, LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) in the form of Class B incentive units (“Class B Units”). The Company records stock-based compensation expense associated with the Class B Units because of the employment relationship of the grantees with Kodiak Gas Services, LLC.

On March 16, 2019, 61,098.4 Class B Units were authorized under the Kodiak Holdings 2019 Class B Unit Incentive Plan for grants to certain employees and non-employee board members. These Class B Units are intended to constitute “profits interests” for federal income tax purposes, but constitute a substantive class of equity under GAAP. As of December 31, 2023, there were 60,406.9 authorized Class B Units and 57,058.5 were outstanding. As of December 31, 2022, there were 61,068.0 authorized Class B Units and 60,363.4 were outstanding. There were no Class B Units granted in the year ended December 31, 2023. There were 2,861.0 and 57,502.4, Class B Units granted in the year ended December 31, 2022 and

 

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2021, respectively. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Class B Units are subject to time vesting (the “Time-Vesting Units”) and the remaining seventy-five percent (75%) of the Class B Units are subject to performance-vesting (the “Performance-Vesting Units”). Time-Vesting Units vest in equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the applicable vesting commencement date, subject to the Class B Unit holder’s continuous service through the applicable vesting date. Performance-Vesting Units vest based on the achievement of certain investor return metrics, subject to the Class B Unit holder’s continuous service through the applicable vesting date. Holders of Class B Units are entitled to distributions on vested awards in accordance with the Kodiak Holdings distribution waterfall. Class B Units are not subject to any conversion rights other than an automatic conversion to Class C incentive units (“Class C Units”) in connection with certain terminations of employment. Each Class C Unit is eligible to receive distributions up to an amount equal to the fair market value of the corresponding converted Class B Unit on the date of conversion. As of December 31, 2023, no material conversions had occurred.

There are no performance hurdles associated with the Time-Vesting Units. The fair value of each incentive award was estimated on its applicable grant date using an option pricing model.

Stock compensation expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the awards. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, approximately $1.6 million, $1.0 million, and $1.2 million, respectively, in stock compensation expense was recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2023, there were 3,005.5 unvested Time-Vesting Units, representing $0.3 million in unrecognized stock compensation expense.

Preferred stock

Our preferred stock consists of 50,000,000 authorized shares as of December 31, 2023, of which none are issued.

2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan

On June 20, 2023, Kodiak’s board of directors authorized and adopted the Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) for employees, consultants and directors. The Omnibus Plan enables Kodiak’s board of directors (or a committee authorized by Kodiak’s board of directors) to award incentive and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, dividend equivalents, other stock-based awards, cash awards and substitute awards intended to align the interests of service providers, including the Company’s named executive officers, with those of the Company’s stockholders. A total of 6,375,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the Omnibus Plan. On June 29, 2023, Kodiak granted 1,297,188 shares of common stock equity awards to certain employees, including Kodiak’s named executive officers, pursuant to awards under the Omnibus Plan.

Restricted Stock Units

Of the total shares of common stock equity awards granted on June 29, 2023, 985,313 shares were granted pursuant to awards of time-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) that vest ratably over a three-year period, subject to continuous service through each vesting date.

On December 8, 2023, the Company provided employees who were eligible to receive cash payments of long-term incentive awards granted in January 2023 under the Company’s 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP Plan”) the opportunity to make an election to receive a grant of RSUs that vest ratably over a three year period in lieu of cash payments. See Note 18 (“Long-Term Incentive Plan”) for additional details. Upon exercising the employees’ elections to convert the cash payments into RSUs, 138,430 RSUs were granted.

Performance Stock Units

Of the total shares of common stock equity awards granted on June 29, 2023, 311,875 shares were granted pursuant to awards of performance stock units (“PSUs”) that cliff vest at the end of a three-year performance period, with the ultimate number of shares earned and issued ranging from 0—190% of the number of shares subject to the PSU award, subject to continuous service through the end of the performance period. The performance criteria for the PSUs are a combination of: (1) Discretionary Cash Flow (“DCF”) (30% weight); (2) Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (“CNLR”) (30% weight); (3) Absolute Total Shareholders’ Return (“ATSR”) (30% weight); and (4) and ESG Scorecard (10% weight) (each as defined below), in each case, during the Performance Period.

 

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Table of Contents

DCF is calculated based on the three-year cumulative Adjusted EBITDA less net cash taxes, less net cash interest, less maintenance capital expenditures, all as reported in the financial statement reconciliations provided in the Company’s public filings, measured over the period from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025; CNLR is calculated as of the last day of the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025, as the ratio of (a) Total Indebtedness (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) minus Cash, in each case, as of such date to (b) LQA Adjusted EBITDA (defined as EBITDA (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025, multiplied by four). ATSR is determined on an annualized basis over the relevant performance period for the beginning and ending 20-day volume-weighted average price, as adjusted for dividends paid.

 

 

The vesting of the PSUs based on DCF, CNLR, and ATSR will each be (i) 200% if the Company achieves performance at maximum; (ii) 100% if the Company achieves performance at target; (iii) 50% if the Company achieves performance at threshold level; and (iv) 0% if the Company achieves performance at below threshold; and

 

 

The vesting of the PSUs based on ESG Scorecard will be (i) 100% if the Company achieves ESG scorecard and (ii) 0% if the Company does not achieve ESG Scorecard.

The following table summarizes award activity under the Omnibus Plan for the year ending December 31, 2023:

 

     RSUs      PSUs  
     Number of
RSUs
     Weighted-
Average Price
     Number of
PSUs
     Weighted-
Average Price
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2022

     —       —       —       — 

Granted

     1,123,743    $ 16.29      311,875    $ 16.99

Vested or exercised

     —       —       —       — 

Forfeited

     (44,140      —       —       — 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2023

     1,079,603      $ 16.29      311,875      $ 16.99
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stock awards expected to vest

     1,079,603      $ 16.29      311,875      $ 16.99
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2023, the total future compensation cost related to non-vested equity awards was approximately $18.0 million assuming the performance-based restricted stock units vest at 100% per the terms of the applicable award. During the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately $4.3 million in stock compensation expense was recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses. There was no such expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The total tax benefit related to stock based compensation recorded as deferred tax assets was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. There were no tax benefits recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

13. Commitments and Contingencies

Accrued Capital Expenditures

As of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company has accrued capital expenditures of $30.5 million, $28.8 million and $26.5 million, respectively. These amounts were included in accounts payable or accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

Purchase Commitments

Purchase commitments primarily consist of future commitments to purchase new compression units ordered but not received. The commitments as of December 31, 2023, were $149.0 million, all of which is expected to be settled within the next twelve months.

Contingent Consideration

The Company agreed to pay, as contingent consideration in a prior year acquisition, up to $3.7 million of certain past due accounts receivable acquired in connection with a prior acquisition in 2019, if collected, to the seller. The Company records contingent consideration at the acquisition and end of reporting periods at fair value in accrued liabilities. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, none of the outstanding receivables had been collected.

Sales Tax Contingency

Between October 2019 and April 2023, the Company received notices from the Texas Comptroller’s office in regards to audits for periods ranging from December 2015 through December 2022. The audits pertain to whether the Company may owe sales tax on certain of its compression equipment that it had purchased during that time period. During the year ended December 31, 2022 the Company accrued an additional contingent liability of $6.5 million, and as of December 31, 2022, the Company had accrued a total amount of $27.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023, based on current information the Company accrued an additional $1.0 million and as of December 31, 2023, the Company had accrued a total of $28.8 million included as accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Legal Matters

From time to time, the Company may become involved in various legal matters. Management believes that there are no legal matters as of December 31, 2023 whose resolution could have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Letters of Credit

As of December 31, 2023, there was $14.7 million of letters of credit outstanding under the ABL Facility mainly to support the Company’s obligations to construct a gas compression station on behalf of a customer.

14. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2023      2022  

Prepaid insurance

   $ 2,353    $ 3,997

Interest rate swap receivable

     2,025      — 

Prepaid vehicle allowance

     1,130      1,081

Deferred project costs

     737      — 

Prepaid rent

     532      589

Deferred IPO issuance costs

     —       3,047

Other

     3,577      806
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets

   $ 10,353    $ 9,520
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

15. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31,  
     2023      2022  

Sales tax liability

   $ 28,847    $ 27,820

Accrued bonus

     13,259      7,764

Accrued accounts payable

     15,506      14,080

Accrued interest

     8,313      16,347

Station project accrual

     7,797      — 

Accrued taxes

     6,415      9,667

Accrued professional fee

     6,015      2,663

Contingent consideration

     3,673      3,673

Accrued payroll

     3,321      2,744

Accrued insurance

     856      2,231

Lease liabilities—current portion

     —       3,090

Other

     3,076      3,794
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accrued liabilities

   $ 97,078    $ 93,873
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

16. Income Taxes

Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31  
     2023      2022      2021  

Current income taxes:

        

Federal

   $ 4,668    $ 2,746    $ —   

State and local

     2,539      3,045      2,399
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current tax

     7,207      5,791      2,399

Deferred income taxes:

        

Federal

     1,980      25,704      (54,210

State and local

     5,883      1,597      (6,762
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax

     7,863      27,301      (60,972

Income tax (benefit) expense

   $ 15,070    $ 33,092    $ (58,573
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The effective tax rates on continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 were 42.9%, 23.8%, and (47.8)%, respectively. The reconciliation of the effective tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% for each period presented is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31  
     2023      2022      2021  

Income before income taxes

   $ 35,136    $ 139,357    $ 122,390

Tax at federal statutory rate

     7,379      29,265      25,702

State, net of federal benefit

     6,135      3,664      (761

Non-deductible expenses

     925      163      93

Change in valuation allowance

     519      —       (83,607

Other

     112      —       — 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

   $ 15,070    $ 33,092    $ (58,573
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate primarily due to state tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s state tax expense increased in part due to the revaluation of deferred taxes due to increased investment in various states.

The Company’s deferred tax position reflects the net tax effects of the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax reporting. Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31  
     2023      2022  

Deferred tax assets:

     

Net operating losses

   $ 410,734    $ 450,543

Interest expense carryforward

     66,547      31,285

Other assets

     971      — 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gross deferred tax assets

     478,252      481,828

Valuation allowance

     (519      — 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance

     477,733      481,828

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Investment in subsidiaries

     (540,481      (538,983
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

     (540,481      (538,983
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (62,748    $ (57,155
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryovers, for recoverability, and a valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset may not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the temporary differences are deductible. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company makes estimates and assumptions regarding projected future taxable income, its ability to carry back operating losses to prior periods, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities and the implementation of tax planning strategies. As the Company reassesses these assumptions in the future, changes in forecasted taxable income may alter this expectation and may result in an increase to the valuation allowance and an increase in the effective tax rate.

The Company’s ability to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes to reduce future taxable income is subject to potential annual limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 and Section 383 and similar state provisions. These limitations are applicable to the extent certain ownership changes by 5% shareholders and stock issuances by the Company during any three-year period result in a cumulative change of more than 50% in the beneficial ownership of the Company. The Company has assessed the provisions of Section 382 and Section 383 and determined there to be no impact to the expected realization of Company’s federal deferred tax balances. A valuation allowance of $0.5 million has been placed on state tax deferred tax assets that have a limited life and may not be used due to limitations on annual use.

Federal and State Net Operating Losses

As of December 31, 2023, we have gross federal tax net operating loss carryforwards of $1.9 billion and IRC Section 163(j) interest carryforwards of $299 million which have an indefinite life, We have gross post-apportionment state net operating loss carryforwards of $454 million which have various useful lives.

Uncertain Tax Benefits

The Company evaluates its tax positions and recognizes only tax benefits that, more likely than not, will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Company did not have any uncertain tax benefits as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions and no amounts had been recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.

As of December 31, 2023, tax years 2020 and forward are subject to examination by the tax authorities in the U.S. No income tax returns are currently under examination.

17. Defined Contribution Plan

The Company maintains a defined contribution savings plan for its employees. The Company contributed $3.0 million, $2.9 million, and $2.7 million to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

18. Long-Term Incentive Plan

The Company contributes to a plan that was established to offer added cash basis incentives for the retention of key employees established under the Company’s LTIP Plan. Vesting of granted LTIP awards is time-based and the only remaining condition is contingent on providing subsequent services as an employee at the time of vesting. The awards vest, and pay out in cash ratably (25%) during January of each year, over a four-year period, during which time the awards are generally forfeitable in the event of employment termination other than for death, disability, or qualifying retirement. Based on an expected probability of future payments, the Company’s obligations related to the LTIP Plan totaled $4.4 million and $5.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The non-current liability was $2.1 million and $4.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

19. Segments

The Company manages its business through two operating segments: Compression Operations and Other Services. Compression Operations consists of operating Company-owned and customer-owned compression infrastructure for its customers, pursuant to fixed-revenue contracts to enable the production, gathering and transportation of natural gas and oil. Other Services consists of a full range of contract services to support the needs of customers, including station construction, maintenance and overhaul, and other ancillary time and material based offerings.

 

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The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the gross margin of each segment, which consists of revenues directly attributable to the specific segment less all costs of service directly attributable to the specific segment. Revenue includes only sales to external customers, all of whom are located in the United States, the country in which the Company is domiciled. Costs of service directly attributable to a specific segment includes cost of operations and depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization for the Compression Operations segment was $182.9 million, $174.5 million, and $160.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. All long-lived assets are located in the United States.

The following table represents financial metrics by segment (in thousands):

 

     Compression Operations      Other Services      Total  

Year Ended December 31, 2023

        

Revenue

   $ 735,605    $ 114,776    $ 850,381

Gross margin

     295,644      20,997      316,641

Total assets

     3,211,801      32,305      3,244,106

Capital expenditures

     219,795      —       219,795

Year Ended December 31, 2022

        

Revenue

   $ 654,957    $ 52,956    $ 707,913

Gross margin

     254,779      11,320      266,099

Total assets

     3,184,286      21,254      3,205,540

Capital expenditures

     259,349      —       259,349

Year Ended December 31, 2021

        

Revenue

   $ 583,070    $ 23,305    $ 606,375

Gross margin

     230,212      5,941      236,153

Total assets

     3,004,608      6,991      3,011,599

Capital expenditures

     201,934      —       201,934

The following table reconciles total gross margin to income before income taxes (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2023      2022      2021  

Total gross margin

   $ 316,641    $ 266,099    $ 236,153

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     (73,308      (44,882      (37,665

Long-lived asset impairment

     —       —       (9,107

Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment

     777      874      (426

Interest expense, net

     (222,514      (165,867      (84,640

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (6,757      —       — 

Gain on derivatives

     20,266      83,116      18,174

Other income (expense)

     31      17      (99
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 35,136    $ 139,357    $ 122,390
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

20. Earnings Per Share of Common Stock

Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share of common stock is computed by using the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding, including the dilutive effect of restricted stock units and performance stock units based on an average share price during the period. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, there were no anti-dilutive shares, respectively. The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 are as follows:

 

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     Year Ended December 31,  
(in thousands, except share and per share data)    2023      2022      2021  

Net income

   $ 20,066    $ 106,265    $ 180,963

Basic weighted average shares of common stock

     68,058,630      59,000,000      59,000,000

Effect of dilutive securities

     268,388      —       — 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares of common stock

     68,327,018      59,000,000      59,000,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share of common stock

   $ 0.29    $ 1.80    $ 3.07

Diluted earnings per share of common stock

   $ 0.29    $ 1.80    $ 3.07

21. Subsequent Events

Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

On January 22, 2024, Kodiak entered into the Third Amendment to the ABL Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”). The Third Amendment, among other things, amended certain provisions of the ABL Facility (i) to accommodate the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 19, 2023, by the Merger Agreement and (ii) to account for the Company’s organizational structure after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

In addition, the Third Amendment amended the ABL Facility to (i) increase the maximum Leverage Ratio which will begin to be tested after we issue any unsecured indebtedness, to (x) 3.75 to 1.00 for the first four fiscal quarters after we issue any unsecured indebtedness and (y) 3.25 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter thereafter, (ii) modify the triggers for commencing a “cash dominion” period (i.e., a period when the Administrative Agent applies proceeds in our deposit accounts to reduce borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement) such that a “cash dominion” period will commence when availability under the ABL Credit Agreement is less than $125 million for five consecutive business days or if certain types of events of default occur (although this change will effectively be unwound if the Merger provided for in the Merger Agreement do not occur on or prior to the Reversion Date (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement)), (iii) include customary provisions relating to the designation of “unrestricted subsidiaries” (i.e., subsidiaries that are not required to become loan parties or be bound by the covenants contained in the ABL Credit Agreement), (iv) provide that only material domestic restricted subsidiaries are required to become guarantors and collateral grantors under the ABL Facility and (v) permit the Company and its restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and liens and to make additional investments, dividends, distributions, redemptions and dispositions.

2029 Notes Indenture

On February 2, 2024, Kodiak Gas Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (“Kodiak Services”), issued $750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Kodiak Services’ 7.250% senior notes due 2029 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an indenture, dated February 2, 2024, by and among the Company, Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., certain other subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee.

The net proceeds from the Notes were used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the ABL Facility and to pay related fees, costs, premiums and expenses in connection therewith and with the Company’s acquisition of CSI Compressco. In connection with closing of the acquisition CSI Compressco, the Company intends, using proceeds from additional draws on the ABL Facility, to repay, terminate and/or redeem all of the CSI Compressco’s existing long-term indebtedness. See Note 1 (“Organization and Description of Business”) for additional details.

 

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Exhibit 3.2

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS

OF

KODIAK GAS SERVICES, INC.


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ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Article I Registered Office. The registered office and registered agent of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (the “Corporation”) in the State of Delaware shall be as set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as defined below). The Corporation may also have offices in such other places in the United States or elsewhere (and may change the Corporation’s registered agent) as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) may, from time to time, determine or as the business of the Corporation may require as determined by any officer of the Corporation.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1.01 Annual Meetings. Annual meetings of stockholders may be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, and at such time and date as the Board shall determine and state in the notice of meeting. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that annual meetings of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may in addition to or instead be held solely by means of remote communication (including virtually) as described in Section 2.11 in accordance with Section 211(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any annual meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board.

Section 1.02 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may only be called in the manner provided in the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation as then in effect (as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the “Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation”) and may be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, and at such time and date as the Board or the Chair of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation (the “Chief Executive Officer”) shall determine and state in the notice of such meeting. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that special meetings of the stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may in addition to or instead be held solely by means of remote communication (including virtually) as described in Section 2.11 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws (these “Bylaws”) in accordance with Section 211(a)(2) of the DGCL. The Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any special meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board or the Chair of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer; provided, however, that with respect to any special meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board or the Chair of the Board at the request of EQT (as defined in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation), the Board shall not postpone, reschedule or cancel such special meeting without the prior written consent of EQT.

Section 1.03 Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations.

(A) Annual Meetings of Stockholders.

(1) Nominations of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of business other than nominations to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders only: (a) as provided in the Stockholders’ Agreement, dated on or about the date hereof, by and among the Corporation and certain stockholders of the Corporation from time to time party thereto (the “Stockholders’ Agreement”) (with respect to nominations of persons for election to the Board only), (b) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto); (c) by or at the direction of the Board or any duly authorized committee of the Board; or (d) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complied with the notice procedures set forth in paragraphs (A)(2) and (A)(3) of this Section 2.03 and who was a stockholder of record at the time such notice is


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delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation, at the time of the record date of the annual meeting and at the time of the annual meeting; this Section 2.03(A)(1) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations (other than pursuant to clause (a) of this Section 2.03(A)(1)) or submit other business before an annual meeting of stockholders (other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)).

(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder of record pursuant to clause (c) of paragraph (A)(1) of this Section 2.03, the stockholder of record bringing the notice (the “Noticing Stockholder”) must have delivered timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation and any such proposed business other than nominations of persons for election to the Board must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action or must be otherwise appropriate for stockholder action under the provisions of the laws of the State of Delaware. To be timely, the Noticing Stockholder’s notice must be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 90th day, nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day, prior to the first anniversary of the date of the Corporation’s proxy statement released to stockholders for the preceding year’s annual meeting (which date shall, for purposes of the Corporation’s first annual meeting of stockholders after its shares of Common Stock (as defined in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation) are first publicly traded, be deemed to have occurred on June 29, 2023); provided, however, that if the date of the meeting is advanced by more than thirty (30) days, or delayed by more than seventy (70) days from such anniversary date, such notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which the public announcement (as defined below) of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. An adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement of an annual meeting (or the public announcement of an adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof) shall not commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a Noticing Stockholder’s notice. For the avoidance of doubt, a Noticing Stockholder shall not be entitled to make additional or substitute nominations following the expiration of the time periods set forth in these Bylaws. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph (A)(2) of this Section 2.03 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board is increased and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming all of the nominees for director proposed by the Board or specifying the size of the increased Board at least ten days prior to the last day a Noticing Stockholder may deliver a notice of nominations in accordance with the second sentence of this paragraph (A)(2) of this Section 2.03, a Noticing Stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.03(A) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to proposed nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which a public announcement of such increase in the number of directors to be elected is first made by the Corporation.

(3) To be in proper written form, such Noticing Stockholder’s notice delivered to the Secretary pursuant to this Section 2.03(A) shall set forth:

(a) as to each person whom the Noticing Stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director: (i) the name, age and address (business and residential) of such person, (ii) a complete biography and statement of such person’s qualifications, including the principal occupation or employment of such person (at present and for the past five years), (iii) the Specified Information (as defined below) for such person and any member of the immediate family of such person, or any Affiliate or Associate (as such terms are defined below) of such person, (iv) a complete and accurate description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between each Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person (as such terms are defined below), on the one hand, and such person, on the other hand, (at

 

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present and for the past three years) including, without limitation, a complete and accurate description of all direct and indirect compensation and other monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings at present and for the past three (3) years between the person and such parties (including all biographical, related party transaction and other information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to the federal and state securities laws, including Rule 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K (“Regulation S-K”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (or any successor provision), if any Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and such person were a director or executive officer of such registrant), (v) whether such person has (A) notified the Board of each publicly listed company at which such person serves as an officer, executive officer or director with respect to such person’s proposed nomination for election to the Board, and, (B) as applicable, received all necessary consents to serve on the Board if so nominated and elected or otherwise appointed (or, if any such consents have not been received, how such person intends to address such failure to receive such necessary consents), (vi) whether such person’s nomination, election or appointment, as applicable, would violate or contravene a corporate governance policy, including, without limitation, a conflicts of interest or “overboarding” policy of any publicly listed company at which such person serves as an officer, executive officer or director, and, if so, a description of how such person intends to address such violation or contravention, (vii) the first date of contact between any Holder and/or Stockholder Associated Person, on the one hand, and such person, on the other hand, with respect to the Corporation, (viii) the amount and nature of any direct or indirect economic or financial interest, if any, of such person, or of any immediate family member of such person, in any funds or vehicles managed by, under common management with, or affiliated with any Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person, (ix) any other information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or any other filings required to be made in connection with solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in a contested election or that is otherwise required pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named in proxy statements as a proposed nominee of the Noticing Stockholder and to serving as a director if elected), and (x) a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement and any and all other information required by paragraph (A)(3)(e) of this Section 2.03;

(b) as to any other business that the Noticing Stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, (ii) the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, (iii) any material interest of each Holder and each Stockholder Associated Person, if any, in such business, (iv) the text of the proposal or business (including the specific text of any resolutions or actions proposed for consideration and if such business includes a proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the specific language of the proposed amendment), and (v) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between each Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by the Noticing Stockholder;

(c) as to the Noticing Stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made or the other business is being proposed (collectively with the Noticing Stockholder, the “Holders” and each a “Holder”): (i) the name and address of each Holder, as the name and address appear on the Corporation’s books, and the name and address of each Stockholder Associated Person, if any, (ii) as of the date of the notice (which information, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be updated and supplemented pursuant to paragraph (D)(3) of this Section 2.03), (A) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are, directly or indirectly, held of record or owned beneficially by each Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person (provided that, for the purposes of this Section 2.03(A), any such person shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own any shares of stock of the Corporation as to which such person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at

 

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any time in the future (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time or the fulfillment of a condition or both)), (B) any short position, profits interest, option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right, or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class or series of shares of the Corporation or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, or any derivative or synthetic arrangement having the characteristics of a long position in any class or series of shares of the Corporation, or any contract, derivative, swap or other transaction or series of transactions designed to produce economic benefits and risks that correspond substantially to the ownership of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, including due to the fact that the value of such contract, derivative, swap or other transaction or series of transactions is determined by reference to the price, value or volatility of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, whether or not such instrument, contract or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of shares of the Corporation, through the delivery of cash or other property, or otherwise, and without regard to whether the Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person may have entered into transactions that hedge or mitigate the economic effect of such instrument, contract or right, or any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation (any of the foregoing, a “Derivative Instrument”) directly or indirectly owned or held, including beneficially, by each Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person and any Short Interest held by each Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person within the last twelve months in any class or series of the shares or other securities of the Corporation, (C) a description of any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship pursuant to which each Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person has any right to vote or has granted a right to vote any shares of stock or any other security of the Corporation, (D) any rights to dividends or payments in lieu of dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by each Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of stock or other security of the Corporation, (E) any proportionate interest in shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership or limited liability company or other entity in which any Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person is a general partner or directly or indirectly beneficially owns an interest in a general partner, is the manager, managing member or directly or indirectly beneficially owns an interest in the manager or managing member of a limited liability company or other entity, (F) any direct or indirect legal, economic or financial interest (including Short Interest) of each Holder and each Stockholder Associated Person, if any, in the outcome of any (x) vote to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation or (y) any meeting of stockholders of any other entity with respect to any matter that is related, directly or indirectly, to any nomination or business proposed by any Holder under these Bylaws,; and (G) any material pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, investigative, administrative or otherwise) in which any Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person is, or is reasonably expected to be made, a party or material participant involving the Corporation or any of its officers, directors or employees, or any Affiliate of the Corporation, or any officer, director or employee of such Affiliate (the information required by this subclause (ii) shall be referred to as the “Specified Information”), (iii) a representation by the Noticing Stockholder that such stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting on the matter proposed, that the Noticing Stockholder will continue to be a stockholder of record of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting on the matter proposed through the date of such meeting and that such Noticing Stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at such meeting to propose such nomination or other business, (iv) all information that would be required to be set forth in a Schedule 13D filed pursuant to Rule 13d-1(a) or an amendment pursuant to Rule 13d-2(a) if such a statement were required to be filed under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by each Holder and each Stockholder Associated Person, if any, (v) any other information relating to each Holder and each Stockholder Associated Person, if any, that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement and form

 

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of proxy or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, (vi) a representation by the Noticing Stockholder as to whether any Holder and/or any Stockholder Associated Person intends or is part of a group which intends: (A) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to elect the proposed nominee or approve or adopt the other business being proposed and/or (B) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such nomination or other business, (vii) a certification by the Noticing Stockholder that each Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person has complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with its acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and/or such person’s acts or omissions as a stockholder of the Corporation, (viii) the information and statement required by Rule 14a-19(b) of the Exchange Act (or any successor provision) (viii) the names and addresses of other stockholders (including beneficial owners) known by any Holder or Stockholder Associated Person to provide financial or otherwise material support with respect to such proposal(s) or nomination(s) (it being understood that delivery of a revocable proxy with respect to such proposal or nomination shall not in itself require disclosure under this clause (viii)), and to the extent known the class and number of all shares of the Corporation’s capital stock owned beneficially or of record by such other stockholder(s) or other beneficial owner(s), and (ix) a representation by the Noticing Stockholder as to the accuracy of the information set forth in the notice. In addition, any Noticing Stockholder who submits a notice pursuant to this paragraph (A)(3) of this Section 2.03 is required to update and supplement the information disclosed in such notice in accordance with paragraph (D)(3) of this Section 2.03.

(d) The Corporation may also, as a condition to any such nomination or business being deemed properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, require any Holder or any proposed nominee to deliver to the Secretary, within five Business Days of any such request, such other information as may reasonably be requested by the Corporation, including (i) such other information as may be reasonably required by the Board, in its sole discretion, to determine (x) the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation, and (y) whether such proposed nominee qualifies as an “independent director” or “audit committee financial expert” under applicable law, securities exchange rule or regulation, or any publicly disclosed corporate governance guideline or committee charter of the Corporation and (ii) such other information that the Board determines, in its sole discretion, could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such proposed nominee.

(e) In addition to the other requirements of this Section 2.03(A), each person who a Noticing Stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director of the Corporation must deliver in writing (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under this Section 2.03(A)) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (i) a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request of any stockholder of record identified by name within five Business Days of such written request) and (ii) a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request of any stockholder of record identified by name within five Business Days of such written request) that such person (A) is not and will not become a party to (x) any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether written or oral) with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or (y) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a

 

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director of the Corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (B) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation, (C) in such person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with all applicable rules of the exchanges upon which the securities of the Corporation are listed and all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation, and (D) in such person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any Holder on whose behalf the nomination is being made, intends to serve a full term if elected as a director of the Corporation.

(B) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business (including the election of specific individuals to fill vacancies or newly created directorships on the Board of Directors) shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting. At any time that stockholders are not prohibited from filling vacancies or newly created directorships on the Board of Directors, nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting only: (1) as provided in the Stockholders’ Agreement, (2) by or at the direction of the Board or any duly authorized committee of the Board; or (2) provided that the Board (or EQT pursuant to Section 8.2 of Article VIII of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation) has determined that directors shall be elected at such special meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who (a) is entitled to vote at the meeting, (b) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.03 and (c) is a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation, at the time of the record date of the special meeting of stockholders and at the time of the special meeting of stockholders. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board, any Noticing Stockholder entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of meeting, if the Noticing Stockholder’s notice as required by paragraphs (A)(2) and (A)(3) of this Section 2.03 shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation in proper written form not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made by the Corporation of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement of a special meeting (or the public announcement of an adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof) commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a Noticing Stockholder’s notice as described above.

(C) General.

(1) Except for directors who are appointed by the Board pursuant to these Bylaws, only such persons who are nominated in accordance and compliance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.03 or the Stockholders’ Agreement shall be eligible for election to serve as directors at a meeting of stockholders and only such other business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.03. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board or Chair of the meeting shall, in addition to making any other determination that may be appropriate for the conduct of the meeting of the Board shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may

 

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be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws (including whether the Noticing Stockholder or other Holder, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made or other business is being proposed solicited (or is part of a group which solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies in support of such Noticing Stockholder’s nominee or other business in compliance with such stockholder’s representation as required by clause (c)(vi) of paragraph (A)(3) of this Section 2.03). If any proposed nomination or other business was not made or proposed in compliance with these Bylaws, the chair of the meeting of stockholders shall have the power and duty to declare to the meeting that any such nomination or other business was not properly brought before the meeting and in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws, and that such nomination or other business not properly brought before the meeting shall be disregarded and/or shall not be transacted. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Bylaws, if the Noticing Stockholder (or a qualified representative of the Noticing Stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting, as applicable, to present a nomination or other business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such other business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 2.03, to be considered a “qualified representative” of the Noticing Stockholder, a person must be authorized by a document authorizing another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce the document or a reliable reproduction of such document at the meeting of stockholders. A stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of an electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization or like agent duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive such transmission, provided that any such transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the transmission was authorized by the stockholder. If it is determined that such transmissions are valid, the inspectors or, if there are no inspectors, such other persons making that determination shall specify the information upon which such inspectors or such persons relied.

(2) Exchange Act Compliance. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.03; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to this Section 2.03. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights (a) of the holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock of the Corporation as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect directors under specified circumstances, or (b) of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act or any other applicable federal or state securities law with respect to that stockholder’s request to include proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement.

(3) Updates and Supplements. In addition, to be considered timely, a Noticing Stockholder’s notice shall further be updated and supplemented, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice shall be true and correct as of the record date for the meeting of stockholders and as of the date that is ten Business Days prior to the meeting of stockholders or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five Business Days after the record date for the meeting of stockholders in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date, and not later than eight Business Days prior to the date for the meeting of stockholders or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten Business Days prior to the meeting of stockholders or

 

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any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof. In addition, if the Noticing Stockholder has delivered to the Corporation a notice relating to the nomination of directors, the Noticing Stockholder shall deliver to the Corporation not later than eight Business Days prior to the date of the meeting or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof (or, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the annual meeting has been adjourned or postponed) reasonable evidence that it has complied with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act (or any successor provision). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement set forth in this paragraph or any other Section of these Bylaws shall not limit the Corporation’s rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines hereunder or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice hereunder to amend or update any proposal or to submit any new proposal, including by changing or adding nominees, matters, business and/or resolutions proposed to be brought before a meeting of the stockholders.

(D) Certain Definitions; Interpretations. For purposes of these Bylaws,

(1) “Affiliate” shall have the meaning attributed to such term in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act;

(2) “Associate” shall have the meaning attributed to such term in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act;

(3) “Business Day” shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in New York, NY are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close;

(4) “close of business” on a particular day shall mean 5:00 p.m. local time at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, and if an applicable deadline falls on the close of business on a day that is not a Business Day, then the applicable deadline shall be deemed to be the close of business on the immediately preceding Business Day;

(5) “delivery” of any notice or materials by a stockholder as required to be “delivered” shall mean, both (a) hand delivery, overnight courier service, or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, in each case to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, and (b) electronic mail to the Secretary;

(6) “public announcement” shall mean disclosure: (a) in a press release released by the Corporation, provided such press release is released by the Corporation following its customary procedures, as reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or a comparable news service, or is generally available on internet news sites, or (b) in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

(7) “Short Interest” shall mean any agreement, arrangement, understanding relationship or otherwise, including any repurchase or similar so-called “stock borrowing” agreement or arrangement, involving any Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person, on the one hand, and any person, on the other hand, directly or indirectly, the purpose or effect of which is to mitigate loss to, reduce the economic risk (of ownership or otherwise) or any class or series of the shares of the Corporation by, manage the risk of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person with respect to any class or series of the shares or other securities of the Corporation, or which provides, directly or indirectly, the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any decrease in the price or value of any class or series of the shares or other securities of the Corporation; and

 

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(8) “Stockholder Associated Person” shall mean, as to any Holder, (a) any Affiliate or Associate of such Holder, (b) any person who is a member of a “group” (as such term is used in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision)) with such Holder, and (c) any member of the immediate family of such Holder.

(9) For purposes of these Bylaws, the words “include,” “includes” or “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Where a reference in these Bylaws is made to any statue or regulation, such reference shall be to (1) the statute or regulation as amended from time to time (except as context may otherwise require) and (2) any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

(E) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.03, for as long as the Stockholders’ Agreement remains in effect with respect to EQT, EQT (to the extent then subject to the Stockholders’ Agreement) shall not be subject to the notice procedures set forth in paragraph (A)(2), paragraph (A)(3) or paragraph (B) of this Section 2.03 with respect to any annual or special meeting of stockholders.

Section 1.01 Notice of Meetings. Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a timely notice in writing or by electronic transmission, in the manner provided in Section 232 of the DGCL, of the meeting, which shall state the place, if any, date and time of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be mailed to or transmitted electronically by the Secretary of the Corporation to each stockholder of record entitled to vote thereat as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the notice of any meeting shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting.

Section 1.02 Quorum. Unless otherwise required by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the rules of any stock exchange upon which the Corporation’s securities are listed, the holders of record of a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or series or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to the vote on that matter. Once a quorum is present to organize a meeting, it shall not be broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any stockholders.

Section 1.03 Voting. Except as otherwise provided by or pursuant to the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by such stockholder that has voting power upon the matters in question. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy in any manner provided under Section 212(c) of the DGCL or as otherwise provided under applicable law, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an

 

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irrevocable power. A stockholder may revoke any proxy that is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by delivering to the Secretary of the Corporation a revocation of the proxy or a new proxy bearing a later date. Unless required by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law, or determined by the Chair of the meeting to be advisable, the vote on any question need not be by ballot. On a vote by ballot, each ballot shall be signed by the stockholder voting, or by such stockholder’s proxy, if there be such proxy. When a quorum is present or represented at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which, by express provision of applicable law, of the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, of any regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or of these Bylaws, a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence and subject to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, all elections of directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast in respect of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.

Section 1.04 Chair of Meetings. The Chair of the Board, if one is elected, or, in his or her absence or disability, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, or in the absence of the Chair of the Board and the President and Chief Executive Officer, a person designated by the Board shall be the Chair of the meeting and, as such, preside at all meetings of the stockholders.

Section 1.05 Secretary of Meetings. The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary at all meetings of the stockholders. In the absence or disability of the Secretary, the Chair of the Board or the President and Chief Executive Officer shall appoint a person to act as Secretary at such meetings.

Section 1.06 Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote only to the extent permitted by and in the manner provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and in accordance with applicable law.

Section 1.010 Adjournment. At any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, if less than a quorum be present, the Chair of the meeting or stockholders holding a majority in voting power of the shares of stock of the Corporation, present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote thereat, shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time without notice other than announcement at the meeting until a quorum shall be present. Any business may be transacted at the adjourned meeting that might have been transacted at the meeting originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.

Section 1.011 Remote Communication. If authorized by the Board in its sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication:

 

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(A) participate in a meeting of stockholders; and

(B) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication; provided that:

(1) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder;

(2) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings; and

(3) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.

Section 1.012 Inspectors of Election. The Corporation may, and shall if required by law, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors of election, who may be employees of the Corporation, to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof and to make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. In the event that no inspector so appointed or designated is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the Chair of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability. The inspector or inspectors so appointed or designated shall (i) ascertain the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation outstanding and the voting power of each such share, (ii) determine the shares of capital stock of the Corporation represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots, (iii) count all votes and ballots, (iv) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors and (v) certify their determination of the number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation represented at the meeting and such inspectors’ count of all votes and ballots. Such certification and report shall specify such other information as may be required by law. In determining the validity and counting of proxies and ballots cast at any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, the inspectors may consider such information as is permitted by applicable law. No person who is a candidate for an office at an election may serve as an inspector at such election.

Article II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1.01 Powers. Except as otherwise provided by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of its Board. The Board may exercise all such authority and powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by the DGCL or the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

 

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Section 1.02 Number and Term; Chair. The number of directors shall be determined as set forth in Article VI, Section 6.1(A) of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Directors shall be elected by the stockholders at their annual meeting, and the term of each director shall be as set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Directors need not be stockholders. The Board shall elect from its ranks a Chair of the Board, who shall have the powers and perform such duties as provided in these Bylaws and as the Board may from time to time prescribe. The Chair of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board at which he or she is present. If the Chair of the Board is not present at a meeting of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer (if the President and Chief Executive Officer is a director and is not also the Chair of the Board) shall preside at such meeting, and, if the President and Chief Executive Officer is not present at such meeting or is not a director, a majority of the directors present at such meeting shall elect one (1) of their members to preside over such meeting.

Section 1.03 Resignations. Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Board, the Chair of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary of the Corporation. The resignation shall take effect at the time or upon the happening of any event specified therein, and if no specification is so made, at the time of its receipt. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise expressly provided in the resignation.

Section 1.04 Removal. Directors of the Corporation may be removed in the manner provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.

Section 1.05 Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships. Except as otherwise provided by law and subject to the Stockholders’ Agreement, vacancies occurring in any directorship (whether by death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or other cause) and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall be filled in accordance with the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Any director elected to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.

Section 1.06 Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board may be held at such places and times as shall be determined from time to time by the Board. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or the Chair of the Board, and shall be called by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary of the Corporation if directed by a majority of the Board and shall be at such places and times as they or he or she shall fix. Notice need not be given of regular meetings of the Board. At least twenty-four (24) hours before each special meeting of the Board, either written notice, notice by electronic transmission or oral notice (either in person or by telephone) notice of the time, date and place of the meeting shall be given to each director; provided, however, that if written notice is given only by United States mail, such notice be deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid at least five (5) days before such special meeting of the Board. Unless otherwise indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.

Section 1.07 Quorum, Voting and Adjournment. Unless otherwise provided by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, a majority of the total number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Unless otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, cumulative voting for the election of directors shall be prohibited. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board. In the absence of a quorum, a majority of the directors present thereat may adjourn such meeting to another time and place. Notice of such adjourned meeting need not be given if the time and place of such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting so adjourned.

 

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Section 1.08 Committees; Committee Rules. The Board may designate one or more committees, including but not limited to an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, each such committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee to replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; provided that no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (a) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (b) adopting, amending or repealing these Bylaws. Each committee of the Board may fix its own rules of procedure and shall hold its meetings as provided by such rules, except as may otherwise be provided by a resolution of the Board designating such committee. Unless otherwise provided in such a resolution, the presence of at least a majority of the members of the committee shall be necessary to constitute a quorum unless the committee shall consist of one or two members, in which event one member shall constitute a quorum; and all matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present at a meeting of the committee at which a quorum is present. Unless otherwise provided in such a resolution, in the event that a member and that member’s alternate, if alternates are designated by the Board, of such committee is or are absent or disqualified, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in place of any such absent or disqualified member.

Section 1.09 Action Without a Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or any committee thereof, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed in the minutes of proceedings of the Board. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form or shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

Section 1.010 Remote Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, members of the Board, or any committee designated by the Board, may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment in which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 1.011 Compensation. The Board shall have the authority to fix the compensation, including fees and reimbursement of expenses, of directors for services to the Corporation in any capacity.

Section 1.012 Reliance on Books and Records. A member of the Board, or a member of any committee designated by the Board shall, in the performance of such person’s duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of the Corporation’s officers or employees, or committees of the Board, or by any other person as to matters the member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

 

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Article III

OFFICERS

Section 1.01 Number. The officers of the Corporation shall include a President and Chief Executive Officer and a Secretary, each of whom shall be elected by the Board and who shall hold office for such terms as shall be determined by the Board and until their successors are elected and qualify or until their earlier resignation or removal. In addition, the Board may elect one or more Vice Presidents, including one or more Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, a Treasurer and one or more Assistant Treasurers and one or more Assistant Secretaries, who shall hold their office for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

Section 1.02 Other Officers and Agents. The Board may appoint such other officers and agents as it deems advisable, who shall hold their office for such terms and shall exercise and perform such powers and duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board.

Section 1.03 President and Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer, who shall also be the President, subject to the determination of the Board, shall have general executive charge, management, and control of the properties and operations of the Corporation in the ordinary course of its business, with all such powers with respect to such properties and operations as may be reasonably incident to such responsibilities. If the Board has not elected a Chair of the Board or in the absence or inability to act as the Chair of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer shall exercise all of the powers and discharge all of the duties of the Chair of the Board, but only if the President and Chief Executive Officer is a director of the Corporation.

Section 1.04 Vice Presidents. Each Vice President, if any are elected, of whom one or more may be designated an Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President, shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to him or her by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Board.

Section 1.05 Treasurer.

(A) The Treasurer shall have custody of the corporate funds, securities, evidences of indebtedness and other valuables of the Corporation and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation. The Treasurer shall deposit all moneys and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board or its designees selected for such purposes. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation, taking proper vouchers therefor. The Treasurer shall render to the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Board, upon their request, a report of the financial condition of the Corporation. If required by the Board, the Treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties in such amount and with such surety as the Board shall prescribe.

(B) In addition, the Treasurer shall have such further powers and perform such other duties incident to the office of Treasurer as from time to time are assigned to him or her by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Board.

Section 1.013 Secretary. The Secretary shall: (A) cause minutes of all meetings of the stockholders and directors to be recorded and kept properly; (B) cause all notices required by these Bylaws or otherwise to be given properly; (C) see that the minute books, stock books, and other nonfinancial books, records and papers of the Corporation are kept properly; and (D) cause all reports, statements, returns, certificates and other documents to be prepared and filed when and as required. The Secretary shall have such further powers and perform such other duties as prescribed from time to time by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Board.

 

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Section 1.014 Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries. Each Assistant Treasurer and each Assistant Secretary, if any are elected, shall be vested with all the powers and shall perform all the duties of the Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, in the absence or disability of such officer, unless or until the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Board shall otherwise determine. In addition, Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the President and Chief Executive Officer or the Board.

Section 1.015 Corporate Funds and Checks. The funds of the Corporation shall be kept in such depositories as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Board or its designees selected for such purposes. All checks or other orders for the payment of money shall be signed by the President and Chief Executive Officer, a Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary or such other person or agent as may from time to time be authorized and with such countersignature, if any, as may be required by the Board.

Section 1.016 Contracts and Other Documents. The President and Chief Executive Officer and the Secretary, or such other officer or officers as may from time to time be authorized by the Board or any other committee given specific authority in the premises by the Board during the intervals between the meetings of the Board, shall have power to sign and execute on behalf of the Corporation deeds, conveyances and contracts, and any and all other documents requiring execution by the Corporation.

Section 1.010 Ownership of Equity Interests or other Securities of Another Entity. Unless otherwise directed by the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer, a Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary, or such other officer or agent as shall be authorized by the Board, shall have the power and authority, on behalf of the Corporation, to attend and to vote at any meeting of securityholders of any entity in which the Corporation holds securities or equity interests and may exercise, on behalf of the Corporation, any and all of the rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities or equity interests at any such meeting, including the authority to execute and deliver proxies and consents on behalf of the Corporation.

Section 1.011 Delegation of Duties. In the absence, disability or refusal of any officer to exercise and perform his or her duties, the Board may delegate to another officer such powers or duties.

Section 1.012 Resignation and Removal. Any officer of the Corporation may be removed from office for or without cause at any time by the Board. Any officer may resign at any time in the same manner prescribed under Section 3.03 of these Bylaws.

Section 1.013 Vacancies. The Board shall have the power to fill vacancies occurring in any office.

Article IV

STOCK

Section 1.01 Certificated Shares. The shares of stock of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates; provided that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the Corporation’s stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Every holder of stock in the Corporation represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by

 

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any two authorized officers of the Corporation (it being understood that each of the Chair of the Board or the Vice Chair of the Board, or the President and Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation shall be an authorized officer for such purpose), certifying the number and class of shares of stock of the Corporation owned by such holder. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. The Board shall have the power to appoint one or more transfer agents and/or registrars for the transfer or registration of certificates of stock of any class, and may require stock certificates to be countersigned or registered by one or more of such transfer agents and/or registrars.

Section 1.02 Uncertificated Shares. If the Board chooses to issue uncertificated shares, the Corporation, if required by the DGCL, shall, within a reasonable time after the issue or transfer of uncertificated shares, send the stockholder a written statement of the information required by the DGCL shall be sent by or on behalf of the Corporation to stockholders entitled to such uncertificated shares. The Corporation may adopt a system of issuance, recordation and transfer of its shares of stock by electronic or other means not involving the issuance of certificates; provided that the use of such system by the Corporation is permitted by applicable law.

Section 1.03 Transfer of Shares. Shares of stock of the Corporation represented by certificates shall be transferable upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by their duly authorized attorneys or legal representatives, upon surrender to the Corporation by delivery thereof (to the extent evidenced by a physical stock certificate) to the person in charge of the stock and transfer books and ledgers. Certificates representing such shares, if any, shall be cancelled and new certificates, if the shares are to be certificated, shall thereupon be issued. Shares of capital stock of the Corporation that are not represented by a certificate shall be transferred in accordance with any procedures adopted by the Corporation or its agents and applicable law. A record shall be made of each transfer. Whenever any transfer of shares shall be made for collateral security, and not absolutely, it shall be so expressed in the entry of the transfer if, when the certificates are presented to the Corporation for transfer or uncertificated shares requested to be transferred, both the transferor and transferee request the Corporation do so. The Corporation shall have power and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary or proper concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates representing shares of stock of the Corporation and uncertificated shares.

Section 1.04 Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Mutilated Certificates. A new certificate of stock or uncertificated shares may be issued in the place of any certificate previously issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Corporation may, in its discretion, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his or her legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond, in such sum as the Corporation may direct, in order to indemnify the Corporation against any claims that may be made against it in connection therewith. A new certificate or uncertificated shares of stock may be issued in the place of any certificate previously issued by the Corporation that has become mutilated upon the surrender by such owner of such mutilated certificate and, if required by the Corporation, the posting of a bond by such owner in an amount sufficient to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against it in connection therewith.

Section 1.05 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote. The Corporation shall prepare, no later than the tenth day before each meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any

 

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stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of ten days ending on the day before the meeting date (A) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting or (B) during ordinary business hours at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the list of stockholders required by this Section 5.05 or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.

Section 1.06 Fixing Date for Determination of Stockholders of Record.

(A) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.

(B) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

(C) Unless otherwise restricted by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, in order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board. If no record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting is fixed by the Board, (i) when no prior action of the Board is required by law, the record date for such purpose shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation in accordance with applicable law, and (ii) if prior action by the Board is required by law, the record date for such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

 

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Section 1.07 Registered Stockholders. Prior to the surrender to the Corporation of the certificate or certificates for a share or shares of stock or notification to the Corporation of the transfer of uncertificated shares with a request to record the transfer of such share or shares, the Corporation may treat the registered owner of such share or shares as the person entitled to receive dividends, to vote, to receive notifications and otherwise to exercise all the rights and powers of an owner of such share or shares. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof.

Article V

NOTICE AND WAIVER OF NOTICE

Section 1.01 Notice. If mailed, notice to stockholders shall be deemed given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, and if given by any other form, including any form of electronic transmission permitted by the DGCL shall be deemed given as provided in the DGCL. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders may be given by electronic transmission in the manner provided in Section 232 of the DGCL.

Section 1.02 Waiver of Notice. A written waiver of any notice, signed by a stockholder or director, or waiver by electronic transmission by such person, whether given before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such person. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in such a waiver. Attendance at any meeting (in person or by remote communication) shall constitute waiver of notice except attendance for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

Article VI

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1.01 Right to Indemnification. Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or an officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 7.03 with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses or with respect to any compulsory counterclaim brought by such indemnitee, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.

 

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Section 1.02 Right to Advancement of Expenses. In addition to the right to indemnification conferred in Section 7.01, an indemnitee shall also have the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses (including attorney’s fees) incurred in appearing at, participating in or defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition or in connection with a proceeding brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article VII (which shall be governed by Section 7.03 (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”)); provided, however, that, if the DGCL requires or in the case of an advance made in a proceeding brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made solely upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter an “undertaking”), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter a “final adjudication”) that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified or entitled to advancement of expenses under Section 7.01 and Section 7.02 or otherwise.

Section 1.03 Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit. If a claim under Section 7.01 or Section 7.02 is not paid in full by the Corporation within (i) sixty (60) days after a written claim for indemnification has been received by the Corporation or (ii) twenty (20) days after a claim for an advancement of expenses has been received by the Corporation, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim or to obtain advancement of expenses, as applicable. To the fullest extent permitted by law, if the indemnitee is successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (i) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including by its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including by its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article VII or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.

Section 1.04 Indemnification Not Exclusive.

(A)The provision of indemnification to or the advancement of expenses and costs to any indemnitee under this Article VII, or the entitlement of any indemnitee to indemnification or advancement of expenses and costs under this Article VII, shall not limit or restrict in any way the power of the Corporation to indemnify or advance expenses and costs to such indemnitee in any other way permitted by law or be deemed exclusive of, or invalidate, any right to which any indemnitee seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses and costs may be entitled under any law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such indemnitee’s capacity as an officer, director, employee or agent of the Corporation and as to action in any other capacity.

 

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(1) Given that certain jointly indemnifiable claims (as defined below) may arise due to the service of the indemnitee as a director and/or officer of the Corporation at the request of the indemnitee-related entities (as defined below), the Corporation shall be fully and primarily responsible for the payment to the indemnitee in respect of indemnification or advancement of expenses in connection with any such jointly indemnifiable claims, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Article VII, irrespective of any right of recovery the indemnitee may have from the indemnitee-related entities. Under no circumstance shall the Corporation be entitled to any right of subrogation or contribution by the indemnitee-related entities and no right of advancement or recovery the indemnitee may have from the indemnitee-related entities shall reduce or otherwise alter the rights of the indemnitee or the obligations of the Corporation hereunder. In the event that any of the indemnitee-related entities shall make any payment to the indemnitee in respect of indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to any jointly indemnifiable claim, the indemnitee-related entity making such payment shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the indemnitee against the Corporation, and the indemnitee shall execute all papers reasonably required and shall do all things that may be reasonably necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents as may be necessary to enable the indemnitee-related entities effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights. Each of the indemnitee-related entities shall be third-party beneficiaries with respect to this Section 7.04(A), entitled to enforce this Section 7.04(A).

(2) For purposes of this Section 7.04(A), the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) The term “indemnitee-related entities” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (other than the Corporation or any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise for which the indemnitee has agreed, on behalf of the Corporation or at the Corporation’s request, to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent and which service is covered by the indemnity described herein) from whom an indemnitee may be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to which, in whole or in part, the Corporation may also have an indemnification or advancement obligation.

(b) The term “jointly indemnifiable claims” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, any action, suit or proceeding for which the indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses from both the indemnitee-related entities and the Corporation pursuant to applicable law, any agreement, certificate of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, certificate of formation, certificate of limited partnership or comparable organizational documents of the Corporation or the indemnitee-related entities, as applicable.

Section 1.05 Nature of Rights. The rights conferred upon indemnitees in this Article VII shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article VII that adversely affects any right of an indemnitee or its successors shall be prospective only and shall not limit, eliminate, or impair any such right with respect to any proceeding involving any occurrence or alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that took place prior to such amendment or repeal.

 

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Section 1.06 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.

Section 1.07 Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation. The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article VII with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Corporation.

Article VII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1.01 Electronic Transmission. For purposes of these Bylaws, “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, including the use of, or participation in, one or more electronic networks or databases (including one or more distributed electronic networks or databases), that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

Section 1.02 Corporate Seal. The Board may provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, which seal shall be in the charge of the Secretary. If and when so directed by the Board or a committee thereof, duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by the Treasurer or by an Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer.

Section 1.03 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the thirty-first day of December of each year.

Section 1.04 Section Headings. Section headings in these Bylaws are for convenience of reference only and shall not be given any substantive effect in limiting or otherwise construing any provision herein.

Section 1.05 Inconsistent Provisions. In the event that any provision of these Bylaws is or becomes inconsistent with any provision of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the DGCL or any other applicable law, such provision of these Bylaws shall not be given any effect to the extent of such inconsistency but shall otherwise be given full force and effect.

Article VIII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1.01 Amendments. The Board is authorized to make, repeal, alter, amend and rescind, in whole or in part, these Bylaws without the assent or vote of the stockholders in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware or the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Bylaws or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote of the stockholders, at any time when EQT beneficially owns, in the aggregate, less than thirty five percent (35%) in voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock (as defined in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation), these Bylaws or applicable law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least

 

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66 2/3% in voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required in order for the stockholders of the Corporation to alter, amend, repeal or rescind, in whole or in part, any provision of these Bylaws (including, without limitation, this Section 9.01) or to adopt any provision inconsistent herewith.

 

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Exhibit 10.11

KODIAK GAS SERVICES, INC.

 

EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE PLAN

 

1. Purpose. Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (the “Company”) has adopted the Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. Executive Severance Plan (the “Plan”) to provide severance pay and benefits to eligible officers and management employees who are Eligible Executives (as defined below) and whose employment is terminated on or after June 20, 2023 (the “Effective Date”). The Plan is intended to be maintained primarily for the purpose of providing benefits for a select group of management or highly compensated employees.

2. Definitions. For purposes of the Plan, capitalized terms used in this Plan shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 2.

(a) “Accrued Amounts” means (i) all accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the Date of Termination, which shall be paid within ten business days following the Date of Termination (or earlier if required by applicable law); (ii) reimbursement for all incurred but unreimbursed expenses for which an Eligible Executive is entitled to reimbursement in accordance with the expense reimbursement policies of the Company in effect as of the Date of Termination; and (iii) benefits to which an Eligible Executive may be entitled pursuant to the terms of any plan or policy sponsored by the Company or any of its Affiliates as in effect from time to time.

(b) “Affiliate” means a corporation or other entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with the Company. The term “control” (including, with correlative meaning, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting or other securities, by contract or otherwise.

(c) “Applicable Multiple” means, for each Eligible Executive, the applicable multiple set forth on Exhibit A hereto corresponding to such Eligible Executive’s Tier.

(d) “Base Salary” means the amount an Eligible Executive is entitled to receive as base salary on an annualized basis, calculated as of the Date of Termination, including any amounts that an Eligible Executive could have received in cash had such Eligible Executive not elected to contribute to an employee benefit plan maintained by the Company, but excluding all annual cash incentive awards, bonuses, equity awards, and incentive compensation payable by the Company as consideration for an Eligible Executive’s services. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a reduction in an Eligible Executive’s Base Salary resulting in such Eligible Executive’s resignation for Good Reason, for purposes of determining such Eligible Executive’s Severance Amount, such Eligible Executive’s Base Salary shall be deemed to be that in effect immediately prior to such reduction.

(e)Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.


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(f) “Business means the business and operations that are the same or similar to those performed by the Company and/or any other member of the Company Group for which an Eligible Executive provides services or about which an Eligible Executive obtains Confidential Information during the Employment Term, which business and operations include, as of the Effective Date, business activities related to: (i) compression services with Company-owned or leased compression equipment; (ii) providing compression and maintenance services for customer-owned or leased compression equipment; (iii) providing compression station construction utilizing one or more compressors to boost gas pressure from production to processing locations; and (iv) any other business ancillary to the activities described in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii).

(g) “Cause” means, with respect to an Eligible Executive’s termination of employment from the Company Group, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) in the case where there is no employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, severance agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or any other applicable member of the Company Group and the Eligible Executive at the time of the Date of Termination (or where there is such an agreement in effect, but it does not define “cause” (or words of like import)), such Eligible Executive’s (A) willful neglect in the performance of the Eligible Executive’s duties to the Company or willful or repeated failure or refusal to perform such duties; (B) engagement in conduct in connection with the Eligible Executive’s employment or services for the Company, which results, or could reasonably be expected to result in, material harm to the business or reputation of the Company or an Affiliate; (C) conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to, (1) any felony or (2) any other crime that results, or could reasonably be expected to result in, material harm to the business or reputation of the Company or an Affiliate; (D) material violation of the written policies of the Company, including but not limited to those relating to sexual harassment or the disclosure or misuse of confidential information, or those set forth in the manuals or statements of policy of the Company; (E) fraud or misappropriation, embezzlement, or misuse of funds or property belonging to the Company or an Affiliate; (F) act of personal dishonesty that involves personal profit in connection with the Eligible Executive’s employment with the Company or an Affiliate; or (G) any breach of any non-competition, non-solicitation, no-hire, or confidentiality covenant between the Eligible Executive and the Company or an Affiliate; or (ii) in the case where there is an employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, severance agreement, change in control agreement or similar agreement in effect between the Company or any other member of the Company Group and the Eligible Executive at the time of the Date of Termination that defines “cause” (or words of like import), “cause” as defined under such agreement; provided, however, that with regard to any agreement under which the definition of “cause” only applies on occurrence of a change in control, such definition of “cause” shall not apply until a change in control (as defined in such agreement) actually takes place and then only with regard to a termination thereafter.

(h) “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in the applicable Participation Agreement or other written agreement with an Eligible Executive approved by the Committee:

(i) any Person (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the equityholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company), becoming the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, excluding for purposes herein, acquisitions pursuant to a Business Combination (as defined below) that does not constitute a Change in Control as defined in Section 2(h)(ii);

 

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(ii) a merger, reorganization, or consolidation of the Company or in which equity securities of the Company are issued (each, a “Business Combination”), other than a merger, reorganization or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its direct or indirect parent) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity (or, as applicable, a direct or indirect parent of the Company or such surviving entity) outstanding immediately after such merger, reorganization or consolidation; provided, however, that a merger, reorganization or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person (other than those covered by the exceptions in Section 2(h)(i)) acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control;

(iii) during the period of two consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board together with any new director(s) (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2(h)(i) or 2(h)(ii)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s equityholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the two year period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof; or

(iv) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or the consummation of a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets other than the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a Person or Persons who beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company at the time of the sale.

For purposes of this Sections 2(h), acquisitions of securities of the Company by Frontier TopCo Partnership, L.P. or EQT Fund Management S.à r.l., any of their respective affiliates, or any investment vehicle or fund controlled by or managed by, or otherwise affiliated with Frontier TopCo Partnership, L.P. or EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. shall not constitute a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any benefits granted hereunder that are characterized as “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, an event shall not be considered to be a Change in Control under this Plan for purposes of payment of such benefits unless such event is also a “change in ownership,” a “change in effective control,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.

(i) “Change in Control Protection Period” means, for each Eligible Executive, the number of years following a Change in Control equal to the Applicable Multiple.

(j) “COBRA” means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended.

(k) “Code means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Any reference to any section of the Code shall also be a reference to any successor provision and any guidance and treasury regulation promulgated thereunder.

(l) “Committee” means the Personnel and Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee designated by the Board to administer the Plan. If no committee is duly authorized by the Board to administer this Plan, the term “Committee” shall be deemed to refer to the Board for all purposes under this Plan.

 

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(m) “Company Group” means the Company and each of its direct and indirect past, present and future Subsidiaries.

(n) “Competitive Products or Services means any products or services that are similar to or competitive with any of the products or services being offered, marketed, or actively developed by the Company Group during the 12-month period prior to an Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination.

(o) “Confidential Information” means any and all confidential and proprietary information and materials, as well as all trade secrets, belonging to the Company Group, its customers, or other third parties who furnished such information, materials, and/or trade secrets to the Company Group with reasonable expectations of confidentiality. Confidential Information includes, without limitation and regardless of whether such information or materials are expressly identified or marked as confidential or proprietary, and whether or not patentable: (i) technical information and materials of the Company Group, their affiliates, their customers, or other third parties, including but not limited to computer programs, software, databases, methods, formulae, compositions, technological data, processes, discoveries, inventions, ideas, surveys, designs, developmental or experimental work, original works of authorship, training programs, and procedures, diagrams, charts, products, and services (including product developments, product specifications, and technical specifications), and similar items; (ii) business information and materials of the Company Group, their affiliates, their customers or other third parties, including but not limited to market and business analyses, growth plans, acquisition prospects, strategic information, financial information, business plans, business proposals, customer contract terms and conditions, pricing and bidding methodologies and data, sales data, customer information (e.g., customer lists, customer contact information, the identity of customers, the identity of key contacts within customer organizations, customer preferences, and other business information about customers), supplier and vendor information, business partner lists, business partner contact information, business partner preferences, credit information, selling and marketing data, contracts, and similar data; (iii) information and materials relating to future plans of the Company Group, their affiliates, their customers, or other third parties, including but not limited to marketing strategies, marketing techniques, prospective names and marks, copyrights, and other intellectual property, new product research, pending projects and proposals, acquisition plans, strategic alliances, research and development efforts and strategies, and similar items; (iv) personnel information and materials of the Company Group, their affiliates, their customers, or other third parties including but not limited to employee performance information, employee compensation information, employee benefits information, recruiting sources, contractor and consulting information, contacts, costs, and similar items; (v) any information or material that gives the Company Group an advantage with respect to its competitors by virtue of not being known by those competitors; and (vi) other valuable, confidential information and materials and/or trade secrets of the Company Group, their affiliates, their customers, or other third parties that may or may not be explicitly identified or marked as confidential or proprietary. For purposes of the Plan, Confidential Information shall not include any information that (A) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure or wrongful act of an Eligible Executive or any of the Eligible Executive’s agents; (B) was available to an Eligible Executive on a non-confidential basis before its disclosure by a member of the Company Group; (C) becomes available to an Eligible Executive following the Effective Date on a non-confidential basis from a source other than a member of the Company Group; provided, however, that such source is not bound by a confidentiality agreement with, or other obligation with respect to confidentiality to, a member of the Company Group; or (D) is required to be disclosed by applicable law.

 

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(p) “Covered Customer means: (A) any of the Company Group’s customers with which an Eligible Executive had Business-related contact on behalf of the Company Group during the 12-month period prior to the Date of Termination of such Eligible Executive; and (B) any of the Company Group’s customers about which an Eligible Executive received Confidential Information during the 12-month period prior to the Date of Termination of such Eligible Executive.

(q) “Date of Termination” means the effective date of the termination of an Eligible Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its Affiliates, as applicable, such that the Eligible Executive is no longer employed by any member of the Company Group.

(r) “Death or Disability Termination” means the termination of an Eligible Executive’s employment due to death or Disability.

(s) “Disability” means, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in the applicable Participation Agreement, with respect to an Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination, any physical or mental disability or infirmity of an Eligible Executive that prevents the performance of the Eligible Executive’s duties for a period of (a) 90 consecutive days or (b) 120 non-consecutive days during any 12-month period. Any question as to the existence, extent, or potentiality of an Eligible Executive’s Disability upon which the Eligible Executive and the Company cannot agree shall be determined by a qualified, independent physician mutually selected by the Company and the Eligible Executive or the Eligible Executive’s representative (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned). The determination of any such physician shall be final and conclusive for all purposes of this Plan.

(t) “Eligible Executive” means any employee of any member of the Company Group who: (i) is designated by the Committee as an “Eligible Executive” who is eligible to participate in the Plan; (ii) has executed and returned a Participation Agreement to the Company; (iii) is not covered under any other severance plan, policy, program or arrangement sponsored or maintained by any member of the Company Group; and (iv) is not a party to an employment or severance agreement with any member of the Company Group pursuant to which such employee is eligible for severance payments or benefits. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to determine whether an employee is an Eligible Executive. Eligible Executives shall be limited to a select group of management or highly compensated employees within the meaning of Sections 201, 301 and 401 of ERISA.

(u) “Employment Term” means the period in which an Eligible Executive provides employment or services to the Company Group, ending on the Date of Termination.

(v) “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

(w) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time. Reference to a specific section of the Exchange Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or interpretation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.

(x) “Good Reason” means, with respect to an Eligible Executive’s termination of employment from the Company Group, the occurrence of any of the following events without the written consent of an Eligible Executive: (i) in the case where there is no employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, severance agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or any other applicable member of the Company Group and the Eligible Executive at the time of the Date of

 

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Termination (or where there is such an agreement in effect, but it does not define “good reason” (or words of like import)), (A) a material diminution in the Eligible Executive’s base salary and target bonus opportunity other than as part of one or more reductions in base salaries and target bonus opportunities that apply equally to each of the members of the Company’s executive leadership team in substantially the same proportions, (B) a material diminution in the Eligible Executive’s authority, duties, responsibilities or reporting relationship with the Company or any applicable member of the Company Group, (C) the relocation of the geographic location of the Eligible Executive’s principal place of employment outside of the Greater Houston Area, (D) a failure of the Company to require a successor to expressly assume and perform this Plan, or (E) a material diminution in the aggregate benefits offered under the Company Group’s benefit programs, including but not limited to employer health, vision, or dental employee paid premiums, vehicle allowance program or 401(k) plan, other than as a result of, or response to, changes in applicable law or customary changes across businesses in the United States; or (ii) in the case where there is an employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, severance agreement, change in control agreement or similar agreement in effect between the Company or any other member of the Company Group and the Eligible Executive at the time of the Date of Termination that defines “good reason” (or words of like import), “good reason” as defined under such agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any assertion by an Eligible Executive of a termination for Good Reason shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) the Eligible Executive must provide written notice to the Board of the existence of such condition(s) within 30 days after the initial occurrence of such condition(s); (2) the condition(s) specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days following the Board’s receipt of such written notice; and (3) the date of the Eligible Executive’s termination of employment must occur within 60 days after the initial occurrence of the condition(s) specified in such notice.

(y) “Interfering Activities” shall mean, with respect to each Eligible Executive: (i) encouraging or attempting to encourage (or assisting another in encouraging or attempting to encourage) any employee, contractor, consultant, supplier, or vendor of the Company Group (A) with whom the Eligible Executive had any Business-related contact or (B) who has or had access to Confidential Information during the 12-month period prior to the Date of Termination of such Eligible Executive, to terminate such individual’s relationship with the Company Group; or (ii) soliciting, inducing, influencing, recruiting, hiring or contacting for employment, engagement, or hire (or assisting another in such activities) any employee, contractor, or consultant of the Company Group (1) with whom the Eligible Executive had any Business-related contact or (2) who has or had access to Confidential Information during the 12-month period prior to the Date of Termination of such Eligible Executive, to terminate such individual’s relationship with the Company Group.

(z) “Participation Agreement” means the participation agreement delivered to each Eligible Executive by the Committee prior to his or her entry into the Plan evidencing the Eligible Executive’s agreement to participate in the Plan and to comply with all terms, conditions and restrictions within the Plan.

(aa) “Person” means any “person” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

(ab) “Post-Termination Restricted Period” means, for each Eligible Executive, the one-year period immediately following the applicable Date of Termination.

(ac) “Qualifying Termination” means the termination of an Eligible Executive’s employment (i) by any member of the Company Group without Cause (which, for the avoidance of doubt, does not include a Death or Disability Termination); or (ii) due to an Eligible Executive’s resignation for Good Reason.

 

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(ad) “Release Requirement” means the requirement that an Eligible Executive execute and deliver to the Company a general release of claims, in a form acceptable to the Company, on or prior to the date that is 21 days following the date upon which the Company delivers the release to an Eligible Executive (which shall occur no later than seven days following the Date of Termination) or, in the event that such termination of employment is “in connection with an exit incentive or other employment termination program” (as such phrase is defined in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended), the date that is 45 days following such delivery date. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in the Plan to the contrary, the Release Requirement shall not be considered satisfied if the release described in the preceding sentence is revoked by an Eligible Executive within any time provided by the Company for such revocation.

(ae) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including any such regulations or guidance that may be amended or issued after the Effective Date.

(af) “Severance Amount” means the cash severance payments set forth in Sections 5(a)(i) or 5(b)(i), as applicable.

(ag) “Subsidiary” means any subsidiary corporation of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code.

(ah) “Target Annual Bonus” means an Eligible Executive’s target annual bonus for the calendar year that includes such Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination.

(ai) “Tier” means an “Executive Tier” used for purposes of determining the level of severance benefits an Eligible Executive is eligible to receive. Each Eligible Executive shall be designated by the Committee as a Tier 1 Executive, Tier 2 Executive, or Tier 3 Executive pursuant to such Eligible Executive’s Participation Agreement.

3. Administration of the Plan.

(a) Administration by the Committee. The Committee shall be responsible for the management and control of the operation and the administration of the Plan, including interpretation of the Plan, decisions pertaining to eligibility to participate in the Plan, computation of severance benefits, granting or denial of severance benefit claims and review of claims denials. The Committee has absolute discretion in the exercise of its powers and responsibilities. For this purpose, the Committee’s powers shall include the following authority, in addition to all other powers provided by the Plan:

(i) to make and enforce such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or proper for the efficient administration of the Plan;

(ii) to interpret the Plan, the Committee’s interpretation thereof to be final and conclusive on all persons claiming benefits under the Plan;

(iii) to decide all questions concerning the Plan and the eligibility of any person to participate in the Plan, and to designate each Eligible Executive as either a Tier 1 Executive, Tier 2 Executive, or a Tier 3 Executive;

 

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(iv) to make a determination as to the right of any person to a benefit under the Plan (including to determine whether and when there has been a termination of an Eligible Executive’s employment and the cause of such termination);

(v) to appoint such agents, counsel, accountants, consultants, claims administrator and other persons as may be required to assist in administering the Plan;

(vi) to allocate and delegate its responsibilities under the Plan and to designate other persons to carry out any of its responsibilities under the Plan, any such allocation, delegation or designation to be in writing;

(vii) to sue or cause suit to be brought in the name of the Plan; and

(viii) to obtain from the Company, its Affiliates and from Eligible Executives such information as is necessary for the proper administration of the Plan.

(b) Indemnification of the Committee. The Company shall, without limiting any rights that the Committee may have under the Company’s charter or bylaws, applicable law or otherwise, indemnify and hold harmless the Committee and each member thereof (and any other individual acting on behalf of the Committee or any member thereof) against any and all expenses and liabilities arising out of such person’s administrative functions or fiduciary responsibilities, excepting only expenses and liabilities arising out of the person’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Expenses against which such person shall be indemnified hereunder include the amounts of any settlement, judgment, attorneys’ fees, costs of court, and any other related charges reasonably incurred in connection with a claim, proceeding, settlement, or other action under the Plan.

(c) Compensation and Expenses. The Committee shall not receive additional compensation with respect to services for the Plan. To the extent required by applicable law, but not otherwise, the Committee shall furnish bond or security for the performance of their duties hereunder. Any expenses properly incurred by the Committee incident to the administration, termination or protection of the Plan, including the cost of furnishing bond, shall be paid by the Company.

4. Eligibility. Only individuals who are Eligible Executives may participate in the Plan. The Committee has full and absolute discretion to determine and select which employees of the Company and its Affiliates are Eligible Executives. Once an employee has been designated as an Eligible Executive, such individual shall automatically continue to be an Eligible Executive until the Eligible Executive ceases to be an employee or is removed as an Eligible Executive by the Committee. The Plan shall supersede all prior agreements, practices, policies, procedures and plans relating to severance benefits from all members of the Company Group with respect to an Eligible Executive.

5. Plan Benefits.

(a) Qualifying Termination Outside of a Change in Control Protection Period. In the event an Eligible Executive’s employment with any member of the Company Group ends due to a Qualifying Termination that occurs outside of a Change in Control Protection Period, such Eligible Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts, and so long as such Eligible Executive satisfies the Release Requirement and abides by the terms of Sections 7 and 8 below, such Eligible Executive shall also be entitled to receive:

 

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(i) A cash severance payment in an amount equal to (A) the Applicable Multiple, multiplied by (B) such Eligible Executive’s Base Salary, payable in lump sum within 60 days after such Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination;

(ii) A pro-rated portion of such Eligible Executive’s Target Annual Bonus, multiplied by a fraction, (A) the numerator of which equals the number of calendar days that such Eligible Executive was employed by any member of the Company Group during the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs and (B) the denominator of which equals 365 or 366, as applicable, payable in lump sum within 60 days after such Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination; and

(iii) An amount equal to (A) the Applicable Multiple, multiplied by (B) the annual cost to continue coverage for such Eligible Executive’s group health plan, dental and vision coverage (including coverage for such Eligible Executive’s spouse and eligible dependents), determined under the Company’s group health plans as in effect immediately prior to such Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination (the “Health Continuation Payment”), payable in lump sum within 60 days after such Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination. For the avoidance of doubt, if, as of an Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination, such Eligible Executive does not participate in any of the Company’s group health plans, then the Health Continuation Payment amount under this Section 5(a)(iii) will equal zero.

(b) Qualifying Termination During a Change in Control Protection Period. In the event an Eligible Executive’s employment with any member of the Company Group ends due to a Qualifying Termination that occurs during a Change in Control Protection Period, such Eligible Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts, and so long as such Eligible Executive satisfies the Release Requirement and abides by the terms of Sections 7 and 8 below, such Eligible Executive shall also be entitled to receive:

(i) A cash severance payment in an amount equal to (A) the Applicable Multiple, multiplied by (B) the sum of such Eligible Executive’s (1) Base Salary and (2) Target Annual Bonus, payable in lump sum within 60 days after such Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination;

(ii) A pro-rated portion of such Eligible Executive’s Target Annual Bonus, multiplied by a fraction, (A) the numerator of which equals the number of calendar days that such Eligible Executive was employed by any member of the Company Group during the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs and (B) the denominator of which equals 365 or 366, as applicable, payable in lump sum within 60 days after such Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination; and

(iii) The Health Continuation Payment, payable in lump sum within 60 days after such Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination. For the avoidance of doubt, if, as of an Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination, such Eligible Executive does not participate in any of the Company’s group health plans, then the Health Continuation Payment amount under this Section 5(b)(iii) will equal zero.

(c) Equity Incentive Awards. For clarity, in the event that an Eligible Executive’s employment with any member of the Company Group terminates (pursuant to a Qualifying Termination or otherwise), all outstanding equity incentive awards then held by such Eligible Executive in respect of any member of the Company Group will be treated in accordance with the award agreement applicable to such award or governing plan, as applicable.

 

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(d) Non-Qualifying Terminations of Employment. In the event that an Eligible Executive’s employment with any member of the Company Group terminates other than pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, including as a result of a Death or Disability Termination, then all compensation and benefits to such Eligible Executive shall terminate contemporaneously with such termination of employment, except that such Eligible Executive shall be entitled to the Accrued Amounts and all outstanding equity incentive awards then held by such Eligible Executive in respect of any member of the Company Group will be treated in accordance with the award agreement applicable to such award or governing plan, as applicable.

(e) After-Acquired Evidence. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that the Company determines that an Eligible Executive is eligible to receive the Severance Amount and other severance benefits pursuant to Sections 5(a) or 5(b) but, after such determination, the Company subsequently acquires evidence or determines that: (i) such Eligible Executive has failed to abide by the terms of Sections 7 or 8 below (or any other restrictive covenant obligations to which the Eligible Executive is subject in respect of the Company Group); or (ii) a Cause condition existed prior to the Date of Termination that, had the Company been fully aware of such condition, would have given the Company the right to terminate such Eligible Executive’s employment for Cause, then the Company shall have the right not to pay any portion of the Severance Amount and to cease providing any other severance benefits under Sections 5(a) or 5(b), and such Eligible Executive shall promptly return to the Company any payment of the Severance Amount and any other severance benefits received by such Eligible Executive prior to the date that the Company determines that the conditions of this Section 5(e) have been satisfied.

(f) No Duplication. Except as otherwise expressly provided pursuant to this Plan, this Plan shall be construed and administered in a manner which avoids duplication of compensation and benefits which may be provided under any other plan, program, policy or other arrangement or individual contract or under any statute, rule or regulation. In the event an Eligible Executive is covered by any other plan, program, policy, individually negotiated agreement or other arrangement, in effect as of Eligible Executive Date of Termination, that may duplicate the payments and benefits provided for in Sections 5(a) or 5(b), the Committee is specifically empowered to reduce or eliminate the duplicative benefits provided for under the Plan.

6. Certain Excise Taxes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, if an Eligible Executive is a “disqualified individual” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code), and the payments and benefits provided for in the Plan, together with any other payments and benefits which such Eligible Executive has the right to receive from the Company or any of its Affiliates, and taking into account reductions in respect of reasonable compensation for personal services to be rendered by the Eligible Executive on or following the date of the relevant “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code), including pursuant to applicable non-competition and other restrictive covenant obligations, would constitute a “parachute payment” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then the payments and benefits provided for in the Plan shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of such total amounts and benefits received by such Eligible Executive from the Company and its Affiliates will be one dollar less than three times such Eligible Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of such amounts and benefits received by such Eligible Executive shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to such Eligible Executive (taking into account any applicable excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code and any other applicable taxes). The reduction of payments and benefits hereunder, if applicable, shall be made by reducing, first, payments or benefits to be paid in cash hereunder in the order in which such payment or benefit would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time) and, then, reducing any benefit to be provided in-kind hereunder in a similar order. The determination as to

 

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whether any such reduction in the amount of the payments and benefits provided hereunder is necessary shall be made by the Company in good faith. If a reduced payment or benefit is made or provided and through error or otherwise that payment or benefit, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from the Company (or its Affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar less than three times such Eligible Executive’s base amount, then such Eligible Executive shall immediately repay such excess to the Company upon notification that an overpayment has been made. Nothing in this Section 6 shall require the Company to be responsible for, or have any liability or obligation with respect to, such Eligible Executives’ excise tax liabilities under Section 4999 of the Code.

7. Restrictive Covenants.

(a) General. Each Eligible Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the business of the Company Group, that access to Confidential Information renders the Eligible Executive special and unique within the industry of the Company Group, and that the Eligible Executive will have the opportunity to develop the goodwill of the Company Group as well as substantial relationships with existing and prospective clients, accounts, customers, consultants, contractors, investors, and strategic partners of the Company Group during the course of and as a result of the Eligible Executive’s employment with any member of the Company Group. In light of the foregoing, as a condition of each Eligible Executive’s employment by any member of the Company Group, and in consideration of the compensation and benefits provided in the Plan, the Eligible Executive acknowledges and agrees to the covenants contained in this Section 7. Each Eligible Executive further recognizes and acknowledges that the restrictions and limitations set forth in this Section 7 are reasonable and valid in geographical and temporal scope and in all other respects and are essential to protect the value of the business and assets of the Company Group as well as its Confidential Information and goodwill.

(b) Confidential Information.

(i) Each Eligible Executive acknowledges that, during the Employment Term, the Eligible Executive will have access to information about the Company Group and that the Eligible Executive’s employment with any member of the Company Group shall bring the Eligible Executive into close contact with confidential and proprietary information of the Company Group. In recognition of the foregoing, the Eligible Executive agrees, at all times during the Employment Term and thereafter, to hold in confidence, and not to use, except for the benefit of the Company Group, or to disclose to any individual or entity without written authorization of the Company, any Confidential Information.

(ii) Nothing in this Plan shall prohibit or impede an Eligible Executive from communicating, cooperating or filing a complaint with any U.S. federal, state or local governmental or law enforcement branch, agency or entity (collectively, a “Governmental Entity”) with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation, or otherwise making disclosures to any Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation; provided that, in each case, such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Each Eligible Executive understands and acknowledges that an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (A) in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (B) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Each Eligible Executive understands and acknowledges further that an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if

 

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the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Moreover, no Eligible Executive is required to give prior notice to (or get prior authorization from) the Company regarding any such communication or disclosure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstance will an Eligible Executive be authorized to disclose any information covered by attorney-client privilege or attorney work product of any member of the Company Group without prior written consent of the Company’s general counsel or other officer designated by the Company.

(c) Assignment of Intellectual Property.

(i) Each Eligible Executive agrees that the Eligible Executive will, without additional compensation, promptly make full written disclosure to the Company, and will hold in trust for the sole right and benefit of the Company all developments, original works of authorship, inventions, concepts, know-how, improvements, trade secrets, and similar proprietary rights, whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar laws, which the Eligible Executive may solely or jointly conceive or develop or reduce to practice, or cause to be conceived or developed or reduced to practice, during the Employment Term, whether or not during regular working hours; provided that, they either: (A) relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the business of any member of the Company Group, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of any member of the Company Group; (B) result from or relate to any work performed for any member of the Company Group; or (C) are developed through the use of equipment, supplies, or facilities of any member of the Company Group, or any Confidential Information, or in consultation with personnel of any member of the Company Group (collectively referred to as “Developments”). Each Eligible Executive further acknowledges that all Developments made by the Eligible Executive (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of and during the Employment Term are “works made for hire” (to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law) for which the Eligible Executive is, in part, compensated by the Eligible Executive’s Base Salary, unless regulated otherwise by law, but that, in the event any such Development is deemed not to be a work made for hire, the Eligible Executive hereby assigns to the Company, or its designee, all of Eligible Executive’s right, title, and interest throughout the world in and to any such Development.

(ii) All inventions (whether or not patentable), original works of authorship, designs, know-how, mask works, ideas, trademarks or names, information, developments, improvements, and trade secrets of which an Eligible Executive is the sole or joint author, creator, contributor, or inventor that were made or developed by such Eligible Executive prior to the Eligible Executive’s employment with or affiliation with the Company or any other member of the Company Group, or in which the Eligible Executive asserts any intellectual property right, and which are applicable to or relate in any way to the business, products, services, or demonstrably anticipated research and development or business of any member of the Company Group (“Prior Inventions”) are listed on the applicable Annex to the Eligible Executive’s Participation Agreement, and the Eligible Executive represents that such Annex is a complete list of all such Prior Inventions. If no such list is attached, the applicable Eligible Executive hereby represents and warrants that there are no Prior Inventions, and the Eligible Executive shall make no claim of any rights to any Prior Inventions. If, in the course of an Eligible Executive’s employment with or affiliation with the Company or any other member of the Company Group, the Eligible Executive uses in connection with or otherwise incorporates into the product, process, or device of any member of the Company Group a Prior Invention, the Company Group is hereby granted and will have a nonexclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to make, have made, modify, use, import, export, offer for sale, sell and otherwise commercialize such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with (A) such product, process, or device of any member of the Company Group and (B) the conduct of the business of the Company Group, in each case, without diminishing any rights or claims of the Company to any Developments or otherwise.

 

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(iii) Each Eligible Executive agrees to assist the Company, or its designee, at the Company’s expense, in every way to secure the rights of the Company Group in the Developments and any copyrights, patents, trademarks, service marks, database rights, domain names, mask work rights, moral rights, and other intellectual property rights relating thereto in any and all countries, including the disclosure to the Company of all pertinent information and data with respect thereto, the execution of all applications, specifications, oaths, assignments, recordations, and all other instruments that the Company shall deem necessary in order to apply for, obtain, maintain, and transfer such rights and in order to assign and convey to the Company Group the sole and exclusive right, title, and interest in and to such Developments, and any intellectual property and other proprietary rights relating thereto. Each Eligible Executive further agrees that the Eligible Executive’s obligation to execute or cause to be executed, when it is in the Eligible Executive’s power to do so, any such instrument or papers shall continue after the Employment Term until the expiration of the last such intellectual property right to expire in any country of the world; provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse the Eligible Executive for the Eligible Executive’s reasonable expenses incurred in connection with carrying out the foregoing obligation. If the Company is unable because of an Eligible Executive’s mental or physical incapacity or unavailability for any other reason to secure Eligible Executive’s signature to apply for or to pursue any application for any United States or foreign patents or copyright registrations covering Developments or original works of authorship assigned to the Company as above, then the Eligible Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as the Eligible Executive’s agent and attorney in fact to act for and in the Eligible Executive’s behalf and stead to execute and file any such applications or records and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the application for, prosecution, issuance, maintenance, and transfer of letters patent or registrations thereon with the same legal force and effect as if originally executed by me. Each Eligible Executive hereby waives and irrevocably quitclaims to the Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, that the Eligible Executive now or hereafter have for past, present, or future infringement of any and all proprietary rights assigned to the Company.

(d) Non-Competition. During the Employment Term and the Post-Termination Restricted Period, no Eligible Executive shall, directly or indirectly, engage in, have any equity interest in, or manage, provide services to or operate any person, firm, corporation, partnership or business (whether as director, officer, employee, agent, representative, partner, member, security holder, consultant or otherwise) that engages in any business, directly or indirectly (through a Subsidiary or otherwise), which competes with the Business within the United States of America or any other jurisdiction in which any member of the Company Group engages in the Business, derives a material portion of its revenues or has demonstrable plans to commence Business-related activities during the Post-Termination Restricted Period; provided that, during the Post-Termination Restricted Period (i) “Business” shall refer only to business activities related to lines of enterprise that any member of the Company Group then-currently engages in or has demonstrable plans to engage in as of the Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination during the Post-Termination Restricted Period and (ii) solely in any areas of operation in which any member of the Company Group engages in the Business, derives a material portion of its revenues, or has demonstrable plans to commence Business-related activities during the Post-Termination Restricted Period, in each case, as of the Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing prohibits each Eligible Executive from (A) being employed by or otherwise providing services to or for a Business (i) in a capacity that is not the same as or similar to any capacity in which the Eligible Executive worked for the Company Group or (ii) exclusively in connection with a business line of a Business that is wholly unrelated to the business of any member of the Company Group and the Confidential Information which the Eligible Executive received or had access to; or (B) purchasing or otherwise owning up to (but not more than) 2% of any class of securities of any enterprise (but without otherwise participating in the activities of such enterprise) if such securities are listed on any national or regional securities exchange or have been registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.

 

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(e) Non-Interference; Nonsolicitation of Customers. During the Employment Term and the Post-Termination Restricted Period, no Eligible Executive shall, directly or indirectly, for the Eligible Executive’s own account or for the account of any other person or entity, (A) engage in Interfering Activities or (B) call on, service, solicit, or accept business from (or assist another in calling on, servicing, soliciting, or accepting business from) any Covered Customer for Competitive Products or Services.

(f) Non-Disparagement. During the Employment Term and at all times thereafter, each Eligible Executive agrees not to make any statement (directly or through the Eligible Executive’s representatives) that is intended to become public, or should reasonably be expected to become public, and that criticizes, ridicules, disparages or is otherwise derogatory of any member of the Company Group or their respective employees, officers, directors, or equity holders; provided that, the limitations set forth in this Section 7(f) shall not apply in respect of any statement that is required to be made by applicable law, is the type of communication described in Section 7(b)(ii), is reasonably necessary in connection with the enforcement of rights under this Plan or any other written agreement to which any member of the Company Group, on the one hand, and the Eligible Executive or any of the Eligible Executive’s Affiliates, on the other hand, are parties, or is concerted activity relative to the terms and conditions of employment with any member of the Company Group and in communications protected under the National Labor Relations Act (to the extent applicable).

(g) Return of Documents. At any time requested by the Company Group, and if an Eligible Executive’s Date of termination occurs, the Eligible Executive shall deliver to the Company (and will not keep in his possession, recreate, or deliver to anyone else) any and all Confidential Information and all other documents, materials, information, and property developed by the Eligible Executive pursuant to the Eligible Executive’s employment or service with the Company Group or otherwise belonging to the Company Group.

(h) Independence; Severability; Blue Pencil. Each of the rights enumerated in this Section 7 shall be independent of the others and shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other rights and remedies available to the Company Group at law or in equity. If any of the provisions of this Section 7 or any part of any of them is hereafter construed or adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall not affect the remainder of this Section 7, which shall be given full effect without regard to the invalid portions. If any of the covenants contained herein are held to be invalid or unenforceable because of the duration of such provisions or the area or scope covered thereby, each of the Company and Eligible Executive agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to reduce the duration, scope, and/or area of such provision to the maximum and/or broadest duration, scope, and/or area permissible by law, and in its reduced form said provision shall then be enforceable.

(i) Injunctive Relief. Each Eligible Executive expressly acknowledges that any breach or threatened breach of any of the terms and/or conditions set forth in this Section 7 may result in substantial, continuing, and irreparable injury to the members of the Company Group. Therefore, each Eligible Executive hereby agrees that, in addition to any other remedy that may be available to any member of the Company Group, the Eligible Executive will be entitled to seek injunctive relief, specific performance, or other equitable relief by a court of appropriate jurisdiction in the event of any breach or threatened breach of the terms of this Section 7. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, each Eligible Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Post-Termination Restricted Period shall be tolled during any period of violation of any of the covenants in this Section 7 and during any other period required for litigation during which the any member of the Company Group seeks to enforce such covenants against the Eligible Executive if it is ultimately determined that the Eligible Executive was in breach of such covenants.

 

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(j) Extension of Restrictions in the Event of Violation. If an Eligible Executive violates, after the Date of Termination, the restrictions set forth in Sections 7(d) or 7(e) of this Plan, the applicable Post-Termination Restricted Period shall be extended by one day for each day that the Eligible Executive has violated such provision, up to a maximum extension equal to the full length of the applicable Post-Termination Restricted Period.

(k) Notification to Subsequent Employers. Each Eligible Executive shall inform any prospective employers of the restrictive covenants contained in this Section 7 regarding non-competition, non-solicitation, non-interference, and non-disclosure. Each Eligible Executive hereby authorizes the Company, at its discretion, to contact the Eligible Executive’s prospective or subsequent employers and inform such prospective employers of the restrictive covenants contained in this Section 7.

(l) Other Covenants. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, in the event that an Eligible Executive is subject to similar restrictive covenants pursuant to any other agreement with any member of the Company Group (“Other Covenants”), the covenants contained in this Plan shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any such Other Covenants, and enforcement by the Company of the covenants contained in this Plan shall not preclude the applicable member of the Company Group from enforcing such Other Covenants in accordance with their terms.

8. Cooperation. Each Eligible Executive agrees that during the Employment Term and thereafter (regardless of whether the Eligible Executive resigns or the Eligible Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company Group or the reason for such resignation or termination), the Eligible Executive shall provide reasonable and timely cooperation in connection with: (a) any actual or threatened litigation, inquiry, review, investigation, process, or other matter, action, or proceeding (whether conducted by or before any court, regulatory, or governmental entity, or by or on behalf of the Company Group, or otherwise), that relates to events occurring during the Eligible Executive’s employment by the Company Group or about which the Company Group otherwise believes the Eligible Executive may have relevant information; (b) the transitioning of the Eligible Executive’s role and responsibilities to other personnel; and (c) the provision of information in response to the Company Group’s requests and inquiries in connection with the Eligible Executive’s separation of employment. Each Eligible Executive’s cooperation shall include being available to (i) meet with and provide information to the Company Group and its counsel or other agents in connection with fact-finding, investigatory, discovery, and/or pre-litigation or other proceeding issues, and (ii) provide truthful testimony (including via affidavit, deposition, at trial, or otherwise) in connection with any such matter, all without the requirement of being subpoenaed.

9. Prior Obligations. Each Eligible Executive hereby represents and warrants that the Eligible Executive is not the subject of, or a party to, any non-competition, non-solicitation, restrictive covenant or non-disclosure agreement, or any other agreement, obligation, restriction or understanding that would prohibit the Eligible Executive from complying with the Plan or fully performing each of the Eligible Executive’s duties and responsibilities for the Company Group, or would in any manner, directly or indirectly, limit or affect any of the duties and responsibilities that may now or in the future be assigned to the Eligible Executive by any member of the Company Group. Each Eligible Executive expressly acknowledges and agrees that the Eligible Executive is strictly prohibited from using or disclosing any confidential information belonging to any prior employer in the course of performing services for any member of the Company Group, and the Eligible Executive promises that the Eligible Executive shall not do so. Each Eligible Executive shall not introduce documents or other materials containing confidential information of any prior employer to the premises or property (including computers and computer systems) of any member of the Company Group.

 

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10. Consent to Notification. If an Eligible Executive ceases to be employed by any member of the Company Group, the Eligible Executive hereby grants consent to notification by the Company Group to any new employer, any third party engaging the Eligible Executive’s services, or any entity to which the Eligible Executive becomes a partner, member, employee or otherwise engaged about the Eligible Executive’s rights and obligations under the Plan.

11. Claims Procedure and Review.

(a) Filing a Claim. Any Eligible Executive that the Committee determines is entitled to severance benefits under the Plan is not required to file a claim for benefits. Any Eligible Executive (i) who is not paid severance benefits hereunder and who believes that such Eligible Executive is entitled to severance benefits hereunder or (ii) who has been paid severance benefits hereunder and believes that such Eligible Executive is entitled to greater benefits hereunder may file a claim for severance benefits under the Plan in writing with the Committee.

(b) Initial Determination of a Claim. If a claim for severance benefits hereunder is wholly or partially denied, the Committee shall, within a reasonable period of time but no later than 90 days after receipt of the claim (or 180 days after receipt of the claim if special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim), notify the claimant of the denial. Such notice shall (i) be in writing, (ii) be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant, (iii) contain the specific reason or reasons for denial of the claim, (iv) refer specifically to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the denial is based, (v) describe any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim (and explain why such material or information is necessary), and (vi) describe the Plan’s claim review procedures and time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following an adverse benefit determination on review.

(c) Appeal of a Denied Claim. Within 60 days of the receipt by the claimant of this notice, the claimant may file a written appeal with the Committee. In connection with the appeal, the claimant may review Plan documents and may submit written issues and comments. The Committee shall deliver to the claimant a written decision on the appeal promptly, but not later than 60 days after the receipt of the claimant’s appeal (or 120 days after receipt of the claimant’s appeal if there are special circumstances which require an extension of time for processing). Such decision shall (i) be in writing, (ii) be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant, (iii) include specific reasons for the decision, (iv) refer specifically to the Plan provisions upon which the decision is based, (v) state that the claimant is entitled to receive, on request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claimant’s claim for benefits, and (vi) a statement of the claimant’s right to bring an action under Section 502(a) of ERISA. If special circumstances require an extension of up to 180 days for an initial claim or 120 days for an appeal, whichever applies, the Committee shall send written notice of the extension. This notice shall indicate the special circumstances requiring the extension and state when the Committee expects to render the decision.

(d) Compliance with ERISA. The benefits claim procedure provided in this Section 11 is intended to comply with the provisions of 29 C.F.R. §2560.503-1. All provisions of this Section 11 shall be interpreted, construed, and limited in accordance with such intent.

 

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12. General Provisions.

(a) Taxes. The Company is authorized to withhold from all payments made hereunder amounts of withholding and other taxes due or potentially payable in connection therewith, and to take such other action as the Company may deem advisable to enable the Company and an Eligible Executive to satisfy obligations for the payment of withholding taxes and other tax obligations relating to any payments made under the Plan.

(b) No Mitigation. No Eligible Executive shall have any duty to mitigate the amounts payable under the Plan by seeking or accepting new employment or self-employment following a Qualifying Termination.

(c) Offset. The Company may set off against, and each Eligible Executive authorizes the Company to deduct from, any payments due to the Eligible Executive, or to his or her estate, heirs, legal representatives, or successors, any amounts which may be due and owing to the Company or an Affiliate of the Company by the Eligible Executive, whether arising under the Plan or otherwise; provided, however, that no such offset may be made with respect to amounts payable that are subject to the requirements of Section 409A unless the offset would not result in a violation of the requirements of Section 409A.

(d) Amendment and Termination. Prior to a Change in Control, the Board and the Committee shall have the power to amend or terminate the Plan from time to time in its discretion and for any reason (or no reason) (including the removal of an individual as an Eligible Executive); provided that, no such amendment or termination shall be effective with respect to a termination of employment that occurred prior to the amendment or termination of the Plan; and provided, further, that to the extent any such amendment has a detrimental impact to any Eligible Executive, such amendment will become effective with respect to such Eligible Executive six months following approval by the Board or Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change in Control and during a Change in Control Protection Period, no amendment or termination of the Plan shall impair any rights or obligations to any Eligible Executive under the Plan (including the removal of an individual as an Eligible Executive) unless such Eligible Executive expressly consents to such amendment or termination.

(e) Successors. The Plan will be binding upon any successor to the Company, its assets, its businesses or its interest (whether as a result of the occurrence of a Change in Control or otherwise), in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be obligated under the Plan if no succession had taken place. All payments and benefits that become due to an Eligible Executive under the Plan will inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, assigns, designees or legal representatives.

(f) Transfer and Assignment. Neither an Eligible Executive nor any other person shall have any right to sell, assign, transfer, pledge, anticipate or otherwise encumber, transfer, hypothecate or convey any amounts payable under the Plan prior to the date that such amounts are paid.

(g) Unfunded Obligation. All benefits due an Eligible Executive under the Plan are unfunded and unsecured and are payable out of the general assets of the Company. The Company is not required to segregate any monies or other assets from its general funds with respect to these obligations. Eligible Executives shall not have any preference or security interest in any assets of the Company other than as a general unsecured creditor.

(h) Severability. If any provision of the Plan (or portion thereof) is held to be illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity of such provision (or portion thereof) will not affect the remaining provisions (or portions thereof) of the Plan, but such provision (or portion thereof) will be fully severable and the Plan will be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision (or portion thereof) had never been included herein.

 

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(i) COBRA. Subject to the rules and regulations of COBRA, in connection with an Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination, the Company will provide an Eligible Executive the option to elect to continue group health plan coverage through COBRA. The election of COBRA continuation coverage and the payment of any premiums due with respect to such COBRA continuation coverage will remain such Eligible Executive’s sole responsibility, and neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates will assume any obligation for payment of any such premiums relating to such COBRA continuation coverage.

(j) Section 409A. The Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and administered in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, payments provided under the Plan may only be made upon an event and in a manner that complies with Section 409A or an applicable exemption. Any payments under the Plan that may be excluded from Section 409A either as separation pay due to an involuntary separation from service or as a short-term deferral shall be excluded from Section 409A to the maximum extent possible. Any payments to be made under the Plan upon the termination of an Eligible Executive’s employment shall only be made if such termination of employment constitutes a “separation from service” under Section 409A. In no event may an Eligible Executive, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment under this Plan. Each installment payment under the Plan is intended to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, if any payment or benefit provided for herein would be subject to additional taxes and interest under Section 409A if an Eligible Executive’s receipt of such payment or benefit is not delayed until the earlier of (i) the date of such Eligible Executive’s death or (ii) the date that is six months after such Eligible Executive’s Date of Termination (such date, the “Section 409A Payment Date”), then such payment or benefit shall not be provided to such Eligible Executive (or such Eligible Executive’s estate, if applicable) until the Section 409A Payment Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under the Plan are exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A and in no event shall the Company or any of its Affiliates be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by any Eligible Executive on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.

(k) Governing Law. All questions arising with respect to the provisions of the Plan and payments due hereunder will be determined by application of the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any conflict of law provisions thereof, except to the extent preempted by federal law (including ERISA, which is the federal law that governs the Plan, the administration of the Plan and any claims made under the Plan).

(l) Status. The Plan is intended to qualify for the exemptions under Title I of ERISA provided for plans that are unfunded and maintained primarily for the purpose of providing benefits for a select group of management or highly compensated employees.

(m) Third-Party Beneficiaries. Each member of the Company Group shall be a third-party beneficiary of each Eligible Executive’s covenants and obligations under Sections 7 and 8 and shall be entitled to enforce such obligations as if a party hereto.

(n) No Right to Continued Employment. The adoption and maintenance of the Plan shall not be deemed to be a contract of employment between the Company or any of its Affiliates and any person, or to have any impact whatsoever on the at-will employment relationship between the Company or any of its Affiliates and any Eligible Executive. Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to give any person the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or any of its Affiliates for any period of time or to restrict the right of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate the employment of any person at any time.

 

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(o) Title and Headings; Construction. Titles and headings to Sections hereof are for the purpose of reference only and shall in no way limit, define or otherwise affect the provisions hereof. Unless the context requires otherwise, all references herein to laws, regulations, contracts, documents, agreements and instruments refer to such laws, regulations, contracts, documents, agreements and instruments as they may be amended from time to time, and references to particular provisions of laws or regulations include a reference to the corresponding provisions of any succeeding law or regulation. The word “or” as used herein is not exclusive and is deemed to have the meaning “and/or.” The words “herein”, “hereof”, “hereunder” and other compounds of the word “here” shall refer to the entire Plan, and not to any particular provision hereof. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely. The use herein of the word “including” following any general statement, term or matter shall not be construed to limit such statement, term or matter to the specific items or matters set forth immediately following such word or to similar items or matters, whether or not non-limiting language (such as “without limitation”, “but not limited to”, or words of similar import) is used with reference thereto, but rather shall be deemed to refer to all other items or matters that could reasonably fall within the broadest possible scope of such general statement, term or matter. Neither the Plan nor any uncertainty or ambiguity herein shall be construed or resolved against any party hereto, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise. On the contrary, the Plan has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to fairly accomplish the purposes and intentions of the parties hereto.

(p) Overpayment. If, due to mistake or any other reason, a person receives severance payments or benefits under the Plan in excess of what the Plan provides, such person shall repay the overpayment to the Company in a lump sum within 30 days of notice of the amount of overpayment. If such person fails to so repay the overpayment, then without limiting any other remedies available to the Company, the Company may deduct the amount of the overpayment from any other amounts which become payable to such person under the Plan or otherwise.

(q) Clawback. Any amounts payable under the Plan are subject to any policy (whether in existence as of the Effective Date or later adopted) established by the Company providing for clawback or recovery of amounts that were paid to an Eligible Executive. The Company will make any determination for clawback or recovery in its sole discretion and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and securities exchange listing standards.

(r) Agent for Service of Legal Process. Legal process may be served on the Committee, which is the plan administrator, at the following address: Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., 9950 Woodloch Forest Dr., 19th Floor, The Woodlands, Texas 77380, or at legal@kodiakgas.com.

 

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Exhibit A

Applicable Multiples

 

Tier

   Applicable Multiple

Tier 1 Executive

   3

Tier 2 Executive

   2

Tier 3 Executive

   1

Exhibit A


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Exhibit 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF KODIAK GAS SERVICES, INC.

Company Listing as of December 31, 2023

 

Company

  

Ownership

  

Incorporation

Frontier Acquisition I, Inc.    Wholly owned    Delaware
Frontier Acquisition II, Inc.    Wholly owned    Delaware
Kodiak Gas Services, LLC    Wholly owned    Delaware
Pegasus Optimization Managers, LLC    Wholly owned    Delaware


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Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-273118) of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. of our report dated March 7, 2024, relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

Houston, Texas

March 7, 2024


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Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 AND 15d-14

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED

I, Robert M. McKee, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 7, 2024

 

/s/ Robert M. McKee

Name:   Robert M. McKee
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer


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Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 AND 15d-14

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED

I, John B. Griggs, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 7, 2024 

 

/s/ John B. Griggs

Name:   John B. Griggs
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


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Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. 1350

(SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)

I, Robert M. McKee, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that, to my knowledge:

1. The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 7, 2024

 

/s/ Robert M. McKee

Name:   Robert M. McKee
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer


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Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. 1350

(SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)

I, John B. Griggs, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that, to my knowledge:

1.The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 7, 2024 

 

/s/ John B. Griggs

Name:   John B. Griggs
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


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Exhibit 97.1

CLAWBACK POLICY

1. PURPOSE

The board of directors (the “Board”) of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”), believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to create and maintain a culture that emphasizes integrity and accountability and that reinforces the Company’s pay-for-performance compensation philosophy. The Board has therefore adopted this policy which provides for the recoupment of certain executive compensation in the event that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of its financial statements due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws (this “Policy”). This Policy is designed to comply with Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the rules promulgated thereunder, and the listing standards of the national securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed.

2. APPLICABILITY

This Policy applies to the Company’s current and former executive officers (as determined by the Personnel & Compensation Committee in accordance with Section 10D of the Exchange Act, the rules promulgated thereunder, and the listing standards of the national securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed) and such other senior executives/employees who may from time to time be deemed subject to the Policy by the Personnel & Compensation Committee (“Covered Executives”). This Policy shall be binding and enforceable against all Covered Executives and their beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators, or other legal representatives.

1. RECOUPMENT; ACCOUNTING RESTATEMENT

In the event that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of its financial statements due to the Company’s material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement (i) to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or (ii) that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period (each an “Accounting Restatement”), the Personnel & Compensation Committee will reasonably promptly require reimbursement or forfeiture of the Overpayment (as defined below) received by any Covered Executive (x) after beginning service as a Covered Executive, (y) who served as a Covered Executive at any time during the performance period for the applicable Incentive-Based Compensation (as defined below), and (z) during the three (3) completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date on which the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement and any transition period (that results from a change in the Company’s fiscal year) within or immediately following those three (3) completed fiscal years.


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2. INCENTIVE-BASED COMPENSATION

For purposes of this Policy, “Incentive-Based Compensation” means any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a financial reporting measure, including, but not limited to: (i) non-equity incentive plan awards that are earned solely or in part by satisfying a financial reporting measure performance goal; (ii) bonuses paid from a bonus pool, where the size of the pool is determined solely or in part by satisfying a financial reporting measure performance goal; (iii) other cash awards based on satisfaction of a financial reporting measure performance goal; (iv) restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights, and performance share units that are granted or vest solely or in part on satisfying a financial reporting measure performance goal; and (v) proceeds from the sale of shares acquired through an incentive plan that were granted or vested solely or in part based on satisfaction of a financial reporting measure performance goal. Compensation that would not be considered Incentive-Based Compensation include, but is not limited to: (a) salaries; (b) bonuses paid solely based on satisfaction of subjective standards, such as demonstrating leadership, and/or completion of a specified employment period; (c) non-equity incentive plan awards earned solely based on satisfaction of strategic or operational measures; (d) wholly time-based equity awards; and (e) discretionary bonuses or other compensation that is not paid from a bonus pool that is determined by satisfying a financial reporting measure performance goal.

A financial reporting measure is: (i) any measure that is determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing financial statements, or any measure derived wholly or in part from such measure, such as revenues, EBITDA, or net income or (ii) stock price and total shareholder return. Financial reporting measures include, but are not limited to: revenues; net income; operating income; profitability of one or more reportable segments; financial ratios (e.g., accounts receivable turnover and inventory turnover rates); net assets or net asset value per share; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; funds from operations and adjusted funds from operations; liquidity measures (e.g., working capital, operating cash flow); return measures (e.g., return on invested capital, return on assets); earnings measures (e.g., earnings per share); revenue per customer, or average revenue per customer, where revenue is subject to an accounting restatement; cost per employee, where cost is subject to an accounting restatement; any of such financial reporting measures relative to a peer group, where the Company’s financial reporting measure is subject to an accounting restatement; and tax basis income.

3. OVERPAYMENT: AMOUNT SUBJECT TO RECOVERY

The amount to be recovered will be the amount of Incentive-Based Compensation received that exceeds the amount of Incentive-Based Compensation that otherwise would have been received had it been determined based on the restated amounts and must be computed without regard to any taxes paid (the “Overpayment”). Incentive-Based Compensation is deemed “received” in the Company’s fiscal period during which the financial reporting measure specified in the incentive-based compensation award is attained, even if the vesting, payment or grant of the incentive-based compensation occurs after the end of that period.

For Incentive-Based Compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return, where the amount of erroneously awarded compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in the Accounting Restatement, the amount must be based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Accounting Restatement on the stock price or total shareholder return upon which the Incentive-Based Compensation was received, and the Company must maintain documentation of the determination of that reasonable estimate and provide such documentation to the exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed.

 

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4. METHOD OF RECOUPMENT

The Personnel & Compensation Committee will determine, in its sole discretion, the method or methods for recouping any Overpayment hereunder which may include, without limitation:

 

   

requiring reimbursement of cash Incentive-Based Compensation previously paid;

 

   

seeking recovery of any gain realized on the vesting, exercise, settlement, sale, transfer, or other disposition of any equity-based awards granted as Incentive-Based Compensation;

 

   

offsetting any or all of the Overpayment from any compensation otherwise owed by the Company to the Covered Executive;

 

   

cancelling outstanding vested or unvested equity awards; and/or

 

   

taking any other remedial or recovery action permitted by law, as determined by the Personnel & Compensation Committee.

5. LIMITATION ON RECOVERY; NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS

The right to recovery will be limited to Overpayments received during the three (3) completed fiscal years prior to the date on which the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement and any transition period (that results from a change in the Company’s fiscal year) within or immediately following those three (3) completed fiscal years. In no event shall the Company be required to award Covered Executives an additional payment if the restated or accurate financial results would have resulted in a higher Incentive-Based Compensation payment.

6. NO INDEMNIFICATION

The Company shall not indemnify any Covered Executives against the loss of any incorrectly awarded Incentive-Based Compensation.

7. INTERPRETATION

The Personnel & Compensation Committee is authorized to interpret and construe this Policy and to make all determinations necessary, appropriate, or advisable for the administration of this Policy. It is intended that this Policy be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of Section 10D of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules or standards adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any national securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed.

8. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Policy shall be effective as of the date it is adopted by the Board (the “Effective Date”) and shall apply to Incentive-Based Compensation (including Incentive-Based Compensation granted pursuant to arrangements existing prior to the Effective Date). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Policy shall only apply to Incentive-Based Compensation received (as determined pursuant to this Policy) on or after October 2, 2023.

 

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9. AMENDMENT; TERMINATION

The Board may amend this Policy from time to time in its discretion. The Board may terminate this Policy at any time.

10. OTHER RECOUPMENT RIGHTS

The Board intends that this Policy will be applied to the fullest extent of the law. The Personnel & Compensation Committee may require that any employment or service agreement, cash-based bonus plan or program, equity award agreement, or similar agreement entered into on or after the adoption of this Policy shall, as a condition to the grant of any benefit thereunder, require a Covered Executive to agree to abide by the terms of this Policy. Any right of recoupment under this Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recoupment that may be available to the Company pursuant to the terms of any similar policy in any employment agreement, equity award agreement, cash-based bonus plan or program or similar agreement and any other legal remedies available to the Company.

11. IMPRACTICABILITY

The Personnel & Compensation Committee shall recover any Overpayment in accordance with this Policy except to the extent that the Personnel & Compensation Committee determines such recovery would be impracticable because:

(A) The direct expense paid to a third party to assist in enforcing this Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered;

(B) Recovery would violate home country law of the Company where that law was adopted prior to November 28, 2022; or

(C) Recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan, under which benefits are broadly available to employees of the Company, to fail to meet the requirements of 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(13) or 26 U.S.C. 411(a) and regulations thereunder.

3. ADMINISTRATION

This Policy shall be administered by the Personnel & Compensation Committee of the Board. Any determinations made by the Personnel & Compensation Committee shall be final and binding on all affected individuals.

4. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POLICY

If you have any questions relating to this Policy, please contact the Chief Legal Officer and/or the Chief Compliance Officer and/or the Chief Human Resources Officer.

 

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