Biggest changeTo compensate for these limitations, management uses this non–GAAP measure as a supplemental measure to other GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of our performance. 39 Table Archrock, Contents The reconciliation of net income to gross margin is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Net income $ 104,998 $ 44,296 $ 28,217 Selling, general and administrative 116,639 117,184 107,167 Depreciation and amortization 166,241 164,259 178,946 Long-lived and other asset impairment 12,041 21,442 21,397 Restructuring charges 1,775 — 2,903 Interest expense 111,488 101,259 108,135 Gain on sale of assets, net (10,199) (40,494) (30,258) Other expense (income), net 1,086 1,845 (4,707) Provision for income taxes 37,249 16,293 10,744 Gross margin $ 541,318 $ 426,084 $ 422,544 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Summary of Results Revenue was $990.3 million and $845.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Biggest changeThe reconciliation of net income to adjusted gross margin is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2024 2023 2022 Net income $ 172,231 $ 104,998 $ 44,296 Selling, general and administrative 139,121 116,639 117,184 Depreciation and amortization 193,194 166,241 164,259 Long-lived and other asset impairment 10,681 12,041 21,442 Restructuring charges — 1,775 — Debt extinguishment loss 3,181 — — Interest expense 123,610 111,488 101,259 Transaction-related costs 13,249 — — Gain on sale of assets, net (17,887) (10,199) (40,494) Other expenses, net 1,561 1,086 1,845 Provision for income taxes 60,149 37,249 16,293 Adjusted gross margin $ 699,090 $ 541,318 $ 426,084 The following table reconciles adjusted gross margin to gross margin, its most directly comparable to GAAP measure: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2024 2023 2022 Total revenues $ 1,157,591 $ 990,337 $ 845,568 Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization (458,501) (449,019) (419,484) Depreciation and amortization (193,194) (166,241) (164,259) Gross margin 505,896 375,077 261,825 Depreciation and amortization 193,194 166,241 164,259 Adjusted gross margin $ 699,090 $ 541,318 $ 426,084 42 Table of Contents RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Summary of Results Revenue was $1,157.6 million and $990.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
As our business is so closely aligned with production and is typically less directly impacted by commodity prices, we are not exposed to the volatility often faced in shorter–cycle oil field service businesses.
As our business is so closely aligned with production and is typically less directly impacted by commodity prices, we are not as exposed to the volatility often faced in shorter–cycle oil field service businesses.
Domestic natural gas production generally occurs in either basins where natural gas is produced alongside oil, also known as “associated” gas, such as the Permian and Delaware Basins, the Eagle Ford and the Mid–Continent or in natural gas basins, such as the Marcellus, Utica and Haynesville Shales.
Domestic natural gas production generally occurs either in basins where natural gas is produced alongside oil, also known as “associated” gas, such as the Permian and Delaware Basins, the Eagle Ford and the Mid–Continent or in natural gas basins, such as the Marcellus, Utica and Haynesville Shales.
The majority of our growth capital expenditures are related to the acquisition cost of new compressors when our idle equipment cannot be reconfigured to economically fulfill a project’s requirements and the new compressor is expected to generate economic returns that exceed our cost of capital over the compressor’s expected useful life.
Capital Expenditures Growth Capital Expenditures. The majority of our growth capital expenditures are related to the acquisition cost of new compressors when our idle equipment cannot be reconfigured to economically fulfill a project’s requirements, and the new compressor is expected to generate economic returns that exceed our cost of capital over the compressor’s expected useful life.
We believe gross margin is important because it focuses on the current operating performance of our operations and excludes the impact of the prior historical costs of the assets acquired or constructed that are utilized in those operations, the indirect costs associated with our SG&A activities, our financing methods and income taxes.
We believe adjusted gross margin is important because it focuses on the current operating performance of our operations and excludes the impact of the prior historical costs of the assets acquired or constructed that are utilized in those operations, the indirect costs associated with our SG&A activities, our financing methods and income taxes.
Maintenance capital expenditures are related to major overhauls of significant components of a compression package, such as the engine, compressor and cooler, which return the components to a like–new condition, but do not modify the application for which the compression package was designed.
Maintenance capital expenditures are related to major overhauls of significant components of a compression package, such as the engine, electric motor, compressor and cooler, which return the components to a like–new condition, but do not modify the application for which the compression package was designed.
In addition, we had $19.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits (including discontinued operations) recorded as liabilities related to uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2023, which are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled.
In addition, we had $19.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits (including discontinued operations) recorded as liabilities related to uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2024, which are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled.
Our Credit Facility agreement requires that we meet certain financial ratios (see Note 15 (“Long-Term Debt”) and contains various additional covenants including, but not limited to, mandatory prepayments from the net cash proceeds of certain asset transfers, restrictions on the use of proceeds from borrowings and limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate, sell assets, make certain investments and acquisitions, make loans, grant liens, repurchase equity and pay distributions.
Our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement requires that we meet certain financial ratios (see Note 16 (“Long-Term Debt”)) and contains various additional covenants including, but not limited to, mandatory prepayments from the net cash proceeds of certain asset transfers, restrictions on the use of proceeds from borrowings and limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate, sell assets, make certain investments and acquisitions, make loans, grant liens, repurchase equity and pay distributions.
Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, may be material, will be upon terms and prices as we may determine and will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. Cash Requirements Our contract operations business is capital intensive, requiring significant investment to maintain and upgrade existing operations.
Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, may be material, will be upon terms and prices as we may determine and will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. 45 Table of Contents Cash Requirements Our contract operations business is capital intensive, requiring significant investment to maintain and upgrade existing operations.
Gross margin is included as a supplemental disclosure because it is a primary measure used by our management to evaluate the results of revenue and cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization), which are key components of our operations.
Adjusted gross margin is included as a supplemental disclosure because it is a primary measure used by our management to evaluate the results of revenue and cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, which are key components of our operations.
Portions of the Credit Facility, up to $75.0 million, are available for the issuance of swing line loans and $50.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit. Subject to certain conditions, including approval by the lenders, we are able to increase the aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility by up to an additional $250.0 million.
Portions of the Credit Facility, up to $110.0 million, are available for the issuance of swing line loans and $50.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit. Subject to certain conditions, including approval by the lenders, we are able to increase the aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility by up to an additional $750.0 million.
While we generally attempt to mitigate the impact of increased prices through strategic purchasing decisions, diversification of our supplier base, where possible, and the passing along of increased costs to customers, there may be a time delay between the increased commodity prices and the ability to increase the price of our services. 38 Table Archrock, Contents Labor.
While we generally attempt to mitigate the impact of increased prices through strategic purchasing decisions, diversification of our supplier base, where possible, and the passing along of increased costs to customers, there may be a time delay between the increased commodity prices and the ability to increase the price of our services.
See Note 21 (“Long-Lived Asset and Other Impairments”) for further details on these impairment charges.
See Note 22 (“Long-Lived Asset and Other Impairments”) for further details on these impairment charges.
Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and these differences can be material to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Depreciation Property, plant and equipment, net, at December 31, 2023 was $2.3 billion and depreciation expense was $159.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and these differences can be material to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Depreciation Property, plant and equipment, net, at December 31, 2024 was $3.3 billion and depreciation expense was $185.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized $12.0 million and $21.4 million, respectively, of impairment charges to write down these compressors to their fair value. The decrease in impairment charges on compressors is due to an increase in customer demand and as a result, higher utilization of our equipment.
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized $10.7 million and $12.0 million, respectively, of impairment charges to write down these compressors to their fair value. The decrease in impairment charges on compressors is due to an increase in customer demand and as a result, higher utilization of our equipment.
Our Credit Facility matures on May 16, 2028 (or December 2, 2026 or December 3, 2027, as applicable, if any portion of our 2027 Senior Notes and 2028 Senior Notes, respectively, remain outstanding at such date) and has an aggregate revolving commitment of $750.0 million.
Our Credit Facility matures on May 16, 2028 (or December 2, 2026 or December 3, 2027, as applicable, if any portion of our 2027 Senior Notes and 2028 Senior Notes, respectively, remain outstanding at such date) and has an aggregate revolving commitment of $1.1 billion.
Although the EIA currently forecasts natural gas demand will grow through 2050, technological advances and accelerated adoption of renewable sources of energy could reduce demand for natural gas in our markets and have an adverse effect on our business.
Demand for our services is dependent on the demand for natural gas in the markets we serve. Although the EIA currently forecasts natural gas demand will grow through 2050, technological advances and accelerated adoption of renewable sources of energy could reduce demand for natural gas in our markets and have an adverse effect on our business.
Likewise, if the estimated useful life is increased, the adjustment to the useful life would decrease depreciation expense per year on a prospective basis. Impairment of Assets During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded long–lived and other asset impairments of $12.0 million.
Likewise, if the estimated useful life is increased, the adjustment to the useful life would decrease depreciation expense per year on a prospective basis. Impairment of Assets During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded long–lived and other asset impairments of $10.7 million.
Natural gas consumption is also expected to increase, reflecting consistent usage of natural gas in the electric power generation and residential sectors, as well as increased LNG exports and exports of natural gas via pipeline to Mexico. We believe the outlook for the energy industry in the U.S. is positive.
Natural gas consumption is expected to be largely consistent with 2024, reflecting consistent usage of natural gas in the electric power generation and residential sectors, as well as increased LNG exports and exports of natural gas via pipeline to Mexico. We believe the outlook for the energy industry in the U.S. is positive.
In order to improve our operations and further reduce operating expenses, we are investing significant resources into a process and technology transformation project that has, among other things, replaced our existing ERP, supply chain and inventory management systems and expanded the remote monitoring capabilities of our compression fleet.
In order to improve our operations and further reduce operating expenses, we invested and continue to invest significant resources into a process and technology transformation project that has, among other things, replaced our former ERP, supply chain and inventory management systems and expanded the remote monitoring capabilities of our compression fleet.
See Note 21 (“Long-Lived and Other Asset Impairment”) and Note 26 (“Fair Value Measurements”) to our Financial Statements for further details of our fleet asset impairments. Income Taxes Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid.
See Note 22 (“Long-Lived and Other Asset Impairment”) and Note 27 (“Fair Value Measurements”) to our Financial Statements for further details of our fleet asset impairments. 49 Table of Contents Income Taxes Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid.
Restructuring charges of $1.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted of severance and consulting costs related to our restructuring activities. See Note 22 (“Restructuring Charges”) for further details on these restructuring charges. Interest expense.
Restructuring charges of $1.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 consisted of severance and consulting costs related to our restructuring activities. See Note 23 (“Restructuring Charges”) for further details on these restructuring charges. Debt extinguishment loss.
The following table presents the results of our compression fleet impairment review, as recorded in our contract operations segment: Year Ended December 31, (dollars in thousands) 2023 2022 Idle compressors retired from the active fleet 105 145 Horsepower of idle compressors retired from the active fleet 53,000 100,000 Impairment recorded on idle compressors retired from the active fleet $ 12,034 $ 21,431 Restructuring charges .
The following table presents the results of our compression fleet impairment review, as recorded in our contract operations segment: Year Ended December 31, (dollars in thousands) 2024 2023 Idle compressors retired from the active fleet 95 105 Horsepower of idle compressors retired from the active fleet 66,000 53,000 Impairment recorded on idle compressors retired from the active fleet $ 10,681 $ 12,034 Restructuring charges .
The decrease in other expense (income), net was primarily due to a $0.9 million decrease in the unrealized change in the fair value of our investment in an unconsolidated affiliate during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
The increase in other expense, net was primarily due to a $0.5 million increase in unrealized change in the fair value of our investment in an unconsolidated affiliate recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
If we are not successful in raising capital within the time period required or at all, we may not be able to fund these capital expenditures, which could impair our ability to grow or maintain our business. Cost Management .
If we are not successful in raising capital within the time period required or at all, we may not be able to fund these capital expenditures or acquisitions, which could impair our ability to grow or maintain our business. Demand for natural gas-powered compression.
Operating Highlights Year Ended December 31, (horsepower in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Total available horsepower (at period end) (1) 3,759 3,726 3,878 Total operating horsepower (at period end) (2) 3,607 3,448 3,247 Average operating horsepower 3,554 3,328 3,282 Horsepower utilization: Spot (at period end) 96 % 93 % 84 % Average 95 % 87 % 82 % (1) Defined as idle and operating horsepower.
Operating Highlights Year Ended December 31, (horsepower in thousands) 2024 2023 2022 Total available horsepower (at period end) (1) 4,401 3,759 3,726 Total operating horsepower (at period end) (2) 4,227 3,607 3,448 Average operating horsepower (3) 3,794 3,554 3,328 Horsepower utilization: Spot (at period end) 96 % 96 % 93 % Average 95 % 95 % 87 % (1) Defined as idle and operating horsepower.
The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a $58.8 million increase in capital expenditures and a $99.6 million decrease in proceeds from the sale of business, partially offset by a $51.6 million increase in proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment and a $7.4 million decrease in investments in non-consolidated affiliates. Financing Activities.
The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to $868.7 million of cash paid in the TOPS Acquisition and a $60.4 million increase in capital expenditures, partially offset by a decrease of $4.8 million in investment in non-consolidated affiliates and a $4.6 million decrease in proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment. Financing Activities.
The increase in revenue was due to increased revenue from both our contract operations business and aftermarket services business. See “Contract Operations” and “Aftermarket Services” below for further details. Net income was $105.0 million and $44.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The increase in revenue was primarily due to increased revenue from our contract operations business. See “Contract Operations” below for further details. Net income was $172.2 million and $105.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The decrease in gain on sale of assets was primarily due to gains of $7.6 million on compression asset sales during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to gains of $38.5 million on compression asset sales during the year ended December 31, 2022.
The increase in gain on sale of assets, net was primarily due to gains of $17.6 million on compression asset sales during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to gains of $7.6 million on compression asset sales during the year ended December 31, 2023. Other expense, net.
Dividends On January 25, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.165 per share of common stock, or approximately $25.9 million, which was paid on February 13, 2024 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 6, 2024.
Dividends On January 30, 2025, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share of common stock, or approximately $33.5 million, which was paid on February 19, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 12, 2025.
Trends and Outlook The key driver of our business is the production of U.S. oil and natural gas. Approximately 75% of our operating fleet is deployed for midstream natural gas gathering applications, with the remaining fleet being used in gas lift applications to enhance oil production.
Approximately 64% of our operating fleet is deployed for midstream natural gas gathering applications, with the remaining fleet being used in gas lift applications to enhance oil production.
Includes new compressors completed by third party manufacturers that have been delivered to us. (2) Defined as horsepower that is operating under contract and horsepower that is idle but under contract and generating revenue such as standby revenue. Non–GAAP Financial Measures Management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance.
Includes new compressors completed by third party manufacturers that have been delivered to us. (2) Defined as horsepower that is operating under contract and horsepower that is idle but under contract and generating revenue such as standby revenue.
These metrics are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include the non–GAAP financial measure of gross margin. We define gross margin as total revenue less cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization).
Non–GAAP Financial Measures Management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. These metrics are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include the non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted gross margin. 41 Table of Contents We define adjusted gross margin as total revenue less cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization.
Our capital requirements have consisted primarily of, and we anticipate will continue to consist of, the following: • operating expenses, namely employee compensation and benefits, inventory and lube oil purchases; • growth capital expenditures; • maintenance capital expenditures; • interest on our outstanding debt obligations; and • dividend payments to our stockholders. Capital Expenditures Growth Capital Expenditures.
Our capital requirements have consisted primarily of, and we anticipate will continue to consist of, the following: • operating expenses, namely employee compensation and benefits, inventory and lube oil purchases; • growth capital expenditures; • maintenance capital expenditures; • interest on our outstanding debt obligations; • dividend payments to our stockholders; and • shares repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program and to cover taxes required to be withheld on the vesting date of long-term incentive grants to employees.
Provision for Income Taxes The increase in provision for income taxes was primarily due to the tax effect of the increase in book income during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Year Ended December 31, Increase (dollars in thousands) 2023 2022 (Decrease) Provision for income taxes $ 37,249 $ 16,293 129 % Effective tax rate 26 % 27 % (1) % 42 Table Archrock, Contents LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Overview Our ability to fund operations, finance capital expenditures and pay dividends depends on the levels of our operating cash flows and access to the capital and credit markets.
Provision for Income Taxes The increase in provision for income taxes was primarily due to the tax effect of the increase in book income and the limitation on executive compensation offset by the benefit from equity-settled long-term incentive compensation during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. Year Ended December 31, Increase (dollars in thousands) 2024 2023 (Decrease) Provision for income taxes $ 60,149 $ 37,249 61 % Effective tax rate 26 % 26 % - % LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Overview Our ability to fund operations, finance capital expenditures and pay dividends depends on the levels of our operating cash flows and access to the capital and credit markets.
As an indicator of our operating performance, gross margin should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our gross margin may not be comparable to a similarly–titled measure of other entities because other entities may not calculate gross margin in the same manner.
As an indicator of our operating performance, adjusted gross margin should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, gross margin, net income (loss) or any other measure presented in accordance with GAAP.
We are the leading provider of natural gas compression services to customers in the oil and natural gas industry throughout the U.S., in terms of total compression fleet horsepower, and a leading supplier of aftermarket services to customers that own compression equipment in the U.S.
We are a premier provider of natural gas compression services to customers in the energy industry throughout the U.S., and a leading supplier of aftermarket services to customers that own compression equipment in the U.S. We operate in two business segments: contract operations and aftermarket services.
These increases were partially offset by a decrease in depreciation expense resulting from assets reaching the end of their depreciable lives, the impact of compression and other asset sales, and long-lived asset impairments. 41 Table Archrock, Contents Long–lived and other asset impairment.
The increase was partially offset by a decrease in depreciation associated with assets reaching the end of their depreciable lives, the impact of compression and other asset sales, and long-lived asset impairments. Long–lived and other asset impairment.
These expenditures substantially modify the operating parameters of the compression package such that it can be used in applications for which it previously was not suited. Growth capital expenditures were $190.3 million and $146.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
These expenditures substantially modify the operating parameters of the compression package such that it can be used in applications for which it previously was not suited. Growth capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $250.9 million, including TOPS’ specific growth capital expenditures of $69.4 million.
Gross margin has certain material limitations associated with its use as compared to net income (loss). These limitations are primarily due to the exclusion of SG&A, depreciation and amortization, impairments, restructuring charges, interest expense, debt extinguishment loss, gain on sale of assets, net, other (income) expense, net, and provision for (benefit from) income taxes.
These limitations are primarily due to the exclusion of SG&A, depreciation and amortization, long-lived and other asset impairments, restructuring charges, debt extinguishment loss, interest expense, transaction-related costs, gain on sale of assets, net, other expense (income), net and provision for income taxes.
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated using the straight–line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. 46 Table Archrock, Contents Our estimate of useful lives and salvage values are based on assumptions and judgments that reflect both historical experience and expectations regarding future use of our assets, including wear and tear, obsolescence, technical standards, market demand and geographic location.
Our estimate of useful lives and salvage values are based on assumptions and judgments that reflect both historical experience and expectations regarding future use of our assets, including wear and tear, obsolescence, technical standards, market demand and geographic location.
These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage the underlying businesses.
These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage the underlying businesses. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, we consider three years of cumulative income (loss) before income taxes.
Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10–K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on February 23, 2023. Overview We are an energy infrastructure company with a pure–play focus on midstream natural gas compression.
Item 7. “Manag Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10–K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on February 21, 2024.
Similar increases in demand in 2023 were seen in our aftermarket services business, where we experienced an increase of 8% in aftermarket services revenue. 37 Table Archrock, Contents Outlook The EIA Outlook forecasts the following year–over–year changes: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2025 U.S. dry natural gas production 1 % 2 % U.S. oil production 1 % 3 % U.S. natural gas domestic consumption 2 % (1) % Liquefied natural gas exports 2 % 19 % The EIA Outlook expects natural gas production to continue to increase to all-time highs in 2024 and 2025.
Outlook The EIA Outlook forecasts the following year–over–year changes: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2026 U.S. dry natural gas production 2 % 2 % U.S. oil production 3 % 1 % U.S. natural gas domestic consumption 1 % (1) % Liquefied natural gas exports 17 % 16 % The EIA Outlook expects natural gas production to continue to increase to all-time highs in 2025 and 2026.
Costs and Expenses Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Selling, general and administrative $ 116,639 $ 117,184 Depreciation and amortization 166,241 164,259 Long-lived and other asset impairment 12,041 21,442 Restructuring charges 1,775 — Interest expense 111,488 101,259 Gain on sale of assets, net (10,199) (40,494) Other expense (income), net 1,086 1,845 Selling, general and administrative.
Costs and Expenses Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2024 2023 Selling, general and administrative $ 139,121 $ 116,639 Depreciation and amortization 193,194 166,241 Long-lived and other asset impairment 10,681 12,041 Restructuring charges — 1,775 Debt extinguishment loss 3,181 — Interest expense 123,610 111,488 Transaction-related costs 13,249 — Gain on sale of assets, net (17,887) (10,199) Other expense, net 1,561 1,086 Selling, general and administrative.
Key Challenges and Uncertainties In addition to general market conditions in the oil and natural gas industry and competition in the natural gas compression industry, we believe the following represent the key challenges and uncertainties we will face in the future. Capital Requirements and the Availability of External Sources of Capital.
Key Challenges and Uncertainties In addition to general market conditions in the oil and natural gas industry and competition in the natural gas compression industry, we believe the following represent the key challenges and uncertainties we will face in the future. Labor. We believe that our ability to hire, train and retain qualified personnel will continue to be important.
We had a liability of $2.5 million recorded for potential penalties and interest (including discontinued operations) related to these unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2023, which we are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled. 44 Table Archrock, Contents Sources of Cash Revolving Credit Facility During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, our Credit Facility had an average daily balance of $298.8 million and $235.4 million, respectively.
We had a liability of $2.7 million recorded for potential penalties and interest (including discontinued operations) related to these unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2024, which we are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled.
The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to an increase in depreciation expense associated with fixed asset additions and accelerated depreciation associated with certain assets.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to fixed assets additions, including $15.8 million depreciation and amortization associated with the compression units and intangible assets acquired in the TOPS Acquisition, and accelerated depreciation associated with certain assets.
Our ability to grow and to continue our current level of service to our customers will depend in part on our success in hiring, training and retaining our employees. Further, the cost of labor has increased and may continue to increase in the future with increases in demand, which will require us to incur additional costs.
Further, the cost of labor has increased and may continue to increase in the future with increases in demand, which will require us to incur additional costs. 40 Table of Contents Cost Management .
We amended and restated our Credit Facility on May 16, 2023; see Note 15 (“Long-Term Debt”) to our Financial Statements for details on the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Credit Facility Terms.
As of December 31, 2024, there were $4.0 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility and the applicable margin on borrowings outstanding was 2.2%. We amended and restated our Credit Facility on May 16, 2023; see Note 16 (“Long-Term Debt”) to our Financial Statements for details on the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Credit Facility Terms.
We believe that our ability to hire, train and retain qualified personnel will continue to be important. Although we have been able to historically satisfy our personnel needs, retaining employees in our industry continues to be a challenge.
Although we have been able to historically satisfy our personnel needs, retaining employees in our industry continues to be a challenge. Our ability to grow and to continue our current level of service to our customers will depend in part on our success in hiring, training and retaining our employees.
Current Trends According to the EIA Outlook, average U.S. oil and dry natural gas and production were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Average dry natural gas production (Bcf/d) 103.8 98.0 93.6 Average oil production (MMb/d) 12.9 11.9 11.2 During 2023, U.S. natural gas and oil production grew to record levels, resulting in strong demand for our compression services and we increased our investment in new fleet units.
The development of these basins producing both commodities has created additional incremental demand for natural gas compression over the recent past as it is a critical method to transport associated gas volumes or enhance oil production through gas lift. 39 Table of Contents Current Trends According to the EIA Outlook, average U.S. oil and dry natural gas and production were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2022 Average dry natural gas production (Bcf/d) 103.0 103.8 98.0 Average oil production (MMb/d) 13.2 12.9 11.9 During 2024, U.S. natural gas and oil production grew to record levels, resulting in strong demand for our compression services.
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to increased cash inflows of $115.2 million from gross margin and changes of $15.4 million in deferred revenue, partially offset by changes of $24.3 million in contract costs, $12.2 million in accounts payable and other liabilities and decreased cash inflows of $9.1 million from accounts receivable. Investing Activities.
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to increased cash inflows of $161.4 million from adjusted gross margin, excluding deferred revenue recognized in earnings and amortization of freight and mobilization charges, changes of $9.6 million in accounts receivable due to increased cash receipts from customers and of $2.7 million in deferred revenue.
Management is not aware of any such changes that would have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in various state and local jurisdictions.
Changes in tax laws and rates could also affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future. Aside from the budget reconciliation process currently occurring in Congress, management is not aware of any such changes that would have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
These changes were partially offset by a decrease in the gain on sale of assets and the unrealized change in fair value of our investment in an unconsolidated affiliate and increases in our provision for income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization and restructuring charges. Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022 Contract Operations Year Ended December 31, Increase (dollars in thousands) 2023 2022 (Decrease) Revenue $ 809,439 $ 677,801 19 % Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) 306,748 278,898 10 % Gross margin $ 502,691 $ 398,903 26 % Gross margin percentage (1) 62 % 59 % 3 % (1) Defined as gross margin divided by revenue.
These increases were partially offset by increases in depreciation and amortization, provision for income taxes, SG&A, transaction-related costs, interest expense and debt extinguishment loss. Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023 Contract Operations Year Ended December 31, Increase (dollars in thousands) 2024 2023 (Decrease) Revenue $ 980,405 $ 809,439 21 % Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation and amortization 323,052 306,748 5 % Adjusted gross margin $ 657,353 $ 502,691 31 % Adjusted gross margin percentage (1) 67 % 62 % 5 % (1) Defined as adjusted gross margin divided by revenue.
We have funded a significant portion of our capital expenditures and acquisitions through borrowings under our Credit Facility and have issued a substantial amount of debt, which could limit our ability to fund future planned capital expenditures. Current conditions could limit our ability to access the debt and equity markets to raise capital on affordable terms in 2024 and beyond.
Current conditions could limit our ability to access the debt and equity markets to raise capital on affordable terms in 2025 and beyond.
We typically use the proceeds from these sales to repay borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility, however, we are not able to estimate the timing of asset sales nor the amount of proceeds to be received and as such, we do not rely on asset sale proceeds as a future source of capital. 45 Table Archrock, Contents Cash Flows Cash flows provided by (used in) each type of activity were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2023 2022 Net cash provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 310,187 $ 203,450 Investing activities (232,491) (130,916) Financing activities (77,924) (72,537) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $ (228) $ (3) Operating Activities.
We typically use the proceeds from these sales to repay borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility; however, we are not able to estimate the timing of asset sales or the amount of proceeds to be received and as such, we do not rely on asset sale proceeds as a future source of capital.
The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in interest rates, a higher average outstanding balance of long–term debt and the write-off of $1.0 million of unamortized deferred financing costs as a result of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, partially offset by an increase in capitalized interest. Gain on sale of assets, net.
The increase in interest expense was primarily due to a higher average outstanding balance of long-term debt due to the 2032 Notes offering, an increase in the outstanding balance on the Credit Facility and higher interest rates.
Other Sources of Cash Business Dispositions and Other Asset Sales. We received proceeds of $72.2 million and $120.3 million from business dispositions and other asset sales during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Archrock received net proceeds of $255.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. See Note 18 (“Stockholders’ Equity”) for further details. Other Sources of Cash Asset Sales. We received proceeds of $67.6 million and $72.2 million from asset sales during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The increase was primarily driven by a higher gross margin from both our contract operations business and aftermarket services business and decreases in long-lived asset impairment expense and SG&A.
The increase was primarily driven by higher adjusted gross margin from our contract operations business and higher gain on sale of assets, net.
Our contract operations business is comprised of our owned fleet of natural gas compression equipment that we use to provide compression operations services to our customers. • Aftermarket Services .
Our contract operations services primarily include designing, sourcing, owning, installing, operating, servicing, repairing and maintaining our owned fleet of natural gas compression equipment to provide natural gas compression services to our customers.
Maintenance capital expenditures were $92.2 million and $84.2 million during the years ended years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Growth capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $190.3 million. Maintenance Capital Expenditures.
The weighted average annual interest rate on the outstanding balance under the Credit Facility, excluding the effect of interest rate swaps, was 7.7% and 6.9% at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, there were $4.5 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility and the applicable margin on borrowings outstanding was 2.1%.
Sources of Cash Revolving Credit Facility During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, our Credit Facility had an average daily balance of $315.0 million and $298.8 million, respectively. The weighted average annual interest rate on the outstanding balance under the Credit Facility was 6.8% and 7.7% at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to $8.9 million of common stock purchased under the 2023 Share Repurchase Program, a $6.0 million payment for debt issuance costs related to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, a $5.5 million increase in dividends paid to stockholders and a $4.2 million decrease in proceeds from the sale of shares under the ATM Agreement, partially offset by a $19.0 million increase in net borrowings of long-term debt.
The change from net cash used in financing activities in 2023 to net cash provided by financing activities in 2024 was primarily due to $700.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of the 2032 Notes, $255.7 million of proceeds from the July 2024 Equity Offering and a $85.5 million increase in net borrowings of long-term debt, partially offset by $202.0 million for the 2027 Notes Tender Offer, a $14.6 million increase in dividends to Archrock shareholders, a $6.3 million increase in debt issuance costs paid, a $4.5 million increase in shares repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program and a $2.7 million increase in taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards. 48 Table of Contents Critical Accounting Estimates We describe our significant accounting policies more fully in Note 2 (“Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies”) to our Financial Statements.
The actual timing, manner, number, and value of shares repurchased under the program will be determined by us at our discretion. The following table summarizes shares repurchased under the 2023 Share Repurchase Program during the year ended December 31, 2023: Year Ended (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) December 31, 2023 Total cost of shares repurchased $ 8,860 Average price per share $ 11.81 Total number of shares repurchased 750,374 Contractual Obligations Our material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 consisted of the following: • Long–term debt of $1.6 billion, all of which is due in 2027 and 2028; • Estimated interest on our long–term debt of $428.8 million, consisting of annual payments of approximately $108.3 million in 2024 through 2026, approximately $82.5 million in 2027, and approximately $21.4 million in 2028; • Purchase commitments of $192.7 million, of which $151.6 million is due in 2024, that primarily consist of commitments to purchase fleet assets and information technology–related costs; and • Operating lease payments of $18.0 million that are spread relatively evenly in 2024 through 2032.
Any future determinations to pay cash dividends to our stockholders will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, and credit and loan agreements in effect at that time and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. 46 Table of Contents Contractual Obligations Our material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 consisted of the following: • Long–term debt of $2.2 billion, all of which is due in 2027, 2028 and 2032; • Estimated interest on our long–term debt of $666.1 million, consisting of annual payments of approximately $147.1 million in 2025 and 2026, approximately $131.7 million in 2027, approximately $70.1 million in 2028, approximately $46.4 million in 2029, and approximately $123.7 million thereafter; • Purchase commitments of $341.1 million, of which $337.5 million is due in 2025, that primarily consist of commitments to purchase fleet assets; and • Operating lease payments of $18.9 million, consisting of annual payments of approximately $4.6 million in 2025, approximately $4.0 million in 2026, approximately $3.0 million in 2027, approximately $2.5 million in 2028 and 2029, and approximately $2.3 million thereafter.
Our contract operations revenue and total operating horsepower increased 19% and 5%, respectively in 2023.
In response, we increased our investment in new large horsepower fleet units and expanded our fleet through the TOPS Acquisition. Our contract operations revenue and total operating horsepower increased 21% and 17%, respectively in 2024.