The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE
A – ORGANIZATION
Central Energy Partners LP,
formerly known as Rio Vista Energy Partners L.P. (“
Partnership
”), a Delaware limited partnership, was formed
by Penn Octane Corporation (“
Penn Octane
”) on July 10, 2003 and was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penn Octane
until September 30, 2004, the date that Penn Octane completed a series of transactions that (i) transferred substantially all of
its owned pipeline and terminal assets in Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Mexico and certain immaterial liabilities to Rio Vista
Operating Partnership L.P. (“
RVOP
”) (ii) transferred Penn Octane’s 99.9% interest in RVOP to the Partnership
and (iii) distributed all of its limited partnership interests (“
Common Units”
) in the Partnership to its common
stockholders (“
Spin-Off
”), resulting in the Partnership becoming a separate public company. The Common Units
represent 98% of the Partnership’s outstanding capital and 100% of the Partnership’s limited partnership interests.
The General Partner is Central Energy GP LLC, formerly known as Rio Vista GP, LLC (“
General Partner
”) (see Note
B — General Partner Interest) which holds the remaining 2% interest in the Partnership. The General Partner is entitled to
receive distributions from the Partnership on its General Partner interest and additional incentive distributions (see Note H –
Partners’ Capital — Distributions of Available Cash) as provided in the Partnership’s partnership agreement.
The General Partner has sole responsibility for conducting the Partnership’s business and for managing the Partnership’s
operations in accordance with the partnership agreement. Common Unitholders do not participate in the management of the Partnership.
The General Partner does not receive a management fee in connection with its management of the Partnership’s business, but
is entitled to be reimbursed for all direct and indirect expenses incurred on the Partnership’s behalf.
On November 17, 2010, the
Partnership, Penn Octane and Central Energy, LP, as successor in interest to Central Energy LLC, completed the transactions contemplated
by the terms of a Securities Purchase and Sale Agreement, as amended. At closing, the Partnership sold 12,724,019 Common Units
to Central Energy, LP for $3,950,000 and Penn Octane sold 100% of the limited liability company interests in the General Partner
(“
GP Interests
”) to Central Energy, LP for $150,000 (“
Sale
”). As a result, Penn Octane no
longer has any interest in the General Partner or any control over the operations of the Partnership. On May 26, 2011, Central
Energy, LP transferred the Newly Issued Common Units to its limited partners. In September 2011, Central Energy, LP transferred
all of the GP Interests to its limited partners and the sole members of the general partner of Central Energy, LP. As a result,
Central Energy, LP no longer holds any interest in the Partnership or the General Partner. Central’s strategy is to acquire
midstream assets with a focus on gas transportation and services assets, including gas gathering, dehydration and compression systems,
pipelines, fractionation and condensate stabilization facilities and related assets.
In July 2007, the Partnership
acquired the business of Regional Enterprises, Inc. (“
Regional
”). The principal business of Regional is the
storage, transportation and railcar trans-loading of bulk liquids, including hazardous chemicals and petroleum products owned by
its customers. Regional’s principal facilities are located on the James River in Hopewell, Virginia, where it receives bulk
chemicals and petroleum products from ships and barges into approximately 10 million gallons of available storage tanks for delivery
throughout the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Regional also receives product from a rail spur which is capable of receiving
15 rail cars at any one time for trans-loading of chemical and petroleum liquids for delivery throughout the mid-Atlantic region
of the United States. Regional also operated a trans-loading facility in Johnson City, Tennessee, with 6 rail car slots until March
31, 2013. Regional also provides transportation services to customers for products which don’t originate at any of Regional’s
terminal facilities.
The accompanying consolidated
financial statements include the Partnership and its only operating subsidiary, Regional. The Partnership has two other subsidiaries
that have no operations – RVOP (see Note H – Commitments and Contingencies – TransMontaigne Dispute) and Rio
Vista Operating GP LLC. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The Partnership and its consolidated
subsidiaries are hereinafter referred to as “Central” and/or “Company”.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE A – ORGANIZATION – Continued
The unaudited consolidated balance
sheet as of March 31, 2013, the unaudited consolidated statements of operations and statements of cash flows for the three months
ended March 31, 2012 and 2013 and the unaudited consolidated statement of partners’ capital (deficit) for the three months
ended March 31, 2013, have been prepared by Central without audit. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial
statements include all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the unaudited
consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2013, the unaudited consolidated results of operations and the unaudited consolidated
statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013 and the unaudited consolidated statement of partners’
capital (deficit) for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
Certain information and footnote
disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission,
although Central believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. These unaudited consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Basis of Presentation
Certain reclassifications have
been made to prior period balances to conform in the current presentation. All reclassifications have been consistently applied
to the periods presented.
NOTE B – PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
General Partner Interest
The General Partner owns a 2%
general partner interest in the Partnership. On November 17, 2010, the Partnership, Penn Octane and Central Energy, LP, as
successor in interest to Central Energy LLC, completed the transactions contemplated by the terms of a Securities Purchase and
Sale Agreement, as amended. At closing, the Partnership sold the 12,724,019 Common Units to Central Energy, LP and Penn Octane
sold 100% of the limited liability company interests in the General Partner to Central Energy, LP for $150,000. As a result, Penn
Octane no longer has any interest in the General Partner or any control over the operations of the Partnership.
In accordance with the terms
of the limited partnership agreement of Central Energy, LP, it distributed all of the GP Interests in Central Energy GP LLC, the
General Partner, to its limited partners in September 2011. Messrs. Imad K. Anbouba and Carter R. Montgomery, the sole members
of Central Energy, LP’s general partner, each beneficially own 30.17% of the GP Interests. The Cushing Fund holds 25% of
the GP Interests and the remaining interests are held by others, none representing more than 5% individually. The General Partner
generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of the Partnership, such as its debts and environmental liabilities, except
for those contractual obligations of the Partnership that are expressly made without recourse to the General Partner.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE B – PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
- continued
Private Placement of Common
Units
The Common Units represent limited
partner interests in the Partnership. The holders of Common Units are entitled to participate in the Partnership’s distributions
and exercise the rights or privileges available to limited partners under the Partnership Agreement. The holders of Common Units
have only limited voting rights on matters affecting the Partnership. Holders of Common Units have no right to elect the General
Partner or its directors on an annual or other continuing basis. Messrs. Anbouba and Montgomery and Cushing MLP Opportunity Fund
I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “
Cushing Fund
”) have the right to appoint the directors of the General
Partner. Although the General Partner has a fiduciary duty to manage the Partnership in a manner beneficial to the Partnership
and its Unitholders, the directors of the General Partner also have a fiduciary duty to manage the General Partner in a manner
beneficial to Central Energy LLC. The General Partner generally may not be removed except upon the vote of the holders of at least
80% of the outstanding Common Units; provided, however, if at any time any person or group, other than the General Partner and
its affiliates, or a direct or subsequently approved transferee of the General Partner or its affiliates, acquires, in the aggregate,
beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, that person or group will lose voting rights on all
of its units and the units may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of
a meeting of Unitholders, calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes, unless
such provision is waived by the General Partner. (The General partner has waived this provision with respect to the 46.7% interest
in the Partnership held by the Cushing Fund as described below.). In addition, the partnership agreement contains provisions limiting
the ability of holders of Common Units to call meetings or to acquire information about Central’s operations, as well as
other provisions limiting the holders of Common Units ability to influence the manner or direction of management.
On November 17, 2010, the Partnership
sold 12,724,019 newly-issued Common Units to Central Energy LP for $3,950,000 in cash pursuant to the terms of the Securities Purchase
and Sale Agreement dated May 25, 2010, as amended, by and among the Partnership, Penn Octane and Central Energy LP.
On May 26, 2011, pursuant
to the terms of its limited partnership agreement, Central Energy LP distributed the Newly Issued Common Units of the Partnership
to its limited partners. As a result, the Cushing Fund holds 7,413,013 Common Units of the Partnership (46.7%) and 25% of the GP
Interests. Sanctuary Capital LLC holds 1,017,922 Common Units of the Partnership (6.4%). Messrs. Anbouba and Montgomery were not
distributed any Newly Issued Common Units from Central Energy, LP.
Distributions of Available
Cash
Until December 2010, all Unitholders
had the right to receive distributions from the Partnership of “available cash” as defined in the partnership agreement
in an amount equal to at least the minimum distribution of $0.25 per quarter per unit, plus any arrearages in the payment of the
minimum quarterly distribution on the Common Units from prior quarters subject to any reserves determined by the General Partner.
The General Partner has a right to receive a distribution corresponding to its 2% General Partner interest and the incentive distribution
rights described below. The distributions are to be paid within 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter.
In 2008, the Partnership made
distributions of $1,308,000 to Unitholders and $27,000 to the General Partner for the quarters ended March 31 and June 30,
2008. The Partnership has not made any distributions since August 18, 2008 for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. The amount of the
distributions paid through the June 2008 quarterly distribution represented the minimum quarterly distributions required to be
made by the Partnership pursuant to the Partnership Agreement through that date.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE B – PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
– Continued
Distributions of Available
Cash – continued
In December 2010, the General
Partner and more than a majority in interest of the limited partners holding Common Units of the Partnership approved an amendment
to the Partnership Agreement to provide that the Partnership was no longer obligated to make distributions of “Common Unit
Arrearage” or “Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages” pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement in respect
of any quarter prior to the quarter beginning October 1, 2011. The impact of this amendment is that the Partnership was not obligated
to Unitholders for unpaid minimum quarterly distributions prior to the quarter beginning October 1, 2011 and Unitholders would
only be entitled to minimum quarterly distributions arising from the quarter beginning October 1, 2011 and thereafter. This amendment
was incorporated into the Partnership Agreement in April 2011. Based on Central’s cash flow constraints and the likelihood
of a restriction on distributions by the Partnership as a result of anticipated acquisitions, on March 28, 2012, the General Partner
and Unitholders holding more than a majority in interest of the Common Units of the Partnership voted to amend the Partnership
Agreement to change the commencement of the payment of “Common Unit Arrearages” or “Cumulative Common Unit Arrearages”
from the quarter beginning October 1, 2011 until an undetermined future quarter to be established by the Board of Directors of
the General Partner. The impact of this amendment is that the Partnership is not obligated to Unitholders for unpaid minimum quarterly
distributions until such time as the Board of Directors of the General Partner reinstates the obligation to make minimum quarterly
distributions. Unitholders will only be entitled to minimum quarterly distributions arising from and after the date established
by the Board of Directors for making such distributions.
At the present time, the limited
partners of Central Energy, LP, the entity that acquired the Newly-Issued Common Units in the Sale, hold 80% of the total issued
and outstanding Common Units of the Partnership and, therefore, control any Limited Partner vote on Partnership matters. The ability
of the Partnership to make distributions can be further impacted by many factors including the ability to successfully complete
an acquisition, the financing terms of debt and/or equity proceeds received to fund an acquisition and the overall success of the
Partnership and its operating subsidiaries. In addition to eliminating the obligation to make payments of minimum quarterly distributions
until an undetermined future quarter to be established by the Board of Directors of the General Partner, the General Partner expects
that the minimum quarterly distribution amount and/or the target distribution levels will be adjusted to a level which reflects
the existing economics of the Partnership and provides for the desired financial targets, including Common Unit trading price,
targeted cash distribution yields and the participation by the General Partner in incentive distribution rights. The distribution
of the 12,724,019 Newly-Issued Common Units in the Sale (which did not result in the acquisition of any proportional increase in
distributable cash flow) and any additional issuance of Common Units or other Partnership securities in connection with the next
acquisition will not support the current minimum quarterly distribution of $0.25 per Common Unit. Management anticipates making
this adjustment in connection with an acquisition by the Partnership since the financing of an acquisition is likely to involve
the issuance of additional Common Units or other securities by the Partnership. In connection with an acquisition, the General
Partner will be able to better determine the future capital structure of the Partnership and the amounts of “distributable
cash” that the Partnership may generate in the future. The establishment of a revised target distribution rate may be accomplished
by a reverse split of the number of Partnership Common Units issued and outstanding and/or a reduction in the actual amount of
the target distribution rate per Common Unit.
In addition to its 2% General
Partner interest, the General Partner is currently the holder of incentive distribution rights which entitled the holder to an
increasing portion of cash distributions as described in the Partnership Agreement. As a result, cash distributions from the Partnership
are shared by the holders of the Common Units and the General Partner interest based on a formula whereby the General Partner receives
disproportionately more distributions per percentage interest than the holders of the Common Units as annual cash distributions
exceed certain milestones.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE C – INCOME (
Loss)
Per Common UNIT
Net (loss) per Common Unit is
computed on the weighted average number of Common Units outstanding in accordance with ASC 260. During periods in which Central
incurs losses, giving effect to common unit equivalents is not included in the computation as it would be antidilutive. The following
tables present reconciliations from net (loss) per Common Unit to net (loss) per Common Unit assuming dilution (see Note G –
Unit Options and Equity Incentive Plan):
|
|
For the three months ended March 31, 2012
|
|
|
|
(Loss)
(Numerator)
|
|
|
Units
(Denominator)
|
|
|
Per-Unit
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) available to the Common Units
|
|
$
|
(438,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic EPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) available to the Common Units
|
|
|
(438,000
|
)
|
|
|
15,866,482
|
|
|
$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
Effect of Dilutive Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted EPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) available to the Common Units
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
For the three months ended March 31, 2013
|
|
|
|
(Loss)
(Numerator)
|
|
|
Units
(Denominator)
|
|
|
Per-Unit
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) available to the Common Units
|
|
$
|
(476,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic EPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) available to the Common Units
|
|
|
(476,000
|
)
|
|
|
15,866,482
|
|
|
$
|
(0.03
|
)
|
Effect of Dilutive Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted EPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) available to the Common Units
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
NOTE D - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
|
|
December 31,
2012
|
|
|
March 31,
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land
|
|
$
|
512,000
|
|
|
$
|
512,000
|
|
Terminal and improvements
|
|
|
4,818,000
|
|
|
|
4,834,000
|
|
Automotive equipment
|
|
|
1,341,000
|
|
|
|
1,341,000
|
|
|
|
|
6,671,000
|
|
|
|
6,687,000
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(3,109,000
|
)
|
|
|
(3,243,000
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
3,562,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,444,000
|
|
Depreciation expense of property,
plant and equipment totaled $150,000 and $135,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE D - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
– continued
Sale of Regional’s
Owned Tractor Fleet
On February 17, 2012, in connection
with Regional’s Vehicle Lease Service Agreement (see Note H), Regional sold six of its owned tractors for proceeds of $97,000
of which $90,000 was used to fund the deposit required pursuant to the aforementioned agreement and the remainder was used for
working capital.
During May 2012 and June 2012,
in connection with Regional’s Vehicle Lease Service Agreement (see Note H), Regional sold 21 of its owned tractors for total
proceeds of $410,000. The proceeds were used to meet ongoing debt service obligations.
In connection with the sale
of the tractor fleet, a gain of $56,000 and $256,000 was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and year ended December
31, 2012, respectively.
As a result of the aforementioned
sale of Regional’s owned tractors, Regional’s truck fleet currently consists of twenty leased tractors and five owned
tractors.
NOTE E — DEBT OBLIGATIONS
|
|
December 31,
2012
|
|
|
March 31,
2013
|
|
Long-term debt obligations were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hopewell Note
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
2,250,000
|
|
RZB Note
|
|
|
1,970,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
1,970,000
|
|
|
|
2,250,000
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
1,970,000
|
|
|
|
169,000
|
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
2,081,000
|
|
RZB Note
In connection with the acquisition
of Regional during July 2007, the Partnership funded a portion of the acquisition through a loan of $5,000,000 (“
RZB Note
”)
from RB International Finance (USA) LLC, formerly known as RZB Finance LLC (“
RZB
”), dated July 26, 2007 (“
Loan
Agreement
”). The RZB Note was due on demand and if no demand, with a one-year maturity. In connection with the RZB Note,
Regional granted to RZB a security interest in all of Regional’s assets, including a deed of trust on real property owned
by Regional, and the Partnership delivered to RZB a pledge of the outstanding capital stock of Regional.
The RZB Note was converted to
a term loan in June 2009 in connection with the Sixth Amendment, Assumption of Obligations and Release Agreement between Regional,
the Partnership and RZB (the “
Sixth Amendment
”). The Sixth Amendment provided for an increase in the principal
amount of the RZB Note to $4,250,000 as the result of an “incremental loan” of $250,000, established a monthly amortization
for the principal amount of the Loan, increased the annual interest rate to 8%, and extended the Maturity Date to April 30, 2012,
among other terms and conditions. Regional assumed all obligations of the Partnership under the RZB Note and related collateral
agreements upon execution of the Sixth Amendment. The Maturity Date of the RZB Note was extended to May 31, 2014 in connection
with the Seventh Amendment to the Loan Agreement among the parties dated May 21, 2010. On November 29, 2012, Regional and RZB entered
into a “Limited Waiver and Ninth Amendment” (“
Ninth Amendment
”) to the Loan Agreement. The Ninth
Amendment waived the defaults existing at the time of the Ninth Amendment and reduced required monthly amortization payments to
$50,000 per month beginning January 31, 2013. The Ninth Amendment also shortened the maturity date of the RZB Note from May 31,
2014 to March 31, 2013. Regional made the January 31, 2013 monthly amortization payment. On March 1, 2013, Regional received a
“Notice of Default, Demand for Payment and Reservation of Rights” (“
March 1, 2013 Demand Notice
”)
from RZB in connection with the Loan Agreement.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE E — DEBT OBLIGATIONS -
Continued
RZB Note
– continued
The March 1, 2013 Demand Notice
was delivered as the result of Regional’s failure to pay the monthly principal payment in the amount of $50,000 due and payable
on February 28, 2013 as prescribed under the Ninth Amendment and the continued default with respect to the non-payment of interest
and principal due under the Loan Agreement which had been previously waived pursuant to the Ninth Amendment. The March 1, 2013
Demand Notice declared all Obligations (as defined in the Loan Agreement) immediately due and payable and demanded immediate payment
in full of all Obligations, including fees, expenses and other costs of RZB. The March 1, 2013 Demand Notice also (1) contemplated
the initiation of foreclosure proceedings in respect of the property owned by Regional and covered by that certain Mortgage, Deed
of Trust and Security Agreement dated as of July 26, 2007 and (2) demanded immediate payment of all rents due upon the property
pursuant to the terms of the Assignment of Leases and Rents dated July 26, 2006. In connection with the Hopewell Loan (see
“Hopewell Note” below), on March 20, 2013, all obligations unpaid and outstanding under the RZB Loan Agreement totaling
$1,975,000 were paid in full. In connection with the closing of the Hopewell Loan Agreement, RZB provided Regional with a payoff
letter and released all of the collateral previously held as security. The interest rate for the period January 1, 2013 through
March 20, 2013 approximated 9.5 %.
Hopewell Note
On March 20, 2013, Regional
entered into a Term Loan and Security Agreement (“
Hopewell Loan Agreement
”) with Hopewell Investment Partners,
LLC (“
Hopewell
”) pursuant to which Hopewell would loan Regional of up to $2,500,000 (“
Hopewell Loan
”),
of which $1,998,000 was advanced on such date and an additional $252,000 was advanced on March 26, 2013. William M. Comegys III,
a member of the Board of Directors of the General Partner, is a member of Hopewell. As a result of this affiliation, the terms
of the Hopewell Loan were reviewed by the Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner. The committee determined
that the Hopewell Loan was on terms better than could be obtained from a third-party lender.
In connection with the Hopewell
Loan, Regional issued Hopewell a promissory note (“
Hopewell Note
”) and granted Hopewell a security interest
in all of Regional’s assets, including a first lien mortgage on the real property owned by Regional and an assignment of
rents and leases and fixtures on the remaining assets of Regional. In connection with the Hopewell Loan, the Partnership delivered
to Hopewell a pledge of the outstanding capital stock of Regional and the Partnership entered into an unlimited guaranty for the
benefit of Hopewell. In addition, Regional and the Partnership entered into an Environmental Certificate with Hopewell representing
as to the environmental condition of the property owned by Regional, agreeing to clean up or remediate any hazardous substances
from the property, and agreeing, jointly and severally, to indemnify Hopewell from and against any claims whatsoever related to
any hazardous substance on, in or impacting the property of Regional.
The principal purpose of the
Hopewell Loan was to repay the entire amounts due by Regional to RZB in connection with the Loan Agreement totaling $1,975,000
at the time of payoff, including principal, interest and legal fees and other expenses owed in connection with the Loan Agreement.
The remaining amounts provided under the Hopewell Loan to Regional were used for working capital.
The Hopewell Loan matures in
three years and carries a fixed annual rate of interest of 12%. Under the terms of the Hopewell Loan, Regional is required to make
interest payments only for the first six months beginning April 20, 2013 and then 29 equal monthly payments of $50,000 (principal
and interest) from the seventh month through the 35
th
month with a balloon payment of $1,342,000 due on March 19, 2016.
Per the Hopewell Loan Agreement,
Regional is required to provide annual audited and certified quarterly financial statements to Hopewell. The failure to provide
those financial statements as prescribed is an event of default, and Hopewell may, by written notice to Regional, declare the Hopewell
Note immediately due and payable.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE F – UNIT-BASED PAYMENT
The Partnership may issue options,
warrants, rights or appreciation rights with respect to Common Units for any Partnership purpose, including to non-employees for
goods and services and to acquire or extend debt, without approval of the Limited Partners. The Partnership applies the provisions
of ASC 505 to account for such transactions. ASC 505 requires that such transactions be accounted for at fair value. If the fair
value of the goods and services or debt related transactions are not readily measurable, the fair value of the options, warrants,
rights or appreciation rights is used to account for such transactions. Central did not record any unit-based payment costs for
non-employees for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013 under the fair-value provisions of ASC 505.
NOTE G – UNIT OPTIONS AND EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN
The Partnership has no employees
and is managed by its General Partner. The Partnership applies ASC 718 for options and/or Common Units granted to employees and
directors of the General Partner. During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, Central adopted the provisions of ASC 718 for unit-based
payments to employees using the modified prospective application transition method. Under this method, previously reported amounts
should not be restated to reflect the provisions of ASC 718. ASC 718 requires measurement of all employee unit-based payment awards
using a fair-value method and recording of such expense in the consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period.
The fair value concepts have not changed significantly in ASC 718; however, in adopting this standard, companies must choose among
alternative valuation models and amortization assumptions. After assessing alternative valuation models and amortization assumptions,
Central will continue using both the Black-Scholes valuation model and straight-line amortization of compensation expense over
the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the grant. Central will reconsider use of this model if additional
information becomes available in the future that indicates another model would be more appropriate, or if grants issued in future
periods have characteristics that cannot be reasonably estimated using this model. As described below on March 20, 2013, the Partnership
agreed to issue a grant of 200,000 common units to an executive officer of the General Partner which will fully vest upon issuance.
The Partnership will record unit-based compensation upon issuance of the 200,000 common units. Central did not record any unit-based
compensation for employees for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013 under the fair-value provisions of ASC 718.
Equity Incentive Plan
On March 9, 2005, the Board
of Directors of the General Partner (“
Board
”) approved the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (“
2005 Plan
”).
The 2005 Plan permits the grant of common unit options, common unit appreciation rights, restricted Common Units and phantom Common
Units to any person who is an employee (including to any executive officer) or consultant of Central or the General Partner or
any affiliate of Central or the General Partner. The 2005 Plan provides that each outside director of the General Partner shall
be granted a common unit option once each fiscal year for not more than 5,000 Common Units, in an equal amount as determined by
the Board of Directors. The aggregate number of Common Units authorized for issuance as awards under the 2005 Plan is 750,000.
The 2005 Plan remains available for the grant of awards until March 9, 2015, or such earlier date as the Board of Directors may
determine. The 2005 Plan is administered by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Board of Directors
may exercise any authority of the compensation committee under the 2005 Plan. Under the terms of the Partnership Agreement and
the then applicable rules of the NASDAQ National Market, no approval of the 2005 Plan by the Unitholders of the Partnership was
required.
On March 20, 2013, the Board
of Directors of the General Partner (“
Board
”), approved the entering into an employment agreement (“
Agreement
”)
with Mr. Ian T. Bothwell (“
Executive
”), Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the
General Partner and President of Regional (see Note J). Under the terms of the Agreement, the Executive is to be granted 200,000
Common Units of the Partnership under the 2005 Plan which shall vest immediately upon such grant as set forth in a separate Unit
Grant Agreement between the Executive and the General Partner.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE G — UNIT OPTIONS AND EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN - Continued
Equity Incentive Plan - continued
In addition to any grants of
Common Units or other securities of the Partnership as the Compensation Committee of the Board may determine from time to time
pursuant to one or more of the General Partner’s benefit plans, the General Partner shall provide to the Executive one or
more future grants of Common Units equal to the number of common units determined by dividing (1) one and one-half percent (1.5%)
of the gross amount paid for each of the next one or more acquisitions completed by the Partnership and/or an affiliate of the
Partnership during the term of the Agreement, which gross amount shall not exceed $100 million (each an “
Acquisition
”),
by (2) the average value per common unit assigned to the equity portion of any consideration issued by the Partnership and/or an
affiliate of the Partnership to investors in connection with each Acquisition including any provisions for adjustment to equity
as offered to investors, if applicable. In the event the General Partner does not extend the Agreement after the second anniversary
date thereof for any reason other than as provided in the Agreement, the Partnership shall issue to the Executive the number of
Common Units determined by dividing (1) the amount calculated by multiplying three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) times the sum
determined by subtracting the gross amount paid for each of the Acquisitions completed by the Partnership and/or an affiliate of
the Partnership during the term of the Executive’s employment by the General Partner from $100 million by (2) the average
value per common unit assigned to the equity portion of any consideration issued by the Partnership and/or an Affiliate of the
Partnership to investors in connection with each Acquisition including any provisions for adjustment to equity as offered to investors,
if applicable. The Common Units subject to issuance above will be issued pursuant to a Unit Grant Agreement, which grant will be
governed by the terms and conditions of the 2005 Plan (or its successor). The right to receive the Common Units pursuant to the
above will not terminate until fully issued in the event the Executive is (a) terminated by the General Partner without Cause,
(b) the Executive resigns for Good Reason, (c) a termination resulting from a Change in Control of the General Partner, or (d)
a termination resulting from the Death or Disability of the Executive as more fully described in the Agreement.
At March 31, 2013, there were
no options outstanding under the 2005 Plan. At March 31, 2013, approximately 422,310 Common Units remain available for issuance
under the 2005 Plan.
NOTE H - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
VOSH Actions
On July 25, 2005, an equipment
failure during the loading of nitric acid from a railcar to a tanker truck resulted in a release of nitric acid and injury to an
employee of Regional. Cleanup costs totaled approximately $380,000 in 2005 and were covered entirely by reimbursement from Regional’s
insurance carrier. Several lawsuits against Regional were filed by property owners in the area. All of these suits were settled
for an aggregate amount of $115,000, which was within insurance coverage limits. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry,
Occupational Safety and Health Compliance (“
VOSH
”) issued a citation against Regional on October 7, 2005 seeking
a fine of $4,500. Regional requested withdrawal of the citation and disputed the basis for the citation and the fine. On June 18,
2007, the Commissioner of Labor and Industry filed suit against Regional in the Circuit Court for the City of Hopewell for collection
of the unpaid fine. The citation arose from allegations that Regional had failed to evaluate properly the provision and use of
employer-supplied equipment. During September 2012, the Court dismissed the citations after a bench trial. In January 2013,
the final order in the matter was issued by the Court. VOSH did not request an appeal of the decision by the required due date.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
- Continued
Legal Proceedings - continued
VOSH Actions – continued
On November 27, 2005, an employee
of Regional died following inhalation of turpentine vapors. Under Virginia law, recovery by the deceased employee’s estate
was limited to a workers compensation claim, which was closed on April 20, 2007 for the amount of $11,000. The Virginia Department
of Labor and Industry, Occupational Safety and Health Compliance issued a citation against Regional on May 24, 2006 seeking a fine
of $28,000. Regional requested withdrawal of the citation and disputed the basis for the citation and the fine. The amount of the
fine is not covered by insurance. On June 18, 2007, the Commissioner of Labor and Industry for the Commonwealth of Virginia filed
suit against Regional in the Circuit Court for the City of Hopewell for collection of the unpaid fine. There were four citations
involved in the case referenced above. One of the citations arose from the Commissioner's allegations that Regional had exposed
this employee to levels of hydrogen sulfide gas in excess of the levels permitted by applicable regulations. Another citation arose
from the Commissioner's allegations that Regional had not provided respiratory protection equipment needed to protect this employee
from hazards in the workplace. The other two citations arose from the Commissioner's allegations that Regional had not evaluated
the need for respiratory equipment in this work environment and had not evaluated the need to create a confined-space permit entry
system for the employee's work in taking a sample of turpentine from the top of the railcar. During September 2012, the Court dismissed
the first two citations after a bench trial. The Court subsequently dismissed the remaining other two citations. In
April 2013, the final order in the matter was issued by the Court. VOSH did not request an appeal of the decision by the required
due date.
Other Contingencies
Central is involved with other proceedings, lawsuits
and claims in the ordinary course of its business. Central believes that the liabilities, if any, ultimately resulting from such
proceedings, lawsuits and claims should not materially affect its consolidated financial results.
TransMontaigne Dispute
Rio Vista Operating Partnership
L.P. (“
RVOP
”) is a subsidiary of the Partnership which held liquid petroleum gas assets located in southern
Texas and northern Mexico contributed (“
LPG Assets
”) to it by Penn Octane Corporation upon formation of the
Partnership. It sold all of the LPG Assets to TransMontaigne in two separate transactions. The first transaction included the sale
of substantially all of its U.S. assets, including a terminal facility and refined products tank farm located in Brownsville, Texas
and associated improvements, leases, easements, licenses and permits, an LPG sales agreement and its LPG inventory in August 2006.
In a separate transaction, RVOP sold its remaining LPG Assets to affiliates of TransMontaigne, including TMOC Corp., in December
2007. These assets included the U.S. portion of two pipelines from the Brownsville terminal to the U.S. border with Mexico, along
with all associated rights-of-way and easements and all of the rights for indirect control of an entity owning a terminal site
in Matamoros, Mexico. The Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 26, 2007 (“
Purchase and Sale Agreement
”)
between TransMontaigne and RVOP provided for working capital adjustments and indemnification under certain circumstances. RVOP
has received demands for indemnification dated December 17, 2008, December 31, 2008, March 17, 2009, May 12, 2009, May 18, 2009,
March 18, 2010, September 22, 2010 and January 24, 2011 (“
Indemnification Notices
”) seeking reimbursement from
RVOP for $775,000 in claims relating to working capital adjustments and indemnification obligations as prescribed under the Purchase
and Sale Agreement.
In addition to the aforementioned
claims, the January 24, 2011 Indemnification Notice included a demand for indemnification based on a lawsuit filed by MCAR Development
against Razorback, LLC, a subsidiary of TransMontaigne, on January 4, 2011, which lawsuit demands payment of damages resulting
from a pipeline meandering outside the recorded pipeline easement. Razorback had requested that RVOP assume the defense of the
litigation and provide indemnification to Razorback. RVOP did not agree to assume the defense of the litigation but is cooperating
with TransMontaigne in its defense of the litigation.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
- Continued
Legal Proceedings - continued
TransMontaigne Dispute - continued
RVOP intends to work with TransMontaigne
to define the scope of the adjustments contained in the Indemnification Notices to an amount which RVOP considers to be more realistic
and which also considers RVOP offsets to the amounts already presented by TransMontaigne. Any amount which may subsequently be
agreed to by TransMontaigne and RVOP shall first be charged to the $500,000 Holdback provided for in the Purchase and Sale Agreement,
and also is subject to the $1,000,000 limitation indemnification. RVOP has accrued a reserve of approximately $283,000 for potential
future obligations in addition to the Holdback. RVOP’s management believes that the amount of the TransMontaigne claim will
be resolved within the amounts provided.
Terminal Operator Status of Regional Facility
In May 2011, Regional was contacted
by the IRS regarding whether its Hopewell, Virginia facility would qualify as a “terminal operator” which handles “taxable
fuels” and accordingly is required to register through a submission of Form 637 to the IRS. Code Section 4101 provides that
a “fuel terminal operator” is a person that (a) operates a terminal or refinery within a foreign trade zone or within
a customs bonded storage facility or, (b) holds an inventory position with respect to a taxable fuel in such a terminal. In June
2011, an agent of the IRS toured the Hopewell, Virginia facility and notified the plant manager verbally that he thought the facility
did qualify as a “terminal operator.” As a result, even though Regional disagrees with the IRS agent’s analysis,
it elected to submit, under protest, to the IRS a Form 637 registration application in July 2011 to provide information about the
Hopewell facility. Regional believes that its Form 637 should be rejected by the IRS because (1) the regulations do not apply to
Regional’s facility, (2) the items stored do not meet the definition of a “taxable fuel” and (3) there were no
taxable fuels being stored or expected to be stored in the foreseeable future that would trigger the registration requirement.
Regional had not received a response with respect to its Form 637 submission or arguments that it is not subject to the Requirements.
During December 2012, Regional received notification from IRS’ appeals unit (“
Appeals Unit
”) that the
above matter was under review. A telephonic meeting took place in January 2013 whereby the Appeal Unit determined that Regional
did not meet the conditions of a terminal operator which handled taxable fuels and that the matter was dismissed. During March
2013, Regional received formal notification from the IRS that the matter was dismissed with no further action required by Regional.
As indicated above, should Regional’s operations in the future include activities which qualify Regional as a terminal operator
which handles taxable fuels as defined in the Code, Regional would be subject to additional administrative and filing requirements,
although the costs associated with compliance are not expected to be material and Regional would be subject to penalties for the
failure to file timely with the IRS any future required reports or forms.
Penske Truck Lease
Effective January 18, 2012,
Regional entered into a Vehicle Maintenance Agreement (“
Maintenance Agreement
”) with Penske Truck Leasing Co.,
L. P. (“
Penske
”) for the maintenance of its owned tractor and trailer fleet. The Maintenance Agreement provides
for (i) fixed servicing as described in the agreement, which is basically scheduled maintenance, at the fixed monthly rate for
tractors and for trailers and (ii) additional requested services, such as tire replacement, mechanical repairs, physical damage
repairs, tire replacement, towing and roadside service and the provision of substitute vehicles, at hourly rates and discounts
set forth in the agreement. Pricing for the fixed services is subject to upward adjustment for each rise of at least one percent
(1%) for the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the United States published by the United States Department of Labor.
The term of the agreement is 36 months. Regional is obligated to maintain liability insurance coverage on all vehicles naming Penske
as a co-insured and indemnify Penske for any loss it or its representatives may incur in excess of the insurance coverage. Penske
has the right to terminate the Maintenance Agreement for any breach by Regional upon 60 days written notice, including failure
to pay timely all fees owing Penske, maintenance of Regional’s insurance obligation or any other breach of the terms of the
agreement.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
- Continued
Agreements - continued
Penske Truck Lease - continued
On February 17, 2012, Regional
entered into a Vehicle Lease Service Agreement with Penske for the outsourcing of 20 new Volvo tractors (“
New Tractors
”)
to be acquired by Penske and leased to Regional, and the outsourcing of the maintenance of the New Tractors to Penske (“
Lease
Agreement
”). Under the terms of the Lease Agreement, Regional made a $90,000 deposit, the proceeds for which were obtained
from the sale of six of Regional’s owned tractors, and will pay a monthly lease fee per tractor and monthly maintenance charge
(“
Maintenance Charge
”) which is based on the actual miles driven by each New Tractor during each month. The
Maintenance Charge covers all scheduled maintenance, including tires, to keep the New Tractors in good repair and operating condition.
Any replacement parts and labor for repairs which are not ordinary wear and tear shall be in accordance with Penske fleet pricing,
and such costs are subject to upward adjustment on the same terms as set forth in the Maintenance Agreement. Penske is also obligated
to provide roadside service resulting from mechanical or tire failure. Penske will obtain all operating permits and licenses with
respect to the use of the New Tractors by Regional.
The term of the Lease Agreement
is for seven years. The New Tractors were delivered by Penske during May 2012 and June 2012. Under the terms of the Lease Agreement,
Regional (i) may acquire any or all of the New Tractors after the first anniversary date of the Lease Agreement based on the non-depreciated
value of the tractor and (ii) has the option after the first anniversary date of the Lease Agreement to terminate the lease arrangement
with respect to as many as five of the New Tractors leased based on a documented downturn in business. Regional is obligated to
maintain liability insurance coverage on all vehicles covered by the Lease Agreement on the same basis as in the Lease Agreement.
The Lease Agreement can be terminated
by Penske upon an “event of default” by Regional. An event of default includes (i) failure by Regional to pay timely
any lease charges when due or maintain insurance coverage as required by the Lease Agreement, (ii) any representation or warranty
of Regional is incorrect in any material respect, (iii) Regional fails to remedy any non-performance under the agreement within
five (5) days of written notice from Penske, (iv) Regional or any guarantor of its obligations becomes insolvent, makes a bulk
transfer or other transfer of all or substantially all of its assets or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or (v)
Regional files for bankruptcy protection or any other proceeding providing for the relief of debtors. Penske may institute legal
action to enforce the Lease Agreement or, with or without terminating the Lease Agreement, take immediate possession of the New
Trucks wherever located or, upon five (5) days written notice to Regional, either require Regional to purchase any or all of the
New Tractors or
make the “alternative payment” described below. In addition, Regional is obligated to pay all
lease charges for all such New Tractors accrued and owing through the date of the notice from Penske as described above. Penske’s
ability to require Regional to purchase the New Truck fleet or make the “alternative payment” would place a substantial
financial burden on Regional.
The Lease Agreement can also
be terminated by either party upon 120 days written notice to the other party as to any New Truck subject to the agreement on any
annual anniversary of such tractor’s in-service date. Upon termination of the Lease Agreement by either party, Regional shall,
at Penske’s option, either acquire the New Tractor that is the subject of the notice at the non-depreciated value of such
tractor, or pay Penske the “alternative payment.” The “alternative payment” is defined in the Lease Agreement
as the difference, if any, between the fair market value of the New Tractor and such tractor’s “depreciated Schedule
A value” ($738 per month commencing on the in-service date of such tractor). If the Lease Agreement is terminated by Penske
and Regional is not then in default under any term of the Lease Agreement, Regional is not obligated to either acquire the New
Tractor that is the subject of the termination or pay Penske the “alternative payment” as described above.
In connection with the delivery
of the New Tractors, Regional sold its remaining owned tractor fleet, except for several owned tractor units which were retained
to be used for terminal site logistics.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
- Continued
Agreements - continued
Asphalt Agreement
On November 30, 2000, Regional
renewed a Storage and Product Handling Agreement with a customer with an effective date of December 1, 2000 (“
Asphalt
Agreement
”). The Asphalt Agreement provides for the pricing, terms and conditions under which the customer will purchase
terminal services and facility usage from Regional for the storage and handling of the customer’s asphalt products. The Asphalt
Agreement was amended on October 15, 2002 with an effective date of December 1, 2002 (“
Amended Asphalt Agreement
”).
The term of the Amended Asphalt Agreement was five years with an option by the customer for an additional five-year renewal term,
which the customer exercised in July 2007. After the additional five-year term, the Amended Asphalt Agreement renews automatically
for successive one-year terms unless terminated upon 120 days advance written notice by either party. The Asphalt Agreement automatically
renewed through December 1, 2013. The annual fee payable to Regional for the initial five-year term of the Amended Asphalt Agreement
is approximately $500,000, payable in equal monthly installments, subject to adjustments for inflation and certain facility improvements.
In exchange for the annual fee, Regional agrees to provide minimum annual throughput of 610,000 net barrels per contract year,
with additional volume to be paid on a per barrel basis. During the term of the Amended Asphalt Agreement, Regional agrees to provide
three storage tanks and certain related equipment to the customer on an exclusive basis as well as access to Regional’s barge
docking facility.
On March 19, 2012, one of the
storage tanks (“
Storage Tank
”) leased under the Amended Asphalt Agreement was discovered to have a leak. During
April 2012, after removal of the existing product from the Storage Tank, the customer of the Storage Tank was notified by Regional
that the Storage Tank was no longer available for use until necessary repairs were completed. During the year ended December 31,
2012, Regional recorded a loss of $238,000 (“Asphalt Loss”) in connection with the leak, including the estimated amounts
to repair the Storage Tank. Lost revenue with respect to the Storage Tank totaled approximately $200,000 in 2012 and $75,000 for
the three months ended March 31, 2013. Regional expects that the Storage Tank will be operational during May 2013. Regional’s
insurance providers have notified Regional that the incident did not fall within insurance coverage limits.
Fuel Oil Agreement
On November 16, 1998, Regional
renewed a Terminal Agreement with a customer with an effective date of November 1, 1998, as amended on April 5, 2001, October 11,
2001 and August 1, 2003 (“
Fuel Oil Agreement
”). The Fuel Oil Agreement provides for the pricing, terms and conditions
under which Regional will provide terminal facilities and services to the customers for the delivery of fuel oil. Pursuant to the
agreement, as amended, Regional agreed to provide three storage tanks, certain related pipelines and equipment, and at least two
tractor tankers to the customer on an exclusive basis, as well as access to Regional’s barge docking facility. In exchange
for use of Regional’s facilities and services, the customer paid an annual tank rental amount of approximately $300,000 plus
a product transportation fee calculated on a per 100 gallon basis, each subject to annual adjustment for inflation. Regional agreed
to deliver a minimum daily quantity of fuel oil on behalf of the customer. During December 2008, the customer and Regional negotiated
a new Fuel Oil Agreement whereby Regional was only required to provide two storage tanks through May 2009 and one storage tank
through November 30, 2011, which was subsequently extended by the customer through November 30, 2013 in accordance with the terms
of the Fuel Oil Agreement. In addition, under the newly negotiated Fuel Oil Agreement, the customer pays an annual tank rental
amount of approximately $308,000 plus a product transportation fee calculated on a per gallon basis, each subject to annual adjustment
for inflation. The Fuel Oil Agreement expires on November 30, 2013.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
–
Continued
Agreements
- continued
No. 4 Oil Agreement
On January 7, 2009, Regional
entered into a Terminal Agreement with Noble Oil Services, Inc. with an effective date of January 7, 2009 and an expiration date
of January 6, 2012. The Terminal Agreement provided for the pricing, terms, and conditions under which Regional would provide terminal
facilities and services to the customer for the receipt, storage (“
Tank 120
”) and distribution of No. 4 Oil
or vacuum gas oil. Pursuant to the agreement, the customer paid an annual tank rental amount of approximately $330,000, plus a
product transportation fee calculated on a per run basis, each subject to annual adjustment for inflation. The customer did not
renew this contract and Tank 120 remained idle until January 1, 2013 when it was leased to a new customer (see below).
VGO Agreement
On May 1, 2009, Regional entered
into a Terminal Agreement with Noble Oil Services, Inc. with an effective date of May 1, 2009, as amended June 2, 2009, and June
10, 2009. The VGO Terminal Agreement expired January 6, 2012. The VGO Terminal Agreement provided for the customer to pay an annual
tank rental amount of approximately $288,000, plus a product transportation fee calculated on a per run basis, each subject to
annual adjustment for inflation. The customer did not renew this contract. This tank was leased to a new customer beginning March
1, 2012 (see below).
Sodium Hydroxide Agreement
On September 27, 2007, Regional
entered into a Terminal Agreement with Suffolk Solutions, an affiliate of Suffolk Sales with an effective date of June 1, 2008
and an expiration date of May 30, 2013 subject to being automatically renewed in one-year increments unless terminated upon 90
days advance written notice by either party. This Terminal Agreement provides for the pricing, terms, and conditions under which
Regional will provide terminal facilities and services to the customer for the receipt, storage and distribution of sodium hydroxide.
Pursuant to the agreement, Regional agrees to provide two storage tanks, certain related pipelines and equipment, necessary tractor
tankers, as well as access to Regional’s barge docking and rail facilities. In exchange for use of Regional’s facilities
and services, the customer pays an annual tank rental amount of approximately $314,172, plus a product transportation fee calculated
on a per run basis, each subject to annual adjustment for inflation. Regional also contracts with Suffolk to provide other transportation
and trans-loading services of specialty chemicals. The parties are currently negotiating a renewal of the Terminal Agreement.
No. 6 Oil Agreements
On March 1, 2012, Regional entered
into a Services Agreement with a customer with an effective date of March 1, 2012 and a termination date of February 28, 2015,
subject to being automatically renewed in one-year increments unless terminated upon 180 days advance written notice by either
party. This Services Agreement provides for the pricing, terms, and conditions under which Regional will provide terminal facilities
and services to the customer for the receipt, storage and distribution of No. 6 oil. Pursuant to the agreement, Regional agrees
to provide one storage tank (capacity of approximately 1.2 million gallons), certain related pipelines and equipment, necessary
tractor tankers, as well as access to Regional’s barge docking and rail facilities. In exchange for use of Regional’s
facilities and services, the customer pays an annual tank rental amount of approximately $360,000, plus loading and unloading fees.
As part of the lease, Regional insulated the tank and made other modifications to the tank and barge line.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
–
Continued
Agreements
- continued
MORLIFE 5000 Agreement
During January 1, 2013, Regional
entered into a Services Agreement with a customer with an effective date of January 1, 2013 and a termination date of December
31, 2015. The customer has the sole discretion to extend the term of the Services Agreement prior to expiration for up to two successive
one-year terms upon providing Regional 90 days advance written notice prior to expiration of the Services Agreement. This Services
Agreement provides for the pricing, terms, and conditions under which Regional will provide terminal facilities and services to
the customer for the receipt, storage and distribution of MORLIFE 5000, an asphalt additive. Pursuant to the agreement, Regional
agrees to provide Tank 120, certain related pipelines and equipment, necessary tractor tankers, as well as access to Regional’s
barge docking and rail facilities. In exchange for use of Regional’s facilities and services, the customer pays an annual
tank rental amount of approximately $420,000, plus loading and unloading fees.
Employment Agreement
On March 20, 2013, the Board
approved an employment agreement with Mr. Ian T. Bothwell, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the
General Partner and President of Regional (“
Executive
”). The general provisions of the employment agreement
(“
Agreement
”) include:
|
·
|
the term of employment is for a period of two years unless terminated
as more fully described in the Agreement; provided, that on the second anniversary
and each annual anniversary thereafter,
the Agreement shall be deemed to be automatically extended, upon the same terms and conditions, for successive periods of one year,
unless either party provides written notice of its intention not to extend the term of the Agreement at least 90 days’ prior
to the applicable renewal date
;
|
|
·
|
the Executive will serve as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Secretary
of the General Partner and President of Regional
;
|
|
·
|
the Executive will receive an annual salary of $275,000 (“
Base Salary
”) which
may be adjusted from time to time as determined by the Board of Directors of the General Partner (as more fully described in the
Agreement, Regional will pay a minimum of 75% of the Base Salary);
|
|
·
|
for each calendar year of the employment term, the Executive shall be eligible to receive a discretionary
bonus to be determined by the General Partner’s Board of Directors in its sole and absolute discretion;
|
|
·
|
the Executive shall be entitled to five weeks of paid vacation during each 12-month period of employment
beginning upon the effective date of the Agreement;
|
|
·
|
the Executive will be entitled to other customary benefits including participation in pension plans,
health benefit plans and other compensation plans as provided by the General Partner;
|
|
·
|
the Agreement terminates (a) upon death, (b) at any time upon notice from the General Partner for
cause as more fully defined in the Agreement, (c) by the General Partner, without cause, upon 15 days advance notice to the Executive,
or (d) by the Executive at any time for Good Reason (as more fully defined in the Agreement) or (e) by Executive without Good Reason
(as more fully defined in the Agreement) upon 15 days advance notice to the General Partner;
|
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
–
Continued
Employment Agreement
– continued
|
·
|
the Executive will be granted 200,000 Common Units of the Partnership under the General Partner’s
2005 Plan which shall vest immediately upon such grant as set forth in a separate Unit Grant Agreement between the Executive and
the General Partner. All of the terms and conditions of such grant shall be governed by the terms and conditions of the 2005 Plan
and the Unit Grant Agreement; and
|
|
·
|
in addition to any grants of Common Units or other securities of the Partnership as the Compensation
Committee of the Board may determine from time to time pursuant to one or more of the Partnership’s benefit plans, the General
Partner shall provide to the Executive one or more future grants of Common Units of the Partnership equal to the number of common
units determined by dividing (1) one and one-half percent (1.5%) of the gross amount paid for each of the next one or more acquisitions
completed by the Partnership, and/or an affiliate of the Partnership during the term of this Agreement, which gross amount shall
not exceed $100 million (each an “Acquisition”), by (2) the average value per common unit assigned to the equity portion
of any consideration issued by the Partnership and/or an affiliate of the Partnership to investors in connection with each Acquisition
including any provisions for adjustment to equity as offered to investors, if applicable.
|
In the event the General Partner
does not extend this Agreement after the second anniversary date of this Agreement for any reason other than as provided in the
Agreement, the Partnership shall issue to Executive the number of Common Units of the Partnership determined by dividing (1) the
amount calculated by multiplying three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) times the sum determined by subtracting the gross amount
paid for each of the Acquisitions completed by the Partnership and/or an affiliate of the Partnership during the term of Executive’s
employment by the General Partner from $100 million by (2) the average value per Common Unit assigned to the equity portion of
any consideration issued by the Partnership and/or an Affiliate of the Partnership to investors in connection with each Acquisition
including any provisions for adjustment to equity as offered to investors, if applicable. The Common Units subject to issuance
under this bullet point will be issued pursuant to a Unit Grant Agreement, which grant will be governed by the terms and conditions
of the 2005 Plan (or its successor) and the Unit Grant Agreement. The right to receive the Common Units pursuant to this bullet
point will not terminate until fully issued in the event the Executive is (a) terminated by the General Partner without Cause,
(b) the Executive resigns for Good Reason, (c) due to a termination resulting from Change in Control of the General Partner, or
(d) a termination resulting from Death or Disability of the Executive as more fully described in the Agreement. All Common Units
issued pursuant to this bullet point will be registered pursuant to a Form S-8 registration statement to be filed by the Partnership
or an amendment to the current Form S-8 registration statement on file with the SEC if still deemed effective by the SEC.
In
the event that the parties decide not to renew the Agreement, the General Partner terminates the Agreement for cause or the Executive
terminates the Agreement without good reason, the Executive shall be entitled to receive all accrued and unpaid salary, expenses,
vacation, bonuses and incentives awarded prior to the termination date (Accrued Amounts). In the event the Executive is terminated
pursuant to clauses (a), (b) and (c) in the last bullet point above, then the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued
amounts together with (i) severance pay equal to
two (2) times the sum of (1) the Executive’s Base Salary in the year
in which the termination date occurs and (2) the amount of the Annual and Anniversary Bonus for the year prior to the year in which
the termination date occurs and
(ii) for a period of up to 18 months following termination, continuation
of all employee benefit plans and health insurance as provided prior to termination.
The Agreement also contains restrictions
on the use of “confidential information” during and after the term of the Agreement and restrictive covenants that
survive the termination of the Agreement including (i) a covenant not to compete, (ii) a non-solicitation covenant with respect
to employees and customers and (iii) a non-disparagement covenant, all as more fully described in the Agreement.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
- Continued
Employment Agreement
– continued
Payment of Compensation
Effective November 1, 2011,
Messrs. Anbouba and Montgomery, executive officers of the General Partner, agreed to forego any further compensation until such
time as the General Partner completed its plan for recapitalizing the Partnership and obtaining sufficient funds needed to conduct
its operations. On January 1, 2012, the Chief Financial Officer of the General Partner also ceased receiving compensation. During
June 2012, the Chief Financial Officer of the General Partner began receiving a portion of his ongoing monthly salary. The Partnership
has also failed to reimburse expenses to Messrs. Anbouba and Montgomery since September 2011 and the Chief Financial Officer since
September 2011. Central has looked at several different financing scenarios to date, each involving the acquisition of additional
assets, to meet its future capital needs. None of these acquisitions has been successfully completed. Management continues to seek
acquisition opportunities for Central to expand its assets and generate additional cash from operations. It is anticipated that
the payment of compensation and reimbursement of expenses to the General Partner’s executive officers will be reinstated
once an acquisition transaction is completed.
Partnership Tax Treatment
The Partnership is not a taxable
entity for U.S. tax purposes (see below) and incurs no U.S. Federal income tax liability. Regional is a corporation and as such
is subject to U.S. Federal and State corporate income tax. Each Unitholder of Partnership is required to take into account that
Unitholder’s share of items of income, gain, loss and deduction of Partnership in computing that Unitholder’s federal
income tax liability, even if no cash distributions are made to the Unitholder by Partnership. Distributions by Partnership to
a Unitholder are generally not taxable unless the amount of cash distributed is in excess of the Unitholder’s adjusted basis
in Partnership.
Regional is a corporation and
as such is subject to U.S. federal and state corporate income tax. Most of its income is not “qualifying income” as
discussed below. Central believes that a portion of Regional’s income could be considered as “qualifying income”.
Central believes that income derived from the storage of Asphalt, No. 2 Oil and/or No. 6 Oil could constitute “qualifying
income.” Central may explore options regarding the reorganization of some or all of its Regional assets into a more efficient
tax structure to take advantage of the tax savings that could result from the “qualified income” being generated at
the Partnership level rather than at the Regional level. Central expects that there would be a tax expense associated with the
transfer of income from Regional to the Partnership.
Section 7704 of the Internal
Revenue Code (Code) provides that publicly traded partnerships shall, as a general rule, be taxed as corporations despite the fact
that they are not classified as corporations under Section 7701 of the Code. Section 7704 of the Code provides an exception to
this general rule for a publicly traded partnership if 90% or more of its gross income for every taxable year consists of “qualifying
income” (Qualifying Income Exception). For purposes of this exception, “qualifying income” includes income and
gains derived from the exploration, development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation (including pipelines)
or marketing of any mineral or natural resource. Other types of “qualifying income” include interest (other than from
a financial business or interest based on profits of the borrower), dividends, real property rents, gains from the sale of real
property, including real property held by one considered to be a “dealer” in such property, and gains from the sale
or other disposition of capital assets held for the production of income that otherwise constitutes “qualifying income”.
Non qualifying income which is held and taxed through a taxable entity (such as Regional), is excluded from the calculation in
determining whether the publicly traded partnership meets the qualifying income test. The Partnership estimates that more than
90% of its gross income (excluding Regional) was “qualifying income.” No ruling has been or will be sought from the
IRS and the IRS has made no determination as to the Partnership’s classification as a partnership for federal income tax
purposes or whether the Partnership’s operations generate a minimum of 90% of “qualifying income” under Section
7704 of the Code.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE H — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
– Continued
Partnership Tax Treatment
- continued
If the Partnership was classified
as a corporation in any taxable year, either as a result of a failure to meet the Qualifying Income Exception or otherwise, the
Partnership’s items of income, gain, loss and deduction would be reflected only on the Partnership’s tax return rather
than being passed through to the Partnership’s Unitholders, and the Partnership’s net income would be taxed at corporate
rates.
If the Partnership was treated
as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, the Partnership would pay tax on income at corporate rates, which is currently
a maximum of 35%. Distributions to Unitholders would generally be taxed again as corporate distributions, and no income, gains,
losses, or deductions would flow through to the Unitholders. Because a tax would be imposed upon the Partnership as a corporation,
the cash available for distribution to Unitholders would be substantially reduced and the Partnership’s ability to make minimum
quarterly distributions would be impaired. Consequently, treatment of the Partnership as a corporation would result in a material
reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to Unitholders and therefore would likely result in a substantial reduction
in the value of the Partnership’s Common Units.
Current law may change so as
to cause the Partnership to be taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject the Partnership to
entity-level taxation. The partnership agreement provides that, if a law is enacted or existing law is modified or interpreted
in a manner that subject the Partnership to taxation as a corporation or otherwise subjects the Partnership to entity-level taxation
for federal, state or local income tax purposes, then the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution amount
will be adjusted to reflect the impact of that law on the Partnership.
NOTE I – MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND CONCENTRATIONS
OF CREDIT RISK
Major Customers
For the three months ended March
31, 2013, SGR Energy LLC, Suffolk Sales, MeadWestVaco, and General Chemical Corporation accounted for approximately 21%, 18%, 13%
and 12% of Regional’s revenues, respectively, and approximately 15%, 18%, 20% and 15% of Regional’s accounts receivable,
respectively. PVS Chemicals, Inc. accounted for 7% of Regional's revenues and 11% of Regional's accounts receivables. Olin Corporation
accounted for 6% of Regional’s revenues and 11% of Regional’s accounts receivables.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The balance sheet items that
potentially subject Central to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Central
maintains cash balances in different financial institutions. Balances in accounts are insured up to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(
FDIC
) limits of $250,000 per institution. At March 31, 2013, Central did not have any cash balances in financial institutions
in excess of FDIC insurance coverage. Concentrations of credit risk with Regional’s accounts receivable are mitigated by
Regional’s ongoing credit evaluations of its customers.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE J — INCOME TAXES
Tax Liabilities
IRS Installment Agreement
On November 17, 2010, Regional
entered into an installment agreement (“
IRS Installment Agreement
”) with the Internal Revenue Service (“
IRS
”)
for the payment of $384,000 owing in income taxes, penalties and interest in connection with the income tax return filed for the
period November 2006 to July 27, 2007.
In addition to the $384,000,
the IRS Installment Agreement provided for the $198,000 of income taxes, penalties and interest due in connection with the December
31, 2008 income tax return that was filed in 2010 to be included as part of the overall balance of the IRS Installment Agreement
at such time that those balances outstanding were formally assigned for collection within the IRS. Regional paid all taxes due
and owing to the IRS for the tax period July 28, 2007 to December 31, 2007 prior to entering into the IRS Installment Agreement.
During 2009, the Partnership and RVOP allocated expenses to Regional for the period years 2008 and 2009. The amount of the
allocated expenses for those periods totaled approximately $1,100,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Partnership
and RVOP allocated additional expenses to Regional of $419,000 for the period from July 28, 2007 to December 31, 2007. Regional
has amended its previously filed income tax returns for the period from July 28, 2007 to December 31, 2007 and for the year ended
December 31, 2008 to reflect the allocated expenses and other income tax adjustments which eliminated the $198,000 amount referred
to above. The effect on income tax payable and income tax expense for those changes was reflected in the 2009 consolidated financial
statements of Central. During March 2012, the IRS Installment Agreement was fully paid. Subsequently, Regional received written
notification from the IRS that the lien filed in connection with the IRS Installment Agreement was released.
IRS 2013 Installment Agreement
During the three months ended
March 31, 2013, Regional has recorded income tax expense of $14,000. As of March 31, 2013, Regional has accrued $60,000 and $54,000
for federal and state income taxes and associated penalties and interest, respectively, which includes $44,000 and $125,000 of
income tax benefits recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the year ended December 2012, respectively, resulting
from losses incurred during those periods. Regional intends to carryback and amend the previously filed income tax returns for
the year ended December 31, 2011 for the losses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2012. Due to Regional’s deficit
in working capital, Regional has thus far been unable to make any significant estimated tax payments for the taxable year ended
December 31, 2011. Under the provisions of the Code, taxpayers are subject to penalties for late payment of taxes based on the
original amount of tax reported without consideration for reductions in actual taxes owed resulting from a carryback of losses
from a future tax period. Regional was notified by the IRS during 2012 that penalties were due in connection with the failure to
pay the taxes originally reported due for the tax year December 31, 2008 as described above, which were subsequently reduced to
zero as a result of a carryback of net operating losses that were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2009. Regional’s
appeal of the decision by the IRS which originally denied the request by Regional to have the penalties which were assessed in
connection with the 2008 tax return abated due to reasonable cause was denied. Regional has also been notified by the Commonwealth
of Virginia, Department of Taxation (“VDOT”) that penalties and interest were also due in connection with past due
income taxes.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE J — INCOME TAXES -
Continued
Tax Liabilities –
continued
IRS 2013 Installment Agreement
– continued
On February 18, 2013, Regional
submitted an installment agreement (the “
IRS 2013 Installment Agreement
”) with the IRS for the payment of $205,000
owing in income taxes, penalties and interest in connection with the income tax return filed for the years December 31, 2008 and
December 31, 2011. Regional has yet to receive confirmation from the IRS that the IRS 2013 Installment Agreement has been approved.
Under the terms of the IRS 2013 Installment Agreement, Regional was required to pay $5,000 on February 25 and is required to make
payments of $10,000 per month beginning March 25, 2013 until all amounts owing under the IRS Installment Agreement, including continuing
interest and penalties on outstanding balances, have been paid in full. As of April 25, 2013, Regional has made all of the required
payments under the IRS 2013 Installment Agreement. Regional intends to file an amendment to the previously filed 2011 tax return
which would reduce the amount of income taxes due for that period. The IRS 2013 Installment Agreement does not provide the ability
to offset or reduce the amount of the obligation based on future adjustments to amounts due which originally comprised the amounts
due under the IRS 2013 Installment Agreement. The IRS can cancel the IRS 2013 Installment Agreement for a number of reasons, including
the late payment of any installment due under the agreement, the failure to pay timely all tax amounts due, or to provide financial
information when requested. Regional is currently in discussions with the VDOT regarding the ability to enter into an installment
agreement in connection with unpaid income taxes, penalties and interest. Regional intends to file an amendment to the previously
filed 2011 state income tax return which would reduce the amount of income taxes due for that period.
Regional has timely applied
for an automatic extension to file its 2012 federal and state income tax returns and expects to deliver the 2012 tax returns by
the required extensions due date, which is September 15, 2013.
Late Filings and Delivery
of Schedules K-1 to Unitholders
The Partnership does not file
a consolidated tax return with Regional since this wholly-owned subsidiary is a C corporation. On June 14, 2011, the Partnership
filed the previously delinquent federal partnership tax returns for the periods from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008
and January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. On June 23, 2011, the Partnership also distributed the previously delinquent Schedules
K-1 for such taxable periods to its Partners. The Partnership timely filed its federal partnership tax returns for the years ended
December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011, and delivered the Schedules K-1 to its Unitholders for those tax periods. The Partnership
also filed all of the previously delinquent required state partnership tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009
during 2011. The Partnership timely filed all the required state partnership tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2010
and December 31, 2011. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “
Code
”), provides for penalties to
be assessed against taxpayers in connection with the late filing of the federal partnership returns and the failure to furnish
timely the required Schedules K-1 to investors. Similar penalties are also assessed by certain states for late filing of state
partnership returns. The Code and state statutes also provide taxpayer relief in the form of reduction and/or abatement of penalties
assessed for late filing of the returns under certain circumstances. The Internal Revenue Service (“
IRS
”) previously
notified the Partnership that its calculation of penalties for the delinquent 2008 and 2009 tax returns was approximately $2.5
million.
The Partnership previously estimated
that the maximum penalty exposure for all state penalties for delinquent 2008 and 2009 tax returns was $940,000.
During September 2011, the Partnership
submitted to the IRS its request for a waiver of the penalties for failure to timely file the Partnership’s federal tax returns
and associated K-1’s for the tax years 2008 and 2009. The waiver request was made pursuant to Code Section 6698(a)(2) which
provides that the penalty will not apply if the taxpayer establishes that its failure to file was due to reasonable cause. The
Partnership also requested a waiver based on the IRS’s past administrative policies towards first offenders.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE J — INCOME TAXES –
Continued
Tax Liabilities –
continued
Late Filings and Delivery
of Schedules K-1 to Unitholders – continued
During September 2011, the Partnership
received notice from the IRS that is was opening an administrative procedure to audit the 2008 and 2009 tax returns of the Partnership
and Central Energy GP LLC. On November 19, 2012, the Partnership received a notice from the IRS that its request for a waiver of
the penalties for failure to timely file the Partnership’s federal tax returns and associated K-1’s for tax years 2008
and 2009, was denied (“
Notice
”). The Notice indicated that the information submitted in connection with the
request did not establish reasonable cause or show due diligence. In connection with the Notice, the Partnership had the right
to appeal the decision and/or supply additional information for the IRS to reconsider the denial. On January 11, 2013, the Partnership
submitted its appeal of the Notice. On February 8, 2013, the Partnership received notice from the IRS that its request to remove
the 2008 penalties was granted and that the request to remove the 2009 penalties was currently under review. The Partnership would
be entitled to pursue other avenues of relief if all of its appeal efforts for the removal of the 2009 penalties are unsuccessful.
The amount of the IRS penalties for the 2009 tax year total approximately $1.2 million and continue to accrue interest until the
penalties are ultimately satisfied.
Since filing the delinquent
2008 and 2009 state partnership tax returns, the Partnership had also (i) submitted a request for abatement of penalties based
on reasonable cause and/or (ii) applied for participation into voluntary disclosure and compliance programs for first offenders
which provide relief of the penalties to those states which impose significant penalties for late filing of state returns (“
Requests
”).
During 2012, the Partnership received notices from all of the applicable states that the Requests to have the penalties abated
and/or waived through participation in voluntary disclosure and compliance programs were granted.
The Partnership has accrued
a total of approximately $1.1 million through March 31, 2013 as its estimate of the penalty exposure related to its failure to
file timely its federal tax return for the 2009 tax year. The Partnership no longer is liable for penalties for late filings of
state tax returns for 2008 and 2009. There can be no assurance that the Partnership’s request for relief from the federal
tax penalties will be approved by the IRS or that the Partnership’s estimate of its penalty exposure is accurate. The Partnership
does not currently have the financial resources to pay the penalties that may be assessed by the IRS.
The Partnership has timely applied
for an automatic extension to file its 2012 federal and state income tax returns and Schedule K-1’s and expects to deliver
the 2012 tax returns and Schedules K-1 to its Unitholders by the required extensions due date, which is September 15, 2013. However,
there is no certainty that the Schedules K-1 for the 2012 Tax Year will be completed and delivered timely to Unitholders by the
Partnership due its lack of operating capital.
NOTE K — ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Regional is subject to various
federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Regional has established procedures
for the ongoing evaluation of its operations, to identify potential environmental exposures and to comply with regulatory policies
and procedures. Regional accounts for environmental contingencies in accordance with ASC 450. Environmental expenditures that relate
to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past
operations, and do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are expensed. Liabilities for environmental contingencies
are recorded when environmental assessments and/or clean-ups are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Central maintains
insurance which may cover in whole or in part certain types of environmental contingencies. For the quarters ended March 31, 2012
and 2013, Regional had no environmental contingencies requiring specific disclosure or the recording of a liability.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE L — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The General Partner has a legal
duty to manage the Partnership in a manner beneficial to the Partnership’s Unitholders.
However, the General Partner
also has a legal duty to manage its affairs in a manner that benefit its members. This can create a conflict of interest between
the Unitholders of the Partnership and the members of the General Partner. The Partnership Agreement provides certain requirements
for the resolution of conflicts, but also limits the liability and reduces the fiduciary duties of the General Partner to the Unitholders.
The Partnership Agreement also restricts the remedies available to Unitholders for actions that might otherwise constitute breaches
of the General Partner’s fiduciary duty.
Advances from General Partner
During the year ended December 31,
2011 and the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the General Partner made cash advances to the Partnership of $955,000 and $30,000,
respectively, for the purpose of funding working capital.
On September 14, 2012, a Super-Majority
of the Members, as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the General Partner, dated
April 12, 2011, as amended (“
Agreement
”), approved the issuance and sale by the General Partner of 12,000 additional
Membership Interests of the General Partner (“
Additional Interests
”) at a purchase price of $50.00 per unit,
pursuant to Sections 3.2(a) and 6.13(a) of the Agreement (“
GP Sale
”). The Additional Interests were purchased
by all the existing members of the General Partner, except 144 units offered to one existing member (“
Unsubscribed Units
”),
in accordance with their pro rata ownership of the General Partner. In accordance with the Agreement, the General Partner offered
the Unsubscribed Units to those members whom participated in the GP Sale for which those members also purchased their pro rata
portion of the Unsubscribed Units.
As
of December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013, $434,000 and $63,000, respectively, of the net proceeds from the GP Sale, which totaled
$507,000 (after the offset of $93,000 of prior advances from Messrs. Anbouba and Montgomery that were applied towards their purchase
price amounts due in connection with the GP Sale) were used by the General Partner to fund working capital requirements of the
Partnership, including the payment of certain outstanding obligations. All funds advanced to the Partnership by the General Partner
since November 17, 2010 have been treated as a loan pursuant to the terms
of an intercompany demand promissory note effective
March 1, 2012. The intercompany demand note provides for advances from time to time by the General Partner to the Partnership of
up to $2,000,000. Repayment of such advances, together with accrued and unpaid interest, is to be made in 12 substantially equal
quarterly installments starting with the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The note bears interest at the imputed rate of the IRS for
medium term notes. The rate at March 1, 2013 is 1.1% per annum and such rate is adjusted monthly by the IRS under IRB 625. At March
31, 2013, the total amount owed to the General Partner by the Partnership, including accrued interest, was $1,576,000.
Intercompany Loans and Receivables
Regional Acquisition Funding
In connection with the Regional
acquisition, on July 26, 2007 Regional issued to the Partnership a promissory note in the amount of $2,500,000 (“
Central
Promissory Note
”) in connection with the remaining funding needed to complete the acquisition of Regional. Interest on
the Central Promissory Note is 10% annually and such interest is payable quarterly. The Central Promissory Note is due on demand.
Regional has not made an interest payment on the Central Promissory Note since its inception. Interest is accruing but unpaid.
The balance on the note at March 31, 2013 is $3,921,000. The payment of this amount is subordinated to the payment of the Hopewell
Note by Regional.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE L — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – Continued
Intercompany Loans and Receivables
– continued
Other Advances
In addition to the Central Promissory
Note, there have been other intercompany net advances made from time to time from the Partnership and/or RVOP to Regional, including
the $1.0 million advanced by the Partnership to Regional in connection with the third amendment to the RZB Loan Agreement and allocations
of corporate expenses, offset by actual cash payments made by Regional to the Partnership and/or RVOP. These intercompany amounts
were historically evidenced by book entries. Effective March 1, 2012, Regional and the Partnership entered into an intercompany
demand promissory note incorporating all advances made as of December 31, 2010 and since that date. The note bears interest at
the rate of 10% annually from January 1, 2011. At March 31, 2013, the intercompany balance owed by Regional to the Partnership
and/or RVOP is approximately $1,542,000, which includes interest. This amount is due to the Partnership and RVOP on demand; however,
as is the case with the Central Promissory Note, payment of these amounts is also subordinated to payment of the Hopewell Note
by Regional.
Allocated Expenses Charged
to Subsidiary
Regional is charged for direct
expenses paid by the Partnership on its behalf, as well as its share of allocable overhead for expenses incurred by the Partnership
which are indirectly attributable for Regional related activities. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, Regional
recorded allocable expenses of $119,000 and $58,000, respectively.
Reimbursement Agreements
Effective November 17, 2010,
the Partnership moved its principal executive offices to Dallas, Texas. As a result, it has entered into a Reimbursement Agreement
with AirNow Compression Systems, LTD, an affiliate of Imad K. Anbouba, the General Partner’s Chief Executive Officer and
President. The agreement provides for the monthly payment of allocable “overhead costs,” which include rent, utilities,
telephones, office equipment and furnishings attributable to the space utilized by employees of the General Partner. The term of
the agreement is month-to-month and can be terminated by either party on 30 day’s advance written notice. Effective January
1, 2011, the Partnership entered into an identical agreement with Rover Technologies LLC, a limited liability company affiliated
with Ian Bothwell, the General Partner’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, located in Manhattan
Beach, California. Mr. Bothwell is a resident of California and lives in Manhattan Beach. Since June 2012, Regional has been directly
charged for its allocated portion of Rover Technologies LLC’s expenses.
The Partnership has not reimbursed
AirNow Compression Systems, LTD. since January 2013 or Rover Technologies LLC since September 2011 for the overhead costs associated
with offices maintained on the premises of each affiliated organization. Management intends to satisfy outstanding expense reimbursements
upon completion of a recapitalization. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013, expenses billed in connection with both
of these agreements were $27,000 and $17,000, respectively.
NOTE M — REALIZATION OF ASSETS
The unaudited consolidated balance
sheets of Central have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America,
which contemplate continuation of Central as a going concern. Central had a loss from operations for the year ended December 31,
2012 and the three months ended March 31, 2013. During March 2013, the RZB Note ($1,970,000 at December 31, 2012) was repaid with
proceeds from the $2,250,000 advance received by Regional under the Hopewell Loan.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE M — REALIZATION OF ASSETS
– Continued
Regional’s unpaid income
taxes totaled approximately $282,000 at March 31, 2013, including penalties and interest and excluding approximately $169,000 of
adjustments for future net operating loss carrybacks, and are required to be paid in accordance with the terms of the IRS 2013
Installment Agreement and the future terms to be arranged with the VDOT. In addition, the Partnership is liable for the federal
late filing penalties related to the Partnership’s failure to deliver timely Schedules K-1 for the 2009 Tax Year to its Unitholders
of up to $1,200,000. Central’s deficit in working capital, excluding the current amounts due under the Hopewell Loan and
income taxes, penalties and interest, totaled $2,000,000 at March 31, 2013. RVOP is also responsible for contingencies associated
with the TransMontaigne dispute (see Note H – Commitments and Contingencies – TransMontaigne Dispute). The Partnership
and the General Partner have limited cash resources and are dependent on Regional to fund ongoing corporate expenses.
Substantially all of Central’s
assets are pledged or committed to be pledged as collateral for the Hopewell Note, and therefore, Central is unable to obtain additional
financing collateralized by those assets. While Central believes that Regional will have sufficient working capital for future
operations assuming (a) the Storage Tank is placed back into service as currently projected, (b) the expected increase in revenues
from recent contracts entered into by Regional are realized, (c) the expiring contracts during 2013 are renewed without disruption
in service and at terms no less favorable than the existing contract terms, (d) that Regional’s obligations to creditors
are not accelerated, and (e) that Regional’s costs to operate do not increase, the amount of working capital which Regional
can provide to Central, if any, to fund general overhead is limited.
Should Central need additional
capital in excess of the cash generated from operations to make the Hopewell Note payments, for payment of taxes, penalties and
interest, for payment of the contingent liabilities, for expansion, repair of the Storage Tank, capital improvements to existing
assets, for working capital or otherwise, its ability to raise capital would be hindered by the existing pledge. In addition, the
Partnership has obligations under existing registrations rights agreements. These rights may be a deterrent to any future equity
financings. Management continues to seek acquisition opportunities for the Partnership to expand its assets and generate additional
cash from operations. As described above, there is no assurance that Regional will have sufficient working capital to cover any
of the ongoing overhead expenses of the Partnership for the period of time that management believes is necessary to complete an
acquisition that will provide additional working capital for the Partnership. If the Partnership does not have sufficient cash
reserves, its ability to pursue additional acquisition transactions will be adversely impacted. Furthermore, despite significant
effort, the Partnership has thus far been unsuccessful in completing an acquisition transaction. There can be no assurance that
the Partnership will be able to complete an accretive acquisition or otherwise find additional sources of working capital. If an
acquisition transaction cannot be completed or if additional funds cannot be raised and cash flow is inadequate, the Partnership
and/or Regional would be required to seek other alternatives which could include the sale of assets, closure of operations and/or
protection under the U.S. bankruptcy laws.
In view of the matters described
in the preceding paragraphs, recoverability of the recorded asset amounts shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet
is dependent upon the ability of (1) Regional to achieve operating results as currently projected, (2) Regional to pay its
creditors as required, including the Hopewell Loan, the IRS 2013 Installment Agreement and the VDOT amounts to be arranged, (3) the
Partnership resolving favorably the exposure for late tax filing penalties for the tax year ended December 31, 2009 and non-delivery
of Schedules K-1, (4) RVOP satisfactorily resolving the TransMontaigne dispute, (5) Regional satisfactorily completing
the repairs associated with the Storage Tank, (6) the Partnership continuing to receive waiver of salaries and expenses by the
Partnership’s executive officers until sufficient working capital is received, and (7) the Partnership’s ability to
receive additional distributions from Regional or future advances from the General Partner in amounts necessary to fund overhead
until an acquisition transaction is completed by the Partnership. The unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include
any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities
that might be necessary should Central be unable to obtain adequate funding to maintain operations and to continue in existence.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE M — REALIZATION OF ASSETS
– Continued
To provide the Partnership with
the ability it believes necessary to continue in existence, management previously entered into the Sale of Partnership Common Units,
received funding from the General Partner, including funds from the recently completed GP Sale, completed the Hopewell Loan and
repaid the RZB Note and has resolved favorably a portion of the contingencies associated with the Partnership’s late tax
filing matters. The Partnership continues taking steps to favorably resolve the remaining late tax filing matters and TransMontaigne
contingencies and continues to pursue acquisition transactions. It is Management’s intention to acquire additional assets
in 2013 on terms that will enable the Partnership to solidify its ability to continue as a going concern.
NOTE N - 401K
Regional sponsors a defined
contribution retirement plan (
401(k) Plan
) covering all eligible employees effective November 1, 1988. The 401(k) Plan allows
eligible employees to contribute, subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations on total annual contributions, up to 60% of their
compensation as defined in the 401(k) Plan, to various investment funds. Regional matches, on a discretionary basis, 50% of the
first 6% of employee contributions. Furthermore, Regional may make additional contributions on a discretionary basis at the end
of the Plan year for all eligible employees.
NOTE O - SEGMENT INFORMATION
Central reports segment information
in accordance with ASC 280. Under ASC 280, all publicly traded companies are required to report certain information about the operating
segments, products, services and geographical areas in which they operate and their major customers. Operating segments are components
of a company for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by management in deciding how to
allocate resources and assess performance. This information is reported on the basis that it is used internally for evaluating
segment performance. Central had only one operating segment (transportation and terminaling business of Regional) during the three
months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013. The following are amounts related to the transportation and terminaling business included
in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2013 and at December 31, 2012
and March 31, 2013:
|
|
Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2012
|
|
|
Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue from external customers
|
|
$
|
1,301,000
|
|
|
$
|
1,317,000
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
$
|
139,000
|
|
|
$
|
159,000
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
$
|
150,000
|
|
|
$
|
135,000
|
|
Income tax (expense)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(14,000
|
)
|
Net (loss)
|
|
$
|
(342,000
|
)
|
|
$
|
(446,000
|
)
|
|
|
December 31,
2012
|
|
|
March 31,
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
8,927,000
|
|
|
$
|
8,850,000
|
|
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE P – REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENTS
TCW Affiliate
In November 2007, an affiliate
of the Partnership entered into a $30 million senior secured credit facility with TCW Asset Management Company (“
TCW
”),
as agent, and TCW Energy Fund X Investors, as holders (“
TCW Credit Facility
”), in connection with the purchase
of certain oil and gas properties located in Haskell, McIntosh and Pittsburg Counties, Oklahoma. The TCW Credit Facility was amended
on several occasions and finally settled in May 2009 after TCW issued a “notice of event of default – demand for cure.”
As a part of the settlement, the Partnership entered into a registration rights agreement with an affiliate of TCW to provide piggyback
registration rights with respect to 400,000 Common Units held by the affiliate of TCW. As of November 2012, the affiliate of TCW
had sold all of the 400,000 Common Units provided as part of the settlement and as a result, the piggyback registration rights
with respect to the 400,000 Common Units terminated.
Penn Octane Corporation
In November 2011, the Partnership
granted piggy-back registration rights to Penn Octane Corporation with respect to 197,628 Common Units held by Penn Octane in connection
with the transaction whereby Penn Octane and an affiliate sold 100% of the limited liability company interests in the General Partner
to Central Energy, LP and the Partnership sold 12,724,019 Common Units to Central Energy, LP (see Note A – Organization).
Limited Partners of Central
Energy, LP
Effective as of August 1, 2011,
the Partnership and the limited partners of Central Energy, LP executed a Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights
Agreement was prepared and signed by the parties as a part of the transaction consummated on November 17, 2010 pursuant to which
Central Energy, LP, an affiliate of the General Partner, acquired 12,724,019 newly-issued Common Units of Central. The Registration
Rights Agreement provides the limited partners of Central Energy, LP who acquired newly-issued Common Units in the November 17,
2010 transaction (“
Purchasers
”) with shelf registration rights and piggyback registration rights, with certain
restrictions, for the Common Units held by them (“
Registrable Securities
”). The Partnership is required to file
a “shelf registration statement” covering the Registrable Securities as soon as practicable after April 15, 2012, and
maintain the shelf registration statement as “effective” with respect to the Registrable Securities until the earlier
to occur of (1) all securities registered under the shelf registration statement have been distributed as contemplated in the shelf
registration statement, (2) there are no Registrable Securities outstanding or (3) two years from the dated on which the shelf
registration statement was first filed. The piggyback registration rights permit a Purchaser to elect to participate in an underwritten
offering of the Partnership’s securities other than a registration statement filed in connection with the registration of
the Partnership’s securities relating solely to (1) employee benefit plans or (2) a Rule 145 transaction. The amount of Registrable
Securities that the Purchasers can offer for sale in a piggyback registration is subject to certain restrictions as set forth in
the Registration Rights Agreement.
The Partnership is required
to pay all costs associated with the shelf registration, any piggyback registration or an underwritten offer except for the underwriting
fees, discounts and selling commission, transfer taxes (if any) applicable to the sale of the Registrable Securities, and fees
and disbursements of legal counsel for any Purchaser. the Partnership is also indemnifying the Purchasers and their respective
directors, officers, employees, agents, managers and underwriters, pursuant to an applicable underwriting agreement with such underwriter,
from any losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities (1) arising from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of
a material fact contained in the shelf registration statement or any other registration statement relating to the Registrable Securities
or (2) the omission or alleged omission to state in such registration statement a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Registration Rights Agreement also prohibits the Partnership from
entering into a similar agreement which would be inconsistent with the rights granted in the Registration Statement or provide
any other holder of the Partnership’s securities rights that are more favorable than those granted to Purchasers without
the prior written approval of Purchasers holding a majority of the Registrable Securities.
CENTRAL ENERGY PARTNERS LP AND SUBIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE P – REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENTS - Continued
Limited Partners of Central
Energy, LP – Continued
Given the current financial
condition of Central, as well as the current bid/ask price of the Common Units, the Partnership does not anticipate filing the
shelf registration statement for the foreseeable future. The Partnership will seek to amend the Registration Rights Agreement to
extend such filing requirement to a later date.
NOTE Q – SUBSEQUENT EVENT
There were no other significant
or material subsequent events as of the date this report was available for release.