Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Asset Acquisition [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

Business Combination — Firebird and Phoenix

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

Firebird is an interstate bulk motor carrier of crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and other petroleum products. Firebird is headquartered in Humble, Texas, with six terminal locations throughout Texas, and operates 130 tractors and 209 trailers largely in the Eagle Ford basin. Phoenix is also headquartered in Humble, Texas, and recycles and repurposes off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals from producers in the U.S. Firebird and Phoenix have formed our new logistics and repurposing segment. We expect that this acquisition will offer us the opportunity to expand our value chain and market impact, with numerous synergies benefiting the combined companies.

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

Cash	$	35,350
Value of AE common shares issued	1,364
Contingent consideration arrangement	2,566
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	39,280

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

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

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

Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,203
Accounts receivable	4,653
Inventory	643
Other current assets	137
Property and equipment	25,054
Intangible assets	7,607
Goodwill	6,428
Other assets	458
Total assets acquired	$	47,183
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	$	(1,696)
Deferred tax liabilities	(6,207)
Total liabilities assumed	$	(7,903)
Net assets acquired	$	39,280

The purchase price allocation is subject to revision as acquisition-date fair value analyses are completed and if additional information about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date becomes available. The purchase price consideration, as well as the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, will be finalized as soon as practicable, but no later than one year from the closing of the acquisition.

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

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

The goodwill of approximately $6.4 million arising from this acquisition is primarily attributed to our ability to generate increased revenues, earnings and cash flow by expanding our addressable market and client base and with the assembled workforce that we acquired. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. We recorded net tax liabilities of approximately $6.2 million related to the tax effect of our estimated fair value allocations.

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

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

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

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2022		2021
Revenues	$	3,411,168	$	2,074,803
Net earnings	5,538		13,822
Basic net earnings per common share	$	1.36	$	3.22
Diluted net earnings per common share	$	1.35	$	3.19

Acquisition of Pipeline and Related Terminal Facility Assets

On October 22, 2020, we and our subsidiary, GulfMark Terminals, LLC (“GMT”) entered into a purchase and sale agreement with EnLink Midstream Operating, L.P. for the purchase of the outstanding equity interests of Victoria Express Pipeline, LLC (“VEX”) and certain related pipeline terminal facility assets for $20.0 million, plus a cash payment of $0.5 million for working capital items. Of the purchase price, $10.0 million was paid at closing, with the remainder to be paid in four quarterly installments of $2.5 million, plus interest at a rate of 4.0 percent per annum, beginning in March 2021. The equity interests in GMT, VEX and the other acquired assets were pledged to secure the payment of the installment portions of the purchase price as part of the agreement.

The VEX Pipeline System, with truck and storage terminals at both Cuero and the Port of Victoria, Texas, is a crude oil and condensate pipeline system, which connects the heart of the Eagle Ford Basin to the Gulf Coast waterborne market. The VEX Pipeline System includes 56 miles of 12-inch pipeline, which spans DeWitt County to Victoria County, Texas, with 350,000 barrels of above ground storage, two 8 bay truck offload stations, and access to two docks at the Port of Victoria. The VEX Pipeline System is able to receive crude oil by pipeline and truck, and has downstream pipeline connections to two terminals, with potential for additional downstream connection opportunities in the future. The pipeline system has a current capacity of 90,000 barrels per day.

The VEX Pipeline System and related terminal assets have been included in our pipeline and storage segment. We expect that this acquisition will further strengthen our ability to provide excellent service to the producers in the Gulf Coast region, as well as more effectively service our end-user markets along the Gulf Coast. In addition, the VEX Pipeline System complements our existing storage terminal and dock at the Port of Victoria, where we now control approximately 450,000 barrels of storage with three docks after giving effect to the acquisition.

In addition to the purchase price of $20.0 million and a cash payment of $0.5 million for working capital items, we also incurred approximately $0.6 million of acquisition costs in connection with this acquisition, which has been included in the allocation of the total purchase price of $21.0 million to the assets acquired. We accounted for this acquisition as an asset acquisition as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets is concentrated in a group of similarly identifiable assets.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired at the acquisition date (in thousands):

Accounts receivable and other current assets	$	80
Linefill and base gas	1,013
Property and equipment — Pipeline and related terminal facilities	20,542
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(598)
Total purchase price	$	21,037

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

In connection with the acquisition, we recorded an ARO of approximately $0.7 million related to legal and regulatory requirements to perform specified retirement activities, including purging and sealing the pipeline if it is abandoned.

Acquisition of Transportation Assets — CTL

On May 17, 2020, we entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Comcar Industries, Inc. (“Comcar”), a bulk carrier trucking company, for the purchase of substantially all of the transportation assets of Comcar’s subsidiary, CTL Transportation, LLC (“CTL”). CTL provides short-haul delivery services to customers in the chemical industry, with operations in nine locations in the southeastern United States. On June 26, 2020, we closed on the asset acquisition for approximately $9.0 million in cash. This acquisition added approximately 163 tractors and 328 trailers to our existing transportation fleet, and these assets were included in our transportation segment. This acquisition added new customers, new market areas and new product lines to our transportation segment portfolio. As a result of the acquisition, we added services to new and existing customers in six new market areas, including new terminals in Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Georgia and Florida.

We also incurred approximately $0.1 million of acquisition costs in connection with this acquisition, which has been included in the allocation of the total purchase price of $9.2 million to the assets acquired.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the assets acquired at the acquisition date (in thousands):

Property and equipment — tractors and trailers	$	5,901
Materials and supplies	87
Intangible assets — customer relationships	3,175
Total purchase price	$	9,163

The estimated fair value of the acquired property and equipment was determined using the estimated market value of each type of asset. The estimated fair value of the acquired customer relationship intangible assets was determined using an income approach, specifically a discounted cash flow analysis. The income approach estimates the future benefits of the customer relationships and deducts the expenses incurred in servicing the relationships and the contributions from the other business assets to derive the future net benefits of these assets. The future net benefits are discounted back to present value using the appropriate discount rate, which results in the value of the customer relationships.

A customer relationship intangible asset is the relationship between CTL and various customers to whom we did not have a previous relationship. The customer relationships we acquired in this transaction provide us with access to those customers to whom we did not have a previous relationship and allows us to enter product markets in which we have not previously participated. Because of the highly competitive and fragmented transportation market, we believe access to these customers will provide us with an entry into new market areas.

The discounted cash flow analysis used to estimate the fair value of the CTL customer relationships relied on Level 3 fair value inputs. Level 3 fair values are based on unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset at the measurement date. With respect to the CTL customer relationships, the Level 3 inputs included the rate of retention of the current customers of CTL as of the valuation date, our transportation segment’s historical customer retention rate and projected future revenues associated with the customers. The CTL customers expected to remain with us after the transaction were included in the valuation of the customer relationships. We are amortizing the customer relationship intangible assets over a period of seven years, using a modified straight-line approach. See Note 8 for further information regarding our intangible assets.

In connection with the acquisition, we entered into a finance lease agreement for an additional 40 trailers with a six year term. See Note 17 for further information regarding finance leases.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

Business Combination — Firebird and Phoenix

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

Firebird is an interstate bulk motor carrier of crude oil, condensate, fuels, oils and other petroleum products. Firebird is headquartered in Humble, Texas, with six terminal locations throughout Texas, and operates 130 tractors and 209 trailers largely in the Eagle Ford basin. Phoenix is also headquartered in Humble, Texas, and recycles and repurposes off-specification fuels, lubricants, crude oil and other chemicals from producers in the U.S. Firebird and Phoenix have formed our new logistics and repurposing segment. We expect that this acquisition will offer us the opportunity to expand our value chain and market impact, with numerous synergies benefiting the combined companies.

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

Cash	$	35,350
Value of AE common shares issued	1,364
Contingent consideration arrangement	2,566
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	39,280

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

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

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

Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,203
Accounts receivable	4,653
Inventory	643
Other current assets	137
Property and equipment	25,054
Intangible assets	7,607
Goodwill	6,428
Other assets	458
Total assets acquired	$	47,183
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	$	(1,696)
Deferred tax liabilities	(6,207)
Total liabilities assumed	$	(7,903)
Net assets acquired	$	39,280

The purchase price allocation is subject to revision as acquisition-date fair value analyses are completed and if additional information about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date becomes available. The purchase price consideration, as well as the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, will be finalized as soon as practicable, but no later than one year from the closing of the acquisition.

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

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

The goodwill of approximately $6.4 million arising from this acquisition is primarily attributed to our ability to generate increased revenues, earnings and cash flow by expanding our addressable market and client base and with the assembled workforce that we acquired. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. We recorded net tax liabilities of approximately $6.2 million related to the tax effect of our estimated fair value allocations.

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

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

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

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

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

	Year Ended December 31,
	2022		2021
Revenues	$	3,411,168	$	2,074,803
Net earnings	5,538		13,822
Basic net earnings per common share	$	1.36	$	3.22
Diluted net earnings per common share	$	1.35	$	3.19

Acquisition of Pipeline and Related Terminal Facility Assets

On October 22, 2020, we and our subsidiary, GulfMark Terminals, LLC (“GMT”) entered into a purchase and sale agreement with EnLink Midstream Operating, L.P. for the purchase of the outstanding equity interests of Victoria Express Pipeline, LLC (“VEX”) and certain related pipeline terminal facility assets for $20.0 million, plus a cash payment of $0.5 million for working capital items. Of the purchase price, $10.0 million was paid at closing, with the remainder to be paid in four quarterly installments of $2.5 million, plus interest at a rate of 4.0 percent per annum, beginning in March 2021. The equity interests in GMT, VEX and the other acquired assets were pledged to secure the payment of the installment portions of the purchase price as part of the agreement.

The VEX Pipeline System, with truck and storage terminals at both Cuero and the Port of Victoria, Texas, is a crude oil and condensate pipeline system, which connects the heart of the Eagle Ford Basin to the Gulf Coast waterborne market. The VEX Pipeline System includes 56 miles of 12-inch pipeline, which spans DeWitt County to Victoria County, Texas, with 350,000 barrels of above ground storage, two 8 bay truck offload stations, and access to two docks at the Port of Victoria. The VEX Pipeline System is able to receive crude oil by pipeline and truck, and has downstream pipeline connections to two terminals, with potential for additional downstream connection opportunities in the future. The pipeline system has a current capacity of 90,000 barrels per day.

The VEX Pipeline System and related terminal assets have been included in our pipeline and storage segment. We expect that this acquisition will further strengthen our ability to provide excellent service to the producers in the Gulf Coast region, as well as more effectively service our end-user markets along the Gulf Coast. In addition, the VEX Pipeline System complements our existing storage terminal and dock at the Port of Victoria, where we now control approximately 450,000 barrels of storage with three docks after giving effect to the acquisition.

In addition to the purchase price of $20.0 million and a cash payment of $0.5 million for working capital items, we also incurred approximately $0.6 million of acquisition costs in connection with this acquisition, which has been included in the allocation of the total purchase price of $21.0 million to the assets acquired. We accounted for this acquisition as an asset acquisition as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets is concentrated in a group of similarly identifiable assets.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired at the acquisition date (in thousands):

Accounts receivable and other current assets	$	80
Linefill and base gas	1,013
Property and equipment — Pipeline and related terminal facilities	20,542
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	(598)
Total purchase price	$	21,037

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

In connection with the acquisition, we recorded an ARO of approximately $0.7 million related to legal and regulatory requirements to perform specified retirement activities, including purging and sealing the pipeline if it is abandoned.

Acquisition of Transportation Assets — CTL

On May 17, 2020, we entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Comcar Industries, Inc. (“Comcar”), a bulk carrier trucking company, for the purchase of substantially all of the transportation assets of Comcar’s subsidiary, CTL Transportation, LLC (“CTL”). CTL provides short-haul delivery services to customers in the chemical industry, with operations in nine locations in the southeastern United States. On June 26, 2020, we closed on the asset acquisition for approximately $9.0 million in cash. This acquisition added approximately 163 tractors and 328 trailers to our existing transportation fleet, and these assets were included in our transportation segment. This acquisition added new customers, new market areas and new product lines to our transportation segment portfolio. As a result of the acquisition, we added services to new and existing customers in six new market areas, including new terminals in Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Georgia and Florida.

We also incurred approximately $0.1 million of acquisition costs in connection with this acquisition, which has been included in the allocation of the total purchase price of $9.2 million to the assets acquired.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based on the estimated fair value of the assets acquired at the acquisition date (in thousands):

Property and equipment — tractors and trailers	$	5,901
Materials and supplies	87
Intangible assets — customer relationships	3,175
Total purchase price	$	9,163

The estimated fair value of the acquired property and equipment was determined using the estimated market value of each type of asset. The estimated fair value of the acquired customer relationship intangible assets was determined using an income approach, specifically a discounted cash flow analysis. The income approach estimates the future benefits of the customer relationships and deducts the expenses incurred in servicing the relationships and the contributions from the other business assets to derive the future net benefits of these assets. The future net benefits are discounted back to present value using the appropriate discount rate, which results in the value of the customer relationships.

A customer relationship intangible asset is the relationship between CTL and various customers to whom we did not have a previous relationship. The customer relationships we acquired in this transaction provide us with access to those customers to whom we did not have a previous relationship and allows us to enter product markets in which we have not previously participated. Because of the highly competitive and fragmented transportation market, we believe access to these customers will provide us with an entry into new market areas.

The discounted cash flow analysis used to estimate the fair value of the CTL customer relationships relied on Level 3 fair value inputs. Level 3 fair values are based on unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset at the measurement date. With respect to the CTL customer relationships, the Level 3 inputs included the rate of retention of the current customers of CTL as of the valuation date, our transportation segment’s historical customer retention rate and projected future revenues associated with the customers. The CTL customers expected to remain with us after the transaction were included in the valuation of the customer relationships. We are amortizing the customer relationship intangible assets over a period of seven years, using a modified straight-line approach. See Note 8 for further information regarding our intangible assets.

In connection with the acquisition, we entered into a finance lease agreement for an additional 40 trailers with a six year term. See Note 17 for further information regarding finance leases.